A Case of the Heart

by Beth Shriver

  Margie’s home was just as she’d imagined. Old furniture filled each room. The house was heavily used, as one would expect with four boys. The rooms were small but very comfortable and accessible.

  “I am so sorry about your car. I’ll pay for any damages.” She started to rock, enjoying the swaying comfort it brought.

  Ken shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, really. Margie tells me you’re a social worker.”

  “Yes, and you’re in med school?”

  He leaned forward on the edge of the couch with his elbows on his knees, very attentive. “One more year as an intern. Do you enjoy your work, Liz?”

  A guy that doesn’t like to talk about himself, that was a plus. “Yes, it’s very rewarding. Although I do find myself getting attached to some of the clients, which can be difficult at times if they don’t turn things around.”

  Ken’s brows drew together with concentration. “I’ve wondered about that, especially for a person like you with such compassion for the job. Margie has said some great things about you.”

  “Really?” Liz wondered what stories Margie had passed on but didn’t want to linger on the subject of her. “What do you plan on specializing in?”

  “Cardiology, surgeon.” He answered without even batting an eye, sounding almost programmed.

  “What inspired you to go into medicine?”

  “My father is a board certified surgeon and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Dartmouth Medical School. I guess you could say it was inevitable,” he said politely.

  He continued to ask more questions. By the time Margie called everyone into dinner, he had grilled her about everything she could possibly think of. And still she didn’t feel the connection she felt with Alex.

  “I might be out of line giving you my opinion about this, but I think it’s wise of you to consider that promotion. It sounds as if you have been put into some hazardous situations that are above the expectations of your job.”

  The look of concern he gave was all too real and made her feel that the flukes she had gone through were even worse than she had made them out to be. “I’ll pursue it more Monday morning.”

  Brian walked in covered with snow. “Sorry I’m late. There’s a storm brewing out there.” He was a large man with a gruff face to match his voice. He sported a mustache and long sideburns that matched his thinning dark hair.

  “You’re just in time, honey.” Margie helped him with his coat and boots and then went back into the kitchen.

  Liz followed her. “What an incredible listener.”

  Margie eyed Liz. “Was I right, or was I right?” She beamed and handed her the bread to take to the table.

  Ken walked in shortly after Liz. “Do you need any assistance in the kitchen, Margie?”

  She patted him on the cheek. “No, thank you. Just come in and sit down.”

  Liz followed him into the dining room. Ken and Liz sat next to each other, and Margie sat across from Ken. It was a large table that sat six and was a bit lonely with just the four of them.

  Brian sat down across from Liz rubbing his hands together from the cold. Margie said grace and started passing the food around the table. Then she yelled at her son to come and eat.

  Jeff walked in wearing gym shorts and a T-shirt with tube socks.

  Liz was intrigued by his choice of clothes. “Aren’t you a little cold?”

  “Nah, I just got done lifting.” He grabbed the basket of rolls and threw three on his plate.

  “Company first.” Margie slapped his hand and put one of them back in the basket. “This is my own recipe of chicken and dumplings. I hope you all like them.” She beamed as she passed the dish to Ken.

  “Everything looks delicious, Margie. You know what they say, presentation is everything.” He smiled politely at her and helped himself to the dumplings.

  Brian gave him a look of wonder and dug into the mashed potatoes. “Pass the dumplings will you, Liz?” Brian was obviously hungry and not one for small talk.

  As Liz reached for the dumplings she hit Ken’s glass. It came falling down onto his plate, soaking the dumplings and seeping into the chicken. The mix of water, dumplings and chicken dripped into his lap.

  Ken stood up, wiping himself off. Margie gasped, and Brian kept eating. Liz flew up and started to help wipe him off then realized where she was wiping and stopped in embarrassment.

  “I’m so sorry.” She expected to see a politely frustrated face. He wasn’t frustrated at all. He was laughing.

  “It’s okay, really,” he chuckled.

