Page 18 of A Change Of Heart

Chapter Five

Stephanie put the paper bag Henry had given her under the counter where she'd stashed her handbag, then dashed into the small bathroom near Henry's office to wash up.She turned on the light and caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of the glass.

She grimaced at the frown lines between her brows and starting around her mouth.What had Jason seen when he’d come in this morning?A bitter young woman...for that is what she was.The years caring for Jessica had drained the joy that had once ran through her veins.

After their conversation she understood and accepted the fact Jason had not caused her grief.They both had worked hard to achieve their youthful dreams, and if losing each other had been part of the bargain she knew they'd do it again.He was a surgeon, a respected doctor.She was a published author.And she would do live research about the places she'd written about.

Stephanie attempted to smile, but it looked forced on her face.For a brief space in time, she'd been flying high, but Jessica's injuries plus the pandemic had been extremely harsh, keeping people home and social distancing.Fortunately for her, she'd used the time to write her books while teaching from a distance.The local library had fed her muse.

It took years to plan her escape.She wanted her own fairy tale, just like the heroines in her books.In the past year and a half, she'd made a list of places to visit.The ancient ruins in Rome, Athens, and the Greek Isles.The Amalfi coastline, followed by the beautiful cities of Europe, Vienna, Budapest, and Paris.She'd cap it off with a trip to the British Isles—England, Scotland, and Ireland would be her grand finale.

Like her books, she intended to visit exotic places which would include the most enchanting of men.A Frenchman who'd whisper sweet nothings as they walked the Champs-Elysees.An Italian who'd wine and dine her, then promise her the moon as they tossed pennies into the famous Trevi Fountain.A romantic dinner at the Plaka, followed by a hotel room that overlooked the Parthenon, softly glowing in the night.

Her dreams would never come true if she remained rooted.If she stayed and gave her and Jason a chance.Not that he'd asked, exactly.

The next hour flew by with a steady stream of customers.By five, Stephanie looked forward to a quick shower and a quiet evening of writing.She'd just said goodnight to Henry, and was about to head up the inside staircase to her room.She'd only taken two steps when she heard a voice leaving a message on the shop's business number.

She reached the phone as the person continued with his message.It sounded like...no, why wouldhebe calling now?

"Hello?"

"Stephanie, it's Jason.I'm sorry to bother you but I got a call from Nicole a few minutes ago.I had mentioned to Heu that you're living in her apartment above the store and now she has a favor to ask."

"What kind of favor?Is she angry that her dad let someone else use the room?"

"Don't think that's it.But she made a big deal about wanting to see you as soon as possible.Says she has something important to ask but she wouldn't confide in me.Do you have time to visit her?"

"That's strange that she wants to see me.We were barely acquaintances."She rubbed the crease between her brow.What could Nicole want?And why of all places on the map had she ended up in Harmony with Jason working only a half hour away?She had accepted God's mission to save Nicole, but that was it!

Oh, why hadn't she bought a one-way ticket to Tahiti instead?

Jason answered her question."I honestly don't know.It sounded to me like she was embarrassed to ask, but that it was important to her.I can make an excuse for you if you'd like."

"No, don't do that."As tempting as that sounded."Of course, I'll come.I have Sunday off."

"Let me pick you up?We can drive together."

Her heart leaped, then plummeted to the floor."That's not necessary."She could feel her insides deflating like a blow-up doll that had been stepped on too many times.Being friends with this man was impossible.They had loved too deeply, had been too close."I have a car.Just give me the address and I'll drive myself."

"Stephanie, I can feel the chill over the phone line—what’s up?I’d hoped after this morning’s conversation that we might be friends."

She bit her lip and knew she had to be honest.Jason deserved that."I'm just uncomfortable with that part.It's best to let the past stay in the past."

"Why?"His voice contained a little heat.

"I don't know why."He could be so aggravating at times.Always wanted to dissect everything, wouldn't just take a statement as fact.She had forgotten that about him."It's just better, that's all."

"You couldn't be more wrong.Years have gone by, and itwasunfortunate we lost contact.But now we have a chance to get reacquainted.I'll pick you up at ten."

He hung up before she could say no.

Her steps were heavy as she climbed the stairs.Sometimes, like right now, she imagined it would be nice to have a family and a home of her own.But she knew that boat had sailed.

She unlocked her door, kicked off her shoes, and whipped her red wool sweater over her head as it had started to itch.She needed to get out of this claustrophobic room for a few hours.Breathe in some fresh air.Put her worries on hold.

"I am not going to meet Jason on Sunday at ten," she said aloud."Two days!No way.I’ll find out where Nicole is getting her dialysis and drive there myself.At noon."

She folded her sweater and jeans, placing them in the only available space, a box on the floor.Some nerve Jason had.Thinking he could boss her around and get his own way.It was okay if Henry did it because he was actually her boss.But Jason was just an ex-lover, a man from the past.The fact that she'd never completely gotten over him didn't mean a darn thing.She was not about to make any more mistakes when it came to Doctor Jason Monroe, heartthrob and flirt.

---