Summer Serenade Read online

  “Good evening,” she said, thrusting a bottle of wine at him.

  “Thanks. Come on in,” he said, stepping back and waving her in to his home.

  Elle stepped over the threshold and walked into the foyer. She looked around her in all directions. “I love these warm colors. They’re so inviting.”

  “I wanted to use earth tones and throw in a few pops of color like red and mulberry. You want a quick tour of the place?”

  Elle nodded. “Yes, please. I dream of home ownership all the time, so I’m very impressed by your house.”

  “Here’s the living room,” Jonas said, walking a few steps towards the nearest room. He watched Elle’s expression light up as she walked into the room.

  “It’s very cozy,” Elle said, looking around her with appreciation. The room had a fireplace, two sofas facing each other and separated by a coffee table, several paintings and a big bay window.

  Jonas continued giving Elle a tour—the kitchen, master bedroom, two guest rooms and the two baths, as well as his den. He didn’t take her downstairs to the basement. Hannah deserved her privacy.

  He led her back to the kitchen so he could put the corn on. After letting the water boil, he dropped the two ears of corn in the pot. Jonas then grabbed two wine glasses and located the wine Elle had brought with her.

  “Why don’t we head outside?” Jonas asked, leading her toward the back door. Because his hands were full, Elle opened up the door for them.

  As soon as Elle saw the sparkly lights she let out a cry of surprise.

  “Oh Jonas, it’s beautiful. It looks amazing out here.”

  Jonas grinned. “Hannah set up the twinkling lights. She made it look spectacular.”

  “This is a great set-up, Jonas. The lights really add a special touch.”

  Jonas held out a chair for her. After she sat down he placed a wine glass in front of her and then poured her half a glass. He poured some into his own glass, then sat down next to her.

  “I have to say, it’s nice to see you outside of work,” Jonas said, silently admiring her appearance. Elle always looked great, but it was nice to see her out of the diner’s basic uniform.

  “It’s a nice treat to be here. Lately it seems as if all I do is work.” She held up a hand. “Not that I’m complaining. I enjoy working at the diner and I’m still very thankful for employment.”

  “We’re happy to have you. You’re a hard worker and you’ve been a quick study. The customers seem to love you,” Jonas said with a smile. He didn’t add that she already had a few admirers. Some middle school boys had been coming to the diner on a regular basis and asking to be seated at Elle’s station. Elle seemed to have no idea they were crushing on her.

  “Thanks. It’s been really interesting being back home. I was afraid people would be disappointed to see me back here in Sugar Hollow. I worried about my parents, thinking they might be embarrassed that my career flamed out.”

  “Of course not, Elle. How in the world could anyone not be proud of all you’ve accomplished?”

  “That’s what Mama said to me tonight. It made me really happy to hear it. And she told me they’re really happy to have me back home where I belong.” Elle ducked her head. He had the feeling emotion was consuming her. “For so long I was drowning in New York City. I couldn’t pay my rent since I wasn’t working. Some of my friends turned out to be really fickle. They turned their backs on me when I was at my lowest point. I was depressed because I knew I wasn’t ever going to be able to dance professionally again. I was so scared, Jonas.”

  It made Jonas sad to imagine Elle at her lowest point. “What saved you from all that?”

  “I turned to the Lord. In my weakest moment I cried out to him. He held me up. He didn’t let me completely fall apart, even though I wanted to. I was so tired, Jonas. Empty. But I felt God wanted me to go home, to return to the place where I took my first steps. Being home has been like a rebirth. I feel like I’m learning how to live all over again.”

  “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you came back to Sugar Hollow.” Jonas put his wine glass down and reached out for her hand. Elle squeezed it and looked at him with joy radiating from her eyes.

  “Me too. Every day I’m more and more convinced this is where I belong. And with each day that passes by, I keep thinking God led me straight here for a reason. Now it’s my job to tap into that reason and stay positive.”

