A Man to Trust (5 page)

Chapter Five

R
oss put the ladder away in the closet and brushed off his hands. The store was quiet this afternoon. He’d accomplished all the tasks he and Marian had planned for the day, so he grabbed a broom and headed outside. Might as well keep busy. Maybe he’d be able to greet some people, introduce himself as the new manager and invite them in.

A few minutes later, Adrie followed him out front, a bucket and scissors in her hands.

He stopped and leaned on the broom handle. “What are you going to do with those?”

“I thought I’d tend the flower boxes while you sweep. Seems like a good time to clean up things out here.” Adrie trimmed off a few dead geranium blooms and dropped them in her bucket. She stuck her fingers in the dirt. “These planters seem pretty dry.”

Ross glanced at the clear blue sky as he swept the last bits of leaves and dirt off the curb. “Makes sense. We haven’t had any rain for a few days.”

“I better haul out the hose and water them.”

“I can get that for you. Where do you keep it?”

She smiled, looking pleased by his offer. “It’s hanging by the side door.”

“Okay. Be right back.” He set his broom aside and hustled around the building. Today marked the end of his first week at the bookstore. Adrie still kept to herself most of the time, but on a few occasions he’d broken through her reserve and managed to make her smile or laugh.

Why was she so guarded? It was almost like she wore a protective coat to keep him from getting too close. But rather than repelling him, he took it as a challenge. Winning her trust and perhaps even her friendship became more important to him each day.

He lifted the hose off the metal hook and hung it over his shoulder. When he rounded the corner of the building, he saw Adrie talking with a tall man in his early thirties with short blond hair. Ross frowned and slowed his steps.

The man wore shorts and a T-shirt that showed off his muscular build. Adrie laughed at something he said and looked up at him as if he’d hung the moon.

A flash of irritation shot through Ross. Who was this guy? How come he could get that kind of reaction from her? Ross cleared his throat and tossed the hose on the sidewalk.

Adrie glanced at him, a question in her eyes.

“So are you coming to the Salmon Bake?” the man asked, ignoring Ross. “We’re expecting a great turnout this year.”

Adrie looked away with a shy smile. “I don’t know, Eric.”

Ross glared at the man as he attached the hose to the faucet and twisted it on so tight he doubted anyone would get it off.

“Come on, Adrie. It’ll be fun. I’m cooking some beautiful wild king salmon fillets. Joe’s Garden is donating corn on the cob. Skylark’s is providing coleslaw. Avenue Bakery is sending over rolls, and Katie will be there with her cupcakes.”

“Wow, you’ve got a great team lined up. Maybe I—”

“We’re both on the schedule to work Saturday,” Ross said as he handed Adrie the hose.

Eric frowned and looked him over. “And you are…?”

“Ross Peterson.” He didn’t offer his hand, just straightened and met Eric’s steady gaze. He didn’t intend to back down from the challenge in Eric’s tone and stance.

Adrie sent Ross a puzzled look. “Ross, this is Eric Whittier. He’s a chef at Big Fat Fish Company over on Twelfth.” She turned to Eric. “Ross is our new store manager.”

Eric tipped his head and shifted his gaze to Adrie, a trace of regret in his eyes. “So, you finally found a new manager. Does that mean you’re leaving town to pursue your music?”

“Well, not yet.” Adrie fiddled with the spray nozzle, looking flustered by his question. “I have to find a position with an orchestra first.”

“But you’re looking?”

She nodded. “I put the word out through friends, and I’ve been searching online. But it takes a while. I’ve known some musicians who’ve looked for years.”

“Well, you’ve got talent. You’ll find a spot.”

“I hope so, but the competition can be pretty stiff.”

“Don’t worry. Something will come through for you. And in the meantime, I’ll be looking for you at the Salmon Bake.” He winked then backed away, still watching her.

“Thanks, Eric.” She lifted her hand and waved.

Eric finally turned and sauntered off down the sidewalk.

Ross scowled at the chef. Who did he think he was coming on to her like that?

