An unlikely alliance, p.16
An Unlikely Alliance, page 16
“What do I have to be nervous about?” Her eyes flashed. “It’s not like we’re dating.”
He held his hands up. “Agreed. I just thought I saw your forehead scrunch up.” This time, her bark didn’t put him on guard. He understood her defense mechanism now.
She rolled her eyes. “You wish.”
And maybe he did, but he certainly wasn’t going to admit that out loud after her vehement denial about being nervous. Instead, he smirked at her, hoping to ease any tension she held. “Nah. I’m pretty sure you’re the one dreaming about happy-ever-afters.”
Her eyes froze, then flashed hot.
Whoa. He hadn’t meant to fan her anger to life. “It was a joke, Tucker.”
She huffed. “Ha. Right. I’m laughing on the inside.”
Somehow, he doubted that, but he was done putting his foot in his mouth. The dogs sniffed each other, sizing each other up. Then Boomer flopped back onto the porch. Rider stifled a chuckle. “You want to bring Flo in?” he asked.
Jalissa shook her head, so Rider knocked on the door.
The hinge squeaked and revealed his aunt in the open doorway. “Jeremy!” She enveloped him in a hug.
He squeezed her shoulders and let go. “Hey, Aunt Mara. You look much better.”
She smiled. “I feel much better. Thanks for that soup. It hit the spot.” She motioned for him to scoot over. “Introduce me to your friend.”
“Aunt Mara, this is Jalissa. Jalissa, this is my aunt Mara.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Rider.”
“Oh, call me Mara, and it’s my pleasure.” His aunt wrapped Jalissa in a hug.
His stomach dipped at Jalissa’s wide-eyed, panicked look. She resembled the cat Omar had dragged from the tree. He’d hoped she’d feel comfortable here, not in need of Flo’s calmness.
“Aunt Mara, you might be squeezing too tight.”
“Oh—” she let go “—sorry. I love hugs and forget not everyone else does.” She stepped back. “Come on back. Jay’s in the shop, but he set an alarm and knows when dinner will be ready.”
“You okay?” he whispered.
“Just fine,” Jalissa responded. She raised her voice. “Do you need any help, Mara?”
“Not at all. You’re our guest. But Jeremy—” his aunt pierced him with a gaze “—I left the things out for you to set the table.”
He nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Have a seat, Jalissa. Can I get you something to drink?” Aunt Mara asked.
“A glass of water, please.”
“Great.”
Rider walked back to the kitchen with his aunt. “We brought our dogs. I left them in the yard with Boomer.”
“I can’t wait to meet my new grandnephew.”
He laughed and grabbed the silverware. Before he could take a step toward the dining room, his aunt stayed him, a hand on his arm.
“So,” she whispered, “is Jalissa really a friend or more than a friend?”
His stomach clenched. “We’re friends.”
“Because that’s all you want or...”
“Aunt Mara...” He sighed. “It’s complicated.”
“Isn’t that a status on one of those social media sites?”
He laughed. “Yes. But it really is complicated.” It felt like an uphill climb just thinking of Jalissa as a friend. Rider didn’t want to cross the bridge to something more. Not when he knew her past and how huge an obstacle his occupation was.
Not to mention women have no trouble walking away from you. He swallowed, trying to ignore Aunt Mara’s gaze.
She patted his cheek. “I’ll pray God’s will be done.”
“That’s the best thing to pray for.” But in the back of his mind, Rider wondered if maybe he should be a little more direct in his own prayers.
He excused himself to set the table while his aunt delivered Jalissa’s glass of water. A little while later, Uncle Jay walked in the back door. He washed his hands at the kitchen sink, and Rider slapped him on the back.
“Mara said you invited a friend with you?”
“Yes, Jalissa. She’s in the living room. Come say hello.”
They entered the big room, and Rider took a seat next to Jalissa on the sofa. He nudged her softly. “Jalissa, this old man is my uncle Jay.” He smirked at his uncle. “Uncle Jay, this is my friend Jalissa.”
