Finding Her Home

“You’re right about that, but I can get something to eat when I run errands.” He started the truck and backed out, then gave her a choice of right or left when he reached the exit of the parking garage.

Tori pointed to the right.

“I’m very curious just what kind of guy you think I am.”

“Haven’t met a rancher yet who would turn down any sort of beef. Besides, that fruit and yogurt just didn’t look right on you. Turn left at the next light.”

He laughed. “You don’t say. So what would a man use to figure out what sort of woman you are?” He stopped at the red arrow and turned to her. One corner of his mouth lifted in a smile.

Before she could answer, the light changed and she had to give the final directions to her condo.

He pulled into the driveway and opened his door, then reached across the seat and took her briefcase. “Come out this side so the sprinkler doesn’t soak you to the skin.” Steve offered a hand as she slid across the seat and helped her maintain her balance on the way down to the ground.

“So, what’ll it be, Tori? Give me a chance to figure out what sort of woman you are.”

Tori felt herself blush. She hurried to put the key in the lock and stepped into the cool living room.

Was he flirting with her? Tori felt an odd sense of regret. One, that it had been so long since she’d had a man in her life that she had to stop and assess their conversation to answer her own question. And two, that she hadn’t even realized until just now exactly how long it had been since she’d been out on a date.

Whatever the case, she shrugged, unable to even think of one answer to his question. “If I’m going to wash our clothes, we’re going to have to take them off first.”

Chapter Two

“I don’t believe I just said that!” Tori’s neatly manicured hand covered her face as she blushed a deeper shade of pink. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

Steve laughed. “That tells a lot about what kind of woman you are. It’s quite revealing.” He took the hospital scrubs from her clutches. Her thin face and high cheekbones glowed pink clear down to the V of her polo shirt. “And you thought you needed to eat. Looks like all you needed was someone to get your heart pounding again.”

Long, delicate fingers inched down her cheeks and those onyx eyes looked up at him. He could drown in her gaze.

Wished he could, anyway. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist giving you a bad time. Which way to the bathroom?”

“First door on the right. I think you’ll find everything you need. Towels and washcloths are in the cabinet. Help yourself. I’ll order pizza and salad, if that’s okay. I think it will arrive the quickest of anything. What kind do you like?”

“Deep-dish, supreme, everything but the kitchen sink.”

Tori grabbed half of a toasted bagel, which lay on a paper towel on the ceramic tile table near the door, and held it up. “See this—I had breakfast made.” She spread a little peanut butter on it, then took a small bite and reached for the phone, her pointer finger scanning a list nearby. “Drinks?” Tori punched in the numbers, said yes into the receiver and waited.

“Not when I’m driving.”

She tipped her head and gave him a stern look that he was certain had been perfected at school.

“Whatever cola they offer is fine. Do you need help getting up the stairs?” He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so young, so intrigued by a perfect stranger.

Now she was laughing, too. “Positive.”

His heart stopped and she recited her name into the phone, as if none of this mattered to her at all. It probably didn’t, he realized.

Even though they were both educators, it didn’t mean they shared the same interests outside of the classroom. He glanced around the room again, hoping he’d find some clue that they had something else in common. The room wasn’t simply neat, it was immaculate. One strike against him. It was more than he could manage to keep up with laundry. The furniture looked as if she’d just taken the plastic wrap off yesterday. There were no dishes in the drainer. None in the sink. Did she really live here?

Steve’s gaze roamed to Tori, suddenly aware that she was ordering their lunch. She looked to be at least a decade his junior. Surely such an intelligent and beautiful woman had the pick of the crop when it came to men.

Her cell phone rang, and she reached into her briefcase for it while completing her phone call with the pizza parlor.

Their age difference was like a thorn in his side, reminding him that he was no youngster. He had commitments, and his children’s needs were his first priority. He let himself dream, just for a minute, that there could be something between them. Lately it seemed like all the available women were fresh out of high school or looking for someone to take responsibility for her and a few kids. Just because his hair was graying didn’t mean he was over the hill. Close, but not quite. He disappeared before the thorn began to fester.

