Express Duet

by Jody Day

  How could she look so positively radiant after being up most of the night listening to me? “Anything I can do to help?”

  “No, it’s all done. See? It’s set up buffet style. You can help clean up after if you want.”

  Pastor Weatherby walked in, his long, thin arms open wide and his grin warm and dimpled. The crowd rushed him like a rock star.

  I’d heard his height defined him, but he must have at least an inch and a half over Dr. Harkin, and his black cowboy hat shot him up another three or so. He embraced each friend with joy and purposeful eye contact. He stooped to Ben and Ally’s level patting them on the head. Ally reached up her little arms to him. He picked her up.

  “Well, who’s this little dumpling?” He laughed when she put her arms around his neck.

  “Ally Cummings, and this is her big brother, Ben,” I said.

  Joel and Cindi stood and joined them. Joel stuck out his hand. “Joel Cummings, and this is my wife, Cindi.”

  “So these are your little munchkins. Nice ta meet ya.” He set Ally down on the floor and turned to me.

  “You must be Bailey Brown. Even in threes, Paul described you to a T. How’d Scott manage to hook you on his line?” He gave me a hug.

  Awkward. What made me think he’d already know about the breakup? Maybe he did and had faith it would work out. He didn’t seem to notice my lack of response.

  “I’m glad I finally got to meet you. Everyone around here loves you and considers you their pastor,” I said.

  “They’re all deep in my heart too. Wish I could be here more often. Man, that food smells good.” He spoke to me, but his eyes wandered over my head.

  I turned to see Scott approaching. I walked the other way.

  Lively conversation milled among the group gathered to celebrate. I recognized some of the regular patrons and truck drivers.

  Toppy tapped a spoon against his glass. “Thank you all for coming. I’d like us to have a couple moments of silent prayers of thanks. Then I’ll ask the blessing.”

  I could never list all my many blessings. How could I have been so crass in my thoughts just a few moments ago? Just because things weren’t working out with Scott didn’t mean God had forgotten me. It would be nice to understand why He brought me here, though.

  Toppy began his blessing.

  I focused on his words of gratitude. His voice in prayer calmed me and eased my mind. As he enumerated the many ways that the Father sustains and cares for His children, I realized anew His love for me. How could I forget that God didn’t fret in heaven wringing His hands wondering what to do about Bailey? I pledged anew to trust Him. I wanted to look at Scott, but I’d not look up. The sight of him might weaken my resolve. I’d turned over the remaining bookings at the inn to Liz and Tracy. If Scott wanted me to leave so badly, he’d get his wish. I planned to leave after dinner.

  “And Father,” Toppy continued, “thank you for all the love in our lives.” His voice choked at this point. I looked up at him. He looked at Mom. Mom looked up at Toppy with tears in her eyes. Love birds. At least they would be happy.

  Yes, yes, yes. That’s perfect. I closed my eyes so they wouldn’t see me notice their special moment. If they were waiting for their kids to get their act together, they’d wait a long time. They should go ahead and go public with their relationship.

  “Now, before we chow down, I have an announcement to make,” he motioned Mom up beside him.

  I guessed they’d reveal their secret romance.

  He put his arm around her and opened his mouth to speak. He cleared his throat and looked down. “Just wanted you all to know that I married this woman yesterday.” His voice choked off the last word.

  Tears flowed freely from Mom’s eyes as she made eye contact with me.

  A collective gasp waved across the room.

  I was glued to my seat. Married? That made perfect sense. How absolutely wonderful. I flew to my mother’s arms as applause erupted throughout the room.

  “Mom, how wonderful!” Tears flowed as joy swelled. I hugged Toppy as well. A stray thought in the back of my head tried to surface. No, I would not think about how uncomfortable it might be for Mom to be married to Scott’s uncle. We’d be connected now, no matter what. Wait. Yesterday?

  “Oh, no, Mom. Your wedding night. I robbed you of your wedding night. I’m so sorry.” I embraced her. Over Mom’s shoulder, I could see Scott shaking Toppy’s arm off.

