Where Two Hearts Meet (4 page)

“I’m sorry, Mr. Lawrence is out of the office this morning. May I take a message?”

“Yes. Mr. Lawrence showed me some designs last Tuesday, but our meeting was interrupted. I’ve been expecting him to call so we could set up another meeting.”

“I’m sure he meant to get back to you, but he’s been sick for a few days.”

Her heart jerked. “I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“I really couldn’t say, but if you’d like to leave your name and number, I’ll let him know you called.”

Allison left the information and hung up the phone. She glanced out the teashop’s front windows. Gray storm clouds gathered, and wind whistled in the eaves. Where was the promise of spring? She shivered and rubbed her arms.

Over the past week her financial troubles had become increasingly clear. The anonymous check had been a wonderful gift that carried them through early March, but unless she could bring in more customers soon, her business was doomed.

She closed her eyes.
Father, I can’t live off my savings forever, and You know how much Tessa and Matt need the extra income. We have to start making a profit. I need Tyler's help for that, but I’m afraid I've botched things with him, and now he's sick.

Little vines of worry wrapped around her heart as she considered the possibilities. How sick was he? Had he seen a doctor? Was anyone checking on him?

Chapter Four

Allison slipped the heavy basket over her arm and rang Tyler’s doorbell. Her heartbeat surged in her ears as she strained to hear any sounds inside his apartment.

Nothing. She bit her lip and rang again. This plan had to work. Her only hope was to make amends with Tyler and convince him to follow through on his offer to do free promotional work for Sweet Something.

Finally, she heard a soft shuffle and the door swung open. Tyler looked out at her through red-rimmed, watery eyes. His baggy gray sweatpants and a wrinkled navy blue T-shirt made it look as though he had just crawled out of bed. He blinked at her. “Allie, what are you doing here?”

Heat rose in her cheeks, and she forced a smile. “I called your office, and they told me you were sick, so I thought I’d bring you some lunch.”

“Wow, that’s nice. Would you like to come in?” He stepped back and glanced over his shoulder. “Sorry, things are kind of a mess.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I can tell you’ve been sick.”

He ran a hand over his bristly chin and sent her a sheepish grin. “I probably look worse than my apartment.”

He looked adorable, but she quickly squelched that thought. “You look like a guy who needs to sit down and put his feet up.” She pointed toward the dark brown leather couch. “Go on.” Tyler obediently headed for the couch. He tossed his pillow to one end and straightened the blanket and sheet before he sat down. “So what’s in the basket?”

She set it on the coffee table next to a worn, brown leather Bible. That surprised her. Of course she knew Tyler had prayed and asked Christ into his heart when he was twenty-one. She’d been with him that night. But everything she’d heard about him since he’d left Princeton made her doubt his sincerity. If he was serious about his faith, how could he have been arrested for drinking and driving? And worse yet, how could he have a reputation for being involved in a string of broken relationships? Her stomach clenched at that thought.

Focusing on her basket, she folded back the blue tea towel. “I brought you some homemade chicken-noodle soup, blueberry muffins, applesauce, bottled water, tissues, and some cold and flu medication.” She felt a little embarrassed by the overflowing collection she’d put together for him. But she needed him to get well as soon as possible.

He sent her an appreciative smile. “I haven’t been able to eat much for a few days, but soup sounds great.”

“Good. Why don’t I warm some up for you?”

He glanced toward the kitchen. “I haven’t cleaned up in there for a couple days.”

“It’s okay. You lie down and rest, and I’ll be back with some hot soup in a couple minutes.”

“Okay, thanks.”

She picked up the basket and headed for the adjoining kitchen. Her steps slowed as she scanned the room. Dirty dishes and sticky pots and pans cluttered the counter and sink. Newspapers lay scattered on the small kitchen table, as well as a stack of unopened mail, two empty coffee cups, and a take-out bag from Mrs. Chow’s Chinese Restaurant.

She looked for a microwave, but didn’t see one. So she checked the cabinet and found a pan, poured in the soup, and turned on the burner. She decided to rinse the dishes and load the dishwasher while she waited for the soup to warm. Glancing at the windowsill, she noticed a stack of 3 x 5 cards. Leaning closer, she saw a Bible reference written on the top card in Tyler’s neat, all-cap handwriting. Surprise rippled through her.

