“Oh, no! I can’t call her back—I don’t know where she was calling from.” Joe snapped off his bedroom light. “I’ll have to wait until next week when I can drive to Tacoma and try to straighten things out.” He hurried out of the door, still wishing he could have explained.
❧
Lois left the phone booth and climbed back into her car. Feeling the weight of Joe’s rejection, she let her head drop against the steering wheel. Each breath stung as she struggled to keep from dissolving into tears. It was exactly as she feared. Joe didn’t want to see her anymore, and he was too polite to come right out and say so. If only he’d been more direct the other night when he’d taken her home from the Puyallup Fair, she wouldn’t have called him at his home. He probably thought she was chasing after him.
She’d been foolish to let Joe steal her heart so soon. The happy clown’s warm smile and carefree manner had captured her senses, but Lois knew she would have to be more careful from now on. She needed to guard her heart and her feelings.
Ten
It was Monday morning, and Lois had been staring at her computer screen for the last five minutes, unable to type a single word. She needed to finish Pastor Hanson’s sermon, since he’d given her his notes when she first arrived at work. She also had a stack of mail to go through, but Lois wasn’t in the mood to do any of it. She was still feeling the pain of Joe’s rejection. If only they could have met for a few minutes on Saturday, to talk and maybe share a meal. Would it have made any difference if they had? Tossing the question around in her mind brought no relief from Lois’s frustrations. With sheer determination, she forced her thoughts off Joe and onto the work she needed to do.
By noon Lois had managed to catch up, and she decided to go out to lunch, hoping it would brighten her day. The deli was close to the church, and she could order her favorite veggie sandwich. She’d be glad when Tabby came back so she wouldn’t have to eat alone.
❧
Joe hurried up the front steps of Bayview Christian Church. He hoped he wasn’t too late. It was noon, and Lois might have already left for lunch. He drew in a breath as he opened the door, suddenly colliding with someone.
“Joe!”
“Lois!”
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to see you.”
She took a step backward. “You did?”
He nodded. “I needed to explain about Saturday. You hung up before I had the chance to tell you why we couldn’t get together.” He looked at her. “Are you all right? I didn’t mean to bump into you like that. I guess I was rushing too much.”
“I’m okay. I’m on my way to lunch now,” she said, turning away.
He touched her arm. “Mind if I join you?”
She shrugged. “I–I suppose we could talk at the deli down the street. That’s where I was planning to eat.”
Joe’s stomach growled at the mention of lunch. He hadn’t eaten a decent breakfast that morning because he’d been in such a hurry to get to Tacoma and see Lois. “That sounds good to me.”
Lois led the way, and soon they were seated in a booth at the deli. Joe ordered a hamburger, fries, and a cola, while Lois asked for her favorite sandwich and a glass of iced tea.
They ate in silence for the first few minutes, and Joe used the time to study the young woman sitting across from him. A few pale freckles dappled her cute, upturned nose. Funny, he’d never noticed them before. Maybe I should pay more attention to details.
Joe knew he couldn’t stall forever. It was time for him to explain about Saturday. If he didn’t, they might spend the rest of their lunch without talking. He had a feeling Lois was pretty miffed at him. “I was on my way out to do a kid’s birthday party when you called the other day. Later I had to see one of the men on the hospital board about doing a program at their staff meeting next week. That’s why I didn’t have time to get together with you when you were in Olympia.” He winked and offered Lois what he hoped was his best smile. “Am I forgiven for not explaining then and for not calling after our last date? I was really bogged down all week.”
Was that a look of relief he saw on Lois’s face? She’d seemed so tense only a moment ago, but now she was smiling.
“Thanks for explaining, Joe. I thought maybe you didn’t want to see me anymore or that you’d rather I not come to your house.” Her gaze dropped to the table. “I figured you might be afraid for me to meet your family.”
He reached across the table and took her hand. “I live alone. I have ever since my mother died from lung cancer a year ago.”
