Cindy's Perfect Dance (The Candy Cane Girls Book 2)

by Bonnie Engstrom

  Cindy walked into the office to clock out on Thursday. She was tired. Clean up today was challenging – so many bits of paper and gobs of glue on the tables. Mandy usually helped, but she was needed to answer phones since it was Lorrie’s early day. As she walked past the reception desk, Mandy jerked her head toward the closed door of the director’s office. Since there was no glass window, the door was solid, except for all the student drawings and parent comments scotch-taped to it.

  “What?”

  “Someone you know,” was all Mandy said.

  “Really? Who?”

  “Not for me to say.”

  Then why had she brought it up? “Interview?”

  Mandy nodded.

  Cindy let it go. So, she knew someone, knew lots of people. Was none of her business. Time would tell, and so would Dana.

  She clocked out, grabbed a cookie from the ever present tray of goodies and held her plastic key over the gate code. Just as she took a bite of the gooey chocolate confection and was readjusting her bag’s shoulder strap she bumped into someone. Melanie!

  Surprised to see each other, they hugged. “I tried to call you back, but line was busy. Then, I forgot. So sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I wanted your recommendation, but guess I didn’t need it.” She grinned widely. “I’m in.”

  Cindy felt confused and probably showed it.

  “I will be seeing you several afternoons a week. Not actually working with you, but near you.” She beamed. “I will be helping with aftercare.”

  Cindy was almost overwhelmed. Could this be the same Melanie who had sobbed and confessed to her? “But, what about …?” Her question hung between them like drizzling rain on a sun-filled day.

  “Oh, that. Your director does thorough background checks. I have never been arrested, Praise God. Just sinned.” She looked at Cindy straight on. “God and I are taking care of that.

  “And,” she continued, “Pastor Steve is counseling me. Every Monday morning.

  “I am forgiven.”

  Cindy’s head spun. She had so many questions, but she would only pose one to Melanie. “What made you decide to apply to New Hope Preschool?”

  “You, mostly. I love children and have always wanted to be a part of their lives. And,” she offered, “as you might have guessed, I lost a child. I know that baby is in heaven, but,” she lowered her eyes, “I want to be part of ensuring other children get there.”

  Cindy knew she looked puzzled. Melanie spoke again.

  “No, I did not abort. Almost did, but I lost the baby at seventeen weeks. Stress the doctors called it. I do believe it was a he, a boy. His name is Jerimiah, Jerry for short. After the prophet.”

  They went out for coffee. Same table she and Rob had occupied in the corner. This time it wasn’t a battlefield, but a field of dreams. Sort of like the movie, but not baseball. This dream field held personal hope for redemption of sin, and for the future. She was so proud of Melanie.

  Cindy apologized for letting Melanie down about Sunday church. Melanie said she went anyway on her own and loved it. Whew! Guess I am off the hook. Thank you, Lord. You always do provide.

  ~

  The call came close to midnight, again. She knew who to expect, so she answered with the “Hi, how are you?”

  “Sorry, Cindy. It’s me again, Emily.”

  “Heavens, Emily. I thought we were finished.” Cindy sucked in a breath. “What’s up? You okay?”

  “So nice of you to ask, considering how I treated you, and Rob.” Cindy heard what sounded like muffled sobbing on the other end. Was Emily all right? “Sorry,” she said. “Needed to grab a tissue.” After another pause, she continued. “Can you talk? I know it’s late, but that’s one of the old behaviors some AA members have. Late night phone calls.”

  Cindy hesitated. She had to get up early for a teachers’ meeting. Still, Emily sounded needy. “Yes, go ahead.”

  Another sigh on the other end. “I know I was wrong to take Rob’s kindness so seriously. I grabbed at it. But, what is it about him? That makes him that way?”

  “Well,” Cindy replied, “he is a man with a deep faith.”

  “Oh, a Christian?”

  “Yes, didn’t you know that?”

  Cindy was fighting sleep. She really wanted this conversation to end. Then, she remembered the shooting star. Right over Emily’s head. What was God showing her?

  ~

  Rob picked Cindy up for the next AA meeting. Six pm. Was she able to deal with this again so soon? He wasn’t sure, felt guilty. She had told him Emily called her. And, she had dealt with it. But, he still felt uncertain.

