Mystic Park (17 page)

CHAPTER 20

Quincy parked his Buick in front of the garage of one of the Harmony Cabins rental properties. His muscles were stiff as he climbed from his driver's seat after the six-hour trip from his new home in Philadelphia. He circled the trunk in time to help Ramona from the car.

“Thank you.” She gave him a pained smile.

“Maybe next time, we should stop and stretch during the trip.”

Ramona chuckled as she shut her car door. “You said you were in a hurry.”

“I'm paying for it now.” Quincy glanced up as he heard the cabin door open.

“You're here.” Audra hurried down the porch steps with Jackson beside her.

She stopped in front of Quincy's car and hugged first Ramona, then Quincy. The joy on their friends' faces glowed like neon Welcome Home signs. Emotion swelled in Quincy's heart.

Quincy embraced the little songwriter before greeting Jackson with a one-armed man hug. He stepped back to get a good look at his childhood friend and owner of Harmony Cabins. “I'm glad to see you're still shaving.”

Jackson rubbed the side of his face with a rueful smile. “I don't know why I missed you, Q. We missed both of you.”

“It's good to see you, too.” Quincy's words were an understatement.

It was the second Monday of May. The sky was a cloudless cerulean blue. The weather was perfect. Quincy's gaze devoured their surroundings, the lush carpet of grass rimmed by maple trees and wildflowers. He filled his lungs with a deep breath. Instead of the big city stench of smog and garbage, he reveled in the scents of freshly cut grass, moist earth, and the nearby Pearl River.

Ramona wagged a chiding finger at their host. “Now you know how we felt when you exiled yourself to these cabins for two years.”

Jackson started toward Quincy's trunk. “I'll help you with the bags.”

“We both will.” Audra trailed Jackson.

“I'd appreciate it.” Quincy unlocked his trunk. “Ramona still hasn't embraced the concept of packing light.”

“We're going to be vacationing for two months.” Ramona opened the rear car doors to pull suitcases from the backseat.

With the six suitcases distributed among the four of them, Quincy followed Audra, Ramona, and Jackson to the cabin. He mounted the steps to the wraparound porch and waited while Jackson nudged open the door. The rental cabins owner obviously hadn't felt a need to lock the door while he waited for his guests.

“Thanks for letting us stay here.” Quincy deposited his suitcases beside the others in the great room. “We appreciate your generosity, but we want to pay for the rental cabin.”

Jackson shook his head. “If you feel that strongly about it, give the money to the elementary school. They could use some supplies.”

“Done.” Quincy relaxed. He'd anticipated an argument. He should have known Jackson would have a quick solution—and one that benefited the community. That sense of community was one of the things he'd missed about his hometown.

“I don't think the front office phone has stopped ringing.” Audra's champagne eyes were wide with amazement. “So many people have called to find out when you're arriving.”

“I was tempted to rip the phone from the wall.” Jackson's grumble was halfhearted. He linked his fingers with Audra's, then led everyone back onto the porch.

Audra laughed. “It's a good thing you're staying for six weeks. Something tells me you'll need every day of that time to catch up with the people who want to see you.”

“We were coming for Doreen and Alonzo's wedding.” Quincy slipped his hands into the front pockets of his khakis. “We're glad Vaughn's play is scheduled for the weekend before.”

Quincy scanned his surroundings. A modest lawn lay like a rich green carpet between the cabin and a lush spread of evergreen and poplar trees. In the distance, sunlight danced on Pearl Lake like diamonds on blue velvet. The area was quiet, isolated, peaceful. The tension of being in Philadelphia these past nine months eased from his shoulders. He was home. Could he convince Ramona that she was home, too?

“We're excited about Vaughn's play.” Ramona rubbed Quincy's back in an almost absent gesture of affection. Her warmth seeped through his cotton short-sleeved shirt.

“After Doreen and Alonzo's wedding June twentieth, we're leaving to spend two weeks in Tampa with my family.” Quincy breathed in Ramona's scent, powder and roses.

Ramona's smile seemed forced. “Yay.”

Quincy squeezed Ramona's waist. “We're going to have a great time.”

Ramona looked from Jackson to Audra. “Quincy's mother doesn't like me.”

“She doesn't know you well yet, honey.” Quincy planted a quick kiss on Ramona's forehead. “She'll love you once she gets to know you.”