“Nice to meet you, young lady.”
“Likewise, sir.”
Uncle Jay’s eyes squinted. “You look a little familiar. Rider tells me you work at the animal shelter.”
“I do. Have you ever been?”
“No.” His uncle rubbed the stubble on his chin, and his gravelly voice pitched lower with concentration. “You grew up in Bluebonnet?”
Jalissa nodded.
“Uncle Jay usually never forgets a face,” Rider said.
Jalissa smiled. “Then I guess eventually you’ll remember where you’ve seen me.”
“It’ll come to me,” his uncle assured her.
“Well, while your old brain gets to ruminating, let’s all eat,” Aunt Mara suggested.
They stood and made their way into the dining room. Rider pulled out a chair for Jalissa, pleased by her quiet thanks.
After his uncle said grace, Rider offered the dish of pot roast to Jalissa.
“This looks amazing, Mara. Are those homemade biscuits, too?”
“Of course. Can’t have pot roast without biscuits.”
Conversation flowed easily while they ate, and the tension in Rider’s shoulders slowly seeped out. He couldn’t believe he’d been so worried. His aunt hadn’t stopped grinning since they’d walked through the door. She kept giving Rider secretive glances, as if she was planning his wedding and writing a love story for the books. His uncle laughed here and there but mostly had a look of focus, as if he was still trying to remember where he’d seen Jalissa before.
“So, the auction is in two weeks?” Aunt Mara asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” Jalissa nodded. “We’re almost done with all the final details. We have all the bachelors and bachelorettes lined up.”
“I heard there was a wide range of ages.”
“That was my mom’s idea,” Jalissa said.
“What does your mom do?” Uncle Jay asked.
“She’s a housekeeper at the inn. She used to work a couple of other jobs, but when I turned eighteen and moved out, she only had to worry about providing for herself.”
“Three jobs, huh? That’s admirable,” Aunt Mara commented.
“It was born mostly out of necessity.”
Rider wished he could reach over and squeeze her hand. He knew how hard it was for her to open up about her dad.
“Why’s that?” Uncle Jay asked. “If you don’t mind us prying.”
A sad smile filtered across her face. “Papí passed away when I was sixteen. He was a firefighter as well.”
Uncle Jay’s fork froze in midair. He squinted. “Are you Rodney Tucker’s girl?”
Rider’s gaze flickered back and forth between the two. Did his uncle have good memories of Jalissa’s father?
“I am. You knew him?” She leaned forward as if eager to hear more.
Jay’s fork clattered, and his face went ashen.
“Jay?” Aunt Mara reached for his wrist, concern etched into her features.
“I...uh... I did. We...worked together.”
“Were you friends?”
Uncle Jay shook his head. “I was the new guy. Your dad was experienced, and we didn’t have a chance to really develop a friendship before he...before I...” He stood, the chair screeching in protest.
“What’s wrong, honey?” Aunt Mara asked.
But Rider could guess the answer to the question. He remembered the venom Jalissa had spewed when she’d told him the reason she hated firefighters.
“It was you?” Rider barely registered his voice croaking like a dehydrated man stuck on an island for a month. All he could think was not this. Not like this.
Jalissa gasped, and she gripped the edge of the table.
“Will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Mara cried.
“I’m the reason her father died,” Uncle Jay rasped.
Chapter Nineteen
Ringing filled Jalissa’s ears as the room wavered in front of her. She gasped for air but couldn’t drag in a breath. Her skin flushed hot as she placed her shaky hands on her chest.
Then a voice began to replace the bells in her ears.
“Just breathe, Jalissa. Breathe.”
She dragged in a breath.
“That’s right. Just like that. Take another breath.” Rider raised her arms above her head, his eyes capturing hers.
Jalissa could see sympathy crinkling around his eyes, but she was too busy trying to breathe to detail anything more.
