Maid to Love

by Jennifer Johnson

  She swallowed and lifted her hand. For a moment, Nick thought she would reach up and touch his cheek with her palm. He wouldn’t stop her. He wanted her to, but instead she lowered her hand and smiled. “Thank you for showing me.”

  “You’re welcome.” Any man could tell she would welcome his kiss. He only needed to make a move. She’d kiss him back. He could tell she would. But he wasn’t any man.

  He wanted to do right by Addy. He respected her. He respected her family and his God too much. He wouldn’t kiss her or lead her on until he could decide if he was ready to care for Addy in that way. He cleared his throat. “I’ve brought us some lunch. It won’t be anywhere near as good as what you make, but afterward I thought we’d fish—”

  Addy giggled. “I haven’t fished in years.”

  “Well, it’s a little late in the day. They may not bite too well.”

  Addy shook her head, excitement filling her face. “Doesn’t matter. It will be fun just the same.”

  If she didn’t stop looking so cute all the time, Nick was about to become any man and scoop her up and give her a big ol’ kiss.

  ❧

  Addy lifted a red worm out of the plastic container and pushed it onto the hook. With a flick of her wrist, she cast the fishing line. She smiled as the bobber popped up in the exact spot she was aiming for. “Like riding a bike.”

  “Sure looks like it.” Nick cast his line. “Tell you what. If we catch anything, I’ll freeze it, and we’ll come up one evening and fry it up for dinner.”

  Addy nudged Nick’s shoulder. “Are you asking me on a date, Nick Martin?”

  Nick’s face flamed red, and he stood to his feet and took a couple of steps away from her. “I wasn’t trying to—I mean, I didn’t mean to make you think—”

  Addy’s heart plummeted to her gut. She didn’t exactly want Nick to ask her on a date, but she didn’t exactly not want him to, either. She’d thought about him almost constantly since she’d returned home, but she was determined not to fall back into those teenage-crush years. And she’d just spent a good deal of time having a heart-to-heart with God. She wanted Him to lead her life, wherever that led. She patted the folding chair he’d been sitting in. “Sit down. I was just kidding you.”

  He didn’t move toward the chair. Instead he looked away from her. “I don’t want to lead you on, Addy.”

  “You’re not. Believe me, I’ve known for years you’re not.”

  “No, Addy. . .”

  He turned toward her, and the intensity of his gaze quickened her pulse. She swallowed and looked away from him. “Please, Nick. I was kidding. Let’s just have—”

  Her pole jerked, and Addy focused her attention back to the water. Her bobber pounced up and then back down into the water. She hopped out of the chair, pulled back to secure the hook in the fish’s mouth, then started reeling in her line. She struggled for a moment against the strength of the fish.

  “Come on, Addy. You got him.”

  Addy yanked again then reeled some more. Finally the bass made an appearance out of the water. She grabbed it by the mouth and held it out for Nick to see. The approximately two-pound fish flapped its tail. “Not too bad for my first catch in years.”

  Nick patted her back. “Not bad at all. You want me to string him, or do you want to do it?”

  She pulled the hook out of the fish’s mouth and handed it to Nick. “I’ll let you do it. How’s tomorrow night for a fish fry?”

  “Addy, I didn’t mean—”

  “As friends. For fun.”

  He slowly nodded, but Addy felt more rejected by his nod than she had by her breakup with Trevor and her job rejections combined. She’d left River Run vowing to never care again what Nick Martin thought of her. Now that she’d returned, once again she was caught on the man’s line. What is it about him, God? It’s like I’m that poor bass. He’s got me strung on his string.

  Six

  Addy pushed open the large glass doors of Designs and Such. The interview she’d just finished had gone well. She’d said the right things and shown off some of her best work, but she still didn’t have a good feeling about it.

  Hefting her purse strap higher on her shoulder, she made her way toward the parking garage. It had been a few months since she’d worn two-inch heels. She was surprised how much her feet ached walking around Lexington’s downtown. The noise and congestion of the city grated on her nerves.

  She spied one of her favorite coffee shops all through college just a little ways across the street. Smiling at the memories of late-night cram sessions the place conjured, she made her way to a crosswalk and pushed the button to cross.

