Looking for Mr. Right

By Nancy Moore

Copyright 2012 by Nancy Moore

Smashwords Edition

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Chapter 1

Looking for Mr. Right


Cynthia wiggled into the student desk and faced her best friend, Becca.  "I've got an important announcement," she said, her voice a little bit louder than normal.  "Listen up."
"I'm all ears," Beca mumbled between bites of a large chocolate chip cookie.  "I've got to stop skipping lunch.  I snack all afternoon when I do," she complained as she pushed a sprig of hair out of her eyes and tapped her teeth with her red correction pencil.
"Forget about your stomach for a sec and listen to me.   This is serious," Cynthia insisted, rolling her eyes as Beca took another bite of cookie and then laid it aside to concentrate on her friend.
"Okay, okay, what's up?" Beca asked, as she pushed her glasses up on her nose.  "Like I said, I'm all ears so spill it."
"I'm swearing off men," Cynthia emphasized her statement by sweeping her hands back and forth across the desk almost disrupting a stack of papers.
"Mmm," Beca said, turning back to her cookie and cup of tea.  "And for how long are we talking about here?  A day, a week, or are you talking long-term like a month?"  Her smile, proof- positive, that she doubted her friend's sincerity.
"A year, no six months." Cynthia hesitated and then quickly added,   "Yes, six months should be more than enough time."
"Are you also giving up deserts and sleeping in on Saturday mornings, too?"  Beca questioned, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly as she tried not to laugh at her friend's out-of-character announcement.
Cynthia scrunched her nose and rolled her eyes.  'Friends were wonderful but when they tried to analyze your every move it was down right aggravating.' "No, I'm serious Beca, really I am." 
"Okay, okay, I guess you must be to come in here while I'm grading papers to share this news me," Beca replied.  
Cynthia looked around the deserted classroom.  The students had gone home for the day.  "Give me credit for at least waiting til after 2:30," Cynthia answered.  "I've been considering this for several weeks and I've finally made up my mind to do it."
"And you are just sharing this with me?  Cynthia, what's really with you today?  Does it have anything to do with the fact that David hasn't popped the big marriage question?" Beca asked.  "Which, in my opinion, is a good thing.  You know how I feel about David."
"Absolutely not, David is ancient history.  You were right all along; he's a jerk.  I've decided I need to take a relationship break.  Since you’re my best friend, I wanted you to be the first to know," Cynthia continued, "and don't drag anymore guys in my direction.  At least not for the next six months.  Deal?" she asked raising her eyebrows in question.
"I guess I can respect your request, but my cousin Vinny is coming for the weekend and I think you two would be perfect for each other."  
"Beca, please!  "Did you hear one word I just said?"  Cynthia asked shaking her head in despair.
"I'm sorry, okay, okay.   So for the next six months you intend to have absolutely no contact with the opposite sex whatsoever?  When, may I ask, does this six months male sabbatical begin," Beca asked her friend.  "And have you really thought this through?"
"Of course I've thought it through and it starts right now!  No more men for the next six months.  In six months I will reevaluate my life."
"Reevaluate your life.  Really you sound like a doctor treating some critically ill patient," Beca said, "Doling out some cure-all miracle drug."
"Actually with the way my luck goes with men and relationships, I need a miracle drug."
Beca tidied up the stack of graded papers and stuffed them into her briefcase.  "But, really, Cynthia do you honestly think six months will take care of your so-called problem?  Won't you still have the same problems to deal with in six months? The only difference being you will be six months older?"
"No, I'll be more mature and better able to select the right man for me."  Her attempt to convince Beca failing miserably.  "The dating pool will have a different selection in six months, too."
"Dating pool is it?" Beca replied, shoving a sprig of hair behind her ear.  "I think that's the first time I've heard available men referred to as being in some sort of pool."
"Dating pool, whatever you want to call all the available men out there.  Anyway, don't you see how society works against us single female professionals?  They are always trying to convince us that the only way to true happiness is by having a man in your life, a husband, a couple of children and a dog and living in some small cottage with a white fence is the only way to go according to most of the relationship programs I've watched on television."
"Have you been watching those reality television programs again?"  Beca asked.
"No,"  Cynthia insisted.  "I took one of those relationship surveys in a magazine at the dentist office last week.  It all just made perfect sense to me then."
"Oh, no, Cynthia, don't tell me you let yourself make such a life changing decision from some magazine survey you took?  That doesn't sound like you.  You are usually so sensible."
"The survey just got me thinking, that's all.  I made the decision on my own.  Really I did."
And you concluded that?"  Beca waited for her friend's response.
"I concluded the simple fact that I'm addicted to relationships.  Even if it's with some totally unsuitable fellow because that's what society expects of a single woman.  They expect you to find someone and settle down before you reach your mid-20's.  My time is running out!  My biological clock is ticking as we speak."
"You aren't serious?  When did you start to care what society thinks and some nonsense about your biological clock?"
"I totally am serious," Cynthia insisted as she added, "I don't exactly care what society thinks, not really."
"I think you've been watching way too much television and taking too many magazine surveys.  Maybe you should join the YWCA or take up knitting or something," Beca suggested.
"How could my joining the Y or knitting solve my problem?" Cynthia bit at her lip.
"Keep you busy; anything but watching television or taking magazine surveys.  You have to come to grips with the fact that you have to do a lot of dating to find Mr. Perfect," Beca continued.  "There is a guy somewhere out there that is right for you.  You just have to stay open-minded and keep looking. Kind of' like shopping for the perfect dress or pair of shoes."
"I guess, but for the next six months my eyes are closed.  No men, no relationships, no dating, nothing."
"I would say 'good luck' but as hard headed as you are you won't need luck," Beca picked up her briefcase and jacket.  "Let's get out of here. But remember, Mr. Right, is out there somewhere and more importantly any bad luck you've had with men in the past  doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you.  You just haven't found Mr. Perfect yet."
"Thanks, Beca, I knew I could count on you for moral support," Cynthia smiled as she followed her friend down the empty hallway toward the exit.
"But, Cynthia, promise you'll stop it with the reality television, please."


Chapter 2


Cynthia glanced at the computer printout stretched out on the car seat beside her.  She felt confident she had made the right decision; she just hoped her friends and family felt the same way when she broke the news to them.  Probably should have told everyone before I took the plunge and packed up and moved, she thought.  Good thing she'd at least taken the time to search for directions to this street.  She should have taken David's advice about buying that GPS but when he'd mentioned purchasing one, she wasn't even considering taking a short trip.  Now, here she was over 1,000 miles from home and with her sense of direction she was lucky to have found the right city, especially the right street.
According to Maddy the house numbers were all posted on the front doors so it should be a snap from here.  She was looking for 109 Brandon Lane.  There it was a neat little brick on what appeared to be a quiet street.   One good thing about this teacher exchange program was she got to switch lives with another teacher so she didn't have to look for a job, find a house or anything.  She just slipped into someone else's life for a few months.  And, too, she would have six months of freedom from all her well-meaning friends and family members.  They were obsessed with hooking her up with their idea of the perfect mate. 
Maddy hadn't had time to tell her much about the school or neighborhood except the school was nice and the neighborhood was quite but friendly.  This should prove to be the time she needed to get her life in order.  Maybe being away from all the outside influence was just what the doctor ordered.
She pulled her compact car up in front of the garage, glancing over next door where a guy was busy washing his jeep; probably one of those outdoorsmen types.  Cynthia shook her head. No way was she the outdoorswoman type; she was 100% city girl.  She preferred a fellow who wore a suit and tie not some redneck in jeans and cowboy boots.  He was probably married anyway so nothing to worry about with him, but he did look pretty cute in those tight fitting pants. 
As she swung her car door open the guy next door glanced up and nodded.  She smiled and waved back.  Seemed like a nice enough neighbor.  She removed the two suitcases from the trunk of her car and then lifted two brown boxes filled with school supplies and momentoes from her class back in Miami.  She stood up straight and drew in a deep cleansing breath; she was actually pretty excited about her new adventure.  It was refreshing to take a deep breath of clean air minus the exhausts from the cars on the busy highways back home.  Yes, a few months of country life was sounding more and more inviting.
"Were you looking for Ms Maddy?" a dark haired little girl that looked to be about four or five years old inquired.
"No, not really.  I'm going to be living here for the next 6 months," Cynthia looked down at the child and smiled.
"My daddy has the key to Ms. Maddy's house." She was staring at her shoe and scuffing her toe on the driveway.
"Where is your daddy?  I need to get my stuff inside and get settled," Cynthia asked the child.
"I'll go get him," the little girl was already headed next door.
A few minutes later the child reappeared, followed closely by the guy who had been washing his jeep.  "You must be Cynthia," the dark haired fellow asked.  "Maddy said to be on the lookout for you sometime this afternoon."  His smile was warm and friendly.
"Yes, I'm Cynthia Bowling," she replied returning a smile.  He was better looking up close.  In fact, he could fall into the magazine cover handsome category.
 "I'm Jack Dawson," he said.  "Welcome to Arkansas."  He grasped her hand sending a warm tingle up her arm.  She felt an instant connection.
"I'm engaged," she said snatching her hand out of his.  Her face tinged from an unexpected burst of heat.
The corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly. "Well, congratulations.  I see you've already met my daughter, Halley."
Cynthia blushed again.  She had just acted like he had made a pass at her by jerking back her hand and making that announcement.  He probably already thought she was goofy.  
"Hello, Halley," Cynthia turned and smiled down at the little girl.  The child didn't look up.
"She doesn't talk much.  She's a bit shy until she gets to know you," Jack said as he reached down and gathered the little girl in his arms.  She immediately hooked her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder.
Cynthia stood staring directly into the darkest set of eyes she'd ever seen and a smile to die for.  'Get a grip girl---remember your resolution---no men for six months. Stop drooling!'  
Anyway he looked a bit rough around the edges and she'd just announced to him she was engaged.  He was married, obviously since the child firmly attached to his shoulder was his daughter.
Jack reached across and opened the front door.  His closeness made her feel suddenly more warm and uncomfortable then she had seconds earlier.  She had barely been here six minutes and already met a hunk that just happened to live next door.  'He's safe - remember he's married' - her inner voice kept reminding her - the big problem would be if she would listen to that voice.
Maddy's living room was lovely, open and spacious painted a lovely shade of swimming pool blue.    The high cathedral ceiling added elegance to the simple setting and contemporary furnishings. The shafts of sunlight filtered through the front window casting a warm glow to the room.  Maddy obviously had excellent taste in furnishings because her home looked like one in a decorating magazine.  Cynthia thought about her little apartment back in Miami and hoped Maddy wouldn't be too disappointed with her temporary home for the next six months.
"Come on Ms. Bowling, I'll show you the rest of the house," Jack was staring at her again while he waited for her to follow.
"Please, call me Cynthia."
"Okay, Cynthia, follow me," he replied suppressing a grin as he ambled across the foyer and walked toward the back of the house.  He appeared surprisingly 'at home' in his next door neighbor's house.
Boy the next six months weren't going to be easy.  If Jack was a sample of the available men in this town, Cynthia was in big trouble.  Thanks goodness this guy was already taken.
"This is the kitchen.  I'm pretty sure Maddy has the frig stocked for you.  She's a stickler for health food. I hope you like tou fou," Jack grinned.  "She is a strict vegetarian."
"Well, I'm afraid I'm more of a junk food addict.  I'm not into the domestic scene.  I don’t do a lot of cooking," Cynthia said as she followed Jack and Halley down the hall past a large bathroom into a bedroom.
It was charming.  Light frilly white lace curtains gave the room a bright, friendly feeling.  The bed was covered with a white lacey spread; a bright patchwork quilt was neatly folded at the foot.  "This room is so inviting." She mumbled.
"It sure looks inviting to me," Jack replied staring at the king size bed.  Cynthia would have sworn he was flirting - but he was married and she'd just told him she was engaged. She could feel heat running up her face again.
"Oh, I meant….never mind!"  She suddenly felt hot and closed in.  Jack shook his head and laughed.  
"I've got to run.  It was nice meeting you, Cynthia.  I'll be seeing you around and if you need anything I'm just next door.  Give me a hollow."
"Thanks so much for the tour.  I hope I haven't made you late for anything," Cynthia said.
"No, I just have to have this little lady over at her grandmothers by 5," Jack said as Halley buried her face deeper into his shoulder.
"Please, don't let me keep you.  I'm sure your wife is wondering what happened."
Jack was already out her front door and didn't look back or comment on her last remark.