“What’s wrong with you?” Adrie adjusted the spray nozzle.

“Nothing.”

“Well, you’re acting like your nose is out of joint just because Eric stopped to chat.”

“No, I’m not.” He grabbed the broom and started sweeping again even though the sidewalk looked clean.

She rolled her eyes and turned on the hose. “Okay. Whatever you say.”

As soon as she turned away, he silently scolded himself for acting like a fool. He had no right to be jealous. Adrie hadn’t given him any indication she was interested in him. Plus she wasn’t planning to stay in Fairhaven.

And even if she was interested, what did he have to offer her? He clenched his jaw as his father’s critical words rolled back through his mind.
How are you ever going to support a family? You need a more dependable career.
Maybe his father was right. All he had was an empty bank account, a small apartment and an uncertain future. Why would Adrie be interested in him?

But as he turned and watched her water the flower boxes with a trace of a smile on her full lips, everything in him wished things were different and she would give him a chance.

Chapter Six

A
drie took her flute apart, then wiped it with a soft cloth and placed it in the padded case. All around the large church sanctuary, people gathered in small groups to talk following the second worship service. Adrie quietly thought through the pastor’s message, especially his final words from 1 Peter, challenging everyone to live their life entrusting themselves to God, even when things did not seem to be going well. That was a timely point, considering she hadn’t found one open orchestra position since she had started her search two weeks earlier.

“Adrie, look who’s here,” her grandmother called as she walked toward the platform with Ross in tow.

Her stomach fluttered. She squelched her response and straightened to face him.

He was dressed in jeans and a pale yellow button-down shirt. He sent her a self-conscious grin. “Morning, Adrie.”

She nodded. “Hello, Ross.”

“You sounded great today, all of you.” He motioned toward the six members of the worship team still on the platform. Two were putting away their instruments while the others greeted friends.

“Thanks.” She snapped her flute case closed.

Geoff Swenson, the leader of their worship team, walked over and said hello to Marian. She introduced him to Ross. “So, are you new to Grace Chapel?” Geoff asked.

“I’ve been coming for a few months.” Ross pointed to the guitar Geoff held in his hand. “Is that a Taylor?”

Geoff grinned and nodded. “Do you play?”

“A little,” Ross said with a slight shrug.

“You want to try it?”

Ross looked up. “You wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all.” Geoff held out the instrument to him.

Ross accepted it with reverent hands then gently ran his finger over the wood. “It’s a beauty.”

“Wait till you play it.” Geoff stood back and smiled.

Ross slipped the strap over his head and strummed the strings. “Nice.”

Adrie stilled as she watched him. Surprise rippled through her. Ross was a guitarist?

Geoff listened to Ross play for a few minutes. When Ross paused, Geoff asked, “Do you read music?”

Ross nodded. “I took piano when I was younger, then I switched to guitar about five years ago.”

“Can you play this?” Geoff flipped the sheets of music to the first song they’d played in the morning service.

Adrie clutched her flute case handle. Why was Geoff asking Ross to play one of their songs?

Ross strummed through the song with perfect timing and style. When the final chord faded away, he looked up. “Nice song. It’s new for me, but I really like it.”

Geoff’s eyebrows rose. “You’ve never heard it before?”

“Just when you played it in the service this morning.”

“I’m impressed you could pick it up that fast.” Geoff glanced around at the other team members, and then back at Ross. “Would you like to play with us?”

Adrie stifled a gasp.
What in the world!

Ross cocked his head. “You mean on Sunday mornings?”

Geoff nodded. “We’re losing one of our guitarists when he heads back to college this week. I’ve been praying, asking the Lord to send us someone else. Looks like you might be an answer to prayer.”

Adrie cleared her throat. “Don’t people usually have to fill out an application and audition?”

Geoff shot her a questioning glance. “Sure.” He turned to Ross. “Why don’t you stop by the church office before you leave today and pick up an application. Fill that out and bring it back on Thursday night. We practice here at seven o’clock. Can you make it this week?”

