She stood to greet Chloe. “Hey, girl. How’s your day going?”
“Good. I had a new client consult.” Chloe rubbed her hands together, a smile lighting her face. “I can’t wait to get my hands on their place.”
Michelle gave her an answering grin. It was funny how people had the same reactions but for different reasons. She always felt that tingle of excitement when she received a new OWI case.
“What are you drinking?” Chloe asked.
“Coffee.”
Chloe’s nose scrunched up. “I’m going to get some tea. Are we eating lunch here as well?”
“Yes, I was just waiting for you before I ordered.”
“Great. What do you want? My treat.”
Michelle quickly shook her head. No way did she want Chloe paying for her meal. Especially if the girl had a meltdown to the news. “I’ve got it. I invited you.”
“Okay.” Chloe shrugged. “I’ll have the spinach and tomato panini.”
Spinach? Michelle’s face contorted. “What kind of tea?”
“Green tea, please.”
Only one person waited in the line ahead of her. Her stomach began to rumble as the patron finished placing their order. Moving forward in line, Michelle sighed. Food’s coming. Hopefully, her stomach could wait.
She watched LeeAnn give the kitchen worker the order slip from the previous person. The woman always had a smile on her face, no matter what time of day or the size of the crowd. With her gray hair in a nice chignon, LeeAnn reminded her of Mrs. Claus. Plus, the red apron she rocked had her wishing Christmas were near.
“What can I get you today?”
“Hey Miss LeeAnn, I would like a chicken Caesar salad and the spinach and tomato panini.”
“Sure thing, Michelle. Do you need a refill on the coffee?”
“No thanks, but can I get a green tea. Chloe’s request, not mine.” She didn’t drink anything hot unless it came from a coffee or cocoa bean.
“Not a problem.”
LeeAnn rung up the order and Michelle handed her card over. Once her order was ready, she grabbed the food tray and headed back to the table. As she walked toward Chloe, nerves threatened to displace her hunger. Should she bring up the search results now or after they ate?
Chloe grabbed her plate of food. “I’m famished. Thanks for treating.”
“Sure.”
Chloe held out her hands.
Michelle looked around. “You pray in public?”
“Of course.”
She stared at Chloe’s hands. With a huff of annoyance, Michelle surrendered, bowing her head.
“Lord, thank You for the food and the blessing Michelle provided in treating. Amen.”
“Amen,” she murmured. Now she felt awful. How could she bring up Davenport after hearing her friend’s cheer?
They ate in silence for a few minutes. She looked up and caught Chloe staring at her. “What?” she asked, once she wiped her mouth with a napkin.
“When are you going to tell me what you found out?”
“After we eat?” Her voice rose in octave with each word.
Chloe put her sandwich down and wiped her hands. “Out with it. You’re obviously anxious about it. You’re picking at your food like it’s a plate of rotten cabbage.” Chloe’s shoulders lowered with an audible exhale. “Just tell me.”
Help me, Lord!
She stared at Chloe, wondering if the latest information would hurt her friend. Michelle really didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news. On an inhale, she let the words fly. “I have a potential name for your father. One of your mother’s classmates provided some information, but of course you won’t know if it’s true unless he collaborates the story or takes a DNA test.”
Chloe glanced down, her napkin clutched in her hand. Michelle’s heart dropped. Was she upset? Nervous? She wasn’t used to Chloe not being the stable one.
Chloe began ripping her napkin into pieces. After a tiny mound had formed, Chloe lifted her gaze. “What’s his name?”
The bleak whisper tore a hole in Michelle’s heart. “John Davenport.”
“Who?” Her friend blinked owlishly.
“John Davenport. His parents are the Davenports on Prosperity Ridge.”
Chloe’s face paled. Her mole above her lip darkened in stark contrast.
“Are you sure? I mean as sure as you can be?”
Michelle nodded, hating the look of hurt that flashed across her friend’s face. Was Chloe thinking of the times she could have run into her grandparents? “A classmate of your mother’s said Davenport and your mother dated. They were best friends.” Michelle blinked. “The classmate and your mother. Not your father. I...” She waved a hand as if flicking a fly. “You get what I mean, right? From what it sounds like, there was no need for the friend to lie about this.”
“Who was her best friend?”
“Karen Adams. She’s Guy’s secretary’s mother.” What a mouthful. All the more to add to the awkwardness of the situation.
“Do you know where he is? I didn’t realize the Davenports had a son.”
“He left once he graduated. Apparently, he was a year ahead of your mom. Now he resides in Columbus, Ohio.”
“Is he married?”
“He is.” She gripped her hands together knowing the next question.
“Does he have...” Chloe covered her mouth, her voice cracking against tears. “Does he have any kids?”
“Yes,” she whispered. Her heart pounded at the visible distress on Chloe’s face.
“How many?” Chloe wiped away a tear.
“Three.”
“I have to go.” Chloe slid back, her chair screeching its way across the tile floor. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Chloe, wait...” She stood but Chloe waved a hand as she darted out of the bakery doors.
A few customers looked back and forth with speculation in their eyes. Michelle sat back down, looking at her half-eaten lunch. I should have waited until after lunch.
GUY SAT ON THE BENCH looking out at the lake. Lately, it seemed all he did was go to work, Nana Baker’s house to pick up his girls, and then home. He had left work ten minutes early for the sole purpose of sitting in front of the lake to clear his head.
And boy did it need clearing.
But the look of confusion on Michelle’s face wouldn’t erase from his mind. Why had he asked her to hang out at the park?