Cynthia leaned back against the door and surveyed her new surroundings.  'That went well - not' she thought to herself, but at least she had met a neighbor and gotten into the house without a hitch.  Now it was time to call Beca and break the news to her.  Cynthia snapped her cell phone shut.  She'd just spilled the beans to Beca via voicemail.  When she got that message she was going to be totally surprised.  She had only told Beca she was swearing off men for six months, not the fact she was doing it 1,000 miles from home.
"You did what?"  You are where?"  The voice through the phone high-pitched and totally shocked at Cynthia's news.
"Slow down girlfriend.  Give me a chance to explain," Cynthia held the phone at arm's length to avoid the deafening shout coming from the other end of the phone line. 
"Have you lost your mind?" Beca was shouting now.  "Gee, Cynthia, I didn't know you were planning on leaving Miami to undertake this fool hearty idea of yours."
"Beca, don’t you see.  This is the best thing for me right now.  It is the answer to my problems."
"You have really lost it this time, girlfriend." 
"No, Beca, no.  I told you about my no men resolution for six months and since I don't know anyone here it will be so much easier.  The teacher's exchange program came at just the perfect time for me."  Cynthia thought she sounded more like she was trying to convince herself rather than her best friend. "No one trying to hook me up with his or her cousin or brother."
"Okay, I deserved that but what is this teacher's exchange program anyway and how did you find out about it?"
"I got a letter in the mail that one of my professors from graduate school forwarded to me.  He said it was a wonderful opportunity for me to expand my horizons."
"Mmm, what about our Saturday afternoon shopping trips and whose gonna listen to all my whining about my life?" Beca asked, trying to keep her voice steady and under control.
"We can still talk on the phone and email each other.  I didn't move to the North Pole," Cynthia tried to lighten the tone of their exchange.
"This isn't funny, Cynthia.  What do your parents think about your move?"
"I haven't told them yet.  I wanted to wait until they got back from their cruise."
"Oh, I'd forgotten about that trip," Beca's voice sounded a bit more steady.
"I didn't want to spoil their 30th wedding anniversary celebration." Cynthia said.  "Mom had this trip planned for a long time."
"And you don't think this bit of news will spoil their homecoming," Beca asked.
"Mom might be upset for a few days but she'll understand I need space to spread my wings." 
"If you say so.  Email me everything when you get settled, okay? I want to know all about it."
"I will and Beca be happy for me.  You want me to get control of my life don't you?"
"You know I do but this just seems so impulsive even for you."
"It'll work out - wait and see," Cynthia added quickly, "I'll email you soon.  I promise."
"I'll be waiting."
Cynthia slipped her cell into her pant's pocket.  She headed down the hall to the kitchen.  She was starved.  That tou fou sounded pretty tasty.


Chapter 3


Cynthia adjusted the stack of papers spread out on the picnic table and laid a book on the stack to secure it  She enjoyed Maddy's deck.  It was a wonderful place to grade papers, so much nicer than her tiny patio back home.  She had been here a little over a month and she was missing her family and friends more than she'd expected.  It seemed the majority of her free time had been spent on the phone or answering emails.  Beca and her mom had obviously spread the word to everyone in town and Cynthia was receiving calls constantly. She had considered shutting her phone off or getting a new number but then thought otherwise.  Everyone would be arriving on her doorstep if they couldn’t contact her via phone.  She didn't need a ton of visitors, not yet. 
The new school was nice, smaller than the one back home, but the staff and teachers were helpful and friendly.  She felt at home almost immediately.  She'd even amazed herself at how fast she'd adjusted.  Most of her Saturday nights were spent working on class outlines or reading a good novel.  If she got too lonely she'd just call Beca and talk until one of their cell phones went dead.  She was happy with her 'no men' decision, she needed to get out of that dating rut at least for a few months.
"Good 'morning neighbor," someone yelled across the hedge.  "Everything okay your way?"
"Fine," she called back.  Before she knew it Jack had jumped over the hedge and was 
standing on her patio in the best fitting pair of jeans she'd seen since the day she'd moved in.
"Schoolwork?"  he questioned.
"Papers to grade," she said as she reached for her coffee cup.  She glanced up at Jack.  Why did she always manage to run upon the hunks in the world?  It didn't matter.  There was a Mrs. Dawson somewhere but after a month she was yet to meet her.  She'd only seen her once and it was not close enough to even say hello.
"How's things going at school?"  he inquired flopping down beside her on the bench and stretching out his long legs in front of him.
"Fine.  I have a wonderful group of students and the teachers are so nice.  They've really made me feel at home," Cynthia smiled.
"And, has it worked?  Do you feel at home here?" he asked.
"I do, but I'm missing my family and friends back home," she added.
"I bet you miss your fiancé?" Jack grinned.
"Well, uh, yes.  We talk all the time and email each other daily," she felt awful about telling him she was engaged but she'd just blurted it out before she knew he was married.  Even worse she'd told the teachers at school the same lie.  They were always asking about David.  Unfortunately that name was the first one that came to mind and she'd broken up with him a couple of months ago so he was the first one who popped into her head.
"I've got to go.  I'm putting up a playhouse for Halley this afternoon."
"Cool.  I know she will love it!" Cynthia said.
"I know I spoil her but since her mother's death…."his voice trailed off as he glanced off into Cynthia's backyard.
Cynthia drew in a breath!  His wife was dead.  She'd been sure he was married.  Crap - he was available.  Good thing she'd told him she was engaged.  
"Oh, I didn't know.  I am so sorry," Cynthia said drawing in a deep breath.  "It's tough being a single dad with a little one."
"It can be but Halley is a life saver.  She keeps me too busy to think," he added, with a troubled look.  "Of course, I'm always trying to stay a step ahead of Kate."
"And, Kate, is?" Cynthia asked
"My wife's mother, Halley's grandmother.  She blames me for Judith's car accident and she thinks I've been a failure as a father to Halley," he added.
"I'm sorry, Jack.  Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked him. 
"No.  I appreciate the offer but just letting Halley come over and play with your little dog helps.  She needs female attention other than her grandmother.  A young female is perfect."
Cynthia's face felt hot.  "I don't mind her coming over anytime.  I enjoy her company. She is awfully quiet though," Cynthia hesitated giving him a chance to comment on his daughter's behavior.
"She's been like that since the accident. Of course, Kate blames me for that, too.  She feels Halley should be in counseling; but the pediatrician feels she just needs love and a lot of attention. I agree with the doctor.  I think love and attention will help Halley pull out of her shell on her own.  I don't want to subject her to more doctors and questions," Jack said.
"I respect your feelings.  I don't understand why her grandmother doesn't support you on this."
"Well, Kate is used to being in control.  She ruled Judith with an iron hand and until Judith's death she pretty much controlled Halley, too.  She is the head of a large law firm in Little Rock and since her husband's death she has taken over the company.  Since money has never been an issue with her she thinks she can control everyone with money.  She's offered to pay for Halley's counseling but money isn't an issue.  I can afford it.  I just don't think that's what Halley needs.  Since you've moved in I've noticed a change in her.  I think being around you is helping her."
"Really.  I didn't know about Halley's problem.  She barely says two words to me when she's over but she chatters away to Bella," Cynthia smiled.  "Thanks for telling me Jack.  I'll do all I can to help you with her."
"Let me know if she gets to be a pest.  Every time she sees you on the patio or in the yard she starts begging to come over."
"Halley could never be a pest to me," Cynthia assured him.  "She's welcome anytime."
****
Cynthia had grown to love her new life and she was constantly amused by her new class of six year olds.  Whenever one would share an incident from home she would smile and remember a parent who once told her - if you promise not to believe what my daughter says happens at home I'll promise not to believe what she says happens at school.  Six year olds were totally awesome, in fact, she'd thought about writing a book about her adventures in teaching.
She had finally met Jack's mother-in-law, Kate, and her dominating personality was obvious and overbearing.  She came across as a woman who was accustomed to having it her way.  Cynthia wasn't surprised that she and Jack locked horns, especially over Halley.
"Ms. Bowling, have you seen my little Halley this morning?" Kate called from Jack's driveway.
Cynthia was reading a letter she'd received from her former boyfriend David.  Her make-believe fiancé.  She looked across the yard and saw Kate's mercedes parked in his driveway.  She was standing on Jack's front porch, the engine of her car still running.
"I think they were going to Little Rock to do some Christmas shopping today," Cynthia  called back.
"Harmph, I suppose Jack shared that with you?" she questioned with a disgusted scowl on her face.
"No, Halley came over this morning to see if I could go with them."
"I see.  Jack knew I was taking Halley out to dinner this evening and to a Christmas play at the Children's theatre.  Heavens knows the child is in need of a taste of the finer things in life." 
"I know Halley will be sorry she missed the play.  It sounds like fun!" Cynthia tried to be upbeat and lighten their exchange.
"She needs exposure to the arts and fine dining.  My Judith always enjoyed those things growing up and I intend to give Halley the same opportunities.  Jack is hardly able to support himself," she mumbled under her breath.
"Jack and Halley have a wonderful relationship and I think Halley is adjusting well under the circumstances," Cynthia wanted Kate to know she supported Jack.
"Little do you know," Kate replied as she tossed her designer purse across the car seat.  "If you see Jack later tell him I came over and he will be hearing from me."
Her car shot down the street leaving Cynthia shaking her head.  Poor Jack and Halley.  That woman is a witch!


