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“Good to see you, too, I think.” When they lunged toward her again, Cassidy stepped backward and pointed to the flatbed. “Could we get some work done here today? It’s supposed to snow again, you know.”
The four men glanced at Davis. “Hasn’t changed much, has she?”
“Nope. Just as bossy as she ever was.”
Cassidy snorted her disgust while the four pulled a cart from the truck’s bed and handed it up to Davis, who began fastening it to the first piece of machinery. Obviously they knew what they were doing, so Ty followed their directions and did exactly as he was told. A little better than half an hour later, both units were installed and running nicely. The old ones had been removed and were now tied onto the flatbed.
He overheard Cassidy promising to repay the five men with her specialty, which sounded chocolaty and very fattening.
“You going to provide shelter here, too, like with beds and everything?” Crank, the man with the biggest biceps, insisted Ty give them a tour of the old school building.
“That’s the idea. It’s a bit much for us to do all at once so I guess we’ll start with a soup kitchen and work up from there. Want to see more?”
“Yes.”
Ty led them through the building. Eventually they came to the gym. “This is the best part.”
“No kidding.” Hart, the tallest of the four men, grabbed a basketball from a box in the corner, raced across the floor and sank a hoop shot.
“You haven’t lost your touch.” Cassidy lounged in the doorway, watching them. “This old school has a big playground. Come spring, you guys could spend a day putting up a fort, some swings, maybe a few slides. Couldn’t you?”
“Could,” Hart agreed.
Ty couldn’t help staring. He hadn’t imagined Cassidy had given any thought to the Haven, let alone considered future possibilities.
Furtive whispers drew him back to awareness. Cassidy nodded at Crank, who seemed tongue-tied.
“He’s willing to donate some bedsprings from a motel he just bought.”
“Great.” Feeling as if he’d been grasped by one of those muscled arms and shaken, Ty gulped. But before he could accept, she continued.
“Hart’s brother’s a football pro. He could get some gym equipment for you.”
“Not fancy, but free,” Hart inserted.
“It’s really kind of you, all of you.”
Apparently his message about being in charge hadn’t sunk in at all. But Ty didn’t mind when Cassidy took over, coaxing Davis to approach his church for donations toward a day care, mocking his upturned nose.
“What’s the matter, Davis?” Cassidy teased. “Not into diapers?”
“Funny.” He ignored her to face Ty. “Her humor hasn’t changed since we were in high school together. It’s still nonexistent.”
“High school?” Ty recalled the way she’d interacted with the other men. “All of you?”
“Afraid so.” Davis laughed at Cassidy’s groan. He leaned toward Ty and spoke sotto voce. “Cassidy was number one on everybody’s dating list.”
“Liar. I never made it onto anyone’s dating list.” She thumped Davis on the shoulder. “You never even knew I was alive until you discovered I could cook.” She glanced at Ty. “They had some kind of contest to see who would persuade me to go out with them first.”
“I won.” Davis thrust out his massive chest.
“You won because you conned me.” Her scathing tones dared him to deny it. “Anyway, that wasn’t a date. You got me to cook a meal under the pretext of helping your poor sick mother.”
“He said you offered because you were infatuated with him.”
“You actually believed that?” Cassidy rolled her eyes.
Crank made a threatening gesture at Davis. “Your past is coming back to haunt you big-time now that Cass is back. You know what she’s like about lying.”
“Hates it. Yeah, I know that.” Davis sobered immediately. “I’m sorry, Cass.”
Ty found her reaction curious. His first impression of the chef had been of a strong, aggressive and capable woman. Somehow he never imagined her as an uncertain high school girl trying to figure out the intricacies of dating. Seeing her interaction with these men added a sense of vulnerability, made her more approachable.
“You’re going to be very sorry you lied about me, Davis.” Cassidy’s words held a thin edge of pain. A moment later her grin flashed. “I’m going to think up some really big payback.”
“Look, forget the past. I’m more interested in the present.”
“I’m sure you are.” Cassidy winked at Ty then turned to face her friend. “I could tell a lot of stories on you, Davis, and you know it. But because you came through today, I won’t.”
Relief washed over the big man’s face.
