The drive from the airport was uneventful neither party speaking much except to give or receive directions. They avoided talking about whether she was staying. He had left his Ohana, his job and his home. He needed rest, to find peace and to heal. He had more than his fair share of death and tragedy in his life and he wanted away from it all, at least for now. Steve didn't expect to see her, Catherine, on the plane. In fact, he didn't expect to see her at all. She made her decision two years ago to leave and he made peace with it. They made peace to remain friends and he knew it was the right decision especially knowing she was in the same line of work his mother was in.
Sitting next to her on the plane to the mainland was comfortable but also a bit worrisome. He didn't want to ask how long she was going to be with him, he didn't want to know. Eventually he knew he needed to ask but for now he was concentrating on not turning back and going home to what was familiar. They departed the plane in Los Angeles and had a two-hour layover on their way to Texas. Steve wanted to look up an old Navy SEAL buddy who was friends with he and Freddy. Steve grabbed his carryon and headed to the next gate when he saw two familiar faces. "Mary," Steve smiled brightly, "How did you know I was going to be here?" He was surprisingly glad to see her and his niece Joanie.
"Danny called me," she noted while giving her brother a hug. "I watched for your plane and thought we would surprise you."
"That you did," Steve smiled hugging his niece. "We have a small layover," he motioned towards Catherine, "Do you want to grab a bite to eat?"
Mary and Joanie agreed, "So where to now?" Mary asked as they sat around the small table. They ate their lunch as time passed.
"Texas," Catherine shuddered, "He's seeing an old Navy friend."
"That's good," Mary noted trying to keep her anger in check. She heard what Catherine did to Steve and stopped liking her from that moment. "How long are you going to stay there?"
"Don't know?" He replied. "I have no time schedule right now."
"Well," Mary smiled, "I am proud of you and if you want to stay with us for a while you are more than welcome."
Steve remembered just how small her place was, "Thanks but maybe another time besides your place is a bit small for four people."
Mary shot Catherine an angry glance, "Maybe when it's just you."
Steve swallowed hard. He knew Mary was aware of everything he went through with Catherine, but they made peace with each other. "We have to get going," Steve noted looking at his watch. He gave his sister a long hug. He held on to Joanie for a short while then gave her a kiss on the cheek. I will call you next week. Mary smiled knowing he was going to be okay.
Steve walked quietly to the gate holding onto his ID to present at the ticket counter. The airline representative saw his Military ID as he placed his license in his wallet. "May I see your Military ID?" the woman asked. Steve was curious but he showed it to her.
"Thank you for your service," she noted. "Good news Commander." She smiled brightly, "We have a seat available in first class."
"Thanks," Steve noted, "I can't afford it." He looked at Catherine, "Besides my travel companion would be in Coach.
"I still have my Navy ID," Catherine noted.
The representative looked at Catherine's ID as well, "Well you both served so we thank you." She punched a few keys on her computer. "You both have been upgraded to First Class." She handed them boarding passes. "We appreciate our Military and want you to have the best experience." She winked at Steve knowing he could handle any situation. "Have a safe flight."
Steve was surprised. He thanked her and proceeded to the gate with Catherine right at his side. They boarded the plane and were excited about flying first class. Steve sat on the aisle knowing he could stretch out and relax more than he ever could in Coach. They didn't speak much until the plane made its assent into the air, "So how long do you plan on being in Texas?"
"It'll depend upon my friend," Steve noted. "Why?" He gave his order to the Flight Attendant.
"Just wondered," She looked at him. "I thought we could see a few other places before I have to get back."
"Wait," Steve looked at her, "How long were you going to be with me?"
"I was able to get a week," Catherine noted as she accepted the drink from the Flight Attendant.
"A week?" he was getting angry, "Then why did you come with me?" Steve's voice was low as to not cause a scene.
"I wanted to spend time with you," she replied. "I just couldn't get any more time off."
"This was temporary?" he sipped his drink looking away from her.
"I'm sorry you thought I was staying," Catherine felt bad, "I just wanted to help you on your journey."
