Joking or not, Ian had a valid point, and Jackson was unsure what to do. As he waited for Greer, he rehearsed telling her the truth, but couldn't come up with a good way to lead into it. He didn't know her well enough to trust she'd find it funny or silly or just plain devious, and he'd not intended it that way. If only he'd corrected the mistake from the beginning, but once the lie lived, how could he make it right?

But in his favor, she had no friends in Fairhope, and he could give her that. Someone to confide in with no strings attached. She needed friendship. So for now, the lie seemed harmless enough.

He'd arrived at the café early and claimed the same booth they'd had the day before. When she walked in, the site of her lifted his spirits. Wearing a pair of ragged jeans and off –the-shoulder blouse, today, she'd committed to one hair style. A braid pulled to the side, skimming bare skin. Her tanned complexion glowed so naturally, it had to be from the sunlight streaming in through the windows. She seemed in a better mood because she had a bounce in her steps.

She smiled as she approached. "Hey."

"Well, you look a lot happier today. You must feel better."

"I am. A friend from home stopped by, so that was nice."

Jackson wanted to ask if the visitor was male or female, but figured it inappropriate, so he let it pass. He picked up the menu, peering at her from over the top. "You look nice."

"Well, thank you, Rev. You, too. What are you having?"

"Green chili cheese enchiladas."

Brightly colors bracelets on both wrists clanged as she gestured with her hands. "Ooh, those sound good. Would you mind if I had a margarita?"

"Not at all. I recommend the frozen Strawberry Margarita. It's delicious."

The waitress returned and Jackson nodded for Greer to order first.

"On the gentleman's recommendation, I'm having a frozen Strawberry Margarita and green chili cheese enchiladas."

Jackson smiled, then looked at the server. "Same for me, but I'll have a Corona." When the attendant left, he focused on his lunch date again. "One day we should save room for a chocolate brownie sundae."

"Want to share one?"

His gaze drifted from her eyes hooded by long, thick lashes to her hair. He wondered how it would feel to loosen the braid and run his fingers through the silky strands. "I'm up for it if you are."

"Okay. So what do we talk about today?"

Already there was so much he wanted to learn about her, so he dug deep for a question. "You mentioned a divorce. What happened? You don't have to tell me unless you want."

She drew a deep breath. "I fell in love in college. We got careless, and I ended up pregnant. When I broke the news, he insisted we get married, so we ran off to Las Vegas."

She paused and looked out the window and Jackson wondered what was going through that pretty head of hers, but said nothing. Whatever she wanted to share had to be her choice. His job was to listen.

Then she faced him again. "His parents weren't happy about it. I'd never even met them and, he'd not mentioned me either. But I was carrying their grandchild, so I suppose they tolerated me, but two months after the wedding, I lost the baby. That's when everything changed."

For a second, he feared she might cry, but she pulled herself together. "I didn't know Mason came from a rich family until I met them. I knew he wasn't poor. I mean, he drove a sports car and had a platinum American Express card, but I didn't understand the extent of his family's wealth. They lived in this twenty-two room house with a full-time servant and cook. His mother thought I'd found my ticket to an easy life and took advantage of her one and only."

From the tone of her voice and sad expression, the memories must still hurt and that made Jackson sad, too.

"After the miscarriage, she paid me a visit, claiming I'd seen him as my opportunity to move from the outhouse to the penthouse. Then she offered me a check for twenty-five thousand dollars to go quietly."

She locked eyes with Jackson. He kept his face expressionless. "You think I took it, don't you?"

"I'm trying to decide what I would have done if someone offered me that much cash. That's a hard call. Did her son know?"

"I was naïve enough to think maybe it was a test. You know, to see if I loved Mason or if she was right about me. I refused because I adored him. Turned out, I wasn't on trial, I'd already been convicted. I told him about his mother's visit sure he'd be appalled and defend me. Go to her and profess his undying devotion and tell her to stay out of our lives."

The server delivered their orders and sat them on the table. "Y'all need anything else?"

Jackson shook his head. "No, we're good."

She sashayed away, and he spoke again. "I take it that didn't happen."

Greer whispered a laugh. "Bingo. He'd never loved me. Just married me for the baby's sake. So to ease my pain, he said to up my price, but she never went over fifty. That statement told me I wasn't his first mistake. So, I accepted. Paid off school loans, put some in savings and started my business. It's funny, I've never even told my best friends the details of the break-up. They've always thought I ended it because I couldn't stand to be bossed around."

