Sarah's Prayer
A Sunset Single
Sunset Series 1.1
By J. Brent Eaton
©2014 J. Brent Eaton, all rights reserved
Read the Bestselling Novel that Started it All:
Sunset’s Dawn
Sunset Series 1.0
Can Jake Jennings, a man who suffered unspeakable loss find peace in his new hometown of Sunset, Texas? Or will Jen Lawson, the woman he never hoped to find be the answer to all of his prayers?
Available exclusively on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00GQYIL2I
Prologue
Sarah's walk to her car took seemingly forever even though it was only a few steps from the door of the coffee shop. She just finished one of the most difficult conversations of her life. One that sent the man of her dreams into the arms of another woman and left her alone... again.
When Sarah Newsome first met Jake she was certain she just met the most handsome and compassionate man on God's green earth. The more she got to know him the more sure she was of it. Meeting Jake brought a brightness to Sarah’s otherwise rather dull existence.
There was only one problem. Two actually. Jake barely noticed her as something other than a coworker and Jennifer Lawson, the competition, was just too much for Sarah to overcome. So much for the fairy tale relationship with Jake Jennings.
Sarah had to face the fact that Jake’s brightness didn’t shine in her direction. Coming to the realization that Jake was not God’s man for her was a heartbreaking victory in Sarah’s life.
As she sat in her car trying to muster enough energy to go to her lonely apartment for another evening by herself she said a prayer that was as familiar to her as the childhood teddy bear ensconced among the pillows on her bed.
Father, you know my needs better than I know them myself. I’ve prayed for so long to meet my soul mate, the man you have chosen to be with me. I just feel so... lonely and empty at times. You know what I've been through. Give me the strength to be calm and trust you. Guide me in a path that leads me to a more full and meaningful life that I can live for your glory.
I really thought Jake was the one, but I know now that he’s not. Please bless Jake and Jen.
Chapter 1
That beautiful Thursday started off with the monthly gathering of her Sunset Hospice colleagues at The Sunset Diner, the only establishment in this Central Texas town large enough to accommodate the group. As a trained social worker, natural introvert and practiced people watcher, Sarah entered the room barely noticed and observed how her fellow caregivers interacted. What stood out to her was how Jake and Jen acted.
Jake responded tersely to Jen whenever she tried to talk to him. Sarah perceived right now that Jake was hurting and Jen was upset. Hmmm… What to do?
That was a big change from a few days ago when it looked like those two would run off and live happily ever after leaving Sarah in the dust. In the early hours of Sunday morning as the hospice team prepared to leave the home of a beloved patient that just died, Sarah and Concho, one of the nurses, watched through the window as Jake and Jen said goodbye. When Jake knelt down by Jen’s car window, Sarah could see it coming. Jen kissed Jake on the cheek and drove off leaving Jake stunned and motionless. That’s when she knew it was over. She knew she had lost… again.
Fortunately, Concho, a brash but honest confidant, talked to her about the situation. “Chica, you’ve seen this coming a long time if you’re truthful with yourself. I know you like Jake. Every woman around Sunset likes Jake. But you’ve got to face it. Jen and Jake are the real deal, and like the Bible says, ‘What God has joined let no man’ or woman ‘put asunder.’”
Of course, Concho was right, but it was a bitter pill to swallow. It was hard enough that Sarah had to work with Jake… and Jennifer day in and day out, but add the fact that they were the real thing and it was just too much for Sarah’s fragile soul. What was even more painful was the way Jennifer Lawson skillfully ran over Sarah as she swept Jake off his feet and snared him with her charms. Sarah didn’t appreciate being a doormat for anyone but didn’t know how to keep it from happening… again.
Her greatest fear was growing old alone. At thirty-two she wasn’t old, but she certainly felt alone and lonely.
Her career as a social worker with Sunset Hospice was incredibly fulfilling. She had the privilege of caring for people in one of the most difficult times of life. She grew close to the patients and their families as she provided for their needs. One by one, however, they grew weaker and died. Even Sarah’s fulfilling career left her lonely.
So… the dilemma. Not if she should pursue Jake against Jen, but if she should talk to Jake about his behavior today. She had this gut feeling that Jake was running away from Jen at the worst time and for the worst reasons. Trying to get him interested in her was just the wrong thing to do. Pleasant to fantasize about, but wrong. Once she got past her pain and anger she realized that part of Jake’s reaction to Jen’s kiss that morning wasn’t love, but panic. He didn’t know what to do. How he acted today confirmed it. Yep, I’m going for it.
After the meeting, Sarah pulled Jake aside at the entrance to the diner. “Jake, I have something I really need to talk to you about. Do you have some time to meet with me? I kinda prefer it be away from the office.”
“Sure. I’ve got appointments through lunch, but how about Joe’s at, say, two?”
“That would be great. See you then.” I’ll keep telling myself this is the right thing to do until then.
Jennifer Lawson sat in her car watching Jake and Sarah talk. Her instincts flared just as much as Sarah’s had during the meeting, but in a completely different direction. I don’t know who I’ll kill first, him or her, but I know it will be slow… and painful.
