“Let’s get started with that,” Lydia said. “Mariners is a Bible teaching church, but it is big. I hope that won’t intimidate her. Some people are more comfortable with smaller, more intimate places of worship. Or,” she pondered, “she might feel better being lost in a crowd.”
Before they hung up, Lydia asked in a hesitant voice, “Has Rob called you lately?” Cindy assured her he had. She did sense more of a question than the one Lydia offered. Again she wondered if there was another secret.
She decided to call Kerstin next. A just in case, backup call. Noelle’s mother was enthusiastic about helping Melanie, even though Cindy never revealed her name, just said she is a Candy Cane. The only thing that disturbed her was Kerstin asking, “Are you all right? You sure it’s not personal, about you? I can keep a secret. Honest.”
Oh, dear. Although she never revealed Melanie’s secret sin, she implied it was pretty devastating. Did Kerstin, maybe even Lydia, think she was asking for help for herself? Surely, both knew she was strong in her faith. Or, did they?
She hoped the two mothers of special friends, especially Rob’s mom Lydia, did not think she was confessing and needing help and support. She could always use both, but not for the reason she had shared. What had she gotten herself into?
~
Rob called. This time at about eight. “What did you do today? Something fun and relaxing on one of the last days of break?”
Cindy wondered, was even a little taken back, by his question. Had he spoken with his mom?
“I had a great time swimming and working off some calories. You?”
“I went to a realtors’ meeting. Not an AA one, a business one.”
“Was it good?”
“Sort of.” He paused. “It was the old blah, blah, blah about how to increase business, what to put on websites, etc.” Then, he said, “I knew it all. It was just repeat.”
“Oh, sorry it wasn’t more informative.”
“S’okay. I just needed to appear. Part of the deal.” Cindy realized too much silence on his end. Maybe a two minute break?
“I wish I had known, would have prayed for you.”
“Really? You would have. For a meeting?”
“Sure. Everything, every experience is worth praying about.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
She agreed to go with Rob in his car to the meeting. Silly to waste gas, and she was still a bit leery about how reliable her car was. They pulled up to a small church, its parking lot filled with cars of all types. While she was gathering her enormous purse, Rob came around to open the door for her. “Such a gentleman. Thanks.”
Just as he made an elaborate bow and took her hand, they heard a strident high-pitched voice behind him. “Is this her?” The woman behind Rob was tall and lanky, almost as tall as Rob. Her face was pasty and her lips curled in anger. But, Cindy noticed, she had long luxurious blond hair she had flung over one shoulder, like the woman who had sat next to her on Christmas Eve at the Lovejoy’s. If it weren’t for the ugly expression on her face, she would be stunning.
Rob spun around leaving Cindy standing at the open car door. She could tell from his voice he was trying to be civil, but the set of his shoulders and the way he had abruptly dropped her hand, told her it took him a lot of control. “Emily.” His voice sounded surprised, or at least he tried to make it sound that way. “I’d like you to meet my friend, Cindy.”
Emily sneered and made no move to step forward. Cindy felt as if the other woman was mentally undressing her. Still, she graciously held her hand out and smiled. Her hand hovered in mid-air, but she kept the smile pasted on her face. She was almost positive Emily was the nasty voice on the phone. But, how did she get Cindy’s number? Question for Rob, later.
Rob turned back to Cindy, and in a noble gesture held out an elbow to each woman. “Let’s go in. Shall we?”
Cindy tucked her right hand in the crook of his arm and squeezed lightly. “Thank you, Mr. Gentleman.” Emily ignored his arm and scowled. Still, she trotted beside him with clipped steps in spike-heeled red patent shoes.
Rob led Cindy to an empty chair close to his surfing buddies, probably to make her more comfortable since she’d already met them. He took a single chair up front after confirming with her he had seated her all right. Nick and Brad both acknowledged her with smiles and winks. Finally, Brad said, “You AA, too?”
Cindy knew he was curious. Why did she feel offended by his question? She wasn’t embarrassed to be with Rob, nor to be sitting with them. She shook her head. “No, just a guest. If Rob and I are going to be part of each other’s lives, he wants me to understand.”
