Plan

by Lyle, Linda;

  “What’s wrong? You look pale.” Her stomach answered for her. She put a hand over it in embarrassment. “So that’s it.” His smile didn’t hide the concern or the questions in his eyes, but he kept the latter to himself. “When’s the last time you ate?”

  “I guess breakfast.”

  “Well, then, I think you’re overdue. I was just about to stop and eat myself. How about some takeout from that little Italian place? They deliver.”

  “I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

  He waved his hand as if to silence her. “It’s no trouble. I need to eat too, and I would rather have company. Besides, I still need your expert advice.”

  “What about?”

  “You’ll see after dinner,” he said. His face turned into a grim smile that caught at her heart. He walked back the way they had come. “Let me call in our order.” Then he was gone.

  Rachel looked around at what was probably the living room or parlor. All the furniture was covered in the same burgundy velvet-like material. The wallpaper was a rose design in the same color with hints of blue and emerald. The rest of the room was oddly vacant. There were no drapes or rugs or pictures on the wall. It seemed so empty and hollow. Any further analysis was cut short by Randy’s return.

  “Dinner will be here in about twenty minutes. Why don’t I get you something to drink and a snack until then?”

  “Let’s just wait on dinner. Why don’t you give me a tour instead?”

  “Sure.”

  She followed him from room to room downstairs. All the rooms were done as far as painting and wallpapering, but they all shared the emptiness of the parlor. “Why aren’t there any pictures or rugs?” she finally asked.

  “I’ve spent most of the last few months just getting the house in shape. I haven’t had time to decorate.” A shadow came over his face as he talked. “Besides, getting the remodeling done is more important now than decorating.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “You’re full of ‘why’s’ tonight, aren’t you?” She waited for him to answer. He ran his fingers through his hair. “If I take that position in Dothan, I’ll need to have it looking good so I can sell it.”

  “Sell it?” Rachel protested. “How could you sell such a beautiful house? Especially since you put so much work into it.”

  “Well, it’s too far to drive, and I can’t afford to have two places. Selling is my only option.”

  “You could stay. Give me one good reason why you should leave.” Before he had time to reply, the doorbell rang.

  “Dinner’s here.” She watched him turn the corner.

  “Saved by the bell,” she whispered to herself.

  ❧

  Randy watched her finish off the lasagna by wiping up the last of the sauce with a bite of garlic bread. She was really something. He was going to miss her smile and the way she enjoyed every bite. He wanted to drink in every detail of her face, from those blue eyes to those long legs. He didn’t question her about why she’d been crying. Probably just a spat with what’s-his-name. Rachel didn’t need to worry—the guy was sure to come slithering back tomorrow. He wasn’t going to waste precious time with Rachel thinking about that jerk. She pointed at his chest with her fork.

  “Now, what was this expert advice you needed?”

  “Follow me, and I’ll show you.” He started up the stairs, but realized halfway up that she wasn’t with him. “Something wrong?” His brow furrowed in concern.

  “You’re not going to show me your etchings, are you?”

  He laughed aloud and then put on his most serious face. “No. I want to show you my paint samples.” He almost laughed at her dubious expression until he noticed she wasn’t laughing. “Hey! I’m serious. I really want you to look at my paint samples. If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll bring them downstairs to the kitchen.”

  He watched her weigh the decision. With a guarded look she met him midway. “Show me your samples.” It was almost a dare. He had never seen her act this way before.

  “Right this way.” He opened the master bedroom door with a flourish and waited for her to enter first. The guarded look turned to amusement. He pointed to a stack of paint samples on a rickety card table near the window. “I’ve been trying to pick the color of paint or wallpaper to use in here. That’s why I was out walking this morning, trying to get a fresh perspective.”

  She bent over the samples and fingered a few. She stopped at a deep blue. “This is a beautiful color, but I wouldn’t want it on the walls. It would be good for drapes, though.” She flipped through the wallpaper samples and pointed to a small floral pastel print with a hint of the deeper blue in the design. “You could do the walls in this and the drapes and accessories in this.” She pointed back to the blue that matched her eyes. He nodded in agreement.

  “What about the bathroom?”

  As she walked over, he noticed the amusement had turned into interest. She looked over the antique tub with the claw feet and the marble-looking sink with its brass fittings. He’d replaced the original ones with non-tarnishing fixtures. The floor was dark blue and white ceramic tile.

  “I love this bathtub. And look, the color of the tiles is the same as the sample. It already blends with the bedroom samples.”

  He smiled at her excitement. He knew exactly how she felt. It was like bringing life to the house, one step at a time. “Now, see. You did in five minutes what I’ve been trying to do for two days. I just couldn’t make up my mind.”

  “I’m glad to help.” Her smile was warm, and the temptation to touch her hair was back. But she wasn’t his. He’d just have to face it, but he couldn’t do it with her looking at him like that. For a few precious moments he had dreamed that they were planning this as a team. This was exactly why he needed to move on. If that were true, a little voice said, why haven’t you put the house on the market?

