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LEXIE TOOK THE KEYS from the back of the door and jangled them softly in her hand. The sound was loud in the empty building and yet she was comfortable being here alone. She removed the key marked ‘Cabin 1’, checked to ensure that the doors were locked, then followed the path that snaked its way through the trees.
The cabin was everything she’d hoped. Knotty pine walls, rustic furniture, and a hand-made quilt on the bed. Feeling every bit like her young self, she tested the bed and found it soft and comfortable. But the best part of all was the simple porch stretching across the front. Tall-backed rocking chairs with cane bottoms lured her outside and she stood for several long moments, picturing herself and Jesse sitting there after a day’s work. Even after just a few hours, she’d discovered that they both had wide-ranging interests, and could converse comfortably on any number of subjects.
She sighed and turned away. No matter how she felt about him, Jesse could not be part of her future. And that was unfortunate, because his appeal grew stronger every hour she spent with him. Probably not a good idea to accept the job offer, either. She would fulfil her promise to stay for a week... she would even try to help him find a replacement if necessary, but she couldn’t stay. A breeze from the ocean stirred the branches overhead, and the rocking chairs moved in unison, symbols of dreams unfulfilled.
* * *
LEXIE HEARD CARLY AND Brandon the next morning before she saw them. They’d come to work together, and their excited chatter preceded them into the kitchen. “Good morning,” she said, noticing that Brandon was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and clean jeans this morning. “You came back,” she said, stating the obvious.
“I thought maybe I could help in the dining room,” he said. “But I’d also like a chance to work on the fries again today.” He held up a bag. “I brought some cheese, ‘cause I think we should try some poutine.” Lexie noticed that he pronounced it as if he were in Montreal, where they didn’t say pou-teen, but pou-tin, as in tin can.
“Where did you learn to pronounce it like that?”
Brandon shrugged. “Jean-Marc. He comes from Montreal. You’ll meet him soon.”
Lexie raised her eyebrows. “I will?”
“Yes. A couple of the guys and one of the girls want to see what I’m doing here.” He grinned self-importantly. “I told them they had to buy something.”
“But...” Lexie was lost for words. “What do they expect to see? It’s an ordinary diner.”
“Possibilities.” He waited for the word to sink in before he continued. “We were skateboarding in the grocery store parking lot last night and I was telling them how much Carly has learned in the short time you’ve been here, and how you showed me how to make the fries.” He puffed his chest out. “I guess you could say I’ve inspired them.”
Lexie eyed him cautiously. “To do what? They can’t all be cooks.”
The young man stopped posturing and turned serious. “They need something to do, Lexie. Especially since our Youth Centre closed. Contrary to what you hear in the media, not all kids are bad, or looking to get into trouble. They want to learn something, too. Coming here is sort of like a field trip.”
“I know they’re not all bad, Brandon; you’ve proven that. But how many are coming?”
Brandon thought for a moment. “Just the three of them. Maybe four. I was hoping to talk to Mr. Cousins before they get here, and see if he could give them an idea about what’s needed to get into construction work.”
Lexie glanced outside where the crew was just arriving. When she turned her attention back to Brandon, there was new respect in her eyes. “Sounds like a good idea, but don’t take up too much of his time, okay? And don’t be disappointed if he can’t help you.”
“Yes, boss.” He gave her a quick salute. “Oh, by the way, is pulled pork hard to make?”
She laughed. “Now what?”
“It’s about toppings. Pulled pork is big as a topping for poutine right now.” He gave her a wink. “Value added.”
“Good heavens, you really want to go for this, don’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
* * *
“I HOPE YOUNG BRANDON didn’t bother you too much today. I saw him talking to you earlier.” Lexie approached Larry Cousins as he was putting his tools away.
“No. Actually, it was quite enlightening.” The foreman unhooked his tool belt, re-fastened it and slung it over his shoulder. “That young man has given me a lot to think about.”
Lexie was almost afraid to ask. “And what was that?”
Larry gathered his thoughts. “In the first place, he’s determined.”
“I noticed.”
Larry acknowledged her comment with a grin. “And he’s quite a salesman. I have no doubt that whatever he sets his hand to, he’ll succeed. But what really stayed with me about our conversation is that these young people want to learn. Be it a trade, or a business skill, they want to earn a living, and short of going to Victoria to Camosun College, there’s nowhere at this end of the island they can do that. Most of them can’t afford to live away from home while they’re studying. He also pointed out to me that many of them don’t really know what they’re suited to, and they don’t want to waste their time or money learning something they might not stick with. What they need is a mentoring programme as well as practical experience.” He shook his head. “That kid has given me so much to think about I don’t know where to start.”
“Yes. He does have that effect.” Lexie chewed on her bottom lip. “There are people who would argue that this sort of thing should be handled by the government, not private people.”
“And they would be right, in most cases,” argued Larry. “But every once in a while the public programmes are stretched too thin. We’re not talking about a lot of kids here, just the ones who express an interest. It seems we have some budding entrepreneurs in the area, and I for one would like to see them succeed.” He gave her a curious look. “I don’t know what you did to Brandon, but you’ve lit a fire under him and he in turn has got several of his friends interested.”
