St. Helena Vineyard Series: A Beautiful Disaster (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  He paused at the fountain and checked his watch. “Big hand at twelve, little hand at four.”

  He let his arm go slack and ground his teeth together. Staring at the students walking toward their cars, he wondered if they realized how ideal their lives were. A deep breath in then, quickly it was expelled. “Being a grown up sucks.” He shifted his bag and headed toward his vehicle. If he hurried home, he’d have just enough time to change his clothes, pick up a pair of gloves and head over to Ms. March’s home.

  “I must be out of my mind.” He shoved the key into the lock and twisted. Reaching for the door handle, he tossed in the book bag before sliding behind the wheel. Car started, he was about to back away from the parking place labeled Adjunct when his cell phone jingled.

  Foot on the brake, he reached for it and immediately recognized the number.“Hey, Mom.”

  “Hey, yourself.” Her voice sounded a bit short.

  Deep down, he knew why.

  “What’s this I hear about your dog digging up Bethany March’s flower garden?”

  “Bethany?” he questioned.

  “Oh, that’s her grandmother’s name. What is her first name?” There was a pause and he waited while she searched for the correct name. “Alyssa, yes, that’s it. Alyssa March. Her grandmother and I used to play cards on Wednesday night.”

  “Oh yes, the canasta club. I remember.”

  Six of the geriatric mafia that dominated the gossip column of St. Helenas gathered like a flock of vultures every Wednesday at his mother’s house to discuss matchmaking or the latest scandals.

  “Well, Bethany March passed away just a few weeks ago from cancer. Her granddaughter has been taking care of her for the past three years.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m going there now to help right things.”

  “Indeed you are. Honestly, Jericho, you are going to have to show more responsibility before any woman will take you seriously.”

  He began to nod. They were back to old argument. You’re nearing thirty. It’s time to settle down. He’d been hearing this strain of the chorus from both his mother and his sister for the past two years.

  “To top it all off, I hear that Tatum followed the dog without your knowledge.”

  “Yes, Ma’am, he did. We had a long talk.”

  “I should hope so.”

  “Look Mom, I appreciate your call, but if I’m to be responsible, I need to get home and go to Miss March’s house.”

  “Yes, I suppose you do. Jericho?”

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “Do be kind. Alyssa has been through a lot, putting her education on hold. You make that garden right. No woman likes to have her hard work go to waste. That was her grandmother’s legacy.”

  “Yes ma’am. I will.”

  “See that you do. Don’t forget, Sunday dinner.”

  “No ma’am, I won’t.”

  The phone clicked and the line went dead. He pulled the device from his ear and stared down at it. “How can one phone call turn a man back into a little boy?” With one more shake of his head, Jericho put the phone on the passenger seat and pulled out of the parking spot heading toward his little home on Rosé Avenue.

  Inside, the spartan home, he tossed his bag on the chair at the table and hurried up the stairs to his bedroom. Shucking off his trousers, he grabbed a pair of worn blue jeans and donned a flannel shirt. Back down the stairs and out the door, he hurried to the shed in the carport. Rummaging through the cans on the shelf, he located a pair of worn work gloves. Rake shoved in the trunk, he hurried around the street to the charming bungalow known as the March house.

  He parked his sedan to the curb and exited his car. One arm resting on the hood, he stared at the superb workmanship. The one-story, cottage framed home boasted a huge front porch. He could image a family gathered along its covered way, enjoying the warmth of spring sunshine or the beauty of the fall colors, even catching the first evening breezes sharing stories and memories for the next generation.

  “It’s a shame that way of life is gone.”

  He pushed away from the car and headed back to the gate where he’d first encountered the formidable Ms. March. Finding the gate locked, he glanced over into the backyard.

  Ms. March was already at work, raking the mulch away. She then took great care to move the baskets so she could work more efficiently.

  “Hello,” he called out.

  She paused.

  “I came to help.”

