by Chase, Diane
Peggy reached across the table and clasped her hand. “Will you let us do this for you, honey?”
She closed her eyes and took in the woman’s cool touch. Yes, if they’d have her, she’d stay.
****
One window of the bedroom she chose faced 19th Street, and the other overlooked the front yard of her parents’ place. The comfortable but small room had twin beds with matching nautical quilts, a writing table, and dresser. Asher and Peggy had helped tote two suitcases and her computer upstairs before leaving to visit someone in the hospital and from there planned to lunch with friends. The rest of the boxes remained in the car.
As Juliette showered and dressed, she decided the arrangement needed to temporary, maybe just a few days. With the summary extended to November, it wasn’t like she had pressing deadlines. She settled at the writing table to call her parents.
Her father answered right away. “Is everything okay? We expected you by now.”
“I’m at the Golightlys. They offered to let me stay a bit.” She waited through his long pause. “Daddy?”
“Hold on.” She could barely hear his muffled voice. “Evelyn, aren’t the potatoes still boiling? I’ll let you know what she says.” He cleared his throat. “Darling, we were making ham sandwiches and potato salad for lunch. I’m not sure how to respond to your plans, but be in touch.”
“I will.” The sting of her mother’s words yesterday hung on, and Juliette felt relieved they wouldn’t be talking.
“There’s another matter. Let me go to the porch.” After a moment, her father came back on the line. “Mother’s undergone a number of tests the last few weeks. The results are inconclusive, but the consensus is leaning toward mini-strokes which impacted her memory and reasoning.”
“Oh, no! Maybe I should come home.” Juliette paced the room.
“There’s nothing you can do here. I tried talking about her harsh words to you, but she’s just not thinking clearly.”
“Maybe she needs my help or you do.”
“No, darling. We’re going to wait on a diagnosis, find out the remedy, and best we can live life as we have been. I want you to do the same.” A door closed followed by rustling sounds. “Mother’s curious about your plans. We’ll talk to you later this evening. Call us.”
“Okay, Daddy.” Juliette sank to the bed and covered her face. Staying in Galveston made less sense than ever.
****
Thankfully, the Golightly’s backyard had a fence for Skipper, and for her, a rattan blind on the porch shielded the morning sun. Asher’s air-conditioned building, a metal shed the same color as the house, occupied a large portion of it. For the remaining patch of grass, the couple discussed planting a vegetable garden in time for the fall.
Meanwhile, she came out early morning to work on the Bible lesson about Ruth. Even if Trina and Minh were there, they could co-exist, and it’d give Juliette a chance to say good-bye to the others in person rather than by phone as she planned.
She answered one of the study questions best as possible, all the while attempting to ignore the pink elephant next door. The dog slept contentedly under the table, and, truthfully, odd as the whole thing was, Juliette wasn’t so bothered either. She closed the pen in the booklet to mark her place. Before it got too hot, she wanted to walk Skipper and get a little exercise herself.
She leashed up the dog, and they headed down the driveway. A slim woman in tennis shoes and shorts was pacing the front of her parents’ house and stopped at the gate. People stared, but most just slowed down.
When the woman turned around, Juliette gasped. It was Holly Benson, the wedding and party planner.
“Juliette?” she said, shielding her eyes with her hand. “Oh, my gosh! Your parents said you were returning to Houston.”
Juliette met her in a short hug. “Ah, so you knew lunch was cancelled today. You had me worried for a minute. So, what’d you do? Jog in from Houston?”
“Ha! No, I barely made it these few blocks. I’ve been at the Tremont House this weekend, a family reunion gig. They’ll have a late breakfast, and then I’m heading home. Uh hum, since we don’t have a lunch date.” She elbowed Juliette’s arm. “Your mom’s tightlipped about what happened.”
Juliette hoped chatty Holly would pick up the conversation, but nodding with sympathetic eyes, she appeared to wait for an explanation. “Harry and I were just headed two different directions.”
“I’m sorry. Are you okay? Do your parents own the blue house, too?”
