Aron thrust out his hand, and Ruth gave him hers. “Thank you, Reverend Ruth, you won’t be disappointed. I can start tomorrow, just say the word.”
Ruth was surprised by the tingly, warm feeling that emanated from Aron’s hand to her own, and then coursed through her body. She shook her head almost unconsciously, trying to figure the root cause. Her other hand flew nervously to her forehead, and she finger combed her bangs. “Why don’t you come on Friday, so James can begin training you,” she suggested.
Aron nodded. “I will. Um, I hope I’m not stepping out of bounds,” Aron said after he cleared his throat. “I asked Monet if you were dating.” He chuckled. “That word sounds so old-fashioned.”
Ruth nodded as she stared into Aron’s hypnotic hazel-colored eyes. “My grandchildren say I should be hip to the new sayings, and they tell me ‘dating’ is now called ‘hanging out’ or ‘kicking it.’ I guess the word ‘dating’ has become a thing of the past, like a lava lamp.”
“Whatever that is, it’s obviously something I missed while I was away.” Aron cocked his head to the side. Aron has been incarcerated since the mid seventies. His sentence was thirty years to life.
As her mind darted between the possibilities of what Aron would say next, Ruth explained what a lava lamp was.
He nodded. “Reverend Wilcox, may I call you Ruth?”
She stared at him with an indecisive expression, as if debating how she should respond to Aron’s request. Then a smile broke over her face. Ruth nodded.
“Whew.” He wiped his brow, rolled his eyes upward and sighed as Ruth giggled at his antics. “Ruth sounds better than Reverend or Pastor Wilcox. Anyway, Ruth, you are simply an amazing woman. I don’t know any other way to put this, except I find you an attractive woman, and I’d love to get to know you better.” He peered at Ruth and saw that he held her undivided attention. He waved his hand casually. “Don’t get me wrong. I’ve lived long enough to know that relationships aren’t based on outward looks, but what’s inside a person’s heart, instead. I have watched you in various settings at the church since I’ve been in Chicago, and I must say I’m impressed by what I’ve seen.”
“Wow.” Ruth’s eyes dropped to her desk, and her body trembled. It had been a long time since a man had expressed admiration for her. She blinked back tears. “Aron, thank you. That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard from a member of the opposite sex in a long time.” She blushed and chastised herself for using the word “sex” in The Temple.
“I mean it, Ruth,” Aron replied forcefully. “I found you attractive the day that Monet introduced us, when I first visited your church. And it doesn’t hurt that you preach sermons that everyone can relate to. You’re an inspirational speaker. What really impressed me was Pastor’s Day last year, and how the members paid homage to you. The stories they told about your visiting the sick and the shut-ins, comforting them when they lost a loved one, or during hardships in their lives. And I know firsthand what you did for my Monet.”
Ruth blushed and shook her head. “That’s what ministers do. It’s part of my job.”
“You’re right.” Aron nodded. “But what I felt was the love and admiration the church has for you. Like the MasterCard commercial says, the program was ‘priceless.’”
The two shared a laugh as dusk cloaked the city.
“Thank you. If I were a different woman, my head would swell.” Ruth grinned, and just as suddenly, the corners of her mouth drooped. “But I don’t date. I’m not good at it, and I’ve been burned—no, make that singed—by my former husband.”
“I understand. But once you reach our age, you have experienced some of the bumps and bruises associated with this thing called life. We don’t know what God has planned for us, unless we take a chance and enjoy life to its fullest.” Aron leaned forward as he pressed on with his case.
Ruth felt shaky, and she laughed almost tensely. She began stacking folders on her desk to keep busy.
“Did I say something wrong?” Aron glanced at her worriedly.
“No. Actually, I was thinking about Alice. I don’t usually talk about someone outside my inner circle about personal situations in my life, Aron. But for some reason, I feel comfortable talking to you.” Ruth relaxed and melted her back into her chair.
“That’s good. That’s what I was hoping to hear.” He nodded. “Now tell me about Alice.”
Ruth explained how finding out about Alice having cancer had thrown her for a loop, though she’d tried to prepare herself for the worst. She explained how devastated she felt when the doctor confirmed Alice’s disease.
