“Not ‘til much later. You’ll probably be sound asleep by the time I get back. I’ve got a lot to do today. We’re preparing for a competition, so I’ve got classes going all day and into the night.” He left, closing the door in her face.
Zeke had been noticeably trying to avoid her. He spent more and more time at the studio and less and less time with her. He had made his feelings known to her and had accepted the fact that she still loved Dougall. He was always a gentleman with her and he treated her with such kindness and respect. In truth, she felt quite guilty that she didn’t feel the same way for him. She was holding out hope that someday she would find Dougall again, but perhaps she should consider giving Zeke a chance. She couldn’t right now, but maybe given some time she could love him. He was sweet, handsome, a hard worker. He had many qualities she found admirable, but she somehow found herself always comparing him to Dougall.
Helene heard a key in the lock and assumed it was Zeke returning. He’d probably forgotten something. She should really say something to him, but when the door opened it was Sara.
“Hey. You ready to go out?” Sara’s bright and cheery persona beamed at her.
“Nae yet.” Helene sank into the nearest chair and held back the tears that threatened to spill.
“What’s wrong? Did Zeke do something?” Sara asked.
“Nae. Zeke did nothing.” Helene gazed at Sara who had seated herself opposite her and was leaning forward with a concerned expression on her face. “I guess that’s the problem. He did nothing. I don’t think he wants to be around me. He leaves the house verra early every morning and he comes back when I’m in bed. I don’t know what to do. This is his house but he hardly spends any time here and ’tis me fault.”
“Wow. I had no idea. You do know how he feels about you right?”
“Aye.”
“You don’t feel the same?”
“I wish I did.”
“Hmmm…”
“He’s such a good man. Any woman would be happy to be with him. What’s wrong with me? Why cannae I let the past go and start over?”
“You’re not ready yet. That’s all. There’s nothing wrong with you. Believe me.”
“Thank ye, Sara. Yer always so kind to me.”
“You’re my friend. I know Zeke pretty well. Heismy brother, you know.” She giggled and so did Helene. “I’m sure he’s just giving you your space so you can get over Dougall. He doesn’t want you to feel pressured into having a relationship with him.”
“I dinnae wish to hurt him the way I did Dougall.”
“Helene, you would never purposefully do anything to hurt anyone. That’s just not you. And that’s why Dougall and Zeke love you. You have a sweet, sweet soul. I wishIcould be more like you.”
“You remind me so much of me friends, Ashley and Jenna. I would like to be more likeye. I want to be strong and to speak me mind, like ye.”
“That gets me into trouble sometimes. Like with Logan, for example. I would have liked him to stay so I could get to know him better. Or I wish he had at least asked me to go back with him, but he didn’t. I think I scared him away.” She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I guess I just don’t have luck with guys from any century.”
Helene couldn’t help but smile at her friend. Sara was a beautiful young woman, but as Helene had come to find out, the men of this time were not always interested in long term commitment.
“Let’s go have some fun instead of sitting around here feeling sorry for ourselves.” Sara stood and taking Helene by the hand pulled her up from her seat.
“Shouldn’t we go help Zeke at the studio?” Helene asked.
“No. Absolutely not! I’m working at the studio later and he doesn’t need your help right now either. He’s got Wade there with him.”
“What will we do then?”
“I’m going to take you on a sightseeing tour of the city. You know where the stores are and you know how to take the bus, but you haven’t seen some of the things that make San Francisco such a beautiful city, so today’s the day!” Sara grabbed her purse and headed for the door.
Helene was happy to follow her.
“You’re off then?” Paddraig Macrae asked. He stood in the courtyard with Fingall, Greer and Gillian.
“Aye, Da. I’ll be back from time to time.”
“Well, I hope so. Ye were gone far too long this last time.”