  Ms. March straightened and brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen from her ponytail before walking toward him. Today, she was not wearing a big bulky sweater. Instead, her long sleeve t shirt hugged her generous curves. She offered him a small smile. “I didn’t really think you’d come.”

  To his astonishment, she appeared much younger. His brow rose. “I promised didn’t I? As you can see, I’m a man of my word.”

  A pale blush of pink stained her cheeks. She glanced at the latch then moved to lift it up. “I will do my best to remember that.”

  The latch clicked and she stepped back allowing him to enter.

  Together, they moved toward the back of the yard.

  “I see you’ve gotten started.”

  She gave a shy glance in his direction. “I wanted to see what Molly buried.”

  Again, there was a flash of a shy smile that intrigued Jericho. He wondered if her lips relaxed and were pulled back would her smile be bordered by dimples.“Did you find it?”

  She gave a sharp chuckle. “I did.” Moving to the wheelbarrow parked beside the fountain, she pulled a canvas slip on tennis shoe and held it aloft. “Yours?”

  Jericho blew out a breath. “Yep, I’d just washed them and put them on the steps to finish drying.”

  “Evidently, the dog doesn’t like the smell of your washing detergent.” She held the shoe out to him.

  Jericho took it. “I guess Mountain Spring scent doesn’t make him happy.”

  They shared a laugh.

  “So…” He pulled the gloves from his back pocket. “Where would you like me to start?”

  Alyssa handed him the rake and then explained what she planned to do about leveling the bed. “You don’t mind doing that do you?”

  “No, not at all,” Jericho replied.

  “I’m going to get two of these bags of topsoil opened.” Alyssa stepped to the wheelbarrow.

  Jericho moved to the back of the fountain. Putting the business end of the rake down, he pulled back the layers and did his best to level the uneven ground.

  “You live here alone?” he inquired pausing to mop his brow with his shirtsleeve.

  “My grandmother owned the house,” she explained. “Or at least she did, until she passed away.”

  Jericho remembered what his mother said. “Cancer wasn’t it?”

  She nodded and he caught the flash of tears shimmering in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up unpleasant memories.”

  She wiped her eyes with the back of her hands. “Not your fault. Cancer is an insidious disease. It doesn’t care who it hurts.”

  “No,” he agreed. “It doesn’t.”

  Alyssa leaned on the bag in the wheelbarrow. “We sure got off to a wrong start.”

  “We did.”

  She dampened her lips and held out her hand. “I’m Alyssa March.”

  Jericho pulled his glove from his right hand and reached for hers. “Jericho, Jericho Brown.”

  His fingers closed around hers and suddenly, the earth titled on its axis.

  His hands were strong and warm. As his fingers wrapped around hers the sensual heat swirled up her arm jingling her nerves, as if bringing her to life. The air seemed heavy with the scent of his aftershave. She tried to concentrate on nailing down the aroma. Was it wood spice or more cloves and nutmeg? His thumb pressed against her wrist and she wondered if he could feel the rapid beat of her heart? Alyssa swallowed and loosened her grip.

  “Yes.” She watched as their fingers untangled. The cool b
reeze against her skin was a reminder his hand no longer clasped hers. “We—we need to get this topsoil raked down evenly,” she replied, tugging on the edge of her sweater.

  “Yeah, the topsoil.”

  They studied the ground and out of the corner of her eye, she watched him rub his hands down the side of his jeans.

  “Shovel?”

  “The shed. I’ll get it.” She turned and walked away excited to have a minute to think to herself. His presence seemed to fill the yard. Pulling the door open, she whispered, “Good grief, get a hold of yourself!” Shoving the door back, she entered and looked around. “He’s just a nice guy. No need to get all hormonal. You’re just putting a flowerbed back together,” she grumbled fumbling through a few miss stacked pots to reach the shovel standing against the back wall.

  But he sure is good looking. Alyssa rolled her eyes at the sound of her inner voice speaking. Yet, she had to admit, it was right.

