Returning Home

by Toni Shiloh

  Chelle belle?

  “No, thanks, I’d rather not owe you one. Go ahead and write the ticket. I’ll wait.”

  He laughed, his head thrown back. “I promise. You won’t owe me one. Besides, it’s not like you’re the DA.”

  “Well then, if you don’t mind, I’d like to be excused.”

  He gestured ahead to the empty road. “By all means, go, but drive the speed limit.” He winked at her and leaned around her head. “Have a great day, Jo. Tell Nana Baker I’ll see her Monday.” With a wave, he sauntered away.

  She met Michelle’s glare and shrank into her seat.

  “You knew he moved back?” her friend whispered.

  “Yes.” Why was that such big news to her?

  “You didn’t tell me?”

  “I didn’t know you would care.”

  Her friend’s mouth dropped open and then snapped shut. “You should have told me.”

  “What’s the big deal? It’s not like you guys ever dated. He was just one of the guys who bugged us and moved back. I can’t call you every time someone comes back to Freedom Lake.”

  “Whatever, Jo Ellen.”

  She winced. Michelle only called her that when she was mad. But why on earth would the presence of Guy Pierre make her cool, calm and collected friend go bat crazy?

  Jo sighed. So much for a relaxing Sunday.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Jo pounded the pavement, letting the rhythm of her breathing propel her forward. Friday arrived on the trail of sunbeams glistening over Freedom Lake. With the lingering snowfall, the lake offered a picturesque view. She normally didn’t like to run in the cold, but the looming Bible study had her so full of nerves, she couldn’t function. Running would calm her like nothing else could. Chloe and Evan possessed an inner peace that Jo couldn’t understand. Maybe she’d ask them how they obtained it.

  Peace.

  She needed to feel some semblance of calm in this chaotic world. She wanted to be able to talk to her mother or sister and not want to tear her hair out in frustration. In fact, her whole week had been wrought with one frustration after another. The company she had purchased Evan’s wood floors from ordered the wrong ones.

  Who did that?

  It pushed her a week behind schedule. Until they could arrange for the right ones to be delivered, she had no choice but to wait. That meant she couldn’t install the cabinets in the kitchen until the floor was in. She wanted to tackle the dining room, but it was using the same flooring as the kitchen. The only places that would differ were Evan’s bedroom and the bathrooms. However, those rooms needed to be extended and she couldn’t do it with the lingering snow. She was at a stall and it drove her absolutely crazy.

  Worse, that was only Monday’s sorry state of events.

  Tuesday, her mother showed up on the doorstep of her bungalow to object that her wayward daughter had shown up at church without so much as a ‘hello.’ Jo tried to tell her mother she didn’t even see her, but Victoria Baker refused to believe her. Jo had been overwhelmed by the sheer size of Freedom Lake Tabernacle, not to mention the number of people crowding inside. Logically she knew that since the church was the only church in the town more people would be there, she just didn’t expect the couple of thousand folks that had appeared.

  Of course, that meant that on Wednesday Vanessa had to stop by and throw her two cents into the discussion. Her sister carried on and on about how disrespectful Jo had been by not speaking to them. Jo pointed out that since they saw her, they could have made the first move. Vanessa glossed over that and continued her tirade.

  Jo ran harder.

  Maybe she should stop trying to be nice. Maybe she needed to start ranting and raving like Vanessa. She looked up trying to keep the tears at bay. What can I do? Nothing I do is good enough for them.

  Then worry about pleasing Me.

  Jo slowed to a jog, looking around her. She stopped running and looked up into the sky. “Is that you, Lord?” she spoke in a reverent whisper.

  Yes.

  “Wow.”

  Nothing like this had ever happened to her before. She stared into the clouds, awed at their majesty. If what they said about God was true, then He created this view.

  Gradually, Bishop Brown’s words scrolled into Jo’s mind like a marquee. “If you do what is right to please God, then He will take care of other people’s actions. God knows what people say and do to you. The question is what are you saying and doing to others? Are you living out the Golden Rule and blessing those that curse you? Or are you keeping a tally of their wrongs and plotting your revenge?”

