“Nolan, wait—”
He cut her off with a wave of his hand, refusing to meet her eyes or even look at her, instead, turning his back and walking away. There hadn’t been many times in his life when he’d felt so inadequate, but right now was one of the worst. Maybe a simple country boy like him wasn’t good enough for a city girl like her. That was fine. Just fine. He’d leave her alone and take his friendship with him.
Chapter 16
Ireturn to the booth and sit back down across from Sandy. My emotions are a mess. I’d just hurt Nolan’s feelings, obviously. I feel horrible. And confused. I don’t want to like him, but at the same time, I really do.
Sandy speaks up, his eyes narrowed. “Nolan sure left here in a hurry. What’d you say to him?”
“Why do you think it was somethingIsaid? I hardly know him.” I feel defensive now and I’m not sure why.
“Look honey, I know you’ve had a rough time, and you have every right to be cautious, but this is not Chicago, And I can assure you, Nolan is a good man.”
“I’m sure he is, but I’m not looking for anything right now. I’m busy enough planning the opening of my shop and spending time with you and the family.”
“I understand that, but you need to meet people and make friends. Let me tell you about Nolan. You two may have more in common than you think.”
“How is that possible? We appear to be opposites in every way. Has he ever even been out of Green Springs?”
“It’s true his family was the first to settle this town; Greens have been here for generations. Nolan was in the military for some years, and other than that, he’s been running his family business, just like me,” Sandy tells me with a wink, then he grows serious. “I sense the same loneliness in Nolan that I see in you. And you’ve both lost loved ones to cancer. His wife died about five years ago.”
I immediately regret how hard I’ve been on him. “And he hasn’t found anyone to make him happy?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Matter of fact, I haven’t seen him engage with any woman besides you. And I trust him one hundred percent. I never would have told you to call him when you had car trouble if I didn’t.”
I lean across the table and grasp Sandy’s hand. “Thank you for talking me down. I’m really trying to work on my fear of strangers. And I know I need to be more social. So far, I haven’t met many people I feel a kinship with. Barbara Jeanne’s friends are so young, and Saundra’s society friends just aren’t my type. Nolan did offer me the hand of friendship, but I’m afraid I rejected it—and him—just now.”
Sandy responds with a paternal pat to the top of my hand in return. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I’m sure you’ll figure out how to make amends. After all, you’ve got the Patrick family charm.”
* * *
The butterflies in my stomach are fluttering madly as I punch in the number for the garage. After a few rings, Nolan answers.
“Green’s Garage. Nolan speaking.”
“Hi, Nolan. This is Sally.” After an interminable pause, he responds.
“Oh. Hey, Sally. How can I help you? Is something wrong with your car?”
Great. The distance between us feels as wide as the Grand Canyon. I take a deep breath and plunge right in before I lose my courage. “My car is fine. I was wondering if you wanted to meet for coffee? I’d like to take you up on the offer of friendship, that is, if you’re still willing.”
Another long pause. Panic starts to set in. Before I can get the words out to tell him to forget it, I hear, “Sure. I’d like that. When did you want to get together?”
“Are you free this afternoon? Around two-thirty?”
“I can make that work. Whoever gets to the Blackened Skillet first can grab us a booth.”
“Great. See you then. Bye now.” I disconnect before he can change his mind.
I arrive at the diner ten minutes early so I can calm the butterflies before he arrives. At two twenty-five, Nolan strolls in and spots me immediately. He slides into the booth seat opposite mine, smiling broadly. I smile back.
“Hi.”
“Hi, yourself. Thanks for invitin’ me for coffee. Maybe we can have some cherry pie, too.”
Did he just wink at me? I’m feeling more relaxed, and Nolan’s southern drawl unexpectedly rubs me in the best way possible.Holy crap! What’s happening?I try to compose myself and hope he doesn’t notice my slight squirm in the seat in an attempt to squash that tickle of pleasure I haven’t felt in what seems like forever. “I think that can be arranged. And thank you for coming. I brought you something, and I want to apologize for being rude the last time I saw you. I know we don’t know each other very well, and I’d like to change that.”
“Sally. You don’t owe me any apologies or explanations. I’ve never met a stranger, and maybe you’re not used to that. I’d like to get to know you, too, and on your terms, if that makes you feel more comfortable.”
