<br>  <br>  <center>  https://i.imgsafe.org/ca43f14095.jpg</center>

<br>  <br> The following morning, Bethany was trying to be as quiet as possible.

“You be a good little boy for Griff,” she said sternly to Jude and then threw her arms around his neck and hugged him firmly.

“By the time you finish saying goodbye to that dog, it’ll be noon.”

She looked up to see Griff grinning at her from the stairs. Her stomach did a cartwheel. She had hoped to see him before she left, but didn’t want to disturb him so early.

“I hope I didn’t wake you. I tried to be quiet letting him in and out.”

“You didn’t wake me—I set my alarm.”

She looked at him quizzically. “I didn’t think you had to go into the office. I thought you were closing early for Christmas.”

“I am. I knew you were leaving at eight and wanted to see you off.”

She flushed at the gesture. “You didn’t have to do that.”

He came down the stairs and stood in front of her. “I wanted to. Look Beth, I know it’s only been a short time, but…” He stopped, unsure of what to say next—*that he had feelings for her? Was attracted to her? Loved her?*

Her eyes were shining back at him and he lost all sense of what he was trying to say—whatever that was anyway. They stood a foot apart staring in silence. He felt helpless and foolish. In frustration, he broke his gaze and looked through the window at the snow falling outside. “The roads are going to be bad.”

“I’ll be okay,” she said softly.

“I could drive you,” he heard himself saying. “I’ve got four new snow tires on my car.”

“That’s sweet,” she said, “but it’s silly. It’s so far and then you’d have to turn around and drive back. And besides, how would I get home after the holidays?”

“I’d drive you.”

“You mean you’d do that drive both ways all over again?”

“No. I was invited by Roz to stay at her friend’s house in Guelph for the holidays—she always invites me every year and I always turn her down—but this year is kinda different. Anyway, Guelph is only a half hour’s drive from Elora—it’s almost on the way.”

“You mean it’s not too far out of your way,” she smiled.

“Yeah.”

“What about Jude?”

“He’d come with us. He’d like nothing better than to be in the country and running wild for a few days.”

She thought for a moment. “How long would it take you to pack?”

He shamefacedly pointed to a suitcase and duffle bag by the stairs. “Uh, I already phoned Roz and told her I was coming.”

“Uh huh,” and when did you do this?”

“This morning,” he said coloring.

“I take it that Roz is an early riser.” Her eyes were dancing.

“Yeah, she is.”

Her heart was burning inside her chest. She was flattered by Griff’s wanting to be with her and had been feeling sad about leaving just when they were starting to get close. The prospect of a two-hour drive with Griff excited her and she’d be able to spend more time with Jude as well.

“Well, let’s get this show on the road,” she smiled as she picked up her suitcase. 

Griff smiled ear to ear. As if on cue, Jude came bounding from the front room, sensing they were going out. His pink tongue was out and he was smiling too.

It was a bit of a squeeze getting everything stowed in the trunk as well as part of the back seat, but when they were finished, there was room enough for Jude to curl up and sleep in the back if he wanted. As it was, he preferred to poke his nose forward and take turns nuzzling each of them, but as soon as they got onto the highway, the monotony of the engine and the rumbling of tires soon lulled him to sleep.


<br>  <br>  The snow was falling faster now and swept across open stretches of highway in waves. Nearing Highway 25, traffic was snarled. There was a tiny valley and snow ribbons streaked across the highway. For a few miles they endured white out conditions.

<br>  <br>  <center>  https://i.imgsafe.org/ca56faefac.jpg</center>



<br>  <br> “I’m so glad you’re driving.” She shivered as she imagined herself having to navigate this stretch in her van. “I guess it helps having a new car as well.”

He laughed. “It’s not new. This car’s six years old.”

“Really? It looks brand new.”

“Naw, it’s a classic. Just because it’s a Porsche people get the wrong idea. It’s not really a luxury car—these Targas are used as police cars in Europe.”

“The criminals there get the royal treatment,” she laughed.

“Yeah, it’s nice in a way. I like the white leather seats, but it’s not quiet. It used to drive Mandy crazy. One Christmas she surprised me by buying me a brand new 911 model—I took back to the dealership the next day.”

“Why’d you do that?”