“I’m sorry about your mother. I should have remembered you said both of your parents were gone.”
“Would you like to go out with me this Saturday?” he asked, abruptly changing the subject.
“What did you have in mind?” Her forehead wrinkled. “I hope you weren’t planning to take me for another roller coaster ride.”
He shook his head. “Not in the real sense of the word. Besides, I think our relationship has already had a few ups and downs.”
He saw her throat constrict as she swallowed. “Does that mean we have a relationship?”
“I hope so.” He grinned and wagged his finger. “About our Saturday date—”
“Yes?”
“It’s a surprise, so you’ll have to wait and see where I’m taking you.”
“At least tell me how I’m supposed to dress.”
“Wear something casual. Maybe a pair of blue jeans and a sweatshirt.” He nodded toward the window. “As you can see by the falling leaves, autumn is here, so there’s a good chance the weather will be chilly and rainy.”
“What time will you pick me up?”
“How does eleven o’clock in the morning sound?”
“I’ll be ready.”
❧
An hour later, Lois was seated in front of her desk, feeling satisfied. Not only had she eaten a terrific lunch, but things were okay with her and Joe, and they were going out again. So much for her plan to guard her heart.
Lois tried to reign in her thoughts and concentrate on a list of names she needed to contact regarding church business, but an image of Joe’s smiling face kept bobbing in front of her. She realized they had little in common, with his being a clown and her being Miss Serious. But he made her laugh, and she thought he could probably charm the birds right out of the trees.
Lois could feel the knots forming in her shoulders. She wondered if she’d be able to discard her fears and trust Joe not to hurt her. She hoped she could because she was beginning to care for him.
The telephone rang, halting Lois’s thoughts. She needed to stay focused on her job. “Bayview Christian Church,” she answered.
“Lois, is that you?”
“Tabby?”
“The one and only,” her sister answered. “How are you doing?”
“Fine. How about you and Seth? Will you be coming back to Tacoma soon?”
“That’s the reason I’m calling. We’ve decided to stay on tour awhile longer. I checked in with Donna earlier, and she says everything’s fine at the day care.”
“I’ve heard that too.”
“Seth’s a little worried about his ventriloquist shop, but he was caught up on all repairs before we left, so I think it will be okay if he’s gone another few weeks.”
“I’m sure it will be fine,” Lois agreed.
“What’s new with you?” Tabby asked, changing the subject. “Did that cute, funny clown ever call?”
“Yes, and we’ve gone on a couple of dates. In fact, he’s taking me out again this Saturday.”
“That’s great. Where are you going?”
“Joe said it was a surprise.” Lois drew in a breath then released it in a contented sigh. “I don’t see how he could top our last date.”
“Where’d you go?”
“To the Puyallup Fair, and Joe talked me into riding the roller coaster.”
Tabby’s sharp intake of breath indicated her reaction. “And you lived t
o tell about it?”
“It turned out to be a lot of fun,” Lois admitted. “I think I’ve finally overcome my fear of the crazy ride.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m glad you and Joe are getting along so well. You two should be good for each other.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You tend to be a bit solemn sometimes, and Joe’s playfulness will help you see the humorous side of life. Joe’s a big kidder, so your serious side should give him some new perspectives.”
Lois nodded, not even caring that Tabby couldn’t see her reaction. Her sister was right. Lois definitely could use more joy in her life, but Joe more serious? Was that even possible?
Eleven
As Joe prepared for his date with Lois, he began to have second thoughts. He enjoyed her company. More than he had any other woman he’d ever dated, in fact. He knew she was a Christian, and he was physically attracted to her, but something was holding him back. Was it the serious side of Lois that bothered him, or the personal questions she’d asked him? Joe never talked to anyone about his mother’s emotional problems, his brother’s leaving home, or even the details of his parents dying. It was too painful, and he’d found his own way of dealing with it, so why dredge up the past? Yet several times, when he and Lois had gone out, she’d brought up his family. So far, he’d managed to distract her or change the subject, but how long could he put her curiosity on hold?
