Page 263 of Love in Riverbend
“What’s the matter, Marilyn? You don’t want to date a farmer from Riverbend?”
“I never said that. You said that about me.”
Ricky wraps his arms around my waist, looking down at me, and exhales. “I can’t take the GMAT with all that’s happening. I can look for a job in the fall when Justin is well. I’ve got money from the sale of the farm I’ve been stashing away. I can survive without this job. Justin’s farm won’t.”
“I wonder if there’s a compromise.”
“What kind of compromise?”
“Parker and Stevens wants you because” —I lay my hand over his chest— “you have a farmer’s heart” —I move my finger to his temple— “and a farmer’s knowledge. They don’t have applicants with your skill set every day. Tell them what happened. Be completely honest with them.” I tilt my head. “You have your dream in front of you, ready for the taking, and yet you’re willing to give it up so Justin can keep his dream. Maybe the partners will come up with a solution.”
“I can’t ask them to do that.”
“Yes, you can. And what about those other men in there?” I tilt my head toward the waiting room. “Don’t you think they are all thinking similar things?”
“Justin doesn’t work their family farm.”
“No, but they’re Riverbend born and bred. They’re all thinking about how they can help. Doesn’t Kandace’s husband help on weekends?”
Ricky nods. “It’s not their responsibility.”
“I admire your dedication, but Ricky, it’s not yours either.” I lift myself up on my tiptoes and brush my lips with his. Despite his nonresponse, I say, “I support your decision.”
Hand in hand, we walk toward the larger waiting room. Before we turn the corner, we hear the commotion.
Chapter 25
Ricky
“Mom and Dad,” I say, dropping Marilyn’s hand and giving them each a hug. “How did you get here so fast?”
“We found a direct flight to Indy and rented a car,” Mom says, looking around and spotting Devan. Tears coat Mom’s cheeks as she and my sister embrace. Holding Devan against her shoulder, Mom pets Devan’s hair. “He’s going to be all right.” Mom nods. “I’ve claimed it.”
The room buzzes with discussions as Mom and Dad join the conversations. Bridget gives Mom an update as Dad talks to Randy. For a few minutes, I stand, leaning against the wall, my arms crossed over my chest, accepting my own decisions. I can walk away from my job at the mall. If I never sell another pair of basketball shoes, I’ll be content.
It’s walking away from Marilyn that bothers me, even more than turning down the job at Parker and Stevens. That firm may be my dream, but in only a few weeks, I saw Marilyn as more than a dream. I saw her as my future. I saw us as a future.
This decision is going to do what I swore not to do.
It’s going to hurt Marilyn—again.
This time, like last time, it’s for her own good. Except, unlike last time, I know what I’m doing. That doesn’t mean I don’t hate it, but it means it’s the right thing to do. She says she supports my decision, but her suggestion of a compromise tells me that deep down, she wants me to take the job.
Looking around, I spot Marilyn sitting next to Jill. As I do, my mom appears at my side, her arm latching through mine.
“Are you going to formally introduce us?”
My eyes open wide.
“Or are you not serious with her?”
“How do you even know about Marilyn?”
Mom presses her lips together. “Well, let’s see…your sister, for one. And then there is Betty Kolberg. Oh, and Joyce from the diner. I’ve also known Marilyn all her life.”
Closing my eyes, I shake my head. “You were in Florida.”
“I had my phone.” She lowers her voice. “Are the rumors wrong?”