“I can empathize, Ramona.” Jackson released Audra's hand and drew her closer to his side. “Audra's parents are visiting later in the summer.”

“And you'll impress my mother, the voracious reader, by introducing her to the owner of Books and Bakery.” Audra smiled up at him. “And you'll win over my father, the workaholic, by taking him fishing, which he hasn't done in decades.”

“You see?” Ramona waved a hand in Jackson's direction. “You have a plan. But after the Wedding of the Century, I'll be counting the days until Quincy and I return to Philadelphia and reclaim our lives.”

Quincy tensed. How would Ramona react if they didn't return to Philadelphia?

“You'll win them over, Ramona.” Audra's assurance recaptured Quincy's attention. “But we should let you get settled in. Let us know if there's anything you need. It's so good to have you home.”

After exchanging more hugs and handshakes, and promising to see each other later, Quincy and Ramona found themselves alone again. He followed Ramona back into the cabin.

It was a cozy, welcoming floor plan. The great room's walls, floors, and ceiling were made of gleaming honey-colored wood. A granite stone fireplace dominated the room. The furniture was decidedly masculine, including the dark overstuffed sofa and fat fabric chairs. But feminine accents complimented them. Quincy gazed at the large flat-screen, cable-ready television with relief. He'd be able to track the countdown to Major League Baseball's World Series.

“The color scheme in this room is perfect.” Ramona's comment drew Quincy's attention from the T.V.

Quincy hadn't noticed the color patterns. Since Ramona was an interior designer, he wasn't surprised that she had. His gaze touched lightly on the brown leather sofa and brown fabric chair, then lifted to the green curtains in the windows around the room. The delicate doilies were swirls of red, yellow, and orange.

He turned to Ramona and frowned. “What are you doing?”

“Trying to improve the chi in this great room.” Ramona paused with her hands on the sofa and met Quincy's gaze over her shoulder. “The furnishings are too close together. It impedes the flow of energy.”

Quincy realized she was referring to feng shui. He still didn't understand it, though.

“Let me help you.” Quincy positioned himself on the other side of the sofa. He allowed her to direct him in making the necessary chi adjustments. “It's good to be back.”

“Yes, it is.” Ramona straightened from the sofa and stepped back. “That's better.”

Quincy kept his eyes on Ramona as she evaluated the rest of the room. So beautiful! His heart sighed every time he looked at her. An oversized yellow linen top complimented her café au lait skin and made her wide ebony eyes appear even more exotic. Her long dancer's legs in her black yoga pants made his mouth water. Her canvas shoes were almost the same color as her top. And long, silver earrings spied through thick, shoulder-length raven hair that featured in his fantasies.

He'd had an almost paralyzing crush on Ramona all through high school. But Quincy had been invisible to the homecoming queen. Her high school heartthrob had been Ean Fever, captain of the football team—and one of Quincy's best friends. Ean had been larger than life. In contrast, Quincy had been in the shadows. However, Ean and Ramona's relationship had ended shortly after Ean had graduated from law school and taken a job at a prestigious firm in New York. Quincy was still thanking the Fates for this second chance with Ramona as well as the courage to take it. But would his doubts about his future ruin the happily-ever-after they were working toward?

Quincy pulled his gaze from the dark sweep of Ramona's hair and looked around the cabin. “I'm glad we're spending part of the summer break here with our friends.”

“Me, too.” Ramona settled her elegant hands on her hips. “Maybe while we're here, I'll give Jack some tips on incorporating feng shui into the decor for all of his cabins.”

“It's worth a try.” Quincy couldn't picture the rental cabin owner buying into the feng shui principles on which Ramona based her interior design business.

“You don't think I'll convince him, do you?” Ramona sent Quincy a cheeky grin over her shoulder.

“It'll be a tough sell.” His eyes lingered on her full lower lip.

“You'll see.”

Quincy crossed to their suitcases. “We've missed a lot of events, like the endowed chair dinner in Ms. Helen's honor.”

The ceremony was an occasion they would have participated in—if they'd been home. He regretted missing the evening. Had Ramona thought of it at all?

“We had events at Penn.” Ramona sounded distracted. She wandered the great room, opening curtains and adjusting furniture. “We can't be two places at one time.” Ramona shrugged a slim shoulder.

“No, we can't.” Quincy tracked Ramona's movements. “But are we making the best choices regarding the events we do attend?”