“It was bloody expensive for one thing—uh, sorry for swearing, but it made me angry. That car was so pretentious and impractical. It was only a two-seater. Where would we put Jude?”

Bethany peeked at Jude curled up in the back seat. “He seems to like this car too.”

He laughed. “He’s like a baby—just take him for a drive and he goes right to sleep.”

<br>  <br> There was a lull in the conversation and despite her shyness Bethany couldn't resist asking about Griff's failed marriage.

“What about you and Mandy? You were married for two years—did you ever plan to have children?”

“I wanted kids, but as for Mandy— kids were out of the question. She was too obsessed with her career. Kept going on about her biological clock ticking—not that she want to start a family, but with her, it meant the end being a runway model.”

“That must have been rough.”

“You don’t know the half of it. Oh sure, people think it’s glamorous being married to a top model, but it was hell. We couldn’t even go to dinner like normal people. If Mandy gained a pound, she’d eat nothing but soda crackers and Perrier till she lost it.”

“You’re kidding? That’s brutal—mind you, coming from peasant German stock, I’d die if I couldn’t eat. Besides, living on a farm gives you an appetite.”

“Speaking of food, we should stop for brunch—there’s a nice inn in Aberfoyle, close to Guelph—why don’t we stop there for a break?”

“Sounds good. Jude can get out and stretch his legs too.”

<br>  <br>  They pulled off the main highway onto Highway 6 and drove a short distance to the Inn.

 <br><br> <center> https://i.imgsafe.org/ca74a78417.jpg</center>

 <br><br> Griff went inside to arrange for a table and Bethany walked Jude and allowed him to chase a few snowballs. After he let off some steam, she brought him back to the car and gave him a drink from her bottled water and then spread out a blanket for him in the back seat. The car was still warm and Jude settled down and curled up and was soon well on his way to sleep.

She entered the Inn and searched the room for Griff, but he was nowhere in sight. Probably in the rest room, she thought. At a nearby booth she noticed an over-weight businessman in a wrinkled gray suit staring at her. The man had obviously been drinking—his eyes were glazed and his jaw slack. The look of lust in his eyes was so menacing that she backed away and considered heading back to the car. A hand touched her elbow and she started.

“Hey, it’s just me,” Griff smiled. “Did I startle you?”

“I’m fine. I was looking for you in the dining room.”

“We’ve got a table.” He pointed to the rear of the inn. She breathed a sigh of relief as she realized she wouldn’t have to be seated near the stranger. There was something more about the man than just his gaze that upset her—he reminded her of Bram Becker.

<br>  <br>  The one thing that upset her about returning home was the prospect of having to run into Bram again—not that there was anything between them, other than in Herr Becker’s mind perhaps. It was just that her parents had always assumed the two of them would somehow end up together, and a few years ago that might have been possible. But Bram had changed or perhaps she had matured, but regardless, she now saw disturbing things in him that made her want to run away as fast and far as she could. Maybe that was why she felt the need to move to Toronto, not only to pursue her dream, but also to put distance between them.

Griff was staring at her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She realized she must have looked preoccupied. “Of course,” she lied. “Let’s eat. I’m famished.”

He knew there was something back of her mind, niggling at her, causing her forehead to knit into worry lines—but he also knew not to pry. If she wanted to confide in him, he’d be there, but for now, he’d stand back and give her space.

<br>  <br>  They were seated near a huge wood-burning fireplace and the warmth of the fire and the joy of the hearth dispelled all her troubled thoughts. 

<br>  <br>  <center>  https://i.imgsafe.org/ca7f17d22a.jpg</center>

<br>  <br> She noticed the businessman had paid his tab and was lurching toward the door. She felt herself begin to relax. Griff ordered the country breakfast and was in the mood to eat.  At a nearby table she was delighted to discover a friend from Elora—Abbey Sanford. She excused herself and went over to say hello. By the time she got back, the food had already arrived.

“Perfect timing, “ Griff remarked, pouring a little ketchup on his bacon. “Was that an old friend?”

She nodded. “I know the family. They own an antique store in town.”

“Really? I love antiques, always wanted to collect them.”

“So, why didn’t you—what stopped you?”

