An Unlikely Match

he said. “I’ve never been around your kind of people before.”
A tourist. Montgomery was becoming more and more of a destination to get a glimpse of Amish life. Some folks were glad because it broughtincome to the community. Others, particularly the elders, weren’t so fond of the visitors.
“I’m Jayce, by the way.” He extended his hand. Evelyn paused, but her hand found its way into his firm handshake.
“Evelyn.” Her cheeks felt warm as she pulled back her hand.
He scratched his forehead. “You said you’re on your way to the Bargain Center. Is that like a Walmart?”
“We have Walmarts, but they are too far to go by buggy. I guess you could say the Bargain Center is like a mini Walmart.”She paused, searching for a way to explain. “A very mini Walmart, but it has most everything a person could need. Groceries, a deli, household items, gifts. But no clothes,if that’s what you’re looking for.”
He looped his thumbs in the back pockets of his jeans. “Could I ride with you? I forgot a few things at home that I’d liketo pick up.”
Evelyn was caught off guard and unable to do more than nod. What would her coworkers think when they saw her pull into theparking lot with this handsome English man?
“If it’s a problem, no big deal.” He shrugged.
“Nee, it’s not a problem.” It was the least Evelyn could do. She climbed into the buggy and waited for him to sit beside her,then she slowly tapped the reins. “I’ll take it slow and easy.”
“I’m in no hurry.” He pulled out his phone and focused on it for a few minutes.
Evelyn kept a close eye on Millie, relieved the horse wasn’t limping. Finally, she turned to her passenger. “So, what bringsyou to Montgomery?” No wedding ring, so he didn’t have a wife who’d brought him along on a tourist trip.
He lifted his eyes to hers, but she quickly looked back at the road.
“My dad owns a production company. He’s wrapping up a movie, shooting a final scene or two here.” The man—Jayce—spoke in a low voice, but there was an air of contempt that made Evelyn wonder about his relationship with his father.
“You’re making movie scenes at the inn?” Evelyn couldn’t believe Lizzie and Esther would allow such a thing. Or that the bishopwould consent.
“No. We’re just staying there. Some of us are staying inside the house, and we have a couple motor homes too.” He raised hiseyes from his phone and shook his head. “We’ll be here about a month, and I’m dreading every moment.”
Evelyn wasn’t sure what to say, but when he refocused on his phone again and didn’t offer an explanation, she cleared herthroat. “This part of Indiana is very lovely. Hopefully you’ll have time to do some exploring when you aren’t working.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty here. The location isn’t the problem. My father is.” Sighing, he still had his head down as he punchedbuttons on his phone. Evelyn had been right when she noticed the contempt regarding his father.
“He’s always wanted me to be involved in his business, but I don’t want anything to do with it. I’m only here because he offeredme a lot of money to do the heavy lifting. I just have to survive this month of being around him, then I can move out on myown. Maybe even leave LA altogether.”
Evelyn was surprised he was sharing so much, and there was no mistaking the bitterness in his voice. “LA?”
“Los Angeles.” His eyes were still on his phone.
“Ach, in California.” She’d heard of Los Angeles but suspected it was a busy place she’d never visit.
After more typing on his phone, he looked over at her. “Sorry. I’m listening. I’m just sending a text for someone to pick me up later. I’m letting him know I’ll text again when I’m ready.” He set the phone on his lap. “You’ve probably seen some of my dad’s movies.”
“I-I’ve never been to see a movie in a theater.” Evelyn had been in her running-around period for three years now, since shewas sixteen, so technically she could break a few rules and venture out, but the opportunity had never presented itself.
Jayce’s jaw dropped. “You’re kidding, right?”
Evelyn shook her head. “Nee. I mean, I could go. I’m not baptized yet.” She raised a shoulder and dropped it slowly as she kept Millie at a slow pace.“I just never have.”
Jayce closed his mouth and rubbed his forehead. “Sorry, but that’s so weird for me. Is it a rule or something?”
“I guess it is. But when we turn sixteen, we enter into a rumschpringe. It’s a time for exploration, when we can go out into the Englisch world and experience life before we choose baptism into the Amish faith.”
The left side of his mouth curled up. “No offense, but you look older than sixteen.”
“None taken. I’m nineteen.”
He scratched his chin. “So for the past three years you’ve been allowed to go to the movies, yet you’ve never been?”
“Ya, that’s right.” She paused. Most folks knew at least a little about the way Amish people lived. This man didn’t seem to havea clue. “It’s a time when our parents turn a blind eye and allow us privileges we won’t have after we’re baptized.”
He stared at her wordlessly for a few long, awkward moments. “I have no idea how God, baptism, and the movies fit together, but you’re saying you can go see a movie?”
“Ya.” Evelyn had dated a few men in her small community, but none had asked her to go to a movie. And it hadn’t seemed all thatimportant.
“Are you allowed to date?” He raised an eyebrow, grinning. “What do you do? Dinner and a movie are kind of a thing where Icome from.”
Evelyn felt herself blush. “Ya, we can date.” She kept her eyes on the road. “We go out for meals at restaurants, and sometimes we go on a picnic. And thereare other things to do.”
“Like what?” He twisted slightly in the seat. She’d captured his full attention but wished she hadn’t.