  “Here, it’s getting late. Let me give you a ride home.”

  fifteen

  On the ride home, Randy was very quiet. Rachel tried to think of something to say, but the silence was so heavy that she wasn’t sure she could lift it even if she could think of something to talk about. They passed by the Center and she remembered their discussion from that morning.

  “I called my students, like you suggested,” she said.

  “What did they say?” He glanced over at her and then back to the road.

  “They all seemed to have found other activities or classes. It looks like I’m the only one who’s missing the classes.” She turned for a last look as the building faded into the night. “I don’t know what to do now.”

  “Are you more upset about the building or losing your class?” he asked, giving her a sidelong glance.

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  “What is more important to you, the building or helping people?” She looked at his profile, but couldn’t discern the expression on his face. All she could see was the outline. She played with her seat belt.

  “I don’t know. It’s a beautiful old building and I hate to see it go to waste. I also hate to see such good programs fall by the wayside.” She was hedging the question.

  “You still haven’t answered my question,” he said. The car pulled to a stop in front of her apartment. He turned in the seat and looked her full in the face, as if he were trying to see her soul. “What is bothering you the most?”

  She looked down at her hands. She was afraid of giving something away. “Your leaving.” It was out before she had a chance to think. Without another word she jumped out of the car and ran to her apartment door, not stopping until the door was firmly closed and locked behind her. She waited for his step on the walk, but there was nothing but silence. She held her breath for several minutes, releasing it in a sigh at the sound of his car pulling away.

  How could she be so stupid? What made her say such a thing? Because it’s the truth, a little voice replied. It’s the truth and you know it. You’ve really fallen for this guy. The realization
took her breath away. All this time she had put all her energy into Kyle, only to find out he was a jerk and a hypocrite. But Randy had been right there, waiting. He’s such a gentleman, a gentle man. An even more shocking jolt was the realization that she had never even asked him about his relationship with Christ. She had assumed he was not a Christian because he was a professor, and most of the professors were not. Still, she hadn’t once tried to witness to him. Then she remembered how he had said prayer was their only hope. Maybe he was a Christian. Still, it bothered her that she hadn’t even asked.

  Rachel picked up the pillow from the floor and curled up on the couch. How could she be so stupid? Randy had never once tried to take advantage of her like her so-called Christian friends. Susan was right. He was terrific. Now, what was she going to do? With a groan, she fell over onto the couch.

  She must have been more tired than she felt because she awoke to the sun peeking through the windows. “It’s Sunday!” she said out loud. She jumped up off the couch and checked the clock. She still had plenty of time to get ready for church. Church! Kyle! He was the last person she wanted to see, but there was no way around it. She had to face him. She wasn’t going to spend the rest of her life running from him, or let him run her out of church.

  A couple of hours later she stood, chin up and back straight at the church entrance. She jumped when a voice said, “You look like you’re headed into battle, instead of church.”

  “Oh, Susan. It’s only you.” Rachel breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Gee, thanks. I’m happy to see you too. Speaking of which, where have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

  “I’m sorry, Susan. It’s been really weird, but I can’t explain now. Let’s go to lunch after church and I’ll tell you all about it. Well, that is, if you have a couple of free days.”

  “I think I can clear my calendar,” Susan replied. Rachel could tell her curiosity was up now. “Let’s go in. It’s cold out here.” Susan opened the door and propelled her inside, almost into Kyle’s arms. Rachel was speechless.

  “Hey, Kyle!” Susan said.

  “Hi, Susan.” Kyle refused to look up. “Rachel, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “I’ll meet you guys inside,” Susan said. She looked them both over as she made her way down the hall and into the classroom.

  “Yes, Kyle.” Rachel stood firm, both feet planted, ready for whatever he had to say.

  “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding the other night. It won’t happen again.” He shifted his weight.

  “You’re right about that.”

  Kyle’s head jerked up. “I said I was sorry. Look, can’t we try this again? You know, from the beginning.” He was almost begging. Rachel was suddenly cold all over. This wasn’t the Kyle she had adored from afar. She didn’t know who this guy was. Right now all she felt was pity.

  “It’s over, Kyle. I really don’t think it ever began,” Rachel said. She turned toward the classroom. “Class is about to start. I’ll see you around.”

  She didn’t dare look back. The last thing she needed right now was to feel sorry for him. She might fall back into that old routine of puppy love. On second thought, no, she couldn’t fall for that again. She’d finally met someone who was real and whose character outshone the imaginary one she had made for Kyle. This was definitely over. Oddly, all she felt was relief. With a lighter heart, she joined Susan in class. Kyle disappeared.

  Over lunch, Rachel told Susan all about the last few weeks, except the phone call from her mother. Susan’s mouth dropped open as she slapped Rachel’s arm in excitement.

  “I can’t believe you didn’t call and tell me about this!” Susan exclaimed.

  “Careful. You’re going to leave bruises,” Rachel replied, pushing the offending hand away. “It all happened so fast, and you were busy looking for another job. Speaking of which, have you found something?”

  “Quit changing the subject. Yes I have, but I want to hear more about you and Randy.”