“Mandy. She hated old things—said they were just junk from the past.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Nice attitude.”

<br>  <br>  Griff stared out the window, allowing his mind to conjure up old memories. “Did you know she hated the house—wanted to sell it and move to a downtown condo? Said she preferred things ‘minimalist and modern’. Jeez, I hate that style, but that was Mandy—everything sterile and cold.” He grimaced at the thought.

“You seem to have some ghosts you need to lay to rest.”

“Yeah, I have trouble doing that,” he growled sarcastically.

“No wonder George haunts you.”

He looked at her sharply, but saw she was grinning. He let down his guard.

“I know what you’re getting at—I do have trouble letting go sometimes.”

“Don’t get me wrong—losing your wife and best friend in one fell swoop is not something that’s easy to get over. I’m just telling you to get better, not bitter.”

“Point well taken,” he smiled, “but just to set the record straight, George doesn’t haunt me—I’ve never seen him. The only people to whom he’s introduced himself are you and my mom.”

“Then, I’m in good company”, she smiled. “Oh, by the way, if you like antiques, maybe we can arrange to go into Elora and visit Abbey’s shop.”

“That sounds great—I’d enjoy that.”

“It’s funny—I kind of figured you for the type who’d like modern furniture—you didn’t strike me as having traditional taste.”

He laughed. “I guess I’m more sentimental than I appear. I get nostalgic about things. Maybe that’s why I can’t part with the house—it reminds me of the past. Everything seems so warm and comfortable.”

“That’s not such a bad thing,” she said softly.

<br>  <br>  Griff felt as if he had been caressed. Mandy had never brought out felt such tender feelings in him, nor had her words ever radiated much warmth. Bethany, on the other hand, was kind and gentle like Roz. He could stare into her huge brown eyes forever and never tire. As a matter of fact, gazing into her eyes was something he’d like to do every day for the rest of his life.

She pressed a coin into his palm. “What’s this?”

“For your thoughts,” she smiled. It was a bright, shiny penny. He laughed and checked the date—1967.

“This penny looks new—it’s very well preserved.”

“Kind of like you,” she teased.

“Yeah, I’m a real Dorian Grey. Didn’t you see the covered picture in the upstairs hallway?”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re not at all like him. You probably only have a few hidden sins.”

“How can you be sure?”

“You have the same eyes as Jude.”

“Well, that’s a compliment!”

“You know what I mean.”

“I don’t know—Do you love Jude?”

“Yes,” she whispered, lowering her gaze.

He looked at her intently and then said, “Well then, I’ll take that as a compliment.”


<br>  <br>  <center>  https://i.imgsafe.org/ca8ae4e015.jpg</center>
 

<br>  <br>  Just after eleven, they arrived in Elora, but it took another fifteen minutes to get to the Engel farm. The main house was a two-storey home made of rock quarried nearby and cut by stonemasons. It was built to last for centuries. It was the same stone they saw in the other buildings in town. They pulled into the driveway to the sounds of excited yelps. A huge golden retriever was at Bethany’s door and as soon she opened it, was all over her.

“Okay Clementine, settle down.” She sat nicely and allowed Bethany to throw her arms around her and give her a big hug. Two blonde girls, younger than Bethany also came running out and repeated the process. There were hugs and tears until finally Bethany managed to silence her sisters.

“Marthe and Mary, I’d like you to meet Griff Lytton.”

Griff came round the Porsche and extended his hand, which was demurely shaken by each girl in turn. For a moment there was an awkward silence. Then, Bethany gave the girls a knowing smile and instantly they were besieging Griff with questions about Toronto.

Jude was yelping from the Porsche.

“Oh, I forgot,” Bethany shouted and opened the car door. “This is Jude.”

To her amazement, Jude sat nicely by her knee and allowed her sisters to fuss over him. Clementine, curious as well, came over and cautiously sniffed. Deciding Jude was friendly, she went down into a play crouch and then ran toward the field and stopped. Bethany laughed.

“It’s okay, Jude—go!”

He needed no further prompting and took off after Clementine and the two of them chased each other in circles.

“Looks like Jude’s made a friend,” Griff laughed.

“Come inside,” Bethany said to Griff, “I’d like you to meet my parents. Jude and Clementine look like they want to run.”

