Lessons From the Heart Read online

  His mom arched an eyebrow. “So, you work with this young woman?”

  “Well, in the same building, yes. She’s the new art teacher, but this is the first time we’ve spoken to one another.”

  “I see.”

  He grinned at his mother’s funny expression. She had been pressuring him to find a nice girl for several years and knowing he had the possibility of running into Lexie at work every day encouraged her to hope. “So, are we going to eat this good food on the table before it gets cold?”

  His father chuckled. “Yes, you’re right. Can someone please pass the rolls?”

  Toby struggled to keep a straight face as his family members passed the bread basket around the table. He hadn’t witnessed them so animated since before finding out about his sister’s worsening heart condition. It was nice seeing them happy again—if only for a few brief moments. Whatever small part Lexie Donoghue played in that—he was thankful.

  Chapter Three

  The brush dabbed over the new canvas, creating groups of delicate orange petals. After adding a few final details, Lexie sat back to study her work and rested her paint palette on an end table. The painting would make a perfect example for the kids to follow on Monday and her heart filled with joy. For the first time—surrounded by paints, new canvases and an easel—her new apartment felt like home.

  A paintbrush clattered to the ground and Lexie heard a tiny meow. When she looked up, her new kitten had jumped onto the end table and padded straight through the paint. She gasped and grabbed the little calico before he could escape. “You’re a mischievous little one, aren’t you?” The kitten squirmed, flailing his paint splattered feet. “It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. Stay still.”

  She carried him over to the sink, wetted a towel and carefully wiped the paint off the kitten’s little feet. Lexie narrowly escaped a few scratches, but after the little animal was clean and wrapped in a towel, he started to purr.

  Lexie cuddled the kitten close as she crossed the room to her recliner and sat down. She rubbed under the kitten’s chin until he started to relax. “Well, little one, I think I’ve finally thought of a name for you. Picasso.” He purred even louder as she started to rock back and forth.

  Her mind drifted to the handsome PE teacher who had helped her in the store parking lot the other day. He had been so kind, helping her catch the kitten and shop for pet supplies, especially after she hit his truck with her speeding cart full of mums. She almost chuckled at the memory, imagining how she must have looked chasing it, but then she stopped herself. Toby’s kind blue eyes and handsome smile filled her thoughts. Her friend, Holly from Ohio would have called her crazy for turning down his lunch invitation. Under better circumstances, things may have been different.

  Lexie reached for the remote and turned on the TV, hoping to push thoughts of Toby far from her mind. After turning to the correct channel, she rubbed her kitten behind the ears. “I hope you like house flipping shows and old tear-jerker movies. They’re about all I watch these days.”

  After a while, Picasso fell asleep on her lap and the warmth of the kitten’s body against her made Lexie drift off as well. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been asleep when her phone buzzed on the end table nearby.

  Lexie’s heart tapped out a staccato rhythm as she reached for the device and saw her best friend’s grayish blue eyes and brown hair appear on the screen. Her trembling finger hovered over the talk icon while the phone buzzed several more times. Then it was transferred to voicemail.

  “I’m sorry, Holly. I can’t,” she whispered, holding the phone close to her heart. “I just can’t.”

  Lexie knew it wasn’t typical for Holly to leave voice messages, but part of her wished she would. Hearing a familiar voice from home on the other end of the line might bring comfort. A few moments later her phone buzzed again, but this time it was a text message and Lexie read it as her eyes misted over.

  Hey girl. Please call me. Starting to get worried.

  I’m okay, she finally texted back. Then she placed the phone on the end table and rested her head against the back of the recliner. Cutting her best friend from her life was the last thing she wanted, but had there been another choice? She stroked her sleeping kitten’s back as he purred in his sleep, his warmth and soft fur under her fingertips bringing her a small measure of comfort. “Oh, Picasso, my life wasn’t always such a mess. I wish things could be different.”

