Yvonne crossed her legs underneath her on the bed, put her phone on speaker, and waited for Trevor to answer as she ran a comb through her wet hair.
“Hello, beautiful. Did you get that shower you were craving?” he asked after he answered.
“Ah, yes, I did. Traveling just makes me feel yucky, and it’s been a long day.” She gave the comb a final swipe through her hair and set it on the nightstand. “And not a very productive day, as I explained earlier. Although I did get a little sightseeing done.” After fluffing her pillows, she leaned back, straightened her legs, and crossed her ankles. “The Amish guy is going to be a tough nut to crack.”
“Well, you like a challenge.” Trevor chuckled.
“To a point. But I’ve looked for this book for so long. I’m ready to be done with it, get my money, and move on.” She stifled a yawn. “But before I allow myself to fall asleep, I’m going to figure out a way to win over Jake Lantz. And I’m wondering if the way to Mr. Lantz might be through the Amish girl who works for him. Her loyalty lies to him, for sure. She looks at him all dreamy-eyed, but she seems to ooze sweetness, so maybe she’s my way in. I could tell she wasn’t thrilled that I wasn’t hightailing it back to Texas, but she was still nice enough to recommend places for me to stay.”
“Speaking of . . . Your voice mail earlier said you were staying at the Gasthof Village Inn. How is it?”
Yvonne glanced around her room. “It’s quaint. Nice. It feels like a cross between a bed-and-breakfast and a hotel.” She ran her hand across the red-and-white floral bedspread. “It’s clean and cozy, but not as sterile as a hotel, if you know what I mean. There are some shops on the property, a twenty-five-acre lake, and an awesome restaurant. After Jake Lantz’s firm rejection, I drove around for a while before I checked in. It’s just so weird seeing all these people driving around with those horses and buggies.” She fought another yawn. “It’s way too early to go to sleep, but I think the plane ride, my sightseeing, and that heavy meal I ate is weighing on me.” She groaned. “Not to mention a heavy dose of ego deflation. I was sure I could talk that guy out of the book, but he was gone before I even got to pour on any charm.” She recalled how underconfident she’d felt around the gorgeous Eva and the handsome Jake Lantz.
“Missing me yet?”
Yvonne smiled. “Not yet. Maybe in a couple of days.”
“Ouch. You don’t always have to be so honest.”
Yvonne bit her bottom lip. If she was totally honest with the man she was going to marry, she’d tell him how attracted she’d been to someone else today. But that would serve no purpose, and it didn’t matter. Both she and Trevor would be in contact with members of the opposite sex they found physically attractive. They wouldn’t be normal otherwise. But they were in love, and nothing could come between them. Again, she wondered if such feelings lasted a lifetime.
“You know me. Always honest.” It was true. Even in her work, she told the truth and was honest about her intentions. She’d never told a lie to purchase a book for a client. Sometimes she highlighted the perks of selling the book, which was almost always about the money. But she didn’t offer up false information to make a sale. If Jake Lantz truly didn’t care about the money, she was really going to have to strategize—without misleading or lying to the man. She wasn’t going to sacrifice her integrity, even for George and the outlandish commission he was going to pay her when she closed this deal. Yvonne usually had at least two or three searches going on at the same time, but right now George was her only client.
“Well, I’ll let you wind down and rest. Call me before you go to sleep later if you feel like it.” Trevor usually went to sleep way before Yvonne, but he got up earlier too. She had the luxury of making her own hours.
“I’ll call you before your bedtime.” Grinning, she said, “Before nine.”
“Ha-ha. You know I’m up until ten.” He chuckled. “I’ll talk to you later. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
After she hit End, she lowered the phone to her lap and pondered ways to get Jake Lantz to give up the goods. If money wasn’t a factor, how else could she convince him to sell? It would behoove her if she knew more about the book. There was nothing online, no sign of it anywhere on the internet. She had a name and an author and knew that only a hundred copies existed. She’d tracked down Jake Lantz’s copy through a stroke of luck. After months of trying to find the book, she’d found a man in an Amish bookstore in Ohio who said he knew about the book.
She paused her thoughts. “And the healing powers it has for those who are spiritually lost.” She’d forgotten that tidbit of information the man had shared, until now.
