12

 

Nila gripped the arm rest as Hayley drove to her favorite pizza place. The younger woman chatted nonstop, sometimes taking both hands off the steering wheel in an enthusiastic gesture.

“Watch out!” Nila cringed as the car swerved toward a parked truck.

“Oops. Sorry. So what do you think?”

She’d been too distracted by Hayley’s carelessness to follow her chatter. “Um, about what?”

Hayley zipped into the last open parking spot ahead of a waiting minivan and frowned at Nila. “You weren’t listening, were you?”

Nila looked away. “Your driving made me nervous.”

Hayley rolled her eyes. “I didn’t realize you were such a wimp. We got here, didn’t we?” She opened the door and slid out. “I’ll bet you drive like an old lady.” She headed toward the restaurant without another glance at her guest.

Nila followed a few steps behind, nibbling her lower lip. Her shoulders wanted to hunch, but she forced herself to hold her head high.

Hayley headed straight for a booth near the back of the pizzeria and signalled for a waitress as she sat down. She leaned forward as Nila sat. “Do you know what you want, or do you need a menu?”

“I’ve never been here before. What do you recommend?”

“I’m having a loaded pizza. If you want, we could order a large and share.”

“That sounds fine.”

They gave their order to the waitress and settled back to wait.

Hayley fidgeted, tucked her hair behind her ear, and cleared her throat. “I guess I shouldn’t have said that about your driving. I know I should be more careful, but really,” she opened her hands, “I’ve never had a serious accident. Just a few fender benders.”

Nila smiled wanly. “You were right about one thing. I’m not a good driver. In fact, I don’t drive.”

“You’re kidding.” Disbelief narrowed Hayley’s eyes. “Everyone drives.”

Nila shook her head. “I never had the chance. But I’m saving up for a car, and I plan to take driving lessons in the spring.”

“I’ve never known a grown person who couldn’t drive.” Hayley stared at her as though she’d sprouted an extra nose. “Didn’t you take Driver’s Ed in school?”

Nila traced the wood grain under a thick polyurethane finish on the wood slab table. “Just the classroom part. Not the driving.”

“Why not?”

She met the younger woman’s gaze without wavering. “How soon would you like to see the plans for your remodel job?”

Hayley stared at her for a moment, lips compressed. She leaned back and lifted her chin. “Fine, I can take a hint. Let’s see…I’m going back to Toronto a week from tomorrow. Gotta spend some of the holidays with Mommy and Daddy, you know.” Her expression brightened. “I’m planning a party for the night before. Want to come? Then we’d have time to go over your designs and make changes.”

Nila shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m busy next Friday.”

“Doing what?”

Swallowing her annoyance, Nila said, “I’m babysitting for Jason and Faith Delainey.”

“Oh, that’s Will’s sister and her husband, isn’t it? Their kids are so adorable.” Hayley’s smile grew. “Hey, maybe Will could bring the plans over and stay for the party.”

Her appetite fled, and Nila shrugged one shoulder. “That’s up to him.”

Their pizza’s arrival rescued Nila.

Hayley helped herself to two large wedges. “Dig in. This is the best pizza in town. I know. I’ve tried them all.”

Nila placed a slice on her plate and reached for her fork.

Her companion’s stage whisper stalled her hand mid-air. “Just pick it up, silly. Don’t be such a fussy old lady.” Hayley’s gaze slid away from Nila. “Ooh, don’t look now, but there’s a hot guy at the entrance, and it looks like he’s staring at you.”

Nila froze, and then turned slowly.

Hayley shook her head and talked around her mouthful. “Too late. He’s gone now. Tough luck.” She swallowed and wiped her mouth. “He was really rocking that bad-boy vibe.” She licked her lips. “Yum.”

 

****

 

At eight on Saturday morning, Saskatoon Security’s crew rang the doorbell.

When Will opened the door, a stout, gray-haired man stepped forward.

“Will Jamison? Guy Renard.” He gestured to each of his men in turn. “This is Len, Raj, and Chuck.”

“Come on in.” Will shook each man’s hand. “I’m glad you could make it so quickly. What can I do to make this easier?”

“Other than giving us keys to the shop and the other house, you’re free to do whatever you want. I think we’ve got everything we need. Any particular order you want these wired?”

Will shook his head. “No, I’m just glad it’s getting done today. I don’t want any more trouble with Daniel’s properties.”

“He’s an old friend of mine,” Guy said. “I’d work any day of the week for him.”

As the men readied their equipment, Will handed Guy the keys. “If you’re set here, I’ll get out of your way. I’ll be back before too long in case you need anything.”

“Sounds good,” Guy said. “If we’re not here, we’ll be in the shop or over at the other house. If all goes well, we’ll be able to get this done today.”

Will pulled his boots on. “Sure hope so. I’d appreciate it.”

 

****

 

At the lumber yard Will took his time choosing the straightest, knot-free two-by-fours for framing out the basement. He picked up the end of one board and stared down its length.

Not bad. He placed it on the flat-deck cart and checked another one. It would have been more fun with Nila, competing to get the best boards.

He wondered what was wrong with her. Didn’t sound quite right this morning. Of course, the way she’d been running hot and cold, maybe he was better off without her.

That thought settled like a twenty-pound weight into his chest.

 

****

 

Nila sat back on her haunches to catch her breath. She’d dusted every inch of her room, washed and replaced her bedding, and now the hardwood floor shone from being hand-buffed. But she could not scrub imaginary party scenes from her mind: Will and Hayley as they laughed together, made plans, and realized how much they had in common.

