Fountain of Wishes, Part 3 ~ Tuesday Tale

~ by Linnette R Mullin, All Rights Reserved

            The sudden rush of tears shocked Chloe. What was wrong with her? This whole thing felt so surreal and yet her heart squeezed until she could barely breathe. She searched Troy’s face and opened her mouth to say – what?

            “Would you join me for coffee? Ice-cream? Anything?” His eyes pleaded with her and her knees nearly buckled.

            She shrugged. “Sure. There’s a little café on the way to Abuela’s. They have coffee and ice-cream, as well as hot tea and pastries.” Self-consciousness crept through her. Maybe the dusk would hide her heated cheeks.

            He smiled, relief and excitement easing the tense lines around his eyes. “Great.” He offered his arm. “Lead the way, pretty lady.”

            Butterflies danced around her heart and she took hold of his arm. “This way.”

Silence fell between them as they crossed a couple of intersections. When they hit a long stretch of street, he pointed out different houses, enumerating the things he liked about each one. She smiled. An architect to the core.

“You were right about this being a fabulous place to live. I love it.”

She tipped her head and searched his face. “I do, too.”

His hand covered hers where it rested on his arm and he swung a smile her way. She could get used to this. But she shouldn’t. He had the power to break her heart. Again. Fear rippled through her. She must guard it, because this time around she might not survive.

A bell jingled, announcing their entrance. Always the gentleman, he pulled out a chair for her. “There you go.”

“Thank you.” She glanced up at him and the intensity of his smile shot shivers through her. After two years of absence, she should have become immune to him. Had she really not succeeded in extricating him from her heart?

“Evening folks. What’ll you have?”

He nodded at her. “I’ll have English Breakfast tea with a blueberry scone, please.”

“And for you, sir?”

“I’ll take a black coffee with blackberry cobbler ale mode, please.”

“Will that be all for you?”

He looked at her with raised eyebrows.

“That’s all for me, thanks.”

He nodded. “That’ll do it for now.”

“Alrighty. I’ll fix you two right up.” The waitress dashed off with a smile, leaving her alone with the man of her dreams. Only he didn’t know he was the man of her dreams. And she was determined to keep it that way.

“So. What have you been up to since you moved back?” He pinned her with a gaze that told her this conversation could get uncomfortable real fast.

She stammered. “Uh… Well… I’ve been taking care of Abuela mostly. I did get a job at a law firm as receptionist once she was well enough to leave alone for several hours.”

“I bet they love you.” His wistful unnerved her. She didn’t know what to make of that.

She shrugged. “I guess. They seem to appreciate me.”

Leaning with his forearms on the table, he turned his head to stare out the window for a long quiet moment. When he turned back, the emotional chaos in his eyes floored her.

He dropped his head and cleared his throat before raising tortured eyes to her again. “Nothing was the same after you left.”

She squirmed a bit, confusion clouding her mind.

“Melanie took your place.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Things were pretty chaotic for a while. She mixed up messages and sent clients to the wrong extensions. She finally worked out a system of her own, but there’s no more break-time chatting around the reception area. She couldn't focus with all the noise." He raised his eyebrows. “We’re actually using the break rooms for breaks now.”

She laughed. “Wow! That is something.”

“Here you go folks.” The waitress plunked down her tea and scone first and then his coffee and cobbler. She set a little cream pitcher between them and placed the sugar bowl next to it. “Anything else I can get for you?”

Troy looked at her with raised brows and she shook her head. “No, ma’am,” he said to the waitress. “Thank you.”

She smiled and said, “My pleasure,” before returning to the kitchen.

Troy reached for the cream and touched up his coffee while she doctored her tea. He didn't say anything and she didn't feel compelled to break the silence. They had always worked companionably together. Once or twice a month, he would have to stay late to finish up a project. Neither had planned for it to happen. They just sort of fell into a habit of it.

