A Love to Treasure (Sunriver Dreams Book 1) (15 page)

Nicole noticed the man’s cracked windshield and cringed. She turned to Connor. “Good thing you were wearing a helmet.” From the look of the windshield Connor was fortunate he wasn’t seriously injured.

An ambulance pulled to a stop nearby and two medics approached.

“I’m okay,” Connor said, but his face registered pain.

Nicole placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Connor, Spencer is a friend of Mark’s. I think he’d want you to do what these people say.”

“Who’s going to take care of my car?” The man who hit him crossed his arms and glowered down at them.

Spencer stood and moved the man away from them. The medics took Connor over to the ambulance.

Nicole pulled out her cell and called Sarah. She explained what happened.

“Is he okay?” Panic filled Sarah’s voice.

“I think so. Nothing looks broken from what I can see, but the medics are with him now. I’ll let you talk to one of them.” She walked over and explained she had Connor’s guardian on the phone and handed it over to the woman.

The EMT finished bandaging Connor’s knee. “You’re a lucky boy.”

“How’s his arm?” Nicole asked.

“It’s hard to say for sure without an x-ray, but it doesn’t appear to be broken.”

The woman handed Nicole the cell phone back. “I’m here, Sarah.”

“I’m leaving the office now. Please take Connor home for me. I told the medic that I don’t want them to take him to the hospital. You’ll need to sign the waiver for me. I’ll meet you at my place.” She tucked her phone into her pocket and pivoted to the boy. “You ready to go? I’m taking you home.” She quickly signed the wavier.

“What about my bike?”

Spencer cleared his throat.

Nicole looked over her shoulder. “I didn’t realize you were there, Spencer.”

He nodded. “I took the driver’s statement. Did you see what happened?”

Nicole told him what she saw before the accident and what she’d heard. “I need to take Connor home now. Can we go?”

“What about my bike?” Connor asked again.

“I’ll bring it to your house,” Spencer said. “Although it’s a little banged up.”

Connor sighed. “I want to go home now,” his voice wobbled.

Nicole immediately strode to her car, expecting he’d follow. She unlocked the car and slid behind the wheel. Connor got into the passenger seat. They drove in silence to Sarah’s house. When she parked, he bolted and went inside, slamming the door behind him.

“I guess I’ll wait out here.” She put the windows down and got out a few minutes later when Spencer pulled up.

“How’s he doing?”

“I think he’s more upset about his bike than anything. That’s how he gets around. It will be a long summer without wheels.”

Spencer frowned. “He should have thought of that before riding recklessly.”

She nodded. “His cousin will be here soon. Maybe you could leave his bike by the door.”

“I need to talk with her before I leave.”

“Oh.” She wished Mark was here. She leaned against her car. “How’s the burglary case coming?”

“Still open.”

She nodded. “I hope you catch them soon.”

“That’s the plan.” He checked his watch.

She couldn’t blame him for being short. He was probably anxious to get back to his case.

Sarah finally pulled up beside her car. She flung the door open. “Where’s Connor?”

Spencer stepped forward. “He’s inside. We need to talk.”

“Okay.” Sarah gave Nicole a quick hug. “Thank you for being there and contacting me.”

“Of course. Call me later.”

Sarah nodded before turning and going inside with Spencer.

Nicole blew out a breath. What a way to start the day. Poor Connor and Sarah. Hopefully everything would turn out okay.

Monday morning Nicole sat outside on her deck with a cup of coffee and a book. She’d all but given up on Grams’ game. If she didn’t find the book Grams’ was talking about soon, she didn’t know what she’d do.

She tried to tune out the racket going on inside as the men demoed the master bathroom, but every time they tossed something into the garbage bin out front she startled.

“Hello!” A woman called.

Nicole stood. “Bailey?” She strolled to the gate and looked over the top. “Hey there. I wasn’t sure when you’d be here. I’m hanging out here.”

“I don’t blame you. Let me check on the guys then I’ll join you.”

Nicole sneezed. Hopefully her allergies wouldn’t give her too much trouble, or she’d be forced to retreat indoors. She sneezed again and rubbed her itchy eyes. Maybe reading in the loft would be a better idea, but she’d wait to meet with Bailey first.

A short time later Bailey strolled onto the deck. “Things are moving right along and the good news is everything looks as it should. No bad pipes or rotten wood.”

“Great! Do you have time to join me for a glass of lemonade?” She stood. “I made some fresh squeezed this morning.”

“Yum. I can’t say no to that. Thanks.”

“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.” She went inside and quickly filled two glasses. The sound of hammering made her wince. She rushed back onto the deck. “Here you go. I hope you like it. My Grandmother used to make this all the time.”

Bailey sipped the beverage. “It’s perfect.” She set the glass on the patio table. “I hope the remodel doesn’t become too much of a burden for you.”

Nicole waved a hand. “It’s fine.”

“If you say so. I wouldn’t want to listen to that racket all day.” She took another sip. “But the end result will be worth all the headaches. My favorite part is yet to come.”

Nicole leaned forward. “What would that be?”

“When all the finishing touches are put into place and you see if for the first time. Please promise me you won’t peek. It will spoil all my fun.”

Nicole chuckled. “Sure. I promise.” She never dreamed such a request would be made, but there was really no reason for her to go into the master suite. She’d moved into the other bedroom containing a second full bath, so obliging Bailey would be no trouble.

