by Gay N. Lewis
Bryan drew his brows together. “Where are your thoughts on selling this house?”
“After the first of the year, I’ll look for another place, and if I find one to my liking, I’ll place this house on the market.”
Maria entered with a tray of coffee. Bryan accepted his and sipped slowly.
“Several people have expressed an interest in your lovely home already. If you decide to sell, I’m sure this property will go quickly.”
“You’ve discussed my home with strangers?”
Bryan smiled but shifted his weight as though suddenly uncomfortable. “It never hurts to put out a few feelers. It’s good for my business, and if you decide to sell, we’ll be ready with a few nibbles.”
“Yes, I suppose that is the way the real estate business works.”
Bryan finished his coffee and stood. “I’m sorry I came without phoning first. I see it’s a bad time for you. I shouldn’t have come without an invitation.”
Beth stood and Bryan looked at her for a few minutes. “After Christmas, I hope we can resume our friendship.”
Beth nodded. “Perhaps. We’ll see.”
As soon as Bryan’s vehicle left the curved driveway, Sarah floated down and nestled on top of his vehicle.
Poopty doopty! Arrived too late to zero in on a two-way conversation. At least she could hear Bryan as he talked to someone on his cell phone.
“I don’t know why she has changed her mind, but she was definitely reserved toward me. She says she doesn’t know about dating, and I get the idea if she does see anyone, it won’t be me.”
He paused as he listened.
“Yeah. It’s your turn now. Perhaps she’ll respond to you.”
Interesting. Perhaps he spoke to his brother—the one who was his silent business partner, or perhaps it was someone else. Maybe the preacher? At any rate, these two had nefarious plans. How could she find out who the phone dude was and what he planned?
Possibly Gary could help.
Whew! She couldn’t believe it—she found Gary’s building all by herself. Amazing! She remembered how to get here after that crazy cab ride that brought her the first time.
Floating unseen into Gary’s office, she found him at his computer, staring at a column of figures. What could she do to make him think of his mother? Seeing a scratch pad on his desk, she twirled her fingers in the air, and a message with three notations appeared in a typed font. Mom, Sheila, Fowler Agency.
Gary turned from his computer to write on the pad and frowned when he saw the memo.
Rising from his desk, he put on his suit coat and walked from his office. “Mary, I’m going downstairs for a bit. I’ll be back shortly.”
Sarah followed him into the elevator and miniaturized herself to avoid noise in the small compartment.
When the doors opened, she floated quietly behind him into the Fowler Detective Agency. “Hi, Georgia. Is Robert in?”
“No, he’s on surveillance. Do you want to leave a message?”
“Just tell him I’d like an update on that matter we discussed.”
“Will do.”
After Gary returned to his office, Sarah flew back to Beth’s house with a song in her heart. She believed her plan could work.
No sooner did she arrive on Beth’s roof than the phone rang. Sarah twirled her fingers in the air so she could hear both ends of the conversation.
Beth answered.
“Good morning, Beth. Are you having a good day?”
“Hi Charles. Yes, I am. Are you?” Beth’s tone sounded cheery.
“Yes, I’m just winding up some details. Do you remember that young couple I told you about? The one who wanted to put their home up as collateral in order to receive a loan?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“Well, with your recommendation, the board approved their application, and they plan a grand opening for their new bakery. I thought you might like to attend.”
“That sounds lovely. I’d like to see it. When is it?”
“Tomorrow. They hope people will place pie, cake, and cookie orders for Christmas.”
“I’ll be sure to place an order for all three. Extra goodies at this time of the year are always a good idea.”
“Would you like to go with me? I can pick you up at two o’clock.”
“That sounds fine.”
“Okay, now I have another question for you. Webster came by yesterday. He is really pushing us to open a location in Saxonberg. Have you decided anything on that issue yet?”
“As a matter of fact, I have. I was planning to make my announcement at the next board meeting. I’ve decided we will not open a location in that city.”
