Hero Worship

By Somer Crestwood

Jessica Taylor works as the only therapist in small town Rutherford, which keeps life interesting. Helping others with their problems suits her just fine and allows her to avoid looking too closely at her own life. Ever since the age of twelve, when her firefighter father was killed in the line of duty saving others, she has relied on her best friend Scott to help her through the tough times. Losing her father affected her in ways she is only just discovering as an adult. She believes she knows what she wants in a man and is on the lookout for someone who is heroic and amazing, just like her father. What she doesn’t know is that Scott has long been in love with her and is moving ahead with plans to win her heart, even though she considers him to be rather ordinary and uninspiring. He may be hot as hell, but he plays softball, hangs out at the local bar and grill, and works as a contractor in their small town. Not exactly superhero material... Or is he?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Somer Crestwood
• Release date: Aug 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310690433

Somer Crestwood

Somer Crestwood is a licensed social worker who resides in Florida with her husband and son.

Book preview

Hero Worship

Somer Crestwood

Copyright 2014 by Somer Crestwood

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

About The Author

Other Books by the Author

Chapter 1

Excuse me, I need to find the ladies room, Jessica politely said in a calm, sweet voice. She marveled at that calmness as she walked into the restroom. Inside she was screaming like a banshee. Hands down, this had to be worst date she had ever been on. When Harold, the local town podiatrist, asked her out, she knew it wouldn’t be all fireworks and rockets exploding, but she thought it might be nice to go out with an educated, gentle man. In a small town like Rutherford, interesting, exciting men were hard to come by, so a girl had to make do. Educated and gentle wasn’t so bad. Two hours and eight hair-pulling podiatry stories later, she was ready to sophomorically point and yell, Look! and sprint out of the restaurant when he turned his head. She was getting desperate. If he told one more nauseating story about his prowess with a cauterizer, she was no longer responsible for her actions.

Jessica Taylor stood before the shell shaped sink looking into the mirror. Pull it together Jess, it’s almost over. She would pass on dessert and coffee – she cringed at the mere thought, she adored dessert – make her excuses, and get out quick. Fluffing her dark blond hair, she quickly applied some lip-gloss. Looking into her blue eyes in the mirror, she reminded herself of her daily affirmation. Keep it simple; keep it necessary. Harold may have fit into the first category, but definitely missed the second by a mile. Fortifying herself with a deep cleansing breath, she returned to the table to find Harold looking over the dessert menu. Crap.

I heard the raspberry torte is fantastic here. He sucked at his teeth with his tongue, apparently trying to dislodge a piece of filet mignon.

Yes, it’s very good. Looking around for the waiter, Jess wondered how much more of this man’s company she could withstand. She looked back around to find him staring at her over his wine glass.

You know, I’ve been doing all the talking tonight. Tell me about your work. It must be fascinating. He sat back getting settled. No, no, Jess thought a bit desperately, he’s not supposed to be getting comfortable, we’re leaving. Now he wanted to hear about her work?

There’s not much to tell. It can be demanding, but I enjoy it. Jess owned her own private practice as a psychotherapist. It had its challenges, being the town therapist and knowing all your neighbors’ problems and secrets. But she was a professional and took confidentiality very seriously. Pretending she didn’t have a relationship with them while seeing them around town was strange at times, but she made it very clear to her clients that she wouldn’t acknowledge them unless they acknowledged her. Most of the time it worked out just fine. Well, except for the time that Joan Smythe, the woman who owned the spa and hair salon, cornered her in the grocery store and burst into tears because she had come home from work early and caught her boyfriend Ray trying on her hot pink teddy. Jess had had to explain gently to Joan that the grocery store was not the best place to discuss that and why don’t they set up an emergency appointment for tomorrow to talk about it. Stacking cans of pork and beans nearby, Sam the grocer sure got an earful that day.