  “God, how do I do that? How do I not focus on their wrongs?”

  Jo sat down on a nearby bench. The urge to pray welled inside of her. She didn’t know why, but her inner voice screamed for her to pray, to pray through all the headaches and frustrations she’d experienced this week. To pray for her relationship with her family.

  To. Just. Pray.

  She closed her eyes and every thought that had passed through her mind over the week poured forth. The anger at the floor company, her mother, sister and even her dad for not being around rose heavenward. The more she prayed, the more she found something to say. She didn’t know how long she sat there. But when Jo finished, she got up and made her way back to her home, feeling a little lighter. And oddly enough, she hadn’t frozen up while praying. It was as if God kept her warm.

  Thank you.

  SENIOR DROPPED EVAN off for Bible study. As he gave a nod of thanks to his dad, he couldn’t help but hope one day he could drive. Then again, Darryl lived right behind his new place, no reason why he couldn’t simply walk over. Hopefully, the setbacks wouldn’t delay his moving-in date. Jo had expressed her frustration, but he was confident she could get it done.

  Evan clutched his Bible as he walked up the driveway. A moan slipped from his lips, his prosthetic chaffing him with every step. He prayed his limb would adjust. The online support groups he joined mentioned that the limb had to adjust to the material, but man, did it irritate his skin.

  He looked around and noted the empty driveway. It looked like he would be the first to arrive. Maybe he could answer the door when Jo got here. He’d like to be the first person she saw. With a grin at the thought, he knocked on Darryl’s door. A few seconds later, his friend answered, looking frantic.

  “Yo man, what’s wrong?” He stepped inside slowly, making sure he stepped off with the correct foot.

  “Man, I can’t figure out what to wear and I burned the bacon-wrapped chicken skewers I was grilling.”

  “Okay, calm down. First, wear anything. I’m sure she won’t care as long as you look presentable.”

  “Whatever, girls care.” Darryl scrunched up his face in irritation.

  “How do you know? When’s the last time you had a girlfriend?

  “A year ago. But trust me, I know they care. They don’t want to date a guy who’s dressed worse than they are, and not one who is overdressed either. It’ll make them feel bad.”

  That actually makes sense. “Okay then, wear a striped, button-down shirt with your khakis. Did you burn all the skewers or only some?”

  “Only some. But I need time to hop in the shower before skewering the remaining ones.”

  “I can do the chicken while you go shower.”

  He glanced at his watch. “That’ll work. Thanks, Ev.” Darryl patted him on the shoulder and raced toward the back of the house.

  Evan headed toward the kitchen, passing through the living room. Darryl’s house had a great open floor plan. The place had been styled with a lot of black furniture, but it didn’t seem too dark thanks to the light yellow walls.

  Jo had him thinking about how colors complemented one another. Evan shook his head and looked at the chicken. It was already laid out on the kitchen island waiting to be assembled. He washed his hands and began preparing the food. It had been awhile since he puttered around in the kitchen. His mom had been spoiling him daily.

  J
ust the other day, Evan had told her he needed to eat better before he gained weight. Fortunately, occupational therapy was grueling and helped him work out. What he really wanted was access to an indoor pool. Freedom Lake had become frozen solid, with the last temperature dip into the teens, so obviously he couldn’t swim in it. There was a local gym, but it had only the bare necessities when it came to gym equipment. A pool was simply not possible.

  Evan walked outside and placed several skewers on the grill. He shivered, glad he had left his beanie on. The sound of the sliding glass door drew his attention. He looked up in time to see Darryl walk outside onto the porch.

  “Man, thanks for the help. I feel much better.”

  “I’m glad.” He glanced at his friend with amusement. “I thought only women freaked out over what to wear.”

  “Ha ha. Go ahead and make fun. You can’t tell me you didn’t change your shirt a few times, hoping you guessed Jo’s favorite color correctly.”