“Gary and the others were hoping you would.”
“I know, but I’ve prayed about it for several weeks now, and I don’t feel it’s the right thing to do.”
“Okay, I’ll tell Webster you will reveal your decision at the January meeting.”
“Thanks, Charles. See you tomorrow.”
Sarah widened her eyes. Well, her charge remained cordial to Charles, and he appeared to be still in the running. He might end up as a beau for Beth, but it looked as though ole Bryan was definitely out. Good riddance, in her opinion. Now to discover who would be the last man standing. Charles or Bruce?
In her mind, one of them was the imposter. To her way of thinking, one of these chaps had to be the bloke who held secret phone conversations with Bryan. She couldn’t be sure why she believed this, but then Divine Guidance could be the reason. The Holy One instilled thoughts and instincts into His creatures. Mother Goodness always reminded her that He didn’t give assignments without bountiful help to complete them.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Following Charles and Beth to the bakery proved no problem. Charles drove levelheadedly, but when they arrived at the location, Sarah wanted to go inside. Now that could be a problem. Poopty doopty—an appearance required another disguise, but the thought of all those lovely pastries? How could she refuse the opportunity to admire the treats, inhale the aromatic fragrance, and maybe taste a bite or two?
Where to find a trusty old garbage bin? Maybe she would receive a new title from her peers in The Heavenlies—“Super Angel.” After all, she might be the only spirit faster than a speeding bullet to make an appearance behind or inside a rubbish heap. Giggling at the thought, she wondered if that meant wearing a big, glittering letter S on her muslin robe.
After making an appearance behind a garbage bin, Sarah strolled into the bakery, dressed as a matronly woman.
The young man Sarah had seen at the bank greeted guests while his wife worked behind a glass case filled with Christmas cookies, pies, and cakes.
“Welcome to Sweet Teeth Bakeries,” the husband greeted Sarah. “Samples are on the buffet table.”
“Thank you. You named your shop Sweet Teeth? I thought the phrase was sweet tooth.” Sarah spoke as she eyed the goodies awaiting her on the table.
The man laughed. “My wife asked our five-year-old if he had a sweet tooth, and he replied, ‘Yes, Momma, I have a whole bunch of sweet teeth,’ and the name for our bakery was born.”
Sarah laughed. “Like your son, I have a mouth full of them too.” At the table, she chose a lemon square. Yum—the thing rivaled Chef Andrew’s delicacies. A white frosted cake with cream filling made her sigh with contentment. The guy’s wife knew how to bake. Selecting a chocolate concoction, she ambled over to listen to Charles and Beth.
“What are you Christmas day plans?” Charles sipped his coffee while he stood near Beth.
“Our day will have a late start. The family goes en masse to midnight Christmas Eve services and then Kimberly and her family will come over after Santa arrives at their house on Christmas morning. We’ll all have dinner around three o’clock. What will you do?”
“My daughter Susan and I will share a meal. It will just be the two of us.” He glanced at the cake. “I think I’ll order that cake and a pecan pie to take with me to her house.” A sad-looking s
mile crossed his features. “I envy you with those lively grandchildren and your sweet family—and that includes Maria and Carlos, of course.”
“I’m blessed, that’s for sure.”
“At this time of year, I realize how lonely I am.” His eyes bore into Beth’s and gave her a look that would penetrate the steel vault door at the bank.
“Uh-hum.” Beth cleared her throat. “Holidays do make a lot of people lonelier than ever.”
“I know this isn’t the time or place, but have you given any thought to what I said to you at Amanda’s Tranquility House?”
Beth blotted her lips. “I’m not sure what you refer to. I’ve already told you we will not expand to that charming city.”
“I’m not talking about the bank. I asked you back then about a relationship between the two of us. I’d like to start the New Year with hope in my heart for a different Christmas next year.”
Charles spoke in a barely audible tone. Guess he didn’t want everyone in the place to hear.
