Chapter Ten

Chapter Nine

 

            Linda felt great. She had thought of everything. Every possible situation had been taken care of. After getting home, and feeling pretty good, from working with Lance that afternoon. Linda thanked Mrs. G and sent her home. Linda had called and set up a baby sitter with the at home daycare in town.  They had quickly said they would send someone out around seven the next evening. Linda guessed that in a small town like this they were always happy to get new business. With that taken care of, she then sat down to relax and watch some cartoons with Emmy.

            With Emmy content, Linda drifted off into her own train of thoughts. The only thing that she needed to worry about was the issue of her unfortunate form of identification. Linda hadn’t even heard the slightest whisper about anyone who was able to forge fake licenses. Hadn’t heard any stories about kids getting into trouble by buying beer with counterfeit identification.

            This worried Linda but she figured that she could stall the issue for a few more days before she would have to really worry about Lance becoming suspicious. There was a college town just a few cities over and she figured that if she was going to get lucky that would be the place to do it. She would just have to tell him that she lost it until then. That would be believable. After all she did just move across the country.

            With that settled she sunk into the worn out material of the couch and enjoyed the rest of the evening with her daughter. It wasn’t until they were both safe in their own beds that Linda felt on edge. She had laid under the covers staring out the window at the moon. A soft breeze ruffled the lace curtains that hung there. She had left the window open to capture the sweet scent of the wind beyond.

            She was tired but she knew that it would be a while before her brain let her fall asleep. She felt like a child on Christmas Eve. It had been so long since she had been out on a date. She doubted she knew what she was doing anymore. She used to be able to bat her eyelashes and flip her hair with the best of them, but that had been years ago.

            Is it even a date? Her mind spoke up. He had only mentioned paper work and talking about her employment after all.

            “Of course it is!” She scoffed under her breath. She didn’t care if she was talking to herself. She only had the moon to overhear.

            He had also mentioned dinner and sightseeing. That counted didn’t it? She hoped it did but how could she be sure.

            He was just being friendly. Her mind prodded her again. Southern hospitality. It whispered to her in the darkness. Linda had felt so certain earlier in the day but now as she lie there in silence talking to herself, she didn’t feel so sure. He had seemed happy and genuinely pleased at the thought of going out. She could still see the flash of brilliance in his smile. She could still feel the warmth that had spread over her body as they shared eye contact.

            But did he? Her mind jabbed one last painful question at her before Linda violently turned over on her side to face the wall.

            “Screw you.” She whispered to the moon as she forced herself to fall asleep. She did eventually fall asleep and thankfully her mind didn’t torment her any more that night.

            Linda woke up later then usual. She was making a habit of this she thought as she lay there listening to the world around her. From her still open window light poured into the room along with the sound of birds and the scent of fresh air and greenery. Down stairs Linda heard the television running. Getting up she went downstairs to investigate.

            With a chuckle she entered the living room to see Emmy already awake. She was still in her nightgown with her hair sticking out in different directions. In between her legs was a large bowl of cereal. Justin was now on his round tummy lapping up every dropped piece that scattered around the bowl.

            “Good morning Mommy!” Emmy Smiled when she saw her mother peering around the corner.

            “Morning baby.” Linda answered with her own smile and came to sit down on the couch behind her daughter after stopping to stoop down to land a kiss on the dark curls of the child.

            After a few minutes Emmy abandoned the cereal to snuggle up on Linda’s lap and Justin was left to finish off the remaining milk. The day went quickly in this manner and Linda loved moments like this. As she held her daughter in her arms she couldn’t imagine have ever leaving her behind in the city with James.

            Emmy was the only part of her own flesh and blood that she had ever loved. The only person who she knew would never hurt and abandon her. They were happy now and free. Linda knew that Emmy would grow up to be an amazing and beautiful person.

            It felt all too soon that Linda went to get ready for her dinner with Lance. She was excited but she hated leaving Emmy. If tonight went well with Lance she decided that they would have to take her on the next outing. Linda enjoyed the idea of a picnic in the park with the two of them as she showered and dressed.

            Soon a knock came front the front porch and Linda hurried to answer it. It was a small framed woman, more of a girl really. Long brown hair pulled into a pony tail and thin framed glasses framed a delicate face.

            “Hi,” She said with a smile as she extended a hand towards Linda. “I’m Beth. I’m with the at home child care company.”

            Linda stared at her for a few moments. She didn’t know what she had expected but didn’t expect a young teenager.

            “You did need a baby sitter, right?” The girl asked after Linda didn’t reply. Linda smiled then and nodded.

            “Yes, of course, come on in.” She felt ashamed now. What had she expected? A French nanny? Of course they would send a teenager to the house on a Friday night. The girl stepped around Linda and came inside, looking around.

            “So it’s eight fifty per hour until ten. After that it goes up to nine fifty.” She said in a business like tone. Linda stuttered. She wanted to ask her if she had been certified in child CPR. She wanted to let her know that she had a list of emergency numbers by the fridge and a twenty on the counter to order a pizza for dinner, but at that moment she heard Lance’s truck rumble to a stop outside.