  The next week flew by for Lexie. The kids in her older class loved the mum painting project and she was thrilled to see their artwork take shape. The elementary school wasn’t far from her duplex, so she went to check on Picasso during her lunch break every day. After finding little surprises all over the place on Monday when returning from work, she kept him confined to the laundry room with his little cat bed, toys, food, water and litterbox. He wasn’t crazy about the arrangement the first few days, but as the week progressed, he accepted the new arrangement and routine.

  On Friday, Lexie came home during her break, happy to see Picasso weaving around her legs, purring. She knelt down and scratched him behind the ears. “Well, hello to you, too. It nice to have someone who’s always so happy to see me. I’ll tell you what. Tomorrow we’ll spend the whole day together cuddling on the couch and watching house flipping shows. What do you say?”

  The kitten responded by hopping into her lap and nuzzling against her, purring even louder than before.

  She played with Picasso for about ten minutes before refilling his water bowl and then closing him back in the laundry room.

  Lexie glanced at the clock before grabbing a can of vegetable soup from her pantry. She heated it up in the microwave and then put it in a sealed plastic container to take with her. Checking on her new kitten every day left her little time for lunch, but she could sip her soup while updating her gradebook that afternoon.

  She locked up and returned to the school, marveling at the fall colors while strolling down the sidewalk to the entrance. After reaching the door, she fumbled with her soup container in one hand and her purse in the other, trying to find her ID to open the door.

  “Here, I’ve got it,” a deep voice said.

  Lexie flinched, sensing the man’s hand reaching past her. On instinct, she swung her arm, sending the container of soup flying toward the stranger. The lid popped off after making impact with his chest and the hot liquid sloshed all over him. The man let out a surprised gasp, doing a funny little jig while trying to unbutton his outer plaid shirt. Within a few seconds he succeeded, revealing a white t-shirt underneath, stained with speckles of orange broth.

  Lexie gasped in embarrassment, recognizing Toby Campbell’s familiar face.

  Chapter Four

  Tobias Campbell learned an important lesson that cool October afternoon—never startle a woman with a container of piping hot soup in her hand. He had only intended to open the door with his ID, but his kind gesture had ended in disaster. Thankfully, he’d been wearing two shirts that day. Now he stood in his pumpkin patch shirt, stained with speckles of orange broth.

  The vegetable soup slinging ninja stared at him with wide suspicious eyes for a moment. Then she gasped with her hands over her mouth. “Toby, I’m so sorry! Did I burn you?”

  He chuckled while wringing the broth out of his favorite shirt. “It’s all right.”

  She shook her head. “It’s not all right. Look what I did! You have alphabet noodles all over you.”

  He looked down at his pants and shoes, observing she was right. He guessed the entire alphabet was spread on his pants and shoes. Toby brushed a few off, keeping the smile on his face. “It’s really not a big deal. I always keep an extra pair of clothes with me.”

  She raised a doubtful eyebrow. “You do? Is being attacked by a woman with scalding hot soup a common occurrence for you?”

  A chuckle bubbled up his throat. “No, ma’am. That was a first for me.” He paused to brush a few stray alphabet noodles off the back of his arm. “But I have to say, yo
u have great aim.”

  She scoffed and put her hands on her hips, blue eyes flashing. “I wasn’t aiming. You startled me. It was a reflex to swing my arm. My hand just so happened to have the soup in it.”

  He put his hands up in defense. “Okay, okay…. I’m sorry. I was just teasing.” When her brow lowered, he continued. “What I was trying to explain is, I always bring some overalls along, because I help at my family’s farm after work. It’s pumpkin and apple harvest season, you know. Lots of work to do with families from town coming with their kids to pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve or make pies.”

  “Oh, I see.” Her expression softened and she reached for the broth-stained shirt. “I’ll take this home and wash it for you.”

  “No, that’s all right. I still live on my parents’ property, but believe it or not, I can wash my own clothes and cook a meal occasionally.” He gave her a playful wink.

