Her little girl just stood there, looking at them.
Josie introduced them. “This is my daughter Suzanne, Suzi for short. Suzi, this is a couple of our neighbors, Marna and Taryn. Where’s Sharris?”
“Out with some friends,” Taryn replied.
The small, slender dark-haired girl who greatly resembled her mother spoke. “It’s nice to meet you. Mama’s mentioned you.”
Marna was very much aware of Suzi’s eyes carefully studying her face as she spoke and quickly looked away from her.
She didn’t expect the girl’s next words. “I’m sorry for staring, Marna. Mama told me about what happened to you. I can’t help thinking how blessed you are to have survived. And….” she smiled, a beautiful, heart-warming smile….. “you’re very pretty, despite those scars.”
Josie laughed. “She says what she means. So what are you two up to this afternoon? Anything special?”
“Do you ride bikes?” Suzi wanted to know.
“Oh, gosh, I haven’t ridden in ages,” Marna replied. “We have bikes in the shed. They probably all have flat tires from neglect.”
Taryn flinched, thinking riding a bicycle was the last thing she wanted to do. A good nap was calling her name.
“She loves to ride and when I have a chance, I ride with her," Josie said. “Maybe you can join us sometime, once you fix those flats.”
Everyone laughed, even Taryn, who was glad Marna didn’t suggest they do it right away.
“You have a beautiful house,” Suzi said. “I’d love to see it.”
“Why don’t the two of you come over and have lunch with us?” Marna asked. “We’re just having leftovers, but we have plenty and you’re welcome to join us. Then we’ll take a tour of the house. It’s really nothing special, but we like it.”
They spent the afternoon together and enjoyed each other’s company. Since Josie’s husband Ted worked away and was gone most of the time, it gave Josie and Suzi a lot of lonely moments. Before they left, both Marna and Taryn invited them back anytime they wanted to come.
“I like them,” Taryn said as the door closed behind them. “Suzi is such a smart child, for only ten years old, and Josie’s fun to be around.”
“I can imagine how lonely they get, with Ted being gone so much. You know, I like the arrangement we have. We three sisters always have each other for company. We get along most of the time and the house never feels empty, as long as we’re together.”
As long as they were together. Taryn couldn’t help thinking it wouldn’t always be that way. Sharris would marry and move out. There was no doubt about it. No matter how adamant Marna was that no man would ever want her, Taryn didn’t agree with her. She’d get married, too. She’d be the one left by herself. She sighed, then yawned. “I think I’ll take a nap.”
Much later, they were sitting at the table playing Monopoly when they heard a car in the driveway. “Sounds like Sharris is home,” Marna said, going to the window and looking out.
Sharris was getting out of Donovan’s SUV. He was saying something and she was laughing as he stood holding her door open. They talked for a while before she started walking toward the house and he went around to the other side of the vehicle. As he started backing out of the driveway, he stopped once and he and Sharris waved at each other.
She was all smiles as she entered the house. “Monopoly! Gee, we’ve not played that for ages. Can I join you?”
Her request surprised both Marna and Taryn. Sharris never cared anything about board games, especially Monopoly.
“Sure,” Marna said. “You seem happy. You must have had a good time.”
“The best! Those three guys are a riot. I don’t know how they come up with so many funny jokes. And Reeka. She’s one of the most interesting and beautiful women I’ve ever met.”
Marna tried to hide her astonishment as her sister was talking. She’d not been around Donovan enough to know much about him, but she didn’t recall Devon telling many jokes when they were together. It wasn’t surprising that Conrad could be amusing, and her first impression of Devon’s mother was that she was reserved and not at all a happy person.
Sharris sat down and chose a token for the game. “Donovan is widowed. Did you know that, Marna?”
Marna looked at her and shook her head.
“His wife had some kind of genetic condition. They knew they wouldn’t have long to be together but decided to get married anyway. Less than a year afterward, she died. Sad.” She shook the dice and moved her token.
“How long ago was that?” Marna asked.