Sarah spent the balance of her day trying to focus on her patients and avoid thinking about the two people who occupied so much of her mind and emotions recently. One who made her feel so warm and safe and wonderful, but didn't seem to notice her. The other who made her feel so insecure and, at the moment, had misplaced reasons doing so.
The appointed time rolled around quickly enough and Sarah drove into the small parking lot of "Sunset Joe's" the closest thing to a Starbucks in the area. Sunset didn't seem to attract the attention of chain establishments even though the average income was far higher than people would imagine due to the large base of retirees and the skilled manufacturing jobs in the area.
Sitting in her car, Sarah took time to calm her nerves and say a quick prayer.
Father, this is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I thought Jake was the one. Help me to do the right thing... And help me to trust you to show me my soul mate when the time is right.
Sarah held on to the steering wheel and gazed past the dashboard trying to hold back her tears. She was very good at holding back tears having had a lot of practice at it in her life.
With a deep breath and a smile she gracefully left the safety zone of her car and entered Joe's where she spotted Jake sitting, predictably, at the same table they sat at the first time they came here when he started working at Sunset Hospice. He was so amazing that day... how he worked with that family... Sarah focused on her first task, ordering.
"Hey, Joe. I'll have a small green tea with honey." She tried not to look at Jake. She still needed to build more resolve for this discussion. Watching Joe work was a treat. He really enjoyed his business and made sure all of his customers enjoyed their experience too. Sarah wasn't sure how enjoyable this would be. "Thanks, Joe."
Sarah walked to Jake's table with as much courage as she could muster and sat down across from him. "Hey, Jake. Thanks for t
aking time for me. I have something of a... personal nature I need to talk to you about."
"Oh, okay. Do I need to put on my 'chaplain hat' or my 'colleague hat' for this one?"
Sarah looked at him solemnly for a moment. That's Jake. Always on the job. Willing to be the chaplain and wanting to help other people. "No. You just need to be Jake. And I just need to be Sarah. Is that alright?"
"Sure."
"I have to tell you a short story first that is kind of hard for me to tell and then I have something important to discuss with you, so bear with me."
Jake leaned back in his chair and looked at Sarah with a guarded expression. "I'm listening."
Sarah fought her natural urge to look down when she talked to people who intimidated her. She straightened up in her chair to bring herself as close to eye level as she could to the tall and gorgeous Jake Jennings. "When I first met you, I thought you were the most wonderful, handsome, most sensitive man I had ever met. I still think you are by the way, don't get me wrong... I tried to get you to notice me, that I was... interested in you. As you can tell, I'm kinda shy, especially when it comes to relating to men."
Sarah looked into Jake's eyes for a reaction. Fortunately she saw his usual compassionate gaze, not what she most feared at that moment. "Anyway, I saw what was happening between you and Jennifer and, to be honest, I was feeling hurt and angry. She's so beautiful and confident. I wish I were like that. The two of you hit it off from the start.
"I know now that you two need to be together and I don't need to try to get in the way. What sealed it for me was Sunday morning after Eileen died... when Jennifer was leaving the house. Concho and I saw Jennifer kiss you and drive away. We both saw how you reacted. She's your soul mate, Jake. I hope you know that." Sarah looked down and sipped her tea, relieved that she made it through her speech without falling apart. Being able to say those words was a victory for her. It was a victory that came with the prize of sadness and resignation.
"I don't know what to say, Sarah. I'm flattered that you think so much of me. And you are a beautiful woman. Don't sell yourself short in that respect."
Sarah looked up at Jake briefly and smiled. "Thank you, Jake." His words made her feel strangely wonderful. She didn't get many compliments, especially from handsome men.
"I'm amazed at your courage to tell me what you just did. You are a lot stronger than you know. It takes a lot of character to say that. Wow."
Sarah felt a sudden surge of strength, a strength that was quite out of character for her. "So, Jake. What are you going to do about it? I've seen how upset Jennifer is. You need to get your act together."
"I'm having a tough time with this. I don't know how to deal with it."
"Forgive me if I'm being too personal, Jake, but you don't know how to deal with it or you're afraid to deal with it?" Sarah was on a roll and was strangely comfortable with her new found power.
"Excuse me?" Jake's look of confusion was either from misunderstanding the question or surprise that it came from the meek and mild Sarah Newsome.
"I'm sorry, Jake." Sarah became suddenly nervous and shifted in her chair. "You are always so confident when you are dealing with patients. You seem so unsure of yourself now. I don't get it. What are you afraid of, Jake?"
"That's what I need to figure out, Sarah."
"You need to do it soon. I think Jen is getting antsy. You better go after her, Jake. She won't wait around forever." Sarah had no idea how prophetic those words were.
Jake sat, eyes transfixed on Sarah. You better go after her, Jake. She won't wait around forever... Those words echoed around in his mind. He remembered having these same feelings right after he met Jennifer on his first day at Sunset Hospice. Sharon introduced him to Jen as they were about to go on Jake's orientation ride-out. Jake was so stunned by Jen's beauty, energy and... well, sparkle that he could barely breath much less speak. As Jen bounded out of the office on her way to the car that day, Jake stood dumbfounded. Sharon smiled knowingly, and uttered those prophetic words... You better go after her, Jake. She won't wait around forever...