“We don't have a choice.” Ramona's eyes sought his. Hers were dark with confusion. “We're part of the University of Pennsylvania community now.”

“Are we? You haven't met many people.”

“I will.” Ramona shrugged a shoulder as she crossed to him. She grabbed a suitcase and led them into the bedroom. “And my interior design business will pick up with time. I've only been in Philadelphia four months.”

“Are you happy in Philadelphia? Do you like Penn?” Quincy hoisted two suitcases and followed Ramona. He searched for any sign she was homesick.

Ramona lowered the suitcase at the foot of the bed and faced him. “This isn't like living in New York with Ean, if that's what's been worrying you.”

Quincy released the suitcases. “I didn't mean—”

“I'm not the same person I was nine years ago when Ean and I lived in New York.”

“I know—”

“I'm not going to pack my things and leave. You can trust me.”

Quincy held her upper arms to get her attention. “Ramona, I do trust you. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm asking these questions because I want to make sure you're happy.”

“Of course I'm happy.” Ramona raised her hand and cupped Quincy's cheek. “I'm with you.”

Her words warmed his heart. Her touch stirred his senses. Quincy held Ramona closer to him.

He had the career of his dreams and the woman of his heart. Still, neither would be enough until they found their home. But would home be the same for both of them?

CHAPTER 21

A key turned in the lock inside Books & Bakery early Tuesday morning. Ramona straightened from the outside wall, tucking her home decorating magazine into her canvas tote bag.

“You're up early.” Megan stepped back, pulling the door wide. She looked the epitome of professionalism in her bronze skirt suit and black pumps.

“I live with a university professor who insists on scheduling eight o'clock classes. My body clock is still on university time.” Ramona embraced her younger cousin. “It's good to see you. I've missed you so much.”

“I've missed you more.” Megan hugged her tight. “It's great to have you home.”

Ramona stepped back, blinking away tears—of joy, obviously. She walked with her cousin to the store's café. Their footsteps tapped lightly against the dark hardwood flooring.

“Where's Quincy?” Megan inspected the book and magazine shelves as they made their way across the store.

“He's visiting friends at the university.” Ramona scanned the magazine titles.

“Hopefully, I'll see him later.” Megan paused to straighten a row of periodicals.

The scents of cinnamon, cocoa, and confectioners' sugar grew stronger as they made their way to the bakery. Ramona breathed deeply, savoring the aromas. “I've missed that smell.”

Megan chuckled. “I'm sure all those big city attractions helped distract you from Doreen's heavenly baking.”

Megan's comment dampened Ramona's spirits a little more. “Nothing can distract me from Doreen's baking.”

Arriving at the café's counter, Ramona slid onto one of the bar stools and watched while Megan continued into the kitchen. Seconds later, her cousin returned with a beaming Doreen. The bakery manager's lemon yellow apron protected her clothing from neck to knees. But Ramona spied a pink floral blouse and dark blue jeans behind the baker's armor.

“Welcome home!” The town's mayor and Books & Bakery café manager circled the counter.

The greeting brought a lump to Ramona's throat. This was home.
Why have I realized it so late?

“It's great to see you.” Ramona rose from the bar stool to exchange a long, hard embrace with Doreen. Although she suspected they wouldn't have had a close relationship if she'd actually married Doreen's son, Ean.

“What would you like for breakfast?” Doreen finally stepped back, releasing Ramona.

“How about some French toast?” Ramona returned to her bar stool.

“Coming right up.” Doreen disappeared into the kitchen.

“Have you settled into the cabin?” Megan offered Ramona a white porcelain mug of coffee.

Ramona smiled her thanks. The mere anticipation of caffeine lifted her spirits. “Yes, we're very comfortable, although it needs some help with the feng shui.”

While they waited for her French toast, Ramona and Megan caught up on the happenings in Trinity Falls—town events, friends, neighbors, and notorious personalities. It seemed like no time at all before Doreen reappeared. She set a plate bearing several slices of hot French toast in front of Ramona.

Ramona inhaled the fragrant steam rising from the bread. She closed her eyes in ecstasy. “Heaven. You're not going to tell me your secret ingredient, are you?”

“Never.” Doreen accepted a mug of coffee from Megan. “But if you keep flattering me, I'll keep making it for you.”

“Done.” Ramona ate a forkful of Doreen's special French toast. Her taste buds popped and swirled in her mouth.

