Just a Love Story Read online

  As he drove, he tapped his thumb on the steering wheel. What did he want to happen? He didn’t want to give her up, that was for sure. He also had no desire to live in Longleaf. In fact, the realtor he’d contacted about selling his Uncle’s place had called to inform him she’d found an interested buyer. The area wasn’t good for Shae either. “I wonder…”

  Derek cut off his train of thought. First, he needed to apologize for being such a jerk.

  “Can we go see Shae?”

  Out of the mouth of babes.

  As he kept his eye on traffic, he considered her question. “I tell you what, June. If Shae doesn’t answer tonight, we’ll go check on her tomorrow. How’s that?”

  “Good!”

  Her enthusiasm made him smile. “I’m glad you’ll be going with me, June.”

  “You are?”

  “I am. We’re a team.” Shae might not want to let him through the door, but he was pretty sure she wouldn’t turn June away.

  * * *

  “I’m not sure this was the best idea,” Shae muttered as she pushed Coretta through the park.

  “A lot of people turned out,” Cathy commented as she led her youngest by the hand. “Look at all the booths, Daisy. Do you want some cotton candy?”

  The small girl enthusiastically agreed, “I do!”

  Shae felt a pang of regret, thinking of June. She missed her. Glancing down at her grandmother, she asked, “Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, I’m fine,” Coretta answered as she raised her hand to speak to someone she knew. Many people spoke to her grandmother, giving her a welcoming smile – not so much with Shae. Most turned their noses up so high they would’ve drowned if it was raining.

  After purchasing Daisy’s treat, the quartet continued their walk through the festivities. “The parade was fun, wasn’t it?” Cathy asked. “I think the band performed especially well. Didn’t you think so, Miss Coretta?”

  “Very nice. The queen is a pretty girl.”

  This made Shae smile. “I’m glad Cricket won. The scholarship will mean the world to her family.”

  “True,” Cathy agreed. With a giggle, she pointed ahead of them. “Someone’s spotted you, Shae.”

  Tears came to her eyes when she saw Grady pushing through the crowd toward her.

  “Miss Shae! Miss Shae!”

  Stepping around Coretta’s wheelchair, she welcomed her favorite pupil with a hug. “It is so good to see you! How have you been?”

  “Good. Why don’t you come to church no more?” he asked in all innocence.

  Shae didn’t know what to say. “I’ve missed you so much,” she told him. “Did you go to the ball game last night?” Her question was meant to steer Grady away from the sensitive topic.

  “Yes! We won!”

  Her ploy worked, for in the next few seconds, he was off to meet some friends.

  “He’s a sweet boy,” Coretta said, beaming as she greeted yet another long-time acquaintance. “Hello, Marshall. How are you?”

  The older gentleman took off his railroad cap and bent to kiss her grandmother’s cheek. “I’m good, old girl. How are you?”

  “I’m doing well. How’s Alma?”

  “Fit as a fiddle. I hear you saved the mill by selling John’s land.”

  Coretta brushed off the comment. “It was time.”

  When Marshall Henry looked up Cathy, and then at Shae, she held her breath, not knowing whether to speak or not. To her relief, he nodded his head, giving her a wink. “Are these girls taking care of you, Coretta?”

  “Oh, yes. They certainly are.”

  Shae held her breath until the older gentleman moved on, then she let it out with an audible gasp.

  “Well, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Cathy asked as she wiped sugary residue from Daisy’s mouth.

  “No,” Shae admitted, “not so bad.”

  “I think we should make our way to the stage area. I want to see them hand out the awards,” Cathy led the way, not waiting for the others to agree.

  “Do you want to stay?” she asked her grandmother. “We could leave if you want.” She dreaded the trek to the car, but her nerves were so on edge, her teeth were aching from being perpetually clenched.

  “I’m not ready to leave. I want to hear the speeches.” She pointed at the tables laden with food. “Buy us a plate of BBQ and we’ll eat while we watch the program.”