“And because you got me interested in cooking and pushed me to get my own place, I guess I owe you one, too.” He risked a look over one shoulder. Crank and his friends were huddled together, muttering about a football game on the weekend. Davis ignored them, turned to face Ty. “So it’s okay with you, if I suggest your place as a project for our church?”
“I’ll be very thankful for anything your church is willing to help us with.” Ty glanced at the others. “That goes for all of you. The Haven is only going to work if we get community support. Then people will see we are only trying to help. Hopefully that will allay any suspicions that are out there.”
“That sounds like you have problems.” Cassidy frowned at him.
“Some local kids have made a few threats. Nothing we can’t handle.” Ty hoped that was true.
“You’re welcome to join us at our church if you like, Ty. First Street Community Church isn’t big, but it’s all heart. We would welcome you anytime.”
Since Ty had been thinking about finding a permanent church home for himself and Jack since they’d moved, he listened to Davis’s directions.
“If I can persuade my nephew, you might just see us there on Sunday. And you must feel free to come here anytime—all of you. As soon as I get a coffeepot working there will be a cup for you whenever you like.”
“Thanks.”
Each man shook Ty’s hand, teased Cassidy, then clambered up the steps. Except for Davis. He lingered behind while the others called for Cassidy and Mac to come and see something on the big black truck they’d arrived in. She gave the two of them a speculative look before following the others outside.
Ty walked up the stairs beside Davis wondering what the other man was struggling to say.
“So you and Cassidy are both chefs,” he prodded. “That’s interesting.”
“Technically I’m a chef, but I’m not in Cassidy’s league.” The big man shrugged. “She’s won about every award they give, made her mark with the best in the business. She could work anywhere and they’d be more than happy to have her.”
“Yet she chose to come back to Chicago.” Ty wanted to hear more about Cassidy Preston. Particularly why she was so adamant about not overstaying her six-month term.
“She always had big plans for her future.”
Something in Davis’s voice made Ty pause just outside the door, while they were still out of earshot of the others.
“You don’t think her future is why she came back?”
“I didn’t say that.”
Ty met his look, smiled faintly. “You didn’t have to.”
“Psychologist, huh?” Davis shook his head. “I’ll have to watch it.”
“You going to hang around here all afternoon, Davis?” Hart bellowed. “Or do you want help unloading that stuff?”
“I want help, of course. Think the Haven might get a few bucks for the metal if we take it over to that friend of yours?”
“Why not?”
Moments later the men and the old equipment had disappeared down the snowy street.
“Not a bad morning’s work,” Cassidy said as she turned to go back inside.
Ty grasped her arm. “Wait a minute.”
She glanced at his hand, eyes steely as she waited for him to release her. Then she lifted her gaze to meet his. “Yes?”
“It’s past noon,” he said, checking his watch. “I’m hungry.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, have a nice lunch.”
Ty stepped in front of the door so she couldn’t go inside. She lifted her perfectly arched eyebrows to glare at him. “Excuse me?”
He laughed.
“I can see I’m going to have to practice my communication skills. That was supposed to have been an invitation for lunch. I’m buying. As a thank-you,” he explained. “Getting that equipment, bringing those men here, listening to their offers to help—if they pan out, the place will have taken a giant leap forward. Thanks to you.”
“You’re welcome.” It was a duty response carrying little emotion.
Ty tried again.
“So what do you say we take a break over lunch and you can tell me what other things you see happening at the Haven?”
For the first time since Ty had met her, Cassidy Preston was speechless.
He waited, shuffling from one foot to the other until, exasperated by her lack of response, he burst out, “I’d appreciate a decision soon. I do have some work to do this afternoon.”
Her laughter bounced off the building and down the street.
“I think, counselor, that you need a refresher in patience.”
“What I need is an answer. Lunch?”
She studied him for a few moments, her expression unreadable. He was about to give up when she nodded, once.
“I guess we could take a break. For an hour or so.”
Within ten minutes she was seated in the front seat of his car and Ty was trying to figure out how Cassidy Preston could be so animated when some old high school buddies showed up, yet turn into a marble statue when they were alone.
As he pulled into the parking lot of a restaurant, Ty saw her check her watch for the third time.