  “You’ve heard about all there is to tell. He’s leaving.” Rachel played with the food on her plate.

  “He said he might leave if he took the job. It hasn’t even been offered yet. Besides, I don’t think he really wants to go, especially after what you told me about the house.”

  “Well then, why is he talking about leaving?” Rachel sputtered in exasperation.

  “Beats me, but I think you ought to find out.”

  “Like I’m going to walk up and ask him.”

  “Why not?” Susan asked. “You’ll never know until you do.”

  Rachel shook her head and took another sip of her tea. “Tell me about your job prospects.” Susan gave her an “I know what you’re doing and it doesn’t fool me” look and then plunged into the details about a possible job at a local school.

  Rachel tried to show interest, but her mind was stuck on Randy. Why did he want to leave? It was obvious that he had ties here. What would make a man give up his house and job to go to another town? Rachel puzzled over it, but she couldn’t come up with a good answer. A little hope started to burn in her heart. Maybe he was just lonely in that big old house. Maybe she could give him a reason to stay.

  sixteen

  Monday morning Rachel’s thoughts returned to Randy’s question again and again, like a stuck record going around and around, but getting nowhere. What did she really want? Staring at another stack of essays to read, she sighed and plopped her head onto her arms. She really missed the interaction with her students from the community center. The way they tried so hard to learn to speak English. Most of her students at the university acted as if English were a foreign language, and from the look of their papers it might as well be one. What was with her lately, anyway? As the semester went by, she could dream of nothing but summer. Maybe she had spring fever. Maybe she just needed a break from Freshman Composition. With another sigh, she picked up her red pen and marked their papers until they looked like bloodstains.

  “Excuse me. Are you Ms. Grant?”

  Rachel looked up to see an elderly lady standing in the doorway. Though she must have been near seventy, she stood ramrod straight and wore an elegant suit. Rachel realized she was staring, so she stood up and crossed the room.

  “Yes, I’m Rachel Grant. What can I do for you?”

  “Are you the young woman who has been teaching at the community center?” The woman looked her up and down, as if trying to find a flaw.

  “Yes, I am.” Rachel waited for her to continue, but the woman just stared at her. Rachel cleared her throat.

  “You look a little young to be teaching at a university,” the woman replied.

  “I assure you I have adequate credentials.” Rachel refused to tell the woman her age. She was somewhere between being pleased that she looked young, and angry at the woman’s snooty attitude. “Now, what can I do for you Ms…” Rachel trailed off, waiting for her to give her name.

  “I’m Ms. Stanford.” She emphasized the Ms. “Ms. Emily Stanford. I work with the local historical society. I heard that you were trying to get the community center designated a historical landmark. Is that true?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I am.” Rachel’s heart began to race. Maybe there was still a way to save the Center, but she could tell there would be no rushing Ms. Stanford. “Is the society rethinking the proposal?”

  “No. The society’s decision is final. There is no funding available at present.” Rachel’s heart plummeted. “However,” Mrs. Stanford said and then paused, one finger pointing at Rachel. “However, I might be interested in the project myself.” Before Rachel could say a word she rushed on, “Now, mind you, I’m not one for rushing into things. I want to know exactly why you want to renovate the Center and what you are going to do with it.”

  “I really didn’t have any plans, Ms. Stanford.” Rachel found herself stumbling over words and trying to think of something that would satisfy this woman. “I was only a teacher there. I just think it’s a great building architectural
ly, and it was a place for the community, a place for the kids to play and to learn.” Rachel shrugged her shoulders for lack of words. “I don’t know what else to tell you.”

  “You’ve told me enough for now, but I want a complete proposal of what you intend to do with the Center in my hands no later than tomorrow night. I expect you and Dr. Harris to give me a full report at dinner. Here’s my card. We eat at six-thirty sharp. Don’t be late.” With a nod, she exited the room at a marching step.

  Rachel stood in stunned silence. Tomorrow night! How in the world was she going to have a proposal ready for tomorrow night! She knew less than nothing about proposals, much less what she would plan for the Center. All she wanted was her old job back. What was she going to do? Panic rose from deep within. Then she remembered what Ms. Stanford had said. She had included Randy in this meeting. She threw the papers into her bag and ran for his office.

  ❧

  Randy almost dropped the book he was previewing when Rachel skidded to a halt in front of his desk. “Randy, I need your help.” Her breath was coming in short gasps.

  “Slow down. Breathe in and out. Now, sit down and tell me what’s wrong.” Randy came around the desk and pulled her onto the small couch.

  “Ms. Stanford needs a proposal by tomorrow night, and I can’t do it by myself,” she burst out.

  “Whoa! Who’s Ms. Stanford and what proposal?” Randy shook his head in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

  “A few minutes ago, a woman named Emily Stanford came to my classroom and said she was interested in helping with the Center if we would give her a proposal of how we want to renovate and what we plan to do with the Center. Only she wants it by dinner tomorrow night. We’re supposed to be there, ready to report at six-thirty sharp.” Rachel barely breathed between words.