Breathless (11 page)

“I haven't told her.” Lydia said. “After all, why bother getting her hopeful if it doesn't work out.”

“She'll be sorely disappointed she missed this.” Warren placed his hand to the side of his mouth. “I'll make a point of telling her so she's fully aware.”

“You're too funny.” Lydia wondered how Matthew felt about all the gossip that went on in this little town. She worried he would reconsider asking her out again.

“Well, you two enjoy the rest of your evening.” Warren gave a smirk in Matthew's direction. “And Matthew, we really need to meet on the finer places to take a lady.”

Matthew let out a loud laugh. It caused some of Lydia's apprehension to leave.

Left alone again, Lydia stared at Matthew, who gave off a look that was warm and inviting in a way she hadn't noticed before. She wondered how her knees had weakened; after all she was sitting down. The evening continued with interruptions by people stopping to say their hellos. As the intruders took their seats, they would stare and whisper. Their date would be all over the grapevine within an hour.

After dinner, Matthew drove the car toward Devonshire. “I guess I should have spoken to Warren before deciding on a place. He'd have suggested somewhere more private.”

“I had a wonderful evening.”

“Even with all the stares?” Matthew's jaw set tight, and his mouth formed a frown.

“Let them look. They're jealous because my escort happened to be the most eligible bachelor in the area.” She touched his arm. The warmth of his skin came through the sleeve.

Matthew laughed again. His jaw relaxed, and the tension left his face as he took her hand.

Her heart did a flip when they pulled up in front of her house. Were the rules different dating a minister than a regular guy? What would be the appropriate protocol? Her insides shook as he escorted her by the elbow to the front door.

“I hope you did enjoy yourself. I probably should have taken you somewhere other than Fred's.” Matthew ran his knuckle under her chin.

“I did have a wonderful evening.” Butterflies flew constantly inside.

“I had hoped to get to know you better. Less interruptions.”

“You wanted it informal.”

“That I did. Next time, some place a little less busy.” Matthew faced the ground. “If you allow a next time.”

She grinned. “I believe I can do that.”

He touched her hair, and her midsection shuddered. If he tried, would she allow him to kiss her? Disappointment flushed in as he touched his lips to her cheek.

“I guess I'll see you in church tomorrow.”

He brushed her lips with his thumb. Tempted to grab it with her teeth, she decided against of it. Proper etiquette probably didn't include biting a minister, in any religion.

“I'll be there.” Lydia hoped she sounded indifferent, instead of frustrated. Once inside the house her shoulders released. She hadn't realized how tense she'd been. If he had kissed her, she probably would have fainted in his arms.

She chose not to answer the telephone that buzzed as she entered the bedroom. She didn't want to take the chance on someone destroying her evening. Within seconds, her cell rang. The caller ID read Winters, M.

A grin crawled onto her lips as she answered.

“I called your home number a moment ago, but there was no answer.” Matthew's deep voice came over the line. “I got a bit worried.”

“I'm fine. I've decided to unplug it so I can get a restful night's sleep.”

“Sounds like a wonderful idea. I called to say goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

The motorcycle engine roared, then faded into the dark. Lydia smiled. She placed her hand against her heart and admitted it to herself. She actually felt happy.

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

Lydia spun the tomato, looking for any imperfections before placing it in the green basket she carried. The bright overhead lights cast a glare on the perfectly aligned apples in a variety green, red, and yellow. After having placed two Red Delicious apples in her basket, she walked over to the cantaloupe. A spicy smell drifted over her. Matthew. Her pulse jumped, declaring feelings she couldn't ignore. It had been three days since their date at Fred's, and Lydia could think of nothing else.

“Are you following me?” She spoke without turning around.

“You need to eat more meat.” He looped his arm over her shoulder. “There's absolutely nothing fattening in here. No chocolate to put some padding on those bones.”

She elbowed him in the ribs, and he flinched. “I have enough padding, thank you very much.”

“There are too many fruits and vegetables. There isn't one thing in there that isn't healthy. Live a little.”

“I live just fine. Besides I'm here with Warren. He decided to fly out so he could stay a few extra days. He's picking up the bad stuff.”

“Great. You had me worried there for a minute.” Matthew leaned against the produce counter. “Is Warren excited about his new job?”

“I think so. A mixture of euphoria and nervousness. Especially since he's going to a new place that he's unfamiliar with and has no friends or family.” Lydia frowned. She already missed him, and he hadn't left yet.

“I gave him the number to my pastor friend. He has yet to meet a stranger, so Warren should have no trouble. He's also agreed to allow Warren to stay in his spare room until he finds a place of his own.” Matthew glanced at his watch. “I guess I'll see you later. I have a meeting at 11:30. You are coming to the service on Wednesday, aren't you?”

“I'll be there.”

“And how about dinner Friday?” A look of apprehension crawled over him.

She smiled. “What shall I wear?”

“Something nice.” Matthew leaned toward her. “I plan to follow Warren's advice and take you somewhere more appropriate.”

Lydia laughed as she watched Matthew amble off.

“Boo!”

