Rapid Falls(30)

My nerve faltered the moment we passed the sign at the outskirts of Rapid Falls, and I asked Rick to pull over at the inn for a quick lunch. I noticed Sandy sitting at one of the tables in the restaurant, and my mouth went dry with panic.

“Let’s sit in the bar instead.”

“Lead on.”

We slid into a booth with cracked red-leather seats. The table was sticky under my hands.

“Are you sure the food is okay?” Rick whispered. The sound carried through the big empty room, and the waitress’s eyes narrowed as she handed us menus. She looked vaguely familiar, the older sister of someone I went to school with, no doubt, but the years on her face and a bad dye job made her difficult to place.

“Thanks,” I said. After she left, I answered Rick. “It’s not great, but it’s the best in town.”

In truth I loved the popcorn shrimp, preferred it over the sushi Rick always wanted to eat. Raw fish felt like rubber in my mouth, though I pretended to love it.

“All right. When in Rome . . .”

The waitress returned and we both ordered.

The door swung open again, and a dog ran in.

Rick stared at the animal and then back at me. I knew he was thinking about the numerous health codes that were being broken. I shrugged my shoulders, trying to appear nonchalant, even though my heart was racing. I knew that dog—and who she belonged to. The owner looked around, letting his eyes adjust from the bright sunshine to the shadowed room. His gaze fell on me and a huge smile lit his face.

“Cara Piper.” He walked the few steps toward us. Rick looked at me with a question in his eyes.

“Hi, Wade.”

“Hi.” He held out his thick hand to Rick, who shook it. “Wade Turner.”

“Rick Stanley.”

I felt my heartbeat thud as my worlds collided.

“Why don’t you join us?” Rick asked.

Wade looked at me, and I nodded. “Please.” I took a deep swig of beer to try to get rid of the lump in my throat while Wade motioned to the waitress to bring him a drink.

“Thanks. That sounds great. Come on, Skoal. Over here, girl.”

“Coal?” Rick asked as he patted the dog’s golden fur.

Wade laughed. “Skoal. You know. Like the chew.”

Rick probably hadn’t ever seen a tin of tobacco in his life, but he nodded knowingly. I looked back and forth between the two men, relieved at the easy exchange between them.

“So. How are you doing, Piper?” Wade turned to me and I felt a rush of love. He looked good, a little older, a little more weather beaten. Wade had the kind of face that had improved with a few lines.

“I’m well. Almost done with my degree. One more year to go,” I said.

Wade whistled, and Skoal’s ears perked up. “Look at you. It’s good to see you, Cara. You look great.”

“Thanks, Wade.” His kindness made my eyes mist slightly. I thought he hated me. I thought they all did.

“Look, if you guys are around for a few days, I’m sure my mom and dad would love to have a visit.” He looked at me, and I could tell we were both thinking about Anna. Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask, I thought. He didn’t. “Stop by if you can, okay?”

I smiled and nodded. Skoal followed Wade out the door. Our food arrived and we started eating. A few bites in, Rick leaned forward.

“Was he a good friend of yours?”

I thought of Mrs. Turner and the way she had always made sure to bake oatmeal raisin cookies when she knew I was coming over. I remembered Wade’s dad showing me how to plant tulips in the fall and how Wade’s fierce loyalty meant that he would never have dreamed of ignoring me, the sister of the girl who killed his best friend. Then I looked into the eyes of the man I hoped would become my husband.

“Not really.”

“Oh.” Rick took the last bite of his burger, then started on his fries. “Why did he invite you over?”

“He was friends with someone I used to—” My face burned as I realized what I was about to admit. I took a sip of beer to drown the thought of Jesse. I didn’t want Rick to know anything about what happened on graduation night. It was a mistake to bring him here. “I’m not sure, Rick. Someone told me once in high school that he had a crush on me.” I laughed as if Wade was a joke that only the two of us understood.

“All done?” the waitress said as I pushed my plate away.

“Yes.” I prayed she hadn’t overheard me. It broke my heart to think of my words getting back to Wade.

“Let’s go.” Rick laid out cash and didn’t wait for change.

My stomach was heavy as we walked into the parking lot. Sandy was standing on the steps of the restaurant when we neared our car. I smiled, feeling braver now that Wade had helped dissolve my nerves about being here. Rapid Falls was my home. People would accept me no matter what Anna had done. But Sandy stared right through me, talking to another high school classmate. Her voice was louder than it needed to be.

“Wow. I can’t imagine coming back to a place where nobody wants you. Can you?”

The other woman tossed her hair over her shoulder. I recognized her. She had been on the track team with Anna. “No way.”

Rick didn’t seem to have heard the conversation. He unlocked our doors, and the car emitted a beep. I heard Sandy snort. People didn’t lock their cars in Rapid Falls. I opened the door and slid in quickly, ducking my head so Rick wouldn’t see my red cheeks.