Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Once they finished eating, Jameson insisted on walking her to her car. Taylor paused outside Botanic Blast, a store that must have been new since she’d last visited GraceTown. If the number of people going in and out was any indication, it appeared to be popular.
Taylor expected to see mostly women frequenting the flower shop, but she was surprised to see almost an equal number of men. “I can’t believe all the guys.”
Jameson chuckled. “Guys can’t enjoy flowers?”
“That does sound kind of sexist, doesn’t it?”
“Kind of?”
She laughed. “Okay, okay.”
“They sell more than just flowers,” Jameson told her. “All sorts of food and drink items are made from flower parts, including some excellent beer.”
“Beer.” Taylor grinned. “It’s all making sense.”
Jameson slung an arm around her shoulders. “That big brain of yours is working overtime.”
“Let’s be real.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Figuring that one out took very little brain power. ”
“Taylor.”
She pulled her gaze away and turned to find Jaclyn’s cool blue eyes settled on her and Jameson.
“Jaclyn, what a nice surprise.” Taylor felt Jameson’s arm drop from her shoulders.
Jaclyn’s gaze returned to Jameson. “You’re Jameson Fox.”
Jameson cocked his head, and puzzlement furrowed his brow. “Have we met?”
“I’m sorry. For some reason, I thought the two of you knew each other—” Taylor began.
“I’m Jaclyn Edwards.” The brunette lifted her chin. “My father was one of many your parents scammed.”
Jameson’s smile faded as he met the young woman’s challenging gaze. “I’m sorry for what they did to your father.”
The apology appeared to startle Jaclyn as much as it did Taylor. Two spots of color cut a swath across Jaclyn’s cheeks.
“I’m not responsible for my parents’ actions,” Taylor told Jaclyn. “Any more than Jameson is responsible for his, any more than you’re responsible for yours.”
After a moment, Jaclyn offered a grudging nod. Then her gaze narrowed. “Are you two a couple?”
Jameson offered the woman an easy smile. “Taylor and I are friends and colleagues.”
Jaclyn’s phone buzzed. Pulling it out, she glanced down and then back up. “Sorry. I need to go.”
When she strode off, Taylor turned to Jameson. “Does that happen often?”
“Not so much in recent years.” His gaze searched her face. “You okay with me telling her we’re friends?”
“Sure, because we are friends.” She smiled. “And this friend is in the mood for some lavender lemonade.”
“For what?”
She pointed to a sign in the window of Botanical Blast that advised lavender lemonade as the specialty drink of the day. “Unless you need to get back to work.”
“I’m in no hurry.”
“Good.” Taylor looped her arm around his. “I’m in no hurry either.”
Once inside, they inspected every inch of the store. With Jameson’s encouragement, Tayor tried samples of wines, craft beers and cocktails that contained floral-infused ingredients.
He accompanied her to an herbal tea tasting and not only tried all the teas, but sat with her while they listened to a talk on each tea’s health benefits and flavor profiles.
“The cooking demonstrations were my favorite,” Taylor told him as they strolled toward the door, past the decorated cakes and pastries adorned with edible flowers.
“I liked the Hibiscus Gose beer,” Jameson admitted.
“Was that the one with coriander and salt?”
Jameson nodded. “Don’t forget the hibiscus flowers. That’s what gave it the tart, floral flavor.”
“And its vibrant pink color.”
“I could have done without drinking a pink beer.”
Taylor chuckled. “My favorite beer was the Lavender Saison. And the lavender lemonade was awesome. Since I’m talking lavender, I adored the lemon lavender shortbread cookies.”
“I knew you had to love them to buy a half dozen to take back to Glenna.”
“I hope she likes them.”
“I’m sure she will.”
“Thank you,” Taylor told him as they approached the car.
Surprise skittered across his face. “For what?”
“This afternoon has been fun,” Taylor said, struggling to find the right words to convey her feelings. “It’s not often I take the time to just chill.”
Understanding filled Jameson’s eyes. “You’ve been on the run since arriving in GraceTown. ”
“Even in the best of times, I embrace being busy,” Taylor told him. “In the worst of times, well, taking care of everything that needs to be done stops me from thinking too hard.”
