Flight of Fancie Read online

  Chapter Three

  Fancie walked ankle deep into the cool water to shock herself back to reality. The sand captured her footprints as she made her way along the deserted beach. The sun sent a curtain of gold over the water, promising a perfect beach day. Squinting because she’d not thought to grab her sunglasses, Fancie stood with her arms crossed and faced the new day. She closed her eyes and breathed in, imagining where she was supposed to be right now—standing on a distant shore in the Greek Isles, basking in the afterglow of lovemaking. Graham would be with her, his arms around her, holding her against him, his breath caressing her cheek. He would speak suggestively into her ear. They would link hands and race toward their hotel where they would….

  Something splatted on her shoulder, jolting her out of the bittersweet dream. A seagull shrieked and flew overhead. Fancie looked down to see a greenish white blob oozing down her favorite Ole Miss shirt. She dug into her pocket for tissues and fought the gag as she dabbed at the mess. The single tissue was no match however.

  Glancing around and seeing no one else on the beach, she hustled toward the surf. In one fluid motion, she knelt, tugged the shirt over her head and dunked the one shoulder into the water, rubbing furiously. After wringing out the fabric, she hastily pulled it back over her head. In the split moment she was blinded, a wave rolled in, hit her at the knees and settled her on her backside. She laid there, her shirt halfway on her body, the receding wave sending a chill through her.

  Fancie sat up and tugged the damp shirt down here body, gazing out at the vast ocean, expecting another wave to roll over her. But the next was a gentle lapping that stopped at her toes. She wasn’t sure if it was the salt water or her own tears that stung her eyes. Graham, like that wave, had hit her when she least expected and knocked her flat. She was determined to shake that sand off her feet and have a nice time with her best friends. Sitting around moping and crying wouldn’t be good for any of them. But here, alone on the beach, she let the hurt and grief roll through her like each approaching wave, crashing against her heart, then slowly receding. She would be okay. She had people who loved her and would stand by her. Only one question niggled at her—how could she return to Columbus and face the gossips? How would she be able to face Graham again?

  The answer seemed simple: Don’t go home.

  ~

  Ashley filled the coffeemaker from the jug of purified water and stood by the sink, staring at the machine as if willing it to brew faster. “What was my uncle thinking when he bought this danged thing? Hasn’t he ever heard of Keurig?” She frowned when Fancie walked in. “You’re all wet.”

  “A wave took me by surprise, but I’m starting to dry out now.” Fancie felt the back of her jeans and opted for standing. “You’re up early.”

  Ashley’s frown deepened. “Charity snores like a Mack truck. I’m movin’ in with Mik before this evening.”

  “You do remember that Mikayla talks in her sleep.”

  “I know.” Ashley grinned. “And she’ll even answer questions. If I’m going to be awake all night, I might as well get the dirt on that guy she’s been seeing.”

  The coffeemaker gurgled and sputtered the last of the brew into the glass carafe. Ashley filled two mugs and handed one to Fancie. “You were up early, too. Where you been?”

  “Walking.”

  Ashley sneezed several times, coffee spilling over the side of her mug and splattering on the floor. “I wonder if someone’s had a dog in this place. I’ve been sneezing since I came downstairs.”

  “The neighbor’s dog got out and I found it on our porch this morning. He got inside and I took him back home. His name’s Barney.”

  “The neighbor?” Ashley grabbed a paper napkin from the table and held it to her nose.

  “No, the dog. The neighbor’s name is Luke.”

  Ashley set down her coffee mug and sneezed again. “I’m allergic to dogs, remember? Very allergic.”

  “I’m sorry. Might be my clothes. He jumped into my lap. I’ll change and be right back.”

  In the shower, Fancie lathered her hair with peach-scented shampoo and her body with cucumber shower gel. She smelled like a salad bar, but it was better than salt water and seagull poop. Just as she leaned her head back to rinse, the shower head shuddered. Then nothing. “What the hell?” She turned the faucet off and back on again with no results.

  Wiping soap from her stinging eyes, she fumbled for a towel. She opened the door and called, “Hey, Ash?”