  “Friday night meetings are kind of special,” he said. “More like a party to celebrate another week of being sober. Cookies, sometimes cake, and flavored creamer.” He pointed to a bakery box in the back seat. “Cake.”

  He glanced at Cindy, noticing a big smile on her radiant face. “You look happy.”

  “I am. A friend of mine got saved.”

  “Do I know her? I assume it’s a her.”

  “Yes, you do. She was in the wedding.” She looked over at him, still smiling. “Melanie.”

  “Wonderful! I didn’t know she was in limbo about her faith.” Squeezing her hand quickly, he questioned Cindy. “What happened? Tell all, please.”

  “Private. Confidential. Secrets.” She turned slightly in her seat. He wondered why she hesitated. Then, he understood. “Thanks in part to your mom.”

  “My mom brought Melanie to the Lord?”

  “Partly, yes. She had a lot to do with it, taking her to Bible study and mostly listening to her. She’s a special woman.”

  “Yep, sure is.”

  “I can’t wait for her to be my mother-in-law.” Cindy giggled. “Of course you have to do your part.”

  ~

  Cindy latched the door after Rob, disposed of the small amount of leftover Nachos, kicked off her high heels and changed barefoot into comfy, warm sweats. Today had been exciting and emotionally exhausting. After breakfast on Balboa Island at Wilma’s Patio, they drove the short distance to Fashion Island shopping center and parked near Bloomingdale’s. There was an upscale jewelry store almost right across from Bloomie’s mall entrance that Rob wanted to check out. He had noticed unique designs in its windows when he had searched for an engagement ring for Cindy. Some of the designs were, in his opinion, a bit off the wall. But, were they timeless? Would they be dated in a few years?

  Cindy pressed her nose against one display window of the store and squealed, so they went in. The middle-aged jeweler took the ring she had spied out of the window and laid it on a velvet-covered square on the counter. “Madam has excellent taste,” he said in a slightly Aussie accent. She tried the opulent ring on and held out her hand to admire it. Then, she’d noticed the tiny sticker hanging on the platinum band and squealed again. She’d carefully removed the ring and said, “It is beautiful. But, not quite ‘me.’” Gripping Rob’s elbow tightly, she steered him out the door.

  “What’s the matter?” He looked puzzled. “I thought that ring was gorgeous, and,” he exclaimed, “perfect on you.”

  “Rob, did you notice the price? Way, way too expensive.” Her lips were set in a firm line.

  “It was expensive. But, Cindy, my love, this is a once in a lifetime purchase. For a lifetime,” he added. “Maybe on our fiftieth anniversary you can get another one,” he quipped.

  “Robinson Todd Lovejoy!” She had recently learned his middle name and loved to use it when badgering or teasing him. Why she hadn’t known it before, she had no idea. Wasn’t all that important, then. Now that it would soon be part of her name, her new name, it was important. “Even if you plan to replace it in fifty years, you will be eighty! And, retired. Maybe on a fixed income.” She wiggled her nose at him and gripped his elbow harder.

  “Well, then,” he said nonchalantly, “you only get one. Forever.” He tapped her nose with his index finger. “So, make a good choice.” Cindy was sure he was jo
shing, and when he burst out laughing, she knew positively.

  They traipsed through the mall to Traditional Jewelers. She hoped their prices were more traditional, too. They weren’t, but they did have a much wider range of styles to choose from. Not only did they have Solitaire diamonds in all sizes (smaller was less expensive) and the square Princess cut diamonds, but they had pear-shaped, and even heart and star-shaped. She was tempted by the heart shapes, and especially the star shapes. Those she really loved – so unique. Then, she thought about how the points would probably catch on just about everything, especially sweaters and the adorable faces of three-year-olds. Not practical. At all. She was so confused and gripped Rob again by his elbow. They were about to leave when the owner of the store approached them.

  “Don’t I recognize you from Mariners Church?” he asked.

  Impossible. There were probably around a thousand people at each service in two tiers of seating, and she usually sat up high to see the stage better. But, he was right. Of course he had a very good eye being a jeweler. She had heard he attended there. Then she remembered – he served on the board of elders. She had seen his name in the bulletin.

