“We were worried,” said Alice. “We had no idea what happened to you.”

  “I’m sorry,” said Jane, feeling like she was back in high school again.

  “You could have called,” said Louise.

  “I really am sorry.” Jane looked at both of them. “I thought I was simply going for pie with Clive. It was nearly seven, and Justin still hadn’t shown up here. I thought I might see him in town. When I didn’t, I got kind of irritated. I mean what am I supposed to do? Just sit around and wait for him to come? When Clive mentioned a movie, I jumped at the chance.”

  “I can understand that,” said Alice. “I’m sure it’s frustrating. Justin and Belle came back a little past seven,” said Alice. “You must’ve just missed them.”

  “Oh dear.”

  “Justin said he’d come back tomorrow,” Alice told her.

  “To see me?” asked Jane. “Or Belle?”

  “You, of course,” said Louise.

  “I really am sorry I worried you both,” said Jane. “Please, forgive me.”

  “It’s all right,” said Louise as she hugged Jane. “I do realize this is difficult for you. And I hope you and Justin take care of whatever he came here to do as soon as possible. I’m eager to hear why it is that he’s come.”

  “You know how I love mysteries, Jane, but I have to admit that the suspense is killing me,” said Alice.

  Jane almost laughed as she hugged Alice. “You and me both, sis.”

  Then the three of them tiptoed up the stairs, said good night and went into their rooms. Jane quietly closed the door and stood wondering what tomorrow would bring.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Saturday morning, Jane overslept. She awoke with a start, pulled on jeans and a sweatshirt and her favorite clogs, and hurried downstairs.

  “Good morning,” said Alice as Jane burst into the kitchen.

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  “I started coffee and made tea. But that’s about all. Put me to work.”

  Jane tossed out some orders and quickly had things under control. Then Louise joined them after setting the dining-room table and before long, breakfast was ready. “If you two don’t mind serving without me, I’d like to go shower and change into something a little nicer,” said Jane as she poured herself a first cup of coffee.

  “Not a problem.”

  “And then you will join our guests for breakfast?” asked Louise.

  “Sure.”

  The truth was, Jane wished that she could lay low today. She didn’t feel the least bit hungry, but that was probably because the idea of seeing Justin was beginning to make her stomach clench. Even so, she went back down to the dining room after showering and dressing.

  The only ones still there were Belle and the just-marrieds whom Jane had not yet met. She was surprised that they were older than she’d expected, perhaps close to her age. “You must be the newlyweds,” she said to them.

  “Yes,” said the woman. “I’m Gloria and this is my husband Garth.” She turned and beamed at him. “It feels so good to say that.”

  “Congratulations on your marriage,” said Jane as she sat down and helped herself to a muffin.

  “Louise said it was due to you that we got a room this weekend,” said Gloria. “We so appreciate that. Thank you.”

  “Yes, after waiting so long to get married, I was worried we might have to wait that long to have a honeymoon too,” said Garth.

  Gloria laughed, but Belle seemed sad as she refilled her coffee cup and listened. Jane realized that this banter might be like salt in a wound for Belle. Still, Jane was curious about the Fairviews.

  “How long did you wait to get married?” she asked.

  “All totaled?” Garth scratched his head as if to think.

  “We went together in high school,” began Gloria. “Then we lost track of each other in college. We both married other people. Then Garth’s wife was killed in a car accident about ten years ago.”

  “And Gloria’s husband passed away after a long bout with cancer, just a couple of years ago.” Garth reached for Gloria’s hand.

  “Both of us were devastated, and neither of us had any idea of marrying again. Then we met at our thirtieth class reunion,” said Gloria.

  “That was last August,” offered Garth.

  “And, as you know, we got married a week ago.”

  Garth nodded toward the window, where the sun was streaming in. “We should get out there and make the most of this wonderful weather, Gloria.”

  “I hope you have a marvelous day,” said Jane as the happy couple exited.