“No, they’re just friends. And yes, I’m hanging in.” She held back Skipper who tugged toward the familiar front gate.
“These folks paid a pretty penny for a glamorous breakfast, and I need to get back. Can you walk a ways?” Holly asked, stretching left and right.
“Sure,” Juliette said, although she barely knew Holly, and they probably wouldn’t have hired her or anyone else had she not been the daughter of her mother’s friend.
Anyway, the hotel wasn’t far. They crossed the street and headed down Postoffice past the old customhouse and toward the shops and businesses.
“Juliette, I don’t want pry, but I’m just curious what sent you guys in different directions after so many years. And look, I’m asking for myself. Sometimes Peter and I just get so…” She fluttered her fingers. “Tangled up.”
“I guess the short answer is I turned my life over to Christ.” Juliette decided to let the words hang in the air.
They stopped at the intersection. Holly tilted her head. “How strange you’d say that. Did you know about the fertility issues we’re having?”
Juliette shook her head. She didn’t know the name of Holly’s husband until a few minutes ago.
“Lately, the stress has me thinking about God.” No cars were coming, but they remained at the curb. Holly eyed a boarded-up building. “Even Peter’s thinking we should return to church. We kind of lost touch.”
“For me, losing God seems like a scary prospect after just finding him.” Juliette chuckled as they finally crossed the street. “I couldn’t have survived all this alone. I hope you guys get back to church.”
“Yeah. Weird having this talk.” After a few blocks, they arrived at the Tremont House. “Okay, here’s my stop.” Holly gave her a sweaty hug. “This has been like divine destiny.”
Juliette chuckled at the phrase, but still wondered if it might be. “Thanks for everything, Holly. How should we wrap things up with you?”
Holly crossed her hands. “It’s done. Your parents had already paid in full but wouldn’t take a dime of it back. I told your mom I’d at least help return gifts or whatever. Sorry to bring that up.”
“No, no. I’m glad to hear it.” Two women passed by and Juliette tugged the dog away from them. “I’ll let you know when I’m back in town.”
They said a final goodbye, and Holly disappeared through the entrance of the small, luxurious hotel. Juliette retraced the steps to the Golightlys.
Divine destiny. Couldn’t running into someone just be a chance encounter? The distinction got her thinking. As usual, no obvious conclusion presented itself, but it felt good to tidy up loose ends with Holly.
Chapter Twenty-Three
It’d gotten too hot to study outside. Juliette moved her books to the dining room table, scrambled some eggs and toast, and returned to the last few questions on Ruth. Her brain dredged up everything besides an answer.
What about her doctorate? Her mother? Her father? Paul Quinn?
She flushed thinking how forward she’d been with him yesterday. She didn’t talk to people that way. It almost seemed disrespectful. Then again, how else would he know she was available?
Available. The word made her skin crawl. Did she even want to know him? Go out on a date? She felt like screaming and took the half-touched breakfast to the sink. Paul stayed on her mind on and off while she studied. It’d been so long, but maybe she was thinking of the big picture instead of a first step, a small step.
He had no
idea she was still in Galveston. She decided to call and give him an update. He answered after a few rings.
She told him about taking the Golightlys up on their invitation and how her parents rented the house.
“Did they get a better offer?” Paul chuckled softly.
“Very funny. We’ve always been so close, but it’s like there’s a canyon between us.” She tucked her legs on the living room chair and gazed through the blinds. “Of course, all this came up this summer.”
“Are they Christians, Juliette?”
“No, neither was I. Is that an explanation for everything?”
“Pretty much. Look, I have an idea. You’re in transition. A lot’s happened. Under the circumstances, we’re like friends, at least. While you’re in town, why don’t we get together for dinner.”
It’d been years since she knew dating protocol, but she felt an instant delight in the invitation and felt close to a giggle. “I’ll be here at least a few days and no schedule to keep. Whatever works for you.”
“This evening then? I’m off work today and can drive into town later.”
“Oh,” Juliette flushed. “I should have mentioned Bible study at seven. But we could go around five.” Maybe it was good to impose a time limit on a first date. Isn’t that what it was?
