Chapter 11

 

 

Kate stepped out of the car and ducked under the umbrella. The rain had slowed to a drizzle but the wind still carried a chill, causing her to shiver. Pressed against each other under the umbrella, they hiked to the driveway and started towards the house.

“Just how long is the driveway?” Reed asked.

“Too long,” she said.

They rounded a curve and ascended to the house, which proved to be a two-story structure with a wraparound porch. A barn was visible beyond the house, as well as a pair of sheds. A battered truck sat in the driveway, rain washing at the rust.

They walked up the path to the house, the boards of the porch creaking as they climbed the steps. Reed collapsed the umbrella while Kate knocked on the door. It didn’t take long before the inside door swung open and a tiny, white-haired woman appeared. She took one look at them freezing on the porch and ushered them inside.

“You’ll catch your death of cold,” she scolded, and then turned toward the living room, where the sounds of a television rumbled. “HAROLD!” she shouted with surprising vigor. “Get some towels!”

A chair creaked and a large man appeared in the hall. With more hair on his chin than his head, he looked them up and down and then turned away, rumbling a, “yes, dear,” as he walked out of view. A moment later the giant returned with two towels.

“I’m Marge,” the woman said, “but everyone calls me Pepper.”

“Our car broke down up the road,” Reed said, drying his hair. “We were hoping to use your phone.”

“Of course,” she said. “Are you hungry? HAROLD! Go look at their car!”

“Yes, dear.”

A back door opened and shut before Reed could argue. “He doesn’t need to do anything,” he said. “My roommate will come and get us and I’ll call a mechanic.”

“Harold knows his way around an engine,” she said with a high laugh, shooing them into the kitchen. “Do you need a shower to warm up?”

“We’re fine,” Kate said, introducing herself to the woman. Reed did as well.

“Reed and Kate,” Marge said, nodding to them. “You make a beautiful couple. Now sit down so I can make you some food.”

Reed and Kate exchanged a look, but neither challenged her assumption. The effort would probably be futile, because she continued to chatter as she stepped into the kitchen and set to work. Reed grinned and took a seat at the table.

The entranceway led to the living room and dining area, which contained piles of newspapers and books across the table and chairs. Faded pictures of children and grandchildren covered the walls, and little glass mementos sat in a cabinet. The whole house smelled of warm bread, and Kate breathed deep.

“It smells wonderful,” she called.

“Bread’s almost out of the oven,” Pepper called back. “Do you prefer jam or cinnamon? Never mind, I’ll bring both.”

“Is she really going to feed us?” Kate whispered.

“I don’t think we can say no,” Reed said with a smile.

The clatter of the oven door preceded the sound of three bread pans being set on the stove. A moment later she came with a steaming loaf resting on a cutting board. She returned a moment later with a knife and a pair of plates, and again with milk and cups.

“Hot bread makes everything better,” she said, expertly slicing the bread and putting a generous portion on each plate.

“Your hospitality is quickly becoming legendary,” Reed said with a smile.

Pepper’s smile was as warm as the bread. “Harold will be back any moment.”

“I really can call a mechanic,” Reed said.

“Don’t be silly, dear,” she said with an airy wave.

The back door opened and shut and Harold appeared in the doorway. “Fuel pump,” he said simply. “Carl’s on his way with a new one.”

“You’re fixing my car?” Reed asked.

Harold grunted, the sound bordering on amusement, before he left again. Reed half stood, calling out, “I can help . . .”

“Nonsense,” Pepper said, all but pushing him back into his seat. “You two eat.”

Reed shook his head in disbelief and looked to Kate, who shrugged in amusement. Realizing Pepper would not be dissuaded, he took a bite of the bread, his expression proving it to be delicious. He gestured to an empty seat.

“Are you joining us . . .” But Pepper was at the back door, putting on her raincoat.

“I’ll just make sure he’s doing it right,” Pepper said. “I’ll be back shortly.”

The door clattered shut, leaving them in the house by themselves. They both laughed quietly and ate the bread. Kate was careful not to burn herself as she ate, the bread a perfect end to their spontaneous meal in the car. When they finished, Reed gestured to the porch.