  Shae did as her grandmother asked, albeit against her will. Going through the line for food was its own form of torture. She could feel hundreds of eyes on her. No one said anything to her, but looking on the bright side, no one threw a pie at her either. When it came her turn, she asked for two plates and handed the lady a ten-dollar bill. “Brisket, please. My grandmother would like potato salad and cole slaw, no beans.”

  The woman preparing the plates nodded, placing a big chocolate oatmeal cookie on the plate. “This is for Coretta.” She covered the food with plastic wrap and handed it to Shae. “Is the other one for you?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  To Shae’s shame, the woman cut the portions down to tablespoon size. All of the food she put on the plate didn’t cover half of it. When it came time to pick the cookie, she selected a bite-size piece, one that wasn’t even meant to be served. Without blinking an eye, she covered it with plastic wrap, and handed it to Shae with a big smile. “Next!”

  Mortified, Shae took what she was given without complaint. “So much for being accepted.” Staring at the ground, she passed a garbage can and threw the food allotted for her in the trash. When she returned to Coretta, she placed the other plate in her lap. “Hold it steady. I’ll find us a seat.”

  “Where’s your food?”

  “I’m not hungry.” Her statement was true. She felt a little sick.

  Winding their way through the crowd, Shae was particularly aware of every grimace, every frown, and every mean glare she received. Coretta seemed blessedly oblivious. “There’s Cathy,” she announced. “She saved us a seat.”

  “I was beginning to wonder about you two,” Cathy jumped up to help Shae place Coretta’s wheel chair on the end of the row. “Jo’s here.”

  “She is?” Shae glanced around. “Where?”

  “I think she’s behind the stage area. She’s planning on giving a speech, I think.”

  Shae sat down between her best friend and her grandmother. Her stomach was growling and she hugged herself tight in an attempt to quieten the noise. Just wishing for the time to pass, she kept her head down while the white plastic chairs surrounding them began to fill up. All around her people were whispering. She tried not to listen, but she couldn’t help but hear some of it.”

  There she is. Look at her. Can you imagine the gall she has to come out in public?

  I think she’s gained weight. Do you think she sits in the house and eats all the time?

  Yea, eats and writes that filth. I’ve read four of her books and each one is worse than the one before.

  Have you heard who she’s sleeping with?

  No. Who?

  I heard that new cop’s stepping out on his wife to date our town porn star.

  Porn star? Shae shook her head, glad to see her companions were distracted with other things.

  The annoying hum of static and someone’s insistent thumping on a live mic drew everyone’s attention to the stage. All of the town dignitaries and the royal court of evening gown clad young women were seated on the dais. The MC called Pastor Dave to give the opening prayer.

  Shae bowed her head, prickles of unease dancing over her skin. In her mind, she thought how bad it would be if he asked God to protect them from her influence. Even though she smirked at the thought, the idea wasn’t so far-fetched. She’d heard of several such prayers and sermons being preached in neighboring churches right after her secret was exposed.

  Once the opening prayer was given, the Queen candidates were introduced and the amount of money each raised was announced and applauded. Shae felt pride at how Cric
ket handled herself. She would never admit it, but she claimed some of the credit for the girl’s poise and good manners. Once that portion of the program was over, the mayor rose to speak. The main thrust of his message was the saving of the mill. With a flourish, he introduced Jo Powers as the impressive woman who’d made all this possible.

  Jo came to the mic and Shae perked up in her seat. Just seeing her friend made everything better.