“Okay, then. The blue house next door?” Paul asked, seeming confident all of sudden.
Who was Paul Quinn, anyway? A fisherman, a rescuer of women in distress? Mrs. May obviously liked him, and Juliette had to admit, he was easy to talk to, even like a friend as he suggested.
For now, that’s as much as she could handle.
****
Paul suggested a popular seafood restaurant on Seawall Boulevard. On the second floor, they settled at a table with an ocean view. The place had a cheerful, nautical décor but was chilly. Juliette draped her short jacket over her sleeveless top.
Her heart thumped against her will. She thought all along he was nice-looking, cropped, dark hair and fair complexioned despite the season. His quiet, self-assurance drew her in.
He studied the menu. “What looks good to you?”
“Shrimp scampi or shrimp anything, really.”
No matter what she told herself or how he billed it as a friendship, man plus woman equaled a date, didn’t it? She thought of Harry. They fell straight into love without any shenanigans, but this seemed so artificial, strained.
“Shrimp sounds good to me, too.” Paul buttered a cracker and crunched politely. “So, what are you guys reading in Bible study?”
Ruth and Boaz’s relationship came to mind, and she flushed. “The Book of Ruth. It’s been interesting. I’ll miss it.”
“Yes, you said you’d be leaving soon.”
“Anyway, I need to get serious about this dissertation.”
He nodded and raised his brows. “What’s it about?”
“It was textiles in the Italian Renaissance.” Feeling on solid ground with a familiar subject, she discussed the possibility of switching research topics and the meeting with Dr. Cabot and the others.
“Hum. Bible prophecy. That could keep you busy awhile.” Paul took a minute to place their order with the waitress.
Afterward, he looked like he expected her to continue. But she was fed up with the dissertation.
“Do you think a person could be responsible for a sibling’s death?”
Paul paused with another buttered saltine. “This is a different topic, right?”
“Yes. Sorry.”
“Anyway, I guess the answer’s pretty obvious. In some cases, a person might be to blame.”
“My sister Gwyneth was killed in a motorcycle accident. She was hooked on heroin. So, a couple of days ago my mother said I hadn’t paid enough attention to her.”
“I’d want to know if she paid enough attention,” he said sternly. “But that’s probably not fair to say either. Maybe it’s easier for her to cope if you’re the culprit. People fail us, don’t they?” He shook his head. “We just have to forgive them.”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking along those lines.” Their food arrived, and Juliette eyed the shrimp and vegetable medley without much of an appetite.
Paul talked about living in Portland and his job at the furniture company. Slim, clean-cut, and well-spoken, he didn’t seem suited for working in a warehouse. And a fishing guide before that didn’t fit either. When they arrived back at the Golightlys about a quarter to seven, he started to get out of the truck.
“I’m just running inside for my study stuff and heading to church. Thanks for dinner.”
He slid his arm over the seat back. “You’re very welcome. What if we leave it like this. Call if you want.”
“Okay.” Juliette bit her bottom lip and opened the door. “Thanks again.”
She popped out of the truck and hurried to the porch. Yeah, that was a date, alright. She just hadn’t expected to enjoy it so much, but that didn’t mean she’d call him.
****
The Bible study crew had a rousing discussion that took the heat off any personal conflicts. Juliette decided not to mention the complication of her move to the Golightlys or eventually to Houston. She thought about staying another week and returning to class next Tuesday.
Peggy was watching TV and working a crossword puzzle when she returned. Her smile cheered Juliette. She rubbed Skipper’s ears and stopped next to Asher’s recliner.
“Do you think he minds?”
“Sit, honey. He went to bed early, and I stayed up to hear about your dinner.” Peggy rested the puzzle in her lap.
A long exhale blew through Juliette’s lips. “The place has great food, as you know. And Paul? Eek, what can I say? He’s a nice guy, but I’ll be back in Houston soon. Not to mention, Harry’s barely out of the picture.”
“You’re going back to Houston?” Peggy’s smile faded.