Harold sat forward conspiratorially and nodded encouragingly. I bet you have a lot of dirt on a lot of people. He waited expectantly, as though she would spill all her client’s naughty little secrets at his feet. Right now she wished she had some dirt to throw at Harold.

I help people solve problems. I don’t collect dirt. Jess’s tone was cold. She considered herself a sweet, loving person, but challenge her values and she came out fighting. It’s getting late and I need to be going. It was barely 9 o’clock. Harold jumped up as she stood and gathered her wrap.

Wait – don’t go. It’s early yet! I’m sorry if I offended you - I was just making conversation. Harold looked so apologetic that Jess almost felt sorry for him. But not quite.

I really have to get going. But thank you for dinner. I can get a ride home. She turned toward the exit.

Can I call you? He whined. Actually whined.

Jess turned back to him and sighed. I don’t think so Harold. It would be best if you didn’t. Good night. Not wanting to give him any encouragement at all, she walked out of the restaurant. She didn’t want to be rude, but couldn’t endure his company any longer. What a first class bore - to think that she would dish on her clients. He obviously didn’t take doctor-patient confidentiality very serious. She made a mental note to drive into Chicago if she ever needed a foot specialist.

It was a balmy early September evening, and Jess walked the block to Connelly’s bar and grill, the local hang out. Most likely her friends, Diane, Dave and Scott would be there having a beer and playing pool. Diane and Dave owned the diner in town, Big D’s, and had been Jess’s friends since they moved to town five years ago. Diane was a perky little red head who drew people to the diner with her charm and vivacity. Dave cooked and handled the financial end of the business. He was a cuddly bear of a man who had worked in Chicago as a business analyst before tiring of the rat race and moving to small town Illinois. He’d known Diane since college and married her as soon as they’d graduated. They adored each other and Diane gladly gave up her plans of teaching college history to open a diner with Dave. She was happiest when she was with him and owning the diner gave them time to be together, working side by side. Jess envied their relationship, but also didn’t know how they could stand to spend that much time together without killing one another. The only person she could be with that much and not want to strangle was her best friend Scott. They became friends in grade school the day he beat up Sammy Jackson for tripping her flat on her face in the schoolyard. Ever since that day, he was there to pick her up whenever she fell on her face, metaphorically speaking that is. She needed Scott in a way she didn’t need the other people in her life. He was the one stable constant in her life who grounded her when the earth felt shaky under her feet. He was there when her father was killed and when her beloved Nana Ruth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She loved him like no other, like the brother she never had, and she couldn’t imagine not having him in her life. Although he had had a few romantic relationships over the years, they were always short lived. He was unattached and appeared to prefer it that way. Jessica had tried to set him up on dates with friends and acquaintances but they never took.

Walking into Connelly’s, she caught sight of Diane and Dave back by the pool tables. Diane noticed her as she walked up. Dave was taking his shot. Jess! She looked behind Jessica expectantly and raised one brow. No Harold?

No, no Harold. No Harold tonight. No Harold ever. Jess smiled at Dave and reached over to peck him on the cheek. Hey big guy. Looks like you’re cleaning up.

Diane winced. Was it that bad?

Let’s just say Harold gives new meaning to the word celibacy. I’m now considering it as a possible life choice. She made a face and then looked around. She spotted Scott by the bar in his softball uniform with a few of his teammates. He looked up at the same instant and caught her glance. She smiled at him. He didn’t smile back and Jess was thrown off balance for a moment. He just stood there looking at her until one of his friends said something to him. He moved slightly and tipped his head listening all the while he kept his eyes on Jess.

What’s up with Scott? Jess asked Diane.

Diane looked up from the table. What do you mean? Nothing’s up with Scott, he’s over there. She gestured to the bar and picked up the blue chalk cube and applied it to the end of her pool stick.

Jess muttered, I don’t know, he seems odd. Scott had apparently recovered by then and he shot Jess a crooked smile, but Jess had the odd feeling that a mask had just slipped over his handsome features. She mentally shook herself. It was Scott, and he didn’t wear a mask.

