Seasons

by Bonnie Hopkins

  A strange atmosphere greeted Jaci when she arrived at work the following Monday. The buzzard mentality was in full force as her coworkers swarmed around her, picking Wynola apart and claiming to have single-handedly defended Jaci. She held her tongue, knowing it wouldn’t be long before she was back on their menu. She entered her office and checked the work status. A hearing scheduled in two weeks required some attention, and she needed updates from her staff on their activities while she was out of the office. As she went about her duties, she quietly thanked the Lord for His peace. All she had ever wanted was to do her job in peace.

  Just as she was getting focused and organized, the phone on her desk rang. It was Ed Shannon’s secretary. “Jaci, Mr. Shannon would like to see you in his office right away.”

  “Okay. I’m on my way,” she answered, while wondering, Lord, what now?

  Jaci sat in shock as she heard Ed Shannon say in his slow Texas drawl: “I want to offer you the position vacated by Ms. Dickson. I realize you have a lot on your mind right now, with your wedding coming up soon, so I don’t expect you to give me your answer right away. Give it some thought and get back to me as soon as you can. I have no doubt you’ll do well in the position. In fact, I’ll even go so far as to say you’ve been handling the bulk of the managerial responsibilities in the division anyway. You might as well get paid for it.”

  Jaci was so stunned it took her a moment to respond. “I have to be honest with you, Mr. Shannon. My fiancé would like for me to quit after we’re married. It’s not a settled issue, but the possibility is there.”

  “How do you personally feel about it?” Ed asked, thinking what a gigantic loss it would be to the department if she left.

  “Well, I would really like to make twenty-five years. That’s almost two more years. But like I said, it’s still under discussion.”

  “Tell J.P. to lighten up!” Ed said laughingly. “What does he want, for you to be a housewife?”

  “No, not at all. He wants me to work for him.”

  “Oh!” Ed looked thoughtful. “I can’t say that I blame him for that. He knows you’ll be a real asset to him. Well, think about it. Even if you take the position for just a short period of time, it’ll be to your advantage.”

  “I will not only think about it, I’ll pray about it, and discuss it with Jason,” Jaci said as she stood up to leave. “I really appreciate your considering me for the position, Mr. Shannon. I’ll try to give you an answer soon.”

  “You are more than welcome, Jaci. And I hope things turn out favorably for both of us.” He watched her leave, thinking J.P. Gilmore was a lucky man.

  Jaci sat down at her desk, her mind in a whirl and all thoughts of work definitely out the window. She dropped her face into her hands, wondering if her life would ever settle back into a comfortable routine. It seemed that one thing after another lined up to keep her in turmoil. What’s up with this, Lord? she questioned, but stopped herself before going any further. Lord, I’m sorry for complaining. Thank You for the blessings that are being manifested in my life. I ask for wisdom, guidance, and direction for myself and Jason. Whatever decisions we make, Lord, let them be according to Your plan and purpose.

  She was, without a doubt, in a new season, and life as she had known it was over. She was almost tempted to yearn for the old, comfortable struggles. At least she had known how to handle them. Now she was drowning in the unfamiliar—her quickly approaching marriage already had her in a tailspin of doubt and confusion. Now this job offer added to that. But the changes were good, she reminded herself, and began to pray Thank You, Lord, for bringing these good things to me. I know it does not have to be so.

  She picked up the phone to call Jason. Might as well let him know what was happening. She knew to expect the very heated discussion her news would set off.

  Jaci

  Bash at J.P.’s House

  Jaci was surprised to find a catering truck parked along the side of the house, tables and chairs already set up around the spacious backyard and pool, and bustling activity underway by the caterer and his staff. A huge barbecue pit emitted mouth-watering aromas, and long tables filled with every conceivable condiment were set up under a large tent. The kitchen was a mass of activity as the caterers prepared the usual side orders of baked beans, potato salad, green salad, macaroni salad, and rolls.