Nick leaned across Brad and stage whispered, “Great idea.” He hesitated, probably screwing up his courage. “You, Cindy,” pause, “it is Cindy, isn’t it?” She nodded and smiled. What a nice man, what a nice friend for Rob to have. “You, Cindy,” he repeated, “are the best thing to happen to Rob in the twelve years I’ve known him.”
Cindy was … what was that word her grandmother used to use? Flabbergasted. What a nice compliment, so encouraging.
Nick must have felt his comment necessary to explain. “We started surfing together when we were about eighteen. That lazy summer after high school before college hit us. We also started partying a lot.” Cindy noticed his eyes glazed a bit before he continued. “If it weren’t for Rob, I wouldn’t be here.” He stopped to look into her face, and she felt her cheeks heat with color. “He is such an encourager, and such an example.”
She was about to acknowledge his comments when she heard Rob’s clear voice. “My name is Rob, and I am an alcoholic.” He was standing up front behind a small wooden podium, although he wasn’t gripping it as many people would for security. His arms hung comfortably at his sides. His eyes seemed to scan the group of almost thirty people there on the folding chairs. Finally, his gaze locked on Cindy’s face. “Before I tell you my story, I want to introduce you to my guest, Cindy.” He gestured toward her, and Brad sitting beside her held her arm up. Cindy grinned, but felt the color creeping into her face again.
“Cindy,” Rob went on, “is not an alcoholic. She is blessed to take a glass of wine with the wonderful Nachos she creates.” A few giggles. “Because she is special,” he went on, “because I love her and hope to make her my wife … well, that’s why she’s here.” Now, Rob was blushing, and the AA audience was clapping wildly. “I haven’t officially asked her yet, though.” He stopped again looking right at her. “Cindy, I know this isn’t the most romantic proposal, and I am planning on getting down on one knee. But, it seemed right to me.”
Cindy’s eyes filled with tears that spilled down her face, and she was sure, very rosy cheeks. Brad pulled her up, supporting her with a strong arm and forcing her to stand on wobbly legs. She nodded. Wow, what a dramatic proposal. Rob must have seen how protective Brad was, and how Nick had stepped in front of her to support her emotionally and physically on her other side. Rob seemed to glow. She noticed Emily, who had sat near the front also, got up to leave. As the woman started awkwardly climbing over several others’ feet, Rob stopped her with words.
“Emily. Please don’t leave. Your turn is next. Oh, well, you can hear my personal story next time.” And he stepped away from the wobbly podium. But, in true Rob fashion, he held out his hand to lead her to the front. She grasped it, jerked at her blouse to straighten it, and with Rob’s guidance took her turn. Hands clasped tightly in front of her, she stammered. “Hi. I’m Emily, and I am an alcoholic.” Everyone clapped.
Cindy closed her eyes and prayed for her, for courage and understanding. Finally, after a loud breath, Emily said, “This is an unusual meeting. I owe Rob an apology, and,” she hesitated a long time, “Cindy, too.
“That,” she said, “is all I can say tonight. Except, thank you all for being here. Please fellowship after the meeting. Coffee is in the back.”
~
Cindy leaned across the car console against Rob’s shoulder. “Life is complicated,” she finally whispered.
She wasn’t exactly sure how she felt, a combination of thrilled and excited, and embarrassed and sad. What a strange afternoon.
“Yes, it can be if we let it.”
“But?”
“If we trust in the Lord to work all things for good … well, as my Grandma Robbie used to say, ‘It will all work out.’”
And, it did.
~
Rob started to follow her into her condo. He felt there was so much left unsaid after his public proposal during the meeting. This time he wanted to do it right. But, Cindy stopped him with an upheld hand.
“No. Not tonight. Need to sort things out. Sorry.” She kissed him on his cheek and inserted her key in the door.
When the door closed firmly and he heard the security lock click, he turned away. He couldn’t figure out why, but his first thought was for Emily. How could that be when he loved Cindy so much?