  “Wrong. I happen to know Jo loves red, which is why I picked this one,” he said, pointing to his red checkered, long-sleeved shirt. He thought he looked pretty nice in it too. His sleeveless puffer jacket kept him warm from the winter chill. Why did Darryl decide to grill?

  “No fair.”

  “All’s fair in love and war, D. Besides, how do you not know Chloe’s favorite color?”

  “It never came up.”

  He laughed at his friend.

  “Yeah, yeah. Hey, watch the chicken. You know what, move out the way.”

  Evan stepped to the side, amused at Darryl’s testiness. Maybe he should just get Jo to set Darryl up with Chloe. Maybe then the boy would get back to being his jubilant, goofy self.

  The doorbell rang and his friend’s head shot up.

  “Hey man, why don’t you watch the chicken and I’ll answer the door for you?” Evan’s palms grew damp at the thought of Jo being behind the door.

  “What if it’s Chloe? I want to answer the door then.”

  “All right, I’ll look through the peep hole. If it’s her, I’ll come back and get you or I can just direct her straight out here so you don’t burn the skewers again.”

  The doorbell rang again.

  “Fine man, go answer the door.”

  He grinned in victory and prayed it was Jo.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The moon shined brightly, illuminating the dark street. Thankfully, the front porch light was on. The barren trees swaying in the night gave Jo the heebie-jeebies. It looked like something right out of the Jason movies. If a masked man appeared, she’d pee her pants and die of fright. She knocked on the door and pushed the doorbell again.

  Come on, Darryl! Answer the door!

  She wasn’t really afraid of the dark. It’s just that she hated the look of the woods. The hairs on her neck stood on end as she continued to wait. Just when she couldn’t take it anymore, the door swung open. She jumped back with a barely suppressed yelp.

  “Everything okay?” Evan asked, his eyes filled with concern.

  “Yes, sorry, my mind was trying to play tricks on me out here in the dark.”

  He peered outside. “I guess the woods can be a little creepy. Especially when they’re bare. Come on in. Darryl’s out back, grilling.” He motioned Jo inside.

  She took in his appearance. He looked adorable in red. Wait a minute. She grimaced. Would her red sweater seem too matchy? Would he think she planned it?

  Of course, not! Pure coincidence, Jo.

  He held out a hand for her coat and she handed it to him, repressing a sigh as the scent of his cologne greeted her.

  “You look great,” he said huskily.

  “Thanks.” Was it warm in here? She knew her cheeks were probably red. Lately, she couldn’t seem to stop blushing in his presence.

  All of a sudden, the foyer seemed incredibly small. She wanted to back up. Instead, she slid her clammy palms down the sides of her jeans and then into her pockets, hoping he would think that’s all she was doing. She swallowed as her heart started pounding. It seemed so loud. Could he hear it?

  “Do you want to sit outside?

  “You look nice, too.”

  She shook her head when they spoke over each other. Maybe the silence had gotten to him, too.

  “I was hoping you’d like the shirt.”

  He was? “Why?”

  “Um, I know your favorite color is red.”

  So he did wear red on purpose. Before her brain could figure out the importance of it, he cleared his throat.

  “I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me tomorrow. There’s a nice Italian restaurant in the city I would love to take you to.”

  He stared at her and she couldn’t look away. Didn’t she want to keep their relationship purely business? Yes, but friendly. Wasn’t going on a date pushing the boundaries of friendly? Before she could stop herself, she answered.

  “I love Italian.”

  “I know.”

  Her mouth dropped open. He wore red on purpose and knew she liked Italian food. How could she say no? “I’d love to go out with you, Evan.”

  “Great.” The grin he gave her turned her insides to mush. She instinctively took a step forward and his grin got wider.

  How long they stood there with twin goofy looks on their faces, she’d never know. She only remembered the noise of a throat clearing. It was like getting a bucket of ice water doused on her.

  She jumped and turned toward the sound.

  Darryl looked at them expectantly. “Evening, Jo. Is it just you?”