Beth placed her napkin and paper cup in the trash receptacle. “To be honest, Charles, I really haven’t thought much about it. Let me place my order, and we’ll continue this discussion in the car.”
Sarah ordered a box of assorted pastries, paid for them, and walked calmly to the back of the bakery. She blinked a couple of times and sent the goodies to her cloud, then disappeared so she could resume her place on top of Charles’s car.
Once the two humans reoccupied their place, Sarah turned up her volume. Sure didn’t want to miss any of this important conversation.
“I guess I shouldn’t have brought that up in there. I’m feeling overwhelmed with loneliness these days.”
Beth nodded. “That happens to many of us at this time of year. Our expectations are larger than any realism of life.”
Sarah shrugged. No loneliness in The Heavenlies, but it happened as a real threat to happiness down here. Wonder what Beth would say? She must be in a pickle, what with wanting to keep Charles on the payroll and keep him at arm’s length on the romantic side, or did she? Maybe she could develop physical feelings for the guy—or maybe she already had.
“Is there any likelihood you will change your mind? May I hope to have a chance with you?” Charles didn’t start the engine. He sat with his head turned to Beth.
Beth inhaled sharply. “Honestly, I don’t know. I respect you and admire you. You’re a capable leader.”
Charles remained silent while Beth chewed her lip. It seemed an hour before Beth finally turned to look at Charles, but in earth’s actual time, it was a matter of minutes.
“I don’t know much about your faith, and that is important to me.”
“I’m of a different religious denomination than you, but I attend church a couple of times a month. I will gladly convert to your church’s creed, if it means that much to you.”
Beth frowned. “You would give up your religious affiliation for me?”
“If you want me to.”
“I don’t expect that, and I’m surprised that your faith means so little to you that you would sacrifice it.”
“You mean more to me than my position at your bank or my church.”
He reached across the seat and took Beth’s hand in his. “Beth, I’ve been in love with you for years. I know you don’t share my feelings, but could you possibly return them in the near future?”
“I suppose it is possible.” Beth removed her hand from his and glanced out the window. “I’ve got to pray about it. This is one of those decisions I have no instant answer for.”
They rode home in silence. Sarah decided each one had decisions to make. If Beth turned Charles down, he’d probably want to relocate to another position—maybe even another city. Beth needed an honest answer to his question.
* * *
“Maria, I’m home.”
Maria came around the corner and took the pastry containers from Beth’s hands.
“I’m going upstairs now. I’ve got some serious praying to do. If I’m not down for dinner, don’t worry. I’ll eat when I’m finished.”
Maria’s eyes grew large. “You okay?”
Beth patted her confidante on the shoulder. “Yes. I just need some answers.”
“Señor Padre give them.”
Sarah sat on the roof while Beth prayed. She too lifted her concerns to the Father. When the sky turned pink at dawn, the two—one human and one angel—arose from their kneeling position.
* * *
Beth entered the kitchen. Maria immediately arose from the table to fry bacon, and Carlos excused himself.
“You no eat last night. You hungry today. Sit. Breakfast ready soon. Did Señor Padre give answers?”
“The Lord gave me a peace about Bruce, Charles, and Bryan. I think He wants me to wait on decisions.” Beth grinned bashfully. “Having said that, let me say that Bruce occupied much of my time in thought and prayer.”
From her position on the roof, Sarah nodded. The Father had given her a similar sense of peace about the men in Beth’s life.
While Maria fried eggs and made toast, Beth recounted her conversation with Charles and his request for a commitment from her.
“You have own soap opera in life. No need for television stories. No need for romance novels.”
Beth smiled. “That’s true.”
“Maybe you write book.”
“Who’d believe it?”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
A few minutes later, Beth’s cell phone rang, and Sarah twirled her fingers to listen to the conversation.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Beth. I can’t prepare my sermon for thinking about you. I just had to hear your sweet voice.”
