Where One Goes(16)

“That sounds great, Ginger. I’ll do a really good job and take care of everything.”

“I know, hon. You can start tomorrow if your schedule permits it.”

“Okay. Deal. I’ll see you later.” I start to head for the door, when Ginger calls out, “I saw that foreign fella that works with you drop George off last night. George looked like he was a little . . . well, he looked a bit out of sorts. I don’t want to pry, but . . . if you need help or have any trouble, just let me know.”

“There was no trouble,” I respond quickly. “George came by to drop off something I left at work. I took him home myself.” I hate lying. Especially to someone as sweet as Ginger, but the last thing I need is for this town to start circulating a rumor George and I had a one night stand. Misty would probably stab me if she found out George was here last night. “But thank you, Ginger. For everything.”

“No problem, sugar.”

“Thanks for covering for him, Charlotte,” Ike says quietly as we exit. “I’m sorry you had to.” I give him a faint smile, letting him know it’s okay. George showing up last night was definitely inappropriate, especially since he was drunk, but that’s not Ike’s fault. I know George is a mess right now. He’s not himself. Grief can make us do funny things. Like try to jump off a bridge in the middle of the night.

As I climb into my 4Runner, I glance over at Ike. “Do you know if Sniper’s working today?” I question, trying to change the subject.

“Really? Are you that attracted to him?” Ike groans.

“Uh . . . no, I’m just curious is all. Will he or Misty be working today?” I can’t let Ike know what I’m up to or he’ll try and stop me. I really hope this doesn’t blow up in my face, but I need an in with George, and unfortunately, it won’t be pretty.

“Yes. They’re both working doubles.”

Good. I exhale in relief. At least part of my plan will work.

“Stay straight when driving through town. I want to show you something before you go in,” Ike says, as he relaxes in the seat. I nod once and do as he says and we climb mountain roads that cause my car to rev in protest. I’d love to look around at the leaves changing colors, but I’m too scared we’ll end up careening over a mountain edge if I do. Ike directs me into a national forest in Hidden Valley and we park near a river. Getting out, I quietly follow him. We soon see several fishermen near a small bridge. He leads me down further so we can talk. I look ridiculous in shorts and a T-shirt out here, but I don’t complain.

We stop at the bank, out of sight from the other fishermen.

“It’s beautiful here,” I note. The river flows smoothly, small rapids rushing over rocks, but they don’t appear to be strong enough to take anyone down if they were standing in it.

“I thought you might think so,” Ike says. “I’m asking a lot of you, and I just wanted to show you something pretty; something calm. That sounds dumb,” he mutters as he shakes his head. Taking a few steps farther from the shore, he leans against a beautiful, gigantic tree. The branches stretch out over the water, shading us from the sun.

I follow him up the bank and stand before him. “No,” I disagree. “I know what you mean. I like how quiet it is; the sound of the water.” Taking a deep breath, I say, “It’s calming.”

Ike’s stare trains on me. His brown eyes are so deep; penetrating me. I bite my lip. I don’t know why him looking at me this way makes me feel so . . . nervous. After a moment, his gaze moves past me and back to the water. “I keep hoping it’s like this,” he says, thoughtfully.

“What?” I ask as I follow his line of sight.

“Wherever I go when I leave; I hope it’s peaceful and calm. I hope there’s water and color. I hope I’m somewhere that reminds me of all the happy times in my life.”

A lump rises in my throat. I’ve helped many people move on, crossover, but when Ike leaves . . . it’s going to hurt. I close my eyes as I realize how real that truth is. Ike has somehow weaved his way into my heart and when he goes, I will mourn him. As he stares at the water, I wish like hell I could take his hand and hold it. I’d give anything to do it.

“Sniper was right, Charlotte. You are a special girl,” Ike says, softly. Turning back to the water, he steps away from me, and I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Ike is so deep; everything seems to have meaning to him. He didn’t bring me out here to impress me or anything silly like that. He brought me here to share his peace, to give me peace. My eyes tear up as I think about the last time I truly felt peace. It’s been a while. Taking a seat on a large rock near the bank, I close my eyes and let the sounds of nature calm me; cleanse me. Ike is quiet until it’s time for us to go or I’ll be late for work.

“Are you ready?” he asks. I stand and nod, feeling a little better from my quiet time, and we climb in my truck and head back down the mountain.

“Thank you for that, Ike,” I whisper.

Giving me that stellar, all-American boy smile, he says, “You’re welcome.”

As we near town, I realize I have something to do before I head to work. The timing is terrible, but Ike can’t be with me while I do this. “Ike, I hate to ask, but could you maybe give me some privacy? I just need a little time to myself. I’ll meet you at the restaurant.”