Lucy walked quickly through the park, pushing Stuart in his stroller in front of her. She wasn't in the mood to take in the scenery around her. She just wanted to get out of the house for awhile, but, unfortunately, getting out didn't help her get away from her thoughts of Craig. It was frustrating enough to be apart from him without him getting on her case about it.
She slowed her step as she recognized Justin standing in front of the hot dog stand. She wondered what the odds were of running into him now, just when she needed someone to talk to.
She was about to walk over to him when she saw him turn to the woman standing next to him with a smile. Realizing they must be together, Lucy turned and walked away before he could see her.
"Can I have everyone's attention?" Thomas called out, putting an abrupt stop to all other conversation in the room. Everyone gathered around him.
"I've just learned some information. A big building proposal to put up a housing edition around Autumn Lake has been submitted to the building commission. If this project goes through, it's going to disturb acres of pristine wildlife.
"The men behind it seem to be very influential in the community, so it looks like this is going to go through without any opposition unless we take up this cause and make it known to the public what is really happening."
"There's no time to hesitate on this one, so we're all going to have to get to work on this right away. We need to do research on the area, find out what native fauna and flora are and if this project will put any endangered species in danger. We really need to find aspects that will appeal to the public, like photographs of the area, signs, fliers, and we'll have to contact the media."
He paused to take a breath. "This is going to take a lot of organization to divide up the work. I'm going to need someone to help me with the organization, who will be working closely with me."
Sheila held her breath and stepped forward hoping to attract his attention as he scanned the room, but he seemed to look past her as his eyes settled on a spot just over her shoulder.
"Zara. Would you help me?"
Vanessa sat down on a park bench next to Justin. She breathed in the autumn scent of fallen leaves before taking a bite of her hot dog. It didn't get much better than this, especially since she had someone to enjoy the day with.
Earlier that day she had taken notice of the beautiful weather and thought it a shame to spend a lovely day like this alone. Then she remembered Justin Jordan and thought maybe she wouldn't have to be alone.
They had met at the country club after her play. As they started talking, they realized they had a lot in common. They both knew some of the same people, she through her family's connections and he through his work. Most importantly, they were both lonely, but Vanessa didn't think there was any reason why they had to be.
Vanessa turned to Justin and smiled. He still seemed wary of the idea of buying hot dogs from an outdoor stand in the park, but he was too polite to say anything negative. He was being a good sport and at least giving her idea of lunch in the park a chance.
"How are things going at the country club, Justin?" Vanessa asked, trying to strike up a conversation. When they had met at Pheasant Run, he had mentioned taking over organizing the events from Mrs. Burgess.
"Everything is going well. It's been quiet since the play closed, but the dining room is reserved this weekend for a presentation dinner. There are plenty of details to prepare."
"Do you like your work there or did you prefer working in an individual household?"
"I've enjoyed both. The country club is more exciting, because there is always something going on that needs organizing. Working in a private household gives a better glimpse into a lifestyle I couldn't afford on my own."
Vanessa smiled. "That's a clever way to do it. Not everyone can be fortunate enough to marry or be born into wealth, or in my case, adopted into it. Even fewer are innovative or lucky enough to earn it on their own . . . I suppose you would know, as well as anyone, that it isn't always as wonderful as it seems."
"Yes, that I have seen . . ." He paused, hoping his next question wasn't too personal. "Do you really consider yourself fortunate?"
"Of course, hun. I grew up in a nice home, with parents who did care for me, even if they haven't found it in their hearts to support everything I've done . . . and maybe in some cases rightly so. But considering all of the other possible paths my life could have taken, I consider myself to be very fortunate."
"I hope you don't take offense, but I'm a little surprised. I've always heard of you as something of a rebel, given your choice of husband and career."
"No, not at all . . . All I've ever done is try to follow my heart . . . unfortunately my heart hasn't always led me in the right direction."
"Sometimes it doesn't . . ." He looked away for a moment and cleared his throat. Realizing how depressing this conversation was becoming, he changed the subject. "After meeting you, I can't imagine how anyone would doubt your motives."
She laughed lightly. "That's sweet of you to say . . . How is it a charming catch like yourself isn't already taken?"
"I seem to have a talent for falling for the wrong women . . . I would like to get married someday and start a family." When she only nodded, he asked. "Do you have any children? Do you think you would be interested in remarrying someday?"
Vanessa hesitated. "I did want to have children, but after my last marriage, I don't think I could ever remarry again." She shook the dark thoughts of the past out of her mind and turned to more brighter things. "I will just have to be happy with my stepdaughters and my future nieces and nephews. I can see myself being a fabulous aunt someday."
"You've completely given up on the idea?"
"Yes, completely. Being married isn't everything. I value good friends and family even more."
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