Ross nodded. “I get off at six, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Good. That’ll give you a chance to meet everyone. Bring a song to play, and then I’ll give you a couple others you can play with us. How does that sound?”

Ross smiled and held out his hand to Geoff. “Great. Thanks.”

Geoff chuckled. “You’re welcome.”

Adrie stared at Geoff and swallowed hard. Everywhere she went the response to Ross was the same. Nana thought he was their conquering hero at the bookstore and could do no wrong. All the Bayside Treasure ladies were gaga over him. Whenever they came in, they hovered around him like bees in a flower garden. And now Geoff was giving him a free pass to join the worship team.

She grabbed her flute case and strode down the steps. This was too much.

Five minutes later Adrie climbed in the car to wait for her grandmother. Glancing out the passenger window, she spotted Marian crossing the church parking lot, her head down and her steps determined.

Adrie’s stomach twisted, and she sank lower in the seat.
Oh, Lord, I am about to get an earful, and I probably deserve it.

Nana pulled open the car door, slid into the driver’s seat and took the keys from her purse. Rather than starting the car, she dropped her hand to her lap and turned to Adrie. “Honey, you know I love you, but I don’t understand what’s going on.”

“What do you mean?”

Nana tipped her head, not fooled by Adrie’s questions. “It’s obvious you weren’t happy about Geoff inviting Ross to play with the worship team.”

“Geoff doesn’t even know Ross. If I hadn’t said something, he would’ve let him skip the whole tryout process. That’s not right.”

“Maybe not, but it’s your attitude that concerns me.”

“My attitude?”

“Yes. Don’t you see? If Ross can use his musical talents here at church, it might help him get connected and grow spiritually.”

“But what about all the other people who’d love to play with us on Sunday mornings? Is it fair to bring someone on the team who is so new to the church?”

Nana’s expression softened. “Is that really what’s bothering you?”

Adrie shrugged, feeling more miserable by the minute. Where were all these conflicting feelings about Ross coming from? “I just don’t understand why everyone is treating him like he’s been our friend for years.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Well, it’s not true. We’ve only known him for a couple weeks.”

“But he has an engaging personality and a wonderful way with people. And that makes you feel like you’ve known him much longer.”

“See, that’s what I mean.
You
love him.
Everyone
loves him.”

“And that’s a problem for you because…?”

She drummed her fingers on the passenger door. Why did it bother her so much? What was really behind all this?

“Honestly, Adrie, you should be welcoming Ross with open arms. He’s doing a wonderful job taking over as manager. He spent a good deal of his free time getting that new inventory system up and running, something that would’ve been impossible for me. He’s not too proud to sweep the sidewalk or climb up ladders to change lightbulbs. I appreciate that, and you should, too.”

Adrie laid her head back and sighed. “I suppose you’re right. But I just can’t shake these doubts I have about him.”

Her grandma pursed her lips and leveled her gaze at Adrie. “I wonder if this has more to do with you feeling replaced by Ross than with him fitting in so well.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Could that be true? Was she feeling threatened by the way he’d swept in and taken over so many areas of her life?

“Perhaps you’re even a little jealous of him?”

“Jealous?” She shook her head, but the statement pierced her heart.

“Well, every time I praise him for doing well at the bookstore, you roll your eyes. And look what just happened with Geoff.”

Was jealousy at the root of her struggle?

“Adrie, honey, listen to me. I believe God sent Ross to us. His personality and talents are a gift. Soon he’ll be ready to take over the store for me, and you’ll be free to go pursue your music. Isn’t that what you want?”

The question hung in the air as Adrie rubbed her forehead. Was her grandmother right? Had she been looking at Ross as a competitor rather than a blessing?

Another thought struck, chilling her heart and peeling away another layer of her defenses.

Would anyone care if she left?

Closing her eyes, she blew out a deep breath. That was it—the truth of this torment. She was afraid Ross would replace her and no one would care when she finally left Fairhaven.

Adrie slid into a booth at Dos Padres across from her friend Rachel Clark. “So how are the wedding plans coming?”

“Pretty well. Only twelve days to go. I’m just making the final calls to confirm things with people and finishing up a few details for the reception.”