Chapter 4


By 7 o'clock Cynthia hadn't been able to get that scene with Kate out of her head.  It kept running over and over like a bad dream.  The last time she'd looked next-door Jack's jeep wasn't back and she had decided he didn't need to hear about Kate's visit from her.  She was certain he would get an ear full from Kate.  Probably just in time to ruin a good nights sleep for him.
She closed her blinds and settled into Maddy's rocking chair.  She needed a cup of hot chocolate and a good novel to keep her company on this Saturday evening.  One benefit of swearing off men was she could put on her comfortable sweats and kick back.  She had no one to impress this evening. If she were back in Miami Beca would be encouraging her to go out with one of her male friends.  Beca had a good heart and she meant well but she was a natural born matchmaker.  She was convinced a single woman had to have a man in her life in order to be happy.    Beca and Cynthia's mother were hell bent on finding her a husband.  
She was only twenty-six years old and women got married and had babies later in life then when her mother married her dad.  Times were changing.
It was barely past 9 o'clock when the phone rang.  Cynthia glanced at the caller id.  She didn't recognize the number.  "Hello," she answered cautiously.
"C, is that you?"  a slurred voice spoke into her ear.
The only person who ever called her C was David.  "Yes, how did you get my number here?" Cynthia was annoyed.
"I called your mom," he mumbled.
"And she gave it to you?"  Cynthia frowned.   Her mother liked that jerk.  She was convinced they were a perfect match.  If only she knew what a rat he really was.  
"C, are you there?" he repeated.
"Don't call me that!" her annoyance evident in her tone.  "What do you want, it's past 9 o'clock."
"So what?  Remember when we stayed out past midnight on Saturdays?" he was blubbering.
"Are you drunk?" she was almost shouting into the phone.
"Naw, maybe a little."
"Why'd you call anyway?" she asked.
"I want to come visit for Christmas."
"Are you crazy and drunk?  I came here to get away from men.  Anyway I'm working during the holiday.  You can't come.  I'll be busy."
"So there are no men there?"  he asked sarcastically.
"Of course, there are men here, but everyone knows I'm not available," she was emphatic in her reply. The other end of the phone line went dead.  "David, are you there?"  Waiting a few seconds, she tossed the phone on the coffee table.  He probably passed out.  I just hope he doesn't do something stupid and come here anyway.
Cynthia crawled into bed and pulled the patchwork quilt up to her chin.  She was still staring at the ceiling past midnight and she had parent-teacher conferences beginning Monday.  What a weekend to get insomnia.  She made a promise to herself she would go over in the morning and talk to Jack.
She reached up and pressed the doorbell.  Glancing at her watch, she hoped it wasn't too early for visitors on Sunday morning.  The door opened slowly.  Jack stood in the doorway, his hair tousled, his jeans unbuttoned at the top obviously surprised to have a morning guest. He stepped back and motioned for her to enter.
"I'm sorry.  I've gotten you up.  I'll come back over after while," she stepped back down the steps.
"What time is it anyway?" he glanced at his wrist.  "Forgot my watch."
"It's 8:05," Cynthia said.
"Come on in.  I need a cup of coffee.  How 'bout you?" he asked as he headed down the hall toward his kitchen.  
"I'd love a cup," she trotted behind him.  Staring at his tight fitting jeans she felt that all too familiar warm feeling invading her body.  
Jack grabbed two blue coffee mugs and filled them with coffee.  Sliding one in front of her he asked, "What brings you over so early on a Sunday morning neighbor?"
"Kate."
"Kate?" he seemed surprised as he repeated her name.  
"Did she call you yet?"
"Well, not today," he said,  "Was she supposed to?"
"She dropped by yesterday looking for Halley."  After Cynthia had recounted her encounter with Kate, Jack was staring at her in disbelief.
"Damn, I'm not too surprised at anything she says or does lately.  She is out to get me. Actually she's more determined to get Halley.  I just happen to be in her way."
"I'm sorry Jack.  I just wanted to give you a heads up to expect a call.  From the mood she was in when she left yesterday I don't think it will be pleasant."
"I don't imagine it will.  I forgot she had plans with Halley but she will never believe it.  She'll think I took her shopping to spite her."  He finished his second cup of coffee and sat the empty cup in the sink.  "I sometimes think she might be right.  Halley needs the stability she could provide.  I do have to travel some on business."
"Don't let her come between you and Halley.  You’re a wonderful dad.  Halley adores you," Cynthia assured him.  "Maybe she could provide more material things but you give her love and attention.  All the money in the world can't buy that."
"Thanks Cynthia.  I needed a pep talk.  If you weren't an engaged woman, I'd ask you out," he winked, his sense of humor coming back.
She hated herself for lying to Jack and all her new friends.  She would love to come clean right now but what would he think of her.  Her mother had always told her one lie leads to another and it just gets worse.  
"What was his name again?" Jack questioned.
"Huh, my fiance?  David," Cynthia seemed distracted.
"Did you know your fiancé is actually quite a celebrity around our little town?  I've heard some people think he is a virtual superman!"
"I can't keep people from talking," she replied.
"No, but you could fess up," he said.
"Fess up?  What does that mean?"
"It means I think your David is a figment of your creative imagination."
"You actually think I've made him up?" she seemed surprised at his comment.
"Yes, in a word, I do."
"But why would I do that?"
"I don't have a clue.  Just a gut feeling," he winked.
"I'm disappointed in you.  To think a respected little ole school teacher like me would lie!"
"Okay, okay, let's say David is real.  Where is your engagement ring?"  He leaned back against the sink waiting for her reply.
"My ring?  Oh, yes, the ring.  It just so happens David is having his grandmother's ring reset for me," she finished breathless.
"Have you ever considered taking up creative writing?" covering his mouth with his hand to cover a grin.
"I'm going home!" Cynthia moved between Jack and the table.   You can be so aggravating."
She heard him laughing as she slammed the front door.


