Aaron shifted positions, trying to find a comfortable spot in the patio chair. It wasn’t so much the chair, as him, that was the problem. His mind raced with possibilities of what Rachel wanted to talk about. She hadn’t shot him down, but she also hadn’t readily accepted his invitation.
Giving up on the chair, he stood at the edge of the patio. Ambient light gave enough glow to see her backyard, which was minimalist in nature. Several flowers grew in potted plants along the edge of the cement. A portable gas grill sat on a metal folding table to the side. Other than the two chairs and glass-topped table, nothing else was out there.
He caught a glimpse of Rachel through the kitchen window. She stood at the counter, focused on each drop of coffee dripping into the pot. She nibbled on her bottom lip, deep in concentration about something. What did she want to speak with him about?
He would have offered to help, or at the least, waited inside with her, but he sensed her need to be alone and gather her thoughts. Something had rattled her, and he didn’t believe it was his confession that he wanted to know her better.
No, whatever bothered her had begun Sunday when she’d shut down and avoided him for the better part of a week. He’d replayed that evening in his memory time after time but couldn’t figure it out. When she’d wanted to go home that night, he’d thought the weather had spooked her, but that didn’t explain her continued avoidance.
The coffee finished. She poured it into cups and added the creamer he’d requested. He stopped watching, didn’t want her to think he was spying. Instead of trying the chair again, he leaned against a post stretching from the overhang to the cement.
Rachel came out on the patio and handed him a mug. “I never understood how my parents drank coffee in the heat until I was an adult.”
“It’s relaxing.” He drew in the scent of the hazelnut creamer.
“I forgot to mention it’s decaf. Otherwise, I’d be up all night.”
He swallowed the warm sip in his mouth. “Caffeine doesn’t affect me at night. Never has for some reason.”
“You’re lucky.” She cradled her cup and sat down in the chair he couldn’t get comfortable in.
“This is good. I never would have known it was decaf if you hadn’t said anything.” He lowered his body into the other chair.
“It’s from a small roasting company in Ohio. They donate a percentage of all proceeds to homeless shelters across the US.”
Why wasn’t he surprised? “Can you give me the name before I leave? I’ll have to check them out.”
“Sure.” She stared off in the distance, her gazed locked on the faraway stars. “It’s a beautiful night. Not a cloud up there.”
“Much better than Sunday night.”
She turned her head and looked at him. “How are the church repairs coming?”
“Great. They’ll be finished by next week.”
“Will you still have services Sunday?” She brought her mug to her lips and blew on the coffee.
“Yes. The sanctuary wasn’t affected, thank God.” He took a drink, not minding that it was still very hot. “A team of our men will guard the damaged areas for safety reasons, ensuring no one wanders in by accident or curiosity.”
Her lips curved in a sheepish smile. “I have to admit, I’m one of those who would try to catch a glimpse of the damage out of sheer curiosity.”
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.”
“In my defense though, I wouldn’t break any rules or trespass.” She batted her eyes to match her coy smile.
“Sure, you wouldn’t.” His lips twitched then lost the battle and broke into a grin.
“I’ll have you know, there was an abandoned gold mine about twenty miles from where I grew up. Despite the immense temptation to explore, I never did.”
Her emphasis on immense made him chuckle. “I’m proud of you.”
“Don’t be.” Her eyes sparkled, full of merriment. “The only reason I didn’t was because rumors floated around that it was haunted, and I wasn’t willing to find out.”
He inwardly cringed. “You believe in ghosts?”
“No, that’s the craziest thing of it all.” She laughed at herself. “But the idea was enough to give me the heebie-jeebies and keep me away.”
“Did any other kids try?”
