A Man to Trust (14 page)

Adrie laughed. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

His smile faded. “There aren’t any other girls making pizza for me—or anything else.”

She shifted her gaze away. “Oh…thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

He was pushing it, but she seemed receptive. “Hey, what are you doing Tuesday night?”

She sent him a quizzical look. “You mean tomorrow?”

“Yes.” He watched her carefully.

“Well, it’s my birthday.”

“I know.” He couldn’t hide his grin.

“Who told you?”

“A little bird named Marian.”

She laughed. “I’m having dinner with that little bird.”

“I know about dinner. She invited me. I mean after that.”

Her eyes widened. “She invited you?”

“Yeah. Hope that’s okay.”

“Of course. She just didn’t say anything to me.”

“Oops. Maybe that was supposed to be part of the surprise.”

Adrie tipped her head. “Is there another part?”

“Well…since it’s your birthday, and you love classical music, I got tickets to hear the Whatcom Symphony at the Mount Baker Theater.”

She smiled. “I didn’t know you liked classical music.”

“I like all kinds of music.”

“But will that work with dinner?”

“The concert doesn’t start until eight. Marian said we could eat early.” He reached over and stacked her plate on top of his. “So, what do you say?”

Her smile was full and warm. “I’d love to go.”

“You would? Wow, that’s great.” He’d been planning this for over a week, ever since he’d heard her birthday was coming up. But he’d prayed and waited, asking the Lord to show him when it was the right time to ask. He lifted a silent prayer of thanks. Finally, it looked like the door to Adrie’s heart was swinging open, and he was ready to walk through.

Chapter Sixteen

A
drie added a copy of one of her favorite Christmas books to the window display, then stood back. “Do you think that’s too many books?” she asked Ross. “I don’t want it to be too cluttered.”

He leaned over her shoulder. “Can’t tell. Let’s go out front and take a look.”

She nodded and headed for the door.

“Hey, it’s cold out there. Let me get your coat.”

“We’re just going out for a couple minutes.”

“It’s okay. I’ll be right back.” He sent her a quick smile and headed for the office.

“Thanks,” she called. He had been so sweet lately. Maybe it wasn’t just lately. He’d always been thoughtful and caring. The difference seemed to be, she was finally more receptive to it.

She bit her lip. Was she making a mistake by opening her heart to Ross? He’d never mentioned their kiss on the beach or said any more about giving their relationship a chance to grow. Instead, he’d continued to be a kind and caring friend.

What would she do when it was finally time to leave Fairhaven and say goodbye to Ross?

Her heart clenched, but she pushed those thoughts aside. There was no sense worrying about it now.

Ross returned wearing his jacket and carrying her coat. He held it out so she could slip it on.

“Thanks.” She sent him a warm smile.

“You’re welcome.” He winked and held the door open for her.

He certainly knew how to brighten her day and make her feel special. She might as well enjoy their friendship. For all she knew, it could be years before she found her dream job. Maybe she never would. Perhaps all these closed doors were God’s way of keeping her in Fairhaven so she and Ross could be together. Was that God’s plan for her?

But what about her music? How could she just toss aside fourteen years of study and preparation?

Autumn leaves swirled down the street on a brisk breeze, pulling her attention back to the task at hand. “I suppose we ought to take down the scarecrows this week.” They had won an honorable mention with their harvest display, and it had drawn a few people into the store, but the mums had faded and the gourds and pumpkins looked ready to be tossed.

“I’ll take it down Thanksgiving morning, then we’ll be ready for Black Friday.”

“I could help. I don’t have to be over at Nana’s to start cooking until about ten-thirty.”

“Great. How about nine?”

“That works for me.”

“Do you have some Christmas decorations you wanted to put up?”

“We usually buy a fresh wreath from Rebecca’s Flower Shoppe and string little white lights around the windows.”

“Sounds nice.” He glanced up at the cloudy sky. “Maybe we’ll even get some snow to put people in the Christmas spirit.”

“Oh, please, no snow yet.” She rubbed her arms and shivered.

“Ross?” a strong male voice called from across the street.

