Second Chance Reunion

by Merrillee Whren

  “Bottom line. Donations have slowed to a trickle. We still have most of the churches that support us on a regular basis, but we’re way down on individual donations. Many children’s sponsors, who are usually individuals, have dropped their sponsorships.”

  “Have you done any belt-tightening?”

  Ian nodded. “No salary increases. If someone left, we didn’t replace them. Double duty for a lot of us. We wear multiple hats. Melody is in charge of the women’s ministry and the children’s ministry. I take care of the legal parts of the ministry and oversee the assisted-living facility and nursing center. It seems to me that we’ve cut to the bone, but maybe you can see something we don’t. We definitely need more funds. How do we get those?”

  How many times had she heard that same question when she’d been working with a nonprofit entity? The answer was never easy. Annie stared at the pages in her hands, afraid to look at Ian. “I can’t help you unless I can take this information and study it. You seem intent on making sure I have supervision while I do it.”

  “Annie, I—”

  She looked up. “You don’t have to make excuses.”

  Ian cleared his throat. “I was going to apologize for treating you like you have a sinister agenda.”

  “Do you really mean that?” When Ian hesitated Annie’s heart sank. He couldn’t give her a straight-out yes. “So you don’t.”

  “You’re putting words in my mouth.”

  Annie sighed. “You didn’t have any words of your own, so what am I to think?”

  “I want to believe I can trust you, but a part of me remembers...”

  He remembered the bad stuff she’d done—the way she’d hurt him, the way she’d let him down, the way she’d traded his love for drugs and booze. The same old things continued to create a gulf between them. Maybe Melody was treating her as an equal, but Ian wasn’t. Could he ever put those things behind him? She blinked hard and pressed her lips together as tears threatened. She wasn’t going to let him make her cry.

  Strong. She had to be strong. She closed her eyes for a moment. Faith. This is where she needed faith—faith that God would see her through this. She had to rely on God’s strength, not her own.

  “Annie.”

  Hearing the sorrow in Ian’s voice, she opened her eyes. He’d come around to the front of the desk and sat on the edge very near her chair.

  Her smile wavered, but she looked him right in the eyes. “Yes.”

  “You can have the papers to study. But bring them to the meeting next Monday.”

  “Where and what time?”

  “Adam’s office. Eight o’clock.”

  “Thank you.”

  Ian picked up his cell phone from the desk. “It’s almost noon. Want to go to lunch with me before we meet with Scott?”

  Another shocker. Ian was volunteering to be with her. Was this good or bad? “Sure.”

  “Great. I’m headed over to the assisted-living facility.”

  Annie smiled. “That’ll give me a chance to see Cora.”

  “Absolutely.” Ian escorted Annie to the door.

  While they walked across campus, birds chirped in the trees. A rainbow of tulips surrounded the fountain in the middle of the quad. The smell of newly mowed grass filled the air. Annie took in the sights, sounds and smells with a new appreciation for God’s creation. For too many years her mind had been in a fog. Nothing would take her back to that time. Absolutely nothing.

  Annie glanced over at Ian. He was reading something on his cell phone. She didn’t even mind that he wasn’t paying attention to her. He’d invited her to lunch of his own accord. She would savor this time with him and figure out where he fit into her life later.

  * * *

  While Ian walked beside Annie, he scrolled through the email on his cell phone. The distraction was easier than trying to figure out what to say to her. What had possessed him to invite her to lunch? Maybe the fact that he’d almost made her cry.

  What a bully. What could she do with the papers? Nothing. She’d paid for her sins with the loss of her children. Whatever the circumstances, he had a soft spot for Annie. Always had. That’s how they’d started dating. He saw how much the death of her grandparents had affected her. They’d paid attention to her while her parents left her without any guidance. Then he’d contributed to her drift by joining in her rebellious behavior. He wanted to do whatever he could to make things right for her, but he feared that soft spot might turn into something more than he wanted.