It all started when she was shutting down one night and noticed a light on down the hall. She had gone to turn it off and discovered him slaving away...

“Hey. Working late?”

“Yep. Gotta get this presentation finished by the 8:00 a.m. meeting with the new client in the morning. Just when I thought I was done, I noticed something that wouldn’t work and had to rearrange several things.”

She twisted the strap of her purses. “Wait. Have you been here all day?”

“Yep.”

“But…” She scrunched her brows. “I don’t remember seeing you pass through for lunch…”

He chuckled. “That’s because I haven’t had lunch.”

“Oh. Well, we’ll just have to fix that. I’ll be back.” She ran out to his favorite burger joint and brought back dinner for two. “Now. What can I do to help you get home earlier?”

He fidgeted at first and didn't seem comfortable to be alone with her. Somewhat new, she had yet to learn his policy on keeping business relationships strictly business. Of course, that's all this was anyway. Business. 

“Why don’t we eat first? I didn't realize my hunger until I smelled the food.”

“I think that’s wise.” She pulled everything out of the bags and set it up on the coffee table.

He looked everything over and glanced up at her in shock. “How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Remember people’s likes and dislikes. I've seen you do this with others. This is exactly what I would have ordered from The Grill.”

She shrugged, a little self-conscience. If he knew how much more she noticed his likes and dislikes, he’d probably consider her stalker-lady.

Once fed, they got to work and had the presentation finished up within a couple hours. “Wow, Chloe. You’re the best. I’d have been here ‘til ten or later working on this by myself.”

She shrugged away the compliment, praying he didn't see the blush creeping into her cheeks.

She never again let him work late alone and he never turned away her help. It was the only time he let his guard down even a smidgen with her and she cherished every moment. Especially after she had learned of his self-imposed rules on relationships in the work place. Oh, he would scowl at first. Every time. Yet, as soon as she pulled out the food, he would perk up and even welcome her help. 

“Earth to Chloe.”

“What? I’m sorry. My mind drifted.”

“I’d say. Where’d you go?”

She dropped her gaze to her scone, cut a bite, and shrugged. “Reminiscing.”

Troy tilted his head, curiosity shining in his eyes. “Care to share?”

Fountain of Wishes, Part 2 ~ Tuesday Tale

The Pineapple Fountain
by Just Watching the Wheels Go Round

          Troy reached the woman’s side in time to hear his name on her breath. Her wide eyes captivated him, green and wonderfully familiar.

“Chloe? Chloe Brown?" He searched her face. "Oh, wow!  It's you.” He reached out to take her in his arms, but opted for giving her upper arms a gentle squeeze.

She stood frozen, staring up at him with disbelief written across her face. So many emotions flitted through her gorgeous green eyes, he wasn't sure whether she was glad or horrified to see him.

He dropped his hands and stuffed them in his pockets all casual-like, but he didn't step away. “How are you?” He spoke in a soft intimate tone. Did she know how much he cared? Did she know the agony he'd endured since...

            “I… I’m okay.” A look of wonder began to dawn on her face. “How about you?”

            “I’m good.” I’m more than good now that I've found you, is what he wanted to say. “You look as amazing as ever.” He allowed his gaze to sweep over her.

            Her brows crinkled. “I do?” She glanced down as if she’d forgotten what she was wearing. “It’s nothing you haven’t seen before.” Was that accusation lacing her tone?

            He shrugged. “Like I said. You look amazing.” His fingers itched to trace her brow... trail down her cheek... run through her hair. He fisted them in his pocket and hoped she would get the message he intended his tone to send.

            She blushed. Her eyes flicked away. A sweet smile began to blossom when she nixed it by chewing on the corner of her lip. She always did that when she grew self-conscious around him. After two years, he still remembered every little nuance. They were forever branded on his heart.

            “So, what brings you to Charleston? Are you on vacation?” She spoke in a shy melodic voice – music to his ears.

