Rocky Point Reunion (10 page)

Zack returned. “Can I call you after I get home and Jenny's asleep?” he said to Marcie.

“Sure,” she said, aware of just how much she wanted him to. To hear his voice, to have him reassure her about Sean.

To keep their evening going just a while longer.

I
t was almost eleven-thirty by the time the phone call came. Marcie had prepared a cup of hot cocoa and was glancing through the bridesmaid dresses that Jenny had her print out. Which would Gillian like? She hoped one that was Jenny's favorite. It would add another layer in cementing that relationship. Gillian loved Joe's daughter almost as much as she loved Joe. Marcie was delighted with the turn of events.

When the phone rang, she moved to the chair next to it and answered.

“Wasn't as bad as you might have thought,” Zack said. “Sean was just trying to fit in. I don't think he's made any solid friends in town. And choosing to go off with these guys was a mistake, but one anyone could make.”

“So, what happened exactly?”

“He had money from working at your place and they hit him up. It was one of the other boys who bought the beer. Tate wants a name so he can get the guy who sells to minors. They were south of town, bragging and drinking and raising a ruckus. Deputy spotted them when on patrol so picked them up. Jason Pullman's been picked up before. I talked to Tate before I called you. He's going to come
down hard on Jason, but the others got off with a warning. He said they're not bad kids, just bored.”

“I know Sean works well at the café and is friendly with the rest of the staff,” she said. “I hadn't thought about the friends angle. How long has he lived in Rocky Point?”

“A couple of years. His father ran out on the family and his mom moved them back here. Mother, grandmother and Sean.”

“Ouch, tough for a boy that age to have no father.”

“On any age,” he said softly.

Marcie sighed. “I know you miss your parents, Zack. But you had them growing up. So how are you going to help Sean?”

“What makes you think I am?”

“The way his mom looked at you when you said goodbye.” It had held more hope than Marcie had ever seen in a woman. She smiled. “You're a good man, Zack. What are you going to do?”

“Nothing beyond what I was planning anyway. He wants to race. At least that's one objective right now. Tate knows someone who has control of that plant over near Monkesville. He's going to see if we can use the parking lot. I thought I'd teach Sean the basics of competitive driving. Skills that won't hurt on highway driving, either.”

“A big responsibility.”

“Naw, it'll be a piece of cake. Thanks for coming over this evening. Jenny had a great time. She talked about it all the way home.”

“It was fun. It reminded me—” She stopped abruptly. She didn't want to go there. It reminded her of many times they'd spent with his family having hot dogs on the beach. Watching the stars.

“Yeah, I know.” He didn't say anything for a while. Were the memories happy for him as they had been for her?

“You won't let this stop Sean from working at the café, will you?” he asked.

“No. He works well. You surprised me by taking him home, though,” she said. Might as well tell him she admired what he'd done, but the words were hard to say. “I think it was wonderful.”

“Hey, my dad helped me out a time or two. This kid just needs some guidance.”

“I know. Jenny and I prayed for Sean while we waited. I haven't noticed him at the church. Do you know if he attends Trinity?”

“How would I know? He was at the picnic, though, so probably.”

“What about you, will you attend now that you're home?”

“Jenny and I were there Sunday,” he said.

“So you'll be making it on Sundays from now on?”

He hesitated. Marcie wondered what he was thinking.

“The thing is, Marcie, I'm not so sure I'm that welcome. Your father isn't happy to see me. Others in town seem to step warily. God's got better things to do than worry about me.”

“Zachariah Kincaid, God loves you. He's been watching over you all your life, you know that. I can't believe you'd even say such a thing.”

“Well, I didn't do so well by you. One strike against me. I turned my back on my family—even when they needed me. I didn't even come home for Pamela's funeral. Another strike.”

“You came as soon as you heard of Joe's burned hands. That wasn't turning your back. And you say you're coming back for good.”

“I am.”

“Then that means to Trinity, as well.” Why was she
trying to get him to church? Was it that she wanted things the way they'd once been? Before. So she could excuse her growing interest in the man who had once hurt her so badly? Could she ever believe in Zack again? Enough to try and see him as reliable, dependable—loveable?