“Keep breathing deep.”
She complied.
“Good girl. You’re doing just fine.”
Each inhale filled her lungs more and more until the heat faded and an intense chill clamored for attention instead.
“Aunt Mara, can she borrow a sweater? Uncle Jay, get her dog.”
“Absolutely.”
Jalissa heard Rider’s aunt scrambling away from the table and the slow movements of his uncle.
“Are you okay?” he murmured once they were alone.
She shook her head no. She wanted to get out of there, to go home, but Jay’s confession had rendered her useless. Tears sprang to her eyes as what he’d said sank in.
“I’ll get you out of here,” Rider promised.
Jalissa nodded. Flo’s wet nose appeared in her peripheral, and she wrapped her arms around the dog, nuzzling her cheek against the soft fur.
“We’re leaving,” Rider stated quietly.
“Of course.”
Jalissa winced at the sound of Jay’s voice and shivered, arms tightening around Flo’s body. Her heart pounded.
“Here, dear, take my sweater.” Mara thrust it in her face.
Rider took the garment from his aunt and draped it across Jalissa’s shoulders. She hated how weak she felt, but not having to do everything for herself in the moment was a blessing. Soon Rider was guiding her out of the house and into the yard.
“I’ll leave Pongo here,” Rider murmured.
Flo walked so her head was under Jalissa’s hand, allowing her to sink her fingers into Flo’s soft fur. Jalissa let out a small exhale as the haze around her brain receded.
When she reached the truck, Jalissa hopped in the back seat so she could sit with Flo. The goldie nestled her head onto Jalissa’s lap. The comfort of her companion and the warmth from Mara’s sweater had Jalissa blinking sleep away as adrenaline faded. No words were exchanged the entire ride to her house. Rider pulled into her driveway and placed the truck in Park.
She quickly opened the door.
“Wait. Let me help. You’ve had a shock.”
Jalissa turned her gaze toward Rider. Concern dripped from every feature, while his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly.
“I don’t need your help.” She wasn’t quite sure why she said it with such force.
He’d guided her out of a panic attack. Made sure she’d arrived safely home. Obviously, she’d been on the receiving end of his aid already. Maybe the shock was wearing off enough for her to feel other emotions. Embarrassment. Shame.
She jumped from the cab, waiting for Flo to get down before shutting the truck door.
But that didn’t block out Rider, because he simply lowered the window. “Please call me if you need anything. Anything at all.”
Jalissa shook her head. “I think this...friendship has come to an end.”
“Jalissa—”
She held up a hand. “I don’t need your pity. I don’t want your sympathy. Just leave me alone, please.” Her voice cracked as the thread that held her together threatened to snap.
A lump in his jaw appeared. “Fine.”
She turned and trudged up her walkway. The tears that had threatened since Jay’s pronouncement appeared, spilling over in relief of release and bitterness of betrayal.
Jalissa swiped at her face to better see the keyhole, but her hands shook with the force of pent-up emotions. She leaned her forehead against the door, letting out the sobs and the heartache. Flo pressed against her legs, and Jalissa straightened.
She couldn’t fall apart out here.
She wasn’t sure how she managed to get inside, but hours later—or maybe minutes—her tears had quieted enough for her to hear the knock at the door.
“Coming,” she yelled.
Trinity burst through the door shortly after, her stomach leading the way. “Are you okay?”
“How did you know something was wrong?” Jalissa stared at her best friend.
“Rider,” Trinity stated quietly. “He called Omar and told him something happened at his uncle’s place. Told me to come, so here I am.” Trinity studied her. “Are you okay?”
Jalissa ran a hand through her hair. “I feel like my world and everything I knew just got tossed over a cliff. Like someone took an eraser and swiped right through all the parts that would make life make sense.”
“Unfortunately, life has never made sense. There are so many events that take place that defy logic and all reasoning. Even though we have our faith, it still doesn’t explain away the hurts from the trials we’ve gone through.”