            “No. I transferred here last month.”

            Her eyes grew wide again. “You did what?”

            He grinned. “I transferred here.” And I've been looking for you ever since.

            “Why?”

            He glanced away and watched the water spill over the edges of the Pineapple for a moment. “I put in for a transfer.” He jingled the coins in his pocket. “There was an opening at this branch and I put in for it.” His gaze collided with hers again and he swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. “And here I am.”

            “But… why?”

            He tipped the corner of his mouth in a teasing smile. “A little birdie once told me it’s the best place on earth to live.”

            A smile spread on her rosy lips, but she glanced away again. “Oh.”

            Silence settled between them and he waited for reality to settle in.

            She finally spoke. “Is that the only reason you moved? Here, I mean?”

            He hesitated. He’d longed for this day for two years – since the day she walked out of the office and never returned. She hadn’t even said good-bye.

            “It’s part of the reason, but not the whole.”

            “Oh.” Disappointment tinged her tone. “I see.”

            No, dear Chloe. I don’t think you do. There was nothing he wanted more than to take her sweet face in his hands, tell her how much he loved her… needed her, and would do whatever it took to get her back. But how could he when he’d never given her reason to believe he'd cared in the first place? He’d been a class A jerk. An ignoramus. A victim of his own pride.

            And if the tears she seemed to blink away were any indication, he wasn't the only one who'd paid the price.

Fountain of Wishes, Part 1 ~ Tuesday Tale

The Pineapple Fountain 
by Just Watching the Wheels Go Round

“Here, Chloe. Let me finish with the dishes. You take these coins down to the Pineapple Fountain and make your wish.”

            “Abuela! You know there is no such thing as luck. I’m not about to do such a thing.” Chloe scraped the plate clean and slipped it into the dishwasher.

            “Oh, come now, my little Niña. Give it a try. You never know what wonders God might do for you. Here. Give me that. You take the coins down to the fountain and make your wishes known to God.”

            Now staring into the fountain, Chloe smiled and shook her head. There was no resisting her grandmother once she got something into her head. She opened her hand and studied the coin in her palm. 

“So, what do you say, God? Am I meant to stay single the rest of my life or what?”

Troy’s face flashed through her mind, but she forced it away. She never stood a chance with him, so why continue to agonize?

Lord, I really do want your will for my life. Even if that means staying single. I just can’t take this not knowing. I need to move on with my life. She closed her fist around the coin. Okay. I can’t believe I’m even considering this, but… She raised her hand –

“Ouch!” Something struck her leg. She looked down as the water rippled after a plop. “What on earth?” She glanced up and around the fountain to find a man skirting the fountain.

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay? I didn't mean to toss it so hard. Did I hurt you?”

A man strode toward her. She couldn't make out his face in the dark with only the fountain lights to flit across his face. But that voice…

He stopped in front of her, his brows furrowed in worry. 

“Troy?” 

She tightened her fist. The coin dug in, assuring her she hadn't tossed it. 

“Wh-what… How?” 

Her gaze skittered around the fountain's courtyard, then swept back to the man peering at her in disbelief.

“Chloe? Is it really you?”

The New Guy Part 5 ~ A Tuesday Tale

Randy Chauvin's smile faded. “I really do want to get to know you, Crystal. If you’ll let me.”

Crystal Robinson's heart flipped and she began to tremble. She stared at him in disbelief for a long moment. Was this guy for real? 

She finally shrugged and turned toward the Ice Cream Parlor door. "Sure." 

She reached for the door just as it swung away. Randy managed to hold it open and still allow her to exit first. Butterflies danced in her chest and she floated along beside him. Surely this was all a dream.

"Thanks for sharing your table with me. Again."

She stopped at her car and turned to lean against it. "You're always welcome at my table, New Guy." She grinned up at him and his answering smile melted more of her reserve.

"New Guy, huh?" He chuckled and shook his head. "So, that's how you've been thinking of me."

