by Carla Rossi
How do you know Roscoe?
He’s Ashley Meadows’s dog. They don’t live far from here. I guess he got loose. Wait a minute... Pastor James lifted the dog’s ears. This isn’t Roscoe.
Marti scooted backwards. Then who is it?
Huh. I have no idea. But Roscoe has a big chunk missing from his ear. This is definitely not Roscoe.
Marti studied the ragged animal. Slobber dripped from his tongue as it hung out of the side of his mouth. He reeked. Now what are you going to do? That dog probably has fleas and rabies and who-knows-what-else.
He patted the dog’s side. Negative on the rabies. Big time affirmative on the fleas. Now that I take a better look, he doesn’t look or smell like anyone’s been grooming or feeding him.
Marti reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. Do you want me to call animal control?
No, not yet. I’ll go by there and see if he’s been reported missing. If they come and pick him up, who knows what will happen to him?
The dog wandered into Marti’s space. She scooted backwards again and turned her head away from his attempts to befriend her .
Pastor James pulled him back. You don’t like dogs?
Marti unwrinkled her nose. Don’t like is probably too harsh. I’ve just never had any pets. I don’t know how to act around them, and you have to admit this isn’t the small, sweet, cuddly kind.
But your grandmother lives on a farm. How did you avoid animals?
My father was a Navy chaplain. We moved around a lot. About the time we would get settled and my parents would talk about letting me have a dog or cat, it was time to move again. It just never came about.
Where were you born?
Born in San Diego then lived in Chicago , Okinawa, back to San Diego, and Pensacola before I came here to live.
When was that?
The summer after eighth grade when I was thirteen. After a year of begging, my parents finally agreed to let me live with Grandma Rose and Grandpa William so I could go to the same high school all four years and graduate with my class. Plus, they knew I wanted to go to college in Texas. Staying with my grandmother and running track at Madison High School seemed the best way to accomplish that. I went to college on a track scholarship. And as for the animals, by the time I came here, it wasn’t a working farm anymore.
Where are your parents now?
Marti hugged her knees to her chest. Let’s see...they retired from the military when I was in college, and soon after, they headed for the mission field. They’re somewhere in Central America right now, so deep into the country that I can’t even reach them. There are sporadic letters and a couple emergency numbers I can use for someone to try and track them down, but basically, they can’t be reached.
Marti caught him staring at her again, just as he had last night on the bench. For someone who couldn’t think of something to say, she was sure spillin’ her guts all over the place. Until they’d known each other for months, she hadn’t told Philip all the things she’d just told Pastor James. Then again, she hadn’t told Philip much at all. He just wasn’t that easy to talk to .
What is it you wanted to talk to me about?
I need your advice.
She splayed her hand across her chest in surprise. My advice?
Of course. I was blown away by your comments last night. You seem to understand church growth and building better than anyone I know. When I bring building issues up to the leadership, their eyes glaze over, and they try to change the subject. But I know in my heart it’s what we’re supposed to do. You were right when you said people would move on if they didn’t get what they needed from us. I don’t want that to happen. I believe we’re supposed to build a place where people will come and stay.
Her heart thumped double time. The spark of determination in his eyes inspired her. No wonder the church was bursting at the seams. When he spoke, the man’s charisma was absolutely palpable. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him .
Where do I come in?
I need your expertise. I know you work in the field of finance, and more importantly, you seem to understand church finance. I want your opinion.
That’s very flattering, but I really don’t have any specific training in church matters. My father was a pastor, and I spent my life in church. My observations are based more on that than actual experience.
Doesn’t matter. You have a natural instinct about it because of those observations. Plus, you have the financial expertise.
Her head was swimming with ideas at the same pace her heart was racing. Well, I could help you prepare for the first step in funding. If you use a consulting firm to guide you through the steps of growth and construction, they’ll need a financial report and several congregational studies before they’ll even agree to work with you.
Do you know anything about all that?
Maybe the kind of financial report they want. But I’m not an accountant. I’m more of a money manager and financial advisor. I could look at your accounts and income and see where you can move some money around for the highest return. She tapped her finger across her lips. Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll go online and do some research, and call a couple people I know who’ve run successful building plans. I’ve even worked with someone who does this type of consulting full-time. I’ll see what I can find out.
I’ll pay whatever your consultation fee is.
Don’t be ridiculous. I can’t charge you for this kind of work.
Marti leaned back on her elbows and glanced at Roscoe’s twin sleeping in the cool grass next to Pastor James. What are you going to call him?
He probably already has a name, but just in case he doesn’t, let’s give him a good biblical name. How ‘bout David?
Marti frowned. No, he doesn’t look like a David. Besides, we don’t know if he’s a mighty enough warrior to be called David.
How about Solomon?
We don’t know how wise he is.
Isaiah?
Too stuffy.
Abraham?
Too formal.
Obidiah?
Too obscure.
Samson?
Now we’re getting somewhere. But wait a minute...how do we know we’re not naming an Esther or a Ruth?
Pastor James laughed. I thought we established that when he rolled on his back.