Chapter 5


To: Beca
From: Cynthia
Hey, I miss you!  I think my next-door neighbor is on to me.  Remember when I told you he thinks I'm engaged?  Don't say it, I should know not to lie but it just slipped out.  He asked me today where my engagement ring was and I had to tell him it was David's grandmother's ring and it needed to be reset for me.  
I'm ready for the teacher exchange program to end.  I can't wait till I get home.  I miss our chats and Saturday evening pizza parties.  Promise you won't try to set me up with anyone the minute I get home.
Talk to you soon.
Cynthia
Cynthia hit the send button and waited.  The phone rang while she was grabbing a hand full of candy kisses.  She popped a couple of the candies into her mouth and snapped open her cell phone.
"Hello Beca."
"Are you eating?" Beca asked.
"Yes, chocolates." she admitted.
"Things must be bad over there. Didn't you swear off chocolate?" her friend asked.
"No! Men not chocolate.  You know very well I didn't swear off edible goodies."
"How much longer before you stop this crazy charade and come clean with everybody?"
"I'll be coming home on Easter break."  Cynthia assured her friend.  "Why don’t you come over for Christmas?  We could catch up on things and you could meet my neighbor."
"Why would I want to meet him, you saw him first?"
"I'm not interested in Jack but I think he'd be perfect for you." Cynthia shot back.
"You do, do you?" she asked.  "I've actually met a really nice guy right after you deserted me."
"Deserted you?  I did no such thing.  You know why I accepted this exchange teaching position.  I was trying to break my relationship addiction."
"I know, I know.  I would dearly love to see you.  Let me check my Christmas week schedule.  I'll get back to you.  I think I might be able to get away at least for the New Years weekend.  That would be like last year."
The two women had spent the past New Year's Eve together watching old movies and munching on unhealthy goodies, making plans and resolutions for the coming year.
"That sounds great.  I do miss you Beca.  If you come over for New Years you can go with me to Jack's open house."
"Cool, I'm anxious to meet him, not for my self, but he sounds perfect for you," her friend was matchmaking long-distance style.
"No, no, I'm not interested, whatever would my fiancé say?" Cynthia laughed.
"You are too much!  I'll call you soon," Beca hung up the phone.
"Bye," Cynthia smiled as she snapped her cell phone shut.  It was going to be a great holiday.
By Monday morning the temperatures had taken an unexpected nosedive and to make matters worse a few snowflakes had begun to fall.  Cynthia had only packed a couple of sweaters since living in Miami she hardly ever needed a warm wrap.  She hoped the inclement weather wouldn't cause any travel scheduling problems.  She was so excited to have Beca come for a visit.  It would seem almost like being back home for the holidays.  
Parent-teacher conferences were scheduled to begin this morning and then Christmas break would be upon them. She was anxious to meet her student's parents.  It always helped to get an idea of the children's home life.  She had a couple of students who had issues and she had a pretty good idea their home life wasn't stellar.  Meeting their parents would give her some insight into how to handle the little ones.  She was glad she'd minored in child psychology in college.  
She pulled the soft blue cashmere sweater over her head shaking out her long blond hair and pulling it back in a low ponytail at the base of her neck.  Since swearing off men she had lost of sense of style.  She hadn't worn a skirt in four months and since she wasn't trying to impress anyone of the opposite sex she opted for the sweat shirt and jogging pants look.
She looked at the dark circles under her eyes, "I look like a raccoon.  She reached for the consealer and carefully applied the shading under one eye.  Much better - now she looked more like a pirate with an eye patch.  A loud rap at her back door interrupted her makeup routine.
"Did I catch you at a bad time?" Jack asked with an amused half-smile on his face as he eyed her face.
"No, I was just getting ready for school.  Come on in." Cynthia replied adding, "Did you need something?"
"Well, mm, I need a favor." he hated imposing on his neighbor but he was in a bind.
"You need to borrow a cup of sugar?" she joked.
"No," he answered, "I have a family emergency and need to make a trip to Nashville.  I was wondering if you could take Halley for a couple of days?  My brother is having surgery day after tomorrow and I'd rather not have Halley at the hospital all day."
"Sure, no problem. I'd love to have her spend time with me," Cynthia assured Jack.
"The thing is, could you come and stay next door?  All her things are there but I hate to put you out," he hesitated, quickly adding, "Mary Beth is watching her tomorrow. I knew you'd be tied up with parent-teacher meetings all day."
"Well, my last appointment is for 4:30 so I should be home before 6," Cynthia assured him.  Would that work?"
"You are a lifesaver!" he replied as he reached over and squeezed her arm.  That tingly-feeling shot up her arm.  "Halley loves to spend time with you.  She won't even know I'm gone."
"I don't believe that for one minute, but we do get along fine.  But, wouldn't Kate want Halley to spend the time with her?"
"The less Kate knows about my life and schedule the better.  She gave me quite a tongue lashing last night.  She was pissed that I took Halley shopping and we didn't get back in time for the play.  She refused to believe it slipped my mind."
"I know Halley had fun.  She loves going and doing things with you.  You are her idol."
Jack's face turned a bright red as he mumbled,  "I just wish Kate thought that way."
"Don't worry so much.  I don't think Kate has accepted her daughter's death and you're the only one she can vent her frustrations on," Cynthia attempted to reassure him.
"Maybe but she never approved of me before Judith's accident and that was the final straw,"  he said. "If only she didn't blame me for it.  She acts like she's the only one that misses Judith."
Cynthia didn't respond to that.  "I've got to finish up and get to school."
"Yea, I guess you'd better get that other eye done," he said smiling as he closed the door behind him.
She leaned against the door mulling over what Jack had said about Kate and Halley and his late wife's accident.  Poor guy.  He really has it rough.


Chapter 6


Cynthia sighed as she closed the last file folder and put it on top of the growing stack.  The conferences had gone smoother than she'd expected.  After the weekend she had with her unpleasant encounter with Kate on Saturday morning and David's call on Saturday night she was amazed at how energized she felt.
"Did your conferences go well, Cynthia?" one of the other teachers inquired as she leaned against the classroom door.
"Very well, and how did yours go Ms. Mangrum?"  Cynthia asked.
"Great, I always enjoy meeting the parents.  I've found after twenty-five years of teaching the best way to understand how a child's mind works is to get acquainted with their parents.  I've met a lot of them since I've had most of my student's siblings and even a couple of their parents."
Ms. Mangrum had been a real helpmate to Cynthia.  She had immediately taken her under her wing and showed her the ropes.  Although she was well over fifty she was vibrant and seemed much younger than her years.  She had been quick to assure Cynthia it was due to being around her young students all these past years.  That was the secret to her youth.  She had never married and only recently lost her mother.  She had invited Cynthia over for supper several times in the past few months and they had formed a bond of friendship.  
"Is your fiancé coming for the holidays, dear?" Ms. Mangrum smiled up at her young friend.
"Not sure yet."  Cynthia hated to lie to her after the effort she'd put into being her friend.   "Probably not though.  He's just gotten several new clients and I'm sure he is very busy."
"That's too bad, dear.  Perhaps we could spend some time together over the holidays.  I've got some baking to do for the churches Christmas Eve candlelight service.  They always serve cookies and coffee after service and without mother to help me this year I could use your help," her voice quivered slightly.  "Do you enjoy baking?"
"I'm not much good in the kitchen but I could help you clean up and maybe you could give me some cooking lessons."  Cynthia knew the woman was lonely since her mother's death and she dreaded Christmas without her friends and family, too.  Maybe the two women could help each other.  Cynthia's parents were going to NY for Christmas and Becca would be lucky to get over for New Years weekend.  "Yes, let's plan on getting together."
"Wonderful.  I love to bake and with no one but me to sample the goodies I'll probably gain ten pounds this year," she said as she patted her ample hips.
Glancing at her watch Cynthia said, "I've got to run.   I'm caring for Halley tonight.  Jack is going out of town for a couple of days."
"I didn't mean to keep you, dear," her thoughtful friend said, "Have a good evening."
Pulling her car in front of Jack's garage seemed awkward; maybe she should have parked in her driveway and walked over.  It would be more convenient to park in his driveway  since her overnight items were in the backseat of her vehicle.  Hopefully, none of the neighbors would get the wrong idea and think she was spending the night with Jack.  One thing about living in a small town was everyone knew everyone else's business.  She ran next door and got Bella and her food for the evening.
"Mary Beth," Cynthia called out as she entered the foyer and hung her jacket on the coat rack sitting beside Jack's front door.  "I'm here."  She opened Bella's crate and gave her run of the house.  Bella headed down the hallway toward the chatter emitting from the den. "Girls, I'm here," she repeated as she entered the den.  The two girls were sitting cross- legged on the floor playing a card game.  "What have you two been up to?" Cynthia questioned.
"We're playing Go Fish and I'm winning," Halley beamed up at Cynthia.
Mary Beth was already getting up from the floor, "She's beat me every game.  I've got to get home Ms. Bowling, I have a term paper to finish before tomorrow."  She quickly added, "My mom will skin me if I'm much later."
"Go girl," Cynthia patted the teenager on the back.  "I hope you won't get in trouble."
"No problem, it's all cool," Mary Beth said as she grabbed up her stack of books and jacket and smiled down at Halley, "see you two later."
"I don't know about you Halley but I'm starved," Cynthia told the child taking her small hand and leading her down the hall toward the kitchen.  Cynthia flipped on the light in the dark room disturbing Bella who was scrounging for supper.
"It looks like Bella is hungry. Would you like to feed her Halley?"
"Yes," she smiled.  Cynthia poured dry kibbles into a tiny bowl and gave it to Halley.  "Here it is."  Halley stooped down sitting the bowl in front of the tiny dog.  She stuck her head in the bowl and started eating.
"How about helping me fix supper?" Cynthia asked the little girl who was patiently watching Bella eat.
"Grandmother says I'm too little to cook," Halley's lower lip pouted and crunched her nose.
"I've got just the job for you. Let's have a picnic," Cynthia suggested.
"Can we?  I love picnics," the child exclaimed, "but it's cold outside."
"We'll have it inside.  Go get that blanket off the couch.  We can spread it on the kitchen floor and have an indoor picnic."
"I love picnics and grilled cheese is my favorite."
"Mine, too," Cynthia told the little girl.  Sometimes it was fun playing mommy.