Lydia jumped. Jimmy Newman's arms enclosed her waist. He swung her, taking her feet off the ground. “I seen you talking to your preacher. You really like him, don't you?”

“He's nice enough.” Lydia struggled to pull away but Jimmy's hold tightened. He reeked of alcohol. She assumed he'd also started taking drugs again. His unexpected appearance made Lydia reconsider her doubts about his guilt as her stalker. Could he be following her?

“I can be real nice, too.” He whispered loudly into her ear. “How about I show you how nice I can be?”

“Jimmy. I have to get a few more things before Warren's ready to go.”

“Warren, huh? You think so much of him. I could tell you stories.” He released his hold and grabbed a banana, peeled it back and took a bite. He tossed the peel back in the bin with the other uneaten fruit. “Come on Lydia. I remember how much fun we used to have. Take a walk with me.”

“I can't, I'm busy.”

“Come on. Your preacher won't need to know.”

“Jimmy, please stop it.” Unease crept in at the fact he seemed to be following her.

“I'm only asking you to go for a walk.” His voice tensed as he grabbed her by the wrist. Her basket toppled onto the floor. Its contents scattered across the aisle. “I ain't asking you to marry me. Let's go find a nice place where we can be alone. You used to enjoy being alone with me.”

Pain shot up her arm. “Jimmy stop. You're hurting me.”

Jimmy winced as hands grabbed him by the scruff of his neck.

“Let go of the lady before I break you in two.” Matthew's look told Lydia he meant business.

Jimmy quickly released her, yet Matthew continued his hold. Warren had arrived and stood behind the two men, anger hanging over him as well. Other customers began to gather also. Lydia hated all the attention they were garnering.

Jimmy finally freed himself. “You ain't got no right to touch me,” he shouted.

“You leave her alone, and I won't have to touch you.” Inches separated the two men.

“I'll see to it my dad has you fired, preacher man.” Jimmy retreated, bumping into a nearby produce stand, sending oranges rolling to the floor. He stumbled upright before running out the rear of the store.

“Did he hurt you?” Warren walked up to Lydia, his lips thin as anger reigned in his eyes.

Lydia could hardly retrieve her senses. “Maybe my arm.”

Matthew moved Lydia's wrist, not saying a word or making an indication he noticed the bruising beginning to show. “Let's get you to a doctor to have it looked at.” He then pulled her into a hug.

She clung to him as tears escaped. “He was drunk.” She ached at Jimmy falling off the wagon again. She'd hoped he would finally break the addiction.

“Let's take you to Dr. Reese.” Warren guided her to the car with Matthew on her other side. “Don't worry. I'll take care of you.”

“How about I call Riley?” Matthew said as he helped her to the car. “He could pick Jimmy up and put him in a cell. Even if it's overnight, it would give him a chance to sober up and realize what he's done.”

“Or give him more of a reason to drink,” Lydia said as Matthew opened the door for her. “I'll be fine, and you've got a meeting to get to.”

“I can postpone it.” He touched the side of her cheek. “You're my top priority.”

His words made Lydia feel safe and warm. “I'll be fine. Besides, Warren will take care of me. If you think Sheryl's a mother hen, you've not seen anything until Warren takes over.”

“If you insist.” Matthew looked over Lydia's shoulder to Warren. “Do me a favor and stay close to her until you get her home. We can't be too sure where Jimmy wandered off to.”

Warren scanned the parking lot, his jaw still taut.

She hated to be the cause of all this tension.

At the doctor's office, Dr. Reese placed Lydia's sprained wrist in a brace to be worn for a week. It took Lydia over an hour to get Warren to leave once she got home. Her heart skipped a beat when her cell phone rang. A dash of disappointment wandered in upon seeing it wasn't Matthew.

“Hello Riley,” she said. “I'm assuming someone called you about Jimmy.”

“Are you all right?” His voice carried the concern she knew it would. He had to be getting tired of taking care of her.

“I've got a sprain, but I'll be fine.”

“If you want to file a complaint, I'll pick him up. Wouldn't hurt him to sit in jail for a day or two.”

“But it might hurt his mother. Melanie has been through so much with him. Besides, he's been in jail before with no luck, so there's really no point in doing it again.”

“He could be your caller.”

“But there's no way to be sure. And I'd hate to hurt his family if it turns out we're wrong. Besides, he's never come after me before, why would he now?”

“Drugs make you do bad things. If you change your mind, just say so.”

Once she hung up, she looked at the ceiling. “Please God, don't let Jimmy hurt himself or someone else just because I didn't join him for a walk.”

 

****

 

Lydia closed the lid to the trash can as the dark blue Lincoln Town Car pulled up to the curb. James and Melanie Newman stepped from the vehicle. Lydia swallowed down her tension as they approached. She hadn't seen them at church on Wednesday. Hopefully, they didn't know about her altercation with Jimmy. A lot to hope for in such a small town.

Her stomach was already doing jumps because of her date; she didn't need any more anxiety.

“Lydia, how are you?”

James wore the same smile as when he asked for campaign donations. Lydia ran over the date in her mind to see if he might be on the campaign trail.