From down the hall he heard her voice and paused. Was she talking to him? “Sorry to bother you at work, Chase. How’re you today?”

He shook his head. Steve knew better than to think she had no ties. He closed the door a bit, unable to tune out her wonderful, low voice. “I’m sorry. I need to cancel dinner.”

There was a pause, then “I know it’s been months since we’ve met, but Abuela Sandoval had a stroke….” She paused, as if Chase had interrupted her. “Oh, sorry. Abuela is Spanish for grandma.”

Steve closed the door and stripped off his clothes. It had been a long morning, till he’d met her. And in little more than an hour, this would all be a memory. A very nice memory. Surely she visited her grandparents. Maybe he could casually suggest they get together next time she came to Segundo. Casual? Right. Thus far, you’ve been about as subtle as the 4:00 a.m. coal train rumbling through the valley.

After cleaning himself up, he waited in the living room, admiring her decorating taste, even if it was a bit too perfect. Southwest decor had been the rage a few years back. His wife had tried it, but Southwest just didn’t fit in their Baltimore suburb home. Here, the subdued colors were natural, blending well with the arched doorways and plastered walls. Out the living room window Tori had a view of the Rocky Mountains—Cheyenne Mountain, to be exact. Off the dining room, a view of desolate and flat plains.

Delicate footsteps sneaked up behind him. “The laundry room is downstairs, Dr. Remington.” She pinched the shoulder of the green cotton fabric and tugged lightly. “Scrubs don’t flatter many people, but on you the look fits.”

“Very funny.” He followed her with his bundle of laundry. She wouldn’t be teasing him if she knew the drastic measures he had taken to avoid following in his father’s medical footsteps.

Tori started the washer, added detergent and stain lifter, then sprayed her clothing and handed the bottle to him.

Steve sprayed a meager amount of treatment then shoved them in the washer and closed the lid. “Is this anything like meeting at the Laundromat over mismatched socks?”

She laughed. “We’re a little old for stale excuses for meeting someone, aren’t we?”

“Personally, I’m too old to be playing the field at all. But since you asked…your technique could use some work,” he teased.

“It might have helped if you hadn’t been standing in the doorway.” Her tone was different than when she’d broken her date with Chase.

Velvetier.

She stepped away and smiled.

He stared back in amused silence, wondering if they were really flirting. It had been, what, fifteen years since he’d flirted with anyone. The few arranged dinner dates he’d had recently had been about as personable as having dental work done.

Tori broke away from his gaze. “I need to call the school. It’s such a crazy time of year.” She lifted the phone that was now clipped to her slim waist and apologized yet again.

“I understand.” He followed her up the stairs.

Her conversation was short and to the point, reminding the secretary of another project deadline looming.

The doorbell rang a few minutes after they’d settled into the overstuffed furniture. “I’ll take care of this,” he said as she pulled a twenty from her purse.

“This is my treat.” She handed him the money, walked into the kitchen and pulled plates from the cabinet. From the refrigerator she pulled an overwhelming selection of salad dressings while he paid and carried the pizza to the table.

“So, how do you like Colorado?”

“What’s not to like? It was an adjustment from Maryland at first, but it was just what we needed. After my wife passed away, I needed to slow down and take time to bond with my kids.”

“I’m so sorry. How did you end up in Coal Valley?”

“My uncle said he needed help keeping up with the work on the ranch, which turned out to be an excuse to give the kids and I a place to escape from wellmeaning grandparents. It’s been a good move overall.”

“Oh, you’re Bill Remington’s nephew. It just dawned on me. So you’re Brody’s cousin….”

She sounded as if that changed everything. She looked much younger than Brody, but maybe…“Did you go to school with him?”

Tori had just taken a bite of pizza, so simply nodded. When she finished her bite, she didn’t expand on her answer. Had there been something between them?

“That’s convenient. Brody’s on the school board, and you’re teaching there.”

A string of cheese snapped, plastering itself to his chin. Tori smiled as he twirled the end around his finger and put it into his mouth. He swiped the oil spot with the back of his hand a second before she produced a napkin.