Chapter 7


Cynthia soon learned one of the biggest differences in location was the weather.  Searcy was having an unusually wet, cold winter and with Christmas holidays so near Cynthia wasn't used to a cold holiday.  In Florida she'd done Christmas shopping and tree decorating in shorts and tank tops.  The dramatic difference in weather was exciting but did pose challenges; the biggest being at the moment the leak that had developed in Maddy's roof.   Cynthia had checked  Maddy's address book and phoned the repairman she had listed only to be informed by his wife that he was sick in bed with the flu.  She had promised to send him over when he had recovered but Cynthia didn't think the leak could wait.
She dug the ladder out of the utility shed and grabbed Maddy's little tool box with a firm resolve that the time had arrived when she should flex her newfound independence and repair the roof herself.  It couldn't be too hard - could it?
Fortunately by Saturday the constant rain had abruptly stopped and she had googled  simple roof repair and printed out some step-by-step instruction designed for the do-it-yourselfer.  Staring at the hole in Maddy's roof suddenly made the repair appear harder than it had googled.
"Hey, what are you doing up there?"  Jack shouted from his back porch.  
"Repairing a leak," Cynthia shot back as she shaded her eyes with her hand.
"Come down.  Let me fix that for you," he shouted back.  He was already slowly inching his way across the roof towards her.
Cynthia frowned, "I can do it!"
He stared at her.  "Do you know what you are doing?"
"No, well, yes.  I do have these directions," she clutched a crumpled sheet of paper.
"Go inside, Cynthia.  I'll do it for you," Jack insisted.  "This rain is making the roof slippery.  Anyway, I thought Maddy had a repairman she always called for stuff like this."
"He has the flu," Cynthia maintained her footing on the roof, refusing to give up on the job.  
"We're both going to have the flu up here in this rain. You shouldn't be up here. I shouldn't either," he mumbled to himself.
"Then get down.  I can do this," Cynthia continued to insist.  "I am quite capable of fixing a little leak."
"I've no doubt you can but really Cynthia be reasonable - let it go.  I can look at the leak inside and I'm sure we can come up with a temporary fix until the repairman is well enough to do it right."
While they argued, the rain turned from sprinkles to a steady downpour forcing Cynthia to reconsider and finally give in.  "Men!" she exclaimed.  "Alright, I'll go inside, but when the rain stops I am going to fix that leak," her tone amused Jack.  
Jack followed her into Maddy's bedroom and they surveyed the damage together.  "Not too bad yet.  I can get a bucket and you can collect the rain in it and then when it stops raining, you can go back up on that roof and break your neck - if your hell bent on doing it yourself.  Don't ever accuse Jack Dawson of standing in the way of a determined woman."  His charming but annoying grin had returned.
"Jack, one of the main reasons I agreed to this teacher exchange program was to end my habit of thinking the first handsome man I met could solve all my problems.  Don't you get it?"
"So, are you telling me you think I'm handsome?"  His grin revealed straight white teeth and it made Cynthia wished she had kept her mouth shut.
"You are too much!"  Her face felt hot and she was sure she was blushing.  Why did he have that effect on her?
"Check with me first the next time you decide to climb the roof or perform some other do-it-yourself household repair.  I've been known to be a rather handy man," he grinned.
She shook her head.  She had a little less than three months until she went home and she was more determined then ever to keep her promise to herself.  Beca would be more than happy to remind her of how silly she'd been to move 1,000 miles from home to get away from men and then move next door to Jack.  The last email she received from Beca had reminded her 'you can move but you take your problems along.'  Maybe Beca was right; maybe Cynthia's idea was a crock.  No, deep down, she knew this move had been right for her.
*******
Christmas Eve at Ms. Mangrums had been just what Cynthia needed.  Mary had baked sugar cookies and then the two women had decorated them with colored sprinkles and bits of chocolate pieces and coconut flakes.  Mary had baked a ham and assembled the best casserole Cynthia could remember since her mother cooked dinner last Christmas for the whole family.  After dinner the two women had gone into the den and sat in front of the fireplace and listened to Mary's collection of old Christmas records.  The only touchy time was when Mary had inquired about David's absence.
"Did you hear from David today, dear?" Mary asked, her eyes twinkling.
"Oh, yes, he called first thing this morning.  In fact, he woke me up to wish me a Merry Christmas."  She hated having to lie to her friend.  "He is so sorry he can't make it over for the holidays."
"I am, too.  I was   looking forward to meeting him.  Why, by next Christmas you will be an old married couple.  Didn't you say you were having a June wedding?"
"Yes, I've always dreamed of being a June bride," Cynthia was truthful about that point, but the rest of the lies were getting to her.  She had to come clean with Mary soon, but not tonight; not on Christmas Eve.  
The day after Christmas Beca called to say she had made her reservations and would be arriving the Friday afternoon before New Year's Eve.
"I can only stay three days, but it'll be worth it.  I fly into Little Rock on Friday and leave on Sunday evening."
"I'll be there with bells on," Cynthia assured her friend.
****
Cynthia pulled into the airport parking garage and headed toward the terminal.  Holiday passengers blocked the walkways; some leaving, some arriving.  Beca's flight was #115 out of Miami and it was scheduled to touch down at 3:57 Friday December 30th.  Cynthia checked the arrival board to ensure it was arriving on time.  It was.
The plane landed on time, taxied up to the terminal, and inflated the steps to allow passengers to depart into the waiting area.  Cynthia stood by the door waiting for her friend.  
"You look absolutely wonderful," Beca hurried toward her and flung her arms around her friend's neck.
"You, too.  Let's get out of here. We've got some major catching up to do."  Cynthia didn't attempt to contain her excitement.  "I've got a batch of brownies waiting for us back home."
"You baked?" Beca looked surprised.
"Well, not exactly.  Jack bought them over this morning.  A sort of payback for taking care of Halley a couple of weeks ago."  
"Jack, mmm.  Is that the old retired man who lives next door?" Beca kidded her.
"Nooo," Cynthia smiled and rolled her eyes.  "You know he isn't old and definitely not retired."
"Oh, that Jack?  Yes, I'm anxious to meet him. Hey, what's happened to your sense of humor girlfriend?"
"You will meet him.  He's having us over on New Year's Eve for dinner and nothing has happened to my humor."
"Sounds like fun!" Beca continued, "How is the resolution going?  Have you been tempted?"
"Not at all, well, maybe a time or two."
"What about this neighbor?  He sounds nice."
"He is and his daughter is precious but he's off limits."
"So all and all you'd rate this move as successful as far as your no-men resolution goes anyway?"
"Yes, there are a lot of handsome guys in this town but with me being engaged and all…. it's out of the question."
"Are you still spreading that lie around?" Beca frowned and then winked at Cynthia.  "I am surprised at you."
"I know, I know.  Be sure and play along if Jack asks you about David.  I've only got a little over 2 months to go and then I'll be back in Miami."
*******
Cynthia and her guest were up at 7 o'clock on New Year's Eve and heading toward Little Rock to shop.  Traffic was horrendous.
"Did you sleep well last night?" Cynthia asked her friend.