  “Don’t give it a second thought, sweetie. How could I have enjoyed it with you in such a state? Can you forgive me for leaving you out of everything? You have been struggling so, and it just overtook us.”

  “Mom, I wouldn’t stand in the way of your happiness for anything. You’ve got a fine man there. It may have happened fast, but I know you two. God ordained it from the beginning, or you’d never have taken the plunge. I’m so happy for you.” I squeezed her with all my might.

  Our friends nudged us apart as they approached to congratulate the newlyweds.

  Scott retreated to the back of the crowd.

  I followed him.

  “Did you know?” I whispered, risking being told to get out of town, again.

  “I knew they were dating, that’s all. Man, he didn’t waste any time.” He shook his head and smiled.

  His grin tugged at my heart. What would it take to get his old self back?

  “No time to waste, not for them or for any of us.” I looked into his eyes. Please, Scott.

  “Exactly. We don’t know what the future holds.” He took a step away from me, and his smile faded.

  “Well said. My Gran always added, “‘But we know Who holds the future.’”

  He took another step away. He rubbed his jaw. Did he hint for an apology about that slap? “So, what does their marriage make us? Step something or another?”

  “Still a step away. Always will be, I guess. By the way, I’m not sorry I slapped you. You deserved it. You should know you will get your wish. As soon as the Cummings’ leave and I’ve cleaned up the inn, I’m moving back to town. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  20

  I couldn’t eat much. I sat quietly, pretending to enjoy my food while people buzzed around in camaraderie. I willed myself not to look at Scott. He picked at his food as well. Maybe his jaw hurt. I hoped it did.

  A collective, although hushed, gasp ran through the room as Phoebe Waverly walked in. She made quite the entrance. High-heeled, manicured, fancy-schmancy, former Miss Texas struck a pose, as though waiting for her close-up.

  I hadn’t seen her since the day I’d returned her purse to Mr. Ballard’s office. I shook myself into lucid action. “Phoebe, Happy Thanksgiving, won’t you join us?” I went to give her a hug to pull her out of the limelight.

  “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose on your little gathering. I just find I’m far from home without a friend in the world today.” She reached into her purse for a tissue.

  “Sure, there’s plenty. How’s it going with Mr. Ballard?”

  “Not so great. He actually expected me to type on some forms or something. My strengths have to do with people. I put a beautiful front to that office of his, and it just wasn’t enough.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder as one martyred, but her eyes watered, full of anxiety.

  Once again, I saw Phoebe without the imaginary crown on her head. The girl actually looked as if she’d been through the fire.

  “Here, sit next to me. Everyone, you might remember Phoebe.” Lame, of course they remember her, but what else could I say?

  The lines between Phoebe’s eyes relaxed. Her chest heaved, and the relieved wisp of air that escaped touched my heart.

  “Well, all right then, as they say across the pond, tuck in!” Toppy stood and led Phoebe to the buffet. The tinkling of silverware and pleasant drone of conversation resumed in the room.

  Phoebe filled her plate and sat beside me. I marveled at the amount of food the woman could put away. How did she keep that waif of a figure?

  “I’m
rather on a mission as well, Bailey,” Phoebe whispered.

  “Oh? What’s up?” Had she planned to hit Scott up for a job at the diner again?

  “I’ve received a letter from Darryl.” The girl may be slightly downcast, but she could still make an impression. Was it the one I saw in her purse that day?

  “I see.” I stuffed a forkful of cornbread dressing in my mouth, which soured as it hit my stomach.

  “He asked me to give you a message, actually, everyone. I drove here today to do just that. I should have known you’d all be together.” She reached in her purse.

  “Not now, please. Maybe later.” Whatever the message, it could wait. There was no use spoiling dinner.

  Phoebe nodded. “Pass the salt and pepper, please.” How could anyone make such a common request with such Texas aplomb?

  Scott just stared.

  Could Phoebe’s presence have reminded him of what had taken place over the last few months? It had certainly brought it front and center to my mind. I glanced his way.

  He caught my eye briefly and looked away.

