Counting on Starlight (11 page)

Matt shook his head and waved her words away. “That's not it at all. I’m trying to protect you and think of your needs before mine.” Matt took her hand, caressing it in both of his. “Isn’t this what you wanted, when you used that metaphor of asking me how you liked your eggs cooked?”

“No, it’s not.” She heard car doors slamming in the parking lot, the crunch of gravel under tires. She pulled her hand free then reached inside her purse. “Don’t rearrange your life for me. It’s too late for that.” She turned and headed back toward the front door of The Pit.

“I’m staying at the HoJo Inn for the weekend, and then I’m heading for Austin. But I’m not giving up on us,” Matt called after her.

Liann wanted to believe him, yet the very idea of going back to him made her feel as if a noose were slowly tightening around her neck. She entered the cool restaurant.

Tamarind handed some change to a customer. “Your aunt just left, Liann.”

“I know.” She tried not to sigh and took her phone from her purse.

Thanks. See you next time,” Tamarind said to the departing customer, who passed Liann and headed out into the heat. Tamarind faced Liann with a frown. “You okay?”

“See that guy out there in the parking lot, the one who came in a while ago?”

“The one who kept staring at you while you ate breakfast?”

“That’s the one.” Liann squinted out through the glass door. “That’s my ex-fiancé.”

“He’s cute, but him staring like that? Well, that’s just a tad creepy.” Tamarind moved from behind the counter.

“I really don’t want to talk to him anymore, and he won’t listen to
no
. I’d rather not call the police. He’s more of an annoyance at this point.”

“And now you’re stranded for the moment, aren’t you?”

“Sort of. I was going to call my aunt to come back for me. I can’t believe she left without me. I told her I’d be right back after I finished talking to Matt.” Liann raised her hands and shrugged.

“Follow me. He’s coming back this way.” Tamarind waved her toward the kitchen. “Let me show you where the barbecue pits are. We make the real deal here. You can hang out there for a few while I persuade Mr. Wonderful to go on his merry way.”

Liann followed Tamarind through the kitchen with its metal prep tables and walk-in fridge and freezer, past an office with a desk strewn with papers. The aroma of smoke and wood chips grew stronger. Tamarind pulled open a wooden door, and they entered yet another back room.

This one contained two large smokers, with chimneys that extended to the ceiling. A closed exit door stood to their left.

“Wait back here for a few minutes and relax. If it gets a little too smoky, you can always duck your head out the back door.” Tamarind smiled. “Now, I’ll go deal with this guy. You said his name was Matt?”

“That’s right.”

Tamarind scurried away. Within seconds, Liann’s eyes began to water from the smokiness. She had no doubt that The Pit’s barbecue was genuine. She pushed through the back door and found herself outside, looking at a plowed-under field that had once grown corn earlier in the season.

Her phone started ringing again. Jake!

“I’m sorry, I meant to call you back,” she said.

“That’s okay. The reason I called is I’m in a bit of a jam.”

“What is it?”

“Tim asked if he could take Maddie to a play at the high school tonight, and I agreed. I talked to my dad, and he said it was fine, as long as they visited public places in small groups. So they’re not going alone. Two other kids will be there. I told him they could go to Dairy Queen too, but to be home by ten.”

“So how does this mean you’re in a jam?”

“I’m going to the play, too. I want to make sure she’ll be all right. Tim’s a good kid. He’s in the youth group at Starlight Community Church, but that’s no guarantee of anything.”

“That’s true.” She could tell him stories of things she’d encountered while supporting Matt’s ministry in the youth group in California. “How can I help you out of this jam you’re in?”

“Come with me to the play. I don’t want to go alone. My treat at Dairy Queen, too.” He paused for a moment. “Don’t worry, it’s not really a date. I mean...”

For the second time ever, he stammered again. She decided to rescue him before he made it sound worse. “Of course we can go as friends. That’s perfectly fine with me. No pressure.”

“I’ll pick you up at six-thirty, then. You can dress casual, too. We don’t get too fancy with the plays at the school.”

“See you later.” She ended the call and watched a bird soar over the field, then swoop down, probably on a mouse. She never imagined that she’d feel like that little mouse where Matt was concerned. Yet here she was, running to Jake. Sure, he’d called her. But it was so easy for her to say yes...

“Okay, he’s gone.” Tamarind opened the barbecue shack's back door. She was wiping her hands on a dish cloth. “I told him to buzz off. And when someone says no, they mean no. And if I needed to, I’d call the cops.”

“Well, thank you so much. But like I said, he’s not dangerous or anything. He’s a youth pastor.” Liann almost wished she’d seen Matt’s face when Tamarind asked him to leave.

“My point exactly,” said Tamarind. “You should see the relief all over your face.”

Chapter 9

The lights of Hattie Hempstead Auditorium grew dim, and the stage looked far away from Liann and Jake’s vantage point. A colorful set created a woodland setting for the play. But Jake focused on four young people in the eighth row to the far right of the stage.