Steve didn't say anything. He was angry and disappointed. He hoped she had come back to him, permanently but that wasn't the case. They sat in silence for most of the plane trip. Steve tried to get a bit of sleep but so many thoughts ran through his mind. Catherine realized that she had made a mistake joining Steve. She had taken their just being friends seriously. She couldn't tell him that she was seeing someone, and it was getting serious. Catherine knew she did need to tell him, however; now was not the right time.
They landed at the airport then headed to the car rental kiosk. Steve removed the address from his wallet, entered it into the GPS and began driving. Catherine figured she needed to tell him before it was too late. Steve listened to her and sat silent for a while then he began to speak, "I am happy for you. I wish you would have told me that you were only spending time with me for a shirt while."
"I'm sorry," Catherine sighed, "Since we are discussing this," she looked at him. "I am meeting him in New York on Friday." She touched his arm, "I wanted you to meet him."
Steve looked at her, "I am flattered that you wanted me to meet him." He sighed heavily, "Now isn't a good time."
"I understand," Catherine hoped the ride would be a quick one. She didn't want to be a reminder of things past nor did she feel it was fair to Steve for her to be there longer than needed.
Steve turned onto Main Street looking at the small town that lay before them. He looked at the Welcome to Maguire Texas population 9,852. He looked for the road he needed to turn on to get to Matthew's house. Steve turned onto the road that led him closer to his destination. He drove up the long driveway leading up to the farmhouse. He was impressed, it was a well-kept home with contrasting shutters. The white farmhouse had the typical columns with the long porch. He approached the home and could see a woman sitting on the porch. He exited the car and opened the door for Catherine.
"Hi," the woman smiled, "Can I help you?" She asked placing her paper on the table next to her.
"Yes," Steve smiled, "I am Steve McGarrett, and this is Catherine Rollins we are here to see Matthew."
The woman leaned against a column, "I'm sorry but Matthew isn't here." A look of sadness crossed her face. "I'm his sister Sarah."
"Do you know when he will be back," Steve questioned.
"He won't be back," Sarah sighed, "He passed away last week."
Steve felt a heaviness hit him, "How?" he looked at Sarah.
"In the line of duty," She walked down the three steps. "I assumed you were here for the funeral."
"When is it," Steve walked closer to her.
"Tomorrow," she noted crossing her arms. She looked them over, "I gather you didn't get the notification."
"No," he sighed. "Is it a Military funeral?"
"If you have your dress whites," Sarah knowing he was Military and if he knew Matthew, he was also Navy. "You're welcome to wear them, providing it's proper."
Steve nodded. "Do you have a hotel around here?"
"No," Sarah sighed, "At least not one that is very good." She turned and walked back up the stairs. "Follow me." Steve led Catherine up the stairs and through the house. He could see how comfortable the house was. It immediately made him feel like he was home. "I know it's not much," Sarah stated as she walked them to a small detached house. "It's our guest house and it should be comfortable enough." She unlocked the door and opened it ushering them in.
Steve entered first and looked around. There was a nice small living area with a large screen television, an oversized sofa and oversized chair. He looked towards the bedroom area and could see the queen-sized bed with the handmade quilt and the entrance to the bathroom. At the other end of the house was the adequately sized kitchen equipped with a stove, refrigerator and microwave. "This is nice," He noted turning towards her. "Thank you."
"Of course," Sarah did her best to smile. "Are y'all hungry?"
Steve realized it had been hours since they had eaten. "I am," he wasn't embarrassed about telling her. Catherine nodded.
"Well supper will be ready in about thirty minutes," she noted as she started to close the door. "Y'all are welcome to come in through the back door." Sarah could sense the tension between Steve and Catherine. She nodded as she left then headed back to the house. She entered the kitchen to check on dinner. "Glad you made enough," Sarah sighed. She had a feeling she would have company. Sarah had finished making the salad and placed it on the table when she saw Steve and Catherine walking towards the back door. "Please sit."
"Do you need any help," Steve questioned.
"No," Sarah replied, "I'm fine." She started towards the kitchen, "There are beers in the fridge, and I think a bottle of wine. Otherwise I have tea, water and milk."