She picked up her phone, went to her Notes app, and found the folder for Walk with Me by Jerry Lance. There were all kinds of notations that had led to nowhere, but she hadn’t jotted down the man’s quote about the book. At the time, it hadn’t seemed important. All that had been relevant was that he thought a small bookstore in Montgomery, Indiana, had a copy. Bingo! She could still recall the feeling of success at that moment, after months of dead ends. But now the man’s words were relevant. It was the only clue she had about the book.
How can I use that information to make some headway with Jake Lantz?
Sighing, she stared at her phone. No whirlwind of ideas wafted into her mind.
Think, think, think.
Maybe after a good night’s sleep, it would come to her in the morning. But even after she landed on a movie to watch, her mind kept drifting back to the book. If she could just see it, maybe read a few pages, maybe the content could give her some insight as to what all the fuss was about.
Lost in thought, she forgot to call Trevor before ten.
* * *
Jake finished brushing his teeth, slipped on his shirt, and pulled his suspenders into place. He’d tossed and turned all night and even had dreams about his grandfather. It had been a long time since he’d dreamed of the man he had admired so much.
He smelled bacon cooking before he even opened his bedroom door. His mother still walked to the main house most mornings and cooked Jake something to eat.
“Mamm, I’ve told you that you don’t have to cook mei meals.” He walked into the kitchen and breathed in the welcoming aroma. He reminded her often that cooking for him wasn’t necessary, but he had to admit he was disappointed on the mornings he woke up to an empty kitchen.
“Ya, well, then you’d better snag a fraa.” She winked at him as she set a bowl of eggs on the kitchen table.
“I don’t have time, Mamm. I’m always at the bookstore.” That was partly true, but there also just hadn’t been a spark with any of the women Jake had asked out, which hadn’t been a lot. It was a small town. Everyone knew everyone in their district. Unless someone new moved to the area, he didn’t hold out much hope. Although he did want a wife and family, someone to share his life with, children to fill up this big house.
“Make time,” his mother said as she placed a small platter of bacon on the table. “I’m not getting any younger, and you’re our only hope for grandchildren.”
Jake sat down, lowered his head in prayer, then filled his plate. “Ach, before I forget, if you don’t see me home until a little later, it’s because Eva and I will be staying at the bookstore for an hour or two after closing.”
His mother’s hand towel dropped to the floor as her eyes widened. “Finally, you are seeing that maedel for the beautiful person she is.” She picked up the towel and flung it over her shoulder. “Your daed and I have been praying that the two of you would see you are perfect together.”
Jake shook his head. “It’s not like that, Mamm. Not at all . . .” He paused as he recalled an indefinable look he and Eva had shared the day before. It had been brief and unfamiliar. And confusing. “She’s just a kid.”
His mother put her hands on her hips. “Take a closer look.” She smirked. “Eva has grown up, right under your nose, into a beautiful woman.”
Once again Jake disliked the thought of Eva marrying someone and leaving the bookstore. He told himself it was because she was a wonderful employee whom he would have to replace. His mother was right, though. Eva had grown into a beautiful young woman. Stored in his memories were all the times he’d teased her, playfully tickled her, showed her how to pitch a decent curveball, and taught her as a teenager how to practically run the bookstore. But Eva wasn’t that young girl anymore. “And she’ll be a gut fraa for some lucky man. Probably John Yoder.” He tried to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. Jake wanted Eva to be happy, and John was a great guy.
His mother rolled her eyes. “Ya, ya. I’ve heard those rumors—that John Yoder is smitten with Eva. He sure has a funny way of showing it. I don’t think he’s ever asked her out. One of the ladies in the quilting group would have mentioned it.”
Jake thought about John’s plans and how close he was to moving into his new house. “He’s a little shy, but I’m sure he’ll be asking her out soon.”
“Well, if there are no romantic intentions, then why are you and Eva staying late at the bookstore?” His mother leaned against the kitchen cabinets and folded her arms across her chest.
“There’s a book we want to read together.” Jake took a bite of bacon as he wondered if his mother would question him about which book they were planning to read. He was pretty sure she wouldn’t want him to break a promise to his grandfather, but he’d never heard either of his parents mention the book. And he didn’t really want to tell his mother about the Texas woman wanting to buy it. Jake wanted to believe that his mother would understand the promise he’d made to his grandfather, his mother’s father-in-law. But a hundred thousand dollars was a lot of money. He didn’t want anyone, even his mother, tempting him to break his promise.