  Liz looked up in dismay. “You have a very good sense of humor.”

  Margie sat staring in anticipation. She hurried into the kitchen for a new plate and a towel.

  Ken took both Liz’s arms in his hands. “There’s never a dull moment with you, is there, Liz?”

  “I have to admit that’s not the first time I’ve heard that.” She felt a bit of remorse, remembering how many times Alex had said that to her over the years. What was she doing here? This guy was nice and polite, but he wasn’t Alex.

  They all got situated again and began to eat. Jeff enjoyed the whole scene and had finally quit laughing enough to speak. “That was hilarious.” He belted another belly laugh showing a wad of bread stuck in his cheek. Liz chuckled with him.

  “Brian, how was work today?” Ken moved the new plate in front of him.

  “I didn’t plan on working so late, but there was just one thing after another.”

  “I know how that goes.” Ken began to fill his plate again.

  “So did you two have some time to get to know each other before dinner?” Margie stuck a big chunk of chicken in her mouth.

  “Yes, I’ve gotten to know quite a lot about Liz.” He looked over at her and patted her hand, making Liz cringe.

  They finished their meal with courteous conversation. Ken was everything a girl could want. But Liz wasn’t every girl. She missed Alex.

  They turned on the Weather Channel. The storm was getting worse, so she decided it was a good reason to call it an early night. She hoped she’d make it home safely. But Denver weather changed by the minute so there was no need to worry just yet.

  “May I drive you home?” Ken helped her put on her coat.

  “Oh no, that’s nice of you, but I’ve grown up driving in snow, I’ll be fine.”

  He looked at her in surprise.

  “Oh, I guess you wouldn’t think so after hitting your car, but I can drive myself home.” She really didn’t want him to drive her home.

  “All right, I’ll warm your car for you then.” He got his coat, and they thanked Margie and Brian for the evening. Margie beamed at Liz and mouthed the words “call me” and winked.

  He took her forearm and helped her to his car.

  “Don’t you want to look at your bumper to see if there’s any damage?”

  He shook his head and opened her door. But she couldn’t stand it. “I’m sorry I have to look. It’s driving me crazy.”

  He watched her walk to the back of his car and inspect the bumper. She gave him an apologetic stare. “There’s a scratch. I’m so sorry.”

  He shook his head again, smiling he helped her into his car. “It’ll still get me where I need to go.”

  She felt a tinge of irritation. Was this guy for real? “What does get you upset?”

  He put the keys in the ignition and turned to her, smiling. “Hmm, I can’t think of anything right off the top of my head.”

  “Oh, come on. Finals, war, poverty, bad drivers?”

  He chuckled. “I guess I’m in too good of a mood to think of anything. Sorry to disappoint you.”

  As they sat letting the car heat up, he asked her about the interviewing process and when she would find out about the new job. “I’d like to know how things work out. Will you let me know?”

  Incredible, he seemed to care more than she did about getting the job. “Yeah, sure.”

  “Liz?”

  She snapped out of her ga
ze and became aware of how bad she was staring. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a guy quite like you.”

  He opened the door and she slid over to the driver’s side. “I enjoyed getting to know you this evening, Liz. Would it be all right if I called you?”

  She looked at him in surprise. “Are you sure you want to do that?”

  “Yes.”

  She gave him a confused eyebrow lift.

  He didn’t question her response but looked up at the sky as if he were waiting for an answer or asking for strength. “Would you like to go out some time?”

  She looked at him in surprise, wondering what his motivation was. Couldn’t he see how incompatible they were? “Ken, I’m going to be honest.”

  He frowned and jerked his head back.

  “You’re one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. But we’re very different. I hope you understand.”

  Ken scraped his shoes on the hard frozen snow that lay at his feet. “I appreciate your honesty, Liz.”

  “You’re going to be a great doctor some day and find a great lady to share that with.”