            “Don’t worry,” Beth waved her away. “I’ve been doing this for the last three summers. I’ve got credentials, you can check with my boss at any time.”

            Feeling slightly more relieved Linda headed down the porch and towards Lance who had gotten out of the truck to stand by the passenger door. He had one arm behind his back but with the other one he waved above his head.

            “Hello Beth.” He shouted past her to the girl in the doorway. Linda heard her shout a greeting back before she closed the door and went inside. When Linda got to Lance she let out a small chuckle.

            “Don’t look so worried. She is a good kid. She is a junior, plays softball, and has a wicked arm.” He said. Linda blushed and looked down timidly.

            “You don’t have to come along, if you’re that worried.” Linda heard lance say quietly and she looked up at him then. His face was soft and caring.

            “No, if you say Beth is good then she is good with me.” She answered automatically.

            “They will be fine.” Lance said looking her in the eyes and she smiled.

            “Then what are we waiting for?” She asked with a laugh. She had a feeling tonight would be a good night after all.

            “I was hoping you would say that.” Lance smiled and stepped to the side as he opened the door for her. At the same time he brought his arm from behind his back and handed her a brightly colored bouquet of flowers.

            “Because I hate eating alone.” He finished. Linda laughed again this time with delight and lifted the flowers to her nose. The scent was rich and she filled her lungs with it.

            Maybe it is a date. Her mind told her as she climbed into the passenger seat. Lace softly closed the door behind her and then hurried to the driver seat.

            They kept up small chatter as they drove through town. Talking about the weather and Linda told Lance more about Emmy. She told him about the puppy named Justin and about how quickly the two were growing.

            “I don’t mean to pry,” Lance told her as they neared town. “But what happened to her father?” He asked gently as they stopped at the only red light in town.

            For a split second Linda envisioned herself throwing open the door and sprinting away. The question had caught her off guard and she just looked across the seat to Lance.

            “Excuse me?” She stuttered. Lance must have noticed the uncomfortable look on her face because her quickly apologized.

            “It’s just that I know that no intelligent man would ever leave a woman like you willingly.” This gave Linda enough time to recover.

            “He died.” She said after a second. Then her mind caught up with her mouth. “Army. He never made it home before Emmy was born.”  Linda was happy with that answer and she thanked her quick thinking. The answer seemed to satisfy Lance and he pressed the gas as the light in front of them switched to green.

            In a few more minutes Lance pulled into a parking place in front of a small mom and pop Italian restaurant.

            “It may not look like much but this place has the best pasta in town.” He promised as they went inside. They were quickly placed in a table at the back of the small dining area. The interior was simple but very pleasant. White and red checkered table cloths topped with lit candles was the main decoration.

            Lance ordered a bottle of wine when the server came to take their order. Lance ordered the classic spaghetti and encouraged Linda to do the same. She did and once the food got there she was glad she did. It was incredible.

            “So,” lance said after a few minutes of silent chewing. “Like I had said before I really enjoyed working with you and I am looking forward to getting you more involved with the paper.” He explained. “Id like you to start exploring the town more and possible start writing some articles.” He said as he twirled more pasta in his fork.

            “I just need to take care of some paper work to take care of the legal issues and then we can go from there.’ He said and took a bite.

            Linda had prepared for this. She had rehearsed all afternoon what she would tell him and had thought of answers to any additional questions he might ask. Yet her heart still began to hammer in her chest. She chewed her meatball slowly to give herself a few more precious seconds to think. Unfortunately she could only do this so long before she was forced to answer. With a gulp she swallowed her food.

            “Yeah, I keep forgetting to get you my license.” She laughed in what she hoped sounded casual and not panicked. “I actually went looking for it today since I couldn’t find it in my pocket book and I can’t find it anywhere.” She laughed a bit louder then.

            “I can only imagine where it has disappeared to since the move.” She looked across the table to Lance.

            He stared back at her intensely. For a second she thought he had sensed her lie and had become suspicious but after a second he smiled back at her.

            “That’s fine.” He said. “There is a DMV in the next town over. I’m sure they can get another one for you. I can hold off for a few days but I will need it eventually before I put you on the pay roll.” He said as he took a sip of wine.

            “Trust me I don’t mess around with that any more. Two summers ago I got in big trouble when I hired an illegal immigrant to run my paper route. It ended up being more paper work then the cheap labor was worth.” He explained.

            He stretched his arm to set down his wine glass just as Linda had been reaching for a roll that rest in a basket in the center of the table. Their fingers brushed each other and for a split second it felt as if electricity had coursed through his fingertips to hers.

            Linda’s hand jerked backwards so quickly she almost tipped over her own glass of wine. She looked up to see that Lance had obviously noticed the jolt as well. His face was flushed and he looked at her with a mystified look on his face for a moment before clearing his throat.

            “So are you ready to get the real tour of the town?” He asked as he wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin and stood up. She gladly followed suit and after Lance paid the bill they headed out and began to walk around town.