  “Good day, my friends. I’m honored to be with you today.” She opened her hands to the crowd. “This is a very impressive gathering. I love the sense of community.” Gazing up at the many pine trees decorating the park, she took a breath of fresh air. “I know Longleaf has always been a company town. You’ve built this place and raised your children, surrounded by the once dense pine forests. The trees will return, Powers, Inc. is committed to a strict replanting policy. We will retool and refit the plant and manufacture building materials that will not deplete our natural resources. I am pleased to repeat the pledge I made to the workers, that we will continue to employ all of the valuable employees. We will seek to create more jobs, and offer each person training, a competitive wage, and chances for advancement.” When the applause rose, Jo paused until the noise died down. “We look forward to learning all of your names, all of your children’s names, and making sure each one feels like a part of the Powers family. Community and friendship is so important. I know I have found a friend here.” Jo looked straight at her and Shae almost jumped out of her seat. She shook her head, silently begging her friend not to recognize her publicly. Jo winked at her and continued on with her speech. “I know you’ve heard how generous Coretta Lee St. John has been, allowing us to acquire the land we needed for a steal.” She gestured to the older lady who beamed as applause arose all around her. “What you may not know is that our final decision to come to Longleaf was due to my friendship with one individual. She has been a source of joy to me. You might not realize it, but she was looking out for you. She made this possible. I am sure our association will be fruitful for all of us, and for this opportunity, we all have Shae St. John to thank.”

  A few people applauded, but when Jo began to clap behind the microphone the sound of appreciation grew. “If she calls me up to the podium, I’ll die.”

  Thankfully, she didn’t. Shae placed her hands on her cheeks to hide their redness. When Jo finished, she came to sit right in front of them, and turned around to pat Shae on her knee. “I have some work finished for you.”

  Shae nodded, knowing she was referring to some edits. After her speech, the festivities began to wind down. As soon as there was a lull, Shae whispered to Coretta, “Do you think we could go?”

  Her grandmother nodded and smiled. “Yea, I heard what I came to hear.”

  Shae realized Jo probably gave both Cathy and Coretta strict instructions to have her at the celebration. Before she left, she made certain to thank Jo. “You’re amazing. I know this town is going to grow and thrive because of you. I wish you every success.”

  Jo pressed the thumb drive into her hand. “Just because I have a plant to run, doesn’t mean I don’t have time to read.” She kissed Shae on the cheek. “Go home and write some more.”

  “I will.” Relieved to be leaving, she pushed Coretta toward the parking lot.

  “Shae.”

  Hearing her name called by the one voice she most wanted to hear in the world caused her to misstep on the uneven ground. If she hadn’t been holding on to Coretta’s wheelchair, Shae would’ve fallen on her face.

  “Are you okay?” Derek rushed toward her. “I’m sorry I startled you.”

  “Derek.” Shae stared at him, eating him up with her eyes. “You’re here.”

  “Me too.” June tugged at her skirt.

  “Oh, there you are!” Shae bent to hug the little girl. “I’m so glad to see you.” Remembering her manners, she made introductions. “Coretta this is Derek Alden and his beautiful daughter, June.” Patting the older woman’s shoulder, she stated proudly, “And this is my grandmother.”

  Derek came forward and took her hand. “I’m so pleased to meet you. I feel like I know you already.”

  “You do?” She smiled and reached out to pat June’s hair. “Oh, she’s beautiful. Are you Shae’s gentleman friend I’ve been hearing so much about?”

  Shae wondered who she’d been talking to. Watching Derek’s face, she saw several emotions cross his face. “You came to see me?” she couldn’t help but ask, hope springing up in her breast like a mountain spring.

  Before he could answer, a woman came hurrying over. “Mr. Alden, there you are! I was just looking for you. The woman who’s interested in buying your uncle’s house is ready to meet with you.”

  Slam!

  Shae almost doubled over from the blow. “Oh.” The heat of her embarrassment effectively quenched the hopeful spring. “Well, good luck with the sale of your property. It was good to see you. We have to be…” she spoke quickly, pushing Coretta’s wheelchair away, putting much needed distance between them.

  “No. Wait.” Derek attempted to stop her, but the realtor headed him off.

  “This deal is too good to pass up, Mr. Alden.”

  He nodded but raised his hand. “I’m sorry. Tell the client this will just have to wait. I have something vitally important I have to do first.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  “I’m not ready to go back,” Coretta told her as Shae drove slowly away from the park. The traffic was still thick and people were walking up and down both sides of the narrow street.

