Chapter 19 #2
“But you don’t give yourself enough credit.
You have a lot to offer someone. So, get out there and prove it.
” He opened the garage door. “You and Chelsey have always had something special. She’s amazing and talented and strong.
She’s also allowed herself to be trapped here in the valley, trying to live up to a legacy that’s in the past. Help her to see the future, even if it’s not with you.
” He pointed at Taylor. “But I’m hoping and praying that it is with you. ”
Taylor stared at the closed garage door for several minutes after his dad left, all the words whirling around inside his head and all the feelings swirling around his heart. He needed to talk with Chelsey soon so he could plan his next few moves.
“Was that Gerry?” Mom swept into the kitchen and kissed Taylor on the cheek. “He’s off to another emergency council meeting. Someone sure has their knickers in a bind.”
“You shouldn’t use such language so early in the morning,” Taylor complained. He ran a hand over his face and the stubble on his chin. He needed a long shower, and he needed to make his plan.
Mom swept up the discarded candy wrappings and threw them away. “How many did he eat?”
“What if they were mine?”
She put her hands on her hips. “He leaves the papers on the counter every single time, as if he wants me to find them. That man.” Mom’s smile was warm despite her words.
She glanced at the bowl on the counter. “Can I fix you an egg? Get your day started with protein instead of sugar?” She took the bowl and set it in the sink without waiting for his reply.
She said something under her breath that sounded like “just like his father.”
“What’s going on with the city council?” Taylor thought a change in subject was warranted.
“Someone’s contesting the city’s taxations.
They are calling for the city council to all step down, saying they’re all frauds.
They want an emergency election. At least that’s what I understood.
” She whipped a couple of eggs and slid them into a heated pan.
“Also, Mrs. James called earlier. She couldn’t reach you on your phone, so she called your dad.
” She flipped the egg and turned to him.
“She wants to set up a time for your ‘date’ today if you’re available.
” His mom used air quotes for “date” with a grin.
“I think it’s so sweet she bid on you. You and her always had a special bond. ”
Did Mrs. James really want to go through with this “date”? Could he put her off until the end of the week? He wanted to spend the time he had with Chelsey. “I’m going—”
“I took the liberty of saying yes only because she wouldn’t take a no.
” Mom shook the turner at him. “She’ll meet you at the old skating rink at four thirty.
” She turned around to slide the eggs on a plate.
She gave them a sprinkle of pepper and slid them across the counter to him with a plastic fork.
He took a bite and sighed. She always made the best scrambled eggs.
“Mom, I’m not sixteen. You can’t just accept girls’ invitations for me anymore.”
“Mrs. James isn’t a girl. And I’m still your mother.
” She waved the turner at him again before setting it in the sink.
She grabbed a glass and poured him some milk.
He loved the way the nostalgia of being back in high school washed over him with the way his mom was treating him.
He’d take it for as long as he was home.
“Why the roller rink?” he said around a mouthful of food.
Mom had the worst poker face. She tried to act nonchalant as she shrugged her shoulders.
Taylor leaned on his elbows. “Why do I have a feeling I’m being set up?”
“Because you are.” She threw a dishtowel over her shoulder. “Just listen to what she has to say. That’s all I ask.”
Mother and son stared at each other in a battle of wills, but Taylor knew his mom would win; she always did.
“Now eat up.”
Taylor shoved a big bite in his mouth and stood. “Fine. I’ll go. But this is the last time you set me up.” He took his empty plate and glass to the sink then kissed his mom’s cheek. “Thanks for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome. Don’t be late for your date.”
“I promise.” Taylor pretended to cross his heart. “I have some emails to answer and plans to submit, then I’ll get ready.” He needed to come up with a plan for another Juniper Valley woman.
Taylor realized he had a lot of day left and the only person he could think of spending that time with was Chelsey. He glanced at his phone. Eleven o’clock. Surely Chelsey was up by now, right?
Are you free for dinner? Taylor’s leg bounced as he waited for a response. He had a fifty-fifty chance she’d say yes. To distract himself, Taylor lathered on shaving cream and shaved. He finished when his phone dinged.
Am still sleeping.
Taylor smiled and texted back.
Are you sleep texting?
He pushed send before he finished reading the text. He cringed when he realized how it sounded.
That sounded naughty.
Taylor laughed out loud. He wondered if Chelsey’s cheeks were as warm as his.
Are you avoiding my question? About dinner?
Taylor tapped his fingers on the bathroom counter as he waited for her to reply.
Yes. I’m sleeping, remember?
Taylor waited for a beat as his thumbs hovered over his phone keyboard.
Would they keep going around and around texting and wasting time?
Time was something he was growing short on.
He only had a week to get his plan off the ground before he needed to be back in Singapore and get his next project rolling.
So, pick you up at six tonight?
Chelsey didn’t reply right away, keeping him on read for a few long moments.
How about breakfast tomorrow? came the reply.
Disappointed he wouldn’t see her tonight, he threw his phone on the bed. But he wouldn’t be the one who kept her from resting.
What time should I pick you up?
Nine, came the quick response.
He grinned at the single word text.
See you tomorrow.
Taylor debated on adding a heart or smiley face. In the end, he decided to pretend like he was being nonchalant and sent a thumbs up.
Likewise. Chelsey added thumbs up as well.