Guilty By Association

by Pat Simmons

  Romans 12:19. Yes, she knew it. Eva shivered at the thought of God paying out wages on the day of judgment for the lawless and disobedient. Jesus, help me to be forever faithful. Quietness descended between mother and daughter. Although they started off talking about Dawn, it seemed to end with an innuendo about her father’s unfaithfulness. The “other” woman had been successful in breaking up her family, and Eva’s parents had eventually divorced.

  While in the clutches of that home-wrecker, God caused her father to have a repentant heart. The woman was dumbfounded that the man she had stolen turned around and rejected her. During that dark time in the Savoy household, Angela stumbled across a news article about an antiquated “alienation of affection” law. It was still on the books in seven states where the wife could sue her husband’s mistress. At the time, it sounded like a plan to her and Angela.

  Kenneth earnestly repented, but it wasn’t an easy task to win back his wife and daughters. Eva had never seen her parents so tormented and conflicted. Her mother was not only a prayer warrior, but an astute Bible reader who held fast to the six powerful, but short, verses in Psalm 1. Rita would not sway to the counsel of her girlfriends, coworkers, or churchgoers. But in the end, after consulting with God and standing on His Word, Rita made her decision to forgive her husband and remarry. Oh, if only she had an ounce of temperance like her mother.

  No one would ever have guessed that Rita and Kenneth Savoy could have been separated for six months. It was difficult to believe they had been divorced for a year before finally having their marriage restored. The second time around, they had been going fifteen years strong.

  Her mother knew firsthand about heartache and forgiveness. Kenneth was the prodigal husband, prodigal father, and prodigal backslider. He, too, knew about temptation and the snare of the devil. Maybe her conversation should be with him. If there was a male code of craziness where Kidd was concerned, Eva’s father could decode it.

  Rita cleared her throat. “I kinda like Dawn’s innovative ways to find dates, keeping a pocket calendar of weekly hot spots, going where the men are—”

  “I’ll never forget the time I tagged along with her to a medical conference when I was thinking about going back to school. The woman’s got skills, and it’s a major production watching her in action … then there was this bodybuilding competition, but I refused to go with her.”

  “Her success rate is amazing.”

  “Yeah, but she’s in a slump lately. She may be getting tired of the game. If nothing else, she’s developed some solid friendships. By the way, next month, Dawn and I are doing our part to help with Habitat for Humanity’s last spring project.”

  “Good.” Rita stood and threw the apple core in the trash bag. “At least you haven’t let her drag you to any sports bars to pick up men. When the time comes, a confident, strong Christian man will find you.”

  “When the time comes, I hope so too.”

  Usually her mother’s next statement was about Eva’s unrealistic standards for men. Eva wanted to lighten the mood. “Of course, he’s got to have his body odor under control and have dental insurance,” Eva joked, and her mother fell into the trap and joined her. But she really wasn’t joking. The man had to smell as good as she suspected the gorgeous, muscular actor, Isaiah Mustafa, in the Old Spice commercials smelled.

  “Seriously, with my nursing classes, I’m blessed to get six hours of sleep at night. I need a man who will challenge and respect me. Plus, he has to be a man’s man. Only one wimp allowed in our family … Lance—”

  “Hey, I heard my name.” Lance followed Angela into the house and strolled into the kitchen, smiling.

  Eva rolled her eyes. If the man only knew her requirements, Lance would be disqualified at registration.

  After spending a few extra minutes to chat with Angela and her mom, Eva said her good-byes and went home. She spent the rest of the day and into the evening studying for her final. Kidd was constantly in her thoughts. It would be nice to have him as my study coach, she kept thinking.

  On the way to Sunday morning service at Salvation Temple, Eva had Kidd on her mind once again. It was getting harder and harder to shake him these days. There had to be a reason; she vowed to pray more fervently for him.

  The pastor of her church, Elder Taylor, read from Galatians 6:9. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

  As she prepared to listen, Eva thought, How many times have I held my tongue with Kidd?