  The sound of the timer buzzing caused Jonas to jump up from his seat. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back to put the meat on the grill. I need to take the corn off and put the salad and bread on the table.”

  “Jonas, please let me help. Why don’t I take care of the corn and the other items while you put the meat on the grill? It’ll be much more efficient that away,” Elle suggested.

  “Are you sure? I invited you over. I don’t want you to have to work for your supper,” he said in a teasing voice.

  “I don’t mind at all. To be honest, I’m learning to enjoy cooking. I got a little addicted to eating out at trendy restaurants over the past few years.” She let out a sigh. “I’m not going to say I don’t miss it, but I like experimenting in the kitchen and seeing what I can come up with.”

  “Well, that’s something we have in common.”

  “Let me go get the corn before it’s inedible,” Elle said as she quickly made her way toward the back door. As she disappeared from sight, Jonas headed over to the grilling area and placed the steaks on the grill. He turned toward the speaker system and flipped it on. Soft jazz music began to emanate through the speakers.

  By the time he took the meat off the grill Elle had returned to the backyard. “I took your cobbler from the oven. It was starting to bubble over.”

  “You’re an angel,” Jonas said, feeling relieved that he’d allowed her to help out. After all, he only had two hands.

  “No problem. It looks and smells delicious. You’ll have to share the recipe now that I can find my way around the kitchen.”

  “Thanks for the save,” Jonas said, realizing he’d totally forgotten all about the dessert baking in the oven. “And of course I’ll share with you.” He put a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell my mother though. It’s a family recipe. She takes these things very seriously,” he teased.

  “I don’t want to get on the wrong side of your Mama,” Elle said, chuckling.

  “Let’s eat before the food gets cold,” Jonas suggested, carrying the meat to the table where Elle had placed everything else.

  “Would you like to say Grace?” Jonas asked, hoping she would say yes.

  Elle nodded. They reached out and clasped each other’s hands.

  “Lord, we thank you for this food we are about to receive. Bless the hands that so lovingly prepared this meal. Lord, we are thankful for all Your blessings. Amen.”

  “Amen,” Jonas said in a resounding voice. Words couldn’t describe how nice it felt to be in the presence of a woman who didn’t hesitate to thank God before a meal.

  They ate in companionable silence. It felt easy and natural to Jonas. Every now and again Elle would comment on the food, giving him rave reviews. In his experience, it wasn’t the norm.

  “So, have you been to the new movie theater on Forrest Street?” Jonas asked, wanting to discover more about Elle than he already knew.

  “Not yet,” Elle said. “Although my sister Maggie keeps raving about it. She said they show a lot of classic movies.”

  “They’re playing Black Swan. It’s a little dark, but I thought you might like it since it’s set in the ballet world.”

  Jonas wondered if he shouldn’t have mentioned a ballet movie, but the words had slipped past his lips. He prayed it wasn’t a sensitive subject with Elle.

  “I’ve seen it a few times, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it again,” she said.

  “I hope my mentioning ballet isn’t a sore spot.”

  A look of surprise flashed across her face. “Of course not. I’ve lived, breathed and studied ballet for mo
st of my life. I love it. Even though it’s been hard to come to the realization it won’t be my career ever again, I’ll always adore it.”

  Relief flooded through Jonas. “Good,” he said with a nod of his head. “I didn’t want to say anything that might hurt you, Elle.”

  “You didn’t. Matter of fact, someday I’d like to turn my love of ballet into a business. I haven’t figured it all out, but just because I can’t be a ballerina anymore doesn’t mean I can’t parlay my knowledge of ballet into something viable.”

  Jonas began to slowly clap. “Bravo, Elle. There are so many things you can do. Your future is limitless.”

  “I like being around you,” Elle said in a soft voice. “You really me think I can do anything. Be anything.”

  “That’s because I believe in you.”

  “You have no idea how much that means to me. I believe in you too.”

  Elle closed her eyes. “Oh, I love this song. I used it for some of my tryouts.”

  “Show me some of your moves,” Jonas suggested.