  “I’m right here.”

  Fancie startled and blinked. “Oh, something’s wrong with the shower.”

  “Something’s wrong with the water. Period.”

  “What am I gonna do? I’m all lathered up.”

  “I’m sure it’s fixable. Just wipe off the soap and get dressed. I’ll go downstairs and call the management office so they can get someone out here.”

  Mikayla appeared in the hall. “What’s going on? I need to use the bathroom.”

  “Can’t,” Ashley said. “No water.”

  “That’s what you think. I’ve got plenty of water.”

  “You can’t flush.”

  “Oh, man. You’ve got to be kidding.” She squirmed. “Five women and no working shower or toilet?”

  The twins exited their rooms. “What’s all the racket?” Chastity asked.

  Ashley explained the problem.

  Charity stood with her legs crossed. “I don’t think I can wait for a plumber.” Then she gazed across the hall and through the window. “I’m going for a walk.”

  “The ocean?” Ashley shrieked.

  “Got a better solution? It’s not someone’s private pool.”

  “I’m going with you,” Chastity said. “Give me a sec to grab my shorts.”

  “Me, too.” Mikayla followed.

  “I’ll go downstairs and make that call.” Ashley nodded. “You might want to wipe that goo out of your hair.”

  It took three towels to remove the foamy soap from her body and the shampoo from her hair. She ran a comb through her long, sticky locks and grimaced. The plumber shouldn’t take long. Those property management companies have people on retainer for emergencies. Don’t they?

  When she went into the kitchen, one look at Ashley’s face answered that question.

  “The office is closed. It’s Sunday. I left a message on the emergency line and I tried to call two plumbers. They’re closed as well.” Then Ashley’s face brightened. “Hey, maybe our neighbor knows something about plumbing. You’ve met him. Go over and ask.”

  Fancie thought of Luke Campbell standing there earlier in his pajama bottoms, looking rumpled and just a little adorable. Oh, no. She was not going anywhere near that any time soon. She was on the rebound and needed to give herself time. “You go over. Introduce yourself. Tell him I sent you.”

  Ashley’s eyes narrowed. “Why? Is he an ogre?”

  Quite the opposite. “No. But look at me. I’m all sticky and my hair’s plastered to my head.” She pushed Ashley toward the door. “Just tell him I sent you.”

  A few minutes later, Luke appeared at the door followed by a sneezing Ashley. He stepped inside, his stare settling on Fancie’s hair. “Hi—again.”

  “Hi. Thanks for coming over. I was just about to rinse when the water kicked off.”

  He grinned, exposing one dimple. “So I see.” He glanced to Ashley. “Where’s the water tank?”

  “The…? Uh, I’m not sure. This is my uncle’s place.”

  “It’s probably in the attic,” he said. “Or in a closet.” He nodded toward the stairs. “Do you mind?”

  Fancie and Ashley followed him up the stairs. Ashley nudged her arm and nodded toward Luke’s backside, mouthing, “Nice.”

  It forced her to look and then flush with embarrassment as Luke turned his head and caught her.

  Luke glanced into each room as they passed. At the end of the hall, he stopped. “I think we found it.” Water pooled on the hardwood floor outside a closet. He opened t
he door to find water spraying from a pipe, soaking his shirt and hair. “Here’s the problem.”

  Fancie leaned forward for a better look. Luke turned his head. “You smell like peach cobbler.”

  “Shampoo.” Another warm flush overtook her. “Can you fix it?”

  “I can shut the water off, but you won’t have any water until this pipe is replaced. I need to find the main water valve. These places don’t have basements, so it’s probably on the first floor. Is there a laundry room down there?”

  Ashley led the way followed by Luke, with Fancie trailing behind. She silently cursed Ashley when she once again caught herself staring at Luke’s backside.

  Luke easily located the water valve and shut it off. He stood and Fancie noticed his tee shirt had gotten wet and water beaded on his hair. She took a few steps back, bumping into Ashley who stood behind her. “Thanks. You don’t know a plumber, do you?”

  He shook his head. “Sorry. I’m only here for two weeks. You said your uncle owns the place?” he asked Ashley.