“Nila.” Lydia’s voice floated down the stairs. “Are you busy?”

Nila pushed herself upward with a groan. “No. I’m finished here.”

“I need to go to the grocery store. Would you like to come? We could stop for coffee on the way,” Lydia said as she descended to the basement. She peeked into Nila’s room. “You’ve been busy. Everything shines. Ready for a break?”

Nila tossed her cleaning cloth into the hamper. “Sure. That sounds good.” She finally met Lydia’s eyes. “Thank you.”

“I wonder if you’d like to help me with some baking this afternoon.”

Nila sighed. “I’d like that.”

“And maybe we can talk about what’s bothering you.”

 

****

 

Nila and Lydia stood at the entrance to the coffee shop next to the grocery story. Every table was full.

Lydia wrinkled her nose. “Well, maybe we should buy the groceries first. Hopefully we’ll be able to nab a table afterwards.”

Half an hour later, the two women lugged their bags over to the only open table. “This is awkward, but I don’t want the cream cheese and butter to freeze,” Lydia said. “I’ll order for both of us, and you can sit with our groceries. OK? What would you like? My treat.”

Nila unzipped her long coat and sank onto a chair. “I’d love a caramel latte. Thanks.”

A few minutes later, Lydia joined her at the table. “They’re pretty backed up, so someone will bring our drinks when they’re ready.” She leaned forward, smiling, and rested her elbows on the table. “Thanks for coming with me today. I treasure these moments we get to spend together. I know you’ll move on soon, but that just makes these times extra precious.”

Nila lowered her head. “I haven’t been very sociable lately.”

“And are you ready to talk about it?”

Looking at the floor, she shook her head. “I can’t.” She looked up again, and the warmth in Lydia’s eyes tugged at her heart. “I wish I could.”

Lydia reached across the table and covered Nila’s hands with her own. “Remember, dear one, that the truth will set you free. I don’t want to pry, but I have to ask. Did we offend or hurt you somehow?”

Nila’s eyes widened. “No! Of course not. You two are the best.” She shook her head again. “It’s not you. It’s my problem.”

“All right.” Lydia patted Nila’s hands and then clasped hers together. “Whenever you want to talk, we’re ready to listen. Oh look, here come our drinks.”

A strangely familiar voice said, “One chai tea and one caramel latte.” The barista placed two steaming drinks and embossed napkins on the table. “Hello, Nila.”

Nila swivelled, shock opening her mouth in a small “O.” She glanced at the nametag pinned to the woman’s uniform. “Deborah.” She tilted her head. “What are you doing here?”

She winked at Lydia as she said, “Oh, I work wherever I’m needed. And I was needed here today.” She bent closer to whisper in Nila’s ear. “There’s a message for you on your napkin.”

Nila lifted her mug and saw the words written in delicate cursive. Psalm 10:14-15. She crumpled the napkin and stuffed it in her pocket. When she looked up again, the barista was gone.

Lydia cleared her throat, drawing Nila’s attention. “Do you two know each other?”

“No, not really. She was the cabbie who drove me home Friday night.”

For some reason, the light in Lydia’s eyes reminded her of the enigmatic cabbie/barista’s.

Nila squirmed, picked up her latte, and sipped. The hot liquid burned her tongue and her throat. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she blinked them away before taking a more tentative sip.

“Strange, isn’t it,” Lydia said, “that she would be working here today?” Her wink echoed Deborah’s. She smiled as confusion puckered Nila’s brow. “Our heavenly Father really does work in mysterious ways.” She sipped her tea. “Umm, that’s good. How’s your coffee?”

Nila struggled to respond. “It’s…good.”

The napkin in her pocket seemed to pulse. She stood, removed her coat, and slung it over her chair. With a sigh of relief, she sat and smiled at Lydia. “What are we baking today?”

 

****

 

When Will arrived home with his load of lumber, he backed as close to the house as he could and propped open the back door.

“Want a hand with that?” One of the crew, Len, poked his head around the corner.

“No, thanks. I can manage. I don’t want to slow you guys down. Sorry about the cold draft.”

By the time he’d carried all the lumber downstairs, Will was panting. He leaned against the concrete wall to catch his breath. He looked around and pictured the barren space as a warm family room with a large-screen TV on the far wall and a big, comfy couch facing it. But what else? What colors? He could build just about anything, but decorating wasn’t his thing. He had been counting on Nila’s ideas to finish the project. What if she’d changed her mind?

He trudged back up the stairs and headed to the shop for his tools. He’d just picked up the circular saw when he heard Guy behind him.

“There you are. I’ve got something to show you. You’re gonna want to see this.”

Will frowned, set down the saw, and followed Guy across the street into Will’s mother’s backyard. Guy stopped and pointed at the ground under the kitchen and bedroom windows.

“Look there. See those holes? Someone used a ladder or something to look into these windows since the last snowfall. Any idea who might have done that?”

Will’s frown deepened. “No idea.”

Slashed tires and now this. Daniel must have an enemy after all. Or was it him they were after?

“Good thing you came today. I don’t know what’s going on, but someone’s up to no good. Thanks for showing me.” He sighed heavily and turned to go.

“No one’s gonna get past our system. Don’t you worry.”

Guy’s assurance fell flat. Will clenched and unclenched his fists as he stomped back to the shop.

The vandalism to Daniel’s tires had been bad enough. Now it looked as if his mom was in danger, too.

He looked behind him, imagining an enemy lurking nearby.