She twirled the umbrella in her drink, then took a sip. "Anyway, that made it clear I'm not wife or mother material and there is no such thing as happily-ever-after. You think I'm a terrible person. Right?"

He swallowed a bite and swigged his beer, stalling to choose the right answer. Now he understood why she'd judged herself harshly. "What I think is a woman with money and power made you feel unworthy and because of your age and inexperience, you bought into it. Is that the reason you date bad boys? You think you don't deserve a good man?"

She wrinkled her brows as if considering the question. "I've never considered that. You could be right. My choice in men simplifies things. They aren't the kind who wants to settle down, so I have no expectations."

Jackson wanted to say more, but thought better of it. No need to dwell on that part of her life. He wasn't here to change her. His self-imposed mission was to serve as a sounding board. Let her draw her own conclusions and work things out herself.

"What type of business do you have?"

She forked a bite and held it in midair, a long string of cheese dangling from the tines. "Well, parson. This answer should get you going. I'm a tarot reader."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you probably think I'm engaged in witchcraft, but just so you know, it started out as a game which marked the invention of trumps. And contrary to what some say, the church has never objected. Even when they banned playing cards in some regions, tarot was excluded. It depends on how they're used."

Jackson raised his hand. "Now who's being preachy?"

"Sorry. I get a little touchy about it. If it's used as a religion, yes, that makes it part of the occult. But you can put faith into all sorts of wrong things. Lottery tickets, TV evangelists, Oprah." Greer broke into laughter, then straightened and shoved the bite she'd been holding into her mouth.

Damn, he liked this woman, and it was time to tell her the truth. "There's something I want to tell you."

She scooted to the edge of the bench, laid her napkin on the table and flicked her finger at him. "Hold that thought. I need to visit the ladies' room."

Once alone, he rehearsed how he could approach the subject. You'll find this funny. At least I hope you do. No. Too glib. What I'm about to say may upset you, but try to keep an open mind.

Too suggestive.

I made a stupid mistake and hope you can forgive me. That's better. Own the blame and ask for mercy.

A few minutes later, she slid back into the booth. Before he could say anything, she spoke. "You still want to split dessert?"

"Oh, yeah. That'd be good, but first..."

Her phone chimed and when she checked the screen, she gasped. "Sorry, it's the school. I have to take this." She held the cell to her ear. "Hello. Yes." Her face drew tight. "What? Okay. I'll be right there." Then in one quick motion, she scooted from the booth and clutched her chest. "Emma's in the principal's office. She got into a fight." Tears rimmed Greer's eyes.

He grabbed the lunch ticket. "I'll take you to get her."

"No. That's okay. Just drop me off at the house."

He put his hand on her shoulder. "Please, let me help you."

She hesitated, and he thought a refusal was coming, but she glanced at his hand which still rested on her bare shoulder. "All right. Fairhope Elementary on North Section." She sighed. "I'm no good at this."

He gave her a little pat and slid his hand away although he wanted to keep it there. So much for confession 101. It would have to wait. He figured one crisis might be all she could handle.

For the first ten minutes of the drive, Greer didn't speak, and the silence drove Jackson crazy. This was the perfect opportunity to confess. She was in his truck unable to escape, and surely she wouldn't attack him while driving. But, to tell her now would add to her situation. Better to address one problem at a time. Besides, maybe the lie wouldn't be a big deal to her.

By her own admission, she preferred bad boys, so she was used to lies. With two confession attempts both interrupted, had to be a sign. Keep his mouth shut for now.

"So, fortune teller. That wasn't on my radar. With your creative hairdos and trendy style, I figured you owned a hair salon or dress shop."

She turned to face him, eyes watery. "I have a storefront where I sell new age items. You know, incense, wind chimes, that sort of stuff. Most of my readings take place online, which is good. I can work from anywhere."

There was something about her smile that made him warm all over. Sure, he was a horrible person for not correcting her immediately when they met. But if he could tough it out long enough for her to get to know him, the real Jackson, the one who never lied or strung women along, and suffered guilt when he mistreated an ex even when she deserved it, then she'd understand how it had all been a mistake.

"What's the most popular question you get?"

"Love. You know. Is he cheating? Is he the one? Can I trust him with my heart?"

"And you put their minds at ease?"

"Here's the thing. You can give four different readers the same spread and get a different interpretation from each one."

