Revelations (The Revelations Series Book 1) (27 page)

“Yes. I didn’t want to take the chance of him overhearing us talking about it.” Arlene was about to take a bite of her sandwich when the doorbell rang. “That must be Mr. Jacobs, Dylan’s dad. He said he’d come look at the railing.” Arlene got up and left the kitchen.

Arleen came back a few minutes later with a tall, solidly built man with chiseled good looks and light chestnut hair that seemed to be streaked by the sun. She couldn’t believe this man was Dylan’s father. He looked so young. “Jenna, this is Mr. Jacobs. He said he could fix the stairway today, isn’t that great?”

“Yes it is.” Jenna could see where Dylan got his good looks from. His dad had the same dimples that she loved to see whenever Dylan smiled.

“If you will excuse me for a moment I’ll get that account number for you and get your check.” Arlene turned and disappeared into her office.

“So, I finally get to meet the new girl in my son’s life,” Mr. Jacobs said, his handsome face smiling warmly at her. “He’s told me a lot about you.”

“All good, I hope?”

Mr. Jacobs laughed. “Yes, it’s all good. He seems to like you very much.”

“Here it is,” Arlene announced as she came back into the kitchen. “Just give this to Mr. Jones and he’ll let you charge whatever you need on my account, and here’s your check for the repair of the railing.” Arlene handed him a piece of paper and the check. “And, thanks again. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem.” Mr. Jacobs turned toward Jenna. “It was nice to meet you, young lady. Now I can tell Dylan’s mom that I got to meet the girl dating our son.” He held out his hand for Jenna.

Jenna smiled, stood up and shook his hand. Mr. Jacobs held her hand for a moment, his face losing all expression as he stared at her. Then he suddenly dropped her hand and backed away from her.

“I’ll be back soon,” he told Arlene as he headed toward the front door, glancing back over his shoulder at Jenna.

“What was that all about?” Jenna asked Arlene after she heard the front door close.

“What do you mean?” Arlene asked.

“You didn’t see the look on his face when he shook my hand? It was like I scared him or something.”

“He was probably just checking you out. He’s very protective of Dylan.”

Jenna wasn’t so sure that’s what it was, but she let it go. She didn’t have the time to worry about what Dylan’s dad thought about her. After everything Dylan told her about him, she didn’t think Dylan would care if he disapproved of her.

“So, what do you have so far?” Arlene asked as she looked at the list Jenna made.

“Well, I’m thinking some snacks, soda and pizza. I don’t think you need anything else in the food department.”

“If that’s all you think we need, then that’s fine. I’ll go to town in the morning and get it all.”

“Maybe I should go now. That way you can keep Dylan busy tomorrow and away from the house while we get everything set up.”

“You know, that’s a good idea.” Arlene scribbled a few more things on the list. “Here, we can’t forget cups and plates.” She grabbed her wallet out of her purse and handed her a credit card. “You can go to Donna’s Market for the food, cups and plates. It’s in the mini mall, and if you want to get some kind of decorations, there’s a party store is there too. Everyone knows who you are by now, so they’ll let you use the card. Here are the keys to my car, Alex has the Jeep.”

Jenna took the keys and credit card from Arlene, then put the list and card in her pocket. “Arlene, you told me before that my mom set aside some money for me. How do I get some? I’d like to get Dylan a present.”

Arlene smiled. “That’s sweet of you. The money is in a special account in the bank and I wouldn’t be able to get to it until tomorrow. Just charge anything you want.”

“Are you sure?” Jenna asked.

“Yes, Jenna, I’m sure. As far as I’m concerned, you’re my kid now. You don’t have to use that money for something like a gift for your boyfriend.”

Jenna hugged Arlene. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“It’s not a problem, honey. Now, go before he gets back here and figures out what we’re up to.”

Jenna headed for the front door. She couldn’t believe Dylan hadn’t told her that his birthday was so close. She had no idea what to get him, but she wanted it to be special. There had to be a store in the mall where she could find something for him.

After getting everything in the grocery store and putting it in the car, Jenna decided that she did want to get decorations. She looked around at the stores to see where the party store was. Finally finding it, she made her way there. She didn’t want to get much, maybe just some streamers and a Happy Eighteenth Birthday banner. She decided on some dark blue and red streamers that they would hang above the banner that she located one aisle over from the steamers. With that in hand, she headed for the check out.

“So, you’re Arlene’s niece,” the short thin lady behind the counter asked as she looked at the credit card.

“Yes, I am.” Jenna bit her lip wondering if the woman was going to give her a hard time about using the card.”

“How do you like it here?” she asked as she bagged the streamers and banner.

“It’s nice. You have a great town.”

“Thanks,” the woman responded as she handed Jenna the bag and card back. “It’s nice to meet you. Have a good day.” The woman smiled at Jenna as she took her things and left the store.

Next, she needed to get Dylan’s gift, but she had no idea what to get him. She walked around the mall window-shopping to see if anything piqued her interest, but nothing really did. Then as she walked past a small thrift store, she saw the perfect gift. A small table and chairs set. It would be perfect for when he renovated the barn loft.

A bell chimed as Jenna entered the small store that was filled with an assorted variety of items for sale. She headed for the cashier whose chin was resting on her chest and her eyes half-closed sitting in a rocking chair. Jenna swore she was half-asleep behind the counter.

“Excuse me. Do you offer any kind of delivery service?” Jenna asked.

The elderly women stood and slowly made her way to the counter. “Yes, dear, for an extra fifteen dollars we do. And, the location has to be within the town limits.”

