since we’re cutting our Bible Study down to a scant hour, what’s so important.”
“It’s not a late date, but even if it were, it wouldn’t be any of your business,” she practically growled at him. How dare this man question her? “It’s just something I have to do. Be home by ten. Every night.”
“That’s—”
“Don’t say it. If you can’t get me home by ten, then maybe you’d better let me out at the next convenience store with a phone.”
She had her hand on the door handle.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going to do that.”
“I’m not ridiculous, only realistic.”
“Leaving you stranded is ridiculous. Come on, Lisa. I’m sorry I was nosy. Sheesh! Lighten up, okay?”
“Fine. Let’s just forget it. What’s the study to cover tonight?”
He remained quiet for a moment.
“Dunno, but it wouldn’t hurt if we took a look at Corinthians. First, thirteen.”
“Why? What’s that?”
“Oh, you know. Love is patient, kind, not rude and so on…”
This wasn’t shaping up to be a fun evening, Lisa decided. That’s all she needed—someone else to lecture her.
“You pompous jerk. I—”
“Slow down, Lisa,” he said. “I meant me. I need that teaching. I couldn’t begin to judge whether you do or not. Only you would know your own state of mind. Now let’s call a truce, please?”
She remained silent as he parked the car in the lot, then led her to Jimmy’s townhouse. Once they were inside, they headed to opposite sides of the living room. Lisa found a place to sit on the floor with a cushion, remaining quiet throughout the ongoing Bible Scriptures and discussion.
At nine-thirty, while Ethan and Jimmy were totally absorbed in their music, Lisa quietly begged a ride home with Pam. Ethan didn’t even notice her leaving, she thought as she slipped out the door behind Pam. She’d left Cindy to tell Ethan he’d lost one passenger to gain another. Cindy didn’t have to be home until whatever hour she wanted.
“I sure appreciate this,” she told Pam. “This way Ethan can stay as long as he likes.”
“No problem,” said Pam. “My boys are older now, so I don’t have to rush right home. I can drop you off easily.”
Partying, even innocently, was a thing of the past for her, Lisa mused as she slid into Pam’s brown compact. She had to take all her activities seriously from now on. She had little room in her life for an irresponsible charmer.
At eleven-twenty, Uncle Fred’s phone rang. Uncle Fred didn’t own an answering machine, and he wouldn’t be home till the wee hours of the morning. It was unlikely the call was from anyone other than Ethan.
Lisa let the phone ring. Ethan could be as mad as a rain-slogged rooster, but it wouldn’t make a whit of difference to her. He’d go find another woman to charm.
Yet she counted the rings. Ten, eleven, twelve.
“Quitter,” she muttered after the last one died away.
Chapter Four
Lisa had come into work at six in the morning. She pushed the previous evening from her mind. No use thinking about it—it hadn’t caused her to lose any sleep. Today was today and she had to put on a smile and be dependable and friendly to keep her job.
She prided herself on her good memory and had no trouble remembering orders. She had eight or nine tables to care for, depending on how efficient Josie, the other waitress, was. Lisa didn’t mind the hard work.
Toward ten in the morning she discovered Ethan at table five. What was he doing here? She hadn’t seen him come in.
When she arrived at his booth, his eyes were lowered as he studied the menu. Beside him, a small face peeped up at her, barely above the tabletop. One of his children, she supposed. The little boy stared at Lisa with wide, bright eyes.
Her guard went up. She wouldn’t be suckered into liking the child. She couldn’t afford to give any more love away. It hurt too much when it wasn’t returned.
She stood waiting, pad and pencil poised, then said politely, “Hi. How may I help you?”
“Stop being mad at me,” Ethan said without raising his eyes.
Her breath caught. How could he possibly read her like that? Know that she’d been miffed? No hello or how are you?
“I’m not mad at you,” she said, denying his claim without emotion. “I’m not anything with you.”
“Then why did you run out on me last night?” He looked up directly into her eyes.
Disconcerted, she blinked.
His brown eyes glinted softly, but they still demanded an answer.
She looked away, then back. She struggled to keep her cool. To keep her emotions under control. “You were busy. I didn’t see what difference it made who took me home.”
One dark brow lifted. “I did. I was worried about you. When I’m responsible for seeing someone home, then you bet it makes a difference.”
“Well, I…” Flushing with guilt, she felt like squirming while her mind searched for a reason. A legitimate one. In the past no one had called her on her excuses.
“And you didn’t answer the phone,” he accused.
She couldn’t lie. That was something the old Lisa would’ve done in a New York minute. But she couldn’t stand here talking all morning either, or she’d be in trouble. Her boss was already frowning at her.
“No, I didn’t.” She stood straighter, giving him a narrow-eyed stare. The truth wasn’t that hard to deliver, she assured herself. But she supposed she had been a bit rude. “I’m really sorry.” The words came out with a squeak. “Is that better? Now, may I please take your order?”
“Good enough, I guess. I’ll have coffee and a sweet roll.” He glanced at the child. “Jordan will have chocolate milk. Won’t you, sport?”
Jordan nodded, smiling at Lisa as he snuggled against his father. His thick hair lay against his head smoothly, except where it stuck up against his father’s arm. Lisa couldn’t help herself—her fingers itched to brush it back in place. Her heart melted and she smiled down at him.
“Okay, one chocolate milk coming up,” she said. “Coffee and sweet roll.”
She hurried to fill Ethan’s order, and when she returned to their table with their items, she glanced down at the two of them. Another customer took the seat in booth three, so she headed immediately to take her order.
Focused on her work, Lisa paid Ethan no more direct attention. Ethan didn’t talk to her again, but when he left, he waved cheerily and smiled a friendly goodbye. The little guy smiled at her, too. Waving back, she realized he was about the right age to play with Cecily.
But would Ethan still want to be friends after he found out about her past? She didn’t think so.
She couldn’t allow him to become that close. It wasn’t worth the risk of having the friendship fail. Besides, Cecily came first. That was all that mattered.
Without realizing it, Lisa relaxed. Ethan could be a pretty good friend, she guessed, if someone was looking for that. But she’d better keep him an acquaintance. His friendship was not for her.
On Sunday, Lisa had Uncle Fred’s truck. She wasn’t causing Uncle Fred any trouble. He liked to sleep late on Sunday, and then putter around his yard.
Excited, she’d dressed