Page 51 of Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat
Fee studied him closer and realised he was exhausted. ‘Did you getanysleep?’ The weary shrug he gave was his answer.
‘What about you?’
‘Not much. I ended up on the sofa about three this morning and dozed a bit.’
A mischievous gleam lightened his face. ‘Sounds to mewe might be a danger to other people if we drive back now.’
‘Oh, yes, those thirty minute car rides are well known for pushing people over the edge. What do you suggest we do instead?’
He edged closer and Fee caught a hint of his crisp, pine soap. ‘There’s a motel up the road. We could check in there and… rest for a few hours. For safety’s sake.’
‘Aren’t you the considerateone?’ She patted his hand.
‘I expect you can check messages there too.’
‘Another good idea.’
Tom smirked. ‘I’m full of them.’
‘Let’s go before we fall asleep over the table.’ She’d make the most of the day because they didn’t have many left.
‘I don’t intend falling asleep anytime soon. Hope you don’t either.’ Tom’s blunt statement made her hot all over andshe briefly felt guilty for lying to him about where she wanted this relationship to go. ‘I’ll pay.’
The cafe was filling up now and she watched people stroll in and sit down at what she suspected were their regular tables. Brenda moved around taking orders, often asking if they wanted “the usual”, and laughing along with people’s conversations. What would it be like to truly belong somewhere?She’d spent her professional life chronicling communities shattered by war or natural disasters and never ceased to be amazed at the resilience of the human spirit when it came to rebuilding both physically and mentally. It was always the small things that made the difference like finding a treasured photo in the wreckage of a home or sharing a meagre amount of food with a long-time neighbour.Tom had the same sort of anchor keeping him steady and even when he’d strayed for a while it’d tugged him back and taken care of him.
‘Hope you’re not rethinking our rendezvous?’ Tom’s teasing voice disturbed her mental rambling. ‘You looked pretty serious for a moment there. What’s wrong?’
‘Nothing. I’m fine.’ By his wry smile Fee guessed he didn’t believe her.
‘Fair enough.Let’s go and sample the delights of the Cottonwood Motel.’
His casual response didn’t mean he’d left it alone but she was pretty sure she could distract him from too much talking for quite a while.
