“Yah, Autumn and I will be fine. I’m so sorry about Ralph last night.”
“No big deal. The man has problems.”
I was fully alert now. The mare stood nibbling on grass and weeds at the side of the road. “Come on, girl.” She grabbed a last mouthful of grass and raised her head, ready to proceed forward.
“I’m going to follow you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
He gave me a stern look, but his voice was filled with compassion. “I want to make sure you get back safely, even if it takes us a few more minutes.”
He cared for me beyond my being the café’s manager?
When I reached the nursery, Autumn gathered momentum, aiming us toward the barn. I noticed Stephen veering toward the main house to let Beatrice out. Gut. The last thing I wanted was for her to hear him scolding me—not that I didn’t deserve a verbal lashing for daydreaming while driving the buggy.
Minutes later, as I watered and fed the mare, Stephen entered the barn. “I called the locksmith. He answered even though it’s Sunday. He said he’ll stop by first thing in the morning. I’ll give you new keys when the locks are swapped out. In a while I’ll go home and get my sleeping bag and then spend the night in the café in case Ralph comes back.” His no-nonsense expression reminded me of Dat when he was trying to drive home a point. “Please don’t go in there alone.”
“May I ask what Ralph did to get himself fired?”
“Besides being late almost every day? Glenn suspected he was stealing money from the till in the retail shop. One day, one of his employees saw Ralph’s hand in the register. Glenn gave him a choice: He could quit, or Glenn would call the police and file charges. I thought that was generous of Glenn, don’t you?”
“Yah. Stealing from your employer is like biting the hand that feeds you.”
“I’m sure you never would, Eva. Glenn said you came with the highest of recommendations. Your former boss was disappointed to see you go.”
I heaved a sigh of relief, but I still felt under Stephen’s microscope. I wouldn’t ask to borrow Autumn again until the owners got home. If Glenn didn’t fire me then.
“I wonder where Ralph lives.” Stephen scanned the wooded area behind the rows of mature trees at the rear of the nursery.
“He told me he lives with a relative. He must have arrived on foot.”
“Most likely staying with a well-meaning family member who’s only enabling his alcoholism.” He glanced at me for an instant. “That could have been me if I hadn’t come to my senses.”
TWENTY-FOUR
That evening, as the sun lowered itself into a mattress of gloomy, gray clouds, I replayed the day in my head. I reminded myself visiting Amos was not a mistake. Our community relied upon one another’s generosity, even if it meant my meeting up with Brandy.
“Your replacement carrying his child?” Olivia might say, jabbing me with her elbow.
My thoughts jumbled into one another until they were like a squiggly ball of tangled yarn after a couple of cats had batted it about. Alongside these chaotic thoughts galloped the memories of my parents sequestered in the little daadi haus as if they had no choice. No matter what Dat said, his working on the farm was what had kept him fit and healthy. He wasn’t a man who enjoyed sitting around reading magazines and twiddling his thumbs. And what was going on with Reuben and Marta?
None of my business, I told myself. If I’d been paying more attention a couple of hours ago, Stephen wouldn’t have seen me dillydallying in the buggy. I wondered how many tears I’d shed without even noticing. Pathetic.
A gentle rapping on the cabin’s front door brought me out of my musings. In my befuddled state of mind, I was tempted not to answer.
“Evie?” I recognized Mark’s voice.
“Just a moment.” I glanced at myself in the mirror and cringed. Maybe looking bedraggled would be a blessing and discourage his attentions. I wished I were attracted to him.
I turned the knob and opened the door. He was carrying a box of See’s chocolates. “I thought I’d come by to see if you’re up for a buggy ride.” He handed me his gift.
“Denki.” I set it on the counter.
Mark looked so vulnerable and nervous that I couldn’t help but smile to try to lessen his uneasiness.
“I just got home…” I covered my yawning mouth.
“Do ya have time to chat?”
I wanted to crawl into bed, but I couldn’t voice my thoughts.
“Have ya had a bad day?” he said.
“A long one. And stressful.”
“Have ya had your supper yet? I could take you to a restaurant somewhere close by.”
“Yoo-hoo,” Beatrice called from the back porch. “Remember, Evie, I’m planning to teach you how to make my chicken scaloppini. And you have tomorrow’s soup to think about.” She gave me an exaggerated wink I assumed was for my eyes only, as Mark had his back to her.
He shook his head in slow motion. “Tell her you’re coming with me. You can cook with her tomorrow.”
By the time I formulated an answer, Beatrice was only yards away.
“I’m sorry, Mark,” I said. “I’d better stay here. I have lots to do.”
“On the Lord’s day of rest?”
“Maybe Sadie will go to the singing with you.”
“Why on earth would you suggest her?”
“Just a thought.”
“You know my mind better than I do?” He folded his arms across his chest. “If you have no interest in me, come out and say it.”
Beatrice glided over to us. “Mark, would you like
