| |
When I was talking with Krista, I told her about my new dresser. I already had the first coat of paint on, and it looked great. I was anxious to be able to store my clothes in the drawers even if I left the dresser sitting in my living room until I decided what color to paint the bedroom.
"Your lawyer came to your rescue again, huh?" she said. "Sounds like he might have more than just a legal interest in you."
"Maybe. I'm not sure. It's easy to talk to him, but I think that's because I was married to a lawyer. I'm trying very hard not to hold that against Jim."
"Is there anything you do want to hold against him?" Krista asked.
"Too soon to tell. The lawyer thing is a definite obstacle for me. Being reminded of Jamison is not a good thing. In other ways, though, it’s like he and Jamison are different species. They're nothing alike. I'm pretty sure that Jim doesn't have a gym membership or one of those fancy exercise bikes in his bedroom."
"That's a good sign."
"What?"
"That you're already thinking about what's in his bedroom. Enjoy dinner tomorrow night."
"It's just a way to repay a friend for helping, like buying pizza when people help you move."
“Sure it is.”
XXX
My tea order arrived at the cafe the next morning, so I spent some time showing them how to make real southern sweet tea. I enjoyed a great cup of Earl Grey and carried a jug of sweet tea upstairs to my fridge. This place was starting to feel more like home. I was making progress and working my lists. I felt like things were falling into place.
After the lunch rush, I took a cup of tea upstairs with me and got the second coat of paint on the dresser. I decided I wanted a pale blue-grey color for the bedroom walls. I'll have to ask Jim where he got the paint for my office. I hadn't notice a hardware store in town, but maybe it was tucked down a side street I hadn't yet explored.
I took a shower and got dressed in jeans and a nice button front shirt. I walked out the front door and walked right into Jim. I nearly knocked him down the stairs. "I'm so sorry," I said. "I was just heading down to the cafe."
"Did you need to check on something before we go?" he asked.
"No. I thought we were having dinner."
"We are. At my place."
"How is having dinner with you repaying you if you’re the one providing dinner? I'm confused."
"You're providing the company."
Jim held the car door for me, and we talked as he drove into town and pulled into an alley that ran parallel to two streets. Jim pulled into a large, very organized garage. "I didn't realize you lived in the same building as your office."
I didn't feel at all nervous around Jim. His home was in the Victorian in downtown Wilkins’ Gap that also housed his law office. While he cooked, I sat at the counter, and we got acquainted. I learned that Jim is part of a family law firm started by his grandfather. His parents live in Missoula where his Dad runs the firm's main office. Jim and his older-by-two-years brother, Tim, each have offices in one of the small towns in northern Idaho.
"Our firm services Idaho, Washington, and Montana so we all have to be licensed to practice law in all three states. I thought I'd hate the small-town stuff after going to law school at Georgetown in DC, but I've learned I kind of like dealing with the estate stuff, wills, family law cases. It makes you really feel like part of the community, and I still have enough time off to enjoy living here."
We talked a lot. It was easy and comfortable. I tried really hard not to hold Jim's chosen profession against him. It sounded like he loved his job and tried to help people when the law allowed. I couldn't quite picture him in DC.
After I helped clean up the dishes, Jim said, "I should probably take you home before it gets too late."
I nodded. As we drove back through town, I said, "Thanks again for dinner. Everything was great. I'm not quite sure how this squares our debt, but I enjoyed it."
"Me, too. I have a great idea. I'm part of the Wilkins’ Gap Search and Rescue Team. Why don't you come with me to the potluck tomorrow night?"
"I realize you don't know me all that well, but I'm more likely to be the rescuee than the rescuer."
"I'm not suggesting you join the team, although we can always use people to coordinate or handle communications. It would be a great way for you to meet more people."
"Do you guys rescue a lot of people?"
"A few each year," he said.
I was shocked. "Why? Why do so many people need to be rescued out here?"
"Mountains, extreme weather, animals, cryptids. There are lots of people spending time outdoors here. Some of them get into trouble."
When we pulled into the parking lot of the cafe, Jim walked around the truck to open my door, and offered his hand to help me out of the high vehicle. He insisted on walking me to my door. "Thanks for tonight, Everly. I really enjoyed it."
"Me to," I said and meant it. It had been a very pleasant evening. "Good night, Jim." I stepped in to give him a hug.
I was surprised when he pulled me against him and held me tight. "Good night, Em. I hope I'll see you tomorrow night at the potluck. Call me if you want a ride."
I thought he might kiss me, but he didn't. I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. I wasn't anxious to get into a romantic relationship with anyone, but Jim seemed like a nice guy, and I wondered how many of those in the right age range existed in Wilkins’ Gap.