“Then what will? Tell me how it makes sense that a guy I’ve stopped thinking of as an enemy, maybe even graduated to potential friend—” Jalissa stopped short. If she was honest, her mind had wandered past friendship into more. But that obviously couldn’t happen. She swallowed, trying to remember where she’d been going with her point. “Right. Tell me how it makes sense that Rider’s uncle is the reason my father died. What will make that hurt less? What will right the wrong?”
“Sweetie, grief hurts. There’s no pill to take to erase the pain. But there is a love of a good God, who will comfort us through it. Who will wrap our hearts in love when we think we can’t take anymore. He’s the one who will be able to right wrongs and wipe away every tear. There is no remedy on earth, but there is the gift of eternal life and freedom when we choose Him. When we choose to step out in faith and believe His truth, the truth.”
Jalissa sank to the sofa. “How can I walk this earth with this pain? I’m so tired of hurting.” She rubbed her eyes, remembering the panic sensation that had stolen her breath earlier.
“I know you are.” Trinity sat next to Jalissa, rubbing her back. “But look at your mom. Look at the faith she’s exuded all these years.”
Jalissa moaned. “How am I supposed to tell her?” She didn’t want to cause Mamí any more pain.
“I’ll be there with you if you want.”
Jalissa leaned her head on Trinity’s shoulder. “You’re the best.”
“You’d be there for me, too.”
In the back of Jalissa’s mind, she realized the only reason she had a friend with her right now was because of Rider. He’d left her alone but made sure she wasn’t actually alone. She should probably text him thanks or something, but she didn’t want to open the lines of communication with him. Not when the wound was still so fresh and her feelings so turbulent.
* * *
Rider knocked on his aunt and uncle’s front door once more. He needed to talk to Jay and couldn’t wait. He could still picture the shock on Jalissa’s face when she realized exactly who Jay was to her. Now that she was home and Omar had agreed to send Trinity over, Rider had had time to explore his own shock at the turn of events. He’d never imagined his uncle would be involved in something like this.
But what exactly had happened?
The door opened, and Aunt Mara’s thin face appeared. Her lips were drawn downward, and the lines in her forehead were deeper. “Hey, Jeremy,” she sighed, opening the door wider. “Come on in.”
“Where is he?”
“Out back. He asked for some space.”
“Sorry.”
She shrugged. “I cleaned up the kitchen, so I wasn’t completely idle.”
He winced. “Didn’t mean to leave you with all the mess.” He always cleaned after she cooked.
“Please—” she waved a hand “—I know you needed to take care of Jalissa. How is she?” Her blue eyes examined his.
“Shook up. She didn’t want to talk about it with me, though.”
“So she’s alone?” His aunt’s voice raised an octave.
“No. Her friend is with her.”
Aunt Mara’s shoulders sagged. “Good.” She shuffled into the kitchen. “Want some tea?”
“No, thanks.”
“Soda?”
Rider shook his head. “Do you think Uncle Jay would mind if I went out there?” He hitched a thumb toward the backyard.
Aunt Mara bit her lip, her eyes going to the kitchen window that overlooked the yard. “I imagine he thought you’d be back. He owes an explanation.”
Rider studied his aunt, wondering how she was handling everything. “Is there anything I can do for you?”
“We’ll be fine. We always are.” Her gaze shifted to his. “Ups and downs are a part of life and certainly part of a marriage. We’ll get past this. I pray you will, too.”
Rider nodded slowly. “Maybe direct the prayers Jalissa’s way. She needs them the most.”
“We all need them, Jeremy. Your hurt is just as important to God as Jalissa’s, as mine, as your uncle’s.”
Rider knew that, but he couldn’t shake the thought that Jalissa needed them more. He thanked his aunt and headed for the shed. He scanned the back deck his uncle had built a decade earlier. Uncle Jay sat in a rocking chair staring out at the yard. Not in his shed. Rider had no idea what that meant.
