by Carla Rossi
She shifted into drive. Time to make a fruit salad .
****
Jim couldn’t keep his eyes off the door .
And that wasn’t good. ‘Cause if he wasn’t careful, the whole church was going to know how he felt about Marti. And it was too soon to let them in on his little secret, because the lady in question didn’t even know it yet .
He’d changed his shirt three times and combed his hair ‘til his scalp hurt. Not to mention the misapplication of cologne he had to wash off. If he’d been thinking more about what he was doing and less about her, he’d never have splashed it on twice .
Kim joined him near the drink table with the baby on one hip and a basket of rolls on the other. Don’t worry, she’ll be here.
I’m not worried. He ran his hand along the waist of his jeans to make sure his shirt was still neatly tucked in. Then he smoothed his hair .
Oh, brother. She pushed the basket into his hands. Here, make yourself useful. Take these to the bread section. She glanced over her shoulder at the crowd. It’s six-thirty. Time for you to do the welcome thing and say the blessing so everyone can eat.
Is everything ready?
I think so. The youth have done a great job of setting up. They’re even going to serve drinks so people don’t have to wait in line. Make sure you mention all that when you start.
Anything else?
Yes. Don’t worry. She’ll be here.
After taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he made the appropriate opening statements and prayed. When he looked up, she was standing in the doorway .
Something grabbed his heart and squeezed until he couldn’t catch a decent breath. With her blond curls and crystal blue eyes, she fell somewhere between an angel and a runway model. He wasn’t sure how to describe what he saw, had no idea what to call the dress she had on, but with pink roses scattered across the bottom and the pink ribbon at her waist, she reminded him of a birthday cake with sugary frosting. That and a spring picnic in a field of wildflowers. And, oh yeah, he wanted to kiss her. Desperately .
A sharp elbow made contact with his ribs. Jim.
The fog wouldn’t clear long enough for him to react. He ignored the voice beside him and instead memorized the way she looked at the precise moment he knew he was falling in love .
The jabbing persisted at his side. Jim.
What ?
Danny took him by the arm and shoved him out of the middle of the floor. For Pete’s sake, close your mouth. People are starting to stare.
So much for keeping it to himself .
Kim said if you keep lookin’ at Marti like a lovesick camel, she’s gonna come over here and smack you around. Just go over there and talk to her.
Jim sucked in a deep breath and tried to exhale slowly. Okay, I’m going.
But as he started across the room, first one person then another stopped his progress. By the time he reached the door, Camille Peterson had already whisked her away .
He rushed to catch up and tried to help her with her food. Can I take those for you?
She held the casserole out of his reach. No it’s okay. Mrs. Peterson is helping me get this food in the right place.
Camille’s bird-like neck twisted around. Her beak-like nose came along with it. Oh, please, Marti, she said sweetly and touched her arm. Call me Camille. We’ve known each other for years.
For the second time in five minutes, Jim’s mouth dropped open. Marti frowned and shot him a questioning glance. Had they stepped into The Twilight Zone?
Okay, Camille , Marti answered, where does the fruit go?
Oh, honey, I’ll take it. You go ahead and get a plate.
Marti watched in obvious disbelief as Camille wandered off with her very first fruit salad .
Jim examined the glass baking dish she’d put on the table. It was nestled safely in a cloth-lined wicker basket with a convenient handle. A classic potluck accessory. The definite aroma of melting cheese crept to his nose. His heart flopped over. She cooked .
You made your grandmother’s tetrazzini? It excited him almost as much as her dress .
She pursed her lips a second before they crept into a Mona Lisa smile. Oh, all right, she sighed. I cannot tell a lie. I made the fruit salad, but I found the tetrazzini. It was in the freezer, complete with a little card explaining how to reheat it.
It didn’t matter anymore. You want something to eat?
Marti scanned the room. Clearly shy and unsure of the situation, she wrapped her arms around herself. No, I don’t think so. I promised the girls I’d find them when I got here. I know you have to go mingle, so I’ll see you in a bit. She turned to leave, but then whipped around just fast enough to send a tiny cloud of perfume to his nose. Hey, what’s up with Camille? She was downright nice to me.
I think I have an idea, but we’ll talk about it in a while.
Okay. See you later.
That was it? See you later? He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. He’d waited all day to see her, and she’d just abandoned him in the casserole section.
Danny came walking through the crowd with a fried chicken leg in each hand. Where’d she go?
He ignored the question. You know you could get a plate and sit down like a civilized person.
I could, he agreed, but then I wouldn’t be able to follow you around and keep you from making a fool of yourself.
I’m not that bad.
Oh, but you are. Danny replied and took another bite. Hey, have you seen Preston tonight?
A little bit ago, why?
He’s been over there in the corner with his golf buddies, watching you all night. Thought he was gonna break his neck straining to see you and Marti talking.
Jim picked up a plate. What is it with him? He questions everything I do. It’s like he doesn’t want me to be successful here. He doesn’t want me to try anything new or different for the congregation, and God forbid that I want to go out on a date. I don’t understand him.