  Mom stood and held out her hand to me. “Before everyone stumbles toward their Thanksgiving nap, Bailey and I have a few surprises and announcements to make.”

  I joined her. “First, we’ve decided what we will do with the Pinewood Manor property. We can thank the Cummings family for helping us with that,” I began.

  “We haven’t done anything except enjoy a beautiful stay at Shelley’s Heart,” Joel grinned, but his eyes squinted questions.

  “Our lovely conversations reminded me of how much Gran loved to support missions. I remembered how she often invited missionaries that were home on furlough to stay at Pinewood Manor. So, we decided to build a Missions retreat for servants on furlough, at no cost to them. It will be called The Helen Barkley Missionary Retreat. We’ll need all your prayers and input. We feel this is what God wants us to do with the insurance settlement, and we couldn’t be happier.” Saying it out loud in the presence of our loved ones solidified the decision. Excitement crept into my heart.

  “Wonderful! Amazing! Praise the Lord!” went round the room. Hugs, clapping, and well-wishing around the Thanksgiving table brought a smile to Scott’s face.

  He approached me. “I’m so happy for you. I think it’s a wonderful idea. Any way I can help, let me know.” He spoke amiably but did not look directly in my eyes.

  “Thank you, Scott.” More words lingered in my heart to say, but if he still couldn’t look at me, what would be the point?

  “OK, everyone, sit down, there’s more.” Mom’s face flushed as she motioned for everyone to sit down. “Another idea came to us, way before the mission retreat. We’ve set up a scholarship at the college in my mother’s name. The Helen Barkley Scholarship for Missions.” Her smile couldn’t possibly have gotten any bigger.

  Toppy beamed at his wife.

  Time for the special announcement. I retrieved an envelope from behind the counter and then rejoined Mom. “The first recipient of the scholarship has been decided.” I pulled a certificate from the envelope. “The Helen Barkley Scholarship for Missions is proudly presented to...Tracy Salas!”

  Cheers and applause filled the room.

  Tracy was the only one not standing to her feet. Her eyes popped open and began to tear as her mouth dropped.

  Liz squeezed the stuffing out of her and tears flowed freely from her eyes.

  “I...I don’t believe it! It’s a dream come true. I don’t know how to thank you.” Tracy finally stood on wobbly legs to give Mom and me a hug.

  Everyone’s eyes were brimming.

  Scott approached Tracy and gave her a hug. Before he released her he said, “You’ve been a faithful friend and helper around here nearly all your life. You’ve been like a little sister to me. You deserve it, and I’m tickled pink for you.”

  He released Tracy and then hugged Liz.

  I’d forgotten how excited he’d been to know that this decision had been made.

  He looked at me and nodded.

  “Well, now it’s time for dessert.” Toppy stood and Mom joined him.

  The camaraderie with friends and family relieved my hurt for a few moments. The joy on Tracy’s face would stay with me for a long time.

  Toppy and Mom served everyone their choice of pies, cakes, and various desserts. Did Scott decline because of his diet? Or a lack of appetite? He still didn’t look happy. Why would he? He’d given up on our relationship. How could I convince him that his fear paralyzed him? Praying and staying put was my only plan. I tried not to feel impatient. What did it matter? I planned to leave today.

  “I almost forgot, Tracy. We have an idea that the scholarship recipient might have lodging in the retreat, in exchange for a little housekeeping. What do you think of that? The property is within walking distance of the college.”

  “I think that’s amazing. I’d get to talk to all the missionaries. This just keeps getting better and better.” Tracy stared into space and fiddled her fork in her pumpkin pie.

  “I have something I’d like to say, like to read, that is.” Phoebe walked to the head of the table.

  How could I stop her? This could ruin everything, end the day on a sour note.

  “I don’t know, Phoebe, maybe we should talk privately first?” I asked.

  “Well, it’s for all of you, I think. I’ll just go ahead. It’s a letter from Darryl Graham.” She took the letter from her purse.

  Scott’s face went white. He leaned forward as if he might stand and leave. He caught my eye.

  I just shrugged.