“Are you finding everything you need?” Tyler called.

Allison jumped. “Yes, no problem.”

“Sounds like more is happening in there than warming up the soup.”

“I’m just loading the dishwasher.” She leaned forward again and read the card. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22.

The power of those words warmed her heart. With damp fingers, she reached up and flipped to the next card. “You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence—”

“Allie, you don’t have to wash dishes for me.” Tyler’s gentle rebuke startled her.

She glanced over her shoulder and saw him standing in the kitchen doorway. Plunging her hands in the soapy water, she began vigorously scrubbing a small frying pan. “I don’t mind. Might as well make myself useful.”

Tyler leaned against the doorjamb, his hands in his pockets. A small smile lifted the comers of his mouth. “Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m not usually such a slob, but the last few days I’ve really been wiped out.”

She blew out a deep breath. My, oh my,
slob
was
not
the word that came to mind when she looked at him. She silently chided herself and focused on the pan in her hands. What was the matter with her? She couldn’t deny her attraction to Tyler, but starting something with him would be foolish. She’d made the mistake of following her feelings and trusting him before, and she didn’t intend to get hurt like that again. Just because he memorized a few Bible verses, that didn’t mean he had truly changed, did it?

“I think the soup is boiling.” He pointed toward the stove. “Oh, right.” She dropped the pan back in the dishwater and dried her hands on a towel.

Tyler suggested they sit at the kitchen table. He gathered up the newspapers and tossed them in a box by the back door. Allison placed his steamy bowl of soup on the table.

“Looks like there’s plenty,” he said. “Would you like some?”

“No, that’s okay. I need to get back to the shop soon.”

“Can you sit down for a few minutes?” He looked reluctant to eat without her, so she pulled out a chair and sat down.

He extended his hand across the table toward her. “Would you pray with me?”

Stunned, she slowly nodded and took his hand. His grasp was warm and strong.

“Father, thanks for answering my prayers for strength and healing.” Tyler’s voice took on a gentle tone. “And thanks for sending Allie here today to encourage me and bring me this meal. I’m grateful. You’ve poured out Your grace and love in my life, and I pray You’ll give me a chance to do that for Allie. Please help us spread the word about Sweet Something, and we ask You to bless and increase her business.”

Warmth and sweetness wrapped around her heart. She’d never expected Tyler to pray for her. Relief washed over her as she listened to the rest of his prayer. He certainly didn’t sound upset with her. He probably didn’t care that she’d cut their meeting short or that she’d gone out with Peter. Why had she even worried about that?

“Amen.” Tyler squeezed her hand.

She squeezed back and opened her eyes.

He grinned. “This soup is making my mouth water.”

She laughed softly and enjoyed watching his expression as he savored the first spoonful.

“This is delicious. Did you make it?”

“It’s Tessa’s recipe, but I put it together this time.” She got up, intending to finish the dishes.

“Where are you going?” He reached out and stopped her.

She felt a tremor at his touch. “I thought I’d finish cleaning up while you eat.”

She hoped scrubbing pots and pans would take her focus off Tyler. Because sitting across from him in this cozy little kitchen was making it very hard for her to keep her mind on the reason for her visit.

They carried on an easy conversation as she finished the dishes, wiped the counters, and put the extra soup in the refrigerator. His gaze followed her as she moved around the room. Was he comparing the way she looked now to their college days? She groaned inwardly at that thought. She might have more style and confidence now, but she was also a little heavier.

After Tyler finished his soup, he stood up and stretched. The muscles of his broad chest expanded and filled out his wrinkly T-shirt. He certainly didn’t carry any extra weight in the wrong places. She pulled her gaze away and searched for somewhere else to focus her attention. The photos on the refrigerator caught her eye, and she stepped closer.

“That’s my niece, Emma. She’s four. She always begs me to give her airplane rides or read her a story.” Smiling, he pointed to the other photo. “And that’s her little brother, Thomas. He’s nine months and just learning how to pull himself up. He’s big for his age, and he’s got a killer grip. I bet he’ll play football some day.” He chuckled. “Sorry, don’t get me started talking about them.”

Allison smiled, touched by his description. “They’re cute.”

Tyler’s eyes glowed. “Yeah, I can’t get enough of that little Emma. She’s a real heartbreaker. Hope I have one just like her some day.”