“Five years. He’s a great guy, and I hope he finds love again.”
“Are you interested in being that love?” Taryn couldn’t resist asking.
“To be honest, I’m fonder of Devon. He was more interesting today than when we went out to dinner. He acts like he likes me, but I might have some work to do to win him over.” Sharris laughed. “Not that I don’t feel like I’m up to the task. This time next year, I might be Mrs. Devon Marks. Who knows?”
Marna and Taryn took a sneak glance at each other, and Taryn could almost hear Marna’s heart crying out in pain.
“Of course,” Taryn said then, “that remains to be seen.”
Sharris laughed again. “If Reeka has anything to do with it, it might be a real possibility. That woman likes me and it was no secret to anybody that she wouldn’t mind her son and me getting together.”
They played in silence for a few moments, but Marna’s thoughts were anything but quiet. Sharris had her mind set on getting Devon. Sharris was beautiful. She could see why Reeka would encourage a relationship between the two of them. Even though she barely knew Devon’s mother, she had the distinct feeling that if she wanted something badly enough, she would get it.
Taryn finally asked. “So why do you like Devon better than Donovan?”
“I don’t know. There’s just a chemistry between us, I think, since we’re getting to know each other better.”
Chemistry. Marna had felt it with Devon the first time they’d met. But it had only been one-sided.
“Now Conrad,” Sharris continued, “is a mystery. I’d swear he was trying to push me and Donovan together.”
“What makes you think that?” Taryn asked.
Sharris shrugged her shoulders. “Just a feeling. I like that old man. You can’t help but like him. I’m going to the nursing home the next time you two go, to meet his buddy Ottie. I’m ready to hear some of those wild stories of his. Besides, the more interest I take in Conrad and his friends, the more points it gives me with Devon, right?”
Only then did Marna remember she never had made it to the nursing home to see Ottie again, as she’d intended to do after church that morning.
∞ NINETEEN ∞
THE WEEK turned into a very busy one. Several new ads came in and all three of the sisters were kept busy working on ideas, themes and sketches. By the time Friday arrived, they all felt as if they’d put in a month’s worth of work and were ready for a break.
“I was hoping Devon would call and ask me out,” Sharris complained at breakfast that morning, “but I’m not going to sit around and wait for it to happen. I have better things to do.”
“What kind of things?” Taryn asked.
At the same time, Marna could only think that nothing could be better than spending time with Devon.
“I had a call from Beau Matthews on Wednesday, wanting to take me on a picnic Saturday. I told him I’d have to let him know, after I saw how our work schedule was coming along. And Donovan wanted to take me to a movie, but I told him I was busy.”
Both Marna and Taryn knew Sharris never considered the work schedule, or anything else, if she wanted to go on a date.
“Of course,” Sharris continued, “I was hoping Devon would call, so I wanted to be free if he did. Since he hasn’t, I’m going to tell Beau I’ll go with him. Maybe, if my luck holds out, Devon will accidentally see us together and get a little jealous.”
&nb
sp; Would it make Devon jealous? Marna wondered, her heart flinching. If he was truly interested in her, it would. Would Sharris do her best to make sure Devon saw her with Beau? Knowing her sister, she was sure she would.
Marna had just entered her room a short time later when her phone rang. When she saw Devon’s number come up, her eyes widened and her heart rate soared.
“It’s been a long week,” he said when she answered, “and I’m ready for a break. Would you, by any chance, like to go to dinner with me this evening?”
He was asking her to dinner. Had he dialed her number by mistake, thinking he was calling Sharris instead? When she didn’t answer, he spoke again.
“Marna? You there?”
He had been calling her. “I’m here. But about dinner….” As much as she wanted to be with him, she always dreaded the thoughts of being in a public place. She hated the fear that continually plagued her but couldn’t seem to keep it from happening.
“You can’t tell me you’ve already eaten because it’s still morning. Do you have other plans?”
Even if she did, she’d break any or all of them to be with him. But going to dinner…… “I have no plans. I’d love to go with you.”
