Charlotte shrugged. “Okay, we aren’t alike. If you say so.”
“I do. From what I understand you wanted to stay in Yorkshire Falls. I plan to leave,” But what if she didn’t? What if she stayed here, a small voice in her head asked.
Kendall shivered and shook off the notion. She’d never wanted to put down roots in one place. Never had a sense of belonging. Surely she couldn’t belong in Yorkshire Falls.
“What else makes us different?” Charlotte asked with a grin, obviously amused by Kendall’s assessment.
Kendall had a hunch she didn’t need her inner self giving a voice to her deepest desires. She had Charlotte to do it for her. “Well, you weren’t adverse to getting married. I’m as far from that mind-set as you can imagine.”
If that’s true, then why were you evaluating Rick’s potential as a parent, that small voice in Kendall’s head asked. Darn this small town and Rick’s warm family and friends. Damn them for showing her all she’d missed out on in life. All she could have if she weren’t afraid to grasp what life may or may not offer.
Charlotte stared, as if she knew the war going on in Kendall’s mind and was giving her time to fight the battle before interrupting. Then she cleared her throat. “I guess I was wrong. Considering all you just said, you and Rick are really the opposite of myself and Roman. I mean for starters, Roman was the wanderer, not me.”
“I suppose,” Kendall murmured, unsure whose side she fell on now. Why did she have the feeling that unsettling her had been Charlotte’s intent all along?
The other woman shook her head and laughed. “Well, if I’m presuming anything about you now, it’s that you’re human. And humans are complicated. They don’t always know their own minds though they think they do.”
“Do you have a degree in psychology?” Kendall grinned.
“No, just one in observation. Case in point. I thought I wanted to stay in Yorkshire Falls because staying represented security. Turns out security for me can be defined in many different ways. And any way that includes Roman works just fine for me.” Charlotte shrugged. “Maybe you just think you want to keep moving from place to place. Or maybe not.” She shook her dark hair out behind her. “Come to think of it, you’re right. I shouldn’t presume to know anything about you. But if you ever need a friend or an ear, I promise to listen and not preach next time. Deal?”
She held out a hand and Kendall grasped it. “Deal,” she said, her head whirling with Charlotte’s words and the game of Devil’s Advocate her own mind played.
“Next. What can I get you two ladies,” Norman asked, saving Kendall from having to think through the meaning in what she’d just heard.
“Orange juice for me. A frozen Chai Tea for Beth and . . .” She glanced at Kendall, waving a hand, indicating she should take her turn.
Beth’s drink sounded interesting. “I’ll try anything once. Does Chai have caffeine?” she asked.
Norman nodded. “Enough to perk you up, missy.” Kendall laughed. “Then a Chai Tea for me and a large O.J. for Hannah.”
“Two Chais and two O.J.s,” Norman repeated. “Anything else?”
“Nope.” Charlotte insisted on footing the bill against Kendall’s arguments and moments later they were back out on the heated street and the sidewalk sale began in earnest. Charlotte’s handmade crocheted panties were a hit along with Kendall’s jewelry. After an hour, the wire jewelry had sold phenomenally well and Charlotte had collected deposits and a list from people who’d requested specific color schemes or ID bracelets and necklaces.
“I never expected this kind of volume,” Kendall said in awe.
“Hey, when you’re good, you’re good.” Beth gave her an earnest smile. “Welcome aboard, Kendall.”
Warmth fluttered inside her chest and the most she could manage was a smile in return. She glanced across the street and noticed her sister bouncing around with a group of nice-looking girls. Hannah too seemed part of a crowd here in Yorkshire Falls.
What ifs began circling in Kendall’s head once more. What if she settled here? What if she didn’t pack her bags and move to Arizona? What if she trusted in herself and in others for the duration?
Kendall shook her head. Twenty-seven years of habits were hard to break in one day. For now she wanted to enjoy the bright sunny day and the sense of belonging without the stress of decision-making or thought. She was grateful when seconds later, Thomas Scalia arrived to flirt with Beth. At least watching the other couple distracted Kendall from her own flights of fancy. As if she could ever really belong anywhere. But here felt so right . . .
“Ms. Sutton?”
Kendall turned at the sound of her name and found herself facing an attractive brunette.
“I’m Grace McKeever,” the other woman said. “My daughter’s name is Jeanette. Jeannie and your sister have become fast friends.” She gestured across the street to where the girls giggled. They congregated in one group while another clique of guys huddled nearby.
Kendall stifled a laugh.
“Jeannie’s the one with the dark ponytail. Anyway, I promised her I’d take her and a friend to an afternoon movie in Harrington and then for dinner. We’ll probably grab Chinese food and be home later on tonight. I’d love to take Hannah, if it’s okay with you.”
“That’s so sweet of you to offer.” Hannah had mentioned Jeannie more than once since the car wash and when Kendall had questioned Rick about her choice of friends, he’d reassured Kendall that the McKeevers were wonderful people. “Of course it’s okay. I’d be forever grateful, actually.”
“Wonderful. The girls will be thrilled.”
As if on cue, Hannah and Jeannie ran over, both talking at once. “Mom, can Hannah sleep over?” Jeannie asked.
“Kendall, I have to get this purple washed out of my hair,” Hannah said at the same time.
