“Yes.” A sudden idea jumped into his head like a playful kitten on an unsuspecting ball of yarn. Would Angelica be willing to toy with him enough to make Tariana jealous? It could be easily done, and it would, perhaps, open her eyes to notice him, the boy next door whose heart she held without even knowing it. Friends can also be lovers. It had been done successfully for generations. He thought of the recent fiasco with Michael and endeavored to toss the idea to the wind.
“What is that mischievous glint I see lurking behind those big brown eyes? Pray tell – I am always up for a little fun.” Jamie caught a glimpse of Tariana in the woman, and warmed to her.
He kicked the leg of the table and moved off to the side, unwilling to voice his scatterbrained idea. Hadn’t he learned anything from the chaos Tariana had triggered by playing with other people’s feelings? At the same time, he had no idea if she felt the slightest interest in a romance with him. Maybe this was a way to find out. What harm could it do? He was a free agent, and could socialize with whomever he chose.
“See, it’s this way: I have a girl…well, sort of. The same as you have a fella,” he said. “I sure would like to know if I have a chance with mine. We’re best friends, but I’ve never told her I wanted more.”
“Why not? Lose your nerve?”
“No,” he said. “It’s complicated.”
Angelica moved in closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’ll play your game. You aren’t half-bad to look at.”
“Thanks…I think.”
He noticed Tariana come out of the church, carrying a load in her arms. She glanced their way, and he tightened his hold on Angelica while the woman boldly kissed his lips. Surprised, Jamie pushed her away, but only after he noticed Tariana storming off toward the wagon. The whole charade served to sear his conscience.
“I should go help Tariana. It’s my job today.”
“You go on, lover-boy – she’s seen enough for now.” Angelica headed for the other young men who didn’t seem able to take their eyes off her. She could kiss them all. He certainly didn’t care.
Jamie hurried to intercept Tariana on her way back to the social room attached to the church. “Let me help. I can carry the boxes out. Didn’t know we were starting so early. The party is not nearly over. You haven’t even danced with me yet.”
“Dance with you?” She stood erect, her hands on her hips. If eyes could ignite a fire, he’d be burning. “Don’t you think kissing a girl you barely know, at the church picnic, is rather brazen? I am disappointed in you, Jamie.”
“She’s new in town,” he argued. “Just trying to show her a good time.”
“Well, don’t let me stop you. I can carry the supplies to the wagon. My plan is to drive the rig out of here and head home. The day has left a sour taste in my mouth.”
“Now, Tariana, don’t get all riled up. What about that dance?”
“Dance with Miss Texas – you make a good pair.”
Jamie panicked as he watched his plan backfire. “How about that fishing trip you mentioned earlier? I think I can find some free time.”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
Tariana disappeared inside the building.
He groaned, knowing he’d lessoned his chances of winning her over. He heard his name and turned to see Michael heading his way.
He reached out to shake Jamie’s hand. “I am told you saved my life, but I haven’t caught up with you since I left the infirmary. How can a man say thank you for a second chance at life?”
“No need,” Jamie said. “Anyone would have done the same thing.”
“But you were the one who did, and I am in your debt.”
“Just happy to see you suffered no lasting injury. You’re moving around on that leg really good.”
“Yes. And my memory has returned, having won me the right girl. You won’t find a happier gent in all of Oregon City.”
“I suppose tasting a lick of death makes a man’s perspective change.”
“Do you enjoy working on the Misty Marion?”
“I do,” Jamie said. “I’m learning all kinds of practical trades, but for me, the satisfaction is in seeing the pieces come together that make up the whole, knowing she’ll soon be riding the waves, and I had a part in making that happen. Well, it makes a man proud.”
Michael slapped him on his back, buddy-style. “You are a good lad. Thanks again for the dip in the water.”
Jamie watched him walk away, knowing he was no longer a threat to his pursuit of Tariana. She’d learned her lesson and seemed to be moving forward, but not in the direction he wanted. Fishing? She always wanted to go fishing, and he’d have given anything to have her swinging on his arm that afternoon instead of the Texan.
At work the next week, Jamie continued to be the local hero, and Michael issued orders from behind a desk, saving his leg from too much exertion. Jamie didn’t like being the center of attention, and he dodged the fellas whenever possible. Not only had he saved Michael’s life, but he’d singlehandedly hogtied the prettiest girl at the 4th of July event, and everyone wanted to know his secret. In his opinion, Angelica was not the loveliest girl at the event, nor did he want to tell anyone of the cheap display they’d put on for Tariana’s benefit. It didn’t help that the woman dogged him every time their paths crossed in town, and purposely fed the grapevine to ensure that Tariana would hear of their imaginative merrymaking.
Later that day, the boss sent him to