Aron told Ruth he could relate to her feelings, since he had felt the same way when he heard of his wife’s demise.
Ruth went on to say how matters were complicated for her, when she found her former brother-in-law, Fred, at the hospital. She told Aron how she felt disappointed that Alice hadn’t mentioned that she and Fred were dating.
Aron dipped his head at intervals. When Ruth finished talking, he asked, “Are you upset because Alice didn’t tell you about her relationship? Or are you having a problem with her dating your ex-husband’s brother?”
“I think a little bit of both,” Ruth confessed. “Fred is the last person in the world that I would expect Alice to see socially. They have very little in common, and Fred is a womanizer,” she spat out. “I don’t want Alice to be hurt, and I don’t see Fred being the type of person to be there for her during her illness, and I mean a major illness. It takes a special person to take care and be there for someone with cancer. The Fred I know was too self-centered to be concerned about another person’s feelings, much less their health.”
“Did you consider the possibility that maybe he’s changed?” Aron interjected. “If you know Alice as well as you say you do, then I don’t see her putting herself in a situation that would hurt her. Opposites have been known to attract.”
“I’ve told myself that same thing since I left the hospital. You’re right. Alice wouldn’t deliberately put herself in harm’s way. Maybe I’m holding on to the past, and that’s something I never want to do.”
“Then maybe you should talk to her before you jump to any conclusions,” Aron suggested gently.
“I know that you’re right, and the reason Alice probably hasn’t confided in me is because she knows I wouldn’t approve, at least not of the guy Fred was in the past.”
“I suggest you reserve judgment. How is your relationship with Fred?”
“We talk every now and then. We talked more today at the hospital than we had in a long time. I think he always knew I harbored resentment against him for my husband‘s—I mean, ex-husband’s—behavior for many years.” Ruth had a faraway look on her face, and then she looked down at her desk, feeling embarrassed. She looked up at Aron. He dipped his head encouragingly, and she continued speaking. “Fred is my ex-husband’s older brother and his hero. If Fred said something, then it was the gospel truth to Daniel.” She licked her dry lips. “Daniel always liked to brag about how Fred taught him everything he knew regarding women. I think something went awry when it came to me.”
Aron leaned across Ruth’s desk and handed her a tissue. He could sense from her luminous eyes that she was having a moment. “I’m sure whatever your brother-in-law taught your ex happened when they were young bucks. Your husband had plenty of time to get it right. He didn’t, and he lost. Believe me, his loss will be a better man’s gain.”
Ruth wiped her eyes. “I know what you’re saying is right. I just need time for it to soak into my brain. When Daniel and I split, I didn’t think I’d ever function again. In fact, I took to my bed for a couple of weeks, until my dad came to rescue me. He told me to do what was best for me regarding my marriage. Whereas, my mother wanted me to preserve my marriage by any means necessary, and that included putting up with a cheating spouse.”
“That had to be a difficult time for you,” Aron murmured. “But you got through it, and you’ll be wiser the next time you decide to entrust
your heart to a man. We all make mistakes in our youth, and hope to God that we learn from them and don’t repeat them as we become older.”
“I’d better be careful,” Ruth joked. “You’re sounding more like a minister than I do.”
“That’s because I’ve traveled on this highway of life, and learned my life lessons,” Aron volleyed back. “Most of them, I learned the hard way, but I’d like to feel I’m a better person at this stage of my life.”
Ruth’s telephone rang. She looked at it. “I’d better get this,” she told Aron. She picked up the phone and greeted the caller. She listened for a few minutes, and then put the call on hold. She looked across her desk at Aron. “I really need to take this call.” She and Aron stood up. “Thank you for spending time with me this afternoon, and for helping resolve the mishap in the basement. I’ll see you on Friday,” she said.
“How about we go to lunch after my workday on Friday and we discuss the position in more detail?” Aron asked boldly. He could see the indecision on her face.
“Okay,” Ruth answered, exhaling. “I’ll see you Friday at noon.”