  Shae cleared her throat, trying to keep the tears at bay. How humiliating. Derek hadn’t come to see her, he was here to take care of a real estate deal. “Where do you want to go?”

  “Shopping. I haven’t been shopping in months. Take me to the mall.”

  “The mall is an hour away. Are you up for the trip, Grandmother?”

  “Yes, I need some new underwear and I want one of those soft pretzels I used to buy for you every time we went Christmas shopping.”

  Smiling sadly, Shae put on her blinker for the upcoming intersection and headed north. “I could use a pretzel myself. Shopping here we come.”

  …Derek carried June out of the park, walking at a fast clip.

  “Where are we going?” she asked clinging to his shoulders.

  “To find Shae,” he murmured softly. “She got away from us, didn’t she?”

  “Yea. Have to find her, Dad-dee. She’s my angel.”

  Reaching his truck, he secured June in the back seat and ran around to climb in himself. “She took care of you at the park, didn’t she?” he said, thinking his daughter was referring to the chaotic scene when Provo went on his rampage.

  “Yes, and de beach. She saved me.”

  Derek’s mind was so focused on getting to Shae that he didn’t comprehend what June was saying – at first. “What did you say, baby?”

  “Shae saved me. At de beach.”

  Her small voice reached his ears, but he glanced in the rearview mirror to look into her face. “No, sweetie. That was some other nice lady.”

  “Uh-uh. Shae. Knew her face.”

  “Are you sure?” Derek felt a rising sense of wonder and rightness rising in his chest.

  “We smiled in our eyes, Dad-dee.”

  “You did?” Derek didn’t know what to think. His mind raced back to that night in Galveston when he almost lost June. It had happened so fast and he’d been so scared. The time between seeing June fall from the pier and when he’d fought his way down to the water’s edge were seared into his memory as the most horrific moments of his life. He’d been on his way into the dark surf – not knowing if he would find her, if he could save her. But he’d been willing to die trying.

  And then a stranger, a woman he hadn’t even gotten a good look at, pulled June from the depths and brought his child back to his arms.

  Could this woman have been Shae?

  Derek was having a hard time wrapping his brain around the
possibility.

  His baby girl had been subjected to a great deal of turmoil and trauma – from her near drowning, to her parent’s divorce, not to mention the terrifying ordeal of her subjection to Provo’s insanity. No one could fault her being a bit confused.

  “Yes.” He heard June sigh. “I need wunch.”

  Derek tapped the steering wheel with his thumb. He’d intended for them to eat at the park. “Okay, I’ll feed you. Let’s stop to see Shae and then we’ll all get something to eat.”

  When he pulled into her driveway, a car passed by and honked. A pang of remorse knifed through him when he remembered how he used to hide his truck so no one would know he was associating with Shae.

  Stopping the truck, he shut off the engine, realizing the spot where she usually parked her car was empty. “Looks like she isn’t here.”

  “Oh, no.”

  Knowing June was hungry, he couldn’t make her wait. “Let’s go get something to eat, then we’ll come back and check again.”

  …After ordering a chicken sandwich for himself and a kid’s meal for June, they sat at the play area outside the café to enjoy the sunshine.

  “Good?” he asked June as he wiped a spot of ketchup from the corner of her mouth.

  “Yes.”

  His world had been topsy-turvy for so long, beginning with the night in Galveston when he’d almost lost his daughter. Other than the few times he’d been able to see June, the only bright spot in his world had been Shae. Derek took a bite of his sandwich, his mind processing everything that had happened. “I’m so glad you’re here with me, June.”

  “Me too!” She nodded, waving another French fry in the air.

  He smiled at her antics, wishing Shae were with them.

  Meanwhile…

  “You have salt on your cheek.” Coretta leaned over and brushed Shae’s face gently as they sat in the food court in the Lufkin mall. “So, are you going to tell me why you’re so sad? I thought today went fairly well, considering.”