“So you don't think God's given up on me?”

“Oh, Zack, don't you remember, He's written your name on the palms of His hands. He loves you. He would never forsake you.”

“I need to go,” he said, his voice tight with emotion. “Talk to you soon, Marcie.”

“Goodbye.” But she spoke to a dead phone.
“Lord, You know Zack's needs. Please let him feel Your love, let him know You never gave up on him. Could You please, also, give me faith to believe him when he says he's returning for good? And guidance in our relationship. Does that mean we should be friends?”

 

The next morning Marcie was sampling a new breakfast quiche one of the Cabot sisters had made when April stopped next to her. “Zack is out front and wants to see you.”

“Take that with you and go see the boy,” Priscilla Cabot said, pushing the plate toward her. “See what he's up to now. Fine-looking young man.”

“But unreliable,” Marcie said, scooping up the plate and fork.

“He was a kid, cut him some slack, now,” she called as Marcie headed to the dining area.

Marcie pushed through the swinging door and spotted Zack and Jenny at a booth. She joined them, placing her plate down.

“We ordered pancakes,” Jenny said after greetings had been exchanged.

Marcie looked at Zack warily. “What's up now?”

“You eating breakfast?” he asked, gesturing to her plate.

“Sampling a new quiche. It's quite good. We'll probably add it to the menu.”

“We're heading out to check out that closed mill in Monkesville. Want to ride with us?”

“I'm taking my bike in case I can ride in the parking lot,” Jenny piped up.

“Tate's meeting us there with the owner. I thought we could pick up Sean and all go,” Zack said.

“You don't need me there. I know nothing about racing.”

“So come and learn.”

She studied him for a moment. His dark eyes held hers. His smile did weird things to her equilibrium. She did want to go, but for the right reasons? Still—with Jenny and Sean there, and Tate meeting them, how much should she read into the invitation? Probably Zack wanted someone to watch Jenny while he and the others discussed racing.

“Okay, I'll go.”

“Yay, I'm glad, Auntie Marcie. You can watch me ride my bike if the man lets me.”

“You know, it occurs to me that insurance will become an issue. Think your dad would talk to me about liability policies?” Zack asked.

Marcie shrugged. She wasn't sure her dad would give Zack the time of day.

Their order arrived and the next moments were filled with getting syrup on pancakes and refilling Zack's coffee cup.

“You can ask,” she said, wondering what her father would say. “It could be expensive.”

He shrugged. “That's what I need to know. If he won't
help, I'll have to go to the competition.” The amusement in his eyes told her he was teasing. Still, if her father didn't help, he'd have no other choice.

“When do you need to know?”

“Probably after I talk to the owner. If he's not agreeable to our using the place, I don't need any insurance.”

When breakfast was finished, they went to pick up Sean and headed for Monkesville, a short drive inland from Rocky Point.

Sean was quiet in the back. Whether because Jenny chatted nonstop, not giving him a chance to say anything, or because he was still embarrassed about last night, Marcie wasn't sure. She watched Zack drive, his focus on the winding road. Did he want to drive faster? After racing cars at extraordinary speeds, how did he settle to staying just below the posted speeds on the highway?

“What?” he asked, flicking her a glance.

“Just wondering if you wanted to go faster.”

“No. I'm enjoying the pace. Gives me a chance to look around. It's pretty countryside, always has been.”

When they arrived at the abandoned mill, the gate to the parking lot was open and there were two cars inside. Marcie recognized the sheriff's vehicle from Rocky Point. She presumed the other belonged to the owner's representative.

Introductions were made once Zack and his passengers had left the truck. Hal Norris was representing the firm that still owned the property.

“We aren't sure we want something like you're proposing here,” Hal prompted.

“Let me get my niece's bike from the back so she can entertain herself while we talk,” Zack said. He quickly set the bike on the ground and Jenny happily rode around, ex
ploring the huge paved parking lot that encircled the plant on three sides.