“I discovered that being busy only works for so long.” Jameson slanted a sideways glance in her direction. “Sooner or later, you have to face those emotions.”
“I’m working on all that.” Taylor gestured to the busy sidewalk. “This is a good first step. Simply taking time out for fun.”
“It’s time for you to make enjoying life a priority.”
“By the look on your face, you have something in mind.”
“Maybe I do.” A dimple she hadn’t known he possessed flashed in his left cheek.
“Well, maybe I want to hear about it.” The lighthearted banter had her heart lifting.
“They’re showing Back to the Future at the Majestic. It’s a fundraiser for Toys for Tots.”
Taylor thought back to her high school days. “I thought the Majestic shut down.”
“It underwent a complete renovation several years back. The Art Deco décor is amazing. You need to check it out.”
“I suppose I could go.” Though Taylor was good with her own company, the thought of sitting alone in a dark movie theater, no matter how beautiful the surroundings, held little appeal.
“Why the hesitation?”
“Going alone doesn’t sound like it would be fun.”
“I have an idea.”
She cocked her head.
He smiled. “We could go together.”
Though Taylor had told Jameson she could meet him at the Majestic Saturday night, he insisted it was no problem to swing by and pick her up .
She wasn’t sure what one wore to a movie at the Majestic, but she knew it had to be casual. Taylor went with dark jeans and a cream-colored sweater.
The knock at the front door had her glancing through the peep—the practice had become second nature when she’d lived in Chicago—before opening the door.
“You look nice,” she told Jameson.
He glanced down at his jeans, navy sweater and sneakers. “Ah, thank you.”
On the short drive over, Jameson kept the talk easy, and Taylor felt herself relax.
She told herself she would watch the movie and forget everything work-related. She’d spent the day analyzing a good chunk of the financial records that Sara had sent. Though there was still a lot to go through, it was a good start.
By the time she’d closed her laptop, ready to shower and get ready for the evening, the muscles in Taylor’s shoulders had been tight, and her mind had raced.
“You were right,” she told Jameson as he wheeled into a parking spot on the street.
“I usually am.” He shot her a quick smile. “What was I right about this time?”
Once parked, instead of immediately leaving the car, he turned to face her, his eyes bright with interest.
“On Wednesday, when we talked about how it might be good for me to take time to relax, I agreed, but I wasn’t convinced.”
When Jameson offered only an encouraging smile, Taylor continued. “I spent years focused on making partner at S&F. I told myself neglecting all other parts of my life would be worth it.” She expelled a heavy breath. “It wasn’t. Even if the firm hadn’t been acquired and I’d been given a promotion, it wouldn’t have been worth it. I’m not sure you can understand?—”
“When I was on the force, I was determined to make detective.” His lips curved ever so slightly. “When I got my gold shield, I was happy, but not like I thought I would be.”
“Sometimes we have this important goal in mind, but when we reach it, we realize it’s not all we wanted.”
“Exactly.” Jameson nodded. “I did the job and learned a lot. Things that help me now. But what was most surprising to me was that it ended up not being the life I wanted.”
Taylor’s dad had retired from the force to start his new business. Jameson had walked away from the force without getting in his twenty years first.
“What didn’t you like about it?”
“Where to begin?” His light tone didn’t match the serious look in his eyes.
“Anywhere works.” She offered an encouraging smile.
“It was likely similar to what you faced at your firm in Chicago.” His eyes grew distant as if he was looking back. “The workload was heavy, with multiple cases to manage simultaneously. There were long hours, constantly working weekends and holidays and feeling overwhelmed by the volume of work.”
“I definitely can identify.” She spoke almost to herself, but he heard her and nodded.
“Add in limited resources and bureaucratic red tape, and it’s a recipe for burnout.” Jameson’s dark eyes met hers. “I knew your dad from the force. On one of my days off, I ran into him downtown, and we grabbed a beer together. I saw how much happier he was, and when I told him I envied him, he offered me a chance to join him and build something great.”
“Just like that, you walked away?” Taylor’s tone reflected her amazement.
“Not immediately.” He studied her for a moment. “It took me six months to decide to leave the force and join your father at Elite. I wanted to ensure that the decision was right for both of us.”
