“Then you reallyaregood friends with him?”
“Well, yes. I like to think I am. But it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster ride. I’m afraid that’s mostly my fault. I push the poor man far too much. He calls me a ‘camel’s nose.’”
“A camel’s nose?”
She quickly relayed George’s parable and Hal just laughed. “That sounds like something George would say.”
“So you really do know him?”
“We’ve met for coffee a few times. And he came to church today.”
“He did?”Willow couldn’t imagine such a thing. “I wish I’d been there. But I had to be here at the house.”
“George is the reason I wanted to talk to you. I don’t want to overstep my bounds, but he’s an unusual fellow. Quite likeable too.”
“Very unusual.” She nodded. “That’s probably what attracted me to him.”
“Attractedyou?” Hal’s brows arched.
She waved a hand. “You know, as a friend. I liked George right from the start. But he is an odd duck. There’s no denying it.” She laughed. “But to be fair, so am I.”
“Well, then ... are you aware of George’s feelings for you?”
“Feelings?”
He looked uneasy. “I normally don’t get this involved, Willow, but George is a special case. I think it’s only fair to warn you that George is in love with you.”
She sat up straight. “Oh, Hal, you can’t be serious.”
“I am serious.”
“How can you possibly know something like that? I can’t imagine that George would ever say such—”
“He didn’t exactly say so. Not in so many words. But it’s written all over his face, Willow. Whenever he speaks of you. Trust me, I know what I’m saying. And the only reason I’m giving you this heads-up is because I can’t stand to see that sweet man get his heart broken.”
“Get his heart broken?” Willow spoke slowly, still trying to take this in.
Hal looked uncomfortable. “I don’t like to interfere, Willow. And if Beth knew what I was up to, she’d probably give me what for. But as you know, I do couples’ counseling, so this is familiar turf for me. Besides that, I really care about George. He’s a special guy.”
Willow nodded. “George is special to me too.”
“So, please, forgive me if I’ve overstepped my bounds in telling you. But, as my grandmother used to say, a word to the wise is sufficient.” He started to stand.
“But wait.” Willow held a hand up. “I’m curious as to why you’re so worried. Do you honestly think I’d do anything to hurt George?”
“No, of course not. Not intentionally, anyway. I just feel he’s vulnerable. I wanted you to know.” He sat back down.
“Can you enlighten me about this?” she asked. “Why is he so vulnerable? Because I feel that I’ve done everything possible to win his trust—and yet it always blows up in my face.”
Hal leaned forward with folded hands. “I think George is afraid to love you.”
“Afraid—why?”
“Well, I’m in this deep. I might as well continue.” He held up two fingers. “First of all, George is worried that you’re smitten by your handsome contractor—and that it’s pointless for him to pursue you.”
“Well, that’s perfectly ridiculous.” She released an exasperated sigh. “Cliff Grant is only a friend.”
“That’s exactly what I thought.” He held up the other finger. “This is probably the reason that concerns me most. George is certain that if he loves you, he will lose you. Everyone he’s loved, it seems, has died. It’s as if he thinks he’s cursed.”