  Her cheeks took on a rosy hue, but she didn’t let go of the shirt. “I insist. It’s the least I can do after denting your car and scalding you with soup.”

  He loosened his grip and allowed her to take it. “All right, just be careful. That shirt and I have been through a lot together.”

  She grinned. “I will. How about we set up a time tomorrow for you to pick it up.”

  “Or you could stop by the farm sometime. It’s called Campbell Farm and Orchards. It’s not hard to find at all. I’m sure you could look it up on your GPS. I’d recommend coming in the morning before the rush though.”

  She nodded, but bit her lip. “I’ll check my schedule. If I can’t come, I’ll bring it to the school on Monday.”

  “Fair enough. Although….I have to tell you, my mom makes the best apple pie I’ve ever tasted. If you come by, she’ll give you one for free.”

  The mention of pie managed to coax a smile from her lips. “I might have to take you up on that.”

  He glanced at his watch and whistled. “Well, lunch is over. You better get back to the art room before your students beat you there.”

  “Yeah, I better go. See you tomorrow…maybe I mean. I might see you tomorrow.” She fumbled around in her purse for a moment before finding her elusive ID, swiped it and then with a reflection off the glass door, she rushed inside the building.

  Toby grinned, watching her go, auburn curls swishing back and forth. Lexie had to be most beautiful and interesting woman he’d ever met. Why did she act so skittish? The simple task of coaxing a smile from her was a laborious task, yet the beautiful sight had been worth the effort. Now Toby knew he wouldn’t be content until seeing her smile again.

  “Howdy, Farmer Joe!”

  Toby smiled as his buddy, Levi, rolled his creeper from underneath the car he was working on and wiped his oil-stained hands on a rag. “Ha ha, laugh all you want at my overalls. Just remember all the embarrassing stories about you from high school I’ve been sitting on for years.”

  Levi chuckled and maneuvered from the creeper to his wheelchair before moving closer to Toby. “All right. Sorry. So, what’s the story?” Toby filled him in and his friend released a loud chuckle. “So, this is the same woman who put the dent in your truck?”

  He leaned against the car while anchoring one thumb in his pocket. “Same one.”

  Levi shook his head with a smirk. “You are a glutton for punishment.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I haven’t seen you act this way since falling for that cheerleader in high school. You really like this one, don’t you?”

  “No, not in that way. I really just want to discover what’s troubling her.” He shrugged. “I can’t deny, she’s beautiful and mysterious.” Toby stared into the distance with a vacant expression, recalling their conversation outside the school that afternoon. “Her rare smiles are like rays of morning sun.”

  “You’re right,” his friend cut in, drawing him out of the memory. “It doesn’t sound like you are attracted to this girl at all. I’m sorry for my mistake.”

  Toby scoffed at the sarcasm in his friend’s voice. “You have no room to talk. We both know you’re still enamored with my sister.” His friend stayed silent after that, riddling Toby with guilt for his insensitivity. Bringing up Cami was the wrong move. He let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry. Anyway, I didn’t come to talk about girls. How’s the dent removal coming along on my truck?”

  “Good. I just finished it this afternoon.” He motioned his head toward the other side of the shop. “Come over here and I’ll show you.”

  Toby followed Levi as he wheeled his way over to the truck and stopped in front of the driver’s-side door. He ran his fingers over the smooth shiny surface. “It looks good as new. Thanks, pal.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “How much do I owe you?”

  Levi waved his question away. “I know you don’t have any money to spare, helping your parents and Cami with her medical bills. This is on the house.”

  He patted his friend’s shoulder. “I appreciate it, buddy. We’ll have you over for dinner sometime soon. What do you say?”

  A wide grin spread across Levi’s face. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Chapter Five

  Lexie woke up early on Saturday morning, still conflicted about going to the Campbell’s farm. Toby had been so understanding the day before. When most people would have been miffed about getting vegetable soup sloshed all over them, he had been cool and collected, if not amused throughout the whole ordeal. It made her want to find out more about him, but scared at the same time. If she went to his family’s farm, would they get the wrong impression? Could she risk trusting a man again?