When she hung up, her heart was racing and her hands were shaking. What had she done? An unexpected smile began to form on her lips, growing wider and wider. Devon was taking her to dinner. He had asked her out on an actual date. He had called her, not Sharris, and she had accepted his offer.
“So what are you going to do to help yourself relax and unwind?” Taryn’s voice asked unexpectedly from her doorway.
Marna looked at her sister and grinned. “Devon just called. He’s taking me to dinner this evening.”
Taryn laughed. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”
Neither heard as Sharris appeared behind Taryn. “What’s the best news you’ve heard all day? Tell me. I want to hear it, too.”
Marna and Taryn exchanged glances. Then Marna looked away, but didn’t speak.
“Well?” Sharris said.
“Devon just called and asked Marna out to dinner this evening,” Taryn said, not even trying to disguise the excitement in her voice.
Sharris’ eyes widened. “No kidding? He called Marna?”
Marna met her sister’s eyes. “He did.”
“Well, strange things happen all the time, don’t they? Devon’s a great man. He probably feels guilty because you and Taryn didn’t get to be with us on Sunday.”
Anger flashed in Taryn’s eyes. “If that was the case, he’d have asked me, too. Did you ever stop to think he might actually like Marna and like to be with her?”
Sharris grimaced. “Anything’s possible.” Her eyes met Marna’s. “But I hope you don’t get your heart set on winning him over. I’d hate to see you getting hurt.”
Marna’s hand inadvertently went to the scars on her face. “I’ve been hurt before.”
“Not with a broken heart.”
“Do you think my heart wasn’t broken when Mom and Dad both died and I didn’t?”
“I’m not talking about that kind of heartbreak and you know it. Surely, you know that someone who looks like Devon wouldn’t ….. I’m sorry. I – hope you have fun.” Turning quickly, Sharris started down the hallway.
Taryn walked closer to Marna. “He called you because he wants to be with you. Don’t let anything Sharris says stop you from remembering that.”
Marna smiled but it was a sad smile, matched by the expression in her eyes. “Sharris is right and we both know it. Devon wants to take me to dinner because we feel at ease with each other. But I know that’s all it’ll ever be. I’ll deal with the heartbreak when it happens. I’ve done it before, when Shaun took off like a jet when he saw me after the accident. I thought he loved me. I was eighteen and I was crazy about him. But I got over him, and I can do it again.”
Despite herself, Marna found herself actually applying some make up that evening and taking extra special pains with her hair and clothes. He hadn’t said to dress up, but just the same, she replaced her regular blue jeans and pullover shirt with her best denim skirt and a silky red blouse. She even added a small gold chain necklace and matching ear rings. He probably wouldn’t notice but it made her feel a little better just the same.
He smiled when she opened the door.
She smiled back, thinking he had to be the best looking man in the world. Was it merely a coincidence that he was wearing a red shirt, almost the same shade as her blouse?
“That’s the prettiest smile I’ve ever seen on you,” he said. “You look – really nice.”
Did she? Did the cosmetics help more than she thought? Or was he just saying it to make her feel good? She shoved away the last question, determined not to let any negative thoughts ruin the moment.
“I thought we’d drive over into Georgia to Long Horns, if that’s okay with you. It’s not that far.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
“I hope you’re hungry because I, personally, am ready to devour a huge steak.”
Neither expected to be rudely interrupted by a frantic voice calling Marna’s name. They turned at the same time to see Suzi running toward them.
“Suzi, is something wrong?”
Tears were streaming down the young girl’s cheeks. “It’s Mama! She fell and she can’t get up and the phone won’t work. I’m so scared. I don’t know what to do.”
Without a word, Devon was the first to start running toward the house next door, followed by Suzi and Marna. Moments later, they found Josie lying on the floor, holding her ankle and moaning in pain.
“Josie, are you okay?” Marna asked, quickly kneeling down beside her.
Josie grimaced. “I think I may have broken my ankle. Oh, Marna, I had no idea Suzi would bother you about this. I told her to call 911.”