  Elle made a face. “Really? You want to see me dance?”

  “I’d love it,” Jonas said. “The last time I saw you dance was back in high school. It’s been a long time.”

  Elle stood up. “Okay, but I’m a bit rusty and I don’t have the right shoes on, so I’m just going to kick off these sandals and do it barefoot.”

  “Go for it. I’m sitting here waiting to be blown away.” He sat back and folded his arms across his chest.

  “Oh great,” she said with a groan. “No pressure.”

  He watched as Elle closed her eyes and began to dance with abandon. Every movement was crisp and graceful. It was as if she was being transformed into a character right before his eyes. She twirled and spun around, extending her arms and elongating her body in amazing ways. Jonas sat transfixed, not wanting the performance to end. As the song ended, Elle’s movements slowed down until she bowed her head and stopped dancing.

  Jonas stood up and began to enthusiastically clap. “Bravo! Bravo!” he called out, feeling inspired and energized by her dancing.

  He couldn’t imagine how difficult it had been for Elle to give up something she had been born to do. With every movement, Jonas had seen her skill and finesse. He could easily imagine her performing on the world stage and for the New York City ballet. Jonas wished he could have seen her in all her glory, dressed up in her elaborate ballerina costume and performing under the bright lights.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, wiping away her tears with his thumb. “You’re crying.”

  “I’m fine,” she said through a haze of tears. “These are tears of joy. I feel rejuvenated. I haven’t danced since I’ve been home. God gave me this gift and from now on I’m going to use it, even if it’s in my bedroom or right here in your backyard.”

  “Of course you will. Because it’s a part of you, Elle. Don’t ever let it go.”

  He took her face between his hands. He dipped his head down and placed a tender kiss on her lips. Jonas felt as if this moment between them was magical. With the twinkling lights and the soft music playing it felt intimate and special. As a sky full of stars winked at them from above, Jonas felt himself falling straight over the edge. He was now officially head-over-heels in love with Elle Harrington.

  Chapter Six

  The crowd gathered in the grassy side-yard of Main Street Church was larger than anything Elle had ever seen after Sunday service. Pastor Richey had a huge grin on his face as he mingled with his parishioners. No doubt he considered the event a smashing success! Considering all the people who were in attendance, he would be able to make a sizable donation to the local food pantry.

  Everywhere Elle looked there was something going on. Face painting. Balloon art. Ring toss. Sand art. Bobbing for apples.

  “This is crazy,” Elle said as she stood by the pie-eating contest table. Never in her life had she seen people consume so much pie at one sitting.

  “It’s for a good cause at least,” Regina said, chuckling.

  Regina had been Elle’s best friend in high school. Although she’d moved away from Sugar Hollow, she still lived within a twenty-five-mile radius of town. She’d come back today for the charity even to benefit the church. As Pastor Richey’s daughter, Regina still supported all of his endeavors.

  Regina and Elle had never lost touch over the years. Her friend had even visited her a few times in New York and attended some of her performances. She had been incredibly supportive during her surgeries and recuperation. Most importantly, Regina had prayed for her during the toughest time of her life.

  Jonas waved at her from across the way. He was standing with Zeb at the football toss game. He flexed his arm muscle and made a goofy face, causing Elle to giggle at his silliness.

  “So, what’s going on with the two of you?” Regina asked, her face lit up with interest.

  “We’ve gone out on a few dates. We’re taking it slow though and getting to know each other,” Elle explained. “It feels good to be with someone solid.”

  “He sure has changed since way back when,” Regina said with an appreciative smile. “Who knew he was going to become such a hottie?”

  Elle playfully nudged Regina. “He’s way more than gorgeous. Jonas is kind and smart and sensitive. And he’s laid such a foundation for his future by owning the diner as well as his own home.”

  Regina raised a brow. “He sounds like the whole package. Quite different than Sergei, huh?”

  Just the mention of her ex-boyfriend’s name caused her heart to race. Although she wasn’t still in love with him anymore, Elle was still a little wounded by their sudden break-up. It never felt good to be dumped by someone you loved. And they’d never really had any closure, other than a few tense phone calls.