"You know, Sarah, you're not the first person to tell me that. Maybe I need to start listening for a change. Thank you."
Jake sat for a moment unable to speak. Sarah looked down at her green tea, unable to make eye contact. He rose from the table to leave. Almost as if he forgot his manners, he leaned down and kissed Sarah on the top of her head and hugged her gently. Sarah's only response, at least one visible to Jake, was to pat his arm lightly. Jake left without a word.
Sarah sighed, feeling alone as usual. This was difficult, but at least this time she was the one in control of her destiny and the one doing the right thing. Sitting alone in her solitude she felt a sudden wave of contentment, as if she had accomplished something good, not just for herself but for someone else. It was as if God were telling her "well done my child." Sarah often felt a physical wave of peaceful warmth pass through her body when she experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in her life. This was one of those moments. I wonder if this is what it's like to be in love too?
As she garnered enough strength to get up from the table and leave, she noticed a guy a few tables away having trouble keeping his eyes off of her and on his laptop. Sarah had her "radar" tuned to the dangers of potential predators. This guy seemed nice. Of course, most of them do at first.
As soon as he realized he got "caught" looking he blushed. "Hi."
How cute. He's blushing. "Hello..." That was as far as Sarah could go... at least in that direction. She headed the other way toward the exit and the painfully long and lonely sojourn to her car.
Sarah returned to the place she called home, a quaint, small cottage that was once the servant's quarters behind a large Victorian mansion owned by a prominent Sunset family. She loved the comfort and security of the surroundings. It was old, but well maintained.
She was a master at planning and preparing nutritious meals for one even though there were few organic options at the S Mart in town. Tonight's menu included brown rice and a veggie stir fry with a ginger garlic sauce. Sarah changed in to her most comfortable jeans and a t-shirt and sat on the east side porch in the shade to eat her dinner and read a novel on her Kindle to get her mind off the earlier trauma.
The food and the book weren't as interesting or as distracting as she had hoped.
Finishing what she could of her meal, Sarah watched the birds dancing and singing in the magnolia trees around the yard. She absent-mindedly ran her fingers over the faded scars on her forearm, bringing back a stream of memories she would rather forget, memories of the only serious relationship she ever had...
Chapter 2
Sarah had been in love before. At least it seemed like love at first. Brian Travers was a kind young man, a polite and intelligent soul from a wealthy family, owners of a San Antonio tech firm. They met during Sarah's first year in graduate school at Baylor. Like Jake, he seemed like a bright and shining light that attracted Sarah like a moth to a flame.
They needed each other, completed each other. They spent a lot of time together to the point that it almost interfered with Sarah's intensive studies. Sarah didn't mind at all. Brian gave her a sense of belonging that felt so wonderful and right... until it was all wrong.
As a grad student with a double major in social work and psychology, Sarah should have seen the warning signs herself. It was her friends and her parents that kept telling her that something wasn't right with Brian and their relationship. "Too demanding," they said. "He should treat you better," she heard way too often. Sarah didn't see any of it. She just loved the adoration of her beloved Brian who lavished her with praise and gifts.
It wasn't until a trip home to Lufkin that she came to the realization that something was wrong, really wrong not only with their relationship but with her. Sarah's parents, younger sister Ruth and older brother Gabriel, on leave from Ft. Hood in Killeen, held an old fashioned Texas "come to Jesus meeting," what most people would call an interventi
on.
"Sarah, as your parents we feel responsible for your safety. We know that you are twenty-four and an adult, but we see some things in your relationship with Brian that frighten us, darling. I'm your mother. There are things that don't have to be said for me to know are true. Sarah, Brian is abusing you." Loretta Newsome was worried for some time about her oldest daughter's relationship with the young man she never trusted.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mom. Brian is a wonderful guy. Yeah, he gets pretty passionate and insistent at times, but abusive? No. I'm a social worker. I would know if that were happening."
"Sis, it's obvious that something isn't right. I've heard you crying when you talk to him on the phone when you're home. He's controlling you and not letting you be yourself. I haven't seen you smile or laugh since you met the creep."
"Don't call him names. That's not fair."
"Girls, let's not get into an argument. Listen, Sarah. You don't have a lot of experience with men. I know his type. I'm a guy and your father. He doesn't treat you the way I expect him to. You deserve better."
"Dad, it's okay really."
Jim Newsome couldn't bear to use the "soft approach" as his wife encouraged him to do. He had to just come out with his concerns. "Sarah, if it's that good, why are you wearing long sleeves when it's ninety plus and humid outside?"
"Well ... I ..." Sarah looked at her father then her mother and searched for a good answer. None came to mind. In those few seconds something began to change in Sarah's brain. It was as if the neural pathways that forced her to defend Brian suddenly started to break down. She just couldn't do it any longer. She sat frozen on her bed as her well-structured life began to crumble. Tears formed in her eyes and she had a hard time breathing. After a few moments she finally found the ability to speak. "Dad, Gabe, could you leave the room for a minute?"
Sarah's Prayer: A Sunset Single (Sunset Series 1.1) Page 1