“Thanks. I knew I liked you from the moment we met.”

Nicole’s phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number, and considered ignoring it, but curiosity got the best of her. “Excuse me for a minute.”

“I should be going anyway. I’ll be in touch.” Bailey stood and exited through the gate.

“Hello. This is Nicole.”

“Hey there. How’s it going?”

“Mark?” He must be using someone else’s phone.

“I can’t reach Connor. He left me a cryptic message and asked me to call him. Do you have any idea what he’s up to?”

Nicole frowned. “Sorry, no. I’ve been at my place all day.”

“Okay. I’ll swing by Sarah’s and check on him. That boy attracts trouble like a dog to a flea.”

She chuckled. “Okay. Let me know if you need anything, but he is probably lonely and wants company.” She said goodbye and set the phone beside her. Hopefully not being able to reach Connor wasn’t a sign of trouble, and he was only seeking companionship.

Chapter Fourteen

A week later, Nicole ran hard for the tennis ball, took a swing, and missed. Sarah was good—way out of Nicole’s league. Down by five points and it was her serve. Tossing the ball above her head, Nicole raised her arm and whipped it forward, sending the ball slightly past the centerline in the right corner.

Sarah drilled the ball just out of Nicole’s reach.

Nicole chased after the ball then pocketed it. Wiping sweat from her face, she laughed. “I haven’t been beaten that badly in a long time.”

“Give yourself some credit. You’re not accustomed to playing someone who spends a couple hours a day working on her game.”

Nicole’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? How do you have that much time when you work all day? No wonder I’m getting creamed. You’re practically a professional with all that court time.” She followed her friend, and they strolled toward the parking lot beside the basketball court where Connor was working on his free-throw.

Sarah laughed. “Not even close, but thanks. Most evenings after work I head down here with Connor and a few of my friends join me for a game. It’s nice to have someone new to challenge me.”

“Ha. My skills aren’t much of a challenge. You were holding out on me the last time we played.”

A grin spread across Sarah’s face. “True.”

Nicole nudged her playfully. “What exactly do you do for a living?”

“Mortgage broker. I really enjoy my job. It’s fun helping people get into a home.”

“Maybe I should look into doing that. This area seems to have a hot real estate market.”

“I thought you were a school teacher.”

“I am, at least I was, but it’s time to consider other options since I haven’t been able to find a position for this coming school year.” She loved teaching, but she also enjoyed paying her bills in full and on time, which wouldn’t happen if she didn’t find a job soon.

“Don’t give up, Nicole. Something is bound to turn up.” Sarah put her racket and ball bag into the trunk of her car. “Want to take a cool down walk around the park?”

“Sure. Mind if I dump my stuff first?” She motioned toward her car.

“Go ahead. I’ll walk with you.”

“How is Connor doing? I haven’t seen him at all the past several days.” Granted she’d been spending a lot of time at her house, but she usually ran into the boy when she went into the village.

Sarah waved a hand. “He’s incredibly resilient and healing fast. Without wheels he hasn’t ventured far from my place.” She lowered her voice as she glanced toward the basketball court. “But he told me he’s embarrassed that you keep seeing him make a fool of himself. I think he might have a little crush on you.”

“Oh no.”

Her friend nodded. “Don’t worry. These things pass. I once had a crush on one of my teachers, so I’m speaking from experience. I’m sure he’ll be back to himself in no time.”

“I hope you’re right.” She waggled her eyebrows. “You crushed on your teacher?”

Sarah rolled her eyes. “All the girls in my seventh grade glass had a crush on Mr. Price, but I got over it after he gave me an F.”

Nicole laughed. “I’m sorry for laughing, but that does not sound like you at all.”

“Good. I’d hate to think my adult self resembles who I was at twelve.”

Nicole sobered. “Back to Connor. I feel badly about what happened at the pool.”

“Stop. You only went there because I asked you to—which by the way, I told Connor. He had it in his head . . . well, never mind, but all is well. So relax.”

Nicole worried her bottom lip. “Okay, I’ll try.”

“You should come to my church on Sunday. We’re having a community potluck. I’m bringing my famous pudding salad. It’s so yummy—whipped topping, vanilla pudding, and fruit.”

“Healthy and decadent. Sounds delicious. Count me in.” Nicole tilted her head. “I didn’t realize you go to church.”

“I’ve been attending the community church ever since I moved here.”

Nicole pulled her keys from her bag. She’d been giving her relationship with the Lord a lot of thought. Getting back into church would be good, and Grams would definitely approve. “It won’t bother Connor to see me there?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Good. What should I bring?”

“If you don’t cook, I suggest something easy. How about chips or a pasta salad from a deli?”

Nicole tossed her stuff in the trunk. “I never said I couldn’t cook. Maybe I’ll bring brownies.”

“Great idea. There’s never enough dessert at these things.” The twinkle in her friend’s eyes belied the truth of her words. They marched back to the trail to walk until Connor was ready to leave.

“I don’t care. Dessert is
my
specialty.” Nicole watched a couple of boys playing catch on the ball field near the basketball court. Seeing all the kids here in Sunriver made her miss her students. No, she wouldn’t go there. They walked past the outfield and headed away from the tennis courts.