Chapter 26
26
Later that afternoon, Michelle and Jackie sat at an outdoor table beside a creek, munching on nachos and sipping on beers while a local band sat up. Oscar hadn’t arrived yet but was supposed to be there any minute.
“So, you really see things getting serious between you and Oscar?”
“I hope so. I’ve been single for so long, Michelle. I’m tired. I’m ready to meet someone that I can see forever with, and Oscar is really sweet. He treats me well. I’m just scared that it’s too good to be true.”
“That’s because your job is dealing with divorces and real estate. You see the happiness when they buy but the sadness when they sell, especially if it’s due to a divorce. You’ve lived through that. Why would you want to jump back into the muck?” She held up her hand. “But having said that, you deserve your own happiness, Jackie. I’m sure you’ve discussed your views on cheating with Oscar, right?”
“We’ve talked about it and found out that we both have trust issues. He reassures me that he’s where he says he is. And I do the same. I don’t know what I’d do if I caught him cheating.”
“You know the warning signs. You deal with them enough.”
“Speaking of warning signs, I have to go into the office tomorrow for an in-person client meeting. We’re close to our court date, so we’ve got to iron out what we’re asking for.”
“No problem.”
“Tell me about breakfast.”
A glint appeared in Michelle’s eyes. “I bought him breakfast this morning, but he doesn’t know it.”
“You? You bought him breakfast without a nervous breakdown? How? Why?”
Michelle raised her eyebrows. “I wanted to. It wasn’t expected. In fact, I don’t believe he would’ve let me if he knew.”
“How did you pull it off?”
“He went outside to take a picture with Amber, our waitress, at my suggestion. When they went out. I paid the bill. When Chip came back in to pay, I told him it was taken care of. He didn’t ask any questions, and I didn’t provide any details.”
“You seem different with him.”
“I wouldn’t say that I’m with him, with him. But so far, I’m enjoying myself.”
Jackie leaned closer. “Who wouldn’t enjoy kissing Keith Mason?” she whispered. Jackie straightened with a big grin pulling at her lips and she waved. “Oscar is here.”
As quickly as Jackie’s face showed her pleasure, it faded. A woman spoke to Oscar as he crossed the deck at the back of the building. He acknowledged her but continued walking. The woman stepped in front of him and placed her hand familiarly on his chest. Oscar quickly looked at Jackie, who looked as if someone slapped her. Tears pooled in her eyes. Oscar scowled at the woman and removed her hand. He hurried to Jackie and engulfed her in his arms. “No, no tears, sweetheart. She’s nobody.”
“But she knows you well, right?”
“I told you that I dated a couple of ladies when I first moved here. She was one. Her name is Scarlett. She applied for a job at the credit union. That’s how we met. She didn’t get the job. We went out.”
“I’ve never seen her before.”
“She lives in Maggie Valley, not Waynesville.”
“I see.”
“No, you don’t.” He cupped her face and turned it toward his. “I’m in a relationship with you. We both have pasts and living in a small town makes running into our pasts easier. She’s old news.”
“Promise?”
“With all my heart.”
Jackie closed her eyes. “Thank you.”
“Anytime, sweetheart, anytime.”
Michelle watched them, amazed at how Oscar calmed Jackie down so quickly. She was happy for them, but especially for Jackie. As her heart swelled for her friend, her phone rang. KM came on the screen. Her happiness turned inward as she answered the call.
“Hello.”
“Are you at home?”
“I went out with Jackie, but since her... friend, boyfriend... I don’t know what they are showed up. I’m leaving.”
“Is that music?”
“There’s a little brewery we enjoy where we sit outside with a creek running past. They have live music several times a week. I’ll have to bring you sometime,” Michelle said as she started to stand. “Hang on.”
Michelle hugged Jackie and whispered, “He’s a good man, Jackie. I think he really cares for you.” Jackie nodded as Michelle pulled away. “I’m going to scoot. Oscar, do you mind seeing her home?”
A broad smile stretched across his face. “It’s my pleasure to take care of her.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Michelle said to Jackie. “Bye, Oscar.”
She turned and walked through the outdoor tables on her way through the brewery. “Sorry about that.”
“You’re a good friend.”
“I’m just glad she found someone who seems to adore her. They both have trust issues, but he’s very quick to ease her fears. It’s wonderful to see,” she said as she exited the building.
“And what about your fears? Is there someone who does that for you?”
“I haven’t been alone for as long as she has or for the same reasons.”
“So, you don’t have any fears?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“No, you avoided the question altogether.”
Michelle chuckled. “Quite observant, aren’t you?”
“Who do you rely on, Michelle, when you’re scared, worried, lonely? Please tell me.”
Michelle opened her driver’s door. “Jackie, my children, my pillow, and maybe a glass or two of wine.”
“I want to see you,” he said with anguish in his voice.
“If I lose you, call me back in a half hour. Sometimes the coverage on these mountain roads isn’t so good.”
“Can we FaceTime?”
“I’m driving. I can’t do that right now.”
“When you get home.”
“Yes.”
“I’m hanging up and calling you back in thirty minutes. I want to see you. Somehow, I don’t think my memories are doing you justice.”
She laughed. “You’re too much.”
“Talk to you soon.”
Before Michelle could respond, the line was dead. She grinned, not believing that the Keith Mason wanted to talk with her, much less see her when he’d just seen her less than ten hours ago.