Love Finds You at Home for Christmas (21 page)

Jon had been coming here since he was a kid, and he knew what that could mean. Glancing at his watch, Jon nodded at Milton and grinned at Clara Belle, his wife. A capable and no-nonsense type of woman, she was working with Milton that day so Jon had hopes he could still get his hair cut without being late to meet the preachers.

He took the last seat, near his old boss, Harvey, and after shaking Harvey's hand, he opened a book. Jon was roused from the page by Milton's friendly voice asking the crowd who was planning to go to Sophie's grand opening.

“I am,” Ralph Turner said, “although it makes me feel old to think that girl's old enough to be running a business. I gave her her first swing set. I can still see those blond pigtails flying through the air. She sure was a cute little thing.”

“Was?” Colby Clarkson spouted. “You seen her lately? Ain't no
was
about it.”

Jon cringed behind his book.

“I'm goin', too.” J. T. Spencer puffed on a cigarette from outside the door under the barber pole. Not wanting to miss out on gossip, he called out, “But can you believe that child's mother run off and left her at a time like this? It's opening day of Sophie's restaurant, and Janie done flew the coop and gone out of town! And to go someplace like Ireland. What've they got over there that we don't have right here in River Bend? That's what I'd like to know. I don't get why anybody'd want to go across that shark-infested ocean to see a place like Ireland, anyway.”

“Well, I can tell you.” Mildred Cooper, the county clerk recently retired after thirty years in office, was an expert on everything that happened in River Bend, and she'd been dispensing her knowledge to anyone who would listen for years. She was waiting on her husband, Bob, who sat in Milton's chair. “They're going because Ruby wanted to go—she always has. I remember her talking about it years ago when we worked together down at the courthouse. She's into all that ancestry stuff.” Mildred blew her nose into her hankie. “Anyway, Milton, to answer your question, yes, we'll be there. We're going right after we leave here, to try to beat the crowd.”

Milton lathered Bob's neck for a shave. “I'm glad Janie's getting out. That's a good woman, been through a hard time these last years. I'll bet a little change of scenery will do her some good.” As proprietor of the shop, he was ever the diplomat.

Earl Mabry, clad in overalls and a work shirt, looked up from his farming magazine. He'd been a deacon at his church for over fifty years and spoke as an authority. “I agree. And anyway, talkin' 'bout runnin' off and leavin' somebody, Sophie's the one that run off and left her family with that long-haired hippie she married. Why, she's been 'round the world and back while her folks was sittin' here worryin' 'bout her. What with Sophie gettin' a divorce and all, and then galavantin' all over Europe, and then Brother James up and dyin' in a freak accident like that…well, I'd say it's Janie's turn to have a little fun.”

Jon felt the blood running to his head. Pressing his knuckles into the wooden arms of his chair, he took a deep breath, preparing to tell them all off, but Harvey Weinberg piped up.

“I think it will be good for all of them,” Harvey offered. “Ruby's not getting any younger, so if that's one of her life's dreams, I say go for it! And Earl's right that Janie's due a vacation. Besides, Sophie can handle it. I hear she's got some good help, and anyway, that girl—for whatever problems she's had—is smart. She's a good kid too. It takes a lot to come back home after going through what she has. I, for one, admire her guts. And I'm glad we might be finally getting a decent place to eat around here.”

Jon stood. “Harvey's right. Sheesh, sometimes I wonder why anyone would want to come home to this town.” Nodding to Milton, he walked out, letting the door shut somewhat loudly behind him.

Chapter Five

.................................

Sophie's “good help” was late, and she was getting nervous. She'd made the cheesecake the night before so it could chill, and Mamma Gemme's sauce was out of the refrigerator and simmering on the stove. Halfcooked pasta soaked in a pot of cold water, ready for a quick boil when ordered. The pinto beans, with their ham hocks and dash of sugar, were almost done, and she had turned them down to low. Brown rice for the daily special sat in a steamer, and shredded chicken with peppers and onions were staying warm in a slow cooker. The catfish fillets were thawing in salted water. Two fresh apple cobblers bubbled in one oven, and a coconut pie and a chocolate pie were toasting their meringues in the other. Sophie was making pecan cornbread to go with the beans when the telephone rang.

