Guilty By Association

by Pat Simmons

  “Kevin, what are you doing here?” Eva frowned with curiosity.

  Lifting a brow, his nostrils flared. “How many answers do you want?”

  “As many as will explain why you’re here at one in the morning. I assume you worked eight-to-five, as usual.”

  He pushed off the wall and came face-to-face with her. “Why are you working this shift?”

  Eva jutted her chin. “I needed a change of scenery.”

  “That can be accomplished by taking a nature walk or getting on a plane. You deprived me—us—by working a different shift. It took me a few days to figure out your little scheme, but I’m here to tell you I plan to finish what I started.”

  “Really?” She arched a brow. “Funny, I thought we finished our discussion on Sunday when you walked away.”

  “I should have never walked away from you like that. I’m sorry, but I can’t let you walk away from me without really knowing me. Despite what you insinuated last week, I want one woman—and that’s you. I need you to trust me; I won’t hurt you.”

  “What about my heart? I never planned to be a heart transplant candidate. I’d rather guard the one God gave me,” Eva argued in a hushed voice.

  Kidd leaned closer and whispered, “Women are not the only ones with hearts. God gave man a heart first.”

  He seemed so vulnerable, and it was becoming her weakness. “So, again, why are you here?” Eva changed the subject, as she headed to the nurses’ station. Her traitorous mind shouted at her, What difference does it make? His presence is comforting.

  “One, I missed you. Two, I’ve heard about those sundowners characters. And, three, I missed you.”

  Ignoring his other two reasons, which were actually the same, she explained, “Most sundowners are harmless. Their confused state is usually, as the word implies, when the sun is in the process of going down, a few residents might get agitated because they become disoriented and afraid of their surroundings. I’ll be fine. Go home.”

  As she tried to walk around him to enter the next room, Kidd blocked her and whispered, “Listen, I’ve told you before, I don’t take directions too well. So we can have a showdown before this sundown stuff kicks in, if you’re up to it. But I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Stubborn,” Eva mumbled, as her heart—the second traitorous member of her body—did cartwheels. The only part yet to be heard from was her soul. She hurried into the next suite, knowing Kidd wouldn’t follow her. He would refrain to witness her changing bed pans, cleaning sores, or rotating patients who weren’t ambulatory.

  Eva walked into the room where Miss Jessie was resting. She had been an active resident until a few months ago. The ulcers on two toes, which started out as sores the size of corns, had expanded and become infected. Gangrene had set in. Now the ulcers were starting to eat away skin and expose ligaments and bone.

  The prognosis didn’t look good if the antibiotics didn’t halt the spread of the infection soon. Eva’s guess was the resident might have to undergo amputation. It was the doctor’s call. She and her coworkers were doing their best to avoid that option, but it seemed futile. Carefully, she assisted Miss Jessie out of bed and steadied her walk to the bathroom.

  At three in the morning, Eva returned to her first resident and began the standard care ritual again. All the while, Kidd—her fierce protector—dozed in a rocking chair. Every now and then, when she walked out of a room and looked his way, one of Kidd’s eyes would pop open.

  Her heart was drawn to him, and her mind was usually the voice of reason. But it was the confirmation in her spirit she was holding out for. About two hours later, Eva succumbed to a chorus of yawns. Her body was loudly protesting the switch of her night and day routines.

  Eva repeated her third set of rounds. As warned, Mr. Green, who had been diagnosed with dementia, was restless. As she was about to enter his room, she glanced over at Kidd. Somehow he had managed to curl his bulky body in a chair that in no way accommodated his size. He was down for the count, although he didn’t appear comfortable. Shaking her head at the sight, Eva smiled and continued into the room.

  After checking his vitals, she was about to leave when the man grabbed her arm. “Mr. Green, Mr. Green.” Eva struggled to break his hold, but his grip was tight.

  “My wife’s asleep. I’ve been waiting on you, baby.” His voice was strong and determined.