            It had grown dark earlier then usual while they were inside the restaurant. Beyond the horizon loomed dark and foreboding clouds. The town had since been turned into a fairy tale of twinkling lights. Lights hung on every awning and lamp post creating a merry scene.

            They soon came to an ice cream shop where Lance disappeared to retrieve two double scoop vanilla cones for dessert. He then led them to a nearby park. Lights wound their way around every tree along the walkway that they were now ambling around.

            Linda became very aware that they were now alone and she could see no one in any direction. Lance’s arm bumped hers as they walked in silence and she shivered. He looked over and noticed they shiver.

            “Are you cold?” He asked as he quickly lifted his arm and draped it across her shoulder. “Maybe ice cream wasn’t a good idea.” He apologized as they continued to walk.

            Linda was surprised by how easily he touched her. He showed no hint of reservation. She sighed, his arms felt just as heavenly as she had thought it would. She instinctively moved in closer.

            The wind had picked up quiet a bit since they had been walking and Linda thought that if it wasn’t for lance being so close to her that she indeed would have been cold but for now she was content. Overhead thunder rolled across the valley and Linda barely noticed but Lance paused.

            “Maybe we should head back,” He muttered. “It looks like Mother Nature might be calling it an early night.” Linda looked up to see a bright flash rip its way across the sky. A moment later another boom of thunder chased after it.

            With a nod Linda let Lance turn her back the way they had come. As they started walking back Linda felt Water begin to fall. Linda let out a small laugh and looked to Lance.

            “We better hurry.” He shouted as a gust of wind whipped around them. Abandoning the now sodden cones they both began to jog their way out of the park. The rain was now coming down in full gusts. Linda’s hair clung to the back of her neck and she threw her arm in front of her face to shield herself from the stinging rain.

            Linda was a few paces behind Lance but every few seconds he would glance back as her ran to check on her. One moment he looked back and Linda was on his heels but the next time he looked back Linda was on her but in the middle of a mud puddle. Lance directly made an about face and ran up to her.

            She had gone through the puddle at full speed and her right foot had slipped from out of under her. She gripped her ankle in pain.

            “Are you hurt?” Lance said as he skidded to a stop above her. He looked worried down at her.

            “I think I twisted my ankle.” She winced. Lance could barely hear her over the roaring wind but he recognized the look of pain on her face and without even hesitating her bent down and by putting one arm under her legs and the other under her arm he picked her up and cradled her in his arms.

            Linda let out a gasp of surprise as she was pressed against his body. Both of their clothes were soaked and his muscled stood out in perfect clarity against her skin.

            For a long moment they were face to face and only a few inches separated them. Linda was overcome with the want to press her lips against his. To feel his warm lips cover hers. Lance was staring at her intently and she thought that he had the same urge. His face bent towards hers and she held her breath.

            Lightning flashed and thunder boomed. Whatever moment they had just shared was instantly ended. Linda could have groaned in desperation if it wasn’t for Lance speaking up.

            “We need to get you home and out of this rain. We need to take a look at that ankle of yours.” He had to shout even though he was still cradling her in his arms. The wind screamed in their ears. Lance turned and with Linda still I his arms began to finish the job towards the car.

            Linda didn’t complain.

Reviews

[T. Logan]

I do agree with the people below me. It does need more 'action'. But this is really good!

[Craig2591]

Not much to say about this chapter. It's moving along. You've been dropping hints that something is about to happen and it's getting to the point where it needs some action. These chapters have been really nice and pleasant, but it's starting to slow down a little. Your timing is probably spot on!

[Tabitha t]

The next chapter warps everything into uncertainty. action lust and all of the above...big words I know but I am working hard. I hope they didnt go on to long but it was needed to create an element of suprise...or so i hope anyway

[gombeggar]

and the story progresses...interesting

[Tabitha t]

can you expand on this. I enjoy being reviewed n read but Id like a bit more feed back please and thank you

[gombeggar]

well, i like the way the characters and story are progressing...u seem to have a good hold on them and are developing them well as they interact...the story is not something that really interests me personally...but i think it will appeal to a large audience because u r putting together a solid story...so keep up the good work...good dialogue...perhaps more details

[Tabitha t]

thank you

[Marie]

This is a good chapter. Even if Linda gets a new drivers' license, she's going to need a social security card. If she can get a computer and a printer she can fake one. Also any other official papers she needs.

You do your quotes differently than I do mine; I guess it's a matter of preference.

[Tabitha t]

Tjis was supposed to be the last chapter of part two but it was to long so I have had to cut it into two. There will be one more chapter to this part of the story. It will go out with a major bang! what do you mean about the quotes? If I'm doing it improperly please let me know so I can learn the correct way. I am not the best copyedito but I am trying to get a hang of the craft.

[Tabitha t]

you will see also in the next chapter why I am not to worried about the security card. Linda is goiong to have much worse things on her hands.

[Marie]

I believe you; Linda wasn't meant to have things go this easily for her.
Look at the review I did of chapter 8 and you will see what I meant about the quote marks.

[Tabitha t]

okay thanks!