Breaking Barriers (Love Is Book 8) Read online

  A damp, slightly chalky odor wafted into the room as the carpenters applied putty to the sheetrock. At least it didn’t make much noise, and Ann could turn on the air conditioner. James, and now Freddie, had mentioned Freddie working in a pizza parlor. He just didn’t get it. “Well, it’s part of the job, you know, good merchandising.”

  Freddie looked like a scolded first grader.

  “Have you ever heard the phrase ‘location, location, location’ as it applies to real estate?”

  Freddie’s eyes brightened as though a light had come on inside them. “Oh yeah, my mom’s an agent. A house in an upscale neighborhood is worth more than one just like it in a less trendy area.”

  Ann suspected Freddie repeated his mom’s words. “If we had such an expression for retail, it would be ‘presentation, presentation, presentation.’”

  Freddie raised his eyebrows. “Ohhh, I understand now. I’ll make sure everything’s neat and tidy before I leave tonight.”

  “Good deal.” Ann strolled back to Beach Lady.

  A lady with long auburn hair held out a pair of flip-flops with big daisies on the toes. “I’d like to buy these.”

  “Sure, I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

  “No.”

  Ann rang up the shoes and made the transaction. “Thank you for shopping at Beach Lady.” It was going to be a strange day without the bell to let her know when customers arrived.

  The troop that entered next didn’t need a bell. A customer with a rowdy little boy and a whiny small girl charged through the doorway. The kids descended on her table displays like tornadoes. The woman ignored the shirts and shorts flying in the air and marched to the clothes rack along the wall. She grabbed an armload of garments and stepped into the dressing room. The clock ticked off an hour before she emerged and purchased two sundresses.

  Ann handed her a bag. “Thank you for shopping at Beach Lady. I hope you enjoy these.”

  The woman motioned for the children and left.

  Freddie plodded over and shook his head. “Man, you look pretty ragged. Why don’t you sit down in the chaise lounge? I’ll go to the bistro and bring back coffee.”

  Ann stared at the hardwood floor cluttered with garments.

  Freddie leaned down. “I’ll gather them. You fold.” He scooped them up in three tries, adding the third batch to the pile on the table of t-shirts.

  “Thank you. I like the coffee idea.” Ann darted to the cash register and pulled out a ten-dollar bill. “I have to clean the dressing room while you’re gone. I should have told that lady she could only take in eight garments, but it’s not a rule here. Harold’s going to treat us.”

  Freddie grinned and left.

  Ann marched into the dressing room and snatched up the clothes. Maybe Freddie wasn’t as bad of an employee as she’d thought, especially for someone who entered retail by way of a pizza parlor. Twice in one day he’d come to her rescue. Who was the scary creep who came in the store earlier? Did he just wander in like Freddie thought, or did he have a dark purpose? She slid the last outfit onto the rack then plopped down in the chaise lounge, leaned back, and closed her eyes. Someone stroked the top of her forehead. She sat straight up. James. “My goodness, what are you doing here?”

  “I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I’d drop by and say ‘hello.’’

  “I’m glad you did. Freddie just went for coffee.”

  “I saw him crossing the street and put in my order. He’s bringing me one—black with no sugar.”

  “I have to say this is the best part of my day. As far as Freddie goes, you might be right about him.” She scooted to the edge of the chair. “Earlier he stood up to an evil-looking man who wandered into the store. Then he helped me pick up clothes a customer and her kids threw on the floor.”

  “I told you. Freddie’s a nice guy. Who was the scary dude?”

  “I don’t know.” Ann shook her head. “Strange. He gave no indication he wanted to shop, but whatever his intentions, Freddie ran him off.”

  “I’m not going to say ‘I told you.’”

  If Freddie wasn’t the one who attacked and frightened her in the parking lot, who was it?