Marti gasped and shot straight up off the ground. I have to go. She stumbled away .
He was on his feet in an instant. Wait! Don’t leave.
She managed to stop herself, even though every muscle in her body was screaming to start a record fifty-yard dash to her car. Of course she knew the dog was a boy. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t rolled over at her feet and displayed everything God blessed him with .
I’m sorry, Miss Martha. That just came out.
No, it’s okay. I told you; I’m not myself. It really was funny. I’m just in no mood to be teased. I feel stupid enough as it is these days.
The glint left his eyes, and his face fell a thousand miles. Now I really feel awful.
Marti plopped back down on the grass. It was her turn to pat the ground. Forget about it. I told you, it’s me, not you. She swept her hair from her face, and then lifted the heavy mass off her neck to let the light breeze cool her. She tilted her head to gaze up at him. C’mon. Sit back down. Let’s talk more about this great church you’re gonna build.
He did, closer this time. She felt the heat from his body as his shoulder brushed hers .
The dog wandered as far as the belt would let him--and that wasn’t far. He paused to shove his nose in the dirt and then plopped his bottom on the ground .
Pastor James lifted his arm and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve. I have a confession to make.
Marti froze, her gaze fixed on his and the tiny lines at the corner of his eyes. She hadn’t noticed them before. Go on.
You’re very easy to talk to. I’m comfortable with you. The remarks I made were because I feel like we’ve been friends forever.
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I hope we can be friends, Pastor James. You mean a lot to my grandmother. That’s important to me.
He hesitated, and then lightly placed his hand near hers where it rested between them. I know you have a lot on your mind. Apparently, something’s happened in your life that you’re having a hard time getting past. If there’s something you want to talk about, I’m a very good listener.
She sucked in a sharp breath and held it. To do anything else would have launched a flood of tears. And she’d already decided she’d wept enough .
She nodded in agreement as she slowly let the breath go. I appreciate that, but I’m on my way to feeling better. The worst is over.
And, even though she knew she would never, ever , tell Pastor James what she had done, she had to ask the question .
If I ever did want to talk...
He placed his hand over hers and gently worked his fingers across the soft skin on the back of her hand. Yes...?
Would I be talking to a pastor, a friend, or a guy?
He grasped her hand tighter. You would be talking to me.
****
There was an unfamiliar car parked in the drive .
Marti slid a large plastic shopping bag over one arm and her purse over the other. She retrieved the fax machine from the crowded back seat and bumped Ruby’s door closed with her hip. If she entered through the back and made a mad dash for her room, maybe she could avoid whoever was visiting .
As she tried to enter the back door quietly, the plastic bag got caught on the screen and ripped right in half. The entire contents dropped and scattered, including a ream of paper, which dangled for a second before falling out, corner first, and landing on her foot. Ow ! She hurried to put down the fax machine .
You want some help?
Kimmie !
Marti turned and flew straight into her friend’s waiting arms. Oh, Kimmie, I’m so glad it’s you.
Kimmie returned her eager hug. Geez. It’s not like I haven’t been sitting here with grandma for an hour and a half waiting on you. Did you really think you could sneak by me?
Oh, Kimmie, I don’t know what I was thinking. I just wasn’t in the mood to see anyone.
Kimmie’s flowered sundress flapped in the breeze as she stooped on the porch to help. The bright spring colors against her olive skin reminded Marti of the summer days they shared helping with Vacation Bible School before heading to the pool. She didn’t know she’d missed her so much .
Your grandma went to lie down after she stuffed me with pie. I told her I wasn’t leaving until I saw you.
Marti put the fax machine box on the kitchen table and got a bottle of water out of the fridge. She leaned against the counter and contemplated what to say next. Kimmie had to be wondering what was going on. So tell me about your husband and baby.
Kimmie sat back down. My husband is Danny. We’ve been married about four years. Matthew is eight months old. Danny and his uncle are mechanics. They have a shop in Madison. And I went to hair school and have a salon down on Main Street next to Bertie’s.
Bertie’s is still in business?
Yep. Still there.
Marti tossed her empty bottle in the sink and wiped her hands across the seat of her jeans. Kimmie’s warm brown gaze followed her every move .
Look, Marti. You and I are friends. You don’t have to tell me anything, and you don’t have to worry. I’m just glad you’re here. We should have caught up years ago.
Marti heaved a sigh of relief. That’s my fault. I should have kept in touch.
No way. Friendships are fifty-fifty. I have a phone, too.
Marti chuckled into her hands. Okay, now that we’ve decided we’re both to blame for our breakdown of communication, let’s move on. What is everyone saying?
Kimmie looked up at the ceiling. Let’s see...in a nutshell, you had an affair with your married boss and it cost you your job and home in Houston .
Who’s doin’ the talking?
The old busybodies who have nothing else to do.
Marti grabbed a tin of cookies from on top of the fridge and sat down. Well, without going into too many disgusting details, let me just tell you this. I was involved with my boss, but I didn’t know he was married. In fact, I thought he was going to marry me . I did leave my job and sell my condo, but only because it was too hard to stay. I thought it best to leave and start over. I believe God was telling me to move on. I’m moving to Dallas in a week or so to start over.