Adrie and Ross turned as a middle-aged couple stepped off the curb and headed their way. Ross sent her a quick glance she couldn’t quite interpret.

The man strode toward them dressed in an expensive-looking black wool coat and burgundy scarf. His thick silver hair was neatly trimmed and combed back in a precise style. The woman scurried along behind him wearing a navy raincoat and a gray knit hat with a floppy brim. Under her arm she carried a black umbrella and small purse.

“Dad. Mom.” Ross hustled to meet them at the curb and gave his mother a hug, but he hesitated as he faced his father.

Mr. Peterson stuck out his hand, a slight scowl on his face. “Ross.” He shook his son’s hand and squinted at the bookstore sign. “This is your store?”

“Yes, sir. Bayside Books.” He motioned toward Adrie. “This is Adrienne Chandler. Her grandmother owns the store. She’s been training me as the manager.” He turned to Adrie. “This is my mom and dad, Sandy and Randal Peterson.” He sent her a look that seemed to be a plea for patience or understanding.

Adrie gave them her warmest smile and extended her hand, first to his mom and then his dad. “It’s great to meet you. Why don’t you come inside and warm up? I’m sure Ross would like to show you around.”

“Thank you,” his mother murmured.

His father silently examined the storefront, his scowl unchanged.

There was obviously some kind of issue between Ross and his parents. She lifted a silent prayer for Ross and followed him up the steps.

He held the door open for Adrie and his parents, and they all walked inside.

“Why, this is a lovely little store,” his mother said with a timid smile. “You have gifts and books, and look, Randal, they even have music.”

Ross extended his hand toward the back of the store. “Let’s go to the café, and I’ll get you some coffee.”

As soon as Ross settled his parents at a table, he silently motioned Adrie to join him behind the café counter. “I’m sorry. I had no idea they were coming,” he whispered.

“Why are you apologizing? It’s nice of them to stop by and see where you work.”

“They didn’t just stop by. They live two hours away in Tacoma.”

“Then they made a special trip. That’s even more impressive.”

“Right.” He lifted his eyes to the ceiling. “It would’ve been nice if they’d let me know they were coming.”

“True, but they’re your parents. I suppose they thought it would be okay.”

“I’m sure this was my dad’s idea.” He pulled two coffee cups off the shelf. “He’s not happy about me working here, and I’m sure he’ll make that clear.”

She laid her hand on his arm. “Don’t worry. I can handle it.” She slid open the glass door on the bakery case. “Do you think they’d like the blueberry cinnamon scones or the lemon raspberry squares?”

“Bring a couple of each. My treat.” Ross reached for his wallet.

“Don’t worry about it, Ross.”

“No, I’ll gladly pay for anything to keep my father happy.” He put the bills in the cash box and poured two cups of coffee.

Adrie carried the bakery treats to the table. “Here you go.” She passed out the plates, forks and napkins.

“Thank you.” His mother looked up and smiled at Adrie, her eyes a tired watery brown. His father’s frown faded slightly as he eyed the desserts.

Ross placed the coffee, cream and sugar on a tray. He had been praying about his relationship with his parents, but he hadn’t expected them to come to the store unannounced. As he headed to the table he debated asking Adrie to join them, because his father’s comments were often abrupt and critical. He wanted to protect her from that if he could. He set the tray on the table and forced a small smile.

“Sit down, Ross. Your mother and I want to talk to you.”

He sent Adrie an apologetic glance.

She nodded slightly and slipped away to the other side of the store.

Ross took a seat. “I didn’t know you were coming to Fairhaven today.” He tried to keep his tone even, but it carried a hint of frustration.

“We’re on our way to Shawn and Andrea’s. They invited the whole family up for Thanksgiving.” His father narrowed his gaze.

Ross’s stomach burned. “Mom mentioned that when she called last week, but I didn’t know you were going up three days early.” His father usually resisted taking extra time off work, even for holidays.

“Your mother wants to help Andrea get the nursery ready.” Ross’s sister was due to give birth in early December. The baby would be his parent’s first grandchild, and even his father seemed to be interested in the preparations, which was totally out of character.

His mother leaned forward. “Won’t you please come with us?”