Joe hopped into his truck and slammed the door. “Guess I’ll have to keep her too busy laughing to ask any serious questions today.”
❧
Lois grabbed her sweater and an umbrella from the stand. She’d looked out her living room window and saw Joe pull up to the curb in front of the apartment complex. It was fifteen minutes after he’d said he would be there, so she hurried out the door, glad her apartment was on the ground floor and within easy reach of the street.
“I would have come to the door to get you,” Joe said when she opened his truck door and slid into the passenger’s seat.
“I was ready and figured it would save time.”
“Looks like you came prepared.” He nodded toward her umbrella.
Lois glanced out the window at the cloudy sky. “Even though it’s not raining at the moment, it could be later on.”
“You’re probably right,” he agreed.
“So where are we heading?”
“Remember? It’s a surprise.”
Lois glanced at her blue jeans and peach-colored knit top. Joe had told her to wear something casual for their date, so she hoped she looked okay. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a pale blue sweatshirt, which probably meant they weren’t going anywhere fancy. Relieved, she leaned against the headrest and decided to enjoy the ride. She had a habit of worrying over little things, but being around Joe was helping her relax.
By the time they turned onto the freeway and headed north, Lois’s curiosity was piqued. Were they going to Seattle? Whidbey Island? Vancouver? She was about to ask, but Joe posed a question just then.
“Heard anything from your sister and brother-in-law lately?”
She nodded. “Tabby called me the other day. She said their evangelistic tour has been quite successful, so they’ve decided to keep on going for a couple of more weeks.”
Joe tapped the steering wheel with both thumbs. “That’s great. Maybe I should have gone with them. It’s always rewarding to put on a gospel program and see folks turn their lives over to the Lord.”
“I’ve heard Tabby say that many times,” Lois agreed. “Sometimes I feel jealous when she tells me how many people accept Christ after one of their performances.”
“Why would you feel jealous?”
She sighed deeply. “My sister is using her talents for the Lord and helping people find a personal relationship with Him. That’s part of what she and Seth do. I, on the other hand, have no talents to share.”
“You’re a secretary for the church, right?”
“Yes,” she said, nodding, “but it doesn’t seem like much.”
“Not everyone has the ability to type, file, organize, and keep an office running smoothly. I’d say that’s a talent in itself.”
“You may be right, but it’s not the same thing as what you and Tabby and Seth are involved in.” Lois paused a moment. “Sometimes I think I should pursue some kind of Christian ministry that could be part of a gospel presentation.”
Joe reached across the seat for her hand. “How about becoming a gospel clown? There’s always room for one more.”
She giggled. “Me?”
“Yes, you.”
“I don’t know the first thing about clowning.”
“You don’t have to. There are plenty of classes you can take. In fact, I’ll be teaching one at a seminar in Bremerton next month.” He winked at her. “It might be fun to have someone enrolled in my class who likes to ride roller coasters and eat cotton candy.”
She swatted his arm playfully. “You’re the one who likes to do those things, Silly. I was coerced into riding the roller coaster, and one bite of cotton candy was enough to last me all day.”
“I stand corrected,” he said with a chuckle. “Think about what I said, Lois. Even if you decide clowning isn’t for you, I promise it’ll be a fun class.”
“I’ll consider it. Thanks for telling me about it.”
❧
Half an hour later, Joe exited the freeway and headed toward the Seattle Center. He was glad their conversation had been kept light and upbeat. Lois hadn’t once mentioned his past. Of course, he’d kept her busy listening to his stories about the birthday parties he’d recently done, and then he’d told her several corny jokes.
“Ah-ha! So you’re taking me to the Seattle Center!” Lois exclaimed.