Suzi’s voice trembled as she replied, “I tried. Mama, the phone is out.”
“It’s always out,” Josie said. “One of these days, I’m going to get a cell phone.” She winced, tightening her grasp on her foot.
Marna stood up as Devon took his own phone from his pocket and started dialing. In moments, he’d arranged for the ambulance to come to the house.
Suzi sat down on the floor and put her arm around her mother. When she looked up at Devon, there were still large tears in her eyes. “Would you call my daddy, too?”
“No, Suzi,” Josie said quickly. “He’s a hundred miles away and there’s no point in worrying him until we find out how bad it is.”
“But he would want to know.”
“We’ll call him later.” Josie looked at Devon. “Thank you for getting 911 for me. Didn’t I see you in the nursing home not long ago? Yes, I remember. You were with Marna and Taryn and an older gentleman, visiting Ottie.”
Devon smiled. “Devon Marks. The older gentleman with me is my grandfather. He and Ottie are old friends.”
Josie grinned, despite the pain she was still feeling. “I’m Josie. You two are all dressed up. I feel like I’ve interrupted some special plans you have.”
Marna smiled. “I’m glad we hadn’t left yet. Sharris isn’t home and I think Taryn’s asleep. She would’ve been hard to awaken.”
“Is there anything else we can do while we’re waiting?” Devon wanted to know. “Can I get you a glass of water or something?”
“Maybe say a prayer that nothing’s broken?”
Devon and Marna looked at each other. She was embarrassed at the thoughts of praying aloud and the thought brought on a surge of guilt. She should always be prepared and ready to pray.
“I don’t always say the most elegant prayers,” Devon said, still smiling, “but I do believe He hears and answers all of them, no matter how they’re spoken.” Putting his hand gently on Josie’s shoulder, he said softly, “Lord, we’re needing Your help here. Josie’s in trouble and she needs Your tender touch. Will you handle this situation in the way You know is best? We thank You, Lord. Amen.”
It was
n’t long before a siren sounded and then stopped in the driveway. A few minutes later, paramedics were running into the house, guided by Suzi. After a quick check up, Josie was told she needed to go to the hospital for some xrays.
“I’m going with you,” Suzi said.
“No, honey. There’s no telling how long I’ll be there. Maybe Devon will call Aunt Margaret and ask her to come stay with you.”
“But Aunt Margaret needs to be with you, too.”
Devon’s next words surprised everyone, especially Marna. “Why don’t you let Suzi come to dinner with Marna and me? If you’re not home yet when we get back, we’ll stay with her til you get here.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that!” Josie cried.
Suzi grinned. “I want to, Mama! It sounds like fun. Please. We never get to go to a restaurant unless Daddy’s home.”
Both Marna and Devon looked at Josie, waiting for her response. All the while, Marna couldn’t help thinking there was no way she could be prouder of Devon than she was at that moment. What other man would invite a ten year old girl along on a dinner date?
The evening couldn’t have been more delightful. It turned out that Suzi was an extremely happy child, friendly and outgoing. She smiled at the waiter and complimented him on his hairstyle. During the meal, she looked up and smiled and waved at strangers, and when it was over, she thanked the waiter for his excellent service. To everyone’s surprise, she dug into her own pocket and pulled out a ten dollar bill, saying she insisted on paying the tip since Devon had paid for everything else.
Of course, she often voiced concern for her mother and Devon checked with the hospital twice. Josie’s sister Margaret was there and finally told him nothing was broken after all, that it was just a bad sprain and she was taking her home. Suzi was ready to leave then, anxious to go and help take care of her.
Devon and Marna stood at Marna’s door after dropping Suzi off and checking in with Josie.
Devon smiled. “This was one of the best dinners, as well as the most enjoyable evening, I’ve had in a long time. You and me and Suzi are going to have to do it again. We’ll include Josie the next time. Maybe her dad will even be in and he can go with us.”
Beneath the Scars Page 11