Paisley's Pattern by LoRee Peery Page A

wanted to order. She waited for Rob to make his choice.
    “Ma’am, are you ready to order?”
    “I’d like a small taco salad without meat. But could you please add extra beans and guacamole?”
    “Of course. Sir?”
    Rob ordered two burritos and a cola.
    Paisley burst out laughing. “Look at those silly scampering squirrels. They’re going nuts out there, racing from one tree to another. Maybe it’s the sunshine.”
    Rob turned to the side so he could see out the window. “They remind me of you. Never landing in one spot, but always looking for somewhere else to plant their feet.”
    “Or their tails.”
    He scowled at her attempt to lighten the moment. She wanted to reach out and comfort his obvious loneliness.
    He needed to seek the joyful side of life.
    She focused on placing the lime-green napkin in her lap. Even though she’d returned his beautiful diamond ring, in her mind she viewed their break-up as mutual. He blamed his lack of joy on his parentage and couldn’t understand what that had to do with her.
    Why can’t I get past the hang-up of his frame of mind ?
    It slammed into her. She wasn’t responsible for his joy any more than he was the one to change anything about her.
    They hadn’t been ready for such soul searching in California.
    “You won’t take part of the blame for our incompatibility?” She ventured.
    He peered deeply into her eyes.
    She felt certain he still longed for her as much as she longed for him.
    “I felt like you were pushing me to be someone I’m not. I can’t help it if I’m serious and not a carefree laugh-where-I’m-planted kind of guy.”
    “But your mother’s choice is behind you! And you’ve discovered who your dad was. Just look at the wonderful family you’ve found. You have more roots than I ever dreamed of having.”
    “Right. My mom loved me so much she told my father about me and we were a real family success story.”
    “Sarcasm isn’t attractive.”
    They both needed to let go of previous lifestyles to entertain the notion of building a future together.
    Paisley squeezed lemon into her water. “As far as my past actions are concerned, for the first time ever, I am thinking Nebraska has the draw to keep me here for a long time. Jobs seem to be in abundance. I haven’t seen the homeless loitering anywhere.”
    “That may be temporary. You’ll see them elsewhere if you follow the itch to pack up and move again.”
    “I don’t see that in my foreseeable future. There’s plenty of room for me to stay in Aunt Rainbow’s big house. She makes me realize how things could have been if Mom were still around and had all her cookies together. She claims having me around is like having a daughter she never had, something she’s missed out on in life. I’ve even wondered what a white Christmas would be like.”
    “Do you plan to work with Rainbow when she returns, or find something of your own?”
    “She hasn’t asked specifically. But bunion surgery takes time to heal. She’s thankful it’s still warm enough to wear sandals on her cruise.”
    “In Alaska?” Rob shook his head and dipped a nacho chip in sauce.
    They finished their meals with nothing resolved.
    The sadness and the inborn goodness of the man across the table dug deeper into her soul.
    Dear Jesus, guide me, show me if I can help him. If not, I pray the Holy Spirit do a mighty work of healing in Rob’s soul. You reminded me it’s not my job .
    Outside, she was enthralled by the beauty of the day. She was so thankful to be alive, she twirled.
    She came to a stop and her gaze collided with Rob.
    He finally smiled and showed a slight dimple.
    His handsome, sexy expression shocked her laughter into silence.
    Rob grazed his knuckles over her cheek and then guided her to the sedan. He opened the passenger door, never breaking their connection.
    A wild current of excitement flashed through her system. Could she keep him here with her? Would he want to stay? Was there hope for them after