  “Mr. Green, stop it! Your wife is deceased. You’re in Garden Chateau. Let me go—”

  In the blink of an eye, Kidd’s strong arms had yanked her out of harm’s way. “Old man, if you want to tangle with somebody, here I am,” Kidd threatened the resident, but the man would not be deterred.

  “She’s mine! Tell him, Lucy. You’re my gal,” he said, becoming adamant.

  Eva was able to reach for the call string, and another LPN came to her aid with a sleeping pill and cup. It took the three of them to get the man to swallow, but within minutes, he had mellowed and dozed off.

  “My radar has been on him since yesterday. We’re going to have to call the doctor. He’s becoming more combative. Maybe they can examine him for some underlying depression,” Denise, the other LPN, explained. She walked away, swaying her hips for nobody’s benefit—except Kidd’s.

  “Are you okay?” Kidd asked, as he guided Eva out into the hall.

  Composing herself, she sighed, then straightened her clothes and hair. She was a little shaken and out of breath.

  “Thank you,” Eva whispered, hoping her eyes weren’t revealing too much. “You, Mr. Jamieson, amaze me. I thought you were asleep.”

  “Don’t ever underestimate me.”

  “I see.” She wanted to say, I would never do that. Instead, she restrained herself and said no more. For the remainder of her shift, Eva never looked Kidd’s way again. She knew his radar was activated and fully charged.

  Finally, after seeming like forever, the sun beamed through the complex’s ceiling-to-floor windows and the sound of birds chirping introduced a new day. For Eva, it signaled the completion of her good deed for Janet—and time away from Kidd. Although admittedly, she was glad he had been present the previous night.

  Eva clocked out and nudged Kidd awake. This time he looked exhausted, but even in his sleep, his face seemed on guard and ready to react. She laughed. At that moment, she realized that being rough around the edges could sometimes be a good thing.

  “Hey, sleepyhead. Do you need a designated driver?” she teased.

  Kidd stood and stretched. His eyes were bloodshot, but the smile he gave Eva was a pure good-morning pleasure. “Do me a favor.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t ever work this shift again. My back is killing me.”

  She smiled. “Thank you, Kidd, for sacrificing a comfortable night’s sleep to come to my rescue.”

  When he moaned, God’s faint voice whispered, He’s the one.

  He’s the one? Her heart raced as she responded to His voice within, Oh, my Lord, what have I gotten myself into?

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  After the fireworks of the previous night, she and Kidd agreed to a reprieve on her trust issues. Before they left the facility, they freshened up with toothpaste he retrieved from the supply cabinet, along with toothbrushes and mouthwash. Relishing the moment, they sealed their newly made agreement with a good-morning kiss. It mattered to neither of them how long it lingered.

  Eva was exhausted when she got home early Saturday morning. The only thing on her mind was getting some much-needed rest. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell into a deep slumber. It was the best sleep she’d had in a week’s time.

  Eva dreamed that she lived in medieval times. Locked in a tower, Kidd was her knight in shining armor. He had come to rescue her.

  It was late afternoon and Eva hadn’t stirred from her bed when the phone rang. “Hello?” she answered with a slur.

  “You’re still asleep? This is my first official phone call. Can’t you sound better than this, woman?” Kidd teased.
/>   His voice was refreshing; it seemed funny to her. As soon as God gave her the go-ahead, she released her emotional shackles.

  “Not when I’ve worked the midnight shift for a week. You’d better be glad I answered rather than letting it go to my voice mail.”

  “Good point. I worked one night and thought I died.” He paused. “I would love to take you out this evening.”

  “No way. I’m not leaving here until I go to church tomorrow morning.” She had a better idea. “I would love for you to go with me,” she said and held her breath.

  “Then I’ll go.”

  Eva blinked. Now she was wide awake. What? No hesitation or stuttering on his part? She was surprised it was that easy. “You mean, just like that? No argument? No fighting and screaming?”

  “None.”

  Well, God, I can read this sign!

  She gave him her address and told him what time to pick her up for service. Their first date would be at church. They were off to a good start. She grinned and decided to surprise her family about his pending visit.