“I’m happy to hear yours too.”
“I keep remembering our dinner date and wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed our trip to Galveston.” Bruce’s voice sounded buoyant.
Beth’s smile couldn’t grow any wider. “I had a good time. You made me feel special.”
“You are special, much more than you know. Here I am, at this mature stage of life, and I’m daydreaming about you. Guess such things aren’t only for the very young.”
“Looks that way, doesn’t it?” Beth’s face grew pinker by the moment.
“I might be able to get a little work done if you’d have lunch with me today. I don’t think I can wait until our next date to see you.”
“I have Christmas shopping to do, but I’ll take a lunch break. How about if I meet you at Lugio’s Italian Bistro on Astoria Lane? I’ve been there a few times, and I like it.”
“Italian it is. See you at noon?”
“I’ll be there.”
Sarah felt her heart flutter. Merciful heavens! This guy continued to move quickly. “Please help Gary find the answers.” Lifting her eyes skyward, she breathed aloud her request. Surely her plan would come together. If it didn’t, Tomas would come down, but she wanted to succeed without his help.
* * *
Sitting with an anchor, Sarah rode with Beth to the bistro where Beth and Charles had dined previously. The same place where she’d started a fire with the candle. Great, just great. This place served as a reminder of several impetuous actions she’d caused in the past. Okay, Sarah, no accidents this time.
Bruce got out of his car and came to Beth’s. “Hello, dear one.” He offered his arm to her, and she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. “I can’t tell you how happy I am you came.”
Beth beamed a smile up at him. “I’m pleased you invited me.”
Sarah floated above, following them into the restaurant. The aroma of garlic bread made her mouth water. Ignore the food, ignore it. Eating causes problems. Eat later.
After they placed their food order, Bruce reached for Beth’s hand. “I couldn’t sleep last night for thinking about you.”
“I was awake all night myself.”
“Thinking about me?” Bruce twitched his eyebrows, Groucho Marx style.
Beth grinned. “Yes, y
ou came to mind several times.”
“Sure do like to hear that.”
“Actually, I spent the night in prayer, and I mentioned you often.”
Bruce quirked an eyebrow. “How about that? May I ask what you requested?” He grinned. “Perhaps I can bring about the answers.”
“I prayed for answers to a couple of dilemmas, including you. Now, I’m feeling confident about delving into a deeper relationship with you rather than mere friendship.”
Bruce lifted his eyes to the ceiling. “Thank You, Lord.” His eyes sought Beth’s. “You can’t imagine how much I want to take you into my arms right now and kiss you.”
“That sounds exciting, but I can’t wrap my mind around that yet.” As she glanced away, Beth’s expression lost a bit of luster. “Do you feel guilty thinking such thoughts? We were both married to others for a long time.”
“No.”
“It seems a bit adulterous.”
“Beth, look at me.”
When Beth gazed at him, he continued. “It’s natural to feel that way, but we were faithful to our spouses while they lived. It is not our fault that we no longer have them here on earth, and I believe God sanctions second marriages. There is no reason for guilt. Too many scriptures tell us this.”
Beth inhaled deeply. “My head knows you are right, but my heart feels otherwise.”
“Good. Now put those feelings away and trust your head, not your heart.”
Beth laughed. “That sounds odd but funny.”
“It does, doesn’t it? Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust with all our heart and lean not on our personal understanding. The passage goes on to say that if we acknowledge Him, he will direct our path.” Bruce grinned. “However, our intelligence is actually located in our heads, not our hearts. I believe this scripture recommends we think and not feel when it comes to making decisions.”
“I’ve used my head to make business dealings, but I’ve always waited for emotions to suggest passion for a man.”
“In counseling sessions, I’ve discovered most women do. We men feast with our eyes first and then make a decision to go after what we want. Love comes as an afterthought. I suppose a few women do this too, but I’ve found many wait for sentiment before they take action.”