 <br><br> <center> https://i.imgsafe.org/ca91bbc12c.jpg  </center>

<br>  <br>  Griff followed the girls up the recently plowed driveway to the main house. As soon as the front door was open, the fragrance of cinnamon and apple pie filled their nostrils. A middle-aged version of Bethany appeared from the kitchen and swept her into her arms. A brawny man who resembled a big amiable bear followed the woman. He nearly crushed Bethany in his arms.

“Mein Liebling, I missed you so much.” He held her at arms length. “Let me look at you—still skinny, I’m afraid.”

“Papa, really,” she protested.

“I think she’s put on weight,” Mary observed.

“How would you know?” asked Marthe sarcastically. “You look in the mirror and think you’re a princess.”

Everyone laughed, as Mary pretended to pout. “I have to imagine myself a princess since Bethany gets all the attention.”

“Poor baby.” Her mother gently caressed her cheek. “And who is this nice looking young man, Bethany?”

“Mama and Papa, I’d like you to meet Griff Lytton. He’s my employer.”

“Lytton?” Mr. Engel scratched his head. “Haven’t I heard that name somewhere?”

Bethany spoke up. “Griff inherited Lytton Gifts and Cards.”

Her father raised his eyebrows. “Really—you manage such a big firm at such a young age?”

Griff smiled, but didn’t take the bait. “I have a lot of help, Mr. Engel. I rely on several of my father’s trusted advisors.”

“Good for you, Sohn. It’s important to find wisdom in many counselors.”

<br>  <br>  Mrs. Engel, who had been hanging back, now came forward and wrapped Griff in a warm hug. He felt the tears come instantly to his eyes. “Welcome to our home, Griff. You must be exhausted from the trip up in this weather. Come sit down and have coffee and apple crisp.”

“Was that the delicious fragrance I smelled as we came in?”

Bethany laughed. “Another conquest, Ma. I pity him if he ever stays for dinner.”

“You’ve stolen the words from my mouth! Mr. Lytton, please join us tonight for supper.”

“Oh, I couldn’t—it’s Christmas Eve and I’m sure you’d like to spend it with family.”

“We’d love to have you. You’ve driven a long way—unless, of course, you have other plans.”

“Please stay, Griff. My mother wouldn’t offer if she didn’t mean it.”

Mrs. Engel smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Well, okay. Thank you. I’ll have to phone Roz and tell her I’ll be along later.”

“Is Roz who you’re staying with?” asked Mrs. Engel.

“She’s my admin assistant, but I guess she’s more like a mother to me. She invites me every year to come and spend the holidays with her and her friend. This year, I decided to accept.”

“Well then, it’s settled. You phone your Roz while the girls and I prepare the coffee and apple crisp.”

“Thank you Mrs. Engel.”

Mr. Engel had been in the background during the exchange and Griff felt he was quietly taking his measure.

“There is a phone in the kitchen, Mr. Lytton,” he said suddenly.

“Please, call me Griff.”

“Griff? That’s an unusual name.”

“It’s short for Grifton.”

“The English have some unusual names.”

Griff laughed. “Yes, I suppose we do.”

Mr. Engel laughed as well and patted Griff affectionately on the arm. Bethany sighed in relief.

<br>  <br>  A few minutes later, Griff joined the family in the front room, sitting on the sofa beside Bethany.

“Did you reach Roz?” she asked.

“Just caught her as she was on her way downtown. She was planning to leave the door unlocked, but I told her not to bother—that I wouldn’t arrive until after dinner.”

“Wonderful,” her mother enthused and looked at Bethany.  “You’ll have time to show Griff around town before supper.”

“I’d really like that,” Griff smiled.

As the twins began setting out the coffee and dessert, the phone rang. Mary answered and called out, “Papa it’s for you—Hans Gruber.”

Mrs. Engel frowned. “Try not to talk too long, Detlaff.” Mr. Engel nodded and hurried out to the kitchen.

“That Hans always picks the wrong time to phone,” she apologized.

“That seems to be an occupational hazard when you run a business,” Griff offered.

“Oh, it’s not business—at least, nothing to do with running the farm,” Mrs. Engel replied.