“Any regrets? ”
Jameson thought for a moment, then shook his head. He smiled. “Only that I didn’t do it sooner.”
The movie Back to the Future had it all—elements of comedy, adventure and science fiction.
The themes of destiny, family and the impact of choices hit close to home for Taylor. Still, she found it difficult to concentrate on the show.
Though the theater wasn’t crowded, likely because of a home football game that evening, Taylor and Jameson chose to sit in the last row of seats. This way, they were far enough back that they could converse in low tones without disturbing anyone.
Stars filled the ceiling, creating a magical night-sky effect. The movie was nearly over when Taylor leaned back to focus on the “sky.”
Seconds later, Jameson did the same.
“I see the big dipper.” Before Jameson could respond, she added, “My dad taught me to recognize all the constellations.”
“You and Bob were close.”
Taylor nodded. “He always tried to be there for me. It wasn’t as easy when I was young. Like you said, lots of nights and weekends.”
“I take it your mother wasn’t traveling as much then.”
“No, it was often just her and me on holidays.” Taylor frowned. “My dad tried to make it up to me, to us, but there were birthday celebrations and holiday dinners where he was busy with a case and didn’t get home until late.”
“Being on the force, whether as an officer or a detective, is hard on a marriage. That’s why there is such a high divorce rate among cops.” Jameson’s gaze remained focused on the stars. “Add the high stress and frustrations that go along with the job, it’s no wonder so many marriages fail. ”
“Have you ever been married?” Taylor wasn’t sure why this hadn’t come up before.
“Nope. Never found the right one.” He turned toward her, propping himself up on one elbow. “Your dad mentioned some guy you were dating. He thought it might be serious.”
“I thought it might get to that point for a while, but it never did.” Taylor shrugged. “Looking back, I can see that we dated for as long as we did more out of convenience than anything else.”
“Convenience?”
“We worked at the same firm, knew all the same people and were content with seeing each other one night a week.” Taylor exhaled a breath. “When we decided not to see each other anymore, I didn’t even care. That’s when I realized he wasn’t even a friend.”
“Are you looking for a relationship?”
“Not right now.” Taylor thought for a moment. “But once I decide where I will live and what career path I want to take, I hope to find the right person. But I’m not going to settle.”
“Why would you want to settle?”
“Exactly.” She might have said more, but everyone else in the theater was talking and standing, and she realized that the movie had ended.
Taylor took in all the happy faces. She smiled at Jameson. “This was a good idea. Thanks for asking me.”
“Thanks for agreeing to come.”
Her gaze met his, and when his eyes dropped to her mouth, her lips tingled, and her breath came in short puffs.
She might have kissed him—okay, she would have kissed him—if they’d been alone.
It was just that Taylor knew that one little kiss wouldn’t be enough.
“How do you feel about hot cocoa?” he asked.
Without looking away from his face, she smiled. “I feel very favorably, especially if it’s topped with whipped cream. ”
“Cuppa Joe is within walking distance.”
Taylor did not doubt that a long line was forming at the popular coffee shop. She planned to do another deep dive into Sara’s financial records tomorrow. The prudent thing would be to go home and get a good night’s sleep so she’d be well rested and ready to start the day.
But that was how she’d been living her life, and where had it gotten her?
She looped her arm around Jameson’s. “I’d love a cup.”
Taylor arrived at the office on Monday shortly before seven, surprised to find Glenna at her desk.
“You’re here early.” Taylor shifted the briefcase to her other hand.
“I know.” Glenna heaved an exaggerated sigh. “I should get extra brownie points for being here at the crack of dawn.”
“Why so early?” Taylor asked.
“With Jameson out all day, I decided this would be my chance to tackle all the paperwork without him adding more.”
“He took a vacation day?” Taylor inclined her head, trying to recall if he’d mentioned he was planning to take a day off when they’d been together Saturday night.
No, she thought, she’d have remembered that.
“Not vacation. He’s out on surveillance.”
“Will that take all day?”
“No idea. He’s been up all night.” Glenna made a tsking sound. “Poor boy couldn’t find someone to relieve him last night, but thankfully, Harry will take over at noon so Jameson can go home and sleep.”
