Playing for Hearts (13 page)

Grayson had left Cottage Grove two weeks ago. The rumors in town swung between Grayson returning to the tennis circuit and him escaping with a woman who'd ended up pregnant from one of his spotlight affairs. Mr. Winston informed her — not that she'd asked — that even the workers at the tennis center were staying silent about their boss's whereabouts.

She opened the front door at the Quayside and stood inside, letting her eyes adjust to the lights. Spotting her friends at the back table, she waved to the host, and then made her way through the room.

John stood up, smiling. “Good. You made it. I was getting ready to call and see if you'd changed your mind.”

She walked into his arms. “I told you I would. I just had something I needed to take care of first.”

“I'll go get you a drink. Have you eaten?” he asked.

“I'm not hungry. A drink will be fine. Thank you.” She sat down.

He left for the bar, and she turned toward Kate. “Is that the new shirt you were talking about?”

“Yep, and it's not the only thing sparkling.” Kate held out her hand and waved her fingers. Shauna gasped. A huge solitaire diamond ring glimmered on Kate's slim finger.

“Get out of here!” She grabbed Kate's hand and brought the piece of high-priced jewelry closer. “When did this happen and why didn't you call me?”

“Wednesday, and I tried.” Kate stuck her lower lip out. “Your dad said you'd moved out. Where have you been, Shauna?”

Diana leaned forward. “We spent all day calling your cell phone, but it goes to voice mail.”

“Diana saw your car at the hotel earlier too.” Kate frowned. “You're not having an affair with some married man, are you? Why aren't you at home?”

John slid into his chair, and picked up the last of the conversation. “That's a question that I think we'd all like to have answered. Your friends called me today, thinking I'd know where you were. I know I've been busy the last couple of weeks, but we have talked and you haven't mentioned anything was wrong. I grew concerned when I couldn't get ahold of you last night, and I stopped by your dad's garage this morning. He wouldn't tell me anything, except I'd have to ask you.”

“You shouldn't have done that,” she whispered, fingering the napkin. “I'm fine. It was always my plan to find my own place, once I had time to look around at the real estate market.”

“Shauna, you're staying at the hotel, not an apartment.” Kate grasped Shauna's hand. “Why?”

“You do know that we're all here to help you … with anything you need.” John reached over and clasped her hand. “You didn't even mention you were having problems when I talked to you while I was in Oregon last week.”

“I'm sorry.” She gazed down at the table.

How did she explain that the precious hold she had on her life had slipped from her grasp? Not willing to allow them to see how much she was hurting, she squared her shoulders and hoped she could tell them without breaking down.

“Apparently, when I was away at college, my mother decided to come back to my father. This is all a surprise to me. I had no idea until the other day. My dad … well, he kept it a secret from me.” She shrugged. “He's happy, I guess, so I figured since I'm an adult I'd give them privacy and find my own place sooner than I planned. With all the hours I'm putting in organizing the Celebrating Cottage Grove event, I haven't found time to go house hunting, or even apartment digging. In the meantime, I'm staying at the hotel.”

“Oh, Shauna.” Kate pulled her into her arms. “You must be in shock.”

“The bitch,” Diana hissed. “I'm sorry, I know she's your mom but you can't let her hurt you again. She almost destroyed you the last time she left.”

John cleared his throat. “Why don't you stay with me? You'll be more comfortable than at the hotel.”

“I couldn't.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I'll be fine, really.”

He frowned. “I insist. I have a spare bedroom and it'll give you time to understand all the changes you're going through. I really like you, Shauna. I don't want to pressure you, but I want to show you how I'm here for you through the good times and bad. As a friend … ”

She glanced around her circle of friends. Kate and Diana nodded, encouraging her to accept his offer. John was someone she could depend on. He was committed to his business, even tempered, and caring. He was nothing like Grayson who let his power control how he acted. No, John was a giver.

She nodded. “Okay, I'll stay in your spare room, but only until I can find somewhere besides a room at the hotel.”