  “I hope you don’t spend the entire lunch glued to your phone.”

  Ian glanced over at Annie. She was grinning, so he guessed he wasn’t in too much trouble. Sometimes she seemed to be the Annie he used to know—the one from the early days of their marriage when they used to have fun together—before the weekend drinking binges became a part of their weekday life. “So you want to talk to me? I thought you were going to spend your time talking with Cora and her friends.”

  “Don’t you want to join in our conversation? It’ll be you and a group of beautiful women. What more could a guy ask for?”

  “Not much.” Ian pocketed his phone as he gazed at Annie. Beautiful. That described her.

  “Thank you.”

  “For putting my phone away?”

  “Yeah. And for trusting me enough to give me the financial reports.”

  “Don’t thank me for those. They’re a nightmare.”

  Annie sighed. “We can tackle this. You said we have a miracle worker on our side. He worked a miracle with me.”

  Ian wanted to believe Annie’s statement. He should have faith that God had truly changed Annie’s life and would continue to work in her life. He opened the door to the assisted-living center. “We have to sign in at the reception desk.”

  “Even you?”

  “Everyone. It’s the policy. The staff wants to account for everyone who’s in the building.”

  “I can understand that where I live in the women’s shelter, but why here?”

  “Safety first everywhere on campus.” Ian signed his name, then handed the pen to Annie. Their fingers brushed, and he nearly dropped the pen. He wasn’t prepared for his reaction to her touch. This couldn’t be good, not mixed with all the other thoughts he’d had this morning. She hadn’t been here very long, and already she’d insinuated herself into his life. Where was he going to find safety for his heart?

  After Annie signed in, she turned to him. “I guess that’s why you have the guard and gates at the entrance.”

  Ian nodded. “Sounds like you’ve talked to some of the women who live in your building?”

  “Yeah.”

  Ian wondered whether the bum who’d fathered Annie’s children had ever abused her. He hoped not, but he couldn’t ask that question. If she wanted him to know, she would volunteer the information. Did she still love the man? The thought curdled Ian’s stomach. Why had he let his mind wander down that road?

  Ian pointed straight ahead. “The dining room is through those double doors. Something on the menu smells good.”

  Annie grinned. “It does.”

  Ian ushered her through the line as they both took the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, along with a helping of green beans. Ian glanced around the room until he spotted Cora and her friends. They occupied half of a round table that seated six people. “Cora, Liz and Ruby are over there.”

  “Looks like they have room at their table.” Annie headed that way.

  “Would you like me to get you a drink?” Ian called after her.

  Annie turned, a smile on her face. “Please. Some sweet tea.”

  “You’ve got it.” Ian headed for the drink station, thinking that he should have remembered Annie liked sweet tea. Of course, he also remembered that she’d liked rum and Coke, more often t
han not. He pushed the thought away, not wanting to think about the bad parts of Annie’s life. He should think on the good things, but the good things got him into trouble. They made him wonder whether... No he wouldn’t go there. Today was the only thing he should consider. He couldn’t speculate about the future where Annie was concerned. He put two iced teas on his tray and made his way to the table where Annie was already engaged in conversation with the three older ladies.

  Ian looked over the group. “May I join you?”

  Cora chuckled. “Of course. Annie told us a handsome man was coming to our table.”

  A pink blush tinged Annie’s cheeks as she looked up at him. “Don’t believe a word she says unless she tells you she’s the one who called you handsome.”

  Trying not to smile, Ian emptied his tray and picked up Annie’s. “I’ll get rid of these. No talking about me while I’m gone.”

  “Your ears will be burning.” Cora laughed.

  As Ian walked away, he was thankful that three elderly ladies would serve as a buffer between him and his runaway thoughts about Annie. When he returned, Annie, who was sitting next to Cora, stared up at him. “I waited to eat until you got back, so you could say a blessing for the food.”