“I'm doing fine,” Lydia said. “How are you two?”

“Not too good.” Tears stood in Melanie's eyes. “We haven't heard from Jimmy since Tuesday afternoon.”

James added. “He told us what happened at the store.”

Lydia just nodded, waiting for one of them to continue.

James leaned in and lowered his voice. “It looks like our pastor might have a bit of a temper on him.”

“What are you talking about?” Lydia took a step back.

“Jimmy told me Matthew attacked him just for talking to you,” James said.

“And you believed him?” Lydia wanted to attack James at that moment. She looked at Melanie for some response but got none. “It couldn't be that maybe Jimmy was lying to you, could it?”

“Why would he?” James's face carried a stunned look.

“Because he's drinking again.” Lydia let out a loud sigh. “He was drunk and tried to drag me from the store. All Matthew did was make him let go.”

“I can't believe Jimmy would ever try to hurt you.” James voice held a light tremor. “He's always cared very much for you.”

“I don't think he meant to hurt me. He just did.” Lydia held up her wrist, revealing the brace. “I'm sorry.”

“That explains why we haven't seen him.” Melanie took hold of Lydia's hand. “Is it anything serious?”

“No, I'll be fine. I know you hoped this time he'd quit. We all did.”

James nodded his head. “He needs a good woman to take care of him. Someone like you.”

“No,” Lydia let out a weighted breath. “What he needs is to decide to change and ask God to help him. James, neither you nor I can help him if he doesn't want it.”

“I suppose you're right.” He paused. “I guess I'm just worried about you, that's all.”

“Worried about what?” Anxiety crept in.

“Everyone knows about those terrible phone calls. And the women, you know how some of them gossip. Word has gotten around that you've been seen with Matthew.”

She forced herself not to roll her eyes. Women aren't the only ones who gossip. Lydia chose not to speak the words. Maybe her silence would hurry him to his point so he would move on, and she could get ready for her date. She suppressed a grin as she wondered how James would react if he knew she was seeing Matthew that very night.

“Not that he isn't a great guy, and you do have every reason to see him. It's just that some of the women are saying they saw you making out on your front porch the other night. That's not exactly appropriate behavior for a Christian woman, or a minister for that matter.”

“James!” Melanie gave her husband a harsh look as Lydia's mouth dropped open.

James put his hands up. “Now, what you do is between you and God, but you have to think of the children who may have been watching.”

Lydia placed her hands on her hips. “I haven't done anything wrong. All he did was kiss me on the cheek. But if we did make out, I bet he'd be really good at it,” she blurted. “Maybe you'd better stop listening to the gossip yourself, and get the whole story.”

Riley's cruiser pulled behind the Newman automobile parked in the road. James seemed oblivious to the sheriff's arrival.

“I'm sorry. I should have known. You've never come off like some sort of harlot. Besides, I can't believe you'd treat Justin's memory like that. He was such a good man.”

She felt the blood drain from her face as reality crashed in around her. Except for a few quick moments, she hadn't thought about the phone calls. Could James be the one making them? What was it the caller said? Something about treating Justin like that. Sweat beads popped out on her forehead, and her breathing intensified.
Please God, don't let me panic.

“Lydia, what's wrong.” James grabbed her arm. “I didn't mean to upset you.”

“Don't touch me.” She jerked her arm away from him.

“Lydia, what's going on?” Riley rushed to her side.

James took another step toward her. “I mentioned Justin, and she went pale. I think she might faint.”

“Maybe we should get her inside.” Melanie approached Lydia, touching her face as if checking for a fever. “It's just all too much with Jimmy hurting you. And she's right.” She glanced at her husband with tight lips. “Her dating Matthew is none of our business. They're both good people and deserve happiness.”

Lydia swallowed hard, shaking off all the people who crowded around her. “Thank you for that Melanie. I appreciate your support. I'm fine, but I have things I need to do right now, so if you'll all excuse me.” She turned, held her head high, walked up her porch and through her front door leaving Riley to deal with the Newmans. Once inside, she worked to recall the words of her caller. Why would James be the person terrorizing her?

Riley walked in the house. “Do you mind telling me what just happened?” Riley closed the door behind him. “When I pulled up, I thought you were going to have a heart attack right there on your front lawn.”

“I think it might be James calling me.” Lydia sat on the edge of her sofa. “He said some of the same things that were on the last message.”

“I'll look into it. Don't worry; if it's him we'll prove it. Are you going to be all right?”

Lydia checked her watch. “I'll be fine. I have other things to think about. Like getting ready for my date.” She hopped to her feet and gave Riley a smile.

“A date? I sure hope he does better than the diner down the road.” Riley gave her a grin and patted her shoulder.

“He'd better. I'm planning to dress up for this one.”

 

****

 

Why couldn't he decide? Women spent all day trying to pick the perfect outfit to wear, not men. Matthew had been on plenty of dates before. So why was his stomach in knots? He was perfectly fine when he took her to Fred's. How could this date be any more special than their first one? And why couldn't he find something to wear?