"Like a log.  I must have been more tired than I thought.  Staying up late was like old times.  I felt like we had some major catching up to do. So, what are you wearing this evening?"
"I'm splurging on a new outfit.  I've been in pants and sweat shirts for the past four months.  Tonight I'm dressing like a girl," Cynthia replied.
The Little Rock mall parking lot was packed.  Circling around for fifteen minutes for a parking spot didn't add to their trip.  It was almost 11 o'clock before they stepped into the first shop. It was already filled with shoppers searching for the perfect party dress for their upcoming New Year's Eve celebrations.
"I think this red dress would be perfect on you," a young sales clerk spoke to Cynthia.  "With your blond hair it would look lovely."  
"I agree, the red one looks like it was made just for you," Beca assured her friend.
"Beca, I remember why I miss you so much.  It's so much more fun shopping with you then when I come by myself.   You absolutely know how to make a girl's ego soar."
After two hours of non-stop browsing and shopping both girls were starved.  
"Let's go to the food court and get something to eat," Cynthia suggested to her girl friend.
The food court was full of hungry shoppers.  The decorations from Christmas and the music added to the festivity of the day.  Finding an empty table was a task but when a corner one opened up the girls grabbed it and settled back to eat and watch the crowd.
"I love to watch holiday shoppers.  It's almost as much fun as shopping," Cynthia told Beca.  
"When I was ……." her voice trailed off as she stared across the court at a woman and child.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?" Beca asked her friend.
"No, I'm fine," she stared down at her sandwich trying to hide her face from view.
Beca scanned the crowd, "Is there someone here you don't want to see?"
"Kate, Jack's mother-in-law and Halley are over at the Chinese buffet," Cynthia answered, a frown clouding her face.
"I thought they were on vacation."
"That's what Jack said," Cynthia answered, a puzzled look covering her face.
"Odd."
Cynthia watched as an older man in a business suit approached Kate. She smiled and took Halley's hand following him to a nearby table.  The man removed papers from his briefcase and placed the stack in front of Kate.  While she was thumbing through the stack he spoke to Halley.  
"Cynthia, ready to finish shopping?" Beca pulled Cynthia back into their conversation.
"Yep, I'm done," she wadded up the napkin and carried their tray to a trash container depositing their garbage.  They exited the food court without alerting Kate or Halley to their presence.  Kate seemed absorbed at the documents she was scanning and Halley continued to chat with the man.
By 3:30 the women were headed back toward Searcy, their back seat filled with packages.  "What time are we supposed to be at Jack's house?" Beca asked.
"He said 7 or so.  You're going to like him," Cynthia added as the two friends exchanged glances.
Chapter 8
Jack's front porch was still decorated with Christmas lights and his nativity figures were so realistic Cynthia could have sworn they were the real thing.  "If he had live animals I'd believe I was back in Bethlehem and look at Halley's little baby doll.  That is precious."
"Welcome ladies and Happy New Year to you both," Jack stood holding the door open for the two women.     His black wool slacks hugged his trim hips and his pale blue sweater made his eyes as welcoming as a midsummer evening.  Cynthia had to remind herself for the umteenth time - no men for six months.
"Love your nativity scene, Jack,"  Cynthia told him as the ladies removed their jackets and Jack hung them in his hall closet.  "This is my best friend from home Beca Williams.  Beca this is Jack Dawson." 
"I've heard a lot about you Beca," Jack took her hand in his and held it a few seconds.  Cynthia felt an unexpected pang of something akin to jealousy - could it be just because Jack had held her friend's hand longer than a few seconds?  
"I've heard about you, too.  I can't wait to meet your daughter.  Cynthia talks about her all the time."  Beca flashed a smile at Jack.  "Will I meet her this evening?"
"Not this evening I'm afraid.  Did Cynthia tell you Halley is spending time with her grandmother and they are at Disney World this week."  He didn't seem to notice the exchange of glances between the two women.  He was too busy pouring his guests a goblet of eggnog.  "Here's to a wonderful new year for wonderful new friends."  Jack clinked his glass against Cynthia's and then Beca's.  "Drink up ladies, while I go check on our dinner."
"Something smells wonderful," Cynthia called out as he disappeared into the kitchen, the swinging door already closing.  "He is an excellent cook," Cynthia winked at her friend.
Beca smiled and remained silent.
"What?" Cynthia questioned her friend's silence.
"He is a hunk girlfriend.  Are you absolutely one hundred percent committed to this no men for six months nonsense?"
"Absolutely committed, yes?" she sounded emphatic.
"Girl you need to be committed," her friend joked.  "I think he is interested in you.  He has that lost puppy dog look," Beca said smiling broadly.  "I'd snap him up in a minute."
"I think he appreciates the time I spend with Halley.  I don't think he is interested in me, at least, not romantically."
"Right."
"You’re a romantic," Cynthia told her.
Midway through dinner Beca had developed a migraine and excused herself to go home and take her medication and lay down for a while.  Cynthia mulled over the idea that she wanted to leave the two of them alone for a private celebration of their own.  Just like her to pull a stunt like that.  Beca never had migraines at home that she could remember. Seemed oddly convenient to Cynthia that she had one this evening.
After dinner Cynthia joined Jack in the kitchen where he was busy loading the dishwasher.  
"The dinner was delicious.  I'm sorry Beca got that migraine.  I really should run over and check on her."
"Why don't you do that and I'll stoke up the fire and put some coffee on to brew.  Come on back as soon as you can and we can have a talk.  I need to discuss something with you."
"Okay…I'll be back in a few minutes," Cynthia said as she grabbed her jacket from the closet and draped it around her shoulders.  Another thing she'd learned about living in a small town was you tend to notice anything odd or out of the ordinary more then in a large busy city.  As Cynthia crossed between the two yards she spied that blue van again.  She was certain it was the one that had tailed them all the way back from Little Rock earlier in the day. She tried to shake off a sudden chill that ran up her spine.  "Probably been reading too many mystery novels," she muttered to herself.
*****
The warmth from the blazing fire and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcomed her back into Jack's den.  He was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the fireplace lost in thought.  "How was Beca feeling?" he asked.
"Better, in fact, she thinks a good night's sleep will have her back to normal.  I hope she's right, I have a ton of things for us to do before she heads home.  Now, what was so important - it sounded serious."
"I didn't mean to sound mysterious or secretive but it is important - at least to me."
Cynthia leaned back against the couch, "I'm here for you."
Jack gazed back into the fire.  "I found out something on Friday very disturbing to me." He hesitated, a frown drawing his brows together.
Cynthia remained silent, eyes fixed on her friend, something unsettling bubbling up inside her.
"Kate has hired an attorney, one who specializes in custody cases and is quite successful I might add.  Rumor has it she has decided to challenge me for custody of Halley.  She claims my business trips takes me away from Halley too much.  Right now the agreement we have is she gets Halley a weekend a month, two weeks in the summer and every other Christmas.  I thought it was a good arrangement when we made it last year but obviously it doesn't suit her."