"Beer is fine," Steve grabbed two bottles and held one up for Sarah, "No thanks," She smiled, "I don't drink." She felt comfortable around Steve. There was just something about him that put her at ease. He placed a bottle in front of Catherine then took a seat across the table. Sarah was about to sit when Steve pulled out her chair at the head of the table. She quietly acknowledged her gratitude as she pulled the chair closer to the table. "We have fresh salad. Chicken fried steak with gravy," She looked at Catherine, "On the side of course," then looked at Steve, "Fresh vegetables and homemade bread." Catherine was about to reach for the salad when Sarah reached for their hands, "Y'all don't mind if I say grace?"
"Not at all," Steve looked at Catherine who just seemed to stare into space. "Please." He stated knowing that he was a guest in someone's home and respected their way of doing things." Sarah said grace then passed the salad to Catherine. She looked at Steve, "So how long did you know Matthew?"
"We served together, and we were in BUDS together," He noted sipping his beer. "A good while."
Sarah looked at him and smiled, "You knew my uncle then too."
"Your uncle," Steve looked at her, "I don't think so."
Sarah laughed, "You were in BUDS," she looked at him, "You're a Navy SEAL right?"
"Was," he stated as he took another sip of his beer. He looked at Catherine who was eating quietly.
"My uncle was an instructor," Sarah noted. "Commander Patrick McGinn."
"Wait," Steve looked at Catherine then at Sarah, "Mad Dog McGinn was your uncle? Matthew never said anything."
"Would you want to have the distinction of having your uncle be your instructor," Sarah chuckled. "It was difficult enough to have him as a surrogate father let alone be trained under him."
Steve couldn't tell if there was sarcasm or bitterness in her statement, "I can understand that," he took a bite of his meal. "This is very good."
"Thanks," Sarah replied. She could see that Catherine wasn't happy. "Catherine is there anything I can get you?"
"No," she sighed, "I guess I am just tired." Catherine shot Steve an angry glance. "Do you mind if I excuse myself, I am feeling quite jet lagged."
"Sure," Sarah noted. She watched as Catherine pushed in her chair and head for the car, "I will get the bags, then take a shower." She turned towards Sarah, "Thanks for dinner," then looked at Steve. "You get the couch."
They watched as Catherine exited the house, "I'm sorry she's not usually like this."
"It's okay," Sarah didn't want him to know she was hurt, "I get it." She started to gather up the plates, "Did you want any more?"
"No," Steve stood up and took the plates from her, "Least I can do is help you clean up." They cleared the table and didn't talk much. It was just before Steve was to leave that he looked at Sarah, "Thanks again for allowing us to stay." He leaned against the counter, "What time is the funeral?"
"Eleven," Sarah noted folding the dish towel. "You don't have to dress in uniform. No one else will." She looked up at Steve. He liked her short auburn hair and hazel eyes. She was well proportioned but not overly so. "I think you're the only military friend he will have there."
"I understand," Steve noted as he started towards the door, "Have a good night."
"You as well," Sarah noted. She straightened up and prepared for the next day. She was going to have a house full of guests and wasn't looking forward to it. She was about to turn off the lights when she remembered she forgot to supply extra towels and blankets to the guest house. She grabbed them and walked to the guest house, rapping on the door lightly. Steve opened the door with his shirt unbuttoned, "I forgot to give you extra towels and a blanket," she noted trying not to look at him. It had been a long time since Sarah had laid eyes upon a man such as Steve. Between his blue eyes, genuine smile, manners and well-built physique Sarah was a bit uncomfortable. She practically shoved the items into his arms and walked away quickly. Steve grinned and let out a small chuckle. It had been a while for him too knowing he had an affect on a woman. He closed the door and placed the blanket on the couch then headed for the bathroom.
"I will be leaving in the morning," Catherine noted, holding up her cell phone. "That was my boss they need me back asap."
Steve tried not to get angry, "Fine," he sighed. "Take the car. I can't take you to the airport."
"What will you do," Catherine asked.