  Picasso leapt onto the bed and rubbed his head against her hand, purring loudly. She chuckled and scratched the kitten behind the ears. “I can’t go to the farm anyway, right boy? I promised I’d spend the entire day with you.” He meowed in agreement and proceeded to climb onto a pillow and start kneading it, before curling into a ball on top of the soft cushion. “I agree. Let’s stay in here and watch TV for a while.”

  They stayed in bed for about an hour before Lexie’s stomach started to growl. As she sat up, the kitten woke up and started meowing to be fed. After putting on her slippers, she padded down the hall to the laundry room with Picasso in tow.

  She fed the kitten and then caught sight of Toby’s plaid shirt hanging nearby. It had taken lots of stain remover spray and two rounds in the washer before getting the orange broth stains out. Lexie smiled at the thought of seeing him again and against her better judgement, made a spur of the moment decision.

  Toby worked with his younger brother in the pumpkin patch for about two hours on Saturday morning. After cutting the stems, they left them in neat rows for the kids to find. It was a farm tradition to take their guests on a tractor ride to the pumpkin fields and apple orchards. Along the way they passed harvest displays, inflatables and other features of the farm. They always added something new for their guests to enjoy. This year, with Cami’s medical bills, money was tight, but they managed to expand their corn maze.

  Toby stepped back and watched his seventeen-year-old brother, Eli, work for a few moments. He had been working at the same caliber as he had that morning. When had he grown into an adult? Maybe he’d been too distracted with Cami’s illness and helping keep the family business afloat to notice. Now, he recognized the change in him for the first time. A nostalgic smile spread across his face. “Ready to drive the tractor for the hayride this season?”

  Eli managed an apprehensive grin. “I guess so.”

  “You know this farm like the back of your hand. You’ll do fine.”

  The boy raked his fingers through his blond hair. “It’s a lot different pulling a trailer with guests inside it.”

  He patted his brother’s shoulder. “I’ll ride with you the first few times. You’ll get the hang of it before you know it.”

  His face relaxed. “Thanks, Toby.”

  “Sure, now we better get back to the store and see if Mom and Dad need any
help before we open today.”

  His brother agreed and soon they were riding in the tractor, heading away from the pumpkin fields. When they reached the parking lot, Toby caught sight of a red compact car. “She came. I can’t believe it.”

  His brother studied him with curious eyes. “Who came?”

  Toby shook his head. “Just a friend from work.”

  After parking the tractor in the barn, they headed down the path to the small country store. The smell of cinnamon and freshly cooked apples delighted his senses as they stepped inside. The store wasn’t open yet, so there weren’t any customers. Only one person sat near the back at one of the small round tables by the kitchen area. He grinned, recognizing the petite auburn-haired beauty holding his favorite shirt. “Didn’t know if I would see you today.”

  She managed a brief smile and stood from her chair. “I figured it was the least I could do after denting your car and staining your favorite shirt. I met your mom, but she had to go into the kitchen to check on the pies. She told me I could wait here. I hope I’m not disrupting anything, arriving so close to opening time.”

  He grinned, enjoying the way she spiraled a small red curl around her index finger when she talked. “You’re not disrupting a thing. In fact, do you have time to take a tour of the farm?”

  “A tour?” She gulped and her lips curved into a slow smile, eyes looking anywhere but at his face. “I guess I don’t have to go home any time soon. A tour sounds great.”

  As Toby showed her around the Campbell Farm, Lexie felt more at ease than she expected. His mother had been so welcoming, inviting her to stay for lunch and even offering to send her home with a free apple pie. She smiled and ducked under a branch as they journeyed though the orchards. When a friendly Australian Cattle Dog greeted them with a wagging tail, she leaned down to pet him. “Well hello there. What’s your name?”