“She rents a room in a boarding house here in town. It’s a short walk to the high school where she teaches history.” He shook his head and grinned. “She’s a character.” Then he sat back and regarded her. “I’ll tell you what. Saturday Tori and Uncle Jesse are celebrating their oldest son, Paul’s, birthday. I’ve been invited to dinner, and I’d like you to come along, if you want to.”
“Your family?” Her stomach clenched. Meet an entire group of new people? What would they think of her? What would they think of her being with Michael? But the thought of meeting his sister, who believed women should have ‘rights,’ intrigued her. She’d never met anyone like that.
“Would your aunt and uncle mind if you brought me along?”
Michael shook his head. “Not at all. Everything at the Cochran house is chaos, anyway. There are always extra people at the dinner table.” He continued to eat.
“Cochran?” Heidi gasped. “Your Uncle Jesse is Senator Jesse Cochran?”
“The one and only.” He winked.
“Now I’m really nervous.”
“Don’t be. Uncle Jesse is the most down to earth person you’ll ever meet.” The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice. “What do you say? Do you want to meet a woman who will probably scare you half to death?”
She stared at him for a moment. “Yes. Yes I would. I would very much like to meet this sister of yours.”
They ate in silence until Michael pushed away his empty bowl and rested his forearms on the table. “Now we have to discuss an unpleasant subject.”
Heidi winced. The hotel. Her parents. Clarence. For a short time she’d forgotten all about them. More determined than ever not to bow to their wishes, she raised her chin. “Unpleasant, perhaps. But they haven’t changed my mind. I’m staying.”
Michael threw her a gut-wrenching smile that set free dozens of butterflies in her stomach.
Don’t read too much into it, Heidi, he’s just a really nice man.
“Good girl. Remember, your family can talk all they want, but nobody can force you go anywhere you don’t want to.”
He signaled to the waitress for the check, and regarded Heidi as he reached in his back pocket for his wallet. “I would prefer not to argue with you about the check this time. I invited you to supper, so it’s my responsibility.”
Heidi laughed. He looked so serious, like he readied himself for an argument. “Fine. I’ll concede.” As her little cache of money slowly disappeared, she felt no angst in accepting his offer.
After Michael paid the cashier, Heidi wrapped her scarf around her mouth and nose, and buttoned up her coat. Ready for the cold weather, she headed out the door he held open.
“Do you still want me to accompany you to the hotel?” He took her arm in his, and helped her over the icy patches in the road.
Warmth immediately diffused her body, and her heart leapt. A scary matter. Everything about Michael Henderson appealed to her. The masculine smell of the woodsy soap he used, the strength of his body, as well as his character. She could easily fall for her boss, and she doubted he would be interested in such a milquetoast as her. Most likely he preferred women like his sister. Strong, capable, able to take care of themselves. He no doubt thought of her as a pity project. Amazing how that thought stung.
“I wish I could say no, but would you mind terribly? I’m not ready to face them all at one time.” She shivered with, and hated her sniveling weakness.
He studied her. “Don’t fret. I’ll go with you. Given the way your life has been up to now, it’s understandable you’d be a bit nervous.” He pulled her closer, and bent to whisper in her ear. “You definitely have to meet Ellie.” He chuckled and they headed to the hotel.
“Where have you been?” Clarence jumped up from his seat in the lobby the minute he saw her.
“I-rather we-had supper.” Her heart thumped, almost choking her.
He eyed her suspiciously. “I checked the coffee shop, and you weren’t there.”
Michael unbuttoned his coat and placed his hands on his hips. “Miss Henderson and I ate at The Harvey House down at the train station. We were both hungry after our long day, and decided to eat first.”
Mr. Lester stood and held his hand out toward Michael. “Mr. Henderson, I appreciate you looking after my little girl. Now if you will excuse us, we need to see Heidi packed up so we can return home in the morning.”
Michael stared at the hand and shook his head, a wry smile on his face. “I think you all should sit down and talk this out.” He turned to Heidi. “I need to speak to Jasper over at the front desk.” After nodding to her family, he wandered off, but not too far, she noted.
“Mother, Papa, please sit down.” She waved in the direction of the chairs.
“Young lady, you must do as your parents instruct and go on home with them. My Clarence has been beside himself since you left, and wedding plans need to be finalized.” Mrs. Manfred had fired the first shot in the battle.
Heidi glanced at Michael’s back. I can do this. “I don’t want to return home. I want to stay here, and work at the drugstore.” She held her hand up as everyone opened their mouths to speak. “Let me finish.” Drawing on every bit of strength she had, she continued. “I ask for you to allow me a month. One month. And then if you’re right, and I can’t handle a job, can’t take care of myself, then I will return home and plan the wedding.”