  “They are so lucky,” said Belle in a dejected tone.

  “Yes, but they certainly did wait for their happiness.”

  “I’ve been waiting too.” Belle sighed. “I keep getting my hopes up, just to get them flattened like a pancake again and again. It’s so unfair.”

  “So how did they get flattened this time?” asked Jane as she reached for the fruit platter.

  “You should know,” said Belle. “You just keep stealing all the good men, Jane Howard.” Then she smiled. “Sorry, I hope I didn’t sound nasty.”

  “I’m stealing all the good men?” asked Jane as she chose a piece of melon.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact, you are.” Then Belle began to list off men like Craig Tracy and Kenneth Thompson, acting as if Jane had been seriously involved.

  “But they are simply friends,” Jane interrupted.

  “And what about Clive Fagler?” asked Belle. “He seems to be quite smitten with you, Jane.”

  “Smitten?”

  She nodded. “Yes. Even this morning, I saw the look in his eye when he asked where you were. By the way, he asked your sisters to tell you he would be back down in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you,” said Jane.

  “So, you see,” said Belle in a teasing tone. “You are hogging all the men in this town, and it’s not the least bit fair.”

  “What about Justin?” asked Jane. “It seems you got to spend some time with him.”

  “Exactly,” said Belle. “But I am fully aware that he is here to see you.”

  Jane actually rolled her eyes. “You could’ve fooled me.”

  She shook her finger at Jane. “You’re the one who’s been avoiding him, Jane. He just keeps waiting and waiting. If I had a man interested in me like that, I would not keep him waiting.”

  Jane tried not to register her shock. “What makes you think he’s interested in me?”

  “Why else would he make that long trip? Why else would he be parking himself in your house? Of course he’s interested in you.”

  “You do know that we are divorced, don’t you?”

  “Divorce sha-morse.” Belle waved her hand. “People get divorced and remarried all the time. Why, I have an aunt and uncle who are on their fourth go-around, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if they were thinking about splitting up again even as we speak.”

  “Yoo-hoo?”

  “Ah, Aunt Ethel is here,” said Jane, nodding toward the kitchen and ready to change the subject.

  “Oh, that’s right,” said Belle in a hushed tone. “She heard about Justin being here, and she was miffed at you for not telling her about his visit.”

  “There you are, Jane.” Ethel made herself at home at the table, taking a cup and filling it with coffee before Jane had a chance to offer her some. “I’m upset with you.”

  “I—”

  “I cannot believe you kept this news from me, Jane. I had absolutely no idea that your ex-husband was coming to see you.”

  “Well, I—”

  “And in the meantime, you’re out cavorting with one of the guests.” She addressed Belle, shaking her head. “Tsk-tsk. And here I thought Jane was sincerely interested in Mr. Fagler, and I defended her after she stole him from you. I should’ve known better.”

  “Aunt Ethel,” said Jane in a scolding tone. “You are being outrageous.”

  “I know that you are playing up to the men in this town.”

  “Playing up?” Jane tried not to laugh.

  “Poor Belle is sincerely searching for a man, and all the while you are out there just—”

  “That is enough,” said Jane in a stern tone. She stood and, taking her plate, retreated to the kitchen, where Louise and Alice were both standing by the door, obviously aware that Ethel’s visit did not bode well. “Did you hear that?” she whispered to them. They both nodded. Then, despite herself, Jane started giggling and, as if it were contagious, her two sisters joined her until all three of them were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down their cheeks.

  “I don’t even know what is so funny,” said Louise as she dabbed her eyes with a lace-trimmed handkerchief.

  “I think it was Jane’s expression when she caught us eavesdropping,” Alice gasped.

  Jane just shook her head. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to make a quick exit,” she said, moving toward the back door. “Call me a big chicken if you like.”

  “I don’t blame you,” said Louise, nodding toward the dining room. “It sounds like Auntie is getting her second wind.”