Megan leaned a hip against the counter. “Now that we've caught up on the latest events in town, what's new with you and Quincy?”

Ramona hesitated before slicing more French toast. She lifted her gaze to Megan's, then Doreen's, before dropping it to her plate again. “Quincy's been acting weird, more weird than usual.”

“In what way?” Megan sounded concerned.

Ramona glanced blindly around the café as she struggled to put her worries into words. “He's been distant, preoccupied. Moody.”

“Does it have something to do with the university?” Doreen's straight eyebrows knitted in concern.

“I don't know.” Ramona shrugged her frustration.

“Why don't you just ask him?” Benita's voice came from somewhere behind Ramona.

The presence of her rival triggered all of Ramona's high school resentment. She tried to bury the eighteen-year feud as she shifted on the bar stool to face Benita. It didn't help that her former classmate was even more beautiful than she'd been when they'd attended Heritage High.

Ramona's tone cooled. “I have asked him. He says it's nothing.” She returned her attention to Megan and Doreen. “I've stopped asking. I thought he'd tell me when he was ready. But it's been months.”

“When did you notice his mood change?” Benita settled onto the bar stool beside her, much to Ramona's regret.

“After we came back from Ken's retirement party.” Ramona sliced into her French toast. Part of her resented Benita's questions. It made it harder to ignore the other woman.

Benita inclined her head toward Megan and Doreen. “Good morning. How are you ladies?”

Doreen gave Benita the warm smile she reserved for her friends. “I'm fine, thanks, Benita. What can I get you?”

“Just coffee for now, please. I'm still easing into the morning.” Benita's dimple winked into her right cheek.

Ramona scowled some more. “Has Quincy said anything to either of you? Or to Ean and Darius?”

“He's sent Ean and me a couple of e-mails.” Megan poured a mug of coffee for Benita. “He didn't mention any problems.”

“He hasn't said anything to me, either.” Doreen shook her head.

“Maybe it's time to ask him again.” Benita sipped her coffee. “And this time, don't take ‘It's nothing' for an answer. The two of you are a team. Communication is the foundation of every relationship. If your relationship is going to flourish, you have to communicate.”

Benita sounded so smart and confident. She set Ramona's teeth on edge.

“I should have spoken with you weeks ago.” Doreen cradled her coffee as though desperate for its warmth.

Ramona considered Doreen. “Is there trouble on your island, too?”

“Alonzo has been distant, preoccupied, and moody for months.” Doreen gave Ramona a pointed look. “Sound familiar?”

“He and Quincy must be on the same prescription medication.” Ramona's tone was dry with sarcasm. She loved a good mystery but not when it interfered with her personal life.

Benita's brows knitted. “Alonzo seemed fine every time we discussed your wedding plans.”

“I can tell when something's on his mind.” Doreen shrugged restlessly. “He's been acting strangely since I accepted his proposal.”

“Maybe that's why Quincy's been moody.” Ramona suspected she was grasping at straws. “Maybe he's going to propose.”

“I think it's more likely that Alonzo's getting cold feet.” Doreen stared into her coffee mug as though seeking answers.

A chill traveled Ramona's spine. Doreen's words echoed the fear she'd been shutting out for the past four months.

“That's not possible, Doreen.” Megan's denial was confident. “Alonzo's loved you too much and for too long to have cold feet.”

“Just ask him what's wrong.” Benita leaned into the counter, holding Doreen's gaze. “And this time, don't allow him to be evasive.”

“Well, Doreen, we have our homework.” Ramona slid a glare toward Benita. The other woman was right. Darn her. “We have to ask our men why they're acting like . . . men.”

What was behind Quincy's distance, his preoccupation, his moodiness? Did she have the courage to find out?

 

 

“I want to come home to Trinity Falls.” Quincy stared at his sandwich, roast beef and cheddar on whole wheat.

He was seated at one of the window tables at Books & Bakery Tuesday afternoon, sharing lunch with Ean and Darius. Ramona was catching up with friends and former coworkers from the mayor's office over lunch. With her absence, he could speak freely about his thoughts on living in Philadelphia.

“Are you sure you gave Penn a fair chance?” Darius was playing devil's advocate again. Quincy hated that.

“Positive.” Quincy met the newspaper man's eyes. “I prefer teaching at a small liberal arts university, much smaller. I can get to know students and faculty members who aren't in my academic division. I also can spend time with staff in different departments.”