“Great.” Jenna walked over to the table set and checked it over. She was sure no one would think of getting him something like this. She wanted to show him she believed in his future plans, and she would help him if he wanted her to.

“I’ll take the table and chairs please.” Jenna walked back over to the register and handed the lady Arlene’s card. “Could you please deliver it to Arlene’s Apple Orchard?”

“Sure, but it won’t be until tomorrow,” The lady replied as she swiped the card.

“That’s fine. Thank you very much.”

The woman handed Jenna back the credit card and smiled. “Have a good day, dear,”

“You too,” Jenna replied, and then headed out the door and back to her car. With that out of the way, she had done everything on her list. She climbed in the car and headed back home to see what else she could do.

JENNA
woke the next morning excited about the party that afternoon. She quickly dressed and rushed downstairs to see what else needed to be done. She found Arlene and Dylan in the kitchen.

“Good morning,” she said as she walked in.

“Good morning,” they said in unison.

Dylan smiled at her then returned his attention back to Arlene.
“I hope you don’t mind,” she said, “but I need you to go back and get some more fertilizer. They were supposed to give you twenty bags but only gave you fifteen. That won’t be enough to do all the trees, and we need to get them done this weekend,” Arlene told him.

“Do they know I’m coming?” Dylan asked.

“Yes, I called yesterday when we realized they’d shorted you. They said to just come back and they would give you the rest.”

“Okay, I better head out then if I need to be back by two for the delivery of the new baskets.”

“Just give me a call when you’re on your way home,” Arlene told Dylan.

“Not a problem.” Dylan smiled at Jenna once more then headed out the back door.

“I’ll be right back,” Jenna told Arlene then followed Dylan out the door. “Wait up,” she called as she hurried to catch up with him.

Dylan stopped and turned around. “Hey, what’s up? Sorry about leaving without saying hello, but I don’t want Arlene to think our relationship is going to get in the way of my job.”

“That’s okay, I understand. Did I tell you I met your dad yesterday when he came to fix the railing? He was nice,” Jenna said as they walked toward the truck.

“Really, he didn’t tell me. When I got home last night, he was holed up in his office dealing with some kind of church business. He was gone by the time I got up this morning, which is unusual. But, let’s not talk about him.” Dylan took her in his arms “How about I pick you up when I get off of work and we go somewhere, just the two of us.”

Jenna smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Sounds like a plan.”

Dylan leaned down and kissed her, then took a step back. “I’ve got to go. The sooner I get done with work, the sooner I can kiss you again.”

Jenna laughed. “I’ll see you tonight. I love you.” Jenna froze. Had she really said that out loud?

Dylan paused for a moment then climbed in his truck and drove away.

Devastated, Jenna shook her head. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Had she just ruined things with the one person she needed in her life right now. She turned around and ran back to the house. She hurried past Arlene who was still in the kitchen and ran up the stairs almost knocking Alex over at the top. She pushed past him and rushed into her room.

“Jenna, what’s wrong?” Alex asked following her.

“Nothing, please leave me alone,” Jenna mumbled as she sat on the window seat and pulled her knees up to her chest.

“It’s Dylan, isn’t it?” Alex crossed his arms over his chest.

“Please don’t start, Alex.” Jenna stared out the window.

“Jenna, you must know that dating him only puts him in danger. They’ll use anyone you’re close to, to hurt you.”

Jenna turned and looked at Alex. “I know, but don’t I deserve to be happy?”

“I’m not saying that, but ask yourself this. Were you really that unhappy before your mom died? You can be happy without putting others in danger.”

Jenna thought for a moment then nodded. “I was, but not as happy as I am with Dylan, so stop trying to get me to break up with him.”

“You know what, do what you want! But, when he gets hurt, you have no one else to blame but yourself!” Alex turned and left the room slamming the door behind him.

Jenna continued staring out the window. She would talk to Dylan tonight about what had happened and fix things between them. Yes, that’s what she would do. She took a deep breath in, then slowly released it, got up and headed back downstairs.

“Hey, Arlene, what can I do to get ready for the party?” Jenna asked.

“Are you okay?” Arlene asked.

“Yes, I just had something in my eye. All better now.”

“Good,” Arlene replied. “So, all we have to do for the party is decorate, and get the food ready. I’m heading into town now to pick up the cake.”

“Okay, I’ll take care of setting up while you’re out. Oh, I forgot, the thrift shop is going to be delivering a table and chairs set. It’s for Dylan and needs to go in the loft in the barn.”

Arlene smiled. “I see he told you about our deal. That’s a great gift. I would never have thought about getting him something like that. All I got him was a bonus in his check.”

Jenna smiled. “I’m quite sure he’ll like that too.”

Arlene laughed as she grabbed her purse off the counter and headed for the door. “I’ll be back in a little while. Jenna, do me a favor, don’t let Alex get to you. I can tell he doesn’t approve of your dating Dylan. But, if you’re happy, then it shouldn’t matter what he thinks.”

Jenna smiled; at least someone was behind her decision to date Dylan. “Don’t worry. I won’t let Alex come between us.”

“Good.” Arlene smiled and left the house.

Jenna busied herself with hanging the banner above the fireplace and draping streamers around it. She climbed off the chair she had been standing on and checked out her work. After deciding she was happy with the outcome, she headed to the kitchen to see what she could get ready in there. She searched the cupboards for some big bowls for the chips and pretzels, and pulled them out when she located them above the fridge. Then she set out the plates and cups on the island where she grabbed an ice bucket from under the sink. She would fill it with ice right before the party started. And, last she put all the soda out.