"Pretty much." No way would she tell him what she really thought.

He rubbed the side of his head, bewilderment written on his face. "Well. Okay."

She laughed out loud and covered her mouth. "I'm sorry." She cocked a shoulder. "I inherited an ornery streak from my mom. Sometimes I can't help myself."

He reached out and tugged one of her rebellious strands of hair before tucking it behind her ear. "Thanks for the warning."

Her breath caught at the answering glint in his eyes. Maybe he was for real after all.

His phone beeped and he glanced at it with a sigh. "Mom calls. I better run." He took a half step back. "Save me a seat at lunch tomorrow?

She snorted. "As if I'll have to save it. But, yeah. If your seat needs saving, I'll see to it."

He hesitated for a moment, something she couldn't define swirling in his eyes. "Cool. I'll see you then."

"See you then."

He walked away and she let out a shaky breath. Lunch tomorrow. Maybe her mom was right? Maybe it was time to add a few new things to the ole wardrobe. Something besides ragged jeans and t-shirts.

Randy backed out of his parking spot and waved before pulling away. She groaned. Yep. Definitely time for a little shopping.

The New Guy, Part 4 ~ A Tuesday Tale

"How cool is that?" Randy Chauvin’s eyes danced with excitement that sent a zing straight through Crystal Robinson.

How cool, indeed! Who'd have thunk? "Which church service do you guys attend?" she asked.

"It varies with Mom and Dad in the choir. Most of the time we attend first, though."

Unexpected disappointment shifted through her. "Oh."

~ from Bing

 "You go to second?"

"Yep."

"I'll look for you when we're at the second service, then. I mean, if you're okay with that."

Noting the eager trepidation in his eyes, her lungs froze. "Sure." Was he serious? No way was this guy interested in her! Nobody was ever interested in her. Not unless you count the weird creepers who tended to always find her.

He nodded. "Cool."

They sipped on their milkshakes in silence for the next few minutes. Little by little the Ice Cream Parlor emptied until there were only about half a dozen tables occupied. Several guys threw a ‘hey’ or a fist-bump Randy’s way. Plenty of girls cast a flirty smile or a quirk of the brow, but he seemed oblivious to them. Everyone ignored her, of course. But that was nothing new.

“So where are you headed after this?”

She startled at the unexpected question and nearly choked on her milkshake.

“Sorry about that.” He leaned forward and reached across the table as if to help, but stopped short as if he didn't quite know what to do.

She shook her head, trying to tell him it was okay.

He finally grabbed a napkin and wiped the dribble off her chin. “I really am sorry. You don't have to answer that. It’s none of my business.”

When she could speak, she said, “No-no. It's no problem. You just startled me, that's all.”

~ From Bing

He grinned. “What? Not used to anyone talking to you?”

Her eyes grew wide and she slumped in her chair. “Is it so painfully obvious?”

He laughed. “Nah. Don’t worry. It’s not that. It's just... You’re an outsider. It doesn't matter that you went to school here last year.” He shrugged. “It’s nothing personal. It's just the way it is.”

She glanced away played at collecting her mess. He was preaching to the choir on that score, but that didn't make the pain of rejection any easier to take.

“Mind if I walk you to your car?”

She crossed the room with him right behind her, popped her trash in the receptacle, and turned to face him. “You don’t have to play nice, Randy. It's okay. Really. I’m sure you’d rather go catch up to your buddies.”

His smile faded. “Actually, I really do want to get to know you. If you’ll let me.”

She stared at him in disbelief. Was this guy for real?

The New Guy, Part 3 ~ A Tuesday Tale

She cringed. Face-palm! Why'd she have to go and say that? Now he'll think I'm a dweeb the same as everybody else.

~ By Linnette R Mullin. All rights reserved.

His smile doubled in wattage. "I bet. What do you do when you're overseas? Do you go to a chapel on base or find a church in town?"