  At almost lunchtime, people crowded around her to cross as well. A sense of claustrophobia overwhelmed her, and she remembered how it took a full semester of college before she’d adjusted to the crowdedness of city life. It’s funny how quickly I’ve readjusted to living in the country.

  She grinned as she thought of riding behind Nick on his four-wheeler. Guess I’ll always be a country girl at heart.

  The light changed, and Addy walked with the group across the street. Her toes felt even more scrunched as she walked another thirty yards to the coffee shop. After opening the door, a waft of the fresh brew washed over her. She inhaled the heavenly smell and looked toward the counter. A girl she didn’t recognize was taking orders. She was a young girl, probably in her first year of school. Addy’s heart sank a little. I don’t know why I expected to see someone I knew anyway.

  Addy thought of walking into the diner back in River Run. Lacy’d been working there since they were in high school. Rick had been the owner and head cook since before Addy was born. Addy loved that. She loved the feeling of home she got in River Run. The feeling of everybody knowing everybody and looking out for everybody. Even though there were times in her life when she’d have given anything to simply be left alone. Her town had her back, so to speak, and Addy liked that feeling more than being able to be left alone.

  She ordered her favorite meal—small pieces of country ham on biscuits with a side of fresh fruit and a large white chocolate mocha. Once her food was ready, she sat at a small table in the corner. She closed her eyes and took a sip of the coffee. Mmm. It’s so good. She hadn’t missed the city, but she had missed this.

  Opening her eyes, she took a bite of her sandwich. It was still as yummy as it had ever been. She scanned the room. In the fall, the place would be packed with college students. Some in groups with books scattered across the table. Some sitting alone with a book and a laptop. With everyone on summer break, she only saw businessmen and businesswomen. It just didn’t seem the same.

  She finished her lunch and walked out of the shop. As she approached her car, a terrific thought came to mind. I’m going to run by the apartment and visit Val. She looked at her watch. Val usually went home for lunch, so if Addy hurried, she’d be able to stop by for a quick visit.

  Addy walked through the parking garage, found her car, clicked open the lock, and slipped inside. Within minutes, she’d driven the few miles to her old apartment. She walked up the steps and knocked on the door. Val’s new roommate opened it. Addy smiled and extended her hand. “Jessica, right?”

  The dark-haired woman smiled and motioned Addy inside. “Yep. You’re Addy if I remember correctly.”

  Addy walked into the apartment. “You remember right.” Addy had to blink twice at how much the place had changed. Val and Jessica had painted the living room a light yellow color. They must have asked the owner about updating the place. It didn’t look bad, but it wasn’t the best for a living area. Artificial flowers and plants seemed to take over every open space in the room. Overkill didn’t quite describe it, but Addy remembered Val always liked a spring look; obviously Jessica did as well.

  “Who’s here?”

  Addy turned at the sound of Val’s voice from the kitchen. Val squealed as she raced toward Addy and wrapped her arms around her. Addy squeezed her friend in a bear hug then released her. “I
had a job interview today.”

  “Yeah? How’d it go?” Val looked at Jessica. “Ugh. Where are my manners? Do you two remember each other?”

  Jessica nodded. “We do. We already said hello.” She grabbed her purse off a floral-patterned wingback chair that sat near the door. “I’ve got to head back to work.” She turned toward Addy. “It’s nice to see you again.”

  Before Addy could respond with more than a wave, Jessica turned and walked out the door.

  Val grabbed Addy’s hand. “Come on. Have a seat. I still have a half hour. Tell me how everything is going.”

  Addy sat on the deep mauve love seat across from the television. “You changed the room a bit.”

  Val laughed as she sat in the wingback. “Just a bit.” She motioned around the room. “Jessica’s taste is a bit much, even for me.” She looked back at Addy. “But she’s been wonderful. Her faith in the Lord has grown by leaps and bounds since she moved in here. We have a group of single ladies from the church over every Thursday night for Bible study. And even though her boyfriend has pleaded with her to move back in with him, she’s held firm.” Val leaned forward in her seat. “He’s even shown up at church a few times. I’m so proud of her.”