  “Sure.” Ian sat on the chair next to Annie and bowed his head. He needed to pray for more than the food. He needed wisdom for this whole situation, but he certainly wasn’t going to voice that prayer aloud.

  During their lunch, Ian mostly listened while the ladies talked. The older ladies told Annie about their grandchildren, and she talked about Kara and Spencer. He hoped one day she could be with her children again.

  Cora looked his way. “Ian, you’re quiet today. What’s on your mind?”

  Annie, but he wasn’t going to say so. “Too many things to list. We’ve got a lot going on here.”

  “Are you helping this young lady reunite with her children?” Liz gave him a pointed look.

  Annie nodded. “He is. I just want to get the process started.”

  Ian grabbed his phone from his pocket and looked at the time. “And you’re going to do that in a few minutes. We need to head back to my office.”

  “I’m ready.” Annie hopped up from her chair.

  “You two run along. Ruby, Liz and I will take care of your plates.” Cora shooed them away with a wave of her hand. “We’ll be praying for you, too.”

  “Thanks.” Annie went around the table and gave each of the ladies a hug. “One can never have enough prayers. Bye.”

  As they walked out of the dining room, Ian knew it was good for Annie to make friends. She needed all the support she could get. But after spending his lunch with her, he would be glad to hand her off to Scott Bartlett. For his own peace of mind, they couldn’t part company soon enough.

  “Do you attend your dad’s church?” Annie’s question came out of the blue.

  Ian wondered what had prompted her inquiry. “No.”

  “Where do you go?”

  Why was she concerned about where he went to church? “I attend here on campus.”

  “I didn’t see you on Sunday.”

  “So you were looking for me?” Was she looking for him because she wanted to see him or avoid him?

  “I was just curious.” Annie gave him a sideways glance. “You know, I’m a different person. Faith in Jesus has completely changed my life. I want you to know that.”

  Ian puzzled over Annie’s declaration about church and her faith. Was she trying to reassure him ahead of this meeting that she was ready and deserving of having her children back? He wished he could let go of his doubts, but they hung there in his mind like rotted curtains at a window. They reminded him of the dismal state she’d come from and her numerous relapses. “I have to be honest, Annie. I’m still skeptical. I don’t doubt you have good intentions. I just need to see you carry them out.”

  Her eyes blinked rapidly as her lips quivered. She didn’t say anything until they reached the fountain. She stopped in front of it. Water spilled from level to level, sparkling in the sunlight. “I know I have a lot to prove. Do I have time to stop at my apartment before the meeting?”

  Ian checked the time on his phone. “Yeah, but don’t be late.”

  “I won’t be.” Annie sprinted across the quad as if something were chasing her.

  Glued to the spot, Ian watched her until she disappeared inside her building. He’d done it again—almost made her cry. Why had he been so blunt with her? Being honest with her made both of them unhappy, but he couldn’t sugarcoat what he thought. She would either prove herself or not. He should be more supportive, but he knew the pitfalls of recovery. None of it was easy. He’d been through it himself.

  Should he be more sympathetic? No. Annie didn’t need sympathy. She needed support that was straightforward. He would give her that and nothing more.

  * * *

  Annie couldn’t reach her apartment fast enough. She sniffled as she ran across the expansive lawn. Tears blurred her vision as she struggled to punch in the code to gain entrance to the building. She fumbled with the key to open her door. Once inside she flung herself onto the sofa and laid her head back. She had to pull herself together before the meeting with this lawyer. She wanted to be strong, but Ian’s doubts hurt her deep down inside. Her heart ached, but she couldn’t wallow in self-pity.

  Sitting up, she took a deep breath. She wanted Ian’s approval, but she couldn’t dwell on something she might never attain. Not because she couldn’t stay clean, but because he couldn’t see beyond the woman he used to know.

  Annie’s disposable cell phone buzzed as it sat on the coffee table. She recognized the number on the display as belonging to the company where she’d had her interview. She pressed the key to answer the call, her heart racing. “Hello, this is Annie Payton.”