“Hello? I mean, Harbor House Café, can I help you?”

“Hi, sweetheart. How's it going?” It was her mother calling from Ireland, where she was on vacation for two months. No telling what time it was there.

“Well, so far so good. I'm going to be in trouble if Shannon doesn't show up in a minute, though. How are you guys?”

“We're doing well. Granny is having a great time, and I think it's going to be good for me, too.”

“How's Aunt Stella? Is she behaving? Getting on your nerves?”

“Stella and I are getting along fine. I'm really glad we all came together. I feel terrible about missing your big day, though. I trust it is the right thing that we went ahead and did this…?” Her voice sounded unsure.

“I'll be fine, Mom. I'd never have let you change your trip. Who knew I would be doing this back when you made those arrangements? And Granny didn't need to put it off anymore anyway. It's the right thing. Don't worry about it, please.”

“I can't help but worry a little. But I know you'll do a great job. I've been praying for you all day! How is Tom?”

“Good. I saw him yesterday after I got my menus printed. He was at Milton's. And Madeline is great—just tired all of the time, I think. They'll be here later.”

“Well, tell them Granny and I said hi. We're off to Sligo in the morning. Cousin Bridget wants to show us Yeats country. It should be interesting.”

“Oh, I've always wanted to see the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Take lots of pictures if you go there. Listen, Momma, I've got to go, but thanks for calling. I'll e-mail you all about the day when it is over. Oh good, here comes Shannon.”

“I'll keep praying, hon. I love you.”

“I love you too. Be safe.”

Shannon hurried in the door with a flushed look. “I'm so sorry I'm late,” she said. “Katie had a science project due today and she dropped it on the way to the bus so we had to fix it and then I had to run her by the school.”

Sophie managed a chuckle. “That's okay. I'm sure glad to see you. Come on in here and get chopping.”

While Shannon chopped the lettuces, bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, radishes, and carrots for the salad, Sophie sliced sandwich meats and cheeses on the slicer. She was shaving smoked turkey when she heard a knock and saw the back door opening.

“Yoo-hoo!”

Sophie was trying to register the nasally voice from some mental archive when a woman her age stepped through the door. She was clad in a tight tank top and very short running shorts that showed off fabulous tanned legs. Her hair was tied in a ponytail on top of her head, and her makeup, a little thick for a morning jog, Sophie thought, was immaculate.

Sophie had to turn off the slicer to keep from cutting herself, and she forced a smile as she recognized the face that matched the voice of Misti Lane.

“Misti. Nice to see you. Uh, can I help you?”

“Oh, Sophie—I was just out running and just
had
to come by and check on you. I heard you were back in town. I just haven't had the chance to get by here. But I wanted to come say hello.”

“Well, that's nice. You look great.” Sophie hated to admit it, but it was true.

“Thanks…so do you.” Misti smiled a little too sweetly as her eyes traveled quickly over Sophie's appearance, and Sophie felt suddenly uncomfortable as she saw herself in her mind's eye. Her hair was back and her face was free of makeup. She wore a tie-dyed T-shirt and ripped jeans underneath her red apron, which was already covered in stains. Her feet were in red Crocs.

Misti continued. “I know it's your opening day—everyone's talking about it. I'm coming for lunch. A lot of old friends are. We all just can't
wait
to see you and get caught up.”

Sophie could. She felt a knot forming in her stomach.

“I mean, we all thought you were living the high life with your rock star husband. Who'd have guessed you'd end up back in River Bend?”

Sophie cringed.

“This is such a charming old place,” Misti continued. “How perfect that you would come home and work here.” She surveyed the kitchen. “So…quaint. Such a perfect thing for you to do, especially since you don't have any kids or anything. I mean, you don't, do you?”

Sophie took a deep breath. “Nope, just a dog.”

Misti laughed.
Like a horse,
Sophie thought.

“A dog. Oh, how sweet. Sophie, you're just so funny. You always were.”

“Do you have any?” Sophie asked her.

“Kids? Yeah. We have two, a boy and a girl.”