"Do your clients know that?"

"I warn them. Many times I'm surprised. Take my friend, Nova, for instance. I thought the cards said she and the guy she was interested in were mismatched. But they're so in love and happy, it's scary."

He made a left turn, and the school came into view. "How so?"

"A story for another time. We're here."

He thought she'd jump from the truck and sprint into the building anxious to get the conflict over, but instead, she pulled the band from her braid, then shook the strands loose. Unbuckling her seat belt, she leaned forward and fluffed out the wavy locks until they reminded him of an electrified cartoon character.

Opening her purse, she removed two items, gazed into the visor mirror and used the pencil she'd retrieved to outline her eyes, and finished with mascara. When done, she turned toward him and grinned. "How do I look?"

He wasn't sure what she wanted him to say. Was she hoping to seduce the principal, or put a spell on him? Wild, wicked, wanton, sexy as hell came to mind, but he thought those were too suggestive. "Truthfully? Dangerous."

She grinned wider. "Perfect."

Then she opened the door and stepped into the sunshine, the red in her dark hair shining like strands of fire, and he lost his thoughts for a moment. God help the principal. Jackson bounded out and rushed to catch up to her. "Do I need to go in with you, you know, for support?"

"No. I've got this. I have plenty of experience dealing with school trouble. I'm not afraid of him. Emma is my main concern. I'm worried about what I should say to her."

"You'll know."

"You have a lot of faith, Rev."

He shrugged and smiled at her. "One of us has to."

She marched to the entrance as if she owned the place which surprised him. This was a different Greer than the scared, uncertain, new mother she claimed to be. This was a woman on a mission. He dashed ahead of her, ushered her in, then followed close behind. He didn't want to miss a minute of what was about to happen. Not sure what that would be, but whatever it was, no doubt, she had the upper hand.

"Hi, I'm Evergreen Starkey, Emma Collins' aunt. I want to see her."

The secretary continued to look at her computer. "After you see the principal."

"It wasn't a request."

Now the woman gave Greer her attention. "Oh, well, generally the parent meets with Mr. Baxter first, then brings in the child."

"My niece. Now."

Jackson ran a hand over his face to hide the smile playing at the corner of his lips. He'd not known Greer's last name until she said it, and somehow, a person named after a tree, making demands seemed out of character. He thought of her sister. Avalon. Damn. What kind of parents did that?

The secretary stood, moved to a door across from her desk and opened it. A younger version of Greer sat alone in a wooden chair. When she saw her aunt, she charged from the room and into Greer's waiting arms.

"Are you okay?" She knelt, hugged her tight, and Emma cried against her chest.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Greer. Please don't be mad at me. Please don't die and leave me. I promise I'll do better."

She eased the child away and cupped her face. "I'm not mad, and I'll never leave you. Why would you say that?"

"Because I heard Mommy and Daddy arguing about me and then they died. It's my fault."

"That isn't true. It was just a terrible accident. The last thing they wanted was to leave you. They loved you more than anything." She hugged her close again. "Understand?"

The softness and tone of Greer's voice convinced Jackson she'd be a wonderful mother, whether she knew it or not.

Emma nodded.

Greer stood, took the child by the hand, and walked to a nearby sofa. "Emma, meet my friend, Father Jackson."

He offered a handshake and at first she hesitated, then slid her small hand into his. "Hi, Emma."

She could be Greer's child. Same green eyes. Dark hair. Playful smile. She pulled her hand free and sat.

Greer wrapped an arm around her. "Now, tell me what happened today."

"Cody pulled my hair and called me an orphan. I told him to stop, but he wouldn't. He kept saying it, so I hit him. I'm not one. Am I?"

"No. You're not. Orphans have no one to care about them, but you have lots of people who love you."

"Miss Starkey, Principal Baxter will see you now."

Greer nodded then spoke to Emma. "Do you want to sit here with Jackson or go with me?"

"I'll stay here. I've already talked to Mr. Baxter."

Greer disappeared through the doorway and Jackson turned to the little girl. "So, did you get him with a right or left hook?"

"I didn't have a hook. I used my hand."

He laughed. It'd been a long time since he'd had a conversation with a child her age, so he was a little rusty. But if he wanted to stay in Greer's life, he figured he needed to make Emma an ally. "A hook is a boxing term." He fisted his hand. "If you come around like this, it's a right hook. This way, it's a left."

"Oh. I used a right one."