  Phoebe smoothed her hair and cleared her throat. Was she enjoying this?

  “Dear Phoebe. Thank you for your letter. I’d never expected to hear from anyone. I’ve hurt so many people, and to have a note from you absolutely blew me away. It was answered prayer, actually.

  “Bailey came to see me in the hospital before I was arrested. She actually forgave me for everything. I didn’t believe it, but something has happened that made me understand how she could do it.

  “She told me that day that Christ still had a plan for my life, even in the midst of all the horrible things I’d done. She warned that I’d still probably suffer the consequences of my actions, but that Jesus loves me. I’d heard that tale about how He died to pay for my sins, and that if I’d repent and trust Him, He’d save me. When Bailey told me that, it was more than a story. I couldn’t grasp it then. One night I felt so lonely here that I thought about what she said. I prayed for the first time. It’s true. He came into my heart, my spirit, and changed me. He’s making all this bearable. Even so, I can never make up for what I’ve done.

  “I used Bailey, feigned affection for her so that I could get my hands on Pinewood Manor. Then I hurt her terribly. On top of that I accidentally burned down her home, her inheritance. I want her to know how terribly sorry I am. I will find a way to make it up to her someday. Can you tell her that for me? Tell her I know the Lord now, and that I’m eternally grateful for her forgiveness, and for her holding out some hope for me.

  “Phoebe, I used you as well. Please forgive me. I know I don’t deserve it. I’m glad now that you spoke up for Bailey in her lawyer’s office that day. There’s more to you than that pageant title. I see that now. I am so sorry.

  “I know that my actions hurt many people. Is there some way you can tell them all for me? They don’t want to hear from me, I’m sure, but if you ever get a chance, please try to relay that message. It’s horrible of me to ask you after all I’ve done, but your letter to me gives me hope of at least one friend.

  “At least Bailey has Scott now. I hope he knows how incredibly blessed he is to have her. As deceitful as I behaved that day they came to the Open House at the Manor, I knew they were meant to be together as soon as I saw them. You know he nearly punched me? I knew then there was something special between them. Wish them well for me.

  “If I haven’t asked too much, and you find you don’t mind writing me again, i
t would mean the world to me. I have plenty of time to read the Bible now, but a word from a kind heart would be such a blessing.

  “Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a Merry Christmas.

  Darryl Graham.”

  Silence, except for Phoebe’s sniffling.

  I tried to take it in.

  Darryl had accepted Christ?

  Instinctively, I turned toward Scott. His head hung low.

  He stood up and looked at me, eyes red. Then he rushed up the stairs to his apartment.

  21

  I pushed my back against my apartment door. I shouldn’t have run up the stairs, but if I’d stayed down there, my head would have exploded. Please, God, don’t let anyone come up here now. I’ve got to sort this out. It was wonderful to have people who love me, but I needed to be alone. Too many impressions wheeled and tumbled for attention in my brain. I fell to my knees beside the bed and buried my head in the pillow.

  Uncle Toppy married to Bailey’s mom? After only a few weeks? Faith or foolishness, I didn’t know which. Yet, he’d done it. Had I ever seen Toppy stand so tall, smile so big?

  Bailey’s mom must have been pretty sure to take that plunge. Especially after the way Kevin Brown treated her. The finest of men, my uncle, I’d known him all my life. But how could Gwen know that after such a short amount of time?

  Darryl Graham had a prison conversion? Could that even be real? It certainly sounded sincere. That kind of faith was easy, or was it?

  For crying out loud, Phoebe Waverly. Was it faith or loneliness that gave her the courage to walk in where she might likely be rejected?

  Bailey. As heartbreaking as it was that I couldn’t be with her, I had to admire how far she’d come. She stood so strong in her faith that I’d come around, yet she told me she’d be leaving today. Of course she should leave me.

  I crawled up into my bed and covered up. Thoughts of my mother’s faith settled on me. Then Dad’s, in his hurt and physical challenges, insisting on getting up and getting dressed every day. Forging life ahead with his difficulty took great faith.

  So where’s mine? This question wracked my soul until I finally fell asleep.