Scanning the menu, Adrie asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?” Though her own wedding plans had been scrapped, she’d spent months poring over magazines and websites planning her ill-fated wedding. She’d also been a bridesmaid for three of her friends, so she knew all the work and planning involved. This time she wasn’t in the bridal party, but Rachel had asked her to play for their ceremony.

“Tomorrow night we’re working on favors and some of the decorations for the reception, if you’re free.”

“Sure. I can come by after six. How does that sound?”

“Perfect. Thanks.” Rachel studied her menu for a minute, then looked up. “Say, how are things going with Ross Peterson?”

Adrie’s stomach tensed. “Well, he’s only been with us for about three weeks.”

Rachel scrutinized her, then tipped her head. “What are you not telling me?”

“Nothing.” Adrie unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap, avoiding Rachel’s inquisitive gaze. “He’s good with customers and helpful with the technical side of things. My grandma can’t stop singing his praises.”

“But what about you? You’re the one who has to feel confident leaving the store in his hands. What do you think of him?”

She pressed her lips together. Rachel’s fiancé, Cam, was good friends with Ross. She’d need to be careful about her comments, but she owed her friend an honest answer. “He seems to have a good handle on the job, and he can certainly be charming when the mood strikes. But he still wants to pursue photography on the side, and that makes me wonder if I’m going to invest a lot of time and effort training him, then he’ll walk out and leave us stranded.”

Rachel shook her head. “Ross wouldn’t do that. He’s very dependable. Cam thinks the world of him. Did I tell you that he asked Ross to be his best man?”

“I thought Matt Larson was the best man.”

“He is, but Cam asked Ross first. He said he was hoping to be our wedding photographer.” Rachel leaned across the table and lowered her voice. “He’s not even charging us. Can you believe it? That is such a huge gift.”

Adrie leaned forward. “Wow, that’s certainly generous.”

Rachel smiled and nodded. “He’s an awesome photographer. We’re thrilled. Most photographers charge two to three thousand dollars. Of course we told him that we’d pay for developing all the photos. He’s had a rough time since he had to close his studio, so we couldn’t let him pay for that, especially after everything he’s done for us.”

“You mean besides the wedding photography?”

Rachel nodded. “He took our engagement photos and wouldn’t let us pay for those, either. He’s always helping Cam with painting and repair jobs at the house.” Rachel laughed softly. “You should see them. There’s nothing those two like better than swinging a hammer or running a circular saw.”

Adrie frowned slightly. “Sounds like he’s been a good friend.”

“The best,” Rachel said. “I think you’ve finally found someone you can depend on to manage the bookstore. I’m sure he won’t let you down like those other guys you hired.”

The words on the menu blurred before Adrie’s eyes. Was Rachel right? Could she trust Ross? Three weeks didn’t seem long enough to judge a man’s character and integrity or to know if he was going to stick around and do the job.

Troubling questions swirled through her mind. Was Ross the right person to take over her job? Was that what she truly wanted—someone stepping in and filling her shoes, enjoying the life and relationships she’d built for herself in Fairhaven?

If she was going to follow her dream, that was what it would take—giving it all up for the sake of her music. Was she willing to pay that price? And if she did, would it fill that empty void in her heart?

Adrie carried the box of fall decorations up the basement steps and set it on the sales counter. It was time to change the window display and decorate the store for the new season. The temperature had been dropping at night, and the leaves would start changing soon.

The bell over the front door jingled. Irene, Barb and Hannah trooped in, chattering like a flock of birds. Adrie smiled and glanced at her watch. Three o’clock, Monday afternoon. Time for the Bayside Treasures to meet.

“Hello, Adrie honey.” Irene crossed the store and gave her a big hug. “Oh, you look so pretty today. I love that green sweater. It’s the perfect color for you. Is it new?”

Adrie smiled. “No, but it’s one of my favorites.”

“I can see why. It looks lovely on you.” Irene set her container of cookies on a café table then glanced around. “Is Marian in the office?”