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with our lives.”
    “But there’s no reason we still can’t be friends? Is that what you mean?” He sounded like a wounded animal.
    I reached for my wet apron and began fumbling with the tie strings. “Why did you come back to Clayfield?” I asked. “Surely there must be more exciting coaching opportunities for you somewhere else.”
    “I’m not the one looking for excitement,” he answered. His insinuation jolted me like a slap in the face. “I like it here. I like the small town living.”
    “I like it too, Justin,” I answered truthfully. I looked him squarely in the eye. “It’s not the town I object to. It’s the lack of employment opportunities the town offers.”
    “I can’t argue that point,” he agreed. “I was lucky to get the coaching job for Clayfield High. I’m hoping to start apartment hunting as soon as possible.” He rubbed another circle of fog from the windshield, then eased the car into my parents’ driveway. Placing the gear into park, he let the engine idle while he turned to face me. “Are you sure you’ll be all right here by yourself in this storm?” He took my hand in his. “I know your parents are vacationing in Florida right now.”
    I smiled. “Are you kidding? There’s a scary movie on the late show tonight. This is the perfect weather for a murder mystery.”
    He shook his head and laughed out loud. “You haven’t changed a bit,” he said.
    “No, I haven’t,” I said pointedly. I jerked my hand back and reached for the door handle. “The job at Winslow’s Diner is merely a temporary setback. I have every intention of becoming involved in some type of law enforcement career. If Uncle Bob won’t change his mind and hire me as his assistant, then I’ll find another position somewhere else.”
    I turned back to face him and our eyes held for an awkward moment before Justin finally broke the silence. “At least let me walk you to your door,” he offered.
    “Don’t bother.” I started to open the door, but Justin leaned over and pulled me back. Our gazes held for a moment before he gently kissed me on the lips.
    “I really have missed you,” he said softly, his eyes searching my reaction.
    I couldn’t ignore the irregular beat of my heart. “I’ve missed you too,” I answered honestly.
    “I’ve had a lot of time to think, Denise,” he said. “About us,” he added, after a moment’s hesitation. “Look, I know we have some problems to work out. But I’d really like to try and make our relationship work. I think we’re worth fighting for.”
    My breathing increased, making me lightheaded. “I’d like to try too,” I whispered, realizing I meant it. I just wanted to have Justin, as well as a career of my choice. Why should that be so difficult?
    Justin’s face relaxed. “Good,” he said. “How about we get together tomorrow after you get off work? We could go on a picnic, just the two of us. Someplace where we can be alone and talk.”
    “I’d like that,” I admitted. I reached for the door.
    Keys in my fingertips, I raced for the front door, while the car idled in the driveway. The beam from the headlights as my guide, I unlocked the front door of my parents’ house. Once inside, I waved good-bye to Justin, then waited until his car backed out of sight. I closed the door and secured the lock.
    In my room, I exchanged my wet pink uniform for a comfortable ankle-length lightweight gown. After running a quick brush through my damp hair, I entered the kitchen and placed a bag of popcorn into the microwave. When the appliance beeped, I reached for a bowl, dumped the contents inside, then curled up on the living room sofa with the remote control. Ear splitting crashes of thunder brought shivers to my arms. I snuggled deeper into the plush sofa despite the warm temperatures. I flipped the remote control to the movie channel and lifted a handful of popcorn to my lips.
    The eerie sound of music signaled the beginning of the movie. I reached for