“It has its good and bad points. I always wanted to teach, but my parents somehow convinced me that I could never support a wife and family on a teacher’s income.”

“There is some truth to that. Most teachers’spouses are forced to work in today’s economy, but it’s come a long way in the past few years. Still, if one is looking for country-club status on a teacher’s salary, they’re bound for disappointment.”

“I grew up in the country club and couldn’t run far enough away from that life. So far in fact, that I joined the army, got my college degree and didn’t retire until two years ago.”

“The army?”

“Corps of Engineers.”

“So you’re teaching with an emergency license.”

Did he hear a disapproving edge in her words? He nodded. “When the upper-level math teacher quit mid-year, Brody suggested I give it a shot. I subbed last spring, passed the state licensing test and enjoyed education so much I decided to get my principal’s license. I hope to finish next spring with my master’s in Ed Leadership. Figure I can help more kids that way.”

“I’m impressed.” They discussed teaching until the bong of Grandfather’s hand-crafted mantel clock reminded her that she needed to get back to the hospital.

“Excuse me while I put your clothes in the dryer.” She wasn’t more than a minute, yet he missed their conversation.

When she returned, the subject progressed to her upcoming challenge to convince her grandparents it was time to move closer so she could help. “With my parents out of the country, my nearest aunt and uncle in California, my brother and his family in eastern Texas, that leaves me with the majority of the caregiving responsibility. Abuelo is stubborn as a mule. I just can’t see him willingly leaving his house.”

“Surely there’s a home health-care network in the area.”

“I’ll look into it, but I’d feel a lot better if they would move here. With my job, I just don’t have much time available to run back and forth. And their house isn’t set up well for handicapped living.”

Steve smiled, mostly to himself. Jose had mentioned his determination to stay in their home, but he wouldn’t tell her that. She already knew the battle ahead of her. “As I’m sure you’re aware, the Segundo school district is struggling. I’m sure they would love to have—”

She held up her hand. “I’m not moving back to Segundo. It’s out of the question.”

He took a long swig of soda, hoping to cool his temper before he spoke. “Sometimes we have to look beyond what we want to what’s best for those involved.”

Tori looked at him, astonished. “How old are your kids?”

Steve felt pride just thinking of his daring duo. “Six and ten. Kyle and Kelsey. I take it you didn’t like growing up there?”

“I didn’t say that.” She shook her head and looked at her salad.

“I believe it was your tone of voice.” He took a bite, waiting for her to say what she was really thinking. “So what is it? Why won’t you consider moving back if you’re the only one who could help your grandparents?”

“Making decisions for your children is your responsibility, Steve. How can you compare that to…?” She stood and started clearing the dishes.

“Compare to what?”

She turned her head and stared at him. “Caring for grandparents is different than caring for your own children. There’s so little for my grandparents to do in Segundo. Colorado Springs has better health care, wonderful retirement living facilities and so much more to offer them. I’ve tried to get them to move, but they won’t.”

He joined her in the kitchen. “It sounds like your grandfather isn’t the only stubborn one in the family.”

“I came by it honestly. I have very good reasons for needing them to come here.”

“I’m sure you do.”

She placed a hand on her hip. “My career can’t just be ignored. And let’s just say that my education philosophies don’t mesh with Superintendent Waterman’s.”

“You might be surprised. I think things are on the verge of some big changes in Segundo.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“What changes would you make, theoretically?”

“I don’t live there, so I should stay out of it.”

“I asked your opinion. I have a feeling you know something I should know. I’d like to hear your take on the situation.”

“Everyone in the valley should be concerned. Parents more than anyone. Teachers need to try more innovative teaching methods. With certain staff still at the school, I know change is an uphill battle. But this isn’t about what’s easy, it’s about what’s best for the kids. Surely as a teacher, you’re aware of the problems that the schools are facing with test scores.”

“I am.” Steve leaned a hip against the countertop, mesmerized by her dramatic outpouring. “That’s why I agreed to fill the part-time opening. I’d like to be part of the solution.”