  “Yes, but I can’t reach him. He’s traveling. And the rental office that manages the house is closed until tomorrow.”

  “You’re welcome to come over and use my shower.”

  “Really? You know, there are five of us. The others went to the beach to…. Uh, to watch the sunrise. But if you’re serious….” Ashley gave him a hopeful, sweet smile.

  “I am. I’ll be gone most of the day, but I’ll leave the back door unlocked. Just try not to let Barney escape. I have some things to do and can’t take him with me today. There’s a shower on the first floor and a full bath upstairs. Make yourselves at home.” Luke pulled the damp tee shirt away from his body. “I’m going to change, then I’ll be out of there until evening.”

  “Thank you so much,” Ashley said. “I’ll get that water upstairs mopped up before it damages the floor.”

  Fancie followed him to the door. “That’s very kind of you. We’ll bring our own towels.”

  “No problem. There are extras if you need them.” He started down the steps. “If you wouldn’t mind taking Barney out into the back yard later for a few minutes, I’d appreciate it. There’s a leash on the counter by the back door. If I run late, the little guy will be dancing with his legs crossed.”

  “I’ll be happy to.”

  “Oh, and…I don’t have fruit-scented shampoo, so you might want to bring yours along.” He glanced back and grinned as he ambled across the lawn to his cottage.

  Again with the lopsided, one-dimpled grin. “God, Fancie, get a grip,” she muttered turning back to the house.

  “A grip on what?” Ashley stood right behind her. “That is one fine male specimen. Too bad he’s a dog guy. I’m allergic.”

  “You’re also engaged,” Fancie reminded her friend.

  “Yes, I am.” Ashley held out the huge diamond that covered a third of her ring finger. “But you’re not. You know what they say. The sooner you get back on the horse….”

  “I’m not looking for another horse. You don’t know how hard this is, Ash. I’m trying not to be a downer, but Graham really hurt me.”

  Ashley hugged her. “Oh, sweetie, I know. We’re all just waitin’ for the dam to break. You can cry, you know. You don’t have to be strong for us.”

  Fancie sagged against her friend. “Thanks. I think I’m cried out for today. I went to the beach earlier and thought about the honeymoon I’m supposed to be enjoying. Then a seagull pooped on me and a wave knocked me over. And then I cried.”

  At first she thought the tremors were the result of Ashley crying with her. Until she pulled back and looked at her friend’s face. “You’re laughing?”

  “Oh, honey. Come on. You have to admit that was kind of funny.”

  Fancie collapsed against Ashley again, this time in laughter. “You’re right. What else could possibly go wrong?”

  “We should give that seagull Graham’s address. Maybe we can capture one and take it home with us.”

  At the word ‘home,’ Fancie sobered. “I can’t go home.”

  “What?” Ashley held her at arm’s length and stared. “What do you mean you can’t go home?”

  Fancie tugged tissues from a box on the table, dabbing her eyes. “I can’t go back to Columbus. You know what the gossip mongers are like. They’ll have a field day with this. ‘Poor Fancie Hollensby, left at the altar by Dr. Graham Wellington the Third. How could she have possibly thought she was fit to be the good doctor’s wife?’”

  “Gossips always take sides. You might consider this. ‘Graham Wellington is a no good shit and should be strung up for breaking our Fancie’s heart. Well, he showed his colors just in time and she’s better off without him.’” Then Ashley added. “The jerk.”

  Fancie tried to smile, but couldn’t. “Maybe this happened to show me it’s time for a change. I’ve never been anywhere. Sure, a little road trip or vacation here and there. But I’ve never lived anywhere but Quail Hill. I know it may come as a shock, but there’s a whole world beyond Mississippi. I mean, look at this place. At Savannah.”

  “You’re thinking of staying here?”

  “No, not here. Perhaps I’ll head north.”

  The gasp was audible.

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake, Ash, I’m not betraying the Confederacy. I’m just thinking it might be nice to experience something new, different. Somewhere else.”

  The gunning of an engine drew her attention. She watched as Luke backed a jeep from the driveway next door and roared away.