“I feel weird sitting in their house.”

“Agreed,” she said, relieved he’d said it.

They cleared their plates and set them in the sink, and then returned to the front porch. Neither Pepper nor Harold was in sight, so they sat on the rocking chairs close to the front window.

The rain had all but stopped, but a sprinkling continued to wet the air. Although more dark clouds loomed in the distance, the sun momentarily peeked through, warming the air and glistening off the moisture.

“This is beautiful,” Kate murmured.

“Are you changing your answer from city?” he asked.

“I think I am,” she said.

They were silent for a moment, with both enjoying the atmosphere. Kate noticed Reed glancing her way but thought nothing of it. Then he shifted his chair and waited until she turned and raised an eyebrow.

“Are you going to tell me what’s weighing on your mind?” he asked.

“Sometimes I forget how well you read me.”

He smiled. “Only because I’ve spent so much time with you.”

She watched the clouds part and sunshine fall on the trees, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. Nervous, she struggled to form the words she’d been framing for the last few weeks, surprised to find them difficult to voice.

“What are we to each other?”

“I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

She turned and settled her gaze on him. “We’re more than friends, that much is clear. But we aren’t dating either.”

He looked away. “You know the rules.”

“I want to change them.”

He turned back to face her. “How so?”

She leaned forward, trying unsuccessfully not to fidget. “I know there is something holding you back, and you don’t have to share it—at least not yet. But I think we both know where we are headed. I just want to stop pretending.”

He regarded her with a strained expression. “I care for you a great deal,” he admitted. “But I can’t do what you’re asking.”

“I’m not asking,” she said. “I’m telling you. My feelings for you keep getting deeper with every text, call, and especially every date. I broke up with Jason because we didn’t have what you and I have. I don’t have a name for it. I can’t define it. I just know that I want it.”

“What exactly are you saying?” he asked.

She gathered her courage. “I’m not going to wait forever.”

He settled back in his chair and seemed to stare miles past her. She held her breath, hoping, praying, he wouldn’t say it was over. She’d said what she felt but not the depth of her feelings. Even after the dates they’d gone on, she wasn’t certain she could trust him that much. Not yet.

“I don’t know if I can do what you want,” he said softly.

“Then we can part ways,” she said, struggling to contain the sudden burst of fear.

“Will you give me time to think about it?”

Relief flooded her frame, so palpable she could taste its warmth. “I don’t want to stop dating you, Reed. But if your rules don’t change, I will.”

“I understand,” he said.

Recognizing the conversation had reached an end, she rotated her chair and tried not to let her anxiety show on her face. They sat in silence, watching the rain gradually pick up again, as if the clouds had parted to bring a moment of clarity to just them. Shortly after, Harold and Pepper appeared at the end of the driveway.

He carried a tool bag while she carried a dark piece of machinery. Kate smiled when she saw their hands intertwined. Both dressed in rain slickers, they walked up the porch steps and Pepper removed her hat.

“Your car is ready to go,” she said.

Reed was already on his feet. “Thank you,” he said. “How much do I owe you?”

“The part cost—”

“Harold,” Pepper said sharply.

“Yes, dear,” he rumbled. “Take care of your girl, there.”

Harold stepped off the porch and walked toward the barn. Kate wasn’t sure if he’d been talking about her or Reed’s car, but Pepper was all smiles. She removed her hat and shook her white hair. Then she smiled and gestured inside.

“You’re welcome to stay a while. The storm’s picking up again.”

“No, thank you,” Reed said. “We’d better get back.”

“The bread was delicious,” Kate said, and impulsively hugged the woman.

“Well thank you, dear,” she said, her tone pleased. “Stop in anytime.”

Reed stepped forward and embraced her as well. “That was for Harold,” he said.

She laughed lightly. “I’ll make sure he gets the message.”

He picked up the umbrella and opened it, and Kate stepped beneath its protection. As they strode to the car it seemed to her that Reed walked a fraction apart, yet a chasm had appeared between them.