"Does it really matter," Steve snapped. "I'm showering then heading to bed." He slammed the bathroom door and turned on the shower. It was a quick shower mainly to wash away the day. He wrapped himself in a towel and headed to the living room. Steve threw on his shorts and t-shirt, covered himself with the blanket and went to sleep.
Sarah rose earlier then usual knowing it was going to be a long day. She finished setting things up for the wake. As she began to prepare breakfast, she heard a car start and was about to look when Steve came in the back door. He was sweating and a bit out of breath. "Have a nice run?" She noted not even looking at him.
"How did you know," He asked.
"I was up early, and I watched you leave the guest house," She turned towards Steve. "Catherine," Sarah looked at him, "Did she leave?"
"Yes," Steve tried to hide his agitation, "She won't be back."
"Okay," Sarah handed him a cup of coffee, "Breakfast will be ready in a few," she noted. "Why don't you shower and then come eat something." She looked at Steve as he started to walk away. "If you want to talk," her accent very apparent, "I'm here."
"Thanks," He sipped his coffee.
Sarah remembered part of their conversation that Steve was on an extended break from work. Sarah finished breakfast just as Steve reentered the house. They sat quietly eating enjoying the quiet. It seemed like forever before either spoke. "How long are you staying for?"
"One more night if it's okay," He didn't want to overstay his welcome.
"You can stay as long as you want," She placed her fork on her plate. "In fact." Sarah knew it would be hard to ask. "Would you consider a proposition?"
"Depends," Steve grinned, "What did you have in mind?"
"Well," She bit her lower lip, "I want to turn this place into a bed and breakfast but," she sighed leaning back in her chair, "I can't do it alone." She looked at him and Steve could see the vulnerability in her eyes, "I need your help." She leaned forward. "In exchange you're welcome to stay as long as you would like." Before Steve could answer a tall man entered the house donning a cowboy hat, boots and a checkered shirt.
"Who do we have here," He asked seating himself at the table.
"Tex," Sarah noted, "This is Steve McGarrett he was a friend of Matthew." The men shook hands.
"I need to discuss that sale of the property," Tex stated as he reached for a slice of bread.
Sarah slapped his hand, "Manners and you'll have to wait until Monday. You know Matty's funeral is today."
"Kingston isn't going to wait much longer," Tex noted standing up. He tipped his hat and muttered something on his way out the door.
"I can't stand him," Sarah shuttered. She looked at the clock. "We need to get ready." She carried the plates into the kitchen. Before she could say anything else, she felt Steve's hand on her shoulder.
"I won't be too far away," he noted, "Should you need me." She nodded. Steve went to the guest house and donned his dress whites. He felt it was appropriate to honor Matthew. Steve walked back to the house and could see Sarah just staring at a photo. "You okay?"
"This was when we were all a family," she noted, running her fingers across the photo. "It was a long time ago. I'm the only one left," Sarah's voice cracked. Sarah glanced at him in uniform and was surprised at how she felt. She pushed aside the feelings, for now.
Sarah grabbed her keys and walked to the SUV parked in the front of the house. Steve entered on the passenger side and made note of his surroundings. They didn't speak at all as they approached the cemetery that was located a short distance from the house. There was a nice crowd of people. The funeral was short and then everyone made their way to the house. They did it out of respect for Matthew, not for Sarah. Unfortunately, as Steve would eventually find out, Sarah wasn't very well liked in town. He would soon understand why she was so distant.
Steve stood on the porch looking out onto the grassy area, sipping his beer and wondering if everything he heard was true. He heard the screen door close behind him, knowing it was Sarah. "How are you holding up?"
Sarah sat down in the chair, she hated feeling this way, "I'm okay."
"That Misty sure had a lot to say," Steve noted leaning against the porch railing. "Is any of it true?"
"Does it matter," Sarah could feel the anger rise within her.
"Yes," Steve knew to tread carefully. He also knew how to get answers without the other person knowing.
"Depends on what she told you," Sarah nervously turned the glass in her hand. Steve stayed quiet. "Let me guess I am the grim reaper. Everyone I get close to dies." Her voice changed. "I am unlucky, and I am suicidal," She looked at Steve, "Does that about cover it?"
"Yeah," Steve suddenly felt very guilty for bringing it up.