He knew that even though never intended, he felt sorry for Emily and owed her an explanation. She had misunderstood his gestures of friendship and support. A lot of AA people hugged and told others they loved them, because they did, as friends and supporters and fellow members. Emily had obviously taken it wrong. Too wrong.
He knocked on her door. He had been there once before, but not romantically. She had been very unstable, very worried how she could go through the program and not backslide. Although Rob wasn’t her sponsor, he’d decided to help. Maybe that was his mistake; maybe he should have stepped back and let her sponsor take over.
He heard her approach the door, and he prayed for guidance.
~
Cindy answered his phone call and agreed he could come over, especially since he had something to tell her. What, she wondered? She was still overwhelmed from his public display of affection and proposal.
She opened her door and gasped. Trying to avoid looking at the two people standing on her stoop, she lifted her eyes above them and saw a shooting star. She’d never seen one before. Was it a sign? Lowering her gaze to the faces in front of her, she simply said, “Hello.” Was that rude? She didn’t care. What was Rob doing here with Emily clinging to his arm? Why were her lips quivering and a tear sliding down one cheek making a little track in her makeup? How bizarre they should be here, together.
Rob lowered his head. “May we come in … please?”
Cindy opened the door wider and felt her heart pound fitfully. Her hand was still on the doorknob, but she couldn’t move it. Rob pushed past her practically dragging Emily.
~
Cindy collapsed on the sofa clutching a wad of tissue. She hadn’t even bothered to get up to close the door behind them. She was in a stupor. It was still difficult to breathe. Finally, she leaned forward resting her elbows on her knees and her forehead in her hands. Her turn to sob. She wasn’t sure if for the other woman, herself, or Rob, or them all. Besides Emily’s embarrassment and confessing her torch for Rob, “I misunderstood his kindness. His hugs led me to believe, no, want to believe, he cared for me romantically.” She had turned first to Rob, then hesitantly to Cindy. “My fault. Sorry,” she mumbled.
Cindy remembered nodding. That was all. Just nodding. She thought about the shooting
star. Why had the only time she’d seen one happened just then? Was it a wakeup call from
God? She would probably never know, but she knew she would never forget the moment.
Rob had his arm across Emily’s shoulder when they stumbled out the door. Yes, he is a kind man, always caring about others. He had turned slightly and spoke firmly. “I’m coming back.”
Did she want him to? It would be awkward.
~
Rob was glad he had gone to Emily’s and taken her to Cindy’s. He did feel sorry for the poor girl. Hopefully, made it clear he cared about her as a person and fellow AA member, but he was not in love with her, only Cindy. They had talked about the AA steps, and Emily had finally said, “Need to make amends.” She had looked at him pleadingly. “Can you take me to her? I’m scared to go alone. I’m sure she’d slam the door in my face.”
Rob doubted that. Cindy was sensitive and kind. But, knowing Emily was ashamed, he gave in and drove her there. Stupid! He should have had her follow in her car. Now, he had to take her home. He hadn’t been thinking beyond the moment. Neither spoke on the way back to Emily’s apartment. He dropped her off and watched while she unlocked her door. Both waved, and he pulled away wondering what he would find when he got to Cindy’s. He pushed the button to open the center console in his Mercedes and felt around until his fingers touched velvet. Laughing to himself, he was pretty sure Cindy had a sense of humor. Would she get it? Would she understand the fake diamond, really a chunk of glass in a tacky band, was not an offense? He wanted her to go with him to choose her own ring, one she would love to wear for all time. But, he also wanted a symbol of love for when he officially proposed.
His hand holding the tiny box shook a little as he pushed the doorbell. The moment of truth was about to come.
~
Cindy walked slowly to the door. Her legs felt like wooden posts. She knew it would be Rob, and she prayed he wasn’t playing a game. Or worse, coming to break up with her.
“Lovely lady.” His voice was deep, but it trembled a little. “Please sit on the couch.”
She did, back straight and legs demurely crossed at her ankles. She felt her lips quiver when she tried to smile. Rob took her left hand in his two large ones and knelt on the carpet in front of her. Before he did, though, he had to push the coffee table back to make room for his large frame. Then, when his knee made a popping sound, she almost lost it.