  Jaci arrived early, thinking Jason might need help with the preparations. She should have known better. After Jason let her in, and they had settled in the family room where they could observe the activity going on in the backyard, she looked at him with admonishment. “Wow! This is going to be a big event. Had I known that, I probably would have chosen not to come. You know I don’t like large social events. Maybe I should leave now before everyone arrives.”

  “Nope. That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. And remember, I had to endure your family reunion last month. Not that I’m complaining.”

  “Yeah, right! Who had smoke blowing out of his ears when I got back to my brother’s house that Friday evening?”

  Jason smiled, remembering. He had been upset with her for leaving him alone with people he didn’t know for so long. But she had warned him that would happen and tried to talk him out of going with her. So he couldn’t complain too much.

  “This is something I do every year. It’s simpler for me to have one big event and invite everyone—family, personal friends and acquaintances, employees—and whoever just happens to drop by. It fulfills my obligation to throw a party and gives everyone a chance to network and get to know each other. And of course, this year I want everyone to meet you. By the way, did you invite Randi and her family, and your cousin and Lena?” At her affirmative nod, he continued, “Are they coming?”

  “Yes. They said they would be here. Lena’s a big if, though. She’d already made plans with her friend. So it depends on whether he agrees to stop by. Thanks for inviting them. That was nice of you.”

  He looked at her with annoyance written all over his face. “You don’t have to thank me! I want your family and friends here.”

  He grabbed her left hand, pointing to the large diamond ring there. “Sweetheart, I didn’t put this ring on your finger without giving it a lot of thought. When are you going to get it through your head that our separate lives are over? We’ll be married in a few weeks.”

  “Oh Lord, Jason, don’t remind me.” She groaned as though in torment. “I’m praying we’re doing the right thing. I don’t want us to make a mistake with something as serious as marriage. I just can’t do that to you.”

  “Will you stop that! We’re both adults and know our minds well enough to know what we want. I’m just thankful God let us find each other before we get too old to care one way or the other.”

  She punched him playfully in the side and changed the subject. “How long does this usually last?”

  “Well, the invitation said six to ten. But you know people. They ain’t going nowhere until they think every chicken leg and rib is gone. It’ll probably start clearing out around ten. But we’ll have some stragglers around until eleven or so. Why? You have somewhere else to go? If you do, I suggest you cancel those plans right now. You want to freshen up and put your purse up in my bedroom? When you get back, I’ll have a nice cold drink ready for you.” He caught her arm and gave her lips a quick kiss before he released her and watched her walk away.

  Jason

  Dang! She looked good!

  When he opened the door and saw her standing there, he was tempted to put a sign on the door saying the party was canceled, then he could have her all to himself.

  He was so in love with the woman he couldn’t see straight. It still surprised him, the consummate playboy, having his nose open so wide the proverbial freight train would have no problem getting through. He had always been the one who ran while the woman clung. Now, he found himself clinging to Jaci and reluctant to have her out of his presence. He had it bad!

  Two hours later, he looked around in satisfaction. The
house and yard were filled with people having a good time. He was thankful the weather had cooperated. It was May and warm enough for those who wanted to, to take a dip in the temperature-controlled pool, but not so scorching hot that it was too uncomfortable to enjoy being outside. Patrick was vigilant in his role as lifeguard and enjoying it immensely. He had also invited some of his friends, and although they only came to eat as much as they could before heading to their own parties, Jason was glad they came so Patrick would have some company.

  Jason’s parents were holding court with his aunts, uncles, and other older adults in the comfort of the house. Every now and then they came outside and walked around the yard, observing the various activities, but never for long, preferring the cool quiet of the house to the loud music and noise outside. Cardplayers had a Bid Whiz tournament underway on one end of the long-deck. Jaci’s cousin C.J. had teamed up with Jason’s friend Walt and they were whipping everyone, to the chagrin of long-standing champs, Ron and Herbert. Jaci enjoyed herself as she moved from group to group talking and mingling. Since she loved to dance, she and some of the young crowd designated a corner of the yard as the dance floor and she was trying to learn the latest steps.