Apparently he had about as long as it took to order and eat lunch to find the answer to his questions.
Chapter Three
“Would it help if I apologized again?”
Cassidy winced as her fork clattered against the plate. She left it there, hid her hands in her lap and tried to figure out what Tyson St. John had been talking about.
“I mean, I could if it would help.” He’d finished his meal already. “I know I jumped on you about the refrigeration and I truly am sorry, but—”
“Please, it’s fine. I understand that you’ve been under some stress. Really, there’s no problem.” She let their server take away her spinach salad even though she’d only tasted about three bites. “I’m just glad we have what we need and that we can move on.”
“Davis mentioned something about you living in Europe. Were you there long?”
She knew where the questions were leading. Not that there was anything wrong with them. Ty was only interested. But that didn’t make opening up any easier.
She didn’t know where to start.
Ty folded his napkin, laid it to one side.
“Forget I asked. I can take you back now, if you want.” His voice had lost the soft lilt she had admired earlier. Now it was flat, emotionless.
Cassidy swallowed. They had to work together for the next six months. No matter how raw coming back made her feel, remaining silent was a lousy way to start off a working relationship.
“Actually I was away for six years. Elizabeth Wisdom’s foundation gave me a scholarship to start my training in Paris. After that I worked with some of the best chefs in the world. I guess I’ve moved around quite a bit compared to some people. But I’ve enjoyed it.”
“So coming back here wasn’t exactly what you wanted?” He insisted she choose dessert and asked for coffee. “Chicago doesn’t feel like home anymore?”
Cassidy tasted a tiny morsel of her cheesecake before setting down her fork.
“It isn’t that. I grew up in Chicago. I have a lot of fond memories of this place.”
“And some not-so-fond ones, judging by your expression just now.” His intent scrutiny pushed past her barriers. “Do you want to talk about them? I’ve been told I’m a good listener.”
Talk about them? Cassidy never wanted to even think about the past again. So she did what she always did, drew the focus away from herself.
“I have two sisters. One lives in the city and one lives about forty miles away. It’s nice to be close to them again.” She sipped her water, licked her lips and stalled for time.
“I’m sure it is. No parents?”
“No.”
Silence yawned. It was obvious Ty was not going to press for more information, which Cassidy found reassuring.
“What about you?” she challenged. “You gave up your career and now you’re building your sister’s dream. What does your family think of that?”
Ty shook his head, a rueful smile touching the corners of his mouth.
“Since I don’t have one, I don’t have to worry.”
“Except for Jack, of course.”
An odd look washed across his face before he mumbled, “Yes, Jack.”
He didn’t want to discuss his life any more than she did, so Cassidy filled in the rest of the time with small talk and amusing stories about some of her cooking trials. By the time she’d coaxed him into eating most of her cheesecake, she felt more relaxed. By the look on the Ty’s face, he did, too.
On the way back to the car Cassidy got down to business.
“Can you give me some idea of when you expect me to start producing meals?”
“I can’t really. I’m not sure exactly what else I need to get in place before we open our doors. Unofficially, of course.”
“Oh.” Meaning he was going to keep assessing?
“I’m hoping we can have most of our programs running before we hold our grand opening.” He laughed as he pulled open her door. “But that’s a long way into the future.”
“Not that long, I hope.” She sank into the car seat wondering if it was only uncertainty that made him take so long to get things done. Or did something else underlie his hesitation?
“Let’s give ourselves a few days to assess.” There was a tone of finality in the words.
When they arrived at the Haven, Elizabeth Wisdom was deep in conversation with Mac, who seemed quite at home with the elegant heiress from Texas.
“Hello, Cassidy,” Elizabeth greeted, hugging her. “You look very well. And Ty. I’m so sorry about Jack. He’s recovering?” She linked her arms in theirs and walked between them into the building.
“Jack will be fine. I’m very glad Cassidy was there.” His voice altered. “The sight of all that blood got to me and I froze.”
Elizabeth’s gentle smile sympathized.
“Poor Ty. How did you manage in the army hospital?”
Cassidy had wondered the same thing.
“I’m a psychologist. I didn’t have anything to do with the medical side. Never even had to use my first-aid knowledge.”