  Angela had already given her assessment of Kidd. “He seems like your type. But remember the fellowship of light and darkness. I’m referring to 2 Corinthians 6:14.” Eva knew the Scripture; her hesitation from the beginning was based on it: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

  What would her parents think about him? Her father would have his opportunity to observe Kidd and assess his worthiness. Eva was sure Kidd would charm her mother.

  Sunday morning at nine sharp, Kidd rang Eva’s doorbell. Punctuality was attractive. She opened the door, and he stood there with a bouquet of flowers. He was the epitome of 100 percent male.

  “Wow. You’re breathtaking.” Kidd’s eyes danced. “Look, we’re matching. I need to go to church with you more often,” he said with such awe.

  “You do,” she agreed, stepping aside to let him enter. Eva experienced a moment of complete utopia as she accepted the flowers. “Thank you. You’ll get no argument from me on that.”

  She hadn’t seen this steel-gray pinstriped suit before. The crisp white shirt and gray-and-black tie with specks of red complemented his rich, dark skin tone.

  “To impress you, anything.”

  “You did that Friday night at work. How’s your back?”

  “Nothing a good night’s sleep couldn’t repair. Ready?”

  “I am. I’ll get my purse and Bible. Make yourself comfortable. Do you need me to grab an extra Bible for you?” She yelled from her bedroom.

  “Nope. My sister-in-law offered to loan me one of hers, but I don’t like to rent or borrow. I believe in owning what’s mine, so I went out and bought my own.”

  Inside her bedroom, Eva scanned her appearance one more time in the full-length mirror. Pleased with her selection, the sleeveless silver dress modestly fit her curves. The matching duster hid them in reserve. She fluffed the soft curls in her hair, checked her small studs, and adjusted her necklace. Finally, Eva took a deep breath and stepped out of her bedroom. She found Kidd looking out her sliding doors to the balcony.

  At the sound of her presence, he pivoted. Kidd Jamieson was one good-looking man: sweet, tough, and—she had to admit—genuine with his compliments. Altogether, it was a good combination.

  “I see your favorite color is white,” he said, referring to her décor.

  “Yep.”

  “And I see you were expecting someone at your dinner table.” He arched one of his brows.

  “Yep,” she said, as they walked out. Why share her idiosyncrasies on the first date? Once they stepped outside, she was about to lock the front door. Kidd stopped her.

  “I might as well get this out of the way.” Taking her in his arms, he kissed her until she felt faint. He couldn’t have timed the kiss more appropriately. Inside the privacy of her home could prove to be too tempting. She refused to lose her dedicated life of virginity and sanctification to a moment of lust. Yes, outside of her condo was definitely better.

  Finally, Eva pulled away. Dazed, she struggled to find her voice. “I never knew a kiss could last that long. We’ll be late for church.”

  He smirked, as if he wouldn’t mind that at all. Then he took her keys and finished the task. Squeezing her hand, he led the way to his car.

  “When a man is thirsty, he doesn’t stop drinking until he’s quenched his thirst. Cool me off, Eva. Whatever it is that controls your temperature, share it with me.”

  What was he talking about? Just because God said Kidd was the one didn’t mean things would happen overnight. They had to keep things in perspective. It takes time to develop a relationship. Plus, she didn’t know of any journey that was completed without an obstacle course. Eva needed to spiritually buckle up and start praying for guidance—big time.

  Being a gentleman, Kidd opened the car door and helped Eva inside. While he strolled around to his side, Eva prayed within her, Lord, help me to keep my eyes open, so that I don’t make You ashamed of my conduct. Let him receive Your Word today and forever be changed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

  He who hungers and thirsts after My righteousness, I will fill him, God spoke from Matthew 5:6.

  Without saying a word, Eva faced Kidd and watched him settle behind the wheel. As he turned the ignition, her eyes misted. She had to help keep his mind on track spiritually.

  When they arrived at Salvation Temple, she located her family and led Kidd to where they were sitting. Her father looked up and did a double take after seeing her guest. She mouthed, this is Kidd.