  Every female, young and old, had a ball spoiling C.J.’s infant nephew, Geordi, who had been left in her care by her brother. The little guy happily went from arm to arm, enjoying all the attention.

  “Hey, baby!” Jason walked up behind Jaci as she was taking a breather from dancing. “Having a good time?”

  “As a matter of fact, I am! But I’m starting to get a little concerned about Randi. They should have been here by now.”

  “There they are now. You worry too much,” he said as Randi came around the corner of the house with the baby carrier, while John followed with Sean in tow. “Come on, let’s introduce them to everyone.”

  Baby Jasmine didn’t stay in her carrier long. One of Jason’s aunts rushed to grab her before anyone else could get to her. The baby was a charmer, and gave her famous, toothless grin to everyone who paid any attention.

  “Randi, you guys go on over and help yourselves to whatever you want. I’m really glad you made it.”

  “Thanks, Jason,” Randi answered. “Where did Mom go? I’ve got something to tell her.” She looked around until she spotted Jaci, who had walked over to the card table to check out a big commotion going on there.

  “Mom,” Randi spoke softly after walking over to her. “Just before we left home, Aunt Nita called from Dallas. She sounded upset. She had tried to call both you and Aunt C.J., but called my house when she didn’t get an answer. I told her I would have you call her back, but she said no, she would call you. I had to find Jason’s number for her because she said she really needs to talk to you all right away. I figured she would have called by now.”

  Concern fizzled through Jaci. “I don’t think so, unless no one heard the phone. Or someone may be talking on it. She didn’t say what she wanted? I hope that crazy husband of hers is not up to his old tricks. The Winslows might have to take a trip to Dallas to kick his tail again.”

  “Oh Lord. You and your outlaw family!” Randi exclaimed before shaking her head and walking off toward the food tables.

  Jaci went to the house to use the phone. As she walked in, Jason’s mother beckoned her over.

  “Jaci, you have a beautiful family! All of ya’ll have those gorgeous green eyes and beautiful smiles. Even the babies. Those eyes must be a family trait.”

  “They are,” Jaci confirmed. “Passed down from my maternal grandfather. All seven of his children have them. And all of the grandchildren. Now it’s down to the great grandchildren. No one can deny, those are some strong genes.”

  “They sure are,” Jason’s father pitched in. “I wonder if you and Junior’s babies will have them?” he said with a sly grin, trying to dodge his wife’s “hush your mouth” slap across the shoulder.

  “I don’t think so,” Jaci said, trying to hide her embarrassment. “Our baby days are long gone.”

  “Don’t be so sure,” his mother said, a hopeful expression on her face. “You don’t know what the Lord has in store.”

  “Well, I’ll just be glad when you put the boy out of his misery before he drives us all crazy,” Uncle Stanley said. “I ain’t never seen him like this before.” He looked pointedly at Jaci, suddenly dead serious. “You see that woman over there in the white shorts? Give her half a chance and she’ll be on your man like a chicken on a junebug. Eyes been on him ever since she got here.”

  “Uncle Stanley! Are you trying to make me jealous?” Jaci asked jokingly, although she knew he was telling the truth. She had noticed the woman watching Jason all evening.

  “Naw,” Uncle Stanley said seriously. “I’m just saying. It’s plenty women just like that ole Linda, who would do anything to get off in this big house with him. But he ain’t got eyes for nobody but you. That boy loves him some Jaci! You know that, don’t you?”

  “I know,” she said softly. “I love him too. Now I’m getting outta here! It’s too hot in here for me!”

  Jaci

  Jaci found an empty chair on the deck and pretended to watch the volleyball game, forgtting all about the phone. But her mind was busy trying to process the conversation she had just had with Jason’s family. Whew! She couldn’t believe the pressure she was getting from him and his family. She felt as if she’d been in a battle.