“Oh, I don’t know what I’m doing.” Juliette glanced at the decorating show on the muted television. “The ball’s in my court as far as seeing him again. If I call, it’s like I’m interested.”
“Are you?” Peggy said fast as a heartbeat.
Juliette considered the question while Peggy stared at her, black reading glasses perched on her nose. “Isn’t it too soon?”
“Things don’t always happen just like we think they should, honey. Now, if you mean you’re not ready, that’s another matter. It’s better not to call.”
“What if I’m not sure and wanted to test the water?” Gratitude filled Juliette’s heart for Peggy, her interest and honesty.
“In that case, I’d say do something less personal. What if he came for dinner? If you decide he’s all wrong or the timing is, Asher could scare him off.”
They were laughing when Asher strolled through in his pajamas. “Hey, girls.” From the kitchen, he called out, “Peg, where’s that antacid?”
“Same place it always is,” she whispered to Juliette with a raised brow. She joined Asher, said a few soft words, and returned a few minutes later.
“Night all,” he said on the way back to their downstairs bedroom.
Peggy sighed when he was out of earshot. “His friend Charlie might not make it. So sad. They grew up together and stayed friends all these years.” She wiped the corner of her eye. “He just lost his wife last year, precious woman. Oh, Juliette, honey. Life goes by so fast. We just went to another dear friend’s funeral a month ago. I don’t know how anyone gets by without the Lord’s strength.”
Her parents were about the age of the Golightlys. Like Peggy said, how could they cope without a deeper significance in their lives, especially given her mother’s ailments?
“I’ve been thinking we need to get up to Lufkin to see our youngest son and his wife.” She paused, but Juliette understood. She and Gwyneth never knew the three Golightly boys who were quite a bit older. “Well,” Peggy continued, “you stay up as late as you want. We’ll sleep right through it.” She stroked Skipper sitting beside her and hugged Juliette when she got u
p. “Think about that dinner. I’ll be praying for you both.”
“Thanks. Goodnight, Peggy.” Juliette relocated to the sofa and threw an afghan over her legs.
Peggy’s concern for their friends and her views of life lodged deep in Juliette’s heart. Tongue-tied with prayers, she sent up a simple request for her parents to know God and for the right decision concerning Paul.
She leaned back on a sofa pillow and looped her arm behind her head, reflecting on the evening. Paul had been good company. He talked a little bit about his father, a lobsterman of all things, and described him as burly and gruff, hardworking and devout. She mentioned an oceanfront cottage in Old Orchard Beach, south of Portland, where she coincidentally vacationed with a few friends years after he moved from Maine. It felt like a strange connection to his childhood home.
She closed her eyes. They had nothing in common beyond the odd geographical link. Her thoughts drifted to the mixed crowd at Bible study, old and young, different races, and the way her family ignored the Golightlys for decades. Nothing bonded her to Lexi either, except in all cases, there was Jesus Christ.
Was that a basis for a relationship? It’d be nice to know before she invited Paul to dinner, even if as Peggy promised, Asher could scare him away. The last thing she intended to do was lead the guy on.
****
The next couple of days, Juliette researched various online databases, and after making a deal with the Golightlys to prepare dinners, shopped for a few groceries and cooked. Thursday, she kept an eye out for the Daltons, and close to five o’clock their blue SUV pulled into the driveway next door.
She sat on the floor by the bedroom window with the blinds open a few inches and with Skipper’s paws on the sill. Two young boys and a girl about eight-years-old piled from the car followed by their parents. Trey Dalton was a nice looking guy with a buzzed head, and his leggy wife, a brunette, helped tote bags to the porch where the kids plopped in and out of chairs like they were kin to Goldilocks.
Skipper’s tail thumped, and she whined. Juliette watched in fascination at the intruders. She wondered how it’d be when they arrived. The summer full of memories flashed before her, arriving with Harry after the accident, Connie’s demise and Lexi’s conversion. Her parents. Harry’s parents. The end of the engagement and maybe her PhD and who knew about her mother’s condition.