His mother smiled. “Ya, okay,” she said, grinning.
Jake shook his head, scarfed down some eggs, then stood up with a slice of bacon in his hand. “You’ve got it wrong about me and Eva, but danki for breakfast, Mamm.”
“You’re welcome, sohn.” She turned on the water in the sink, then glanced over her shoulder. “Have a gut day.” She paused, smiling. “And night.”
He sighed as he turned and walked out the door. That was the first time his mother had offered up hope that Jake and Eva would end up together. After he was on the road and had his horse in a steady trot, he recalled the way Eva looked at him sometimes. For the most part, they were friends who ran a business together, but occasionally he caught a gleam in her eyes hinting that perhaps she thought of him as more than a friend. He’d even returned the gaze yesterday. It had felt spontaneous but surprised him.
Maybe staying after work with her was a bad idea. He didn’t want to lead her on in a romantic way. It felt dishonorable since he knew John’s feelings for her. He wondered if things might be different between him and Eva had John not shared his plans with Jake. He shook his head and fought to clear the thoughts from his mind. If John asked out Eva and she turned him down, then perhaps Jake would act on that occasional spark he thought he saw between him and Eva. But for now he would keep things friendly between them.
By the time he pulled into the parking lot at the bookstore, he was still considering that maybe reading by the light of a lantern in the basement might not be such a good idea in case Eva had romantic disillusions. But all thoughts of Eva washed away when he saw the SUV that had been there the day before. Frowning, he pulled back on the reins until his horse came to a complete stop. The Texas woman was back.
Eva stood behind the counter chatting with the English lady when Jake walked in the door. “Wie bischt, Jake.” She stood taller and took a deep breath. “You remember Ms. Wilson from yesterday, ya?”
Jake tried to mask his irritation with a fake smile. “Of course. What can I do for you, Mrs. Wilson?”
“Good morning.” The woman gave a slight wave. She was dressed in dark blue slacks and a white blouse and was wearing a long silver necklace and earrings. Her brown hair curled slightly under just above her shoulders. She was a pretty woman with high cheek bones, flawless ivory skin, and enough makeup to enhance her features without being overbearing. But as she batted her eyes at Jake, he was sure the woman had plans to try and charm him out of the book she so desperately wanted to buy.
“I’d like to take you to breakfast,” she said, her long, dark eyelashes fluttering above hazel eyes that gleamed with purpose.
Jake opened his mouth to tell her that he’d already eaten, but he reconsidered. Eva had told him that the woman wasn’t leaving town without the book. This was an opportunity for him to privately reiterate to Yvonne that he would never sell the book. Her charm wasn’t going to work on him, and if he had to be firm with her, he would.
He rubbed his chin as he glanced back and forth between the women. Eva appeared to be holding her breath. Yvonne had both eyebrows raised.
“Ya, sure. Breakfast would be gut.” He focused on Eva. “Will you be okay here by yourself for a while?”
Eva’s mouth parted in surprise, but then she nodded . . . without the hint of a smile on her face.
Jake handed her the money bag and walked back to the front door, the bell chiming as he pulled it wide. “After you.”
Yvonne breezed by him, catching his eye as she did so, and flashing a smile she probably meant to be genuine. But Jake saw it as sly like a fox. This woman really did think she could charm him out of the book. Hmm . . . She’s met her match.
* * *
Eva tried to corral the herd of emotions scrambling for space in her mind. Jake hadn’t been happy yesterday that the English woman was staying in town, but he’d accepted her invitation for breakfast with little hesitation. Yvonne Wilson was beautiful, and Eva wanted to believe that Jake wouldn’t be attracted to a fancy English woman, but she’d seen it happen—members of their district falling for outsiders. Still, it was impossible not to notice the large diamond ring Yvonne wore on her left ring finger. She was either married or engaged and should pose no threat.
Eva’s logical side said that the reason for Yvonne’s invitation was so she could try to convince Jake to sell the book. But what was Jake’s reason for accepting the invite? Maybe he was just hungry. He’d definitely already told her the book wasn’t for sale.