Do you have another job?
No, but I have faith I will soon. I have a lot of good prospects, and I know God will supply. She took out a cookie. Now, the truth Kimmie, how much worse are the rumors than what you’re telling me?
It’s really not bad. They’ve just taken a juicy story and made it juicier.
I guess I don’t come out looking very noble.
No, but seriously, those people don’t matter. It’s not important what they think. You know what happened. Hold your head up high. You didn’t know he was married. You’re forgiven.
I don’t feel very forgiven.
Kimmie took her hand. Believe me, you are.
Marti scooted her chair back and slapped her hands on her thighs. Anyway, let’s get this machine hooked up. I have some resumes to fax. She started to clear the space on the counter next to the phone jack. Does Pastor James know anything?
Kimmie froze with a pair of scissors poised over the box. Pastor James? Why would you ask that? She bowed her head in an attempt to hide a blossoming smile. It didn’t work .
Don’t go gettin’ any ideas Grandma Rose . I’ve sworn off romance. It’s just that I’ve talked to him two or three times since I’ve been here. I’m just worried he’s heard something. I’d be mortified.
The tape on the box gave way. He doesn’t listen to gossip. Plus he’s a gentleman and a very nice guy. Even if he did hear, he wouldn’t believe it. He’d hold out for the truth.
That’s good. Except it probably was the ugly truth he was hearing .
Kimmie hoisted the machine onto the counter while Marti studied the instruction booklet .
By the way, can you come for dinner tonight? Danny has basketball, so it’d be just us.
Not tonight. I promised Grandma Rose porch swing time.
Tomorrow night then. Friday.
Yeah, that’ll work. I want to see your baby and get caught up. She spread her fingers out in front of her. And we need to discuss a manicure before I leave.
It’s a date then. Friday is our game night. Jim will be there. He’s bringing his homemade salsa ‘cause I’m making enchiladas.
Jim?
Yeah. Pastor James. His friends call him Jim.
Marti rolled her eyes. I know. But we’re not there yet.
Kimmie giggled. I sense a story.
It’s nothing. Marti plugged the machine in and waited for the digital display to flash instructions. Maybe I shouldn’t come if there are going to be other people there. I’m not in the mood for a party.
It’s not a party. It’s just us.
Well, I guess I’ll bring the chips for the salsa. You know I don’t cook.
I know.
Marti stepped back and surveyed the machine. Ah-ha. Success. It says it’s ready.
Great. Kimmie grabbed her purse and keys from the counter. I have to go get the baby. I’ll see you tomorrow night.
Marti melted into her friend’s warm embrace. Thanks, Kimmie.
Anytime, Marti. Anytime.
Limited Light
Chapter Three
Jim made a sharp left and headed into the discount supercenter parking lot. If it hadn’t been for a break in the torrential rainstorm, he might never have had a second to spot Martha’s cherry red car. It wasn’t as if he were looking for her; he needed ingredients to make his salsa, anyway. If she just happened to be at the store, well, that was just a happy coincidence.
Yeah, right.
He flipped down his visor mirror to make sure his hair wasn’t standing on end a
fter being caught in the rain. Oh yeah, he felt ridiculous .
After a quick turn through produce to pick up jalapenos, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, he headed down the main aisle to search for her. Eventually he spotted her in the baking section, where she stood reading a container of cocoa .
He stopped to steady his breathing before he approached. Something about the way she looked, with her long blond curls pulled back in a soft ponytail, turned his knees to mush. Maybe it was the sky-blue ribbon that was about to come loose. It matched her eyes .
He rolled his cart next to hers. Good morning, Miss Martha.
Oh. She jumped. The cocoa danced between her fingers before hitting the ground .
He scrambled to pick it up before she could. Sorry. Guess I should wear a bell or something.
A bubble of laughter escaped her. The genuine smile and unrestrained joy was the first time he’d seen her without a hint of sorrow in her eyes .
She took the cocoa back and tossed it in her cart. What are you doing here?
I have to make salsa. What are you doing here?
She nodded toward the bag of tortilla chips. I needed chips to go with salsa.
Kim’s probably here, getting stuff to make enchiladas.
She laughed again. It was even more beautiful the second time .
Shouldn’t you be somewhere walking your dog? she asked .
My dog?
Yeah, Samson.
No, his owner came forward, and I had to give him up. Jim dropped his gaze. It had been a sad goodbye. Turns out his real name is Maverick, he continued, trying to smile.
She tilted her head to one side, the corners of her lips curled slightly. It was as though she understood he’d wanted to keep the dog and had been disappointed to see him go. That’s too bad. She flexed her fingers on the handle of her cart. But seriously, Maverick ? That dog doesn’t look anything like a Maverick.
He instantly wanted to go to the pound and rescue a dozen puppies just so he could watch her name them all. He laughed inside at the thought. Well, anyway, I don’t have a dog to walk.
Surely you have something else you should be doing.
As a matter of fact I do. I have to finish organizing my paperwork for you to look over.