"That is ridiculous!"  Cynthia's rage was obvious.  "I'm sorry, it isn't my business.  You wanted someone to listen to you, not make a lot of uncalled for comments."
"Don't be sorry, Cynthia, I value your opinion.  That's why you are the only one I've shared this news with so far."
Cynthia was surprised.  "I've only met Kate a couple of times but it was obvious she was dominating and had a strong will.  I am also convinced you are a totally devoted dad and Halley idolizes you.  Is Kate senile?"  Cynthia's eyes flashed.
"Perhaps but remember Cynthia the lady has money and lots of it.  You know money talks."
"Yes, I'm familiar with that money talks saying but devotion and love speaks louder in my book," Cynthia returned.
"I wish Kate saw it the way you do," Jack ran his hands through his hair and then rested his head on his hands.  "I am having to take more business trips lately since I've been trying to build my client base and  I prefer to keep working from home so I don't have to get a sitter for Halley so I'm forced to do what it take to get this business up and running."
"I totally agree with you, Jack.  Try not to worry.  Lots of children have single parents that work and take business trips.  That doesn't make them unfit, just creative in my book," she smiled and continued "I'm here for the next two months and I'm willing to do anything I can to help you with Halley. I've had two years of dealing with elementary aged children and many were from single parent homes so I think I can tell a well-adjusted child when I see one.  Halley is definitely well-adjusted," she assured Jack.  "If there is anything I can do to help let me know."
"I do have a favor to ask you," he hesitated rubbing his fingertips against his temples.  "Kate called this morning.  She has some documents for me to review.  She wouldn't elaborate on the details, but from what I've heard I would bet it's about this custody issue she's so hell bent to pursue."
Cynthia blushed.  Jack hardly ever used profanity, "Where are you getting your information?"
"Judith's brother fills me in.  He's always liked me.  We've remained friends.  He never blamed me for Judith's death.  I think he resents Kate's interference in his life and mine, too."
"Do you really think Kate would try to take Halley away from you?"
"In a second," Jack said sadly as he got up and tossed a log on the fire.  He turned and faced Cynthia and continued, "Kate can't help herself."
"Jack, didn't you tell me Kate and Halley were spending this week at Disney World?  When are they due back?"
"Not until late Monday afternoon," he replied.  "More coffee?"
"No, I'm fine," she hesitated.  "I saw them in Little Rock today."
"That's impossible.  Kate called me a little before lunch today to check in."
"Did you speak with Halley?" Cynthia asked.
"No, Kate said she was napping."
"Does she take regular naps?"
"Not usually, but Kate assured me she was fine and they were both having a great time.  She even suggested they might stay a few days longer.  I asked her to bring Halley home on Monday."
"How did she take that suggestion?" Cynthia asked Jack.
"She didn't object like I thought she might.  She actually gave in without much of a fight.  One thing I've learned about Kate is she never backs down from a fight. She has always thrived on controversy.  That made me think she had something up her sleeve."
"Well, maybe it wasn't her I saw, but I was certain it was," Cynthia tried to reassure herself and Jack at the same time.  She didn't want to make things worse for him.
"Let's don't talk about Kate anymore tonight.  I refuse to let her spoil our evening," Jack smiled.
'Our evening, did he just say our evening,' Cynthia thought to herself.  She liked the way that sounded.  Hold up girl, only two months to go and then your gone forever.  Remember no serious attachments to Jack or Halley, but was it already too late?  Could she possibly have fallen in love with him?
Chapter 9
Cynthia pulled the blanket up to her chin and stared at the ceiling.  Sleeping in on New Year's Day was a tradition for her.  She reached off to switch off her alarm but it continued to ring.  No, it was her cell phone not her clock.  Who could be calling this early on a Sunday morning and a holiday morning at that? Probably her parents had returned from their cruise and were checking up on their baby.
She flipped her cell open and glanced at the caller id, incoming call from Jack.  "What's up?" she answered, trying to clear her head and keep from sounding too sleepy.
"I'm sorry to wake you," he apologized.  "But something serious has come up.  Can I come over and talk?"
"Now?" she sat up and tried to rub her eyes open.  "Give me time to shower and put on some clothes."
"Sure, is 30 minutes enough?" he asked.
"Perfect, just come in the back door and help yourself to a cup of coffee."
"Okay, see you in a few," he answered.
Cynthia adjusted the shower water to hot and let the steady flow massage her back as she contemplated what Jack could be concerned about other than something involving Halley.  He hadn't said it had to do with the pending custody battle but she was certain it did.  Halley was Jack's main concern and his voice spelled concern - no question about it.
She selected a pair of black wool slacks and a peach colored sweater her mother knit her last year for her birthday.  She had been living in sweats but this morning wanted to present her more feminine side.  Jack had that effect on her.  
Jack was perched on a bar stool waiting for her, his long legs dangling, head resting in his hands.  He looked relieved to see her.  He held out a mug of coffee, "Good Morning and Happy New Year, again."
"Now what is so urgent that you call me at 7 o'clock in the morning on a holiday?" she smiled as she reached out and took the mug of coffee from Jack, their fingers touching as a blush of color crept up her neck.  
"Kate came over this morning."
"Before 7 o'clock?  I thought they were still on vacation," the frown on Cynthia's face showed her surprise, "Whatever for?"
"Well, they came back on Friday so I'm sure it was them you saw in Little Rock.  It seems she intended to keep Halley with her for the weekend anyway so she didn't feel it necessary to inform me of her change of vacation plans.  The thing is she hired a private investigator."
All Cynthia could say was, "why?"  
"She is convinced that we are romantically involved.  She also plans to use that bit of dirt against me when it comes to Halley's custody hearing."
"Why would she tell you?"  Cynthia shook her head, "I don't get it and why does she think we're involved?"
"Why she told me was I think unintentional; but when she started talking she lost her temper and blurted it out.  She has some pictures her PI friend took and the worst part is she has had him tailing both of us the past couple of weeks. She is so anxious to believe the worst of me you can't talk sense to her."
"Have you seen the pictures?" Cynthia asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
"No, I told her 'keep her so called evidence," Jack assured his friend.
Cynthia was too stunned to speak.  She walked over to the kitchen sink and stood staring out into Maddy's back yard not looking at Jack.  She didn't trust herself to let him see how venerable all this made her feel.  She had successfully hidden her feelings from Jack these past few months and she resolved to keep it that way.  Her time was running out here anyway, what could revealing her feelings do but cause him and her more pain?  She would never do that intentionally and she wanted to shield Halley from any more heartache.  The poor child had been through enough for a four year old.  Losing her mother and then having a grandmother who wanted to turn her world upside down was more than any child should have to take.
"He had pictures of you coming over Friday evening, I guess after you went to check on your friend.  I think he must have fallen asleep in his vehicle when you and Beca initially came over and only saw you return later in the evening.  He has convinced Kate you spent the night at my house and I'm sure they've tried to pump information out of Halley."
"I didn't mention it but when I came back from checking on Beca Friday night I had this strange sensation someone was watching me."
"Why didn't you tell me," Jack asked.
"I don't know.  We got to talking about Halley and I guess it just slipped my mind.  I can't believe Kate had us followed and that she's serious about her accusations."
"Oh, she is 100% serious.  It would be easy for someone to convince her I was a jerk."
"I don't know what to say, Jack except I am so sorry."
"It's not your fault, but I'm afraid there is more to the story," Jack continued.
"More!  What else could she think she knows?" Cynthia asked.
"Well, she hinted she was planning on going to the principal of your school.  I think she would tell lies or anything else if she thought it would help her get Halley away from me."
"Geeze I don't want to do anything to hurt Halley or jeopardize this teacher exchange program.  This is a pilot program and monitored closely.  They send questionnaires monthly to both principals to monitor both Maddy's and my  performance in the classrooms.  This isn't good, Jack," Cynthia distress hit his heart like a sledgehammer.
"It gets worse," he muttered.
"What? How could it?" Cynthia tried to control her rising distress.
"Well, she shocked me with her ridiculous story so much I just blurted out…..," he began to pace back and forth before continuing, "that we're engaged!"
"WHAT!" she was yelling.  "Why Jack?  Why did you say that?"
"It was the first thing that I could think of to fire back at her.  I know you think I've lost my mind and I don't blame you for being mad at me but I was desperate."
"I'm..I…I don't know what to think, but you have to tell her the truth.  You can't let her think we are engaged to be married."
"Think about it a minute, Cynthia.  My plan might work."
"What? How could it? Everyone at school thinks I'm engaged to David."
"But Kate doesn't know about your prior engagement.  We could tell everyone you broke it off with David and we fell in love by accident," he was pleading with her to reconsider.
"Jack, think about what you're saying, this just gets worse and worse," she wiped a tear from her cheek.  "How could I explain this to my friends at school."
"Maybe you wouldn't have to.  If Kate sees what a great mother you would be to Halley and how much Halley loves you then she might just give up on trying to take Halley away from us."
"Do you really believe that for one minute?"  Cynthia shook her head and wrapped her arms around her body.
"Are you cold?" he asked.
"I don't know what I am," she was slipping on her coat.  "I've got to go for a walk. I need to clear my head."
"Cynthia, we'd only have to pull off this charade for a few months.  After Kate gives up you could break our engagement and go back to your life."
"A few months!  Earth to Jack, I'll be gone back to Miami in a couple of months. I just don’t believe you have thought this through.  I don't think you can fool her with a story like this.  She may be nearing 'senior citizen' status but she is sharp and I don't think she would buy this for one minute.  And, have you thought about how this would affect Halley.  She is already too attached to me.  I don't want to be responsible for hurting her anymore."  Cynthia was standing in the doorway her hands resting on the walls.
"How do you think being snatched away from me, her home, her friends would affect her?"  Jack suddenly felt bad to have stooped so low as to pull his friend into this mess.
"Please Jack, don't keep talking.  I've got to go.  I have to think about this and I can't even think straight with you trying to make me feel guilty for not going along with this plan of yours.  You know how I feel about Halley."  Cynthia slammed the door shut before he could say anything more.
Jack yanked open the door and called out, "I'm sorry.  I know it was a stupid thing to get you into but I just wasn't thinking clearly.  I let my emotions get the best of me."
"No kidding," she yelled back over her shoulder.  "No kidding."
******
Beca was asleep on the couch when Cynthia got back from her walk.  Cynthia's little chihuahua Bella was curled up in the crook of Beca's shoulder.  Beca stretched and opened her eyes, "what did Jack want so early in the morning?"
"I'm sorry we woke you.  I told him to come in the back door so we could talk in the kitchen," Cynthia sat down on the end of the couch and kicked off her shoes.  "How's your headache this morning?"
"Much better, thanks for asking.  Now spill it - what was so urgent that he had to come over before 7 o'clock in the morning on New Year's Day
"How did you know he called?"
"I heard the phone ring this morning and just put two and two together.  Like I told you yesterday, I think he likes you.  I think he'd use any excuse to spend time with you.  Don't deny it girlfriend and don't give me this story about him needing you to help him with Halley.  It's more than that."
By the time Cynthia had finished filling Beca in on Jack's visit and conversation Beca was sitting up on the couch stroking the little dog's head and staring at Cynthia, "You're kidding? Right," she asked.
"No, but oddly enough that is the exact same question I asked Jack," Cynthia told her friend.
His idea might have merit," Beca continued, "and he is cute, I wouldn't mind being engaged to a fellow like Jack.  Heck, you two might just tie the knot!"
"Beca, please - stop kidding - this is serious," Cynthia was massaging her temples with her fingertips.