“Ouch! Never done this before. Maybe I should have practiced.” His throaty laugh made her laugh, too.
“I hope you haven’t. Maybe you should have taken lessons from your brother. You could have borrowed his Santa suit.” Although Rob hadn’t been present when Braydon proposed to Noelle, she was sure he could imagine. She remembered and was overcome with a spate of giggles. Had she spoiled the moment?
“Old surfing injury,” he said as an explanation. “Let’s try it this way.” He rose to sit on the couch and wrapped one arm around her. Tilting her chin toward him, he leaned in to stroke her cheek and kiss her with so much passion his knee popped again. They both laughed. “Does that work?” he asked when he finally tore away from her lips to tickle her ear seductively with his tongue.
“Yes, Rob. It does.” Cindy was breathless, but this time not from laughing. She took his strong jaws in her hands and pulled his face down to cling her lips to his in her own passionate kiss.
~
Rob almost skipped to his car. Although he had stammered and mumbled trying to explain about the fake ring, when it finally computed, she burst out laughing and hugged him so hard he wondered if his ribs would crack. Next Saturday they would go ring hunting.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Cindy felt different, new. Was that what love does? She laid out her clothes for tomorrow, the end of break and first day of school. Navy slacks and a pale pink blouse. Pink wasn’t usually a color she wore. In fact, this blouse still had the store tags on it. But, it was a love color, and she was definitely in love. Almost officially engaged. She couldn’t wait to tell Dana and the other teachers. Even some parents she had gotten close to.
She decided to wear the imitation ring – for fun, and maybe a few laughs. Would anyone realize how phony it was? The stone was huge, set in a cheesy goldish band which gave it a sort of lop-sided look on her narrow finger. She couldn’t wait to see the different reactions. One teacher, Myra, was married to a jeweler; or at least he worked at that fancy jewelry store in Balboa. She would probably spot it as a fake. Would she also give a fake congratulation? This could really be fun.
When she arrived at school in the morning and clocked in, she made a lot of gestures with her left hand. She asked Lorrie the office manager to sign her lesson plan by pushing the paper across her desk with her left hand. A dark cloud hovered over her. What had she expected? No
angel wings flapped. Everyone was so busy getting their classrooms ready for the noisy onslaught of three and four and five year olds. Fortunately, being the organized person she was, she had set up her room before break. Now, she had nothing to do but wait.
Her cell rang. She forgot to turn it to mute. Melanie! Surely she must realize this was the first day back at school, and Cindy would be busy, even though she wasn’t. She answered snappishly. “Hi. What?”
“Oh, sorry. Bad time?”
“First day of school. Waiting for students to arrive.” She knew she was abrupt. “Sorry. What’s up?”
“Not important. Never mind. Go back to your job.” Click. She felt and heard the hurt in the other woman’s squeaky voice. What kind of friend was she? Lousy.
She tried to call back, but the line buzzed busy. The alternative was to pray, so she did.
Her first student came in decked out in a Minion tee shirt. Little Alex puffed up his chest and pointed to the one-eyed character on the front of his shirt. Cindy bent down to his level and hugged him. Fortunately, hugs were still PC at this age. Just brief ones. His mom laughed as she handed him off with a “See you soon, bud.” He seemed satisfied with that and plunked into his regular seat.
“What IS that, Ms. Cindy?” He was pointing to The Ring. “It’s big.”
Well, wouldn’t you know a three year old would be the first to spy it? She tried to play it cool, be nonchalant. “Oh, Alex, you noticed. It’s a ring.”
“Can I see?” He reached across the small table and grasped her hand pulling it in front of him. “Yep. Big.” Then he picked up a crayon and started to color.
~
The week seemed to speed by. Everyone was so busy making sure kids were comfortable and back on track. Ms. Dana had given several tours of the school for potential new parents and a few interviews for staff. Cindy knew the director always needed backups. One of the teachers was expecting a baby soon and would be taking off for at least several weeks, maybe months. The college age girl who helped with after care had joined a sorority and now had to attend meetings some afternoons.
Cindy's Perfect Dance (The Candy Cane Girls Book 2) Page 6