  Cindy nodded, introduced herself and Rob who said in jest, “I attend there, too. But, I’m not as pretty.” Mr. Owner laughed.

  “I do recognize your last name. You own that floral shop in Corona del Mar?” he asked.

  “My family does, mostly my brother. I’m a realtor.”

  “Oh, one of those. Just a rung above lawyers.” The man laughed heartily, then redeemed himself. “Actually, I have seen your name next to well done real estate ads in the Saturday paper. Nice to meet you.

  “May I show you a ring that I just designed? I can tell you are looking for something unique, but at the same time classic.”

  Rob shrugged, and Cindy nodded. She felt trapped. Was he talking about a ring the cost of a whole year’s income? She couldn’t do that to Rob, nor to their future. Marriage had so many expenses. She knew she was jumping ahead in her thinking, but worry took over. And, one thing she did want to spend money on was a beautiful wedding like Noelle had. She knew her dad was okay financially, but he was pushing retirement age and couldn’t, or shouldn’t, foot the bill for an extravagant wedding. If her mom had been alive, loving fancy events as she had, she would have pushed Dad. But, Cindy wanted to pay for a lot of the wedding herself. Fat chance on her preschool teacher’s salary. She turned her attention back to Mr. Owner who was holding a lovely engagement ring in a piece of navy felt.

  “Try it on,” he said in a soft voice.

  “I shouldn’t.” But, she did.

  ~

  Now, with bare feet propped up on her glass coffee table, she wiggled into the soft pillows on the sofa and day-dreamed about the diamond on her empty finger. She imagined twisting it with some difficulty. What was unique about it, other than the gorgeous stone, was the square band. Cindy loved that. She reminisced about the several hours she and Rob had spent with the jeweler. It had been fun, and very educational. He’d explained about depth and carat and cut to them. Then, he made them an agreement. At first Cindy thought it was a deal, but it wasn’t. It was merely a suggestion, one she and Rob delighted in.

  Next Sunday at church, she and Rob would be signing up for the mission field!

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  She hadn’t bothered to take off her sweats. She was comfy, tired and cold. The Newport Beach weather was a bit bitter tonight. Maybe it was the wind. She heard it whistling through the patio doors. She had thought many times about stuffing towels under them. If only she could remember before succumbing to sleep. She was stumbling into bed when the doorbell chimed. It was only eight-thirty, but she and Rob had had a fatiguing day, although very exciting. Her engagement ring would not be ready until February, the day before Valentine’s Day. Something about the fit and getting the perfect diamond. She was okay with that, but it would be hard to wait. Who was ringing the bell? Mustering every bit of patience, she flipped the lock and opened the door. Probably shouldn’t be so trusting.

  Emily stood there holding a brown paper lunch bag.

  “Ah, hi,” Cindy managed to say. “But what are you doing here?”

  Emily squirmed, then held out the bag. “Bringing you a present.” The bag squirmed, too.

  She placed it in Cindy’s hands, and it squirmed again. “Should I open this? Is it going to bite me?” She had concerns. After all Emily had been in love with Rob. Maybe there was a snake in the bag.

  “No, no. It’s a special present. One I picked just for you. One I think you need, or at least should have.” She smiled widely, and the bag wiggled more. “Open it.”

  A tiny gray paw poked out. Then a fluffy face with almond-shaped green eyes. Cindy put her nose to the open bag and it got licked.

  ~

  Star. She had named the kitten Star, actually Shooting Star, but Star for short. Star was draped around her, her back legs across Cindy’s neck and her front ones half tucked into the neckline of the gray sweat top. Her little pink wet nose nestled under Cindy’s chin. How could she say no? She had always wanted a kitten, just never got around to it. But, from Emily?

  After Cindy opened the paper bag and Star climbed onto her shoulder, Emily deposited a large white plastic trash bag inside, then left. Inside was a small plastic litter box, a bag of cat litter and scoop, and a large bag of kitty food. She had thought of it all. Almost.

