A Flicker of Doubt - Tim Myers [46]
“No, this was perfect” I stepped forward and kissed her on the cheek. ‘Thank you.”
She smiled brightly. “You’re welcome. Now I’ve got to get out of here. We stayed out on the water longer than I thought we would, and I’ve got a group coming by the shop to watch a white-water rafting video.”‘
“Sorry to keep you so long” I said.
“Are you kidding? I had a blast. See you soon, Harrison.”
After she was gone, I walked over to the steps that led down to the water and sat. My shoulders were sore from paddling, but it had felt grand being on the water again. It wasn’t fair to the Gunpowder to blame the river for what had happened.
“Becka,” I said softly to myself. “What happened to you?”
“Were you talking to me?” I heard a voice say behind me.
I turned around, and Jeanie, Runion’s assistant, was standing there studying me.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were there.”
She said, “I just got here. The water’s really beautiful, isn’t it?”
“It’s a million-dollar view,” I said.
She shuddered. “Don’t say that, please.”
“Why not?”
Jeanie sat beside me. “It’s Runion’s favorite expression.” She looked out onto the water and added, “You can’t put a price tag on this. At least you shouldn’t be able to.”
“You’re right. So, do you have something for me already?”
She shook her head. “No, I haven’t had a chance to do any digging. I was just curious about your setup out here, so I thought I’d stop by.” She glanced back at the darkened stores and said, “I’m too late, aren’t I?”
It’s never too late for a tour of the candleshop,” I said “Come on in.”
“Are you sure it’s not a problem?” she asked. “I don’t want to keep you from anything.”
“My schedule’s all clear,” I said.
She enjoyed her tour of the shop, and I persuaded her to take a pack of wax sheets. “Let me pay for this,” she said.
I pointed to one corner of the sheet. “The honeycomb is crushed here, do you see? You can trim it and make a perfectly good candle, the directions are printed on the back, but I won’t sell it if it’s damaged.”
“You really care about this place, don’t you?” she asked.
“It’s not just my job; it’s become my life.”
“I envy you that,” she said as I walked her out of the shop and to her car.
“Thanks for the tour,” she said.
“I’m glad you came by.”
To my surprise, she leaned forward, as if she was expecting me to kiss her. I wasn’t sure what to do next, but I was saved by a call from the deck of the complex. “Harrison, do you have a moment?”
“I’ll be right there, Pearly.”
Jeanie started to kiss my cheek, then paused and settled for a handshake instead. “Thanks again.” ‘
“Come back any time,” I said.
“Even if I don’t have anything to report?” she asked.
“My door’s always open for you, Jeanie. I love sharing what I know about making candles.”
She studied me a second, then asked, “You’re not like most guys, are you?”
I laughed. ‘It depends. Is that a good thing in your eyes or not?”
She smiled. “Oh, it’s a good thing, you can believe that. We were alone together for half an hour and you never made a single pass at me.”
“I don’t know you that well yet,” I said, surprised by her candor, and mine in reply.
“Believe me, that’s usually not an issue. Good night, Harrison.”
“Good night, Jeanie.”
I waited until she drove off, then joined Pearly in front of The Crocked Pot. He was sitting in one of Millie’s cafe chairs, and I pulled another one from under the awning and joined him.
Pearly said, “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You didn’t,” I said. “I wasn’t expecting Jeanie to come by.”
“I saw the way she was looking at you. She’ll be back, and soon.” He paused, then added, “And I’m willing to wager you’ll be glad when she does.”
“Forgive me, but I’m not in the mood to be analyzed this evening,” I said.
He looked as if I’d slapped him. “I’m the one who should be asking for forgiveness. Sometimes I forget myself.”
“Pearly, I didn’t mean anything by it It’s just been a long day.”
“For me as well,” he said.
“So, what’s on your mind?”
“I’ve spoken with both Sanora and