“I'm sorry, Misti, I guess I don't know who you married.” Sophie went back to slicing.

“Well, you know I dated Michael forever in high school, but I ended up marrying Colby.”

“Colby Clarkson?” Sophie tried to keep her voice neutral, but mentally she cringed. Colby had been quite the womanizer in high school.

“Yeah. I'm Misti Clarkson now.”

“Well—congratulations. Are your kids in school?”

“They're four and two. But they go to daycare. I have lots to do with helping Colby in his business and around the farm.”

“I'm sure that keeps you busy.” Sophie was trying to sound interested, but she really didn't have time for this conversation. “Hey, Misti, I'm sorry I can't really talk much right now, but I have a lot of prep yet to do. Thanks so much for stopping by—I'll look for you later.”

“Sure, yeah. I better finish my run. I've got to shower and everything before I come back.”

Misti turned to walk out the door. “See ya later,” she called.

Sophie shivered a little, then she shook her head clear and shrugged at Shannon, who was looking at her, questioning.

She washed her hands, drying them on her apron, and went out on the porch to write the daily special on the chalkboard she'd mounted by the front door.

T
HREE CHICKEN TACOS
,
BEANS
,
AND RICE
. $6.00. It was a specialty she'd tasted and perfected while living in California, different from any other version of tacos one might get in River Bend. They were delicious—at least she thought so and hoped others would too.

“Watch that spelling.”

A voice behind her made Sophie drop the chalk. But as she turned around, she realized the voice was familiar.

As if out of the past, Jon Anthony walked up the steps and onto the porch, picked up the chalk, and placed it in her hand with a warm smile.

Sophie squealed and threw her arms around his neck. After a second, Jon's arms encircled her, and he returned her hug.

Sophie pulled back to look at his face. “Jon Anthony. Is that really you?” She surveyed the changes in her friend since she'd last seen him at her wedding. He seemed taller, more muscular, his face more chiseled. It had lost that baby roundness, and the glasses were gone from his brown eyes. His dark hair was shorter.

Looking at him with her older, wiser eyes, Sophie realized with a surprising warmth in her face that Jon was good-looking.

Really, really good-looking.

Suddenly uncomfortable, Sophie stepped out of his arms as nonchalantly as possible and tried to keep the blush out of her cheeks.

“In the flesh,” he said, his voice deeper than she remembered. “You don't think I'd miss the second biggest event in River Bend history, do you?”

“Actually,” Sophie said, staring at him, “that's exactly what I'd expect of you. Who twisted your arm?”

Jon laughed. “I guess that's why I'm here early, to beat the crowd.”

His reference to the crowd jolted Sophie back into business mode. “Oh, uh, I'm sorry I can't talk much right now, Jon. I am so happy to see you, but you can't imagine how much I have to do. Would you like to sit on the porch? Maybe I'll get a break later—I really would love to catch up with you. I can't believe you're here!” She laughed, a little nervous.

He grinned at her. “The porch would be great. It's a beautiful day. Just put me in the quietest corner. Oh, yeah—and I'm meeting someone, so how about this table?” He pointed to a four-top on the far end of the porch.

“Sure, that's fine.” Sophie surprised herself by feeling a little pang of—what? Possessiveness? That was weird. She hadn't seen the guy in years, and he was free to eat lunch with whomever he liked. Hurrying back toward the kitchen, she almost ran into one of her servers, René, who was carrying a tray of drinks out onto the porch.

“Oh my goodness, is that Jon Anthony?” René whispered.

Sophie nodded.

“You
know
him? He's River Bend's most eligible bachelor. Kind of like a town celebrity.” René giggled.

Sophie glanced back to where Jon was now sitting, then quickly turned her head, giving René a look of bewilderment.

Her heart beating fast as she returned to the kitchen, Sophie wondered why in the world she should be nervous around Jon Anthony.

Chapter Six

.................................

By noon, Sophie was out of the special and almost out of dishes. There was no commercial dishwasher in the Harbor House, just two deep sinks that were now full of plates, glasses, and silverware. And there was no sign of Andy, the kid she'd hired to wash dishes.