Bethany explained. “Hans is the coach of the Ennotville hockey team—He and Papa are rivals.”

“Your Dad coaches hockey?” He looked intrigued.

“Yeah, but don’t believe it’s not a business for him. I think he spends more time on coaching than he does on the farm chores.”

A few minutes later, Mr. Engel returned, looking crestfallen.

“What’s the matter, Papa?” Mary inquired.

“Hans told me my import player has withdrawn— claims he was threatened by Ennotville players.”

“What will you do now, Papa?”

Mr. Engel shrugged his shoulders. “What can I do?”

Griff spoke up. “I used to play a bit of hockey—maybe I could help.”

Mr. Engel’s face lit up. “You did—what position did you play?”

“I played center in college. We won our division.”

“Wunderbar! I can get you whatever equipment you need. We play on Boxing Day.”

“Sounds good.”

Bethany sat silently, regretting her father’s hasty decision, but said nothing.

 

<br>  <br>  Just past one o’clock, she and Griff were back in the car heading toward town. They rode in silence for a few minutes.

“Your family’s really nice,” Griff said, trying to break the silence.

“They seemed to like you—especially the twins.”

He laughed. “Are they always like that—tousling with one another?”

“Oh yeah. Those two would drive a saint to swear. They don’t mean it though. They really love one other.”

“I picked up on that.”

“I know Mama liked you right away, but I think Papa likes you too.”

“Your dad frightens me a little—he’s kind of imposing.”

“Papa is the type of man who commands people to listen. He’s very gentle, but people hereabout respect what he says.”

“I can see that.”

She hesitated for a moment and then asked, “Are you sure you want to play in that game on Boxing Day?”

“Absolutely. I love playing hockey.”

“It’s body contact, you know. Most of the players play in industrial leagues.”

“I’m good with that.” He looked at her suspiciously. “Why are you so concerned—do you think I’ll get hurt?”

“The thought did cross my mind.”

“Some of my college team mates went on to play professionally—this isn’t my first trip to the prom.”

“Well, this isn’t exactly a waltz either, Griff—it gets kind of intense, especially in the big game.”

“I can take care of myself.”

She softened. “I know you can—I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were getting into.”

“Speaking of such things, are you sure you’re okay with me, I mean, after what I told you about my past?”

“Totally. I don’t trust Eva as far as I can throw her and I don’t believe her version of the facts.”

“Things could get messy.”

Her eyes flashed. “I don’t care what people think or say—I’m a good judge of character and I know that Eva is a liar. I wouldn’t trust anything she said.”

“Let’s hope others see things your way.”

<br>  <br>  By this time, they had turned onto Mill Street, so Griff pulled over and parked. “I think we better hoof it from here so I can get a better lay of the land.”

“Good idea. There’s a knitting store across the street where I can buy the twins some wool—they love making things like scarves and mitts—maybe they’ll even knit you an afghan.”

A pained look crossed his face.

“Do you even know what an afghan is?”

“It’s not one of those wool sweaters with reindeers, is it?”

She laughed. “Don’t worry—it’s not something to wear. Obviously, you’re not into knitting.”

He breathed a huge sigh of relief.

“Tell you what—Why don’t you visit Sanford’s Antiques and scope it out? Then we’ll meet back here in half an hour and drive around and see the Mill and the Gorge. Maybe I’ll even show you the Tooth of Time.”

“The Tooth of Time, eh? Sounds intriguing. Oh, by the way, speaking of intriguing, does your friend Abbey help out in the family store?”

“Yeah—I thought I saw you checking her out back in the Inn. Good luck with all that. Abbey’s a Science-Math nerd. I doubt she’d even give you the time of day, unless you were an expert on Physics.”

“I’ve taken a few courses at university.”

“Well then, be my guest.” She gestured in the direction of the store, then turned and huffed away.

“I was only kidding,” he called after her. She pretended not to hear.

 

<br>  <br>  Half an hour later, he was back at the car, checking his watch. The temperature had crept up above freezing and the streets had turned slushy. He leaned back against the Porsche’s hood, basking in the warmth rising off the metal and watching the sun melt snow from nearby roofs.