  CHAPTER FIVE

  On Wednesday morning Ann slogged to the door to Beach Lady, the warm Florida sun making a wide streak across the sidewalk. Carl, the owner of the bistro, pulled his truck into the parking lot and waved. Ann smiled and held up her hand. Soon the strip center would bustle with shoppers. It would be a challenge to keep up with them today. She was so tired even after a good night’s rest. If only the carpenters would finish...if only Freddie would learn to do his job. At least her relationship with him had improved and in only one day’s time. She was grateful he’d gotten rid of the creep who’d come in yesterday.

  She stepped through the doorway, and the bell tinkled. Apparently Harold had found her note and repaired it. She ambled to the picture of the shore with seagulls flying over an emerald sea and moved it to the side to open the safe. She clicked to forty then eight and fourteen, and it popped open. She jumped back. It was empty! Where was the money Harold usually left for making change? He had to have brought it. He’d been here or the bell wouldn’t be working. Sweat beaded up on Ann’s forehead.

  Harold came in with Freddie gently slapping him on the back.

  Harold’s thin lips turned up on the corners. “I’m pleased with what you’ve done at Beach Guy. The shop looks nice, and you’ve made good sales, considering the place has been under construction.”

  Freddie tucked his chin slightly. “Why, thank you.”

  Ann fidgeted inside wanting to get Harold’s attention, to make him like her as much as he appeared to like Freddie.

  “Good morning, Mr. Craven, Freddie. How are you?”

  Mr. Craven flashed a big smile. “Why hello, Ann. I’m fine, thank you.”

  Freddie grunted and rolled his eyes.

  It hit her like a bolt of lightning. Freddie had watched her open the safe. He seemed to resent her training him. Did he want to get rid of her, after all? Did he take the money to make her appear irresponsible? Why didn’t he just let the evil guy rob them? Hmm. Then he wouldn’t look like a hero.

  Harold started to Freddie’s side of the store but stopped and directed his gaze at Ann. “Now you find something nice for yourself with that bonus, okay?”

  Ann’s neck stiffened. “Thank you.” She intended to use the money to ensure she didn’t appear negligent. She opened her black purse, slipped out the envelope Harold had given her yesterday, and put her bonus in the cash register to use for making change today.

  The bell tinkled and set off a steady stream of customers, filling the morning. Ann’s stomach growled as she made a transaction for a young girl with big blue eyes. “Thank you for shopping at Beach Lady,” she said as the phone rang.

  “Beach Lady, Ann speaking. How may I help you?”

  “I need a lunch partner. How about the Open Window around eleven-thirty? We’ll beat the crowd.”

  James. Ann’s heart danced. “That sounds great. Hold on. I’ll check with Freddie.” She laid the receiver on the counter and strolled into Beach Guy.

  Freddie stood in the back talking to the carpenters as they sanded the putty.

  “Freddie?” she called out.

  He meandered over to her, white dust on his nose and hair. “Yeah?”

  She rubbed her nose and patted her hair then pointed at him. “You need to...”

  He straightened, swiped his hand over his schnoz, and peered at the residue. He touched his head. “Uh-oh. Thanks. Anything else?” He glanced at the crumpled shirts and shorts on the table beside him and then at Ann. “I’ll put that in order. Is that all?”

  Could she depend on Freddie? What was his motive for running off the ne’er-do-well guy? To gain her confidence? Just because he didn’t want someone to rob the store didn’t mean he didn’t want her job. On the other hand, if something went wrong while she was gone, he’d have to be accountable. �
�Could you handle both sides of the store between eleven-thirty and one o’clock?”

  “Oh sure.” Freddie leaned toward the cut-out and peered at the phone on the counter. “Looks like you have a call. Want to go to lunch with James?”

  Ann stepped back. How did he know who had called? Was he guessing? “If you don’t mind taking care of things for a while.”

  “Absolutely. He’s a nice guy. I like him.”

  Ann’s mouth gaped before she could stop it. “He says the same about you.”

  Freddie’s thin lips spread into a big smile.

  What kind of smile was it? Could she really trust him? Would he do something on purpose to undermine her position while she was gone? Her heart skipped with uneasiness. What could he possibly do? “Okay, I don’t want to keep James waiting. You probably won’t need anything, but I’ll leave my cell phone number just in case.”