  Standing at the doorway, she peeked around to the side and watched him pull the rake across the ground. “Good looking is an understatement,” she mused. She liked the dark hair and the stubble that graced his chin. It gave him a scruffy look that seemed warm and alluring.

  “Maybe I’ve been out of action for too long.” She watched the flannel shirt pull along his shoulders. Oh, yeah, totally eye candy. She sighed and if she had to put a title to this picture, it would be…My men wear plaid or they wear nothing at all.

  “Yep, definitely out of the loop for too long, one guy and you’re turning into an ogler.” Alyssa straightened her shoulders and took a tighter grip on the shovel handler, then walked forcefully across the yard. “Here you go.” Her voice sounded too bright.

  He flinched and looked up.“Oh, thanks.”He then leaned the rake against the back of the fence and reached for the shovel. “I’ll toss the old out, if you’ll make sure it lies flat like you want it.”

  “Deal.”

  Working together, they soon emptied the contents of the barrow just as the shadows began to lengthen across the yard.

  “I think this is as far as we can get today.”

  Jericho leaned against the shovel and nodded. “I think you’re right. The daylight sure slips away fast.”

  “Yes, that happens in the fall. Look, I do want to thank you. It’s been the greatest help to get this done. I think I can do the rest from here.”

  Jericho shook his head. “What?And let my mother find out I didn’t finish the job. Oh, no. I promised to make it right and I’m gonna stick it out to the very end.”

  “Your mother?”

  He chuckled. “Evidently, your grandmother and my mother played cards together.”

  Alyssa’s mouth grew slack. “Oh yes, the Canasta Club. Lord, Grandmother talked about that. She really missed going.”

  Jericho nodded. “I know my mother loves it. But there’s not a soul safe when they get to matchmaking.”

  Alyssa laughed.

  “So, where do we go from here?” he asked.

  She looked around at the ground. “I plan on going to the Garden Center on Saturday. I want to purchase some new plants. Do…” she hesitated. “…Do you want to meet me there?”

  Jericho placed the shovel in the wheelbarrow before answering, “Why don’t you let me drive you out there. I can borrow my brother-in-law’s truck, so you don’t have to put them in your car.”

  “Oh, I don’t want you to go to any trouble.”

  Her protest fell on death ears. “It’s no trouble.”

  “I guess this is settled then.”

  “I think so.” He grinned at her.

  “You are incorrigible.”

  “My colleagues say it’s more charming.”

  “Get the wheelbarrow.” Alyssa laughed. She walked beside him as they made their way back to the shed.

  “Where does all this go?”

  “Put the shovel and the rake against the back wall. I’ll get these bags.” She bundled the empty bags from the top soil and moved to the trashcan. From the inside of the shed, she could hear Jericho moving around. He was certainly fun to be around. For the first time in months, she was actually looking forward to getting away from the house.

  “What about the wheelbarrow?”

  His voice made her turn. “It stays against the side.” She pointed to the spot beside the cans.

  He rolled it over and flipped it wheels up. “Will that do?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you.” She smiled. “I appreciate you coming.”

  “I’m glad. I actually enjoyed it.”

  They stared at each other for the beat of a heart and she felt the surge of heat rise to her cheeks.

  Jericho lifted his right hand and ran his fingers over his head. “I guess I need to get going.”

  “I can show you to the gate.”

  Together, they walked toward the entrance to the backyard. Pausing, with her hand on the latch, she turned to look at him. “I could fix you dinner?” The words came out of her mouth before she could stop them. Appalled at her boldness, she stared at the ground.

  “Thanks.”

  Her heart skipped a beat as her gaze quickly returned to his face.

  “But I have papers to grade.”

  “Of course.” She pushed the gate open, half of her felt relieved, the other half disappointed that he was leaving. “I forgot you taught school.”

  “Yeah, history at the community college.”

  “That must be nice.”

  “I enjoy it.”

  For a moment, their glances caught and the world seemed to stand still. A honk of a horn jarred them from their stupor.