  Although the wedding was just a few weeks away, she was scared—plain and simple. Scared of hurt and disappointment; scared her own issues would mess things up; scared Jason would completely take over her life and she would lose herself in him; and although she had seen no signs of it, scared his reputation as a player would prove to be real. She hadn’t forgotten the ugly seed of doubt that Gloria had planted in her mind. She kept reminding herself to trust in the Lord, that everything would be all right. She knew that if she allowed herself to dwell on those thoughts, the torment would drive her crazy.

  The sun had gone down and the air started to cool down too. Parts of the yard grew shadowy, and someone finally put some oldies music in the CD player. Jason took a break from his hosting duties and came over to where she was sitting. “Why are you over here looking like you’ve lost your best friend? Come on, sweetheart, dance with me.” Other couples had already begun to dance on the grass.

  He led her over to a dark corner of the deck. As they danced, he pulled her close, wrapping both arms around her. “You feel so good in my arms,” he whispered to her. “I’m ready to throw everybody out of here so we can spend some time together. Or better yet, let’s just go on upstairs, lock the door, and forget about them. They’ll leave when they’re ready.”

  “Don’t even go there, honey,” she scolded him. “We’re having enough difficulty controlling things in that area already. Anyway, just think about it. What if we did do something like that. Which we won’t. But what makes you think your parents and Uncle Stanley wouldn’t be up there banging on the door, with a shotgun in their hands, demanding that I make an honest man out of you.”

  He laughed at the scene she described and she soon joined him. To the amazement of those watching, they stood there with arms locked around each other, laughing uncontrollably.

  A young man stuck his head out of the door. “Is there a Jaci out here?” he yelled, looking around.

  “Yes. I’m Jaci,” she said, untangling herself from Jason and walking toward the house. “What’s up?”

  “You got a phone call,” the youngster answered. “You gon’ be long? I’m expecting a call,” he added, handing her a cordless phone.

  “She may be,” Jason answered for her. “You’ve been on that phone all evening. Man, you better get a cell phone if you have that much business.”

  Jaci punched the talk button on the phone and spoke into the mouthpiece. “Hello?”

  She heard her cousin Nita’s voice on the phone. “Jaci?”

  “Hold on a minute, Nita.” She glanced around, looking for a quiet plac
e to hold a conversation. She figured no such place would be found downstairs, since there were people scattered all over the lower rooms.

  “I’m going up to the bedroom. It’s my cousin calling from Dallas,” she said to Jason, who was still close by.

  “Sure, go ahead,” he answered.

  She quickly ran up the stairs to Jason’s bedroom and closed the door behind her. “Okay, Nita, now I can hear you. Girl, how’re you doing? What’s going on?”

  “Jaci, is C.J. there with you? I don’t think I can say this more than once.”

  “She is. Hold on, let me get her.”

  She came out of the bedroom, leaned over the banister, and yelled down to Jason, “Would you get C.J. please. I need her to come up. Tell her to hurry.”

  When C.J. bounded up the stairs and entered the room, Jaci handed her the phone from the bedside stand. “It’s Nita,” she whispered.

  “Jaci? C.J.? Are you both there?” Nita asked.

  “Yes, we’re here,” they both answered.

  “G . . . G . . . Guys.” Nita’s voice broke and they could barely hear her as she continued. “Frank is dead.”

  “What!!!” they yelled.

  “He’s dead, ya’ll. They found him in a hotel room today. Probably been there all night, since he didn’t come home last night.”

  “Oh God. Nita, are you okay?” C.J. recovered enough to ask.

  Nita responded slowly. “Yes, I think so. I guess I’m still in shock.”

  “When do you want us to come?” Jaci asked.

  “I need ya’ll now! But I guess I can wait until tomorrow. I’m just holding on by a thread, waiting for ya’ll to get here so I can crack up. Where’s Gina? Can ya’ll find her and see if she can get here?”

  “Sure, honey,” C.J. answered. “I’ll track her down.”

  They were surprised at the family reunion when Gina told them she was thinking about leaving California and moving back to Riverwood. Before she left the reunion, Gina whispered to them that she was definitely going to do it. True to her word, Gina was currently in the process of buying their grandparents’ old house. She was doing a lot of traveling between Riverwood and California to close the deal.