“What’s this list?” she asked, taking the page and scanning all the names.
“Different skills guys have in construction so I know who to call when we have a barn raising like we did for Ben and Carrie. Or some other project. Sam’s specialty is electrical. You can use my phone.”
He pointed to the phone on the wall.
Once she’d spoken to Sam’s mother and told her about the rehearsal she hung up and turned to Kirk.
“My dad called this morning. He practically told me to disregard anything they’ve said in the past and go for what I want. I couldn’t believe it.”
He leaned against the kitchen counter and crossed his arms over his chest, tilting his head a little to study her.
“Why? He’s an adult, and seems to realize you are one as well.”
“He asked about my visit.”
“And?”
“So I told him and he said I sounded happy. He’s right. I’m happy here.”
“You sound almost surprised.”
“I guess I am.”
“Need a ride to the rehearsal?” he asked.
She considered the offer. One time he tells her to go home, then he takes her to dinner. Now he’s offering to take her to the rehearsal. She was confused by the way he acted.
She wasn’t confused about wanting to spend as much time with him as she could.
“I’d like that.”
“When is it?”
“At two at the high school.”
“I’ll pick you up about ten minutes before that. It’s a short drive.”
“It’s a short drive anywhere in Smoky Hollow. I could probably walk.”
“No need to carry your fiddle all that way.”
She should leave. She had nothing else to say, but didn’t want to walk away. Finally as the silence stretched out, she smiled and turned to leave.
Kirk watched her go. Once the screen door banged shut behind her he let out his breath. Ever since Angelica Cannon had shown up in Smoky Hollow, his life had been topsy-turvy and didn’t seem about to settle down.
Once the festival was over, she’ go back where she belonged.
Every time he repeated it, he tried to convince himself that maybe she’d stay. Yet what did he have to offer? His own mother hadn’t stayed. Neither he nor his father had meant enough to her.
Much as he wished Angelica would stay, it’d be a waste of her talent, and the prospects for the future. He wasn’t going to stand in her way.
Deliberately refusing to look out the window to watch her walk across the lawn, he turned instead to head to the studio. He had several hours before he saw her again. Time enough to shore up defenses.
There were more people than Angelica expected when she reached the school yard where the rehearsal would be held. Her violin was in her case. She brought the one Sam was using in another case, and sheet music for both of them in her tote.
Gina spotted her as soon as Kirk’s truck pulled in and hurried over.
“You staying?” she asked Kirk.
