Page 44 of Stone

“Exactly,” I shot back. “And I’ll work in the shop so you can save money in other areas.”

A few seconds of silence fell over the table, and then Mayor Henderson cleared his throat. “I must say, Elise. I’m impressed by the way you want to help your family.” He glanced at Robbie. “The day my son got his law degree so he could eventually help the people of this town was one of the proudest moments of my life. The day he runs for Mayor will be another proud moment.” His gaze came back to me. “Robbie tells me that you’re doing an office management course?”

“Yes.” I smiled. “I’m learning all aspects of running an office. My college course even covers human resources and bookkeeping.”

“Impressive,” the mayor said, turning back to Robbie. “Maybe someone like Elise would help keep the office runningsmoothly. God knows we’re useless at keeping records, and your mother isn’t interested.”

My forehead furrowed. “Emmie Dixon helps you, right?”

“She answers the phone and does some filing,” Robbie replied. “But she’s not formally trained. Plus, she’s a gossiping old—”

“Emmie’s great,” Mayor Henderson interjected, shooting Robbie a warning look. “She keeps us ticking over, but eventually, we’ll need to employ somebody who we can trust to take on more responsibilities. Maybe that’s something you’d be interested in when you graduate?”

I mulled his offer over for a few seconds.

By the time I graduated, I hoped to be engaged—or even married—to John. Robbie wouldn’t be a concern when I had a ring on my finger, and I wanted to work, at least for a few years while John built his businesses and I started having his babies.

I smiled my thanks at the mayor. “Yes, it’s something I’d be interested in. Of course, I’d have to run it past John, but he’s already told me to do whatever makes me happy. I think I’d like a career initially, at least while he’s in the Marines.”

The mayor’s face softened. “And how’s John doing at boot camp?” His eyes slid toward Robbie and narrowed slightly. “I’d have loved my son to do a stint in the military, but he wanted to go the academic route. Still, at least Bandit’s son’s doing Hambleton proud.”

Robbie’s face flushed.

“John’s doing great,” I said proudly. “He’s at the top of the class almost every week. Being a Marine is everything he ever wanted.”

“He takes after his dad,” the mayor murmured, eyes glazing over as he thought back. “Bandit was a talented soldier. Vietnam was traumatic for so many. I owe that man my life.” He came back to the present with a start and checked his watch. “Anyway,you ladies don't want to hear about all that, and it’s time we went.” He rose from the table and turned to Mom. “Thank you for a fabulous meal, Katherine.”

Dad stood. “You’re welcome anytime, Bert.”

Robbie got to his feet, following his dad to the door. As he got there, he craned his neck, looking straight at me. “Elise, could I have a word in private?”

My body stiffened.

“Of course she will.” Dad beamed. “Go see Robert out, Elise. You can speak to him on the porch.”

Fixing a smile on my face, I nodded. I could hardly say no, and if I did, Dad would disown me. Anyway, there wasn't much Robbie could do or say with my parents in earshot and his dad looking on.

I followed Robbie through the house and out to the front porch, raising a hand to wave at the mayor as he dipped his chin and went to his car. A cold shiver ran down my spine in anticipation of what Robbie was about to discuss. I didn’t want any bad feelings between us—especially when my dad thought so much of him—but I was committed to John.

“I wanted to apologize,” Robbie muttered.

My eyes rounded. “Oh,” I said confusedly. “What for?”

He smiled earnestly. “I know I put you in an awkward position down at the creek that time on your birthday. It’s just that I liked you and would’ve loved to take you out again, but it was unfair, especially when I know you’re with Stone now. I saw Kelly yesterday at that new coffee shop and said sorry for the way I spoke to her. I was just sore, is all, and I don’t take rejection well.” He lowered his eyes sheepishly. “I’m a spoiled prick sometimes. I’ll talk to John when I see him next and apologize. He’s my bud, and I don’t want to lose his friendship over something like this.”

All resentment drained away, and I rested a hand on Robbie’s shoulder. “Apology accepted. Thank you, Robbie. We’ve all been friends for years, and you’re right; it would be a shame to lose that, especially while John’s away. I need my friends more than ever.”

A genuine, warm smile spread across Robbie’s face, and he patted my hand. “Thanks for understanding.” He gestured toward his dad’s car. “I better get going. Dad’s taking me to the country club tonight.” Turning, he craned his neck and asked, “See you around?”

I grinned and lowered my hand, feeling twenty pounds lighter as he jogged toward the car and slid in the passenger side. Raising a hand, I waved as the car took off slowly down the street and disappeared.

Turning for the house, I felt my shoulders slump.

I’d known Robbie all my life, and he’d always been pleasant. Our parents were friends too, so it was much easier to get along with him than not. He and John were also friendly, and with Robbie being the future mayor and John wanting to expand the Speed Demons later, it made sense for them to have a good relationship.

As I made my way back indoors, I felt an acute sense of relief. My chat with Robbie inspired me. While I was on a roll, I decided to talk to Dad about going to San Diego. However, I knew the following conversation would be a lot trickier than the one I just had with Robbie.

Like Mom said, I was eighteen, so it was a case of telling Dad rather than asking for permission. I couldn’t be my daddy’s little girl forever.

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