Darius lowered his glass of iced tea and lifted his hand. “You don't need to get your feathers ruffled, Q.”

“Darius and I want you to come home.” Ean gestured across the table to Darius before returning his attention to Quincy beside him. “But we want to make sure returning to Trinity Falls is in your best interests.”

“What do you mean?” Quincy looked from one childhood friend to another.

“Don't sell yourself short.” Darius's voice was somber. “Teaching at Penn, your grad school alma mater, has been a dream of yours for a very long time.”

“How can you abandon that goal now that you've finally achieved it?” Ean sounded dubious.

Quincy looked from Darius to Ean and back. “I thought you guys would be happy that I want to come back.”

“Are you sure you have a PhD?” Darius looked at Quincy as though he'd sprouted a second head. “Of course we want you to come home. But we don't want you to settle for less than your best.”

“Trinity Falls University is a great institution.” Ean nudged his empty soup bowl aside and folded his arms on the table. “But Penn has more resources, better pay, and great prestige. Do you really want to walk away from that?”

“Penn isn't home.” Quincy dragged a hand over his clean-shaven head. “Foster said TFU would take me back—with full tenure.”

“When did you speak with Foster?” Darius exchanged a look with Ean.

“This morning.” Quincy drank his root beer.

Ean frowned. “Does Ramona know you met with him?”

“There's no need to tell her yet.” Quincy took in his surroundings.

Books & Bakery's customer base had increased even more since the last time Quincy had been home. Before Megan had expanded her bookstore to include the bakery section of her operation and hired Doreen to help her, foot traffic to her store had dwindled. But now that the café had opened and she'd upgraded her special events, such as the Halloween party, her customer base had surged.

“You haven't told her you're thinking of getting your old job back?” Darius shook his head. “That's a recipe for disaster, my friend.”

Quincy flushed at the rebuke in Darius's eyes. The other man was right. “I had to make sure I could get my job back first.”

“You have to tell her before someone else does.” Ean drank his iced tea.

Quincy frowned. “No one else knows about our meeting. How would she find out?”

“Two words: Trinity. Falls.” Darius gave him a knowing look. “But this isn't about the job, is it?”

“Of course it is.” Quincy looked away from Darius's intense gaze. “With Ken Hartford's retirement, there's an opening in TFU's history department. Current faculty members have taken on more courses and are advising more students. But next year, they want to hire a full-time professor.”

“Everything's in place for your return.” Darius shrugged. “What's holding you back?”

“Ramona.” Quincy stared into his half-empty glass of root beer.

Ean frowned. “Is she happy at Penn?”

“She seems to be.” Quincy looked at Ean, then allowed his gaze to slide away. “We've gone to museums, plays, and concerts. And of course the shops.”

Darius settled back onto the spindly white café chair. “Does she know you're unhappy at Penn?”

“I haven't told her.” Quincy shook his head. “I accepted Penn's offer because I thought Ean and Ramona were getting back together.”

“I told you I hadn't returned for Ramona.” Ean finished off his iced tea.

“I didn't believe you at first. And I never expected Ramona and me to be together this long.” Sometimes he wondered if he was dreaming.

“Are you sure you have a PhD?”

Quincy looked up at Darius's question. “I still don't understand what you mean when you say that.”

Ean leaned into the table, drawing Quincy's irritation away from Darius. “What Darius means is that it's obvious Ramona loves you.”

Quincy gave Ean a pained look. “Will she love me if I want to move back to Trinity Falls?”

“Ask her.” Darius shrugged.

“And how do I do that?” Quincy's heart pounded. Nerves? “‘Honey, once my contract with Penn is up in June, let's move back to Trinity Falls, the town you hate because you think it's so small.'”

Darius shook his head. “Her friends are here. Megan, her only surviving relative, is here.”

“Just be direct with her.” Ean slapped Quincy on the shoulder. “If she knows how unhappy you are in Philadelphia, she'll return to Trinity Falls.”

“At least have the conversation, Q.” Darius held Quincy's gaze.

“What if she doesn't want to return?” Quincy rubbed his forehead. “What am I supposed to do then? How can I choose between the town I love and the woman I need?”

 

 

“This is a far cry from the first time we had dinner here.” Quincy observed the interior of the Trinity Falls Cuisine restaurant from the comfort of their booth seating Tuesday evening. The decor was comfortingly familiar.