Read Online Plan by Linda; Lyle - Free Book Online Page A

Can I buy you another cappuccino to make up for it?” she asked. Everything in him said to get up and leave. Everything except his heart which was crying, “Stay!” His heart won.
    â€œSure.”
    They talked about school, the weather, politics. Any-thing that wasn’t personal. They stretched the coffee as long as they could, neither one in a hurry to leave—both unwilling to leave. Finally, he got up.
    â€œWell, I have a meeting in five minutes. I guess I’d better get a move on.”
    â€œOh. Okay.” She seemed disappointed. His heart grasped at the hope that there was still a chance.
    â€œMaybe we could have dinner afterwards?” Then she lowered the boom.
    â€œI’m sorry, but I already have a date tonight.”
    The words cut through him like a knife. He stood in shock while she gathered her things. He struggled to sound normal. “Oh. Well, maybe another time.”
    â€œMaybe.”
    â€œI’ll see you later, then.” He turned and walked toward the door, the walking wounded.

twelve
    Randy walked back to his office, shoulders slouched. He tried to shake off the feelings of depression that threatened to overwhelm him. It just wasn’t meant to be. God had other plans for him. He would just have to wait on God’s timing. He repeated the words to himself over and over again, but nothing loosened the knot growing in his throat. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he almost didn’t see the young man standing in front of his office.
    â€œExcuse me.” Randy jumped at the sound of the voice. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
    â€œI should of been paying more attention,” Randy replied with a shrug of his shoulders. “What can I do for you?”
    â€œI’m looking for Rachel Grant. Have you seen her?”
    â€œYes. I just left her at The Magnolia.”
    â€œYeah?” Kyle looked Randy over with a suspicious eye. “What were you doing there?”
    â€œHaving a cappuccino, if it’s any business of yours.” Randy straightened to his full six feet, but this guy was still a head taller. He didn’t like this guy’s tone of voice, but he didn’t want to start anything in the hallway.
    â€œWell, if you were having it with my fiancée, then it is my business,” Kyle said, his lip turning into smirk.
    â€œFiancée?” Randy couldn’t have heard right.
    â€œYeah, that’s right. It’s not official or anything, but it’s understood.” Kyle leaned against the wall, obviously enjoying himself.
    â€œRachel never said anything about an engagement.” Randy felt his heart drop, but he had his doubts about this character.
    â€œShe probably didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. We’ll wait until I buy her a ring before we make any announcements.” Kyle stood up and pointed toward the quad. “Is The Magnolia out there?” Randy gave a weak nod. “Then, I guess I’d better get going before I miss her.” Kyle sauntered down the hall with a backward wave. “See you around, Professor.”
    Randy blindly searched for the right key to his office. Stumbling into his office, he closed and locked the door behind him before sinking into his chair. He raked his fingers through his hair. He felt like he was going to be sick. Could it be true? Had Rachel already made her choice? If it was true, why hadn’t she said anything? He moaned into his hands. How had he let it go this far? Deep in his heart he knew he loved Rachel. How could he stay here, seeing her every day, knowing she belonged to someone else? Worse still, what if she moved away? How could he stay here even if she left? Everything at Myerstown reminded him of Rachel.
    He tried to pray, but the words wouldn’t come. Finally, he took a deep breath, smoothed his hair and suit, and gathered the papers he needed for the faculty meeting. A few minutes later he was sitting