"Most of it's true," Sarah shifted in her seat, "Everyone I know and loved is dead." Despite her wanting to distance herself, deep down she could trust him. "My mom died when I was 6." She took a deep breath, "She was murdered by my dad." Steve could feel her pain. "He's serving a life sentence. We were raised by my grandparents and my Uncle. Then when I was 12 my brother Kevin died in a boating accident." Sarah continued to talk about everything that happened to her. She was charged by a bull at age 16, lost her cousin at age 20. Her boyfriend died when his horse spooked from a rattlesnake encounter. Her eldest brother, Kenneth, died in 911, he was stationed at the Pentagon. I felt everything was my fault." She looked at Steve.
"I felt I was to blame for everything that happened in my life. I felt it was my fault my mother was killed." Steve asked why, "I asked for a doll house for Christmas mama said yes. Daddy said no because he felt we were spoiled little brats." She rose from the swing and walked to the porch railing then turned around. "We had nothing. We lived here with mamaw and papaw because daddy couldn't hold down a job. He also didn't want mama to work, he felt we needed to be constantly watched." She could feel the anger rising within her. "He was mean especially when he drank. He was mean to my mamaw and mama. The only one who put him in his place was papaw." Sarah laughed. "I remember daddy was on the porch and we were playing out there," she pointed to the grassy area. "He was yelling at us because we were laughing and having fun. He started towards us and papaw grabbed the back of his shirt and swung him around. Papaw said he better not do anything, or he would regret it. Before daddy could do or say anything else papaw had my dad hog tied on the porch." She laughed, "That was the last time daddy ever messed with us." Her demeanor changed again, "It was also two days before he killed mama."
"I'm sorry," Steve realized he wasn't the only one who went through a lot in his life. He began to feel a special connection to her, and that scared him, a little.
She continued to tell about her grandmother died of cancer and her grandfather died two months before Matthew. Sarah moved back to the house a month before her grandmother died to help her grandfather out. She spoke about her accident. "I couldn't take much more. I had been drinking and crying," she swallowed hard. "All I could think about was how bad my life was." She turned away and hung her head. She inhaled then continued. "It was me and the tree." She looked at Steve tears were streaming down her face. "The tree won." Sarah was lucky there was damage to her left leg but nothing more serious. "Papaw helped me recover and made me realize nothing was my fault." She sat on the railing. "I still feel guilty for certain things."
Steve could see she wasn't completely truthful, at least about the accident. Sarah met his gaze and he seemed to penetrate her soul. "You weren't alone, were you?"
It suddenly dawned on her; she had forgotten about certain details. Sarah bit her lip, "I hit the tree to avoid hitting another car. I never said anything about it to anyone. How did you know?"
"You don't seem the suicidal type," He replied. Steve realized she needed to know. "Mitch," Steve stood up and walked over to the swing and motioned for Sarah to join him. "I think that's his name. He and his girlfriend were the ones in the car." Steve leaned forward and touched Sarah's leg. "They weren't supposed to be out that night and when his car broke down." Steve finished the last of his beer. "He saw your car and knew you saw them, you swerved to miss them and hit the tree." Steve smiled, "Who do you think reported the accident?"
Sarah looked at him, "I never knew. All I remember is seeing the tree and then waking up in the hospital." She finally had that question answered. "Wow," she felt a small weight lift from her. "Now I know." She stood up and took a deep breath. "Where to next Steve?"
"What," Steve looked at her.
"Where are you going to next," Sarah looked at him. "You are on a journey, right?" Sarah had an uncanny ability to read people, just not herself.
"Yes, I guess I am." He leaned back in the swing allowing his legs to move him forwards and backwards. It seemed like an eternity before he responded. "I don't know. Why?"
"Just curious," Sarah could feel something change inside her. She felt drawn to Steve, knowing they had a lot in common. "Do you think you will ever go back to being a cop?" She asked looking at him. This time she seemed to look into his soul.
"No," Steve knew deep inside that was truly what he wanted. He had seen enough death and destruction as both a SEAL and as a cop. He didn't want that life anymore, but he did question it. "Probably not," Steve noted. He could see Sarah was thinking something and now he was curious. "Why?"