Her passion to help the students succeed bubbled from deep within her and he admired her determination to do what was best for the kids. Why, then, couldn’t she be more objective with her grandparents? A smile crept across his lips.

Tori looked at him accusingly. “What?”

He snapped to attention, erasing the smile as if he’d been a guilty kid caught in the middle of a lie. “I’m just listening. I couldn’t agree more. The teachers started working with a literacy coach this summer.”

“That’s a good start.” She turned to the dishwater then pulled out a cloth and started wiping the counters.

She seemed skeptical that Coal Valley Secondary School could meet state standards without major changes. If they couldn’t, rumors were that the state would take over and start with an all-new staff.

The thought of the state running the school sent chills up his spine. Maybe he was in way over his head, thinking he could make a difference. After his administrative internship he hoped to find a principal position. If nothing came of that plan though, he would be content to be in the classroom, working with kids full-time. He would do anything to prove to his father that his dreams hadn’t been in vain. Listening to Tori renewed his determination.

“I’d like to hear more of your ideas. Since I’m new to education, I have a lot to learn. Maybe we could have lunch sometime.”

“I have no idea what my schedule will be like from here on out, but I love talking about education—too much, in some people’s opinion.” She stared at him. “I hope your year goes well. There’s always work for an enthusiastic teacher.” Tori slipped the pizza into a plastic bag and offered it to him. At the same time she called the hospital.

While she talked, Steve went downstairs to check on his clothes. They were almost dry, which would do him just fine. She needed to get back to the hospital.

A few minutes later Tori joined him in the basement.

“How are things going?”

“Abuela is sleeping again and the doctors are still reading her tests.” Tori looked understandably impatient. “How is your laundry coming along?”

“Fine. Why don’t you get ready, and I’ll change. And don’t let me forget to bring your grandfather’s suitcase in before we leave.”

As if reality had just hit, tears wet her dark eyes. “I wonder how long they’ll be here. Not that I mind the company, but it’s a very busy time of the year. I don’t know what to do.”

Steve patted her shoulder. “Take it one day at a time. That’s all you can do.”

Tori took a deep breath, wiping the tears away, as if determined to regain control. “I suppose you’re right.” She hesitated, then headed for the stairs. “I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

She looked at him approvingly when he walked into the living room a few minutes later. “No stains. I’m glad Abuelo insisted we launder them right away. I can’t thank you enough for bringing him, and helping me through the day…and not holding it against me when I made an absolute fool of myself.”

“God doesn’t make fools.” He pushed a stray hair away from her eyes. He’d wanted to touch her silky black hair all day. “I hope that when you’re in the valley, you’ll give me a call. I’d be happy to reciprocate on lunch.”

“I can see it now—lunch at the diner. You must like to set the rumor mill a turnin’.” She smiled.

Steve felt a twinge in his chest. “I’m sure I can come up with something a little more promising than the diner. Maybe we could take a picnic up the hill and watch the sun set over the Spanish Peaks.”

“Hmm. That does sound promising.”

Chapter Three

Two weeks later, Tori drove up to the tiny house on Piñon Lane. Unexpected emotions wrapped themselves around her like a cobweb. She stepped out of the SUV, stunned by the dreariness of her grandparents’ home. The August heat had sucked the life out of their yard. She touched the lilac bush and the leaves crumbled like crisp tortilla chips. Chrysanthemums drooped over, their bright buds withered. Marigolds and zinnias were dried clusters on the end of gray-green sticks.

It had only been four months since her parents left for the mission in South America, and Tori had been here just weeks before Abuela’s stroke. What had happened?

She unlocked the front door and stepped inside. A sour stench permeated the air. Tori hurried from window to window, wrestling them open. Abuela had always kept a tidy house, but now clutter filled every table and chair. Dirty dishes were piled in the sink. Trash hadn’t gone out in weeks. How had everything fallen into such disarray so quickly? Why hadn’t they told her they needed help? Had she overlooked the signs?