Standing on the other side of the room, Scott felt as though he’d just been sucker punched. Jess walked in looking better than a woman had a right to look. She smiled at him and he couldn’t think. Her blond hair was loose around her shoulders and she was wearing a figure hugging short black dress with a sheer lavender wrap around her shoulders. Her high-heeled black sandals accentuated her beautiful legs. Scott thought Jess was the most incredible looking woman he’d ever laid eyes on. She had a classically beautiful face that looked great even without make up. Scott could never decide if he liked her better all dolled up or with her hair in a ponytail and wearing sweats. He mentally pulled himself together and casually smiled at her. He wondered how well her date could’ve gone if she was showing up alone before ten o’clock. He wandered over to where Jess was standing watching Diane and Dave play pool.

Should I rack ‘em up? He hugged her from behind and kissed her on her hair above her ear. She turned her face toward him and nodded, smiling. You got it.

She watched him as he gathered the balls on a nearby table into the ball rack. His softball uniform pulled tight against his muscular shoulders as he stretched to reach across the table. His dark hair curled over his collar. He is such a handsome guy, Jess thought, and so incredibly sweet. Why is he still single? She suffered an uncomfortable twinge at that thought, but guiltily pushed it away. She wanted him to meet someone and be happy. She really did. Even if that meant their relationship couldn’t be the same. They would always be friends, but if he found someone and fell in love, he wouldn’t be there for her in the same way he was now. She knew that, and knew she had to accept it even if the thought made her want to cry.

Diane had asked her so many times why she and Scott were not together romantically. Jess tried to explain to Diane that their relationship was different – special, but not in a romantic way. Diane didn’t seem to understand, and Jess had given up trying to get her to understand. If Jess were truthful she would admit that she wasn’t sure she fully understood her relationship with Scott either. It was complex. Which she knew was code for, I don’t want to look at this too closely. She knew that when people didn’t want to admit something, they pretended it was complicated, which allowed them to just avoid it. Sometimes it reeked being a therapist. She couldn’t pretend like everyone else. But she could sure try.

Your turn, Cricket. Scott often called her by her father’s pet name for her. Michael Taylor had always said Jess reminded him of a young cricket trying to spread her wings and fly. Of course, young crickets have underdeveloped wings, so they just end up hopping around trying to take off. Jess always had big dreams when she was young. She wanted to be an astronaut and had built rockets in the backyard. One even had a seat for her. The rocket boosters ended up being a bit of a problem, and once she started talking about getting her hands on some liquid hydrogen to make rocket fuel, her father had had to nix the project. He had been amazed at what she had built. Scott had been there to help of course, even if he was a little dazed at the enormity of the task before them.

Memories of her father, and the sound of her nickname, brought a burst of grief to her chest. She paused, visibly shaken for a moment. How she still missed her father, even after fifteen years. He had been her hero. She grabbed her pool stick and approached the table.

Hey. Scott said softly. Jess looked up at him.

What?

Who loves you?

This was a game they often played when he knew she was thinking about her father. Aunt Fanny?

You don’t have an Aunt Fanny. Try again.

Uncle Sylvester…

He shook his head.

My Mom… my sister… She pretended to think. Hmmm, let’s see, I know! My mail carrier?

He slowly stalked her around the table. I seriously doubt it on the last. Remember when Misty reached through the mail slot and carved up his hand last year? Misty was her feisty cat that loved a rousing game of shred the mailman. Who else?

She moved backward. I can’t think of anyone else - She shrieked as he caught her and tickled her ribs until she collapsed against him with laughter.

Scott, stop it! You do, alright? She pushed him away and wiped at her tears.