“So far, he hasn’t tried anything.” Jake tried to keep his voice low as he leaned toward Liann.

“What if he does? What are you going to do?” Liann flipped through her program and held it up in the dim light. “March down there and pull them apart?”

“If I have to, I will.” Truthfully, he didn’t know. He tried to think about his own high school years. He’d been busy with the team, and the girls seemed petty, catty, and not worth the hassle. Maybe he’d dodged plenty of bullets all those years. With his family moving so much when his dad was in the Army, though, sometimes made him and Billy hit the popular list in school. The whole new kid thing. Billy brooded more, which also boosted his mystique with the girls. They seemed to like the mysterious type. Jake was just trying to get through school so he could move on to the big time and the fact he could play football well didn't hurt.

Tim had appeared at six-twenty-five, which was just in time if Jake was going to pick up Liann. As it was, Maddie paused in the entryway for a selfie with Tim. It scared Jake to see his sister as a young woman. If he ever had daughters, he’d resolve to lock them in a box until they were twenty-five, at least.

The play started, and his eyelids grew heavy. He blinked to see Tim whisper something in Maddie’s ear. Then Maddie nodded and glanced over her shoulder. Jake bent as if to tie his shoe. As he did so, Liann reached down for her purse. Their heads nearly cracked together. Her perfume was a little flowery, with a hint of spice that kept it from being too sweet. Just like her. Why did women
do
things like wearing that kind of perfume? She pushed a button on her cell phone, and it went dark.

Jake straightened up. Good. Maddie must not have seen him. When intermission came, however, she probably would. Maybe she’d make more of a deal out of him being out with Liann, which was fine by him.

His eyelids felt heavier, so he decided to close them for a few minutes. He wasn’t much of a theater guy. He heard Liann chuckle at some of the lines. What a pretty laugh she had. But then, so was she....

Someone was poking his side. “The gig’s up, Coach.” Liann.

Jake sat up in the auditorium seat, blinking. The lights were at full strength again. He blinked at Liann. “I was only out for a few minutes....”

“Right.” She poked him again in the ribs. “You snorted once. I had to cough to cover it up.”

He looked toward Maddie and Tim’s seats, but didn’t see his sister. Tim still sat there, next to Kyle Sanders from the team, and the two boys were talking. “When did Maddie leave?”

“As soon as the lights came up, she and the other girl left down the other aisle.” Liann glanced toward the doors in the rear corner of the auditorium. “She knows we’re here. She waved at me and started giggling when she saw you with your head tilted back.”

“Did she look mad?”

“No. Surprised, but not mad.”

Chatting female voices grew louder. “Hey, so what are y’all doing here?” Maddie stood at the end of the row, her hands on her hips. “You don’t even like plays.” She glared at him.

“I...um...” Jake’s brain fumbled then dropped his thought.

“He invited me....” Liann began.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he blurted.

“You’re not Dad.” Maddie frowned.

“I know, but I told him I’d watch out for you.”

“You’re here all day when I'm at school, and you don’t see me.” Maddie crossed her arms over her chest. “How do you know I’m not getting into trouble there?”

“I don’t think you get into trouble at school.”

“Well then, why can’t I go out with Tim, plus Kyle, plus Bekah, without having my chaperones hovering in the back?” Maddie shot a look at Liann.

“Watch your tone, Madelynn. I’m not your dad, true. But he asked me to watch out for you. We don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Maddie lowered her arms, and her shoulders drooped. “I know. I’m sorry.... But I’m careful. Tim’s sweet and funny. He got accepted at TSU, did you hear? He just found out today.”

“No, I didn’t know.”

“See, he’s a lot like you. Going to your alma mater. He's like Dad, too. He’s a hard worker. He wants to be a teacher, too.” Maddie glanced from him to Liann then back to him again. “Were you planning on going to Dairy Queen after the play?”

Jake nodded.

“That figures.” But she smiled at him as she returned to her seat.

#             

A line of cars snaked its way to the drive-through window at Dairy Queen. Liann studied the menu. She remembered going  here when she was a kid, and her aunt and uncle would take her out for an ice cream treat.

“I’m getting something a little more substantial than ice cream.” Jake patted his stomach. “Maybe a burger and fries, and some ice cream. So order whatever you want.”

“I think I’ll just have a Blizzard.” She looked at the line of vehicles. Tim’s car was three ahead of them. “I figured the kids were going to eat inside.”

Jake frowned. “I did, too. I also thought the drive-through would be a faster way to get our food. He’d better not be driving out to the ridge.” He drove out of their place in line and found an empty space at the end of the lot. They left his truck and headed to the restaurant.

“Liann.”

She glanced to her right and saw Matt standing beside his parked car. She tried not to gasp, but now she felt like he
was
following her. She tried not to shiver. But her stomach churned
“What are you doing here?”

Jake stopped and turned to face Matt. “Can we help you with something?”