"Think about it Cynthia, you'd be doing something no one else I know would do, helping a friend out of an impossible situation and saving a little girl from a life of misery.  That Kate sounds like a real 'one of a kind' to me.  It would only be for a couple of months."
Cynthia removed her fingers from her ears.  She'd been trying to clear her head while she listened to her friend lobbying for Jack, "Then you are suggesting I should go along with Jack's hair brain idea."
"When you put it like that ….. I don't know.  The fake engagement isn't any worse then your fake one to David."
"Don't Beca, I feel guilty enough about that lie.  Don't try to make me feel worse."
"I'm sorry.  I just like Jack and feel sorry for him.  Forget what I said.  You will decide what is best for the three of you."
"All I know at the moment is I'm am wiped out.  I need a good night's sleep," Cynthia headed towards the door.  "I need a shower and a cup of hot tea.  Want one?" she asked.
"I'm fine.  Sleep well, Cynthia."  
Cynthia went to bed thinking about Jack's proposal and woke up with it still on her mind.  Could all this be happening because she had decided to swear off the opposite sex for six months and gotten involved in this teacher exchange program?  No, it was happening because she had allowed herself to fall in love with Jack and his daughter.
"You look terrible," Beca eyed her friend while she was pouring orange juice into two small glasses.  
"Good morning again to you, too," Cynthia reached for a mug and poured herself a cup of coffee, 
"Want a cup?"
"Sure," Beca handed one of the glasses of oj to Cynthia.  "Have some vitamin C - you don't look like you slept at all last night."
"I didn't sleep well.  I couldn't get Jack and Halley off my mind.  What a mess I've gotten myself into."
"Blame me, I was always trying to push eligible men your way before you left town.  I feel responsible, in part anyway, for this mess.  I didn't listen to you."
"I made my own decision about leaving Miami.  It wasn't your fault.  I am an adult perfectly capable of screwing up without any help," Cynthia was rinsing out her glass and mug while glancing out the back window.  "Let's get you to the airport.  I'm sure you are anxious to get back to the land of sanity."
"I hate to leave you with all that's going on here but I do have to get back and get ready for school to start next week."
"It will work out and when I get home we can go back to enjoying our Saturday night pizza parties and videos," Cynthia said raising her hands to high five her friend.
Beca returned the gesture, "You have a date girlfriend."
Cynthia checked her answering machine deleting three calls from David and one from a local video store offering a free movie rental.  She had no desire to talk to David and the prospect of watching a movie alone this evening was out of the question.  Since Beca had returned home the house was quiet and empty.  Having Beca here the past three days had made her more home sick then before.  She was getting anxious to go home, but she dreaded saying goodbye to Jack and Halley.  They had managed to find their way into her heart so these goodbyes were not going to be easy for her.
******
"Cynthia, dear are you alright?" one of her fellow teachers was staring at her with a questioning look on her face, "You look miles away.  Are you missing your fiance?"
Cynthia hated lying to her friends at school but she had to admit her make believe fiance had provided her a welcome shield from the opposite sex.    He had came in handy a couple of times when the 5th grade math teacher and the junior varsity coach had asked her out for dinner.  Having David to fall back on had provided her an excuse to politely refuse their invitations.  Of course, she'd had to tell more lies but it wouldn't be long before she wouldn't have to lie to anyone.  She would be gone back home.  
Her coworker repeated her question, "Are you alright?"
"Actually I was thinking about how much I am going to miss you guys and, of course, my students."
"You are so sweet.  We'll miss you, too." When will Maddy be returning?"
"I don't have the exact date but within a couple of weeks.  I imagine she will be glad to get back home and settle back in here," Cynthia said. "I have enjoyed this exchange program. It has been a learning experience for me and I needed a change of scenery from Miami and Maddy's home is lovely.  I hope she hasn't been too cramped in my apartment."
"If I lived in Miami I would never want to leave.  I think it would be wonderful to live near the beach and enjoy those warm temperatures.  I get tired of our cold winters, especially this one has been more severe than usual."
Chapter 10
Cynthia spent the next couple of weeks trying to avoid Jack.  On occasion she would see him across the hedge and they had chatted a few times but she had managed to remain isolated inside Maddy's house for the most part.  The weekend prior to her leaving she had restored Maddy's house to it's pre-Cynthia invasion.  She'd said her goodbyes to her students and teachers but instead of being excited to return to Miami she was depressed.  She would miss her new friends, especially Halley and Jack.  But it was time for her to go. She hadn't planned on telling Jack a special goodbye but he had been a good neighbor the past months.  After packing her car and gathering Bella's belongings she stood on Jack's front porch waiting for him to answer the door.
"Hey neighbor," Jack's smile sent chills down her spine."Hey, I just wanted to say goodbye," she pasted a smile on her face.  "Did everything work out with Kate?"
"Look Cynthia, I'm really sorry about dragging you into my mess.  I admit I haven't told her the truth yet but I plan to this week.  I wanted her to stew a little," he continued, "I know I'm a jerk but…..what can I say, she brings out the worst in me."
Cynthia stood staring into his eyes.  She had a flashback of her arrival in Searcy and Jack's tour of Maddy's home.  Why did it always turn out this way?
"We will miss you, Cynthia," Jack said as he reached for her hand.
"Don't Jack.  I have a long drive back to Miami.  I really need to get going."
Cynthia stepped off the porch and then turned back to Jack, "Do you think Halley could do me a favor and take care of Bella for a few weeks?  Til school is out for the summer. I've got so much catching up to do I won't have time to take care of her and I think Halley enjoys spending time with her.  On second thought, never mind, you are busy and I don't want to impose."
"Halley would love to have Bella to play with.  She's already complaining about missing you and you haven't even gone yet.  She has enjoyed coming over and spending time with you and I appreciate the time you've taken with her."
"It has been my pleasure, I can assure you.  She is a delight to have around.  You are one lucky fellow in so many ways."
"Thanks for reminding me.  Sometimes I start to feel sorry for myself.  I need someone to be straight with me."
"I've got to go, Jack," Cynthia handed Bella's carrying case and bag of toys and food to him.  "Halley knows how much food she gets and her favorite toys."  Before Jack could say anything, Cynthia was gone.  He stood staring at her little car as it disappeared out of sight.  He missed her already.  He stretched out on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. Just knowing she had been next door was a comfort but now she was really gone.  He knew it was coming but he wasn't prepared for the feelings that swept over him.  When had he fallen in love with her? And why had he let her leave without telling her?    All that remained to remind him of Cynthia was her little Chihuahua Bella.  His life was spiraling out of control and he felt powerless to stop it.
*****
Cynthia had been home for almost two weeks and much to her surprise most of her life had fallen back into place without a hitch.  But she couldn't get Jack and Halley out of her mind.  She went to bed thinking of them and woke up in the same condition.  Her usual Saturday nights were spent with her friend Beca and a pizza.  They had resumed their lives like she had never been away.  "I'm proud of you, Cynthia," Beca's attempt at cheering up her friend failing miserably as Cynthia sat on the couch and stared at her hands resting in her lap looking like she had lost her last friend.
"I didn't make that pizza from scratch, it's store bought," she managed a faint smile.  It was nice to have someone like Beca to share her feelings with.  That was one of the main things she had missed the past six months someone to count on when you needed them.
"I wasn't talking about the pizza, although it is good," Beca replied as she angled a string of cheese into her open mouth.  "I was referring to you keeping your six month no male involvement vow.  Which, if you recall, I  thought was ridiculous at the time."
"You didn't make any secret of your feelings when I made the announcement," Cynthia took the tv remote and began flipping through channels.
Suddenly Beca asked, "Have you spoken to Jack?"
"No," Cynthia laid the remote on the table and turned to face her friend, her eyes a bit misty.
"Call him.  He deserves to know how you feel."
"I can't.  He isn't in love with me."
"And you know this how?" Beca continued to push Cynthia into action.
"He just needed someone to help keep Kate from hounding him and I just happened to be the first person he could think of."
"So you are a mind reader now?" Beca questioned her thinking.
"Nooooo….of course, not.  I just know he never even tried to kiss me the whole time I was living right next door.  Does that sound like a man that is interested in a woman to you?"
"Did you give him an opportunity to kiss you?  I know you Cynthia and you had your mind set on that stupid no men for six month vow.  I love you to death, but you are one of the most stubborn women I've ever known."
*****
She tore the seal open on the letter postmarked Searcy, Arkansas half expecting a nasty letter from Kate with some white powder included but instead Jack's handwriting jumped out at her.
Hi former neighbor,
Halley misses you.  I do, too.  Maddy had us over for supper last Saturday evening and I spent the whole evening expecting you to pop in from the kitchen.  The house seemed different.  I have to tell you Maddy spent most of the evening bragging about how clean her house was.  She also talked about how wonderful your school was and some 5th grade math teacher who was outstanding.  I think she has a crush on him.
I finally had a meeting with Kate and told her the truth.  The engagement was false.  She was furious with me.  She has gone ahead with her plan to seek permanent custody of Halley.  Wither her money and status in Searcy and my lack of either,  things are not looking good for me.
I wanted you to know I can't keep Bella until summer vacation.  Kate says she is allergic. As you can imagine all this has upset Halley terribly. I have kept as much from her as I can. I think she's been through enough for any child this past year.  I would love to spare her any more pain. 
Let me know if you want me to ship Bella to Miami or you can come get her?
Love, Jack
*****
Cynthia glanced around her bedroom wondering why it had taken a letter to jolt her into action.  She had spent the previous evening at Beca's apartment sharing her plan.  There had been a flood of tears between the two friends but Beca had sent her home with hugs and good wishes.  One final thing to do -- Cynthia opened her cell phone and punched in Jack's number.
"Hello," he sounded tired or sleepy, she couldn't decide which.
"Jack, were you still asleep?" Cynthia glanced at her watch to check the time.  "It's past 10 o'clock."
"No, I wasn't sleeping.  It's been a rough few days….." his voice faded off.
"And," she waited for him to continue.  "How is Halley?"
"Not too good, she is spending the weekend at Kate's house.  Did I tell you that Kate's attorney paid me a visit on Friday?"
"No, what was the purpose of his visit?"
"I think mostly to try to convince me how futile it was to challenge a woman of Kate's status.  It seems she has authorized him to draw up a contract giving her custody of Halley without going to court.  It comes with a pay off, of course.  I know now why Judith had so many emotional issues, growing up with a mother like Kate I am not surprised."
"Jack, stop.  What has happened to the fellow I lived next door to for the last six months?  Don't let her do this to you and Halley."  Cynthia continued, "Don't let her do to Halley what she did to Judith. I know you well enough to know you would never forgive yourself."
"I intend to fight her every step of the way.  I knew I was being a jerk when I involved the woman I love in that fake engagement foolishness."
"Shut up and lis….did you say woman you love?" she repeated his words
"I did." he waited for her reply.
"I guess I had to go home to realize that I felt the same way about you and Halley, too.  I talked to Maddy about a project she will be working on this summer.  She has been commissioned to write a paper on the teacher exchange program we participated in and she's asked me to join her as co-author.  I think it would be a good way to earn some extra money over the summer vacation plus I would love to be responsible for someone else having the opportunity to participate in the teacher exchange and, it just occurred to me it would be a good way for us to start over.  I guess we're both a little crazy."
"Crazy in love.  Hey, what do you say about dinner and a movie on your first night back in Searcy?"
"It's a date and, Jack, maybe you'd better start saving for a ring.  I think you're going to' need one."
Cynthia could almost swear she heard Jack cheering all the way from Searcy to Miami.
###
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