  He nodded with a tentative smile. “Good night, Liz.”

  ****

  Monte greeted Liz, rushing past her to explore the outdoors. She shut the door behind him and checked the messages on the machine.

  The first message was from her mother. “Hi, honey, just wanted to talk with you about Alex and your interviews.”

  The next was from Brenda. “Hey, can’t wait to hear about your date. Call me, no matter how late you get in.”

  The third message was Alex. “Thought I’d stop by if you were home, but guess I’ll catch the game with Jake instead. Call me.”

  Michael called too. “I caught an early flight. I still need you to take over for me while I’m gone, just bump up the dates by a day. Margie has my new itinerary, call if you need me. Oh, and by the way, that was a very interesting exit you made from the coffee shop, but I’m staying out of it. Promise, not a word.”

  It was too late to call anyone, and she wasn’t ready to explain her strange evening to anyone yet anyway, so she went to bed. She tossed and turned for a while, thinking about what she needed to do and say to fix everything. The only problem was she didn’t know any of the answers.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The alarm went off too early. She hit the snooze, but the noise persisted. Finally recognizing the ring of her cell phone, she felt for the phone and answered. “Hello.”

  “Liz, are you awake?”

  “No.”

  “It’s Alex.”

  Guilt suddenly poured over her. She sprang up remembering the messages on the answering machine last night. She didn’t want to return the phone calls then, and still didn’t.

  She heard a beep on her phone and checked the id. “Hold on, Brenda’s calling in.” She shouldn’t have done that, but maybe it would work as a diversion to the fact that she hadn’t recognized his voice right away.

  “Liz, why didn’t you call me?”

  “I’ve got to talk to you today, Brenda. When and where?”

  “Noon at the Wynkoop.”

  “Okay, bye.” She clicked the flash button. “Alex?”

  He hesitated. “What’s going on?”

  “Can you meet me after work?”

  “Well...yeah. Are you okay?”

  “No...yeah. Just come over tonight.”

  “Liz. Slow down and take a deep breath.”

  She inhaled, exhaled and opened her eyes wide. The tenseness in her shoulders slowly slid down her back. She lay down in bed and wished she didn’t have to ever get out of it again.

  ****

  The morning didn’t get any better. She received a call to interview for the supervisory job and for a position in another district. There were pros and cons to both, and when she was in a better frame of mind, she’d figure out which one she wanted to go for.

  She sat staring into space wishing they weren’t both on the same day and that her life was simple like it used to be. She remembered why she had given up on guys. The games, the hurt feelings, the expectations. If it weren’t for the loneliness, someone to laugh at your stupid jokes, someone to cry to, take you out for a candlelit dinner, and someone to hold you and share your faith, they wouldn’t be worth a dime.

  ****

  Liz got to the restaurant early and had too much time to think. Thinking is good when you have good things to reflect on . She used the time to think about her faith, work, Brenda and her family.

  She took the liberty of ordering for Brenda. Being regulars, Liz knew what she liked—a patty melt with everything on it and a diet Coke. She ordered the same for herself.

  Liz noticed a couple at the table next to her. Their hands were intertwined and they were looking into each other’s eyes. He was saying something to the woman, and she was smiling. They made love look so easy.

  Brenda came in and sat down puffing. “Sorry, I got caught up at work. The baby business is booming. We’ve had three deliveries already this morning.” She sat down hard on her seat and took a drink of Liz’s water.

  Brenda looked at Liz sideways, narrowing her eyes. She laid her purse down slowly on the chair next to her. “Can I join your pity party, or are you having too much fun by yourself?”

  Liz stuck a straw in her tea and started stabbing ice cubes. She had her hair in full twirl with the other hand.

  Brenda sat back watching the sinking ice. “What happened?”

  Liz filled her in on the latest and waited for Brenda to give her all the answers. Brenda was brutally honest, and she knew Liz so well that she was usually right. The food came, and they ate a little and talked a lot.