Well, the important thing, Danny replied as he dropped his stripped chicken bones on Jim’s clean plate, is that you not let him get to you. He’s just one person, and he’s not your boss. You have a lot of very devoted and supportive people around here. Concentrate on taking care of them.
Jim took the words to heart and looked around the room. Danny was right. The dinner was a success, and everyone seemed to be having a good time--except for Preston Woodruff, who sat alone with a scowl on his face .
****
Marti leaned in close to the mirror and applied a layer of Rhapsody in Pink to her lips. Fifteen minutes ago, Jim had asked her to meet him at his car. It took her that long just to get away from the youth group. Not only had she spent more time with the girls, but they had introduced her to the guys. She couldn’t just walk away from them .
When she stepped out onto the church parking lot, Jim was leaning against his car, waiting .
Get in, he said, and opened the door for her .
Where are we going?
We’re heading south.
Marti took a step back. I’m not going to Houston .
He let his arm dangle over the door. There are over four million people in Houston. There are hundreds of little cities and suburbs surrounding downtown. There are thousands of restaurants and theaters in those cities and suburbs. The odds of bumping into someone you know are slim to none. Get in the car.
She couldn’t argue, and she couldn’t stay away from Houston forever. There would probably come a time when she would run into Philip and his wife or an old co-worker. It was inevitable in her business.
She got in and put on her seatbelt. Why do you think Camille and the others were so nice to me tonight?
I had a long talk with your grandma the other day, he said as they left the parking lot. She was still angry because she feels her friends betrayed her when they gossiped about you. I encouraged her to find a way to settle it and move on.
Uh-oh. What did she do?
I don’t
know for sure, but I think as her friends came to visit this week, she let them know how upset she was with them. I think she took them all to task for their gossiping ways, and I think she let them know she didn’t appreciate how they made things worse for you.
So now they’re being nice because they feel sorry for me?
No, I think they know they were wrong and are trying to make amends. Besides, he said smiling. You’re old news. I’m sure they’ve moved on to someone else. Congratulations. You outlasted them.
I don’t care anymore anyway. I’m through worrying about what other people think.
He reached between them to squeeze her hand. Did you have fun with the youth tonight?
Yeah, they’re a great bunch of kids. I got an interesting glimpse of what’s going on in their lives. Didn’t pick up anything else about Lily, though. What have you and Danny and Kimmie come up with?
Not much. The kids aren’t talking yet, and no one knows who Dakota is or where Lily even met him. We’re keeping an eye on her, though.
What about Preston? Can you talk to him?
I’m gonna let Danny handle that as youth pastor. Preston and I have an odd relationship. I’ll step in if I have to, but I want to see what Danny and Kim can do first.
Marti gazed out the window at the passing buildings. If those bruises on Lily’s arm were from Dakota, they had to figure it out soon .
Where are we going, anyway?
To Agape House.
What is that?
I have a friend who pastors a large church. Part of their outreach is Agape House. They have live music and serve coffee and other things to eat and drink. It’s kind of a non-alcoholic piano bar.
Um...that’s sounds interesting...I think.
You’ll like it, he chuckled. The building sits in a park. It’s nice at night. You can take a walk around the water, look at the stars.
Marti glanced at Jim and the inside of his car and the road disappearing beneath them. She was on a date, and she didn’t even know how it happened. She hadn’t meant for it to happen. Until this moment, she’d failed to acknowledge what was staring her in the face. They had chemistry and a common faith. They were also complete opposites. Now they were just two people in a car, wishing to escape prying eyes and the depressing corridors of the county hospital. And they wanted to spend more time alone together. Yep, they were on a date--and somebody could get hurt.
Marti’s heart fluttered as they pulled into the parking lot. Patrons milled around the entrance and shared conversation at the bistro tables outside. Could there possibly be anyone here she knew?
Jim helped her out of the car. Do you want to go inside and see what’s going on? Or do you want to stay out here a while?
Marti inhaled the cool evening air and gazed at the elephant ears along the edge of the pond. A gentle breeze carried the smell of coffee from the terrace. I want to stay out here. Definitely. It’s beautiful. Can we check out the pond?
Sure. Just keep your shoes on and stay on the path. There’s not much light.
Marti tilted her head to look at him. You seem to have this place all figured out. Exactly how many women do you bring down here a week?
Don’t know, he said and took her hand. Lost count.
She giggled as he pulled her toward the pond. I’ve wanted to ask you something, she said, following close behind .
Shoot.
What about your family? You never mention your parents. Where are they? Do you have brothers and sisters?
He stopped so abruptly, she slammed into him. A shaft of moonlight filtered through the trees and across his tense face .
What’s the matter? She snuggled in closer and squeezed his hand. Is there something in the path? ‘Cause if it’s a raccoon or a snake or something, I’ll have to run back to the car.
No, he laughed softly, and put his arm around her. I wasn’t expecting the question. C’mon, let’s keep walking.
But it’s a perfectly natural question. I can’t believe I haven’t asked you before now.