  “Don’t worry.” Freddie puffed out his chest. “Everything will be fine.”

  * * *

  Ann rushed to James who sat beside an opened Bermuda shade. She pulled up a chair and plopped down across from him as a stiff breeze off the sea ruffled the napkins on the rustic, wooden table.

  James set a salt shaker on them.

  “Wait until I tell you what happened this morning.” Ann’s words came out with short, excited breaths in spite of her attempt to keep her voice calm.

  James’s eyes widened. “What?”

  “The cash Harold leaves at the store for making change went missing, and I had to replace it with the bonus Harold gave me.”

  Wrinkles creased James’s forehead as he held up his hand. “Wait. Slow down and talk me through this.”

  The waitress interrupted them. “Hi, do you need a few minutes?”

  James looked up. “No, we’re ready. I’ll have the shrimp and French fries.”

  “That sounds good, and bring us two sweet teas, please.” Ann directed her gaze toward James, and he nodded.

  The waitress left, and James sat up straight. “Start from the beginning.”

  Ann explained how she turned to see Freddie staring at her as she put away her bonus yesterday and how it was at the same time the evil man at the counter frightened her. “I didn’t think of it, probably because the creep scared me, but Freddie probably memorized the combination. It’s not that difficult, only three turns.”

  James tilted his head. “From what you just told me, the creepy man could have seen it too.”

  Ann gasped. “That’s right. When I saw him standing there, my skin crawled, and I wondered if he might pull out a gun and rob Beach Lady. Do you think he entered after Harold left the cash? There was no sign of a break-in. I guess that’s why I didn’t suspect him. But, come to think of it, the clapper on the doorbell was broken night before last. Did he do that? Who could he be?” Ann’s head spun.

  James touched her hand. “It’s all right. We don’t know what happened to the money, but there’s certainly no evidence Freddie took it. Maybe Harold forgot to leave it, and the man who frightened you is no one in particular.”

  Tears formed in Ann’s eyes and threatened to spill over her lashes. “I’m afraid the sinister guy will come back.”

  The waitress served the meal, and Ann sipped her tea, trying to calm her nerves.

  “You should let Harold know the money’s gone and request a new lock for the front door.”

  Ann clenched her jaw. “Oh no. I want him to believe I can take care of everything in the shop. I worked too hard and too long to...” She bit her tongue. She was about to share too much information.

  “You have taken care of it, but you’ve lost your own money. I suppose if that’s what you want to do, it works as long as it doesn’t happen again. If it does, you’ll have to tell Harold.” A stern tone lined James’s voice.

  Who was he to judge her? He wasn’t in the store contending with Freddie, the remodeling, and Harold. “I’m not trying to deceive Harold. It’s not like he’s out anything.”

  “I understand. Just ask him to change the lock.”

  Ann ate her last French fry. Actually, it was none of James’s business, but she involved him when she told him about the missing cash. He probably was trying to help, and his suggestion was a good idea. “I’ll leave him a note tonight.”

  The waitress left the bills on the table, and James picked up Ann’s. “My treat.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I want to. I just wish you’d take time to chat with Freddie. Is he really after your job? Could he be a petty criminal who took money from the safe? Or is he the kind of guy who protects a girl if he sees she’s in harm’s way?”

  James was right. The same Freddie who ran off the creep wouldn’t take money from the safe...unless he had an ulterior motive.

  * * *

  Ann approached the door to Beach Lady, and her muscles tensed. Had anything gone wrong while she was at lunch? The bell jingled as she charged through the doorway, the afternoon sun streaming in the window creating a greenhouse effect in the shop. “I’m back,” she called out as she strolled to the thermostat and lowered it.

  Freddie came through the cut-out. The look in his eyes reminded her of Beau’s when they were kids. He’d stare at the sea shells she brought from the shore then ask tons of questions about them and her walk by the ocean. “How’d it go?”

  Why so much curiosity when he didn’t know her personally? Maybe he wanted to. James was right. She needed to change that. “It was nice.” Ann tried to sound matter-of-fact. “What about you? Have you eaten?”