The bell chimed on the door before she could give it any more thought. They weren’t even officially open for another hour, but Jake hadn’t locked the door on his way out. When two men walked into the store, Eva wished he would have. They looked about Jake’s age, midtwenties, but they weren’t Amish.
“I’m sorry. We aren’t actually open yet.” Eva’s heart pounded in her chest. Both men wore torn blue jeans, which Eva knew to be in style among some of the English. But these appeared more worn from wear. They had on T-shirts, one of them a red one, the other a white one with a brown jacket also. Their facial hair wasn’t really beards, just scruffy and unkept. When the taller of the men gave her a lopsided smirk, it sent a shiver up Eva’s spine.
“Uh, we’re just looking for a gift.” He pointed over his shoulder. “The sign says books, office supplies, and gifts.”
“Um . . . ya, but we . . . don’t open for another hour. If you wouldn’t mind coming back, please. We are still getting the shop ready for business.” She tried to put emphasis on “we” even though she was there alone. Her bottom lip trembled as she tried to force a smile.
The same man said, “We’re already here.” He glanced at his friend, then pointed to Eva’s right, to the section that housed the keepsakes and gift-type items. “Over there.”
“Sorry,” the shorter and younger-looking fellow said. “We won’t be long. It’s a friend’s birthday.” He shrugged before he followed his companion.
Eva folded her hands together, hoping to keep them from trembling like her lip. Only one other time since she’d worked at the bookstore had she ever felt uneasy. A group of teenaged boys had come into the store reeking of alcohol. They had said provocative things to her, and she’d been almost in tears when Jake emerged from the back and ushered them out. But Jake wasn’t here right now as Eva watched the men going up and down the aisles. She reminded herself that looks or what a person wore didn’t define them, but her heart didn’t stop hammering against her chest.
It wasn’t a minute later when the taller man walked back toward her. “Sorry to bother you, but can you show me where the restroom is?”
Eva felt her throat close up as if someone had a hand around her neck. You had to go through the back room to get to the restroom, and Eva didn’t want to be alone with either stranger in an area where she was out of sight. At least in front of the window, she felt visible and safer, even if no one was outside. She wasn’t sure if denying a customer a trip to the bathroom was illegal or not. At the least, it might anger the man.
She stepped from around the counter to show the man the way as she wondered if his friend would follow as well. But she slowed her stride when she became aware of the unlocked cash register she was leaving behind. Instead of escorting him, she pointed. “If you go through that door, there will be another door to the restroom.”
“Thanks.” He gave her a two-fingered salute before he strolled off, his friend shuffling along behind him. Eva tried to think if there was anything worth stealing in the back room. Then she reminded herself again that a person’s looks didn’t convey what was inside.
It was only a few minutes later when both men returned to the front of the store. Eva stood behind the counter willing herself to keep her breathing steady, hoping not to appear as nervous as she felt.
“This will work.” The taller man set a small angel figurine on the counter. It was part of a group of five that were almost always sold together, although they could be purchased separately.
Eva rang up the transaction. When the cash drawer popped open, she caught it with her hand, leaving it only an inch open, then remembered that Jake had handed her the bag of cash right before he left with Yvonne. It lay out of sight, and the register was empty. Eva let the drawer slide open in full view. “That will be $5.36,” she said as she began to wrap the small angel in white paper.
The two men eyed the register and looked at each other. Then the taller man placed six dollars on the counter. “Keep the change,” he said as he accepted the small bag when Eva handed it to him.
“Thank you.” She hoped they didn’t hear the tremble in her voice.
“Yeah, have a good day.”
The men left without looking back and took off walking down the street.
Eva locked the door behind them, put a hand to her chest, and realized she had allowed herself to be frightened just by the looks of the two men. Never judge a book by its cover. It was a cliché but there just the same.
When her pulse slowed down, she loaded the money into the cash register. Even if the men had been robbers, they wouldn’t have gotten away with more than a few hundred dollars, mostly in fives, tens, and twenties.
Thirty minutes later, she flipped the sign to Open, and her thoughts drifted back to Jake and Yvonne having breakfast together. There was absolutely no reason for Eva to feel jealous. Jake would never get involved with an English woman, no matter how pretty she was. And Yvonne had a ring on her finger.
Then why do I feel worried?