Chapter 12
1076 Words
Chapter 12
It wasn’t easy building a law practice in a town that hated her for being a Claremont. Even though Diana had used her adoptive parents’ name of Fulton, word had already gotten out of who she really was, and since Andy and Todd owned the town, finding commercial space in one of the vacant storefronts was impossible. Her realtor had put out feelers after finding the cabin on Jed Friessen’s ranch, which was only temporary and had been paid for with cash for the month. Diana had decided to put up without the modern conveniences when Andrea, her realtor, had mentioned on the phone that Jed taught people to ride and ran a successful trail riding outfit, Diana knew that she wanted to stay. When she hung up, she had been determined to see about having this man teach her to ride a horse, something she had dreamed of owning one day. But when she heard him say that he was a Friessen, her veins had filled with ice water. She had panicked before quickly masking her fear, wondering what the chances were that he was related to Andy. From the family resemblance, she thought they must have been pretty high.
For now, she would have to settle for working out of her SUV, and her cell phone would be her business number. She posted flyers around town and on the local bulletin boards, at the gas station, and anywhere people would see them. She had also posted online on the community website, which allowed local ads. Satisfied that she had done all that she could, Diana hurried to the grocery store before it closed. After raiding Jed’s fridge that morning before driving in, she knew she couldn’t expect him to feed her, too. She had offered to pick up some food for him, as well, which he’d taken her up on. It was a pleasure, really, coming back here and knowing she had her own means and enough money to buy what she needed. She didn’t have to worry that, when standing at the cash register, she’d have to count out all of her pennies and fret about putting something back. She remembered those awful days, as she was the one who also did most of the food shopping with the few dollars Faye had left. Her math became exceptional, but her unease and cold sweat at the register most likely had more to do with Mr. Harris, the owner then, who’d always tapped his foot and let her know, with a huff and sigh, that she was holding everyone up.
Diana pushed the cart down the narrow aisles, selecting groceries and marking off what was on her list. It was something that stuck with her, budgeting, making sure she got only what she needed. Nothing more, and never wasting. It was imbedded into her at a cellular level, and she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to shake it. No matter how much money she had, she couldn’t waste anything. She glanced up at the large, oval security mirror mounted close to the ceiling, which gave anyone in the store a bird’s eye view of the customers, and forced herself to keep moving as if nothing was wrong when she noticed Mr. Harris standing at the back of the store, watching her. Times had changed, but some people had not. He was older and completely bald, but with the same protruding belly and ruddy cheeks. Diana smiled at the young, overweight girl behind the cash register, who greeted Diana with a bubbly smile. As Diana unloaded her groceries, the cashier’s phone rang, and when the girl answered, her eyes widened and she gaped at Diana.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Harris.” Her voice shook as she replied, then hung up the phone. Her face colored a vibrant red. “Mr. Harris said for me to tell you that you’re not welcome here and we cannot sell you anything,” she said.
Diana reached into her purse and handed the young grocery clerk her business card.
The girl glanced at it, then whispered to Diana, “I’m so sorry, but I really need this job.”
Diana felt sorry for the girl and sighed when she realized she was going to have to go to Arlington to buy groceries, and she wouldn’t get back to the ranch until sundown. Jed was expecting her to work with Scarlett that afternoon, and Diana considered herself to be a reliable person. So she patted the girl’s hand.
“It’s all right. I know you’re stuck in the middle. That pompous jerk can’t even come out and do his own dirty work. I’m a new lawyer, and if you’re ever in need of legal help, call me. That’s my cell number.”
The girl whispered her thanks, sharing a sympathetic glance, one that also showed her appreciation that Diana was handling it so well.
She climbed into her SUV, realizing it would only be a matter of time before Andy found her again.
She flushed while waiting for Jed outside one of the stalls in the barn, wondering how she would tell him that she hadn’t gotten any food and would have to cancel the riding this afternoon so she could drive to the city and get groceries.
“You can’t work with Scarlett dressed like that.” Jed scowled as he looped the wire around the stall door, which held another gleaming chestnut horse that hadn’t been there earlier.
“Well, that’s the thing. And why I came back. I couldn’t get groceries in town, so I need to drive into the city, and I won’t be back until this evening. I’m always on time, and I know I don’t appreciate when people don’t show.” Diana fought the urge to cross her arms over her cream-colored summer blazer. She was dressed casually, in a conservative, plain t-shirt under the jacket, with matching trousers and sensible flat shoes. Her long red hair was tied back neatly.
“I realize the grocery store in town is small, but I’ve never had trouble finding what I needed.” He started to walk away when she realized she had given him the wrong impression.
“I’m sorry, Jed. I tried to buy groceries, but Mr. Harris refused to sell anything to me.”
He froze in the large open doorway of the barn, and faced her with a look that had her swallowing and fighting to hold her ground.
“And why would old Jason Harris do that?”
Diana raised her chin and met his ruthless gaze. “Because of who my mother was.”
- Writer