Tori collected the odor-causing garbage, sprayed room freshener and set the trash bag outside the back door. She studied the back entrance, wondering if it might be easier to fit with a ramp than the front. She walked around the house, noticing things looked much different through the eyes of the caregiver. The three steps out front seemed like nothing until she considered how to get Abuela’s wheelchair up them and into the house. The wrought-iron handrail wobbled in the slight breeze. It, too, had fallen into a sad state of neglect. The once-neat house looked as worn-out as the owners.

School bells rang across the street and Tori turned, expecting to see the kids run anxiously out of the building, yet not a student appeared. Her alma mater, like the rest of her hometown, looked older, smaller and more withered as a result of the harsh elements and sparse budget.

“Tori!” She heard Steve holler from the school parking lot across the street. He waved, sauntering closer, speeding up with each step. She waved, recalling Steve’s occasional telephone calls to check on Grandma’s condition. “How are you?”

“Fine,” she said, stretching the truth. “I came to see about renovations. They’re sending Abuela home soon.” Tori felt an odd sense of panic. Suddenly taking care of two other people seemed overwhelming. She, who worked seventeen-hour days, was actually feeling out of her realm.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I’d have—”

“It was a last-minute decision. I dropped Abuelo off at the care center to spend the day with Grandmother. My brother will pick him up this afternoon. They tried to talk me out of coming here by insisting that it would only take a little rearranging of furniture to make it work.”

“I’m sure it won’t be too difficult.”

Tori appreciated his cheerleading efforts, but he hadn’t seen the mess inside. “I’m glad I didn’t put this off any longer.” She took a deep breath and lifted her shoulders. “I met with the physical therapist yesterday to find out what needed to be done before they could send Abuela home. She’s paralyzed on one side.” Tori shook her head, the weight of the situation winning again. “I just don’t know if this is going to work. The rooms are small, doorways narrow and the house is so cluttered.” She looked around the yard and felt tears cloud her vision. “This is so unlike my grandparents.”

“I came over last week and tried to see if he had a mower in the garage, but it’s locked. How long are you staying?”

“For the weekend. My brother and his family are on their way from Texas.” She looked at her watch. “Should be arriving any time. He’s going to stay at my condo with Abuelo….”

Steve looked puzzled. “And you’re here to work all weekend? Alone? Have you forgotten it’s supposed to be a holiday?”

She felt her eyes flutter closed, pushing the tears down her cheeks. “After two weeks of my grandfather at my house, being alone will feel like a vacation, even if I’m cleaning.” Tori closed her eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t complain. I’m just not used to having extended houseguests.”

Tori opened the hatch of her SUV and pulled out a stack of empty boxes. Steve got the other stack and followed her into the house.

“Is everything okay at work?”

“The principal suggests I take a few weeks of family leave. How can I even consider taking time off in September?”

“I’m sure they could manage.”

She looked at him suspiciously. He seemed awfully agreeable to the idea. “Better than I can, probably. I’m not accustomed to anything but a win-win situation, and this one has none. Abuela and Abuelo obviously can’t take care of each other anymore, but they insist on coming home. Run-down as it is, it’s been their home for over fifty years, and they refused to leave ‘until God moves them to the castle in the sky,’ as Abuelo always says.”

“Sounds just like your grandfather.” Steve laughed and Tori pushed her emotions aside. Now wasn’t the time to let down her guard. Especially with someone she hardly knew.

“Yes, it does.” She didn’t want to feel comforted by his sympathy, his soothing voice or his good looks. She looked nervously around, trying to find some distraction from her weakness for cowboys wearing the mythical white hats. “It was nice of you to stop by, Steve, but I need to take care of some things before everyone is closed for the holiday,” she said absently as she rubbed her forehead.

“You’re doing great, Tori.” He took her by the shoulders and smiled. “Don’t worry. It’ll work out. You have all day to make your calls.” He looked around. “And you don’t need to look for a contractor. I’d be happy to do any building renovations you may need done.”

“How…?”

“It stands to reason that if Mrs. Sandoval is coming home in a wheelchair that you’d need a few changes to be made. When are they looking at releasing her?”