“Well, that will probably change as renovations begin, so you’d better toughen up.” Elizabeth patted his shoulder in a motherly way, then turned to Cassidy. “And you, my dear. I hear you’ve been busy replacing kitchen equipment since your plane landed last Thursday. Bravo. Is your accommodation suitable?”
“The house is lovely, Elizabeth, thank you.”
“I know it’s tiny—”
“It’s perfect for one person,” Cassidy assured her, secretly delighted to have a house all to herself. “The big south windows are perfect to grow my herbs. I don’t need anything more. After all, it’s only for six months.”
“Yes.” Elizabeth’s smooth alabaster forehead pleated for a moment then smoothed. “We must make hay while the sun shines. That’s what my father used to say, though he never made any hay. He far preferred oil.” She stopped, surveyed the interior hall and frowned. “This is too grim.”
Cassidy remained silent, watching as Ty shot down every one of Elizabeth’s suggestions for renovation. He claimed he wanted the Haven to be a great success, a tribute to his sister, and yet, as they moved through the building, Ty stalled and stumbled when called upon to clarify his ideas. By the time they reached the kitchen, he seemed relieved that the focus was off him and on her.
“My dear, you did very well to find these,” Elizabeth congratulated. “What else have you planned?”
Cassidy set out her ideas clearly and concisely but even here Ty didn’t seem able to concentrate. He got stuck on details, rattled on about how the Haven’s outreach shouldn’t begin until they were sure of their focus and their target group. Cassidy grew so frustrated she got up and left, just to get a breather. She returned with a teakettle, some cookies and a box of teabags.
Ty didn’t appear to notice she’d been absent until she set the teapot before Elizabeth. Then he simply looked puzzled; he left his sentence hanging unfinished.
Something was clearly wrong, but what? He’d said he was nervous about making a mistake. Maybe that explained all the barricades he was erecting.
“I thought we could all use a break,” Cassidy said.
“What a lovely idea.” Elizabeth poured the thick amber liquid into the three mugs Cassidy had scrubbed spotless.
“I didn’t know we had a kettle here.” Ty added sugar to his tea, frowned then shook his head. “You bought one?”
Cassidy shrugged. “My gift to the kitchen.”
Ty opened his mouth as if to protest, but obviously had second thoughts. He shrugged and smiled, lifted his cup.
“To the Haven.”
They clinked mugs together. Elizabeth glanced around the messy room, her face expressing her distaste, though she didn’t give it voice.
“Next steps for you, Cassidy?” Elizabeth pulled out a small notebook.
“Arrange suppliers, find some helpers and generally plan how this will work. I’ll do two test runs. One on Thursday at noon to feed whoever is working here.” She looked at Ty. “If you can let me know approximately how many workers will be here, it will help me prepare.”
“Sure.”
She read his expression clearly.
Exactly how am I supposed to know that?
“Maybe you could count heads around nine. Or I could.” Cassidy struggled for a less bossy tone but it wasn’t easy. She’d been the one in charge for so long, and he seemed disinclined to action. Well, she had to do something.
“Yes, that might be better. You go ahead.” He looked relieved.
“I’d like to serve a second meal on Saturday evening.”
“Why?”
At this rate she’d be here a year and still accomplish nothing. Cassidy bristled.
“Is there something wrong with Saturday?”
“I’m not sure it’s the best day.”
Was he going to argue about every decision she made? Ty’s face closed up. His voice dropped.
“It’s just that I received a phone call from Davis. His contractor had a client drop out and so he could start on the entrance immediately.”
“Uh-huh.” She still didn’t understand his problem.
Ty dragged a hand through his hair as if searching for patience.
“People have to come down here to eat and the only way is through the main entrance. I don’t want anyone hurt.”
Even Elizabeth looked frustrated.
“Surely by Friday the worst of it will be over?”
“Maybe. If it isn’t, she’ll have to reschedule the lunch,” Ty warned.
Cassidy quashed a surge of frustration.
“I want to hold a dinner, not a lunch, and I want to get the word out beforehand,” Cassidy muttered. “And once we’ve started serving meals, I don’t think we can just stop.”
“We might have to if it puts someone in danger.” Ty’s piercing scrutiny sliced all the way to her toes.