She shrugged, a little wary of the smile. "Sometimes we'll go to the chapel. Sometimes we'll go to an English speaking mission church in the area." Seemed everywhere she went others teased about going to church.

"What about here? Have you found a good home church here?"

She stopped and studied him for a moment. Was he really interested in church? Could he be... She gave herself a mental shake and said, "We found a church downtown we absolutely love. Didn't take dad long to decide to join. We've been here just over a year, now, so we're pretty at home there."

"Really? Which one? I go to the big pink church downtown."

She snapped her fingers and pointed at him. "That's it! That's the one!"

"No way! Are you serious?"

"Oh my gosh, yes! We go to the same church."

"How cool is that?" His eyes danced with excitement that sent a zing straight through her.

How cool, indeed! Who'd have thunk?

The New Guy, Part 2 ~ A Tuesday Tale

He scoped out the room. "Man, this place is buzzin'. Mind if I join you?"

"What?" She straightened in her chair. "Um... Sure. I mean, no. Of course I don't mind."

"Cool. Thanks."

~ from Bing

He eased his lanky athletic build into the seat across from her and the volume in the room dipped. She felt all eyes on them, but hunky Randy didn't seem to notice. He took a long swig of his malt as his eyes searched hers.

Her gaze locked on his, she ignored the stares and whispers.

He pulled away from the straw, swiped his hand across his lips, and tipped his cup her way. "So, what'd you get?"

She swallowed, hoping her the words wouldn't stick in her throat. "Pineapple malt. You?"

"Double chocolate. My favorite. This place makes the best malts, don't they?"

"Mm... they do." She managed to bob her head. The volume swelled again and the tension in her shoulders eased. "So, where'd you move from?"

His eyes darted around the room. "I grew up around here."

She wrinkled her nose. "Really?"

"Yep."

She must have looked totally confused because he laughed and said, "Why am I the new guy?"

"Yes."

"I home-schooled up until this year."

~ at Bing

"Really? That's cool. There's a lot of home-schoolers in the  military. I always kind of envied them. Moving around. Changing schools all the time." She shrugged and took another drink of her malt. Was this really her rattling on as if talking to a hunky guy was an everyday occurrence? She couldn't seem to stop herself. Must be nerves. "This is one of the few things that never changes for me. I can always find a good pineapple malt."

He smiled. "That's good. So how many places have you lived?"

"This would be number ten."

"What? You've moved ten times?"

She shrugged. "That's military life for you. We've lived in some pretty cool places, though. The hardest part is finding a good church."

She cringed. Face-palm! Why'd she have to go and say that? Now he'll think I'm a dweeb the same as everybody else.

The New Guy, Part 1 ~ A Tuesday Tale

Crystal stared into the cup and stirred her malt. Every Ice Cream Parlor table overflowed with teens. Every table but hers. She sat alone. The story of her life. Laughter and guffaws buzzed around her. Pain slashed through her heart, but she ignored it and let her mind float back to lunch.

~ at Bing

The new hunk in school. He actually sat with her. Wow!

Her eyes slid shut as she took a long pull on her malt.

Yes, Randy Chauvin sat with her. Her! Crystal Robinson.  Not only that, but he talked to her. Talked. To her.

Her heart fluttered.

"Hey, Crystal."

Her eyes popped open at the sound of his smooth baritone voice. She gaped. Twice in one day? And he remembered her name? She had to be dreaming.

He scoped out the room. "Man, this place is buzzin'. Mind if I join you?"

A Tuesday Tale

I'm really excited to announce the coming of "A Tuesday Tale". Every Tuesday, I'll post a snippet of a story. It will be short and sweet and hopefully a real treat.

The first serial story is a young adult story about a girl named Crystal who meets "The New Guy" named Troy. Will this be like every other place she's lived or does God have something different in mind for her this time? Only one way to find out.

See you on Tuesday!