“Yep. Sound like fun?” He glanced over to gauge her reaction.
She offered him a pleasant smile. “More carnival rides?”
“Nope—the Space Needle!”
Her mouth dropped open like a broken hinge. “You’re kidding, right?”
He shook his head. “I thought we’d eat lunch in the restaurant up there. We can enjoy the magnificent view of Puget Sound.”
Lois’s face paled. “Uh, I really would rather eat at the food court, with my feet on solid ground.”
Joe laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid to go up in the Space Needle.”
“Okay, I won’t tell you that.”
“Scared we might have an earthquake while we’re in the elevator heading to the top?” he teased.
“I hadn’t even thought about that prospect.” Lois gripped the edge of the seat. “How about if I wait on the ground while you check out the beautiful sights?”
He shook his head. “No way! I planned to do something special for this date, and I aim to see it through to the finish.”
When Lois didn’t reply, he glanced her way again. She was leaning against the headrest with her eyes closed. “Lois, are you asleep?”
Her eyes snapped open, and she shot him a pleading look. “I don’t want to go to the Space Needle for lunch. I’m not up to it today.”
Not up to it? What exactly was Lois saying? “Want to explain?” he asked.
“I’m afraid of heights, Joe. I have been ever since I was a little girl and my dad took me to the top of the Space Needle.”
“But you’re all grown up now,” he argued. “And I won’t let anything happen to you—I promise. Besides, you went on the roller coaster at the Puyallup Fair, and that’s pretty high off the ground.”
She shot him an exasperated look. “That wasn’t half as high as the Space Needle, and it was moving at such rapid speeds. I didn’t have time to think about how high I was.”
“How about this—we’ll go up and see the sights then come right back down and have lunch at the food court. Does that sound okay?”
“Lunch at the food court would be great, but I’m still not sure about going up in that needle.”
“It’ll be a breeze.”
/>
“Anything like riding the roller coaster?”
“You said you had fun.”
“I did, after I got over my initial fear,” she admitted.
“This won’t be any different. Once you take in the beautiful scenery below, you’ll be begging me to bring you back for another ride to the top of the world.”
“Okay. I’m not thrilled about it, but I’ll give it a try,” Lois said with a deep sigh.
They pulled into a parking lot near the Seattle Center, and Joe found a spot before she could change her mind. He felt confident that once they were on the observation deck she would relax and enjoy her surroundings.
❧
Lois fidgeted and pulled nervously on the straps of her purse as they stood inside the enclosed area, waiting for the next elevator to take them to the top. “The top of the world.” Wasn’t that what Joe had called it? I only hope I don’t do something stupid up there. What if I get dizzy when I look down? What if I don’t look down and still feel faint? What if—?
Joe slipped his arm around Lois and tickled her ribs. “It’s going to be okay. Trust me.”
She squirmed, giggled, and tickled him back. The distraction was helping her relax. Each time Lois was with Joe, she liked him more. He could make her laugh, and he’d convinced her to ride the roller coaster. Now she was standing at the foot of the Space Needle. Was there no end to this man’s persuasions?
The elevator door zipped open, and the attendant ushered them in. Lois felt herself being crowded to the back of the elevator, as the elevator filled with people. Joe’s arm tightened around her waist, and she leaned into him and whispered, “I hope I don’t live to regret this.”
He chucked her under the chin. “You’ll be fine.”
“I sure hope so.”
Without warning, Joe bent his head and kissed Lois’s lips, snatching her breath away and causing her arms to go limp at her sides. Before she had time to regain her bearings, they were at the top, and Joe had pulled away.
“Here we are,” he announced.
Lois gulped and took a tentative step forward. Mount Rainier and everything in the distance radiated beauty beyond compare, but the things directly below resembled ants, toy cars, and tiny buildings that looked like children’s blocks. A wave of dizziness hit her, and she inhaled deeply, hoping to squelch the dizzy feeling before she toppled over.
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