Lights and Shadows (Oregon In Love) (4 page)

Sara obediently tried each item on, surprised to find
that she liked most everything Julia brought her. She noted with
amusement there wasn’t a big bow or sailor motif in the whole
bunch. When she came out of the fitting room wearing a pewter velvet
empire-waist dress, she found her sister-in-law and the sales lady
with their heads together. They wore sober expressions, as if
discussing something important—like world peace. Sara stifled an
impulse to laugh out loud.

Her smile faded a bit when she thought of their
non-conversation. Sara only had sketchy details of Julia's past, and
obviously her sister-in-law wasn't the confiding type. Still, how
could the woman not be bowled over by Marc Dorin? She'd been so sure
they'd hit it off. Their temperaments, personality...everything had
promised to be such a perfect fit. Sara frowned to herself. Not that
she was some expert in matchmaking. Brian had dragged her kicking and
screaming into a relationship. Maybe his sister and Marc just needed
a little time.
Too bad I'm the impatient type
.

Julia looked up and spotted her. “Sara, it’s
perfect.” She then shooed her back in the fitting room, close
behind with another armload of garments.

“
How is it you pick out such great stuff?”

“
That’s simple,” said Julia. “You’re a
winter.”

Sara blinked. “I’m a wha—?”

“
I’ve also taken into consideration your style,
circumstances, ease of wear, you know, that kind of thing.”

“
You lost me on the winter part.”

“
Your season, silly. Now, I saw a blouse that would be
perfect for your coloring. I’ll be right back.”

Sara wasn’t sure she understood, but with a shrug at
her reflection, she decided to leave the shopping to the expert.

***

Julia's shoulders sagged. She made a concerted effort to
sit up straight. If three hours of shopping had done her in, the
drive home threatened to finish her off. 

She was thankful pregnancy slowed Sara down. Julia had
been grateful for the relaxed pace of their trip, otherwise she might
have not been able to keep up at all.

Mentally, she felt a nice buzz from their trip. There
was nothing like ferreting out quality items for bargain prices.
She’d honed her talent in some of the biggest and best clothing
stores the West Coast had to offer. Along with a successful shopping
binge, she was also aware of how wonderful it felt to have a
purpose—even if just a temporary one.

When she’d come to Oregon to spend a couple of months
with her brother and his wife, she’d hoped the time would be a
solution to her recent feelings of weariness and dissatisfaction.
But so far every day she awoke unsure of what to do with herself
while wondering how she could muster the energy to accomplish
anything at all. If shopping couldn't cure her, maybe she was without
hope. She stifled a deep sigh, knowing Sara would become concerned
for her.

Julia reminded herself to be thankful for the
opportunity to spend time with her sister-in-law. How long she stayed
after the birth of the baby, she didn’t know yet. Would she feel
like a third wheel when baby made three? She’d probably only stay
long enough to ensure Sara was rested and recovered from the
delivery.

While Julia drove, she wondered if perhaps part of her
problem was that she was at loose ends right now. She didn’t really
belong anywhere or with anyone. She knew she could be replaced at her
job with the consulting firm in California. Several up and coming
employees would love to take her place.

Here in Buell Creek, her brother and Sara had their own
life, and she didn’t want to be underfoot. Her thoughts drifted to
Marc Dorin. If she were a different kind of woman, she might
encourage a mild flirtation with someone like him, at least to
relieve the boredom. But that wasn’t her style.

Julia had to admit Marc’s runner’s physique and
striking eyes were very tempting. A smile tugged at the corners of
her lips when she thought of their unusual introduction with his
lipstick-smeared face. In the short time she'd been in his company,
she sensed they were of a like mind when it came to the opposite
sex—cautious and wary. And with maybe a little extra baggage to
boot.

She pulled into the drive of the B
& B, brushing a lock of wind-blown hair from her face. Sara's
chatter faded into the background as she fought down a rising feeling
of panic. 
What
on earth am I going to do with myself for the next several weeks?

***

Sara snuggled against her husband with her head on his
chest. They sat together on the couch in what used to be her bedroom.
Now it was in their private quarters, added onto the B & B, and
included a master bedroom and bath, a sitting room, and nursery. The
extra space afforded them some privacy when they had a house full of
guests.

At first Sara had thought the addition extravagant and
unnecessary, but often guests lingered in the living room, making it
difficult for her to relax in her own home when she needed a break.
With a rueful smile, she decided the room most heavily used—due to
bouts of morning sickness and her pea-sized bladder—was the
remodeled bathroom.

Her baby suddenly jabbed her in the ribs. “He’s
moving!” Sara put her husband’s hand over her
belly until he felt a couple of thumps.

Brian kissed her. Sara twisted her head away.
“Sweetheart, I want to ask you something.”

He grinned. “Why do I get the feeling my plans
for a romantic evening are going up in smoke?”

Sara tickled him on his ribs. “Talking is romantic.”

Brian snorted, but when he caught the fulminating
expression she sent him, he cleared his throat. “Of course,
you’re right dear. Talking is terribly romantic.”

Sara arched her brow and smiled. “Julia and I
went shopping today.”

Brian gave a dramatic groan.

“
Very funny. Anyway, the subject of Julia’s marriage
came up.”

“
And I’ll just bet I know who brought it up.”

“
Hush and listen. Now, you told me she’d been
married before and that her husband died, but I’ve noticed you’ve
been reticent on the details.”

Brian rubbed his face and frowned. “Julia doesn’t
like me or anyone else talking about it, you know.”

Sara tapped his chest. “I’m your wife!”

He sighed. “I have a feeling I better tell you so
you don’t try to find out from Julia herself. That wouldn’t go
over too well with her.”

“
I’m not trying to pry, but I do want to know so I
can help.”