"I'll bet Cody doesn't bother you anymore."

"I don't think Mr. Baxter will let me to come to the lock-in on Friday." She started to cry again, and without thinking, he gathered her into his arms. "It'll be all right. I'll tell you what. Have you ever been to the Drive-in? If they have a kid's movie showing, I'll take you and your aunt. How will that be?"

Before she answered, Greer came back through the door. When she saw Jackson hugging Emma, Greer smiled at him. "Okay, let's go."

He stood, and Emma took his hand. He looked at her tear stained face and wondered what he'd gotten himself in to. The little girl had apparently taken an instant liking to him. Understandable. She'd just lost her dad and with no father figure in the picture, she missed him. He'd wanted a collaborator and now had one.

Emma looked up at her aunt. "Did Mr. Baxter say I can't come Friday night?"

"No. You can come and you will not be punished. But I want you to apologize to the boy tomorrow. I've arranged for us to meet before school. Cody was wrong, but you can't hit people. The next time something like that happens, I expect you to tell a teacher and get help with the problem. Understand?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

She put her niece in the backseat of the truck and buckled her in. Once on the road, Emma leaned forward. "Mister Jackson, will you still take us to the drive-in?"

Greer jerked her head toward him. "What? You planned a night out while I was with the principal?"

"I planned to ask your permission. Besides, you need to experience some of what the city offers before you le..."

Greer scrunched up her face and quickly shook her head. Jackson stopped. So, she'd not told Emma they weren't staying in Fairhope. That could work in his favor. Withholding the truth, sounded familiar. "Sure, we'll still go. We can make a day of it. I bet Aunt Greer would enjoy a visit to the Safari in Pine Mountain."

"Yay! Can we?"

Focused on Jackson, Greer lowered her head and rolled her eyes. "Let me get this straight. First, we'd go to some place that has furry little animals living—outside. Then we'd finish the day off, by going to a drive-in movie. Again, outdoors."

"Sounds about right. But on the bright side, while we're at the Drive-In, we can eat one of their famous hotdog sandwiches."

Greer's mouth quirked up at the corners, teasing. "Are they made from actual dogs?"

Emma giggled.

He smirked. "You're funny. No. You take a bun; add homemade chili and pimento cheese, shredded cabbage, onions, and jalapenos and hotdogs. You'll think you've died and gone to heaven."

"That's good because it sounds like a person might check out after eating that combination."

"Hey, don't judge until you try it." Jackson turned into her drive and she looked over at him.

"How did you know where I lived?"

His heart kicked up a notch. "Pretty sure you mentioned the address."

"I don't think so."

"Yeah. When I offered to take you home after lunch yesterday."

She titled her head to one side. "I don't remember that, but I guess I did." She released Emma's seat belt. "You go wait on the porch and let me have a word with Father Jackson."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye, Munchkin. Your aunt and I will decide on a day for our adventure."

"Okay." Then she hopped from the truck and ran toward the house.

Greer turned back to him. "Thanks for taking me to the school."

"Happy to help. You're good with her. I stick to what I said before. You don't give yourself enough credit in the parenting department."

"Not sure about that. I can't believe she blames herself."

"Yeah, kids her age don't know how to handle losing someone they love."

"Maybe you should talk to her about God and death and stuff."

Jackson shifted in his seat and hoped a bolt of lightning didn't strike. "Sure."

"I only mention it because it seems you and Emma hit it off."

"We did. I hope I didn't overstep by suggesting a day out. But she cried, and I don't do well when girls cry, no matter what age. Besides, you can't visit Fairhope and not go to a zoo. Well, you can, but it's just not right."He didn't mention the Safari was four hours from Fairhope, but she would've been easily an hour from it home in Atlanta. Still.

Rolling her eyes, she sighed. "I want to find something positive about this place and even though furry little creatures aren't on my bucket list, I'm willing to give them a chance."

She reached over and laid her hand on his arm. "And thanks for not giving me away. You know, the move. I just haven't found the right time to tell her yet."

"Believe me. I understand." More than you know.

As Jackson drove toward home his heart regained its rhythm. Damn, he'd dodged a bullet. All he needed was for her to find out he'd googled Ava's address. That'd make him seem creepy. But then his guilt eased. The fact Greer had her own secret, made it impossible for her to condemn him.

--------------------------------

Well, now Jackson's endeared himself to Emma.

Think he'll tell Greer soon?

Til next time,

x zuz