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“Yeah. I think you’re right.”
“It’s amazing this letter has survived.”
“I think because it was treasured. Letters like these were a lifeline for soldiers. Edward probably kept it folded his Bible, or in a pocket close to his heart. I think news from home, from loved ones, kept them going. Reminded them what they were fighting for.”
Cam closes the folder and stands. We are quiet for a moment.
“Thanks, Molly, for taking the time to show me.” Cam smiles. “I understand what you mean about holding something so old. And treasured. And reading the thoughts of people who lived around here. Real people like you and me. Maybe their house was just down the road. Or even in our street.”
The noise of the bouncing ball snaps me back to the Scrabble game.
“Time please, Molly. You’ve taken too long.”
“Yes. Sorry. All vowels.” I hurriedly arrange A I N onto the P of CUPID.
Lydia stares at me and shakes her head. Then, she turns and, tweaking the curtain, she looks out of the window to the house at number four.
“That neighbor of yours is certainly a fine specimen of a man.” Lydia sucks air through her teeth. “No doubt about that. Just look at those thighs; his shoulders; his hair.”
“Lydia! Leave the curtain.” It’s almost a shriek. “He’ll think it’s me spying.”
“He can’t see. He’s not even looking. He’s playing basketball and scoring a lot of baskets, by the looks.” Lydia turns to face me square on. “So, you’re telling me that there’s absolutely nothing going on there for you.”
Despite myself, I peer out at Cam’s athletics on his driveway. He moves gracefully, effortlessly running as he bounces the ball, then bounds and jumps to plop it through the hoop.
“That’s right.” I lie. “He may have a spectacular body, but there’s got to be more than that, hasn’t there?” I say haughtily. “Actually, it’s pretty annoying to be living next door to that infernal noise.” I laugh. “It’s a good thing he’s going soon. He’s a city boy, you know. Superior. Looks down on us country bumpkins.” I realize I’m deflecting attention away from the positives of my neighbor, painfully aware that there is so much more to Cam Wickham than his obvious physical attraction. But I was not going to admit that to my friend because I could barely admit it to myself. “I mean, yes, he’s fit and can bounce a ball around, but what about something deeper? More than physical.”
“Something more than a super-fit hot bod? Not really,” says Lydia pouting her pink lips and very slowly nodding her head.
Lydia and I both stare, transfixed with appreciation when a shadow crosses the window. We duck down and start giggling like naughty schoolgirls. There’s a knock at the door. I pull myself together enough to stand up to see who it is.
When I open up, Ernie is standing there with Sinatra.
“Hi, Molly. I hope I’m not intruding.”
“No. Not at all.” I bend down to pat Sinatra. “Lydia’s here. We’re playing Scrabble.”
“Oh, sorry. Well, I just wanted to let you know, we’ve entered the dress-up competition and I’m pretty sure we’re going to win.”
“Ernie! I’m so excited for you.” Ernie beams and looks down at his dog. “Are you going to let me in on your costume idea?” I ask.
“Nope.” Ernie winks. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”
Chapter 10
Cam
Shooting baskets out in my front yard takes my mind off things; gives me time to reflect. I can’t believe that the Spring Fair is only a few days away. The buzz around town is infectious. Everyone’s talking about it. And working with Molly has been a pleasure. There I was thinking the whole planning committee thing was going to be an uphill grind. And it makes me laugh to think that here I am almost wishing I had more time: that the fair was another month away and not next week. I’m fully aware that the closer to the date of the fair, the closer to the end of my time here. Yes, I want to get back to my life, but… I shake the thought from my head and score another basket.
I focus on the fire demonstration. The rehearsals are going well. We’ve been practicing outside of work hours. There’s going to be a real fire and rescue using the aerial ladder on the firetruck. One of the crew has a friend who has volunteered to be a damsel in distress. It’s all standard procedure really, but it’ll be fun to put on a show, and it’ll be good PR for the recruitment drive.
“Hey Cam.” It’s Ernie and Sinatra.
“Hey.” I stop bouncing and holding the ball under my arm as I walk over to my neighbors.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb your game.”
“Ha. Not at all, Ernie.” I’m a little out of breath. “It’s good to see you out and about.” I bend down and tickle Sinatra behind his ear. He wags his tail.