“Thank you, Ruth. I think you’ll enjoy yourself. I’ll see myself out. I hope things go well with you and Alice. Listen to her, and I’ll bet things have changed with Fred.”
“I will.” Ruth nodded. “Now I’ve got to take this call.”
Aron walked to the door. He stopped when he got to the entrance, and then he turned and waved to Ruth.
She raised a trembling hand in return. She was still overcome with emotion, and she was surprised that she had opened up so candidly to Aron about her feelings. Then she sat back on her chair and pressed the button on the phone to resume her call. “Sister Lucas, how may I help you?” she asked.
After Ruth finished the call, she turned her chair toward the window and stared out of it. Her mind processed her conversation with Aron. He appeared to be articulate and caring. Then her mind wandered to Daniel. The two men, Aron and her ex-husband, were different as day and night. She longed to call Alice and get her friend’s opinion about Aron’s lunch invitation.
The telephone rang again. “Hello, this is Reverend Wilcox. How might I help you?”
“Hi, Momma. Are you busy?” Sarah asked her mother as she peered out of the kitchen, hoping one of her half brothers wouldn’t come to her with yet another complaint.
“Never too busy for you, dear. How are you feeling this morning?” Ruth replied.
“I’m good. Well, a little tired.” Sarah’s shoulders slumped like they were weighed down. “I’ve been at Dad’s house since yesterday, tending to his rug rats, and Damon is a handful. I swear that boy has had me running like crazy all morning.”
“What’s wrong? Is he sick or something?” Ruth asked solicitously.
“I heard him crying in the middle of the night. When I went to see what was wrong, he said he didn’t feel good. So he stayed home with Dad and me today. I’m trying to be sympathetic about Lenora leaving, but his behavior makes it difficult sometimes. When they’re all home, as they are now, they can be even harder to handle. I’m waiting for the next crisis”—Sarah looked down at her watch—“any minute.”
“Just hang in there. I’m sure you’ll be just fine.” Ruth tried to soothe her daughter’s frazzled nerves. “Didn’t the boys have a nanny? What happened to her?”
“Daddy had to let her go. I don’t know what they were paying her for. The boys, with the exception of Darnell, are out of control. Apparently, Lenora didn’t believe in discipline, and Daddy is totally useless. I almost hate volunteering to stay with him this week,” Sarah whined. She sat in the kitchen, folding clothes that she had washed and dried.
“Doesn’t your father help?” Ruth couldn’t stop herself from asking.
“Not much,” Sarah responded grumpily. “The boys run rings around him.”
“Try to be patient,” Ruth advised. “Their mother has left, and I’m sure the boys are just acting out.”
“I guess,” Sarah said dubiously. “How was the rest of your day?”
Ruth explained about the catastrophe at church, and how Aron Reynolds came to her rescue.
“Hmm, that’s Monet’s father. She told me he’s been looking for work,” Sarah said as she folded a red-and-blue striped shirt.
“Yes, he is. So he’s going to work at the church on a trial/volunteer basis as the janitor, since James is leaving at the end of the month,” Ruth replied smoothly. She wasn’t quite ready to share with her daughter all the details of her conversation with Aron.
“I’m glad he was able to lend a hand. I called Queen this morning, but she didn’t answer the phone. I called the nursing staff on her floor, and they said she was doing okay. She told them she just didn’t feel like talking to anyone.”
“That sounds like my mother.” Ruth sighed. “I’ll try to swing by there tomorrow.”
“I know you have a lot going on with the finance meeting coming up. I need a break from here. So I think tomorrow, after the boys go to school, I’ll go visit Queen.”
“That’s a great idea. How are Maggie, Josh, and Brian doing?” Ruth opened a folder that June had set on her desk. She quickly scanned it.
“They’re all fine. I called them this morning. Brian had things under control.” Sarah yawned.
“I’m glad to hear that. Thank God your children are older and self-sufficient. That makes Brian’s job easier.”
“That’s the truth,” Sarah agreed.
She had finished folding the clothes and had separated them into piles of what she perceived belonged to each of her young half brothers. She hoped her father knew which clothes belonged to what boy, but she didn’t hold out much hope.