I know. It’s just that there’s not much to tell.
They came to a bridge that crossed the middle of the pond. She pulled him to the rail. Dappled beams from the lights in the park shone through the trees and shimmered along the top of the water.
Just tell me, she said, as they rested their arms on the smooth wood .
The truth is, I don’t know where my parents are. They weren’t married. They were drug addicts who spent some time together and produced a child. They parted ways, neither one wanted me. My mother abandoned me at her great-aunt’s house and disappeared. The aunt couldn’t take care of me. That’s where the story gets foggy. I don’t know if the great state of Alabama came to get me, or if she turned me over to them.
How old were you then?
Probably three. Anyway, I spent my childhood in foster homes. The people who had me first, loved me like their own. I was there for three years, and they wanted to adopt me, but the woman was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was dead within a year of starting the process.
Oh, Jim. That was like losing your real mother. I can’t imagine how horrible that was.
From there, I was in three more homes before I got out of high school.
How did you get to college?
I was a pretty laid back kid. I did what I was told and did well in school, so when it came time to go to college, I just did what I had to do. I worked, went to school. Then I felt the call to the ministry, so I went to seminary.
But without guidance from stable, consistent parents, how did you even know what denomination or faith to follow? I mean, we’re who we are because our parents take us to church every Sunday. Living with so many different people, how did you ever find your way?
I didn’t really find a steady church home until I was in college. I got involved through campus ministries. That’s why it’s so important to do a good job with the youth and participate in outreach activities. But I also consider myself blessed. As bad as it sounds, it could’ve been a lot worse. I had food, clothes, shelter, and people who tried to make a decent person out of me. There are an awful lot of kids who are with their real parents, and that’s not the best place for them. It wouldn’t have been for me.
Marti pushed herself away from the rail. She’d never in a million years expected that. It certainly added a whole new dimension. And you said there wasn’t much to tell.
There isn’t. I don’t know where my parents are or if they’re even still alive.
But...but--
Okay, look. I know it’s a wild story and you weren’t expecting it. I can tell you have a million questions. I promise you can ask me each one and I’ll answer you. But not tonight.
I’m sorry I brought it up.
Don’t be. I’m not angry with you. I just don’t want to talk about it anymore tonight. We’ve managed to escape Madison. There are a lot of other things to talk about. C’mon, there’s a place over here to sit down.
He led her to a bench near the pond. She sat down and kicked her sandals off. The resident crickets and bullfrogs maintained a steady song in the background as he took her hand. He seemed content to sit there stroking the outside of it with his thumb .
Now can I ask you something? he asked after long moments .
Marti’s heart lurched in her chest, her throat grew tight and dry. If he asked her about Houston, she would have to tell the truth. It would ruin everything .
Okay, she whispered .
How are you?
What?
How are you? Really.
I don’t understand the question.
When you came to Madison, you were heartbroken. Then your plans changed and your grandma got sick. You’ve had a lot to deal with. This is not the life you were leading six months ago. You must miss your job and your income and your friends. You’ve been through a lot and you haven’t complained. You’ve helped Kim at the shop and me with my church building questions, and now you’ve taken on Lily, despite the fact you
r grandma’s coming home tomorrow and you have to take care of her. Face it, Marti. You’ve got a lot goin’ on and I don’t want you to work yourself into a meltdown.
Unshed tears raced down the back of her throat. Wow. When you say it all together like that it sounds pretty daunting. I ah...
Okay, come here. He pulled her into his arms .
She tucked her feet up underneath her and surrendered to the safety of his strong embrace.
Just tell me what’s on that brilliant mind of yours.
She paused for a moment, resting her head on his solid chest and absorbing his scent as she clung to him. You know that feeling you get when you’re driving? And you look away for a second and when you look again, the car in front of you has stopped? It’s that feeling. The one you get in the split second you grab the steering wheel with both hands and hit the brakes hard. It’s that feeling when you don’t know if you’re gonna hit something or stop in time. You just sort of hang there, completely powerless to change the circumstances. That’s the way I feel all the time. I don’t know if I’m gonna hit the brick wall or stop just in time. I carry that anxious feeling around. I know I’m supposed to be at peace, but I can’t get there. I thought I had it all figured out, but I don’t know where I belong.
How do you feel about things right now--right this minute?
A tiny bundle of dynamite exploded in her heart. How did she feel right now? Only absolutely perfect and content by his side . Um...my heart isn’t broken anymore, I just feel stupid. As for my career, I can’t leave my grandma.
So you feel more at peace today than you did a week ago?
She pushed herself away to look at him. I guess I do, she whispered .
He touched her face with gentle hands. Then maybe you’re right where you belong.
Soft, warm lips brushed hers. A spike of panic split her chest then quickly disappeared. She didn’t want the kiss. No, it was exactly what she wanted. As the seconds passed, she leaned into him and accepted his most tender and perfect first kiss .
Hey, she said softly and pulled away with a sigh. Did you bring me all the way down here just to kiss me?
Yes, he said, and kissed her again.