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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
JORDAN TRIED TO be gracious as Clara Thompson served him yet another cup of the dreadful coffee he’d had the other day while sitting outside with Jess. Did anyone actually really drink this slop?
“This is so unexpected, Mr. Paydan,” Clara said as she took a seat across from him at her desk. She motioned for him to take the chair opposite. Her office was small yet neat. Potted plants sat perched on various surfaces in each corner.
“Please call me Jordan.”
The older woman gave him a wide smile. “Very well. Thank you, Jordan. We won’t have to cut any of our programs as a direct result of your generosity. Even our summer sessions can stay intact.”
Jordan cleared his throat. He always felt a little self-conscious when people thanked him profusely for a charitable contribution. The money meant so little to him in the overall scope of things. But it meant so much to organizations like the one Clara was a director for. He didn’t want to see the community center lose any of its offerings when the solution was so simple.
“Well, when I heard you were looking into budget cuts, I knew right away what the very next check I wrote would be.”
“I’m ever so thrilled that you did. And what a generous check it is. The staff will be thrilled to hear the news.”
Jordan shifted in his chair. This was the reason he’d wanted to hand the check to Clara personally. “About that...”
“Yes?”
“I’d prefer if this were to remain between the two of us.”
She blinked at him in surprise. “You would?”
“Yes, please.”
“Do you mind if I ask why?”
He didn’t mind her asking per se. But he had no intention nor the desire to get into it.
Jordan didn’t want to explain that he didn’t want for Jess to hear about this donation and try to read anything into it. Or try to thank him in some meaningful and sincere way that left them both feeling awkward. No, it was much better that she not find out.
“Let’s just say I’d like to keep it as anonymous as possible.”
She glanced down at the paper check yet again. “I see. I guess I can come up with some kind of story to tell folks.”
“I have faith you will.”
“Well, again, thank you so much for your generosity. It will go a long way.”
“You’re welcome, Clara. I’m glad to help.”
“I guess I only have one other question.”
“Ask away.”
“Is there anything in particular you’d like some of the funds allotted for?” she asked with clear hesitation. The poor woman must have come to the conclusion that the money came with some type of strings attached given that Jordan didn’t even want to publicize it. What did she think he might ask for? Maybe she thought he had a desire to see some type of specialty class offered like pickling autumn vegetables or straw hat weaving.
Jordan had to laugh. “Maybe a minor suggestion.”
“What’s that?”
“Would you consider replacing the coffee machine?”
* * *
“Jordan? I thought that was you walking out of Clara’s office. I didn’t think Sonya had any swim lessons today.”
Jordan released a resigned sigh and turned to find Jess standing just a few short feet behind him. He’d been caught. He should have headed straight home. Instead, he’d felt compelled to walk back out to Jess’s little wooden bench by the stream. The scene was just as pretty as it had been the other day. Especially now that she’d joined him out here. But now he had to explain his presence here to Jess.
“She doesn’t.”
“Then what are you doing here?”
He gestured to their surroundings. “Would you believe I had an unexpected desire to come out here again and see this view?”
She tilted her head back and studied him. Skepticism shone in her eyes. “I would definitely have trouble believing that. As serene as this spot is. Plus, that doesn’t explain why you were in Clara’s office.”
“Uh, I just needed to ask Clara about some of the class offerings available next session.” His reply was technically the truth. Also, the class offerings and their detailed descriptions were easily found in the online brochure, which, of course, she knew. For a brief moment she looked as if she wanted to say something. Luckily, however, she let the matter drop.