<br>  <br>  <center>  https://i.imgsafe.org/ca9dd11535.jpg</center>

<br>  <br>As he lay back squinting against the glare, lulled by the sounds of dripping water, he spotted Bethany reclining against the building opposite, mirroring his posture.

“Very funny,” he called out.

“You are,” she shouted back. “I was wondering how long it’d take you to notice me.”

She crossed the street and approached him. He tried to downplay the situation. “On the plus side, I wasn’t girl-watching.”

“Why would you? You just spent the last thirty minutes drooling over Abbey.”

“Hey, can you cut me some slack here? I told you I was only kidding and besides, I’d have to be crazy to look at other women when I’m with the most beautiful girl in town.”

She reddened, but was secretly pleased. “I’ll bet you say that to all your employees.”

“Naw, I’m more discriminating than that. Anyway, why are we standing around? I thought I was getting a tour of the town.”

“You are,” she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him in the direction of the old mill. As they walked along, the number of well-preserved century-old buildings amazed him.

“This place is right out of Dickens, although it must be really hot around here in summer, with all these stone walls”

“Actually, the limestone has the opposite effect—it helps keep the town cool.”

“Who’d have thunk it?”

She squinted at him. “Are you sure you graduated university and just didn’t hang out there?”

“I was just using slang for emphasis.”

“Oh, I thought that was your excuse for swearing.”

“I’m working on that,” he bristled.

She smiled. She had noticed his attempts to control his tongue and was pleased. He was trying so hard to please that she kept being reminded of Jude—in her eyes, they were both adorable.

<br>  <br>  At last, they arrived at the mill and found a spot where they could see the river and still have an excellent view of the falls.

Griff was impressed. “What’s that rocky outcrop at the lip of the waterfall?”

“That’s the Tooth of Time.”

“That’s an intriguing name.”

“It is.” She grew pensive as she watched the rushing waters being split by the rocky island before plunging over the cataract to the rocks below.

<br>  <br>  <center>  https://i.imgsafe.org/caa8211cfe.jpeg</center>


<br>  <br> “I think of it as a kind of still point in eternity. The waters remind me of the passage of time, flowing past a tiny oasis of calm.”

“I don’t know if I find that comforting—it kind of reminds me of old George Bowden stuck in some time warp forever.”

“Maybe he’s not stuck—did you ever think it might be us who are stuck?”

“I don’t get it.”

“Well, you’re imagining he’s a ghost—some poor lost soul wandering between earth and heaven. I don’t believe that.”

“What other explanation is there?”

“I think the he’s more like an after-image. I read an article in the newspaper about infrared photography. If conditions are right, say on a still, hot day, you can photograph an empty parking lot at night and capture heat signatures of cars parked there during the day.”

“That is so cool!”

“Sometimes even license plate numbers can be read. So, maybe under certain conditions it’s possible to see vestiges of the past.”

“But didn’t George interact with you? —I mean he appeared to see you.”

“Maybe not. The incident on the stairs may have involved some other person years ago. As for his gesture about the make-up, maybe he was indicating that to his wife a century before.”

“So, we think the ghost is reacting to us, when it’s simply a recurring image of an interaction between people long-deceased?

“Exactly.”

<br>  <br>  Griff thought a moment. “I think you’re right. I saw a TV program where they investigated this type of thing. There was a cellar room in Rome where the employees of a business kept seeing images of Roman soldiers filing past in a column. I know strange things do happen, but your explanation makes more sense than a visit from the spirit realm.”

“So you don’t believe in a spirit realm?’

“Not the way a lot of people do. Maddie, Roz’s friend, is into that kind of stuff. I don’t put much stock in crystals and incense. But strangely enough, I do believe in God. When I was a kid, my parents used to take me to church—but since they passed away I haven’t darkened the door.”

“So, you’re a God-fearer.”

“Huh?”

“You believe in God, but you don’t belong to a church.”

“Yeah, I guess that sums it up.”

They were quiet for a few moments, staring at the river rushing past. It had a mesmerizing effect, being there, hearing the roar of the falls and watching white water.

<br>  <br>  Beth! She heard her name being called from across the street and turned in time to see Bram Becker struggling to cross the busy road. Her heart sunk, but before she had time to recover he was standing before her. He looked even cockier than she recalled and carried himself with a newfound truculence that instantly annoyed her. With his brush cut and stocky build he might pass for a typical farm boy, but there was a cruel set to his lips that twisted his features into a permanent scowl.