Allison stared at the photo. Had she heard him correctly? When they were dating, he’d said he never wanted children. It had been a nagging difference between them that had never been resolved. What had changed his mind? She told herself it didn’t matter and shifted her thoughts to her reason for coming.

She turned to him. “I’m sorry about cutting our meeting short the other night. I totally forgot Peter was coming over.”

His smile melted away. “Have you known him long?”

“A little over a year.”

Tyler nodded. “He owns that antique shop next to Sweet Something, right?”

“It’s an interior design company, but he does carry a lot of antiques. His father started the business. He passed it on to Peter a few years ago.”

“Old Princeton money.” Tyler crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter, looking grim.

She smiled, hoping to lighten the moment. “Yes, and he likes everyone to know it.”

Tyler’s expression remained serious. “Is he a believer?”

Suddenly the room seemed too warm to Allie. “He attends Harvest Chapel with me.”

Tyler studied her a moment, unspoken questions reflected in his eyes. “I haven’t seen you at Harvest except for Christmas Eve a year ago.”

“Oh . . . well, I usually go to second service.” A little cloud of guilt settled over her as she spoke. That wasn’t completely true. Since she’d opened her teashop, she only attended church one or two times a month.

“So, are you and Peter serious?”

Allison’s stomach fluttered. “Well, we’re dating . . . and we—”

Tyler held up his hand to stop her. “Sorry, that’s none of my business.”

Now she felt awful. “No, it’s okay. I don’t mind your asking. If you were dating someone, I’d probably ask you the same question.” She chewed her lip a moment. “You’re not dating anyone, are you?”

Tyler’s gaze held steady. “No, I’m not.”

Relief washed over her, then embarrassment. “Well . . . I’m sure there’s someone very special out there for you.”

Tyler nodded, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “I’m praying for her.”

Confusion swirled through her. What did he mean? Was he talking about her? But she’d just told him she was dating Peter. She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea about them, but if he knew how uncertain she felt about Peter, it might encourage him to pursue her again, and that would be—

“I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you about the designs for your teashop. I still want to do that work for you.”

“Oh, that would be great!” Relief washed over her. “I love that rose and teacup design.”

His smile returned. “Good. I’ll start working on it today.”

“But you’re sick. You need to rest.”

“It’s okay. I have my computer with my design programs here at home.”

“If you’re sure it wouldn’t be too much trouble.” She glanced at her watch and took the empty basket from the counter. “I better go. I don’t want to leave Tessa shorthanded for too long.” She walked into the living room and picked up her jacket.

Tyler followed and helped her slip it on. “Thanks for coming.”

She turned back toward him, suddenly wishing she didn’t have to leave, or that she could do something else for him. “Would you like to borrow some DVDs? I could bring them by after work tonight.”

“Thanks, I appreciate the offer, but I don’t have a DVD player or a TV.”

She glanced around the living room. His apartment was nicely furnished with a leather couch and chairs, full bookshelves, a computer desk in the corner, and original art on the walls. Money didn’t seem to be a problem.

He grinned. “I know, that sounds weird, doesn’t it?”

“I have a small TV at home you could borrow.”

“Thanks, but I don’t really want one.”

She lifted her brows. “How come?”

“I used to complain my life was too busy, so one of my friends challenged me to get rid of it for six months. It was hard at first.” He chuckled. “Guess I was addicted. But I like it now. And I have more time for important things like studying my Bible and reading.”

“Oh.” Allie didn’t know what else to say.

“I’ve started running and playing racquetball again,” he added. “And I’ve set aside a couple evenings a week to spend time with my mom and my brother Jeff and his family. My dad’s remarried and lives down in Florida now, so I try to keep in touch with him by phone.”

She stared at him. How could that be true? During the last few months of their relationship, Tyler’s parents had finalized a messy divorce. Tyler blamed his father for his unfaithfulness, but he also scorned his mother for her vengeful response. Then he cut himself off from his family, and a few weeks later he’d left her, as well. She could understand the pain and disappointment he felt toward his parents, but why had he turned his back on her when she truly loved him and had tried to be there for him through the whole ordeal? Now he spoke to both his parents each week?

“Thanks for coming by. I’ll call you when I have those designs ready.”

“Okay.” She walked out the door, feeling more confused than she’d been before their visit.