Damn straight. Now shoot already woman. He picked up his beer and took a swig while eyeing her form as she leaned over to shoot. He swallowed a groan. He looked up to find Diane watching him with one raised eyebrow as if she knew just what he’d been thinking. He frowned a mind your own business look at her. She just shook her head.

Two games later, with them tied one to one, Jess set her glass of wine down on an empty table along the way to the restroom. Scott sighed and nonchalantly walked over to her glass and picking it up, brought it back to set it next to his beer in front of him, where he could keep an eye on it. There were weirdoes in this world, even in small town Rutherford. He and Dave started discussing the Cubs chances for the playoffs.

In the ladies room, Diane quizzed her on her date. What was wrong with him?

Oh please. He was self-absorbed and morally corrupt. Not to mention a total bore. Shall I go on?

No thanks, that’ll do. Diane tried to pull a brush through her thick, curly red hair but soon gave up in disgust. Why do I bother?

Jessica rolled her eyes. You’re gorgeous. I’d kill to have your curly hair.

Be careful what you wish for. She tossed the brush in her purse and started digging for lipstick. So now what? You get back on your high horse?

Diane, Jess begged, Please don’t start again.

Well, I’m sorry, but I can’t stand to continue to watch you wall yourself off away from any chance of real happiness.

"I’m perfectly happy. I have my career, my friends, She put stress on the last word, paused and looked at Diane pointedly before continuing, My house and my cat. I’m perfectly content. And you never know when Mr. Right will come along." She smiled cheekily.

Honey, listen to me. You’re looking for a man that doesn’t exist. You’re looking for some sort of hero like you think your Dad was.

Jess tossed her hair back and turned to Diane. My father was a hero. He died saving others. He was everything a man should be! He was a protector. He was loving, supportive, and very strong. There’s nothing wrong with me wanting the best, it’s what he would’ve wanted for me as well. Her voice was firm.

Diane reached out, putting her hands on Jess’s shoulders. I know he would’ve wanted the best for you Jess. He sounds like he was very special. I’m just afraid you’ll miss out on something very wonderful that’s right in front of you while you are looking for the impossible.

I love you Diane. I really do. And you’re impossible yourself, you know it? Tell me you aren’t referring to me and Scott again?

Diane was quiet for a moment and then she said softly, I think he’s in love with you, and I think you feel the same way about him.

Stunned, Jess took a step back and looked at Diane incredulously. "You couldn’t be more wrong Di. We share something special, yes. We’ve been through the fire together, literally. I don’t deny we love each other, but we are not in love."

The eyebrow shot up. Are you sure about that? Would you stake your future on it?

You’re making me crazy. I have to go. Jess gathered her purse and walked quickly out of the restroom. She stopped at the nearby table she had left her wineglass on. Damn. The bartender must’ve swiped it up thinking it was abandoned. She could use a little fortification after her conversation with Diane, who seemed so sure about her and Scott’s feelings for one another.

Having run out of baseball talk, Scott and Dave were standing in companionable silence when Jess approached them. Scott handed her glass of wine to her. She accepted it, looking back in confusion toward the table she had placed it on. Before she could comment, Diane joined them. There was obvious discomfort between the women and it was apparent to the two men that they had been discussing something rather heated.

Everything okay? Dave asked, perplexed.

Sure. Diane looked at Jess innocently.

Why wouldn’t it be? Jess agreed.

Give it up Dave. It’s obviously top secret women’s stuff. Scott put in. If they told us they’d have to kill us.

I’m going to the bar. Jess threw over her shoulder as she walked away, ignoring Scott’s comment.

Dave and Scott became involved in a game of darts while Jess and Diane sat talking to Matt, the bartender, who eventually wandered off to serve another customer. Diane went to watch the dart game and Jess sat at the bar listening to the song playing on the juke box when Lester Cummings sidled up next to her. Great, Jess thought, just what I need. Lester was the biggest creep in town, and made her date Harold look like a girl’s dream come true. Lester had tried to hit on Jess for as long as she could remember, even in