“I heard you were back,” he said, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Griff standing behind her. “A bunch of us are going to Mario’s tonight for pizza—why don’t you join us?”

“I can’t Bram. I have other plans.”

“Oh, I see.” He now glanced at Griff and his face darkened. “Who’s your friend?”

“Bram Becker, may I present my employer, Griff Lytton.”

Griff extended his hand in greeting, but Bram ignored it. His eyes narrowed, assessing the connection between her and Griff.

“And what exactly is it that you do for Mr. Lytton?” His face was tight.

“I’m a pet sitter, Bram.” He let out a whoop.

“Whooee! That’s your full time job? Sound like a cushy arrangement.” The sarcasm in his voice was obvious.

Griff stiffened and Bethany could see his suppressed rage. She also saw tension building inside Bram.

“We’ve got to go Bram. I’ll see you around.”

She grabbed Griff’s hand and pulled him back in the direction of the car.

Bram called after her, “Yeah well, keep up the good work, Beth. I can see you’re learning how to get ahead.”

Griff’s hand balled into a fist, but Bethany leaned into him, grabbing onto his arm with both of hers. She locked eyes with him and he could see the desperation on her face. “Please keep going, Griff. For my sake.”

<br>  <br>  He wanted to turn back and pound his fist into Bram’s swinish face, but saw Bethany’s terror and relented. When they got back to the car, he leaned back into the seat and closed his eyes, waiting for his breathing to return to normal. He glanced over at Bethany who was huddled in the passenger seat, trembling. Protectively, he leaned across and put an arm around her.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she whispered.

“Why are you trembling—has he ever hurt you?”

“No—not like that. But I have seen him hurt people. He had that look on his face when he saw you.”

“I don’t get it. Why would you be friends with someone like that?”

“He wasn’t always like that. A few years ago, he was different. The Bram I knew was gentle and sweet, but then he started to change. He became cruel and controlling. He staked a claim on me and scared off anyone who showed interest—that’s partly why I wanted to get away and live in Toronto.”

“But you can’t solve problems by running away.”

“Elora’s a small town, Griff, and our community is very tight-knit. It’d be hard to avoid running into him.”

“He’d better hope he doesn’t run into me,” he snarled.

<br>  <br>  She said nothing. The drive back to the farm was subdued. Griff wanted to break the ice by starting a conversation, but each gambit he thought of seemed lame. He felt he over-stepped his boundaries and probably made the situation worse. Threatening to knock Bram’s block off was not going to reassure her or calm her. He was sure he made an ass of himself.

He pulled up in front of the house and shut off the engine.

“Beth, I’m sorry…”

She put her hand to his lips and looked up at him with lustrous eyes. “You didn’t do anything wrong, except try to be my knight in shining armour.”

“But I guess my suit of armour’s a bit tarnished, eh?”

She smiled. “No, it’s not that. You were quite gallant. I was worried—I didn’t want you to get hurt.”

His eyes flashed. “Why do you always think I’m some kind of wimp?”

She had tears in her eyes. “I don’t.”

“Then what is it?”

“I care about you,” she whispered.

<br>  <br>  He felt his insides divide into hot and cold parts with the two grinding against each other. Now, he was the one trembling, afraid to speak or breathe. She was sitting with her eyes downcast, staring at her lap. He reached over, put an arm around her and she lay back against his shoulder. For the first time in his life he felt complete.

“I don’t want to go in,” he whispered. “I just want to stay with you like this forever.”

“Forever’s a long time,” she smiled.

He leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips.

“Please, don’t hurt me, Griff.”

He stared at her in shock.

“Why would you even think that? I’ll never hurt you, Beth. I promise.”

“Could you do me a favour?” she asked, staring deeply into his eyes.

“Sure.”

“Could you please call me Bethany?”

<br>  <br>  [Epiphany by John J. Geddes - Chapter One](https://steemit.com/story/@johnjgeddes/epiphany-a-tale-of-two-lovers-haunted-by-ghosts-of-the-past-chapter-1-21-follow-griff-and-bethany-on-their-christmas-journey)