  “Better run,” said Alice.

  With her plate and coffee cup still in hand, Jane went outside and sat down at the table by her garden. At last, some peace and quiet.

  “Good morning, Jane.”

  She looked up to see Kenneth approaching and smiled. “Hi, Kenneth. Care to join me?”

  He nodded. “Don’t mind if I do.”

  “Although I must make you fetch your own decaf, since I’m hiding from my aunt. And if you see her, don’t tell her I’m out here, okay?”

  He chuckled. “Now, you’ve got me curious, Jane. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

  Jane had neglected to bring a fork along, so she ate her melon with her fingers, polishing it off just as Kenneth returned with his coffee. “Tell all,” he said as he sat down across from her. She quickly related the story, bringing him completely up to date with regard to Clive and Belle and Justin.

  “You have been a busy girl.”

  “Yes, and it seems I am upsetting a number of people.”

  “Is this thing with Clive serious?”

  She waved her hand. “No, of course not. He’s an interesting man though. I was simply helping him with his garden plans, and I suppose he was a nice diversion from this whole Justin mystery.”

  “So, you haven’t seen Justin yet?”

  “Nope.” She glanced out to the street as a sporty red car slowly cruised by, and then she turned her attention back to Kenneth. “Alice said he’ll be by today. Naturally, he didn’t say when. I hope it’s soon. I’d like to get this over with.”

  “So, you’ve thought this through, Jane? You know what you’re going to say to him”—Kenneth studied her closely—“if he’s here to ask for a second chance?”

  She shrugged. “I just don’t think that’s the case.”

  “But if it is the case?”

  “I … I guess I don’t really know the answer to that.”

  “I see.” He took a slow sip of coffee.

  “I wouldn’t want to hurt his feelings.”

  “No, of course not.”

  “But I can’t imagine that I’d leap into his arms and take him back.” She sort of laughed. “That doesn’t really sound much like me, does it?”

  “Not much.”

  “I suppose I could tell him I would need time to think about it. That’s fair, isn’t it?”

  “Very fair.”

  She nodded and took a sip from her cup. “And that is just what I will do.” She smiled at him. “Thank you, Kenneth, for this impromptu counseling session. It’s really amazing how you just pop in right when I need you. Is that something you learned in seminary?”

  He laughed. “Yes, Popping-in 101, it’s a requirement.”

  Jane noticed the red car going by again from the opposite direction, moving faster this time. She narrowed her eyes in an attempt to see who was driving, then gasped as she pointed toward the street. “Look at that … that car.”

  Kenneth turned to see the red car driving away. “Yes, I noticed that car here yesterday. It caught my eye because a buddy of mine used to have one like it. If I’m right, that’s a 1975 Fiat Spider. Someone has poured a lot of money into restoring it.”

  “That was Justin driving.” Jane took in a deep breath, willing herself to calm down. “I wonder why he just keeps driving by.”

  “Maybe he’s as nervous as you are.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Well, unless you’re in need of more pop-in counseling, I should probably be on my way. I told Fred I’d meet him at the church to look over some repair suggestions the board has agreed upon.” He stood. “Good luck with Justin.”

  “Thanks.” She shook her head. “I’ll probably need it.”

  Then he put a hand on her shoulder. “Ask God to lead you, Jane. You can’t go wrong if He’s doing the directing.”

  “Yes. I’ve been trying to keep that in mind.” But as Kenneth walked away, Jane wasn’t so sure she wanted to ask God right now. What if God wanted her to get back with Justin? She finished her coffee and thought about going back inside but didn’t want to risk her aunt’s wrath again. Besides, the sunshine felt good on the top of her head. Still, she was curious about Justin. Perhaps he was parking, heading to the front door to ask for her. Finally, she decided to simply cut around to the front of the house, where she would wait for him on the front porch. She left her breakfast things on the table, reminding herself to pick them up later. Then, as she went around to the front, she braced herself for this strange meeting. She told herself the best thing would be to simply get it over with.