Sarah didn't want to answer right away. She had a few thoughts running through her mind but didn't know how to approach him. "Just thinking," she noted. She stood up and walked to the door, "I'll fix us some supper."
Steve stopped swinging. He was now curious and a bit worried. Why would Sarah care about his journey? Why would she be so interested in what was next for him? He hardly knew her. Steve rolled the beer bottle around in his hands for a moment, then walked to the guest house. He changed his clothes, checked his phone and smiled. There was another text from Danny, wanting to make sure he was okay. He didn't reply instead he turned off his phone and started charging it. He made his way to the main house. Steve looked around and for the first time felt a little uncomfortable. There was something about the area. He didn't sense it before probably because he was so busy, but now that things slowed down.
"You feel it too," Sarah noted as she opened the back-screen door. Her expression spoke volumes. "I always felt this land was cursed."
That statement sent shivers down Steve's spine. He didn't scare easy; he never did but this was different. He could sense something just wasn't right. "You think so?" He asked holding the door for her.
"It would explain a lot," Sarah noted as she sat at the table. They looked at each other, neither one saying another word about the subject. "What are you doing tomorrow?"
"I don't know," Steve sighed. "I have no schedule."
"Good," Sarah replied excitedly, "Would you take a ride with me?"
"Sure," Steve could feel something different about Sarah. "Where are we going."
Sarah smiled, "It's hard to explain. Do you trust me?"
"Enough," Steve noted sipping his lemonade. He knew he wasn't in any danger and curiosity was getting the best of him. "Are you going to tell me anything?"
"Tomorrow," Sarah replied, "Okay?"
"Sure," Steve nodded. They finished their supper and went their separate ways. Steve knew he needed some rest and he owed Danny a phone call. He also wanted some time alone. After showering Steve dialed Danny's number and filled him in on the events of the last few days. Danny was curious about Sarah but knew Steve would fill him in eventually. For now, Danny was just glad Steve was on the mend. Steve disconnected the call and flipped on the television. He looked for something to watch that wasn't a police procedural. Steve found a home improvement channel and watched as they refurbished homes. He was relaxed and found it hard to keep his eyes open.
Sarah on the other hand couldn't sleep. She sat at her laptop looking at houses, antique shops, and other things for their drive tomorrow. She was excited it would be the first time she would leave the area in quite a while. Sarah powered down her laptop and tucked the information into her purse. She threw some snacks in a bag, turned off the lights and headed to her bedroom. The possibilities were making her feel better, that things in her life can change. Sarah looked at the family photos on her way to her room, stopping at Matthews's photo. She closed her eyes and touched the frame. Something inside her jumped. "I hear you," She giggled. "I will I promise." She slept soundly that night more than she ever had. She woke to the smell of coffee, bacon and eggs. She threw on her sweats and made her way to the kitchen. "What's this?" She asked leaning against the door jam.
"Thought I would make breakfast this time," Steve replied as he removed the eggs from the pan. "I have already done my three miles," he noted as he handed her a plate. "Just tell me what time you want to get started and I will be ready."
They stood holding their plates eating, eating while standing. It felt comfortable, it felt right. Steve finished first, he placed his dish in the dishwasher and noted he would be back shortly. Both dressed and met at the outbuilding just behind the guest house. Sarah opened the doors revealing some small tools, a riding lawn mower and a gorgeous red Pickup Truck. It was the same truck Steve had on Oahu. "Here," Sarah handed him the keys. "You drive."
They placed their items in the truck and headed down the driveway. Sarah programmed the information into the GPS. She was excited about the trip and hoped she would be able to get the answers she was looking for. Steve was excited about the trip as well. He had never been to Texas and wanted to explore, it was the nomad in him. He was also surprised that Texas was so green, something that contradicted all he heard about the state. The drive was smooth and not much traffic, although they were in a much more rural area then a big city. Steve didn't say much on the ride, he had a few things on his mind. Sarah didn't seem to mind the silence; she too had some thinking to do.