  “That is wonderful. I’m so glad you asked her to move in here.”

  Val picked at a piece of lint on her pants. “Yeah, but I didn’t mean for you to leave. How are things going? I know your aunt’s got to be close to healed. If you want to move back in, we’ll figure out—”

  Addy lifted her hand. “No. Actually, my aunt has decided that she wants to take a ten-day cruise. She leaves in two weeks. She’s asked me to keep her jobs just a bit longer.”

  Val snarled.

  Addy laughed. She knew how much her roommate hated cleaning. “Actually, I’m fine with it. I’m actually enjoying living back in River Run.” She scooped a throw pillow off the love seat and felt its texture, a habit she’d developed over the last few years. “To be honest, I haven’t much enjoyed my visit back to Lexington today. Weird, huh?”

  “Not weird at all. And I’m not surprised. When I saw you in River Run, you were glowing. The country is your element. It suits you. You have an amazing eye for design, but your heart is in the country.”

  “I don’t know about that. Maybe my heart just isn’t in Lexington. Maybe another city—”

  Val looked at her watch. “I only have a few more minutes. Tell me about Nick.”

  Addy’s heart sped, but she determined to look nonchalant. She shrugged. “What about him?”

  Val squinted at her. “Don’t give me that. It’s obvious the two of you have the hots for each other.”

  Addy burst into laughter. “The hots, huh? No. I don’t think we have the hots for each other.”

  Val nodded. “Oh yes, you do. You’re not looking me in the eye. I was your roommate for four years. I think I know when—”

  Addy lifted her hands in surrender. “Okay. Okay.” She bit her bottom lip as she gripped the throw pillow tighter. “He did kinda steal me away for a surprise lunch at a cabin he built and hasn’t told anyone else about. We went fishing, and I caught a two-pound bass. We fried up what we caught for dinner—”

  Val scrunched her nose. “Ew. Gross. You’re definitely a country girl at heart. There’s no way you’d catch me touching a live fish.” She looked back at her watch. “Oh no. I gotta go.” She jumped up and grabbed Addy in another bear hug. “I’m so glad you stopped by.”

  Addy smiled. “Me, too.” She headed toward the door. “Have a good rest of the day at work. I’m going to go get ready to teach music at vacation Bible school.”

  They walked outside. Addy made her way to her car. She watched as Val scurried down the street toward her job just a few blocks away. Val’s words resurfaced in her mind. Is the country my element, Lord? I’ve promised to trust You with whatever Your will is for me, but why would I go to school for four years for interior design to then go back home and stay there? I really thought I was following You then, just as I long to follow You now.

  She started the car and turned toward the interstate heading back to River Run. She couldn’t think about all that right now. She slipped in a CD of the vacation Bible school songs. The animated voices of children singing echoed through the car. Right now she needed to focus her mind and heart on showing Jesus to children.

  ❧

  Nick placed two tubs filled with water and two buckets at one end of the fellowship hall parking lot. Then he set the two empty tubs about thirty feet away from the filled ones. He couldn’t wait for the vacation Bible school kiddos to have recreation time. Every year he and Drew headed up recreation. With an ocean theme again this year, they’d decided to have all water games.

  Tonight the kids would line up in two teams in the space between the filled and empty tubs. On their mark, the person closest to the filled tub would fill the bucket with water then hand the bucket to the person in front of them. The trick was, the first kid would have to hand the bucket underneath the legs of the person in front of them, then that person would switch and hand the bucket over the head of the person in front of them, then switch again.

  It was a game he and Drew had learned years ago when they were in Bible school. Since it was sure to be wet and messy, it had always been one of his favorites. He grinned at the filled tub. It’s a good thing we warned the parents ahead of time to have the kids wear old clothes and bring towels.

  With the temperatures higher than usual for the last week of June, he knew the kids would welcome the chance to get a little wet. He looked at his watch. The first batch of kids, the first and second graders, would be making their way from Bible study time to recreation at any moment. Drew called and said he’d be late, but Nick had hoped his buddy would get there before the kids.