He held back a groan. So this was why they’d stopped in. He pulled in a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Mom. I only have Thursday off, and I don’t want to spend most of the day driving back and forth to Andrea’s.”

“But Julie and Peter are coming. And it’s so rare we can all get together.” She glanced around the store. “It doesn’t look like you’re very busy. Couldn’t someone else handle things for a few days?”

He shook his head. “We’re expanding our hours for holiday shopping, and we’re pulling in extra help. I can’t take time off right now. I thought I explained that last week.”

His father huffed and crossed his arms. “I told you that we’d be wasting our time coming up here.”

“Randal, it’s not a waste of time to come and see where our son works.”

His father scanned the bookshelves, and his scowl deepened. “Are those Bibles?”

His mother’s eyes widened.

Ross’s stomach knotted, but he straightened his shoulders. “Yes, this is a Christian bookstore.”

“You mentioned going to church, but I had no idea you’d taken a job at a…a religious store.” His father’s face flushed. “What were you thinking, Ross?”

Marian approached their table. “Hello. You must be Mr. and Mrs. Peterson.” Her gracious smile gave no hint if she’d heard his father’s comments. “I’m Marian Chandler, the owner of Bayside Books.”

His father rose and shook her hand. “Mrs. Chandler.”

“Oh, please, call me Marian.” She turned to his mother. “I can’t tell you how pleased we are to have Ross working with us. He’s wonderful with our customers, and his technical skills are finally bringing our store into the twenty-first century.” She chuckled. “He’s got us all set up with a new inventory system, email promotions and now we’re even using social networking. We feel very blessed that he’s managing things for us.”

Both his parents’ expressions eased as they listened to Marian’s praise. He would definitely have to thank her later.

Adrie looked around the end of the bookshelf. “Ross, sorry to interrupt, but could you give me a hand for a minute?”

“Sure.” He turned to his father. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” He got up and followed Adrie across the store. “Thank you,” he whispered.

She looked over her shoulder. “I really do need your help. The register is frozen, and all my usual tricks aren’t working.”

“Okay. I’ll take care of it.”

“How’s it going with your parents?”

Ross shook his head. “Not too well. They just realized this is a Christian bookstore, and my father’s about to pop a blood vessel.”

“They didn’t know?”

“No, I didn’t tell them.” He stepped behind the sales counter and pressed a few keys on the register. “My parents won’t discuss faith or religion. They never have. I’ve been praying for them, but there hasn’t been any great breakthroughs yet.”

“I’m sorry, Ross. That must be hard.” Her tone was soft and filled with understanding.

He clenched his jaw. “They’re good people. Maybe that’s the problem. They don’t see their need for God.”

“It might help if you spent more time with them.”

“They wanted me to go with them to visit my sister and her husband. That’s why they’re here.”

“You mean for Thanksgiving?”

He nodded. “Andrea lives almost three hours north of Vancouver—definitely too far for a day trip. But I guess they thought if they came up here and asked me in person, I might change my mind.”

Adrie laid her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, Ross. I didn’t know you wanted time off.”

“No, it’s okay. I told them I couldn’t go last week. They just don’t like to take no as an answer.”

“Well, most families get together for Thanksgiving.”

“True, but I’d rather spend the day with you.” Marian had invited him over, and he’d been looking forward to celebrating with Adrie, her grandmother and friends. He’d even promised to bring a pumpkin pie. His plans were set. He didn’t want to change them.

But what about his family? How would they hear about God’s love if he didn’t spend time with them and live it out in front of them?

“Maybe you could smooth things over by offering to come down for Christmas.” Warmth and compassion shone in Adrie’s eyes. “I’m sure if we planned ahead, you could take time off that week.”

A slow smile returned to his face. “That’s a good idea.” It might satisfy his parents. And maybe, just maybe, if things continued to move ahead as he hoped, Adrie would come along with him.

His spirit lifted as he imagined her there with him, enjoying time with his sisters and their husbands. Andrea’s baby would’ve arrived, and that would brighten everyone’s holiday.

Yes, Christmas in Tacoma was sounding better all the time.