Page 20 of Through the Dark Night
He smiled when he saw her. “Shannon. Come on in.”
“You remember my name,” she said.
“Of course. Everyone’s talking about you and the inn and how excited they are that it’s going to be opening. You’re the talk of the town.”
“Oh my goodness. I feel like I might let people down if it doesn’t work out.”
“I’m sure people will be disappointed, but I wouldn’t let that worry you.” He seemed very casual and at ease. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“I want a membership. I think I’ll pay for a year if that’s okay.” A year seemed good. Maybe she should pay for two. She should ground herself here as much as she could and not be tempted to run again. She needed to learn to stay and fight her battles, and Raspberry Ridge was the perfect place to take a stand.
“I’m happy to hear it. Not just for the business, but because it sounds like you’re going to stay.”
“Yes. I am.” It wasn’t as honest of an answer as she had given to Lance, but Mateo wasn’t Lance. Lance was special.
“I’m glad to hear it. It’s interesting the way the Lord sends exactly what we need. I was just sitting here trying to think how to drum up alittle bit more business. I think maybe I need to figure out a plan to accommodate your inn guests.”
“I’d be happy to put an advertisement up in the lobby so when we open, people know about your place. Maybe you could give them a special rate for a day or two or a week.”
“Great idea. I’ll get to work on that. I just love it when God sends what we need.”
“Me too. Actually, God just sent me a chef this evening. I was wondering how I was going to cook and still work at the inn, and Marina showed up at my door.”
“Marina? Italian? Dark hair, about this tall?” Mateo said. He described Marina to a T.
His interest was endearing.
“Yep. That’s the one. Do you know her?”
“I met her on the street. She asked me where the inn was. She…seemed a little mysterious, like she was looking over her shoulder.”
“Well, she’s at the inn now, and anyone who wants her will have to go through me.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Sometimes you meet someone and they just seem like they need someone to protect them.” He didn’t say that Marina was that person to him, but Shannon felt like she might have been.
It was sweet to see. And she was glad to know that Marina had two protectors now, though Mateo would be a much better protector than she was.
She finished signing up and then promised to come back with some workout clothes and be sure to utilize her membership.
She left feeling lighter in spirit and almost eager to see what else God had planned for her.
Eight
Tuesday evening, Shannon stood at Vera Miller’s door. She’d already walked back to her car three times, and she knew if she didn’t go in this time, she probably wouldn’t.
She wasn’t sure why she was so afraid, so reluctant to join. The warm lights spilled out from the windows, and laughter rang out quite often. She could even smell the faint scent of cinnamon buns. Marina had made a plate full of cookies that Shannon held in her hand. Marina had politely declined when Shannon had invited her to go along with her to the Bible study. Shannon wasn’t sure whether it was because Marina was not a believer or whether it was because of whatever it was that Marina was afraid of and constantly seemed to be looking for over her shoulder.
The meal she had made for the men had been absolutely amazing, top notch, restaurant quality, and it had been well appreciated.
Shannon had enjoyed the meal a second time as leftovers before she had left for Bible study.
She felt bad for Marina, but unless Marina told her what the issue was, she really couldn’t help her, other than letting her know that she was a supportive shoulder to lean on anytime she needed her.
She wished she had a supportive shoulder now. Lance would bewelcome. She’d not managed to avoid working with him all day, but he had deliberately kept the conversation light, when they’d spoken at all. They worked so well together that conversation really wasn’t needed. And by the time he left, she was sad to see him go and had almost forgotten her awkwardness around him.
Taking a deep breath, knowing that she was stalling, she lifted a hand and knocked on the door.
A voice called out, “Come in! It’s unlocked!”