The voice on the GPS gave them their final direction. Steve pulled into the spot in what seemed like the main part of town. They could tell it was a friendly place. It seemed welcoming and inviting. Steve helped Sarah out of the truck, both feeling a spark. She grabbed her bag and removed a slip of paper.
"Right here," She smiled standing in front of a small storefront. She took a deep breath and proceeded inside. Sarah looked around and found a middle-aged woman sitting at a desk writing. "Excuse me," Sarah interrupted.
"Yes?" The woman faced them.
Sarah extended her hand, "My name is Sarah, and this is Steve."
"I'm Virginia," The lady rose to meet them. "How can I help you?"
"I was wondering if," Sarah hesitated, looked at Steve then back to Virginia, "I could see this home." She handed Virginia the listing.
"Well of course," Virginia smiled brightly. "Are you available now?" They nodded. Steve was just following Sarah's lead. "Well then let's go." They followed Virginia to her car. "You can either ride with me or follow me there."
"Follow," Steve replied knowing he couldn't fit in her car.
The three drove a few blocks over and pulled in front of the home listed for sale. It was picturesque. It was a smaller farmhouse with a white picket fence. Sarah looked at it for a moment and smiled. She already liked it. They walked through the gate and into the house. It was nicely staged, and the kitchen was every chefs dream. She liked everything about it especially since it felt like home. Steve even liked it. He did wander out the back and found a smaller house like the guest house he was currently staying in. It was smaller than what he was in now, but it was bright and airy. It would make anyone feel at home. He liked it. It dawned on him what Sarah had in mind, well he liked to think he did.
"There you are," Virginia smiled as she and Sarah entered the back yard. "You can either keep that as a guest house or rent it out. This backyard is good for entertaining and great for pets as it has a new fence." She looked at Sarah. "Well?"
Sarah looked at Steve hoping he would be able to give her something. He stood stoic knowing it was her decision; after all he wasn't planning on staying. Yet, he felt he had a small vested interest. "Give me ten minutes," he said as he headed back into the house. He did a few things like check the fireplace, look at the roof, etc. He joined them in the backyard. "Seems ok," he noted. "You will want a thorough inspection." Steve let a sly grin cross his face and gave Sarah a slight nod, it was his note of approval.
"Can we discuss it over lunch," Sarah asked. "Can I get back to you in a couple of hours?"
"Of course," Virginia knew Sarah would get back to her. "I have to leave the office by three it's my grandson's baseball game."
"It'll be before then," Sarah replied. "Can you recommend a good place to eat?"
Sarah and Steve entered the small restaurant and sat down. Steve could see that Sarah was lost in thought. He perused the menu and gave her a slight nudge when the waitress approached. They placed their order. Sarah smiled at Steve, "You're going to think I am crazy."
"You want to buy the house," Steve knew.
"Yes," She sighed. "I can feel it in my gut." She looked at him. "You felt it too didn't you?"
"I hate to admit it, but I did," Steve sipped his water. "It was comfortable."
"Exactly," Sarah sighed, "I want this Steve." She looked at him, "You can stay in the guest house for as long as you want."
Before Steve could say anything a couple of teenagers approached their table. "Excuse us," one boy asked. "Would you be willing to buy a candy bar?"
"It's for our football uniforms," the other boy chimed in.
Sarah and Steve each pulled money from their wallets. They picked out their favorite and set them on the table. Sarah asked if they liked their school. "Yes ma'am, but" The first boy answered. "We just need a new coach and we'll be even better."
"Coach," Steve questioned. He didn't know why he asked the question. He didn't plan on sticking around for very long.
"Yeah," the second boy sighed, "Mr. Dunbar retired, and we need a new coach." He looked at his friend. "I know the school has been looking."
"Not many interested," The first boy noted. "He needs to coach all the athletics and not many can do that." He shook his head, "Or want to."
"We thank you," the second boy stated. They walked away approaching a few other patrons.
Sarah and Steve shared a glance. He couldn't believe he was contemplating being a Coach. He knew football and baseball. He was, after all, an athlete in high school. Steve tried to get the idea out of his head. He needed to find peace, find a way to heal. Becoming a coach wouldn't allow him to do that. Would it?