“It wasn’t me. He had that spark all on his own. I simply encouraged him.”
Larry grinned. “Well, whatever you did, the fire is spreading. I’m going to talk to Coop when he’s here the next time. I’d like to see these kids get their Youth Centre back. If we both get behind it, I’m fairly sure we can get it done.”
“You’re a good man, Larry Cousins. Jesse told me that you two have been friends for a long time.”
“That’s true.” He tilted his head to one side. “Where did he find you, anyway? Ever since you took over the kitchen, the men think they’ve died and gone to heaven.”
Lexie couldn’t meet his gaze. “It’s a long story,” she said. “Sometimes I don’t believe it myself.” She looked into the distance, as though the Beaver might appear at any moment. “I’m not sure when he’ll be back, though. Luc called yesterday, upset about something and Jesse was out of here like a shot.”
Larry frowned. “He’s okay, I hope.”
“I think so.” She forced herself to look at the foreman. “He sure loves that kid.”
“You’ve got that right. Maybe I’ll call tonight and see what’s up.” He checked around the work site one last time. “Did anyone tell you that we’re going to be without power in the morning? The new electrical service is being installed.”
“Thanks for the reminder. Yes, your electrician told us. Carly put a sign outside saying we’re closed, but she’ll be here to make coffee for you and the men. As for me, I think I’ll sleep in.”
“Good idea.” He nodded briefly. “See you tomorrow.”
* * *
A SHAFT OF SUNSHINE settled on Lexie’s eyelids and it took her a moment to remember where she was. She should probably get up and enjoy the beautiful morning, but the bed was comfortable, she was cozy, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept in. Closing her eyes, she drifted back to sleep.
The next time she woke, she was aware that someone was in the room with her. And yet she wasn’t afraid. She rolled over and opened her eyes.
A pair of blue eyes regarded her solemnly, unblinkingly. Luc.
“Who are you?”
Lexie considered her response.
“Little Red Riding Hood,” she said, pulling the quilt up to her chin. “Are you the Big, Bad Wolf?”
Sparks of amusement danced in his eyes. “No, I’m Luc.”
Lexie relaxed. “Well, that’s a relief. Nice to meet you, Luc. My name is Lexie.” She sat up and looked around the cabin. “Now where did I put that key? Did I leave it outside?”
Luc shook his head. “The door was open.”
“There it is!” She spotted it on a bookshelf. “I was thinking about reading a book and I must have set it down. I should really put it on my own key ring so I don’t lose it again.”
“It’s not lost.” Luc picked it up and handed it to her. “But it is small.”
“Yes, well...” She looked beyond him. “Did you fly up with your Dad?”
Luc’s little chest swelled with importance. “I was the co-pilot. Dad made me a seat so I can see outside.”
“Lucky you. Was it fun?”
He nodded. “I gotta go now.” With that he turned and walked out the door.
Lexie raced to the shower and got ready in record time. Funny that she hadn’t heard the Beaver, but come to think of it, last night was her second night in the cabin and she’d slept remarkably soundly both nights. Humming to herself, she stepped out onto the porch and was stunned by the sight of Jesse sitting in one of the rockers. Her heart leaped into her throat. Now she really was in a romance novel. Except that this story wouldn’t have a happy ending.
“Good morning,” he said. “Hope you don’t mind, but I brought us some coffee.” He indicated a tray on the small table between the two rockers. “I heard the shower, so I thought I’d wait.”
Lord, he was a good looking man. He had that scruffy, day-old-beard look going on this morning, and it made him even more appealing, if that was possible. His eyes were an intriguing shade of brown with golden highlights... nothing like Luc’s. And the invitation in them made her clutch the railing for support.
“Good morning,” she stammered, surprised that she could speak at all. “Where did the coffee come from? Not that I’m not grateful, but we don’t have any power this morning.”
“I know. I talked to Larry last night and he warned me. So I brought ours in a thermos.” He waved a hand like a magician. “Sit down and I’ll pour you a cup.”
“You’re in the wrong chair,” she blurted. Where had that come from? Now she was telling him about her fantasies.
“Excuse me?” He stopped pouring to look up.
“It’s just this silly thing I do,” she said, scrambling to come up with a story. “I imagine people in certain situations, and that’s your chair over there.” She pointed to the empty chair.
“I see,” he said. “And who was in this chair?”
Lexie was quite sure she was blushing from her toes to the top of her head. “As I said, it’s just a silly habit.”
He didn’t push her for an answer, but he remained sitting where he was. “I think it’s a charming habit. Here’s your coffee.”
Lexie sat down and hid behind the mug. The coffee was hot and delicious. “Hmmm. This is good.” And it was. Of course the company didn’t hurt. “Where’s Luc?”
“He’s skateboarding with Brandon. I asked him to give us some time alone which was probably unnecessary. He loves to skateboard.” He took a drink, then sat back. “I wish I could sit here all morning. This is the first time I’ve relaxed all week.” He put the rocker in motion with one booted foot on the floor.