  Ashley grasped her hand and led her toward the sofa, tugging her to sit. “I know you’re hurt and embarrassed right now, but it’ll pass. Trust me. Remember when I was in the running for Miss Lowndes County and got nudged out by that witch, Melissa Ann Millwright? I never thought I’d be able to show my face in all of the county again. But I waited it out and things got better.”

  Fancie shook her head. “Things got better because Melissa Ann was pregnant by one of the judges. They stripped her of her title and gave it to you.”

  Ashley smiled. “That’s right. Good things come to those who wait and karma is a bitch.”

  “You have a saying for everything.”

  “I know. Proof that you don’t need a college degree to be useful. Just the ability to read and a good memory.” Ashley squeezed her hand. “Let’s sneak next door and shower before the others get back.”

  “Good idea.”

  After gathering towels and clean clothes, they stepped inside the kitchen of the neighboring cottage. “This is charming,” Ashley said. “More of a beach theme than our place. I’ll have to convince my uncle to let me redecorate for him.”

  “You might want to convince him to get the plumbing checked first. You want the upstairs shower or down?”

  Ashley sneezed, then said. “Down. Where is that dog?”

  Fancie laughed. “Probably hiding in the bathroom, waiting to shed on you.”

  “Very funny. Let’s shower and get out of here. I’m starting to itch.” She rubbed at her eyes.

  Fancie passed through the open space of the cozy living room and up the stairs. The first door on her right had to be the master bedroom. Barney lounged in the center of the king-sized bed. He stretched and yawned when he saw her. She glanced around the room. Worn jeans were draped over a chair at the small desk beneath the double window. A pale blue tee shirt lay crumpled on the floor next to a pair of blue striped boxer shorts.

  “Well, that answers that question.” She grinned at knowing this much about Luke. “And he color coordinates.” As she passed the bed, the dog sat up expectantly and whined, his entire back side wiggling. She stroked his head and he closed his eyes. “Oh, you like that do you?”

  He placed his paws on her shoulders and licked her cheek in response. “Thank you, but I think I’ll opt for the shower.”

  She scratched his ears once more and then headed down the hall, locating the upstairs bath. When Luke told them it was a full bath, he hadn’t been kidding. It hel
d a Jacuzzi tub as well as a shower. The tub called to her, but expediency dictated she take a quick shower. The other three women would be dragging in from the beach soon and need their turns. Fancie made herself a promise to try that Jacuzzi before the week was out.

  After toweling off and tugging on a pair of yoga pants and an oversized tee, she wrapped a towel around her hair and padded back down the stairs. She found Barney seated inside the back screen door and whining. Ashley stood on the outside. “Go away. I’m allergic to you.”

  Fancie laughed. “I think he knows. That’s why he’s there.” She spied a bag of doggy treats on the counter and dug out a few. “Here you go, Barney. I can’t have you escaping the moment I open the door. I’ll take you for a little walk around the yard later.” She tossed the treats onto the floor at the far end of the kitchen and then dashed for the exit.

  “Do you think Luke will mind leaving this door unlocked all night so we have bathroom access?” Ashley asked.

  “I hadn’t thought of that. I’m sure he’ll be fine with it. He seems like a nice guy.”

  “Very nice. I saw the way you were checking him out in that wet tee shirt.”

  Heat flooded her face and Fancie looked away. “I was not.”

  “You were. And you should.”

  “I should not. I’m just coming off a bad breakup.” She led the way across the yard to their cottage.

  “All the more reason. Get back…”

  “…on the horse. I know. But I need some time for myself right now.” She held the back door open for Ashley to pass. “The last thing I need is to get involved with someone.”

  “Hey, who’s talking involvement? He can be your rebound guy. Someone to have a little fun with, get over Graham. And I was going to say get back into life. You have this thing about horses, though, don’t you?”

  Fancie shook her head. “It’s not about horses. Eventually I will need to do that—get back into my life. Alone. Ash, it’s only been a few days. Half the time I don’t know what I feel and, the other half, I’m not sure how I should feel.”