Sarah was also curious as to what other positions might be available at the school. She did teach History, English and Drama up until a year ago when she stopped to help her Papaw. She could sell the property and have enough to buy the house outright and put money in the bank. They finished their meal and sat for a moment. "I think you should buy the house." Steve leaned forward, "It would be a fresh start for you."
"I know," She replied, "I will have that extra little area."
"You can rent it out and make some money," Steve noted trying to avoid giving her an answer. He could see she needed something. "I don't know." He threw his hands up. "I have been through so much that I don't know if I can commit to anything right now."
"I understand," Sarah noted. "We'd better get to Virginia's office. Sarah paid the bill and they walked up the street to the Realtor's office. Sarah approached Virginia noting she wanted the house. Virginia sat down with her and discussed an offer. The house had been on the market for a while so Sarah made a good yet lower then asking offer. Virginia said that she would talk to the owners and get back to her. Sarah gave Virginia her contact information and headed out to meet Steve. Sarah found Steve talking to a man and his son. She didn't want to disturb them, but Steve motioned her over.
"This is Sarah," Steve noted. "This is Tom and his son Jordan. They were telling me a little bit about the town and the school." Tom nodded in agreement. "They're looking for a few teachers."
"Great," Sarah smiled. "We appreciate that information." She could see that they needed to leave. "I want to look around some more if that's okay." Steve agreed, shook Tom and Jordan's hands then headed down the street. "Sorry," Sarah sighed as she looked in the window of an antique's store. "Just nervous about the offer."
"I'm sure it will be fine," Steve noted as he opened the door for her. They casually walked around the store before deciding they needed to head home.
Sarah stared out the window as Steve drove them back home. She wanted the house and she wanted Steve to stay. The last admission scared her as she hardly new him yet felt there was a connection. Steve drove the car up the driveway, parked the truck and helped Sarah from the cab. They again felt the spark as their hands touched. They stood for a moment when the ringing of a phone interrupted them.
Steve looked at his phone and sighed, "It's me." He walked towards the back of the truck. Sara decided to go inside letting him speak in private.
Sarah placed her things on the counter when her cell phone rang. She answered it, listened to the person on the other end, thanked them then hung up. "Oh boy," She muttered.
"Everything okay," Steve asked.
"Sure," Sarah replied, "How about you?"
"I asked first," Steve moved in closer.
"I got the house," Sarah sighed. Before she knew it, she was in Steve's arms as he turned her around in celebration.
"I knew you would," Steve smiled as he set her down. "I'm happy for you."
"Thanks," She noted. It hit her that she would be doing this and leaving the home she had known all her life. Possibly leaving Steve behind but the expression on his face puzzled her, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Steve shook his head. "That was the Principal of the High School where we just were." He leaned against the counter. "He heard about me and wants me to interview for the Coach's position. How did he even get my number?"
"Welcome to small town life," Sarah joked. "Everyone will know everything about you before you can finish telling one person." She looked at him, "I don't have your number, so it wasn't me."
"I gave it to Tom," Steve slapped his head, "I gave him my card. It was from my time at 5-0." He shuffled his feet then stood up. "I will be back a little later, I need to make a few phone calls."
"Sure," Sarah answered. She changed and headed to the living room to watch tv. She sat on the couch flipping through the channels when she decided to see if the school was hiring teachers. She opened her laptop and began looking online. Sarah was able to apply online and was excited because she could teach the courses she loved, providing they hired her. She didn't realize how quickly the time had passed. "Better get something to eat," she replied as she headed to the kitchen. She figured she wouldn't see Steve until the next morning.
Steve was sitting on the couch explaining to Danny what he was up to. He didn't dare mention the coaching position or any other life changes. He loved Danny like a brother, but he couldn't take the negativity or barrage of questions. After he finished with Danny, Steve dialed the one person who would always shoot it straight, Lou. Steve prefaced the conversation by asking him not to mention the call to Danny. After Lou agreed Steve filled him in on everything. He waited for what seemed like an eternity when Lou finally answered. Steve thanked him, disconnected the call and sat in silence. He needed to think.