Would Diane also welcome the sympathetic ear of a kindred spirit?
Impossible to gauge, but what could it hurt to put out a simple feeler? One the other woman could brush off if she chose.
“I heard you’re separated from your husband too. I’m sorry.”
“At least Martin never cheated on me. Although the mill is almost as bad as a mistress. It’s consumed him ever since he took over from his father.” She sighed. “I just needed to get away to think. And I wanted to send a message.”
“I hope he hears it, and that you’re able to work everything out.”
Diane pulled up in front of the house. “At this stage, I’m putting it in God’s hands. But there’s already been one positive outcome, like you had with your sister. I’m back in touch on a regular basis with our son.”
“That’s great. I remember he had some, uh, issues a while back.”
Her mouth twisted. “I expect everyone in town remembers. Those were hard days. To be honest, I almost walked away from Martin then. But I hoped everything that happened with Lucas would open his eyes. Sadly, it didn’t.” She offered a smile that seemed strained. “I’ll work on the costumes tomorrow, now that I know what we need.”
She was done talking about personal subjects.
But it was amazing she’d shared as much as she had.
“Thanks for that and for the ride tonight.” Lauren opened the door, slid out, and stepped back. “Have fun at rehearsal.”
A few moments later, Diane pulled away from the curb with a wave.
As the car disappeared down the street, Lauren slowly made her way inside. This was going to be an early-to-bed night. The prep for the meeting and the meeting itself had been more taxing than she’d expected. Yet another reminder that her stamina remained at low ebb.
But taking on the costume job hadn’t been a mistake. It wasinvigorating to be around other people again. And connecting with Diane had been a bonus. Who knew they’d have so much in common—or that the woman would be so easy to talk to?
And wouldn’t it be something if her broken marriage and traumatic head injury helped her not only reconnect with her sister but find a new friend?
17
Aaron hadn’t been at rehearsal on Thursday night.
But he was here at Grace Christian this morning, with Isabel in tow.
As Devyn stepped into a pew near the back, the girl caught sight of her and waved.
Devyn waved back as Isabel spoke to Aaron.
Bracing, she waited for him to turn around and send her pulse off the scale again, as he’d done Tuesday night.
He didn’t.
His back remained ramrod straight, his head pointed forward.
Good.
She took her seat, the tension in her shoulders easing.
If he’d felt half the electricity she had during that brief encounter, he was smart to avoid eye contact and keep his distance. Which could be why he hadn’t shown up Thursday night. Playing with fire was never safe, and the sparks between them seemed poised to combust with even a tiny bit of encouragement.
That would be bad news.
In a matter of weeks she’d be gone, and a summer romanceheld no appeal. Those were too fraught with angst and heartbreak.
Besides, despite the electrical storm that had blazed around them, a man who’d lost his wife not long ago wouldn’t be inclined to let his common sense be undermined by what on his end was likely a loneliness-induced hormone surge.
Her end? Different story. But lettinghercommon sense be undermined would be just as foolhardy. She hadn’t risen to the top of her profession by being undisciplined, and now wasn’t the time to change that.