  “Do you really want me to tell you what I think?” Brenda scooted closer and then laced her fingers together, setting her hands on the table in front of her.

  “I’m afraid so.” Liz leaned her chin in the palm of her hand, elbow on the table, still twirling her hair, and waited.

  “First of all, you don’t need to feel so bad about Ken.”

  Liz sat up straighter in her chair, puzzled.

  “He sounds like a great guy, and even though I’ve never met him, he doesn’t sound like your type at all. No offense, but it seems like he’s out looking for a wife that will complete his perfect world.”

  “Then why would he pursue me? I’m not the trophy wife type.”

  Brenda grinned. “No, you’re not.”

  Liz snapped her head up. “I think that was a compliment.”

  Brenda nodded and kept smiling. “Most definitely.”

  Liz stared at the table digesting what Brenda said. It was a totally different angle than she had taken, but it made sense. “Are you sure you’re not just trying to make me feel better?”

  Brenda shook her head. “Don’t blame yourself for everything. I don’t think he was as flawless as you thought he was.” She took a breath and picked at her fingernail. “Now, do you want to switch districts or positions?”

  “Switching districts won’t get me off the streets, and the promotion is a bigger salary, but I’d miss the client contact.”

  “The fact that you will still get to see Alex on the job wouldn’t have anything to do with you wanting to stay in the district, would it?”

  Liz held out a finger to stop her from moving ahead. Brenda was on fire today. “That might have something to do with it.” Sometimes she knew Liz too well. “But I’m not positive which position I really want.”

  The corners of her lips curled. “That’s not to say that you still won’t find trouble even if you’re off the streets.”

  Liz snorted. “Thanks for the encouragement.” She leaned in closer to Brenda and switched gears. “Now Alex.”

  Brenda sat back and grinned, folding her arms on the table. “Can’t help you with him.”

  “You can’t stop now. Brenda, he’s the most important part of all this.”

  She smiled genuinely. “No, God is, and I’m worried that you’ve lost that with everyt
hing you’ve had going on. And as far as Alex goes, you’ve got to figure him out on your own. You’re too worried about getting hurt, and I think he’s too confused to know what to do with you.”

  Liz felt like a boulder hit her. She may have been waiting, but she was alone without asking Christ what was supposed to happen in her life. That was so like her to take over, mess everything up and then ask for God to bail her out. She should be listening for that still small voice from Him.

  “He’s a very forgiving God, and you’re a very good friend.” Liz scrunched up her nose at her.

  Brenda laughed. “Yes, we are.”

  Liz looked at her with narrowed eyes. “You know, after this all gets sorted out, you’re next.”

  Brenda shook her head.

  “It always happens that way. My life is a mess, and then yours is. So just be prepared.”

  Brenda sat forward, defending herself. “My mess is never as bad as your mess.”

  They continued their banter until Brenda got a page.

  “Baby calls. Let me know what happens.” She grabbed her purse and waved.

  Liz touched her hand. “Brenda, thanks.”

  Brenda smiled thoughtfully. “You’re welcome, friend.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  As she drove home from work, Liz thought of a dozen different ways she could tell Alex about Ken. It was just a matter of how honest she wanted to be. And with her overacting conscience, she would have to tell him everything. She hoped he would understand. He knew how Margie was, and their relationship hadn’t really started to blossom until recently.

  Alex showed up an hour later looking handsome as usual, which didn’t make things any easier. Faded jeans and a sweatshirt was all he needed. He was a bit standoffish, which made it hard to bring up the subject. It was as if he already knew.

  Liz had cooked spaghetti, with a lettuce salad and French bread. They ate most of their meal in silence. When he didn’t eat seconds, she knew she was in trouble. Panic began to creep in so she opted for more conversation.

  They talked about the Harris case and other work-related issues. That in and of itself made it obvious things were touch and go. They finished their meal and Alex went into the family room to make a fire.