“No hurry.” He smiled. “Is there anything you need?”

She scrunched her nose. “I'd like to get the rest of my clothes from the house, but — ”

“I'll get them for you.” John stood up. “I'll also let your dad know you'll be staying with me. He's worried.”

She swallowed. “Thank you.”

The moment John slipped out of sight, Kate and Diane attacked. Shauna shook her head and held up her hands. She couldn't answer all their questions at once.

“Kate goes first.” She leaned forward. “Two questions from each of you. That's all I'm allowing.”

“Fine.” Kate grabbed her hand. “Does your mom coming back have anything to do with Grayson leaving town?”

“No.”

“Does Grayson's absence have anything to do with you?” Kate lowered her voice. “You can't lie to us.”

She swallowed. “Yes. It's my fault he left.”

“What happened?”

Shauna held up her hand. “You've already asked your two questions. It's Diane's turn.”

“What did he do? I know it wasn't your fault. It never is. He's making you feel guilty again, and that makes me want to kick his ass.” Diana clutched her fingers and held up a fist.

“If he did anything, it was making the mistake of asking me to sleep with him. Next question … ”

“Shut up. You would never turn him down.” Diana narrowed her eyes. “Ever.”

“Are you asking?” Shauna slumped back in her chair.

“Yes, dammit. I want to know if you slept with him.”

“No,” Shauna whispered. “I wanted to, but I couldn't.”

“Oh.” Diana glanced at Kate. “You mean you were unable to … to physically have sex?”

She inflated her cheeks and blew the air out. “No, that's not what I mean. I can't let myself go there. Not with him.”

“Did you turn him down to get even?” Kate rubbed her arm.

She shook her head. “No more questions. I want to hear about your engagement. How did Jackson propose?”

The story went on in front of her, but she couldn't follow along. She smiled and nodded in the right places, but her thoughts drifted back to Grayson. Could he believe she'd told him she wouldn't have sex with him to get back at him?

No, he wouldn't think that way. She would never hurt him to pay him back for all the times he'd ignored her. She slipped her hand into her purse, turned on her phone, and texted Grayson's phone.

I need to talk to you.

There. That's all she could do right now. If he wanted to call her back, the ball was in his court. There was nothing more she could do.

The long, low wolf whistle came from the end of the hall. Shauna lifted her gaze and laughed. It was strange to be going out on a date with the man you were living with.

“You look gorgeous.” John kissed her cheek.

The yellow and turquoise sundress was new, along with the wedged sandals. Yesterday, Kate and Diana had brought over a cake and ice cream to John's house. She hadn't even remembered it was her birthday.

She'd lain awake most of the night wondering what her dad was doing and if he was thinking about her. Even when she was away from home, he'd traveled to Cal State to see her on her birthday.

“We better get going if we're going to make the show.” John picked up his car keys.

She followed him outside, and slid into the passenger seat. A wet nose nudged her arm, and she grinned, reaching to scratch the shaggy mutt in the backseat.

“You've either got a stowaway in your car, or this dog's got a hot date too,” she said.

“Sit down, Blue.” John started the engine. “This one needs a little socialization, so I thought we'd take him with us. You don't mind, do you?”

“Not at all.” She smiled. “I love animals. Maybe I'll buy a dog once I find somewhere to live. I never had a pet growing up. I like the idea of having someone always excited to see me when I come home from work. Do you think a dog would be okay by himself during the day? Maybe I should get a cat.”

John double glanced at her and grinned. “I don't picture you as a cat lady.”

“I said one cat, not six.” Shauna slapped his arm. “You're right though. I think I'm more of a dog person. I'll have to give the idea of being a pet owner more thought. It's a big commitment.”

When they passed the road to Schyler's Tennis Center, she forced herself to keep her eyes on the road. She'd heard Grayson was back, but his whereabouts no longer concerned her. She reached over and slipped her hand into John's.