  “I had a pack of crackers.” Freddie patted his stomach. “At five ten, weighing two-hundred pounds, I’m not in danger of wasting away.” He chuckled.

  “You should take your lunch hour. Actually, it’s the law. I’ll buy you a sandwich.”

  Freddie’s eyes snapped wide. “Ah, you don’t need to do that.”

  “I’d like to.” Ann pulled a ten-dollar bill from her purse and handed it to him.

  His eyes softened in the corners. “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Okay then.” He accepted the bill and traipsed out.

  Thank goodness it was a quiet afternoon.

  Freddie returned within twenty minutes, swinging a to-go bag from the bistro at his side.

  Ann pointed to the chaise lounge and table with the umbrella. “Have a seat over here, and let’s get acquainted.”

  “I’d like that.” Freddie pulled a cup of coffee out of the bag then set it down. “I brought this for you.”

  A twinge of warmth zipped up Ann’s spine as she took it. “Thank you.” She sat on the edge of the chaise lounge and stirred in cream and sugar while Freddie un-wrapped his corned beef on rye.

  The odors mingled and wafted through the store. That was all right. When they finished, she’d spray with room freshener. She should have treated Freddie to lunch his first day at work. “So, what do you like to do when you aren’t here?”

  “Right now, I’m watching football as much as I can.”

  Ann sipped her drink. “Which team do you root for?”

  “Woof, woof. The dawgs. I’m a University of Georgia graduate.”

  “Of course you are. Harold told me that when he hired you. Did they win this past Saturday?”

  Freddy bit into his sandwich and pointed at his mouth. “Hmmm. Uh, ummm.” He swallowed. “With two minutes left we lagged behind by three points. Crocket, that’s our quarterback, completed a pass to Davis, one of our running backs, for ten yards.” Freddie’s voice rose. “Crocket called another play and handed off to Rogers, but the South Carolina Gamecocks stopped him at the line of scrimmage.” Freddie slapped his forehead. “The next play he threw to Davis in the end zone.” Freddie lifted his hands as though he was going to catch a pass, his elbow tipping Ann’s cup.

  It wobbled.

  Freddie gasped, his eyes wide. “Uh-oh.”

  “No harm.” Ann steadied it.

  Freddie sat up straig
ht. “I wanted to show you that Davis caught it. I guess you got that?”

  Ann chuckled. It was a relief to laugh with Freddie. “Right.”

  “The players ran on the field, jumped up and down, and fell all over Davis. I had a great time watching it on television.”

  “One Saturday you’re going to the game, and I’m going to work.”

  “I don’t have a ticket. They’re expensive and hard to find.” Freddie spoke in a soft tone as though he tried to understand the conversation.

  “You know what, I’ll bring you one. It will be your bonus for helping me out with that creepy man and for straightening your side of the store.”

  Freddie leaned back and twisted his mouth to one side. He sat up as though he’d had a revelation. “All right, thanks.”

  Ann glanced out the window as a man headed toward the door of Beach Guy. “I believe you have a customer.” She snatched up the wrappers and cups and threw them in the trash as Freddie stood.

  “Yeah, we better get to work.” He plodded to his side of the store.

  Ann grabbed the room freshener and sprayed. A promise was a promise. She’d gotten caught up in the moment. She set down the can and picked up the receiver on the store phone. It’d been a year. Had her father changed? She punched in his number and the phone rang. She moved the receiver toward the cradle.

  “Hello.”

  She trembled inside like she did every time she heard his voice.

  “Hello, hello. Who’s there?”

  “Hello, Dad.”

  “Why hello, Ann, you must want something. That’s the only time I hear from you. What can I do for you?”

  Ann grew weak. Somewhere tucked away in a spot in her heart, hope that this conversation would be different surfaced whenever she found the courage to dial his number. He drowned it every call. He was wrong too. After she first graduated from Florida College she used to phone and ask if he wanted to have Sunday dinner. He always said no. If she was too good to work at the fish market, he was too good to visit her condo. She’d been young and naive then, still thought she could earn his love. Now, she knew better. He couldn’t give something he didn’t have.