“Probably,” the other woman agreed.
Silently, Lesley hoped they were both right.
The remainder of the afternoon proved to be uneventful.At five o’clock Lesley walked out of the building with Ben Fullbright.He, at least, didn’t mention Cole Daniels, and Lesley was more than grateful.
“See you in the morning.”She gave Ben a small wave, waited at the crosswalk, then ran across the busy street to her parked car.
The car’s interior felt warm and stuffy, unusual for late October.Lesley scooted inside and immediately rolled down the window.A cooling breeze flowed through the vehicle, whipping her hair across her face as she headed for home.
Her first impulse was to drive over to Terry’s.She’d spent several days helping her sister unpack and settle in the new house.But Lesley hesitated.When Terry lived next door there was always an excuse to see each other, do something together.Things were different now, and should be.Terry, Robert and the baby were a family in themselves.And although it felt awkward not to share some of the things that had been happening with Terry, Lesley recognized it was for the best.
Since she’d skipped lunch, Lesley was hungry and pulled into a little mom-and-pop grocery store.The Walkers couldn’t hope to compete with the large supermarkets, but their service was always friendly and warm.Both Paul and Martha Walker were strong Christian people, and Lesley liked to give them as much business as she could afford.
Absently she noted that there was only one other car parked in front of the store.She pushed open the glass door and smiled brightly.Her mouth froze.Cole Daniels was standing in front of the outdated cash register.Groceries lined the counter.
“Afternoon, Lesley.”Paul Walker glanced up, a look of distinct relief touching his eyes.“Guess you could say it was providential, you stopping in today.”
“Oh?”Her hand clenched the strap of her purse tightly.
“Mr.Daniels is here, and being new to the community and all...”Paul hesitated.
“What he really wants to know is if the check is good.”
“You being from the bank...”Walker added.
The challenge in Cole Daniels’ eyes was unmistakable.He stood tall and proud, almost daring Lesley to deny that he had enough money in his account to pay for his goods.
Self-consciously Lesley glanced from one man to the other.“Mr.Daniels opened his account with us today with a generous amount.I’m sure his check is fine.”
Relief eased the age lines from the old man’s weathered face.“No offense intended, but I can’t stand to take a loss for this amount.”
“I understand,” Cole Daniels returned in a surprisingly sympathetic voice.
Cole left the market before Lesley.She made an excuse to linger, not wanting to see him again if she could avoid it, staying in the back of the store until she heard him leave.
After carefully inspecting the meat available in the small cooler, Lesley purchased a cube steak, julienned green beans and lettuce for a salad.She nibbled on a package of potato chips as she laid the few items on the counter.
“Seems like a nice fellow,” Mr.Walker began.
“Who?”She was being deliberately obtuse.Cole Daniels had been invading her safe, secure world all day.She couldn’t take much more of the irritating stranger.
“Daniels,” Paul Walker said and gave her a funny look.“I hated to ask about the check, but he didn’t have his name or address printed on it.”
“I’m sure he will later.”Lesley strove to sound nonchalant.
“I told him if he was going to buy that many groceries, it would be cheaper for him to go to a supermarket.I can’t compete with their prices.”His hands busily rang up her purchaseson the antique cash register, then bagged her few items into a brown paper sack.“I didn’t want to lose his business, but I hated to see him waste good money.”
Paul Walker had to be the most unselfish Christian man she had ever known, Lesley decided.How many others who were working to keep a business going would have made such a suggestion?
“We don’t get many strangers this time of year,” he added.
Lesley agreed with a quick nod.“I know.”
“How long is he staying?”
She motioned weakly with her hands.“He didn’t say, but since he’s rented the duplex and opened a checking account, I’d say he intends to be here awhile.”
“Don’t suppose you know what line of work he’s in?”