  Not many lately, her conscience answered.

  Elder Taylor continued. “Maybe it’s time for a refresher course on verse ten: ‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people …’”

  As he began preaching, the Elder asserted, “Beginning right now, today. Delays should only pertain to road construction and airline flights.”

  Her burden for Kidd became so overwhelming that she bowed her head. Lord, whatever has been festering in him, deliver him from it. In Jesus’ name, Eva silently prayed, as she sat in the pew between her parents and the lovebirds, Angela and Lance. She was beginning to feel like the fifth wheel.

  Her mind drifted back to Kidd during the altar call, the baptism, and the benediction. As the congregation filed out of the sanctuary, Eva waited. She sat thinking about her next move, then gathered her purse and Bible and stood to leave. Eva pulled her father aside.

  “Daddy, do you have a few minutes to talk?”

  His eyes sparkled. “I’ll make time. When?”

  She glanced around. Her mother was off looking for the person who would take her donation. That would give her a good fifteen minutes with her father.

  “How about now?”

  “Sure.”

  They found a pew that was the farthest away from the crowd. “Before you say anything,” Kenneth said, holding up his hand. “Your mother told me a little bit about your conversation yesterday.”

  Deflated, Eva was about to protest the violation of her right of confidentiality. When she opened her mouth, her father stopped her.

  “She didn’t tell me everything. All she said was you were attracted to a man who didn’t seem to meet your standards. Am I right?”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “I need your insight, Daddy. He seems to be so wrong for me, yet I’m drawn to him.”

  “I’ve never met this young man, of course, so it’s hard for me to judge him.”

  “Since the time I met him, I haven’t always been impressed. He’s difficult to work with,” Eva was quick to say.

  “Bring him around the house. We can chat and I can observe him, then I’ll tell you what I think.” Kenneth smiled.

  “Daddy, that sounds like a plan. But I’m not sure he even likes me like that.”

  “What’s not to like about my beautiful daughter? Watch and pray, and the Lord will show you a sign.” He hugged her and whispered his love.

  Groaning, she returned his affection. So far, Kidd’s signals had been like arrows, warning her to run the other way.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Eva shivered when she caught a glimpse of Kidd on Monday afternoon. She was unsure how to interact with him after her conversations with her parents. Her first instinct was to duck into the nearest room to collect her thoughts. The room happened to belong to Miss Jessie Atkins, who was resting.

  Her heart warmed when she glanced at the older woman. Miss Atkins was another one of Eva’s favorite patients, with her smooth dark skin and bluish-silver curls.

  The woman was the most polite, soft-spoken resident, even when she was in excruciating pain. She was prone to sores that wouldn’t completely heal, despite the prescribed antibiotics and ointments. But the kind lady never complained.

  While adjusting Miss Jessie’s covers, Eva gave herself a pep talk. This was her turf. Then just before she reached the level to become puffed up in pride, she remembered all her mother had said. Eva closed her eyes and asked God to help her overcome the trial that tormente
d her, which happened to be more than six feet tall. She could only avoid Kidd for so long. Opening her eyes, Eva sighed before stepping out of the room. A quick scan of the corridor proved the coast was clear.

  Mrs. Valentine’s voice could be heard doors away, whether she had an audience or not. Eva was about to round the corner when she practically bounced off a solid figure. Stumbling, she blinked and tried to regulate her breathing.

  “You’re just the person I’m looking for.” Kidd steadied her.

  She lifted a brow as she glanced down at his hands fastened around her arms. His grip was strong, and within a few seconds the firm grasp of his fingers would be pinching her skin.

  “Please let go of me.”

  He did, but not before massaging his point of contact on her skin. It was soft and smooth. “Your forest-green uniform threw me off.