He squeezed her fingers. “Have you heard what movie they're playing at the park?”

“
Back to the Future.
The first one.” She groaned. “I think I've seen it about twelve times over the years.”

“That's okay.” He leaned over and snuck a quick kiss. “I'm sure we can keep ourselves entertained in other ways.”

Warmth filled her, and she relaxed. John had surprised her during the week and had kept his word on not rushing her into a relationship she wasn't emotionally ready for, but she'd found herself wanting to please him. It was nice to come back to his house after working and he listened as she talked about her day.

He hadn't pushed her to go further than a few kisses. She let him think the reason for her hesitation was because of her mom being back in town. To explain about Grayson and her own feelings was something she wasn't ready to deal with yet.

Once in town, they found a parking spot a block from the main street and walked toward the park. Shauna took Blue's leash from John and slipped her hand into his. The late summer breeze blew her hair off her neck, and she slowed her pace. A crowd had already gathered on the grass, and she waved to several people she recognized.

The Ladies of the Library Association played movies at the park on Saturday nights all throughout the summer for the community. The tradition had started when Shauna had gone away to school. The excitement of the crowd rejuvenated Blue, and he tugged at the leash. She tugged on John's hand to keep up with her as she let Blue have the lead.

The happy spirit flowing in the park was exactly what she wanted for the Celebrating Cottage Grove event. A positive direction on bringing a community together was the main priority. Together, they could accomplish the goal of reviving the town.

Cottage Grove was a small town where people lived their whole lives, and today the multigenerational families were still going strong. Grandparents sat with grandchildren. Parents visited with other adults, and groups of children ran amok.

Blue stuck his black nose up in the air and barked. Shauna stopped and kneeled down. She'd watched John numerous times reward one of the dogs when they'd given a warning bark.

“Good boy.” She stood back up. “What kind of dog is Blue?”

“He's part Border Collie. The rest we'll probably never know.” John shifted the blanket he carried and pointed. “Let's go sit over there.”

Underneath an oak tree, they sat on the quilt and settled Blue in between them. The sun hovered on the horizon. Across the open area stood a large homemade screen made up of several white bed sheets. Shauna waved to Ella who was standing by the picnic table where Mayor Carson was selling bags of popcorn for fifty cents.

“There's Kate and Jackson.” John whistled to grab their attention, and then motioned them over.

Shauna smiled and patted the blanket beside her as they approached. “There's room for more. Sit with us.”

“Thanks.” Kate lowered herself to the ground and squeezed Shauna's hand before whispering, “How are you?”

“Fine.” She brushed off the question and turned to Jackson. “Hey, stranger.”

Jackson, all five foot eleven inches of him, leaned over Kate and hugged Shauna. “It's good to see you back in town. Sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you at mom and dad's party a few weeks back. Kate's been after me to join you girls for a night out, but duty calls.”

“How do you like working for your dad?” Shauna asked.

Jackson's family owned Trident Oil Company. He'd grown up in Cottage Grove and everyone in town had always known he would assume his dad's role and someday take over the business.

Jackson winked. “About as much as I liked following the rules he laid out when I was a teenager. I keep trying to convince him it's time to retire, but dad's going to dictate what I do his whole life.”

Shauna laughed. “I take it you two still butt heads and love every minute of it?”

“Yeah.” He grinned. “Now that my brother Stewart is married, at least dad's eased off on me and placing his attention on Stewart and Jill. They just announced they're going to have a baby.”

“Wow, congratulations, Uncle Jackson.” Shauna grinned.

“Hey, do you two want to go load up on snacks before the movie starts?” Kate scooted closer to Shauna. “I've got the munchies.”

“Popcorn and candy bars coming up.” John pushed himself to his feet. “Diet drinks for you girls?”

“Oh, you did not just insinuate that we
need
diet drinks.” Kate glared.

“Uh … ” John glanced to Jackson, who shrugged and backed up, shaking his head. “No, of course not.”