This Time(8)

Her hand went to her head. "This is the first time he's seen me with short hair."

"I think he'll like it."

"I guess it doesn't really matter if he does or doesn't," Belle concluded, looking Meg in the eye. "Thanks for listening."

"Hey, what are best friends for? You want to go say hi to him now?"

"Do I have to?" Her eyes twinkled at her friend.

"I think you should. Gates is going over tomorrow night's agenda with him."

"I guess I should get out there, then."

"Belle, you know you have to face him sooner or later. You can't avoid him this whole weekend."

"I've managed to avoid him for the past twelve years."

"Well, this weekend is your weekend of facing the past; good and bad. Reunion and reconciliation."

"We'll see," Belle said, standing. She took a deep cleansing breath.

Meg smiled and followed Belle out from among the hay.

By now, Tyler had arrived. Belle plastered a smile on her face and greeted him warmly. As they stood talking, she began to relax and occasionally stole a peek at Burke. He looked as handsome as ever with his strong chin and high cheeks. His hair had darkened some over the years, and he wore it trimmed close to his head. Belle liked it. His lean frame had filled out with the muscle that comes from professional football training, and his wide, rakish smile still made her knees feel weak.

She expected to see an arrogant, cocky super star. Instead, she sensed humility about him, a steady confidence. He was a man at peace.

You're the same Burke Benning, she thought, only more so. So how could you have-

A vivacious call came from the back of the gym. "Never fear, the life of the party is now here." Spencer walked across the floor, his declaration sparking a laugh.

He worked the room, greeting each person heartily, boldly interrupting Gates and Burke when he got to the stage. He gregariously welcomed his old high school football teammate and rival, over-complimenting his pro success.

He shook hands with Tyler and brought up the hottest political issues. They debated amiably, Spencer baiting the Senator with opposing views just for fun. After a few minutes, Tyler laughed and assured the crowd that Spencer would make a fine Washington politician.

"No, not me," Spencer laughed, holding up his hands, his playful smile lighting his face. "I let my home town girl here do all the politicking."

To Belle's surprise, Spencer wrapped her in his arms and spun her around the floor. She couldn't help but laugh, his spontaneity lightening her mood.

By now, Burke and Gates had joined Meg and Tyler down on the main floor. Spencer entertained them all.

"I think you missed your calling, Spence. You should have been an actor," Gates said.

"Actor, lawyer, politician. What's the difference?"

Belle glanced around the small circle, her eyes landing on Burke's face and, just before his eyes met hers for the first time in a long time, he looked away.

He's as uncomfortable as I am, Belle realized.

Gates grabbed Tyler to rehearse his part for Saturday. Meg had some last minute details to attend to, so in a matter of moments, Belle found herself alone with the past and the present.

Spencer seemed to sense the tension between Belle and Burke and tried to make light of the moment. He clapped his hands together and said, "Say, you kids know each other? Burke, Belle, Belle, Burke." He chuckled at the alliteration.

This time Burke did not avert his gaze. "I believe we know each other," he said, extending his hand to shake Belle's. "How are you, Belle?"

"Fine, Burke." She took his hand and gave it a hard squeeze; afraid he could sense her trembling. To her surprise, his hand felt cold and clammy. She remembered that as a telltale sign of his nerves. A small, sudden wave of compassion hit her. This wasn't easy for him.

For a brief moment, their eyes locked. But before Belle could see deep into those clear pools of blue, Spencer blurted out an idea.

"How about some dinner? Burke, Belle? My treat. The Diamond Back Steak House."

Burke dropped her hand. "No, thank you Spencer. Mom's tempted me with some of her good home cooking tonight."

"Then you and me, Belle?" Spencer wrapped one arm possessively around her shoulder.

"You two an item?" Burke's asked, curious.

"No, not really," Belle answered.

Spencer admitted, "I'm working on it, Burke. Working on it."

Belle stepped out of his one arm embrace. "You always did like to work alone," she said, indignant.

Burke couldn't hide his grin. "As I recall, Spencer, Belle is her own woman. Likes to makes up her own mind."

She couldn't stop the words as they flowed out, but there they were, straight from the core of her heart. "I'm surprised you recall anything about me."

"Ouch," Spencer said, stepping away from her as if he would be bitten next.

"Guess I deserved that," Burke said with a hint of humility.

"Maybe you did," Belle said, biting the inside of her lips and blinking away the tears. Burke started to say something, but she excused herself and walked away.

***

"I can't do it, Daddy. I can't." Belle sat next to Duke on the family room's old sofa. The soft hum of the window fan drowned out the song of the crickets and sent a cool breeze through the warm room.