  The fellowship hall’s door opened, and fifteen-plus six- and seven-year-olds burst through like a group of ants fighting their way out of their mound.

  “Woo-hoo!” yelled Samuel, the pastor’s youngest son, as he raced toward Nick.

  The first grader’s hair flamed fire-engine red under the sun’s bright rays. The kid was the epitome of the redhead stereotype. He was as ornery as the day is long, as Nick’s grandmother used to say. A person had to keep an eye on the boy. You never knew what he was going to do—jump off the top of the slide, pull a garter snake from his pocket, or punch another fellow in the eye. The kid was just plain ornery. Samuel stopped just short of knocking into Nick.

  He grinned, exposing two missing front teeth. “What’re we gonna play, Nick?”

  Nick patted the boy’s head. He guided him to one of the empty tubs, a place where he knew the boy would get drenched. Samuel would love it. “You stand right here.”

  After explaining the rules to the children, he placed the ones who seemed the most hesitant as close as he could to the already filled tub. They had a better chance of getting out of the game dry. The wilder ones, like Samuel, he put in places he thought they might have the best chance to get wet. He looked at both teams and raised his hand. “Okay. When I say go, fill up the buckets.” He lowered his hand. “Go.”

  The kids squealed as splashes of water spilled from the edges of the small bucket as they moved it over shoulders and between legs from the filled tub to the empty one. By the time Samuel’s bucket reached him, the little stinker jumped into the empty tub and poured it over his head and into the tub.

  “Samuel!” His mother, who was also his class leader, rolled her eyes and shook her head. She looked at Nick and grinned. “He’s going to be on fire for the Lord like no one you’ve ever seen. The boy has so much zeal. That’s what his daddy and I are praying anyway.”

  Nick laughed as he cheered the kids to keep going until the empty tubs had been filled to their goal line. Samuel’s team lost since most of their water was stuck to his body instead of in their tub, but no one would have been able to tell by the giggles spilling out from the boy. He was thrilled to be soaked from head to toe.

  The
pastor’s wife grabbed her son’s hand. “I brought extra clothes for him.”

  “You came prepared.”

  “I know my son.” She pointed toward the other children. Most of them had only splashes of water on their clothes and were already wiped dry with towels. “Will you take them to their music rotation? I’ll be there in just a minute.”

  “Sure.” Nick guided the children up the grassy mound that led to the sanctuary, where Addy and Gracie were leading the music. He walked inside, taking in the various shades of blue paper waves that covered the stage. Brightly colored cardboard fish of all sizes and shapes seemed to swim through the water with an enormous gray whale made to appear as if it were coming toward them with a toothy grin and bubble spewing from its blowhole. They’d placed a lifeguard’s chair at the right of the stage with a mannequin decked out in beachwear sitting on it. The Bible school music boomed through the auditorium while a video of animated fish swimming through water played from the overhead screen.

  Half of the sanctuary’s padded chairs had been removed, leaving a large space for the children to sing and dance to the music. Addy appeared from the sound booth and raced up the stairs.

  He smiled as he took in the long blond ponytails that trailed down both her shoulders and the beach hat atop her head. Barefoot, she wore beach shorts and T-shirt and a lifeguard’s whistle around her neck and had sunscreen patches beneath her eyes. She looked absolutely adorable.

  Realizing he had a break this rotation, Nick sat with a few parents on the side of the sanctuary that still had chairs set up. A man he didn’t recognize leaned over to him. “Watch this girl. She’s really good with the kids.”

  Nick shook the man’s hand. “I’m Nick Martin. I don’t think I’ve seen you before. It’s nice to have you here.”

  “Phil Balton. We’re new to the community. I sell real estate in Lexington. It’s an hour’s commute, but I wanted to get my family out of the city.” He pointed to a blond-haired boy who stood close to a now-dry Samuel. “That’s my son, Clark.”

  Nick nodded then watched as Addy made her way to the stage. The kids were mesmerized as she explained in animated tones and gestures that they were going to learn some songs and motions to perform for their parents on family night. She nodded to whoever was in the sound booth.