Free Under Currents by Elaine Meece Page B

kite not her. He nudged her slightly to the right. He removed his arms from around her and stepped away. “Now take a few steps back and let the string out a little at a time.”
    After her kite caught the wind and lifted with the others, she offered him an appreciative smile, hoping to hide the effect he had on her. But then she noticed desire lingering in his eyes.
    He felt it too.
    “I’m glad you came along. Thanks,” she said.
    A car passed by. Julie recognized the silver Toyota. Joan, the town gossip. Had she seen them? Hopefully, Joan hadn’t glanced in their direction. Of course, there was a chance she had. That wouldn’t be good.
    He shielded his eyes from the sun and stared up at her kite soaring above. “I should’ve known you’d have a bird kite.” He glanced at Ally. “I see her bump is smaller.”
    “Much better. Thank you for fixing the swing,” Julie said.
    “Don’t mention it, neighbor.” He walked back to his bike and straddled it. “See ya round,” he shouted before revving the engine up and tearing out onto the road, spewing gravel in his wake.
    Julie waved, but beneath the surface panic boiled like hot magma. She thought about calling Joan to see if she mentioned seeing her. Gossip in Faith moved faster than a fire in gale winds and could be just as deadly. It could also destroy Boats and Floats.
    Her heart ached for Caleb’s obvious loneliness, but she couldn’t afford to let her family get burned. She had to forget Caleb, had to pretend he was still in prison, or she stood to lose everything that was dear to her—the respect of the citizens of Faith and the love of her family.
    Since the night they’d kissed, Caleb had kept his distance from her until now. She missed him being a part of their daily lives. Her children missed him also.
    A short time later, Julie slid the kites in the back of her van and loaded the kids. On the drive home, she thought of the secret Scott had mentioned. Strange, but it had piqued her curiosity. “Scott, that secret you’re keeping. Is it about me?”
    “No, ma’am.”
    Okay. That’s good.
    “About Grandpa?”
    “No, ma’am. “
    “What secret?” Ally asked.
    “Never mind.” Julie let the subject drop.
     
    ♦♦♦
     
    Saturday, Julie drove up the road that ran parallel with the Current River to her parents’ home. She parked and carried the potato salad into her mother’s kitchen, then placed it on the counter with the other food. Scott and Ally shot out the sliding glass door leading onto the deck to join the rest of the family outside.
    Uncle Bob and Aunt Noreen would be there, and Julie dreaded the moment when they would discuss Caleb. He had been all they’d talked about since his return. Then something occurred to her. What if Scott or Ally mentioned Caleb? No doubt their fondness for him would show. If that were the case, an earthquake of great magnitude would do less damage.
    When she stepped on the deck, her mother looked up. “Glad to see you finally made it.”
    George her oldest brother and his wife Cora spoke. Her younger brother, Jimmy and his wife Lily joined in with the usual comments. “How’s business? How are the kids? You’re too thin. Get a life. It’s time to move on.”
    Finally, she turned her attention to her aunt and uncle. She couldn’t ignore them any longer. “How have you been?”
    “My hip’s hurting,” Aunt Noreen replied. “And you? I bet you’ve been losing sleep with Caleb McGregor right next door.”
    “Not really. He keeps to himself.” Would they see her fondness for him? Why would they? No one was aware of the enormous crush she’d had on the most popular guy in school. So why would they suspect she liked him now?
    Because you’re a lonely widow, and he’s a horny ex-con.
    “Uncle Bob, how’s the tire business going?” she asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from Caleb.
    “Could be better,” her uncle replied.
    Julie studied her mother and Aunt Noreen for a moment