“How did Aunt Alice’s appointment go?” Sarah finally asked.
“Not good,” Ruth replied guardedly. “You know Alice; she’s putting on a brave face.”
“I know Jesus will work it out, and that His grace and mercy will fall on Aunt Alice, and she will be all right. I’m surprised you aren’t home with her, instead of at church.” Sarah frowned.
“Amen to all of the above. The Lord has my sister in His hands. Actually, Alice had a male friend accompany her to the hospital.”
“You’re kidding!” Sarah exclaimed. “Was it anyone that we know? Was it a deacon from the church?”
“Not quite,” Ruth announced drily. “It was your uncle Fred.”
“Uncle Fred?” Sarah shrieked. Her eyes widened. “You’ve got to be kidding. How long has that been going on?”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Ruth said matter-of-factly. “This is the first I’ve heard of the two of them seeing each other. I’m sure Alice will fill in the blanks when I see her later. Fred took her home.”
“I can’t picture Aunt Alice and Uncle Fred dating. Their personalities are different as night and day. I remember some of their heated discussions when I was a kid.” Sarah shook her head wonderingly.
“Stranger things have happened,” Ruth said, thinking about Aron. She heard a long thud and then a yowl of pain in the background.
“Momma, I’ve got to go. Shoot, I wish Daddy would get involved with his sons. I’ll call you back because I want the 411 on Aunt Alice and Uncle Fred,” Sarah said.
“Bye, Sarah, I’ll talk to you later.”
Ruth closed the folder and laid it on the side of her desk. Then she pulled the folder labeled Monthly Finance /Expenses and set the thick folder in front of her. She dragged her reading glasses from the top of her head and placed them on her face. She sighed, opened the folder, and began skimming through invoices, hoping the church’s expenses hadn’t risen higher than the previous month.
Ruth’s hope was short-lived. Not only was the heating bill higher, but there was a red notice included with the invoice, stating the bill was overdue. The letter further stated that if payment wasn’t received in five days, the heat would be shut off.
Ruth rubbed her forehead and plowed on through the notes June had left her before le
aving work.
Chapter Ten
Sarah ran into the kitchen to find Damon, with the twins in tow, standing beside the kitchen table. David stared at his twin, horrified, as Darnell ran his hands over his wet face. Damon stared at his brother and the floor as if hypnotized. Sarah had been busy all day picking up behind the boys and chastising them in the next breath, and she was at the breaking point. Sarah had forgotten to put the glass pitcher of orange juice into the refrigerator after lunch. The orange liquid was spreading on the floor, mixed with shards of glass.
She looked at Damon and asked him, trying to keep her voice even, “What happened here?”
“I didn’t mean to. It was an accident.” Damon shrugged his shoulders and answered his half sister, with an angelic expression on his face. His appearance was remarkably like his mother’s. His hair was a golden sandy brown, like Lenora’s, and he had her catlike eyes.
“Well, how did juice get on your brother?” Sarah narrowed her eyes, and placed her hands on her hips.
“Well, I was trying to pour me some juice. Darnell got in the way, and it kinda spilled on him,” Damon explained innocently. His thin, restless body leaned against the kitchen table.
Sarah pointed to the door. “Damon, go to your room and wait there until I come and get you.” She walked to Darnell and took him by the hand. “You come to the bathroom with me, so I can clean you up.”
“Why I gotta go to my room?” Damon asked argumentatively. “It was only an accident.”
Sarah glared at him. “Because I said so. Now go to your room, like I told you to.” She dropped Darnell’s hand and folded her arms across her chest.
David watched the exchange and strolled over to his twin and took his hand. Damon poked out his lips and stalked out of the room.
“I hate you!” Damon yelled vehemently over his shoulder as he stomped up the stairs to his room.
“That’s too bad,” she said to his retreating back as she and the twins walked to the bathroom. Daddy, why can’t you control your house, and most of all these boys? Sarah thought as she walked Darnell into the bathroom. The upper part of his body, including his hair, was drenched in juice. His body quivered, and tears spilled down his cheeks.
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