Hometown Reunion. Pam Andrews

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СКАЧАТЬ I know, but I was trying to remember what Amos Conklin had on his menu. I want to capture the ambiance of the old café, but with healthier food.”

      “I liked his pizza. It was great, but oil would run down your arm when you ate it. Great hamburgers, too, about half fat.”

      “I remember his mashed potatoes. He served them with a big scoop of gravy and a huge pat of real butter. It’s hard to make things taste that good and still be heart-healthy.”

      “I guess most people don’t want that kind of food anymore,” he said, “but it’s a treat once in a while. I love eggs fried in real butter, with hash browns on the side.”

      “As soon as the café is up and running, I’ll fix you a breakfast special that will make your mouth water.”

      “I’ll hold you to it,” he said with a grin. “While I have you here, maybe you can give me some idea what type of floor covering you want. I’ll be putting in new wallboard, too. It can be wood panels, or I can paint or paper it, whichever you like.”

      “I’m afraid I’ll have to meet with the committee on stuff like that. What do you suggest?”

      “I’m not a decorator, but I am on my way to Bensen’s to get some quotes. Why don’t you come along? Joey and I would love your company. While you’re there, you can pick up some tile and wall covering samples to show the committee.”

      Joey didn’t give her a chance to say no, urging her to come with four-year-old fervor.

      “You can help me pick out my hammer,” he said excitedly.

      “If you have something else to do, I can grab a handful of samples for you,” Scott said. “I have to warn you, Joey and I plan to stop on the way home at a fast-food place with a play area. You know, slides and a pit full of balls, stuff like that. I’m afraid he’ll want to stay awhile.” Scott was also afraid she could read in his expression how much he hoped she’d say yes.

      “Come with us,” Joey said enthusiastically.

      Lori tucked a lock of her chestnut hair behind her ear, a gesture that meant she was trying to make up her mind. Scott was surprised that he remembered that little habit of hers.

      “I’d love to come with you,” she finally said.

      Scott was pleasantly surprised and realized he’d been holding his breath, waiting for an answer. What did he think he was doing? He wanted to spend time with her, but asking her to go to a building supply store was about as far from a date as anyone could get.

      “Great. Joey will love having you.”

      “My cell phone doesn’t get good reception in here—maybe the tin ceiling or something. Aunt Bess wanted me to go shopping, so I’d better tell her to go ahead without me.”

      When she went outside, Scott took out his notepad. He relied on it to keep track of the specs for the job. While he worked, Joey occupied himself by tracing his name on the dusty tabletops, a skill he’d just mastered.

      His whole mood had brightened. It would be good to have another adult join the two of them, especially since it was Lori.

      

      Lori was older and wiser now, but she still felt a disturbing warmth in Scott’s presence. Was it only a remnant of the huge crush she’d once had? She felt drawn to him, but he had a family, a wife and an adorable son.

      Lori made a quick call to Bess, letting her know she wouldn’t be going shopping with her and the reason why. Of course, her aunt thought it was a splendid idea, although Lori was a little puzzled by her aunt’s enthusiasm.

      Lori didn’t know Scott as a man, and she couldn’t help wondering how much he’d changed from the boy she’d known. At any rate, he wasn’t available. She was worrying about getting to know him better when nothing could come of it. Going to the store with him was a practical decision. She wanted to do everything she could to get the café up and running. At least then she could leave Apple Grove knowing that her aunt’s pet project was under control.

      She elected to wait outside while he finished whatever he was doing. In truth, the derelict interior of the café filled her with doubts. By the time it was renovated enough to open, it might be long past her deadline to give a firm answer to the job offer to work at the new restaurant in Chicago. In spite of Lori’s determination not to stay in Apple Grove beyond the summer, her aunt was counting on her to revitalize the café. How long would it take to do that? Would the committee be able to hire a replacement chef?

      Scott didn’t keep her waiting long. He came out and locked the door, his hand on Joey’s shoulder to steer him toward the truck.

      “I hope you don’t mind riding in the jump seat. Joey’s car seat isn’t secure enough back there.”

      “No, not at all,” Lori said.

      “Let me get a wipe,” Scott said to his son. “Your hands are filthy.”

      “I can write my name,” Joey proudly told Lori.

      “That’s great! What are you going to make with your new hammer?” she asked.

      “Lots of things. Dizzy needs a house.”

      “Dizzy?”

      “His dinosaur,” Scott said, retrieving a moistened wipe from the truck and scrubbing his son’s hands.

      “Yes, dinosaurs really like having a place of their own,” Lori said, playing along.

      The ride to Bensen’s went more quickly than Lori had expected, and as Scott drove down the rural roads, she admired the recently cultivated fields on either side. The corn was newly planted, making the whole countryside seem fresh and promising. She couldn’t ride through rural Iowa without thanking the Lord for the bounty all around her.

      The trip went fast because Joey never stopped talking. He was obviously excited about what he would build, and she suspected that it was a treat to have his father’s full attention. She wanted to ask about his mother but decided it wasn’t her place.

      “Bensen’s isn’t Joey’s favorite store,” Scott said a bit apologetically when they arrived in the busy parking lot in front of the huge store. “He won’t ride in a cart anymore, but it’s a lot of walking for a kid his age.”

      “We’ll play the find-it game,” Lori said, as they got out of the car.

      “What’s that?” Joey asked.

      “You think of something in the store, and we’ll see how fast you can find it. Then I’ll think of something. Whoever finds things the fastest wins.”

      “Daddy will win. He knows where everything is.” Joey looked crestfallen.

      Lori couldn’t help smiling. “Daddy can’t play. Just you and me. What shall we look for first?”

      She was a little surprised when Joey slipped his hand into hers.

      “A hammer!” he squealed with delight.

      “Good СКАЧАТЬ