  “Uh, yeah, Michelle had a late meeting with a potential client. She said she would come as soon as she finished. I haven’t spoken to Chloe today, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon. She’s never late and...” she glanced at her watch. “She has about five minutes before she’s on time.” She ended the sentence with a grin to ease his worry.

  It was so cute how much he liked Chloe. “Are you ever going to tell her?”

  “Tell her what,” he asked guardedly.

  “Tell her you like her, of course.”

  “You told?” He threw daggers at Evan.

  “No, man!” Evan said, holding his hands up.

  She rolled her eyes. “Darryl, no one had to tell me. I have eyes. I’ve seen how you look at her.” It was kind of cute.

  “Well, I’m not the only one that has a crush. Just ask Evan.”

  She wanted to laugh. He sounded like a petulant two-year-old.

  “As a matter of fact, Jo has an inkling of how I feel, considering I just asked her out.”

  She looked at Evan who had a smug look on his face. Darryl’s look of outrage morphed into surprise.

  “What are you two, twelve?” She walked away and headed for the living room. Neanderthals.

  EVAN WATCHED JO’S RETREATING back. Well, he certainly screwed that up. He shook his head, ashamed of himself and how he reacted. Hopefully, she’d forgive him. He looked across the room at his friend. Darryl looked slightly dejected.

  “Sorry, man. I don’t know what came over me. All of a sudden, I felt like I did in high school. I wanted to prove I could get a girl.”

  His friend sighed. “I get it. Considering how long you’ve liked her, I don’t blame you for being happy she said yes.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “Maybe there’s your chance now. It could be Chloe. I’ll leave you to answer the door. Hopefully, Jo will accept my apology.”

  “Check on the chicken for me too, please.”

  “Sure thing, D.”

  Evan headed for the back. He said a quick prayer asking God to help smooth things over with Jo and give him the words he needed to be sincere in his apology. He came to a stop when he saw her in the kitchen. She leaned against the counter, twirling a skewer in her hand.

  “Are you going to use that on me?”

  She froze and looked at him. “Do I need to?”

  “I hope not.” He gulped, moving closer to her. “I’m sorry for acting like a jerk.�
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  “I really shouldn’t be surprised.” Her brow furrowed.

  “Yes you should. If I’ve changed like I said I did.”

  “Evan,” she sighed.

  The way she said his name curled around him like an embrace. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. “It won’t happen again, JoJo.”

  “It better not.” She shoved his chest and walked away.

  Evan watched as she greeted Chloe and Michelle. He didn’t know if her reply meant she forgave him. Just gotta pull out all the stops tomorrow, Ev. If their date went well, maybe it would erase the years of his stupidity.

  As the group settled around the dining table, their conversation soon turned into a duel of boys versus girls. In some respects, it was reminiscent of their high school days, which made the evening all the more enjoyable. However, as they put away the laughter and broke open their Bibles, their life issues slowly invaded the light atmosphere.

  Evan could only pray the night wouldn’t go south.

  “So who’s going to lead this study?” Michelle asked with a quirk of an eyebrow. Her French manicured nails tapped quietly against the dining room table.

  “I’m new to all of this, so I don’t think it should be me,” Darryl answered.

  “Same here,” Jo echoed.

  Evan looked at Chloe. She was the only steady church-goer here. “Would you like to do the honors?”

  “Actually I think you should lead us, Evan. I’ll chime in if I have anything to add. Something tells me you know where to go.” She gave him a peculiar, knowing look.

  The hairs on his arms stood up. Before he had left the house, he’d prayed that God would guide them and lead the study. The first thing that came to mind was Matthew Chapter Eighteen. Now, Chloe was telling him that she knew he had something to share. It could only be the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

  He cleared his throat. “Actually I did have a particular place in the Bible I wanted to study with you guys. Let’s turn to Matthew Eighteen. It’s the first book in the New Testament in case you’re unaware of where that is.” He cleared his throat hoping he didn’t sound pretentious.