  Cindy scrounged up an old afghan and a cardboard box. That would do for a bed for Star. She couldn’t believe she was doing this, and so unexpectedly. Somehow, she didn’t mind, actually found the small creature with the gray and white face comforting. And so adorable.

  She settled Star in her new bed and crawled under the covers. Oops. Tiny needle-like claws dug into her shoulder. Then, a buzzing purr.

  ~

  “I got a surprise last night,” she held the phone away from her face. “From Emily.” She was tempted to facetime him and show him Star, but she resisted. It would be fun to see the shock on his face in person. “See you soon. Dinner this time, not just Nachos.”

  Her doorbell rang in ten. Wow, that man was quick. Had he been parked just a block away? She picked up Star and put her in the big front pocket of her sweatshirt. She fit perfectly, even snuggled down for a nap.

  “Hi. What’s the surprise?” He looked puzzled, annoyed. “What did Emily give you? Something disgusting?”

  “Kiss me, and I’ll tell you.” She stretched to reach his lips and snuggled close. “Or, maybe you can feel it.” She was counting on Star doing her wiggling thing, and she wasn’t disappointed.

  “What is wrong with your stomach? I know you must be hungry, but I don’t hear gurgling, just feel wiggling.” Poor Rob. He looked so flustered.

  “My tummy is fine. I just have something caught in my pocket. Can you fish it out?” She waited breathlessly while Rob put both hands in both side openings of the pocket. Then, he stopped. His eyes grew huge as he pulled Star out.

  “Oh, my gosh! Is this what Emily gave you?” He held the tiny fur ball up to his face in one hand. Star almost disappeared in Rob’s big paw. The cat mewed and started to nibble on his thumb. Cindy nodded and grinned. She hoped he wasn’t allergic. She’d never thought to ask Lydia.

  “You okay with this?”

  “Actually, I am more than okay. Her name is Star, by the way.”

  “Wow. You must have fallen in love with her faster than you did with me.”

  “Well, she doesn’t dance,” Cindy teased. “But, if I lead, I suppose she could.”

  ~

  “Have you opened your mail today?” Rob held an envelope and drew a letter out.

  “Not yet. Concern? Ring won’t be ready when he said?” She was so focused on the ring. She had to get over that. It was only an item, a thing, and it didn’t define their love.

  “Nothing like that. It’s a letter from Mariners about a choice of upcoming mission trips.” He cocked his head. “You do remember agreein
g to that, right?”

  “Of course. I wasn’t expecting it so soon.” She fidgeted with the empty spot on the third finger of her left hand. “What’s it say? Maybe I should check my own mail.” She ran to the kitchen counter where today’s mail was piled. Sorting through the envelopes she pulled out the one that had Mariners Church as the return address.

  “Wow! Some of them are soon, like in four weeks.”

  “Yeh, too soon for us I think.”

  “Was that a question?”

  “Sort of, but no,” Rob said. “I think it might be more special to go after we are married, or at least officially engaged.” He peered at the letter again. “Although it’s not mandatory, they do like couples going to be married. Maybe they would make an exception for us?”

  “Possibly. When would you want to go? And, to where?” There were several mission trips listed. Quite a few in Mexico. One in China. So far away, such a long one. One in Costa Rica. That was a good one.

  “Rob, look at the last one … in Costa Rica.” She touched his hand hoping he, too, would pick up on that one. He grinned. She suddenly had the courage to continue. “We could get married there on the beach. Before, of course, the actual mission trip.”

  “A what do you call it, a destination wedding?” He looked back at the letter, and she was sure he looked puzzled.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Another letter. Both he and Cindy needed to have medical evaluations in order for Mariners Church to cover them with insurance for the mission. The mission wasn’t scheduled until June – perfect month for a wedding. Especially on the beach. He was excited, but scared. Would they accept him going with his health issues? He made the doctor appointment and hoped.

  Why had he never told her? It wasn’t a life issue, but could be in ten years. Not fair to Cindy. He called Mom.

  “You never told her? Never discussed it?” Mom sounded appalled. And angry. She seldom did, but this time she lit into him. “Robinson Todd,” she said using his full given name like she did when he was three, “that was not fair to Cindy.” Finally, she said in her most authoritative mom voice, “Do it now.”