  Oh no, you’re not getting a blush out of me. I’m not falling for it. Eva hid her grin and lowered her lids. She was definitely going uniform shopping, and maroon definitely wouldn’t be on her list. Eva didn’t believe in dressing to impress a man. If he didn’t like the way she looked, then he could move on.

  Kidd’s piercing eyes seemed to weigh what he wanted to say next. “Can we talk? I owe you an apology.”

  “Again? That makes how many now?” She fixed him with a stare. His five o’clock shadow was now a trimmed beard, which boasted of his masculinity. Was that Old Spice she smelled?

  Seven times seventy, Christians are to forgive, God spoke forcefully, putting her in check.

  She really wanted to give him a sample of his variety-pack personality and rude behavior toward her. Eva debated between smarting off or listening to the Lord and holding her tongue.

  “I’ve tried to be a friend to you, Kidd, but I can’t. You won’t let me.”

  “You know, when things go wrong in a relationship, it’s always the man’s fault. I have to agree with you on this and accept the blame for my mixed signals.”

  “What relationship? Is that what you call bumping into each other on the bench in front of the fountain? You are the most irritating, arrogant, and double-minded man I’ve ever met. Be consistent.”

  Instantly, she trembled at God’s warning, recalling Sunday’s message from Galatians 6:9. How could she not be weary in doing good? How long would the season be with Kidd before she could reap—if there was anything for her? She hoped she wouldn’t regret her loose lips later.

  “Okay.” He cupped her head and brought her lips to his, startling her. The hairs of his mustache tickled, but his lips were soft. The kiss was slow, as if asking for permission, but it was too late. Eva was in no position to make decisions this close to Kidd. Light-headed, she couldn’t remember her response, but she did hear her name called faintly. Was it God?

  “Eve … Adam, is that you?” Mrs. Valentine’s voice sliced through the moment.

  Breaking away slowly, but not before delivering another gentle kiss, Kidd waited for her to respond. A slap would have been forthcoming, but she was a willing participant. What were they thinking—no—what was she thinking? One moment she was telling him off and the next, she was succumbing to his charm.

  So this was how he responded to her loose lips. A storm was brewing in his eyes, and Eva could no longer doubt that he was attracted to her. She’d better get him to her dad quick and then to the altar for prayer and redemption, but not in that order.

  “Eve?” Mrs. Valentine repeated. “Can you hear me?”

  Taking a deep breath, Eva stepped back as Kidd twisted his lips in a smirk.

  “I can be more consistent than that. I promise you that kiss was nowhere close to satisfactory,” he declared.

  Eva was about to go off—again. How dare he rate her kiss? Granted, she wasn’t an experienced smoocher, but did he have to insult her? If she said anything, she would be repenting for days. She had to get to Mrs. Valentine’s room, but Kidd continued to deluge her with more words.

  “Eva Savoy, you’ve been the best thing since I’ve come to St. Louis. To satisfy my thirst for you, I need more time for your lips to resuscitate me.”

  What does he mean … she has been his best thing? Eva needed clarification.

  “Can we talk later?” His voice was husky.

  Eva nodded because her voice was slow in coming. “Not here and don’t ever kiss me at work again.”

  Kidd’s nostrils flared as if he was weighing how to respond. “Give me your number and we can talk and kiss later.”

  Her head was still spinning and her lips sizzling. Eva needed a clear head when she conversed with Kidd Jamieson. And kissing him? She could never prepare herself for the onslaught of his kiss again. She almost fainted.

  “Let me think it over. I’ve got to go.” Before he could protest, she hurried off and probably left a trail of smoke. For the rest of the day, Eva stayed busy with the residents—from providing emergency help to simply keeping them company. When the next shift was short-staffed, she volunteered to work a few hours overtime, stalling to give Kidd her decision.

  Before he left for the day, he sought her out. Eva gathered up enough strength to decline. She didn’t have the nerve to say yes. Amazingly, Kidd accepted without any further comment. The rest of the week, the two were cordial in passing and he never asked again. Although Eva missed their spirited interactions, she needed breathing room.