  “I’ll see you around ten, Saturday,” he said.

  “Yes, Saturday, around ten.” Alyssa watched him walk away.

  At the street, he turned and offered a wave of his hand.

  She lifted hers in return.

  Then, he was gone.

  With the greatest reluctance, she closed the gate. “I must be insane.”

  Chapter 3

  Alyssa parked her car in the municipal parking lot just behind Town Hall on Hunt Street. Reaching over to the passenger side, she grabbed the bundle of thank you notes and exited the vehicle. She shouldered her purse as she made her way to the sidewalk and over to the Post Office. A push on the front door sent a blast of cool air into her face. Even though the heat of summer was beginning to abate, the brush of air reminded her that autumn in Napa would be returning soon.

  Thank heavens, the line today was short. Only three people stood between her and the clerk on duty. In no time at all, she was sliding the bundle across to the clerk’s hands.

  “Good Morning, how can I help you?”

  Alyssa glanced at her name tag. “Hi, Amy, I’d like to send these out in the next post, please. The group with the rubber band is the ones for out of town.”

  “All stamped?”

  “Yes.” Alyssa nodded.

  “Great.” The clerk grinned. “You’d be surprised at the folks who come here so unprepared and stand there to sort in town or out of town.” She lifted the small bundle. “This is a great help.”

  “Glad I could do it,” Alyssa replied.

  The clerk shifted them to the boxes on the shelf beside her in the cubical. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “No, thanks.” With a wave, Alyssa made her way out the door and into the bright October sunshine. She glanced up and down the street noting the different arrangements that were now beginning to occupy store fronts. From whimsical painted pumpkins to stacks of cornstalks, merchants were getting ready for the fall season.

  “Might as well take a stroll,” she mused. “Nothing waiting for me back home.”

  Strolling down the Main drag, Alyssa let her mind relax. For far too long, her thoughts had centered on getting home to her grandmother, making sure meds were taken, and her needs were met. Now, she busied herself with a clean house and keeping the garden straight, but she needed more.

  “Alyssa?”

&nb
sp; Hearing her name called, she turned.

  “Alyssa, hey!”

  From the doorway of the nearest shop, she watched an old friend from high school hurry from the doorway. “Hey, you.”

  Janet Tanner engulfed her into a deep hug. “How are you?”

  Released from the embrace, Alyssa pulled the strap of her pocket book back on her shoulder and gave a soft smile. “I’m fine.”

  Janet held her at arm’s length and studied her intently. “You sure?”

  She nodded. “I am. I just miss her.”

  A sympathetic smile lifted the edges of Janet’s lips. “I bet.” She gave Alyssa’s arms a squeeze. “It must have been hard these past three weeks.”

  “That little house seems so big now.”

  “Well, I know your grandmother was so grateful to have you there with her. Your mom?”

  “Off on another adventure?” Alyssa sighed. “She came for the funeral and had to leave a few days later.”

  “You’re mom always was a go getter.”

  “You could say that.”Alyssa sighed.

  “So, what brings you to town? Business?”

  “No. I just went to the Post Office.”

  “So, you’ve got some time?”

  “Sure.”

  “How about we catch up? Come on, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.”

  Alyssa didn’t have a chance to say no as Janet linked her arm into hers and together, they crossed the street heading toward Taster’s Refresher’s. Entering the shop, they made their way to a booth where they could gain a bit of privacy.

  “So…” Janet tossed her purse onto the empty seat and scooted in. “How are you really doing?”

  Alyssa settled into the seat across from her. “As I said, I’m doing well. I just…” She gave a shrug.

  “Just what?” Janet asked, taking a menu from the back of the table and handing it to Alyssa before grabbing one for herself.

  “It’s just the silence. Who knew it could be deafening.”

  “I bet.”

  They both took time to glance at the menu.

  Alyssa glanced at the choices and decided on something a bit healthy. A deep voice at her elbow caused her to glance up.

  “Can I help you ladies?”