  There was no one in sight when she went up onto the front porch. She sat in the porch swing, then realized she didn’t want to chance having Justin sitting down beside her. She moved over to the wicker rocker instead. She wished she could run inside to get a fresh cup of coffee but didn’t want to risk having Justin going inside to ask for her. It seemed that it would be much simpler to deal with him out here. After a few minutes, Wendell came wandering across the porch. He stood by her feet, looking up and waiting, she suspected, for an invitation. “Come on, old boy,” she said as she patted her lap. In one graceful motion he was up, making himself comfortable and purring happily as she scratched the top of his head.

  “Well, at least one guy is happy to meet me out here on the front porch,” she said to Wendell. She looked up and down the quiet street but did not see a little red sports car or any other car for that matter. After about half an hour, Wendell jumped down and wandered off on his merry way. Jane was about to give up when she heard the front door open, and Clive stepped out.

  “Hey, what are you doing out here?” he asked as he came over to join her.

  She explained about her spotting Justin, how she’d hoped to head him off at the pass, and how he then disappeared completely. “He’s driving a Fiat Spider,” she told him. “Kenneth told me that much. I think he said it was a 1975 and completely restored.”

  Clive sat in the porch swing. “Convertible?”

  “Actually, it was. Although the top was up.” She considered asking Clive not to sit out here with her, because it might complicate things with Justin. But it seemed as if Justin was not coming. She and Clive visited amicably. He complimented her on her gardening skills in the front yard, admiring the pots she’d planted, and asked for some tips for keeping them looking good throughout the heat of summer.

  “I wanted to ask you about that refinishing technique you mentioned yesterday too, Jane. Is that a product I can get here in town?”

  “Yes. The hardware store carries it.” Jane looked at her watch. “I have a feeling that Justin isn’t coming, or maybe I didn’t really see him earlier. It’s probably silly to just sit out here all morning, waiting.”

  “It’s a lovely place to wait.”

  “Yes.” She stood. “But it’s also a lovely day for a walk. Do you want me to walk to the hardware store with you? I could show you the product and also some crystals that will hold water in your pots, keeping your plants moist even on the hottest days.”

  “All right.” He stood and smiled. “You are one handy girl to have around, Jane.”

  Then, just as they were going down the walk, the little red car cruised by again. “That’s the car,” she whispered to Clive, as if the driver might hear her. This time Jane got a good look at the man behind the wheel, and although he looked away, she had no doubt it was Justin. She even waved, but he didn’t see her. He didn’t seem to want to see her. What on earth was he up to?

  “So, is that your ex driving?”

  “Yes. This is infuriating.” She watched as the red car kept right on heading toward town.

  “Is he nearsighted?”

  “No!” she practically shouted. “He is not.”

  “Well, is he a little eccentric? Unpredictable? Unconventional? Peculiar?”

  She sort of laughed. “Maybe so.”

  “Don’t let him get to you, Jane.”

  She sighed deeply. “I just wish I knew what he was up to.”

  “I’m sure you’ll find out eventually.”

  Jane decided Justin wasn’t worth getting all worked up over. After she and Clive spent a good hour at the hardware store, she told him that she’d like to stop for a cup of coffee.

  “Who has the best coffee in town?”

  “You mean beside the inn?”

  “Yes. And I do think the coffee at the inn is wonderful.”

  “How about the Good Apple?” suggested Jane. “And, if you don’t mind, I’ll use the phone there to check in with my sisters.”

  He reached in his pocket and produced a cell phone. “Here, use my cell.”

  “Thanks,” she said as she pushed the buttons. “My sisters weren’t too happy with me for ducking out with you yesterday.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, I gathered as much last night. Either that or we had missed your curfew.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Right.”

  Louise answered, and Jane asked whether Justin had been by.