  Elle wrinkled her nose. “Sergei is a completely different type of guy. He thinks of himself first and foremost.” She shook her head. “I thought we loved each other, but as soon as my ballet world started crumbling, he was MIA. And then he ended things.”

  “Not the type of man you want for the long haul,” Regina noted.

  “Nope, although it still hurt, me” Elle admitted. Or should she say it still continued to hurt? She wasn’t sure she’d gotten over the whole Sergei experience. Some wounds took longer to heal than others.

  Regina patted her on the shoulder. “Of course it hurts. But one day it won’t. And that’ll be the day when you know that you’ve moved past it.”

  Elle grinned at her. “When did you become so wise?”

  Regina winked at her. “I think it happened as a natural bi-product of being the pastor’s daughter. Speaking of which, I think he’s beckoning me over. I’ll be right back.”

  Elle decided to walk around the summer carnival for a few minutes. It felt nice to see the joy etched on the faces of the children and the happy families enjoying the festivities. It didn’t feel quite so awkward anymore to see old acquaintances. She didn’t feel such a heavy weight on her shoulders any longer. She didn’t feel as if she had disappointed all of Sugar Hollow by returning home.

  All of a sudden, a blonde-haired woman in her late fifties stopped beside her.

  “Why, Elle. I thought that was you. Don’t you look wonderful.”

  It took a moment for Elle to recognize the woman’s face and voice. It was her high school boyfriend’s mother. Irene Fulton.

  “Hi, Mrs. Fulton. It’s been a long time.”

  They reached out to each other for a hug.

  “It’s so nice to see you.” Mrs. Fulton’s smile faltered. “I assume you heard about Bobby and the trouble he got himself into.”

  Elle nodded. Although Bobby had been immature and hadn’t treated her very well, Elle didn’t relish his downfall. Prison was a bleak place she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy.

  “Yes, I did. I’m really sorry for everything he’s going through.”

  She let out a sigh. “He lost his way. I always admired you for pursuing your goals, Elle. I wish a
little bit of it could have rubbed off on my son.”

  Elle reached out and clasped Mrs. Fulton’s hand in her own. “His life isn’t over. When he gets out of prison he’ll need support. He can turn his life around.”

  Mrs. Fulton nodded. “You’re right. Redemption is possible. I just wish people weren’t so awful about it.”

  “Hold your head high. I know it’s hard, but when you walk in your own truth, it’s easier not to worry about what others might say or think.” She smiled gently at her. “I know a little bit about the subject. People aren’t always gracious when they find out my ballet career was sidelined due to an injury.”

  The older woman made a tutting sound. “I heard about that from your mother. I hope you don’t mind that she shared it with me. I’ve been praying for you, Elle. And I know you’re going to make lemonade out of lemons. You’ve always had such determination.”

  As they said their goodbyes Elle couldn’t help but think that running into Mrs. Fulton had been no accident. Elle was finding that life threw unimaginable challenges at most people. No one was immune from loss or suffering or feeling bereft. What mattered most is how you picked yourself up and continued boldly on your path. It was okay for her to have floundered for a while as she licked her wounds. But from this point forward she needed to keep moving forward. No going backwards. No pining for the life she’d left behind.

  Jonas appeared in front of her, pulling her away from her thoughts. “Cotton candy for the pretty lady?” Jonas asked, holding out a large cone of the sugary pink confection.

  “Yes, please. I’ve never been able to resist the stuff,” she confessed, accepting the treat with glee. She plucked a huge portion and stuffed it into her mouth. “Mmm,” she said, closing her eyes as the sugar melted on her tongue.

  “That good, huh?” Jonas asked with a chuckle.

  “Try some,” she said, pushing the cotton candy in his direction.

  “Don’t mind if I do,” he said, stuffing some in his mouth.

  “You look like a chipmunk,” Elle said, doubling over with laughter.