Courtship of the Recluse

The conversation with Adrena was comforting, but Mary maintained her viewpoint. She couldn't argue his virtues, but she still insisted that the situation was conducive to trouble. Apparently she found Mr. Cade not only attractive, but also irresistible. Obviously it had been a long time since she had seen or talked to Mr. Cade. That was one facet of the job that didn't trouble Cynthia. Her greatest concern was whether she could manage such a large house on her own. Even the isolation didn't trouble her. Still, there was one question she couldn't ask the townspeople. Why had Cade singled her out for the job? Jennie was the logical choice. The voluptuous brunette was pert and sophisticated. Angie was buxom and plump, but she was a hilarious entertainer. It was a question she'd have to ask Cade.

Everything considered, it was easier to make the decision to take the job than to placate Mary. Eventually Mary accepted the inevitable and even offered the use of an old shed to store everything Cynthia wouldn't take with her. The house was furnished, so she didn't have much to move - just a few pieces of her parent's furniture and some summer clothes. Dad's old truck had been sitting at Mary's since it broke down.

When Mr. Cade strode into the diner Friday night, Cynthia's clothes were packed and stored in the back room of the diner. Chet glanced at her. He had said his peace Wednesday when she gave notice. He liked Cade, but not the situation.

She approached Cade's table hesitantly. What if he had changed his mind? After all, he was a recluse and undoubtedly enjoyed the solitude of a quiet ranch.

His brows lifted when she stopped at his table. "Well?"

She twisted her apron with nervous fingers. "I have my things ready...but I have a few questions first."

He watched her expectantly so she dove in.

"Why me? There are two other waitresses here."

He glanced across the room at Jennie and Angie. "You seem to enjoy your work - and you are respectful toward me."

She considered his response. "I suppose I do enjoy the work, and I try to act respectful to all our customers."

He nodded. "Exactly. Your attitude is professional."

He watched her for a moment and finally lifted his brows again. "You said several."

She smiled. "Your answers were all encompassing."

His nod was brief. "Are you ready to go?"

"My shift doesn't end until nine."

He nodded. "Do you have a car?"

"No. I have a truck, but it hasn't started for a month. I live close enough, so I simply walked. I parked it at a friends' house."