  “Annie, this is Myra, Mr. Reed’s assistant. He wanted me to let you know that they have decided to hire someone else for the position.”

  Annie’s heart sank. She’d been so hopeful. The interview had seemed to go so well. How had she been so wrong? They certainly hadn’t wasted any time making a decision. She had to remember that the person they hired probably didn’t have an addiction problem in their past. “Oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know.”

  Annie sank back on the sofa and covered her face with her hands. How was she ever going to get Kara and Spencer back if she couldn’t find a job? What would Melody say? What would Ian say? Annie didn’t want to cry again, but this news, on top of Ian’s negativity, made the tears come, anyway. Sniffling some more, she wiped at her eyes, then pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle the sob that rose from deep in her chest. She couldn’t sit here and cry. She had to get to that meeting.

  Grabbing a tissue, she wiped the tears from her face. She stuck the phone in her purse and headed out of her apartment. Would Ian notice that she’d been crying? She hoped not. She didn’t want him to know that she hadn’t gotten the job. Locking the door, she let out a heavy sigh. He would eventually find out, but for now he didn’t need to know.

  When Annie reached the administration building, she went in the side door closest to Ian’s office. She wanted to avoid Lovie because the woman seemed to read people like a book. She would know that all wasn’t right. Annie knocked on Ian’s door. He opened it immediately, as if he’d been standing right beside it.

  “Good, you made it here before Scott arrived. I certainly didn’t want you to be late.” Ian strode to his desk and busied himself with some paperwork, almost ignoring her presence.

  Fuming inside, Annie didn’t say anything as she quickly occupied one of the chairs in front of the desk. His statement still ringing in her mind, she tamped down her irritation. He must still think she was irresponsible. She would show him. He’d be sorry he ever doubted her. She took a calming breath. She was jumping to all sorts of conclusions and assig
ning her own interpretation to his words. She couldn’t read his mind.

  Annie closed her eyes and took another calming breath. Lord, help me through this meeting and help me not to clash with Ian. Just as she opened her eyes, a knock sounded on the door. Ian hurried to open it.

  He shook hands with a tall, husky man. The man’s dark brown hair reminded Annie of the hairstyle her father had worn the last time she’d seen him. In fact, other than being tall, the man resembled her father a great deal. How was that going to work out? She didn’t want to be reminded of her father every time she met with her lawyer. Could anything else go wrong today?

  Ian introduced them, and Annie labored to produce a smile. His beefy hand closed around Annie’s as they shook hands. His brown eyes twinkled. A smile lit up his face, and relief filled her mind, putting her at ease. Her confidence rose as she returned to her seat. Today was going to be okay, after all.

  Scott glanced around the room. “Where would you like us to work?”

  Ian motioned toward his desk. “You can work here, and I’ll take my work to the library.”

  Scott’s brow wrinkled. “No need for you to leave. In fact, I’d like for you to sit in on our conversation. I may ask for your input.”

  “Sure.” Ian resumed his seat behind his desk. “Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

  Annie forced herself not to frown as she returned to the chair she’d occupied before Scott had arrived. So maybe today wasn’t going to be okay. Why did Ian have to be here if he wasn’t going to represent her, especially if he really didn’t want to be here? She took another deep breath. If she had to keep calming herself, she might hyperventilate. That would only add to the disaster this day had become.

  Scott settled his large frame into the chair opposite Annie. “Ian has filled me in on some of your background, but I want to ask some questions to clarify the things I already know.”

  “Sure.” Annie tried to put her nerves aside by reminding herself that Scott was here to help her.

  Scott smiled and asked the first question, which he followed with several more. He scribbled notes as she answered. She wondered what he was writing. What was important to her case? Did she dare ask? No. She didn’t want to say the wrong thing or ask a stupid question, especially with Ian listening to the conversation, although he didn’t appear to be very interested. Maybe because he knew everything she was going to say. He knew her case. He knew her. And he knew she’d messed up too many times.