“Harry?” Taylor frowned. “Who is he?”
“Harry Delgado. He’s a private PI we use as needed. Your dad knew him from the force. He helps out occasionally when a case needs twenty-four-hour surveillance.”
“Which, I take it, this one does.”
Glenna nodded. “Hopefully, the man they’re watching will make a move. They’ll get what they need and be done with the case.”
Taylor poured herself a cup of coffee. Usually, she was the one to start the coffee in the morning, but she found that was another plus to Glenna beating her to the office.
She didn’t have to be at Abigail’s office for the meeting with Sara until nine, so she had time to relax for a minute.
After taking a seat, Taylor peered over the rim of her cup at Glenna. “Jameson told me one of the reasons he left GraceTown PD was because of the long hours the detectives often put in on cases, but it sounds like he jumped from the frying pan into the fire.”
Glenna chuckled at the analogy. “You ain’t wrong. Bob made that comment to me more than once.”
Taylor pulled her brows together. “Yet, my dad seemed happy he’d opened the agency.”
“He was. Yes, long hours are a reality, but he and Jameson chose to accept these cases. They choose how to work the case.”
“But the long hours…”
“Harry works to supplement his retirement pension. He doesn’t want many hours. We hoped to bring on another investigator to split up these long surveillance hours as the business grew.”
“Then my dad died. I got the business, and now you’re shorter than ever.”
“What’s that old saying? Life happens when you’re making plans?” Glenna shrugged. “It will all work out.”
“I believe that, too,” Taylor spoke more confidently than she felt. Still, she had to believe that her dad was steering her in the right direction .
Even if she couldn’t see it, he had a plan.
She had to stay the course and trust.
Until this morning, she hadn’t given much thought to this job's long and erratic hours. Actually, she hadn’t given much thought to her father’s erratic schedule when he’d been on the force.
For her, it had simply been a fact of life.
In the early years, that was due to her mother. Whenever she’d expressed disappointment because her father had missed an event or holiday because he’d been assigned to a hot case, her mother had let her vent.
Then they’d talk about whatever case her father had been working on—a missing child, an armed robbery or a body found at the edge of town. Of course, they’d had no details, only what they’d heard on the news. Her mother would say how lucky the family or the injured person was to have Bob Higgs on the case. He wouldn’t rest until justice was had.
That’s when the pride that she had such an important man for a father would surge.
It struck her that not only hadn’t her dad ever badmouthed her mom, her mother had never done that to him either. Even though, looking back, there had to have been so many times that he’d disappointed her.
An image of a table set with candles for their anniversary flashed before her. Plans had been for her to stay with Til that evening and night. Instead, her father had been assigned to a case, and she and her mother had ended up eating a candlelight dinner and playing Monopoly.
“Being married to a police detective or private investigator can’t be easy,” Taylor murmured.
“It takes a special woman or man,” Glenna agreed. “One who knows the score and can roll with the punches.”
Taylor nodded.
“It also takes a special partner to be with someone who prioritizes work over the relationship.” Glenna studied Taylor for a long moment. “That was the case with you back in Chicago, right?”
Taylor paused. Had she said that about her relationship? Or was that something her dad might have mentioned to Glenna? He wouldn’t have intended to break any confidence, but if anyone had asked if she was dating anyone, she could hear him saying, Taylor doesn’t have time for a relationship. Right now, her priority is making partner at the law firm where she practices.
The thought of how she’d been so easily cast aside at S&F still rankled. She’d given the firm so many good years, and for what?
“You look lovely.”
Taylor blinked. “Pardon?”
“You are all dressed up this morning.” Glenna gazed admiringly at Taylor’s navy suit. “Wait. Is today the meeting with Sara and Abigail?”
“It is.”
Glenna studied her for a long moment. “You’re looking forward to it.”
“I am.” Then, because she didn’t want Glenna to misconstrue her response, Taylor added, “I’m sorry that Sara’s marriage didn’t turn out as she hoped, but I’m enjoying getting to know Abigail and learning more about family law.”
“Would you ever want to do more in that arena?” Glenna asked.
“Maybe.” Taylor smiled. “If I do, I know I couldn’t have a better mentor than Abigail.”