  On Friday, he approached her as she was leaving the nurses’ station. His expression was comical: a brooding frown and a sexy pout.

  “I’m not a patient man, Eva, but with you, I have been. You’ve ordered me not to touch you. That’s like asking a Bostonian not to cheer on the Red Sox. But when you thought I wasn’t looking, humph. I drank in the sight of you until I quenched my thirst. When I was a child, my mother would put me and my brother on punishment for a week. After that, I was free.” He stepped closer. “Am I free now? Is my punishment over yet?”

  Eva swallowed, as she locked with his piercing dark eyes and inhaled his cologne. How was she supposed to answer him when he had her in a trance?

  “Since I’ve honored all your demands,” he continued, “I have one of my own.”

  “Okay,” Eva’s voice squeaked.

  “Go out to dinner with me after work.”

  “That’s in a few minutes.”

  “Yes, it is, but first …” He retrieved his iPhone from his belt. “May I have your phone number—please?”

  She couldn’t resist him any longer. They needed neutral territory to discuss their hot and cold emotions. “I would like that. I’ll make sure to order the most expensive thing on the menu.”

  “I don’t think White Castle burgers will break my bank.”

  “Try and take me to White Castle and see if you don’t get stuck with a sack of gas burgers to feed the geese,” Eva teased and relaxed, as they shared a laugh.

  When she gave him her number, Kidd immediately dialed it and then disconnected right away. “It’s a good number.” He nodded with a satisfied grin.

  Putting a hand on her hip, she lifted a brow. “You didn’t believe me?”

  “It was a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. I had to make sure the number you broadcasted was a good signal.” He winked and leaned in as if to kiss her, but caught himself. “I’ll meet you in the parking lot in ten minutes.” Straightening his body, he grinned and walked away.

  What have I gotten myself into? Eva mused. Part of her was ecstatic; the other part was scared to death. Kidd Jamieson was too much man for her. All of a sudden, she realized the need to go home and freshen up first. There was no way she was going out with a man in a suit and tie when she had on scrubs.

  Eva was about to call him and give him her address to meet her at her condo, but she saw him heading outside. Since she had already clocked out, she grabbed her purse to catch up with him and tell him.

  Once outside, he walked in the opposite direction—away from the parking lot. Tilting her head, Eva frowned and wondered where he was going. He crossed the stre
et and disappeared inside a two-story brick building. She knew it held several businesses and a few doctors’ offices, but she never had a reason to go inside. Instead of calling him, out of pure curiosity, she decided to follow him.

  As Eva waited to cross the street, she realized she had no idea where he would be inside. Once the light changed, she dashed across the four lanes. The automatic sliding door opened and she stepped into a wide corridor. Eva looked from her left to right. In one direction, there was a travel agency and Kidd wasn’t in there. She passed a few more businesses until she came to a florist shop. Through the large glass window, Eva saw Kidd.

  Careful to remain out of sight, she stepped inside to hear the conversation. He was standing at the counter and she heard the woman say, “So Mr. Jamieson, let me make sure I have this right. That’s two sets of a dozen roses. One to Cheney Jamieson …”

  They must be for his mother. Eva smiled at Kidd’s thoughtfulness. But now, before they were about to go to dinner? Talk about bad timing.

  “The other one to Hallison. What about … Miss Imani Segall? Did you decide whether she gets flowers or not?”

  Eva was getting a bad feeling. Who’s Hallison and who’s Imani? Eva didn’t move as the clerk continued.

  After a moment of silence, he finally answered, “Yeah. I don’t want her to be left out. She’s having a hard time after a recent divorce. Hold Imani’s order. I need to double-check her address.”

  Did he say her recent divorce, his recent divorce, or their recent divorce? Eva’s heart dropped. She really didn’t know him.

  “And Sandra Nicholson in Boston gets the ‘expressions of love’ bouquet?”