Marcie noticed Zack took the time to look around, assessing what he saw.

“I understand the mill's been empty for a while. No buyers?”

“Not in this economy,” Hal said. He was tall and thin with very little hair. He looked like an old-fashioned accountant, Marcie thought. He'd look complete with a green eyeshade.

“What I propose won't be using the building at all, just the parking lot. I like that the entire property is fenced—that'll reduce the likelihood of vandalism.”

“Oh, we get plenty of that. The windows seem to be targets for guns and rocks,” Hal muttered, frowning as he looked at the old brick building. “The longer it sits on the market, the more outdated and problematic it becomes. Still, maybe one day it'll sell. If nothing else, eventually, it'll sell for the land alone. But we're a long way from that point. Come on, let's walk around and you can tell me what you want this for.”

Marcie chose to let the men amble around the parking lot while she lowered the tailgate of the truck and sat in the sun, watching Jenny, wondering what caused Zack to want to help Sean to this extent. The huge lot would be perfect for driving training, defensive driving, even drag racing, if properly marked off. Maybe. Where was he finding time and money for this? Was he unable to let the racing go? Was this his way to keep involved?

Such a comedown from grand prix racing. He wouldn't like it. In no time he'd get bored in Rocky Point and leave. She sighed. This time she knew there was no future. As kids, all things seemed possible; now as an adult, she wondered if that were true.

I can do all things through Christ.
The familiar verse from Philippians popped into mind. Did all things include getting a certain man to find contentment in a quieter life than he'd lived the past decade?

“This is fun, Auntie Marcie,” Jenny said, riding by. “It's so big. Watch, I can ride all the way to the fence and back.” She took off, pedaling fast as she went the entire length of the lot. The men were standing near the main entrance to the building, gesturing. She could tell Sean was not contributing, but he seemed to be soaking up every word.

Her gaze was drawn to Zack. He and Tate were the same height, Hal Norris just a bit shorter. But it wasn't only the age difference or size that set the two Rocky Point men apart. Zack had an air of confidence, clearly showing the world that here was a man who knew what he wanted and how to get it. Tate had a similar assurance, in part because he represented the local law, she thought. Or maybe from his years in Boston.

Sean couldn't find better men to associate with. She still wondered why Zack had stepped in. Another man would have let Sean deal with his own troubles last night. She sighed softly. Zack would make an awesome father.

Marcie was starting to grow bored when they finally headed back to the car. A quick glance at her watch told her they'd been here over an hour. What could they talk about all that time? It was a simple proposition—let Zack and Sean use it or not.

“I'll be in touch,” Zack said to Hal when they reached the vehicles. They shook hands and Hal and Tate went to their cars. Soon only Zack and Sean stood, still studying the lot.

“So, how did it go? Will this work?” Marcie asked, hopping down from the tailgate.

“Some details to work out,” Zack said, looking at Sean. “But I think we have ourselves a course.”

The teenager grinned. “Man, that was some discussion. I never knew so much would be involved.”

“It's not a done deal, but we're one step along the way. Anyone interested in lunch?”

With a chorus of
I am
s, he smiled and gestured to the truck. “Let's find something here in Monkesville before we drive home.”

The hamburger joint they picked offered picnic tables on the side of the property. Once everyone had all they'd ordered, they went to sit in the shade to enjoy the burgers and fries and milkshakes.

Marcie glanced around and noticed others smiling at their group. They probably looked like a family out for lunch, instead of four people from four different families gathered together.

Once seated Jenny piped up, “I'll say grace.”

Sean looked startled, but when he saw Zack and Marcie closed their eyes, he followed suit.

The food was delicious. The shade kept the warmth at bay. The two males in the group talked almost nonstop about the prospect of a course. Sounded to Marcie more like an obstacle course than a race course.

When they seemed to wind down, she smiled at Sean. “Do you and your mother attend Trinity Church?” she asked.

“Sometimes,” he said.

“We go every Sunday,” Jenny said. “And Vacation Bible School starts soon and then we get to go every day.”