“That’s my fiancée you're on a date with tonight. First a play, and now dessert?”

Liann shook her head. “Matt, I’m not your fiancée. Not anymore. Were you following us?”

“You’ve moved on awfully fast.” Matt took a step closer. “Is this what you had planned all along? Turn me in for someone new? Three months ago you were willing to spend the rest of your life with me.”

“Look,” Jake said, taking a step in Matt’s direction, “Liann’s life is her business. If she believes you’re not the one for her, you should be thanking God she came to that decision before you exchanged vows.”

“I’m moving here, because of you—” Matt began.

“He’s moving
here?
” Jake stared at Liann.

“Austin, actually,” said Matt. “Close enough to see you. Close enough to work on our relationship.”

Liann clutched Jake’s arm for support. Unbelievable. How could she have been so blind?
Thank You, Lord, for helping me dodge this bullet. How could I have been so blind?
“Matt, I only want to be friends with you. Friends only. Nothing more.”

“But we prayed. We believed this was God’s will.” Matt rubbed his hair. “What changed? I don’t believe God changes His mind.”

Liann wanted to grab Jake’s keys and make a run for his truck, then disappear somewhere, anywhere. Any old road that led out of Starlight, away from Matt. But she stood firm. “I was wrong, and I realized it. That’s what changed. It's me.”

“You listened to fear. Fear erodes our faith—in God, in the ones we love.”

Liann sensed movement nearby. A few people stood outside the Dairy Queen, watching them. Great. Drama in a small town, and she’d brought it with her from California. “We’re done, Matt. All the spiritualizing won’t change my mind. C’mon, Jake. I think I’ll get a burger, too.”

A vehicle rolled past. There went Tim and Maddie. Liann had no idea what time it was. She glanced up at Jake.

“I lost my appetite. Let’s get out of here,” she said. He took her hand, and they turned and jogged back to his truck. She didn’t look back at Matt—she couldn’t. Part of what he said made sense. She’d allowed herself to move awfully fast with Jake, just like she had with Matt.

He opened her door and helped her inside the truck. She climbed into the cab, her stomach  roiling. Maybe it was a good thing they needed to skip the Dairy Queen and chase off after Maddie.

Soon they roared out under the moonlight. “When did this ‘Matt’ arrive in town?”

“This morning. He told me he’s applied for youth pastor positions in Austin and also for a campus ministry position at a college.” She watched out the window as they passed the downtown buildings of Starlight’s square.

“That’s no coincidence.” He braked the truck, and they stopped at a traffic light, waiting as no one passed through the empty intersection.

“No.” She glanced at him. “But I’m not changing my mind. I had to make a break for a good reason. My  mother doesn't understand. She thinks there’s nothing wrong with Matt, that he’s absolutely perfect. Maybe in some ways, but not for me.”

“He seems stubborn. That’s definitely
not
one of the fruits of the Spirit, and not one of the qualities of love. Remember, ‘Love doesn’t insist on having its own way,’ says one version.” He gave her a smile, and she caught her breath. She turned her face to the window again. There went her heart. But then, he was so bent on leaving... Her mind began to race.

God wasn’t the author of confusion. The Scriptures told her that. Right now, though, she didn’t feel confused. No, she wasn’t going back to Matt. Of that, she was certain. But Jake? She found herself going along with things now, going with the flow tonight. How long was it before she started feeling like she did with Matt? She didn’t want to go down that road again. Matt didn’t deserve it.

Neither did Jake.

Chapter 10

Liann buried herself in work for the next two weeks. She had color guard during the day, football games on Friday nights, and bee-keeping with Uncle Bert or Aunt Chin Mae on free nights and on Saturdays. Matt didn’t call, didn’t e-mail either. She didn’t know if he was still pursuing employment in Austin. Also, it was easy enough—or hard enough—to avoid Jake. The band kept rehearsing in the parking lot with the color guard, and if she let herself, she could keep herself from spotting Jake among the coaching staff with their matching shirts.

Saturday came, and after covering her two-mile run, she cooled off and headed for the beehives. The season was fading and Uncle Bert said after the fall harvest from his garden, the bees would have less pollen to use.

Aunt Chin Mae waved. “Finally, you are here! Come help.” She had a harvester contraption next to the hive. “It’s too heavy for me.”

Liann pulled on her gloves, stepping closer to the hive. She felt like an old pro now, her heartbeat steady and breathing rate normal around the swarming critters. Amazing, how the bees created honey from the pollen. They kept the honey in the brood box for themselves, but anything in the stacked super boxes above was free for the humans.

“Ah, good.” Her aunt smiled beneath her veiled hood. “We’ll get plenty of jars from this one alone.”

She’d been stung—several times—since helping her aunt with the bees, and she took the pain in stride. Not that she’d grown used to it, but it came with caring for the insects.

“You been quiet since that Matt left town.” Aunt Chin Mae cleaned the inner feeder of one of the hives.

“I’ve been busy. The team is working hard.”