Cassidy knew that he would suggest she wait. He seemed to prefer a snail’s pace for most things. But she couldn’t just sit around doing nothing. Even if it took him a month to get everything else operational, she could still serve meals.
Elizabeth glanced from Ty to her. “We’re going to have to be flexible.”
Which meant get along.
The onus was on her. Cassidy faced Ty and chose her words with care.
“It’ll take me a couple of days to get the kitchen going.”
“Fine.”
“Then what am I to do? I can’t just sit here and wait until everything else in the Haven is operational. It would be a waste of my time, and why would you want that when we can begin reaching people right away?”
Ty’s eyes blazed. The tic in his cheek gave away his irritation.
“I can’t have people tracking through a construction site.”
There was more to his objection and she knew it.
“We need to get people used to coming here.”
“Is that what we want?” Ty tipped so his chair rested on the back two legs, crossed his arms over his chest and donned a meditative look that gave little away. A psychologist would have learned about that on day one.
Cassidy wished Elizabeth had sent her somewhere else, someplace where the director was not so afraid someone might actually accomplish something. But she also sensed there was an undercurrent to his obfuscation, so she exhaled her frustration and tried diplomacy.
“I have to think in terms of what I can accomplish in the six months I’m here.” She listed some of her ideas. “Any objections?”
“I’m sure those are all fine.” Elizabeth looked relieved.
Ty didn’t like her taking charge. She knew that because his chair plunked down on all fours.
“But?” She longed to shake him out of his stupor. Just say it!
“I’m trying to visualize how it would work.”
“I cook, they eat. You said there’d been negative reaction from a gang. Maybe if they saw what this place is about, it would encourage the community.”
“Exactly!” Elizabeth beamed. “I knew that’s why God led you here, Cassidy.”
God? Cassidy wanted to laugh. As if He cared what happened to her now. She showed Elizabeth her list of to-dos.
“A meal is fine.” Ty’s disinterested tone evaporated. Suddenly he was all business. “Just so long as you don’t expect me to get involved down here.” He glanced at Elizabeth, saw her frown and rushed to rephrase. “I mean certainly, if you need help or want some direction, I’m available.”
“Right.” That would be the day that Cassidy would need his direction in a kitchen.
“The majority of my time must be focused on getting the Haven ready to go.”
“Of course.” Let him assess. As long as he didn’t do it down here. “Once I see how Thursday goes, I’ll be better prepared for Saturday night. I want posters up immediately so the word gets out.”
Ty could dawdle till spring but Cassidy intended to give the Haven her best shot as a repayment to Elizabeth. Then she’d move on to her dream.
“Cassidy, I knew you’d take this challenge and make it your own.” Elizabeth’s smile sent a dart of pleasure to her heart. “Now, let’s talk about your budget.”
Ty didn’t even glance her way. They tossed figures around for an hour before allocating a sum specifically for groceries. Cassidy knew she’d have to be very creative to feed the number she was counting on with such a small budget. But to give Ty his due, it was hard to know how the Haven would be accepted. A little shoe leather would help her find those answers.
“I want to thank you both for what you’ve accomplished here today. Whatever we do is for the Lord and I know He will be pleased.” Elizabeth rose, hugged Cassidy. “We’re going to let you get on with your work, dear. Ty and I need to talk about some other matters. You will let me know if you need anything, won’t you?”
“Thank you, Elizabeth. I hope things will work out here as you want.”
“Of course they will, child. God doesn’t give us dreams to crush them. You know that better than most.” Elizabeth’s face glowed. “I’m so fortunate I can be a part of this. I think Gail will be very proud.”
Ty’s handsome face wore a scowl, but only for a moment.
“I have some figures in my office.” He nodded at Cassidy. “We’ll see you later.”
Which was supposed to put her in her place, no doubt. He guided their benefactor from the room. Cassidy waited until he reached the door.
“Ty?”
He turned, lifted one eyebrow. “Yes?”
“I’m going to need at least one helper. Should I ask around, or do you have someone in mind?”
“As soon as I’m finished with Elizabeth I’ll make some calls. Okay?”
Cassidy pressed her lips together, nodded and Ty left.