  Nodding, Kenneth stood to allow them to enter their row. Her mother scooted over, forcing Angela and Lance farther down the cushioned pew. As a sign of respect and acknowledgment of coming into the presence of God, Eva knelt and said a prayer of thanksgiving. What she wanted to do was stay on her knees and petition God for Kidd’s salvation until he surrendered to Him. She planned to begin that process very soon.

  For now, she finished her prayer and took her seat next to him on the pew. Kidd’s eyes sparkled as he waited to assist her up. Then he stretched out his arm, inching her closer to him. Eva glanced at her parents. She leaned over him to whisper to her mother.

  “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.” Eva kissed her cheek. She had purchased her mother several lovely scarves two weeks ago. Distracted by the developments between her and Kidd, she had left the gift at home.

  “Happy Mother’s Day, Mrs. Savoy,” Kidd added with a nod toward her.

  “Thank you.” Rita smiled, and then winked at Eva.

  Kenneth watched the interaction with an intense expression. Eva glanced at Angela, who winked, while Lance scowled.

  As the praise team filled the sanctuary with their harmonious voices, Eva stood and worshiped. Kidd didn’t, but his shoe never stopped tapping. Too soon that segment of the service was over and Elder Taylor walked to the podium.

  Eva wanted to shout out, “Preach, Pastor, until Kidd is convinced that it’s God’s way or no way.” However, she withheld her remarks and kept her composure. At least he had come.

  Elder Taylor welcomed the visitors when he asked them to stand. Kidd and others throughout the auditorium complied. Everyone clapped, and Elder waited until they retook their seats.

  “Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers,” Elder addressed the audience. Then, with a series of questions as an introduction, he began his message, “Do you recall your mother scolding you as a child when you got in trouble? Did she ever tell you to be a leader, not a follower? When employers have openings, don’t they seek someone with leadership skills? And in sports, everyone knows being in the lead is to your team’s advantage. I could go on and on.” He held up a finger and shouted, “But there is always an exception to every rule.”

  Although Kidd focused on the pulpit, he never let Eva forget his presence with a touch every now and then.

  “It’s all about Mom today, but it’s about Christ every
day. You can’t be led astray when you become a follower of Christ. I’m sure your mother will agree. When you were a child, you thought as a child, acted as a child, and gave your mother childish gifts, which she cherished. But when playtime is over, every mother wants to see her children grow up into responsible adults, get good jobs, and have beautiful families. Finally, and most important of all, a mother’s prayer is to have her children’s names written in the Lord’s Book of Life. For Christ’s sake and yours, I need you to get a one-track mind today and decide to follow Him …”

  Elder Taylor preached on, mingling Scriptures with examples for just under an hour.

  Eva glanced at Kidd, and each time he met her gaze.

  “Choir,” the pastor said, turning around, “please sing ‘Let Me Be a Follower of Christ.’ As our brothers and sisters meditate on their present circumstances, this is the altar call. Let everyone stand and pray. For those who are conflicted, have storms raging in their lives, you need to walk with Jesus. If you have not given your life to Christ, please come.”

  Eva and her family stood to their feet. So did Kidd. Closing her eyes and squeezing his hand, she prayed for the man for whom she was developing strong feelings.

  Elder Taylor broke into her thoughts. “Let there be no hesitation on your part. God wants to save you. Repent of your sins right where you are standing. Tell God all about your hurts, disappointments, anger, and desires. Then walk from where you are to the altar. We have ministers who will pray for you. If you want to take it a step farther, we can baptize you today, in the name of Jesus, for the cleansing of your sins. You do not need an appointment with God. Do it today. Give your mother and yourself the best gift today …”

  Suddenly, Kidd released Eva’s hand and left the pew. Tears sprung up and flowed down Eva’s cheeks. She couldn’t believe the man who seemed defiant at every turn was yielding his pride to God. Eva couldn’t contain her joy. She held her breath and watched as Kidd allowed the ministers to anoint his head will holy oil and begin to pray at length with him. But instead of continuing to the back for the baptism, Kidd headed back her way. Eva exhaled a disappointed sigh.