“
Trust me, Julia is probably the last person who needs
help.”

“
Brian!”

“
Okay, but this is between you and me, all right?”

Sara nodded.

“
Well, um, she got married a month after graduating
from high school.”

“
Whoa.”

“
Yeah. And she had dreams of a home, bunch of kids,
white picket fence, the whole nine yards. Unfortunately, the guy she
fell madly in love with had severe problems.”

“
I remember you once said he was a drug addict. What
made them decide to get married?”

“
They were both brand new Christians and while his
faith was kind of shaky, Julia was sure God and her love for Kevin
would be more than enough to solve all their problems. And for a
while before the wedding, he really tried to stay clean. But
after...” Brian shook his head.

“
What happened?” Sara prompted.

“
Right after the ceremony, he disappeared. Poor Julia.
During the reception, I thought her face would crack from all the
smiles she gave to downplay the situation. The next day, she got a
call from his parents. He was found dead in his apartment from an
overdose.”

Sara felt the blood drain from her face. “How
horrible
.”

“
Obviously Julia took it hard. We all did. But what
worried me was that she blamed herself for not doing enough, for not
loving him enough.”

Sara couldn’t speak for several minutes. Her heart
ached for her sister-in-law. In the short time of her visit, she
seemed so poised, so together. Sara couldn’t help but wonder if
Julia was an incredibly strong person, or if she had amazing acting
abilities. She suspected it was a bit of both. “And there’s never
been anyone else?”

“
As far as I know, no.”

“
Do...do you think she’ll ever marry again?”

Brian shrugged. “I doubt it. She’s married to her
career and seems happy enough.”

Sara refrained from disagreeing with her husband. Men
could be oblivious to such things. This new knowledge explained
Julia’s earlier reaction when she’d brought up the subject of
Marc. It made her feel awful for pushing the issue. Still, with
all the fervor of the happily married, she felt certain the right man
would be just the thing for her sister-in-law.

The least she could do was pray.

Chapter Four

After making Sara breakfast the following morning, Julia
asked her for the directions to Portland. It was the largest city in
the state and within reasonable driving distance. She
had
to
get away. There were only so many beds to make, so many dishes to
unload from the dishwasher, only so many ways to help Sara with the
running of the B & B. Conversely, each task only served to weary
her more.

Her time was usually consumed with her job. Every minute
her mind had to concentrate on the task at hand. In the evenings
after late hours at work, exhaustion made her fall into bed and not
wake up until the next day. That was the way she liked it. It gave
her a sense of security and control. Although life in Buell Creek was
quiet and restful, Julia craved a change of pace. Preferably a fast
one.

This day is going to be different, do or die
.

Sara handed her the keys. “Be sure to visit Pioneer
Courthouse Square. It's a landmark. And if you want coffee, there's a
great shop on the west corner you should check out.”

“
Thanks, Sara. Is there anything I can get for you
while I'm out?”

The brunette smiled mysteriously. “No, no. Have fun
and just be open to new...experiences.”

Julia raised a brow at the strange tone. “Um, okaaay.
Sure thing.” She sent her a wave as she went out the back door.

It was a gorgeous summer day and she’d dressed
accordingly in a petal pink, sand-washed silk dress. Gravel crunched
under her strappy sandals as she walked to the Mustang. Firing up the
engine, Julia donned a pair of Fendi sunglasses, careful not to muss
her hair which was swept up into a smooth French twist. The breeze
tugged at the locks left to dangle about her face.

Once on the open road, she felt some of the tension
leave her body. Having a purpose made her feel almost euphoric. Her
plan was to drive to downtown Portland and just explore. Maybe she'd
find the cutest little boutique. Maybe she'd find something for the
baby. Either way, she had a goal without the pressure, and she
planned to enjoy herself.

Compared to San Diego standards, traffic was
ridiculously light on the freeway and the drive passed by in a blur.
By following the signs, Julia easily made her way to the city’s
downtown area and found a parking garage near Pioneer Courthouse
Square.
Perfect
. After parking, she ventured into the Square,
which was filled with people basking in the warm sunshine. Some sat
along the steps visiting with each other while others perched near a
sculptured waterfall. A live band played cool jazz tunes. Julia
lingered long enough to hear several familiar songs.

She strolled along the brick walkway, smelling the
flowers for sale along the perimeter. On all sides, the Square was
surrounded by buildings, some old, others more contemporary. Julia
stopped in front of a dark bronze statue of a man holding an umbrella
and smiled. Sara had warned her to bring along a coat and umbrella,
saying Oregon weather could be temperamental. Gazing at the thin blue
sky, Julia was glad she wasn't encumbered with accessories so
obviously unnecessary. Besides, she needed her hands free to fill
with shopping bags.

Meandering along the sidewalks, Julia stopped to peek in
little shops, pausing from time to time to people-watch. She explored
the flora of abundant park areas, allowing the vibrant feel of city
life to invade her bones and impart some of its energy. After a few
hours of sightseeing, Julia felt the need to boost her flagging
energy. Spotting
java
in neon letters near the Square, she
made a beeline for the shop.

Marc stretched and yawned. He rubbed his eyes, which
ached after hours of staring into a computer screen. Rolling his head
to stretch his neck, he caught a glimpse of blue through the
mini-blinds at the windows. Distracted, he got up to peek outside.
The startling brightness of the sky made him wince. Marc remembered
hearing a forecast for rain. Unable to resist the siren call of
unexpected sunshine, he decided to take a much-needed coffee break.

A few minutes later, he pushed open the door of the
coffee shop down the street from his apartment. After ordering his
usual Macchiato espresso, he looked along the brick walls at the
watercolor paintings by the featured artist of the month. Several
months ago, his work had been featured here, and he’d sold many
photographic prints as a result.