Treasure on Lilac Lane (Jewell Cove 2)

“There are things I want, Rick. I’d like to get married and have kids someday. I’d like to be in a relationship where I’m not always waiting for the other shoe to drop. And right now I seriously doubt you’re the guy to give me that kind of stability. You don’t know what you want.”

Rick nodded, but he didn’t look happy about it. “I hate that he did that to you, you know,” he said, steel lining his voice. “If I’d been here…”

“You can’t play that game,” she said. “You just can’t. You’ll drive yourself crazy. Believe me, I’ve done it a thousand times. There are things I would change, too.”

She looked up at him. In so many ways he was the same Rick she’d always known, and in others he was different. He smiled less, frowned more. Kept to himself rather than be the life of the party. Was alone with his demons rather than being out with his friends.

“So what do you say we forget about what just happened and I’ll tell you the real reason why I came over?”

“You mean it wasn’t to annoy me and probe into my psyche?”

He caught on quickly. Jess smiled and shook her head. “No. I want your help with something and in exchange I promise to keep your identity a secret.”

“Sounds intriguing.” He didn’t sound convinced.

She went to the box she’d brought in and took out the package of glass ornaments. “Christmas ornaments. The church women are having their annual bazaar in a few weeks, just before Thanksgiving. We’re always in need of donations for the craft sale.”

“You want me to paint Christmas decorations.”

She beamed. “I do. Your work is gorgeous. I know you’ll do a fantastic job.”

He sighed. “Anything else?”

“I’m glad you asked.” She reached into the box again and withdrew a glass candle holder. “I usually do these up with some ribbon, or maybe hot glue and little stones and gems. But you could do some really neat things here. Mistletoe and holly and poinsettias, that sort of thing. What do you say?”

“Jess, really? For the church sale?”

“It’s a good cause, Rick. The money goes back into the group coffers. Last year we bought a new dishwasher for the kitchen and donated a bunch to a mission in South America.”

“I’m not sure I have time…”

She put the glass holder back in the box. “You said yourself that the demand for your work isn’t as high right now, not like in summer. Besides, you’ve finished putting in my shelves. I’m busy, but I still take time to put together several items and I volunteer on the day.”

“It’s a bunch of old ladies making doilies.”

“Are you calling me an old lady, Richard Sullivan?” She put her hands on her hips.

That finally cracked a smile. “You are anything but old, Jess.”

Rick went to the box and withdrew a glass orb, turning it in his fingers. “You’re trying very hard to insinuate me back into this town,” he said, not looking at her.

“Because it’s your home. Because people will be here for you if you let them.”

“Are you so sure of that?” He put the ball back in the package. “Not everything is easily forgiven.”

“You have sins you’re hiding?”

His gaze was inscrutable. “There are things I don’t talk about, Jess. Things I don’t ever want to talk about. You start letting people get close, and secrets have a way of getting out. The town can get pretty small.”

Didn’t she know it. Rick’s comment about Saint Jess all those weeks ago had touched a nerve. She filled her days with projects because it was better than being alone. But she never aspired to be perfect or be held up on some sort of pedestal. Still, small towns like Jewell Cove were also supportive in times of need. They stood by their own. “It might be small, but you’re one of us. You’ll see. If you let me put your name on it, they’d sell like hotcakes. Guaranteed.”

He sighed. “Okay, you win. I’ll do it.”

“You will?”

“After I finish the door for Tom and Abby. And without my name attached to them. Got it? This is a onetime thing for the church.”

She smiled suddenly. “That’s great! All you have to do is let me know when they’re done, and I’ll come and pick them up.”