She sighed. “He said that he loved me but felt forced to flee with Michelle because of the church finding out about his theft.”
“Do you believe him?”
She shrugged. “I suppose. It’s hard to say.”
“Well, thanks for telling me about your meeting with Lionel. That means a lot to me.” He looked away, his shoulders drooping.
“What’s the matter?” Karen asked.
Continuing to hold her hand, he turned back toward her. “I know you have a lot on your mind with all that Lionel has told you, but I wondered if you would consider what I asked you this morning.”
“You mean about us seeing each other more, outside of the youth ministry?”
He nodded. “I really like you, Karen. Since I’ve accepted Christ and made a lot of changes in my lifestyle, you’re the first woman I’ve liked enough to pursue a relationship with.”
When she remained silent, he continued. “We can take it slow. We can see each other as friends. Is that okay with you? Karen, don’t you like spending time with me?”
“Yes, Keith, I do, and I’d like to get to know you better, but. . .are you sure you don’t have any feelings for Melanie?”
“I already told you she’s like a sister to me and that’s it. I wouldn’t lie to you about something like that, Karen. Nor about anything else for that matter.”
She touched his shoulder, feeling bad about offending him. “I’m sorry, Keith. I’m afraid my experience with Lionel has made me skeptical as far as men are concerned.”
“Well, I’m not Lionel. I already told you that I’d never disrespect you like that.”
Suddenly Karen realized how good a friend Keith had been to her since she’d relocated to Annapolis, and how well he’d treated her. “Keith, I’m sorry.” Her voice wavered as she struggled to keep her emotions in control.
“Sorry? Why?”
“Because you’ve done so much for me. You’ve shuffled your clients just to drive me to Ocean City.” She didn’t mention the fact that he’d done that just so she could see another man. “I’ve been ignoring you since you’ve been here, and I never even said thank you for doing this for me.” She again touched his shoulder. “So thank you. I appreciate all you’ve done.”
“You’re welcome. But don’t you understand, Karen? I’d do anything for you.”
She nodded as a tear ran down her cheek.
Keith brushed the water away with his finger. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
She sighed and nodded again. Keith got up and pulled a few tissues from the box on the desk. He gave her the tissues and she wiped her eyes. Then he pulled her into his arms. He glanced down at her pants. “What happened to your clothes?”
“After my visit with Lionel, Monica, Anna, and I went out for coffee, and Anna bumped the table.” Karen pulled at her damp pants. “My coffee spilled on my clothes. I wondered if I could borrow your car and go to Wal-Mart to get some new pants before we head home.”
“Want me to go to Wal-Mart for you?”
“No, I’d rather get them.”
“I’ll drive you over there if you want.” He continued to caress her with his amazing eyes. “Have you eaten today?”
She thought about the toast she’d had for breakfast. “Not since early this morning.”
“Aren’t you hungry?”
She shook her head. “No, not really.”
“Well, you need to eat something.” He pulled his keys from his pocket. “We’ll say good-bye to your friends, and then I’ll take you over to Wal-Mart. Afterward we’ll stop and get you something to eat.”
She grabbed her purse and followed him out the door.
❧
At Wal-Mart, Keith watched Karen rifle through racks of clothing. He could tell she wasn’t really paying attention to the items. Her body was in Wal-Mart, but her mind was obviously elsewhere.
“Couldn’t you have borrowed some pants from Monica? And returned them when you saw her again?”
She gestured toward her petite, cute frame. “Well, Keith, we’re not exactly the same size. Plus, I’m not sure when I’m coming back to Ocean City.”
He supposed that was a stupid question on his part. Monica’s clothes would probably fall right off Karen.
“Would you like me to help you look?”
She quickly shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I’ll be done in a minute.” She finally settled on a pair of blue jeans. “After I buy these, I’ll change, and then we can get something to eat.”
“Okay.”
She glanced around the store.
He touched her shoulder. “Are you sure you’re okay? Did you need anything else?”
“No, that’s it.”
After she had paid for the jeans and changed in the restroom at Wal-Mart, they got back in his car. “Where did you want to go and eat?”
“There’s a fast food place not too far from here. Why don’t we eat there?”
He started the ignition. “I have no idea where I’m going, so you’ll need to tell me how to get to the restaurant.”
“Sure.”
As Karen gave him directions, Keith noticed the town was full of tourists trekking along the busy sidewalks. Curious about Karen’s past, he asked, “So how did you happen to be living here in Ocean City if you were raised in Annapolis?”
“I went to the University of Maryland–Eastern Shore for college.”
“You have a bachelor’s?” he asked in astonishment.
Her pretty eyes widened at his reaction. “Yes, I’m sure you’re surprised about my degree since I’m a hairdresser, just like I was surprised to find out you have an MBA and you’re a plumber.”
He chuckled. “That’s true. So how did you happen to become a hairdresser?”
He continued to drive, savoring the sweet sound of her voice as she recalled her college years. “Girls that lived in my dorm used to come to my room and get their hair done. I was doing it so regularly that I had to start charging people for it.”
Keith interrupted her. “So you were doing hair without a license?”
“Yes. But since I wasn’t working in a salon, it wasn’t an issue at the time. I taught myself how to do hair, and I guess it was a natural talent I had.” She continued, “When I graduated, I realized I liked doing hair more than studying to receive my degree in business administration. I wanted to work in a salon as a beautician, but I couldn’t do that without a license.”
He shrugged. “So what did you do?”
“I went to cosmetology school. While I was there, I apprenticed in a salon under another hairdresser in Ocean City.”
“So you moved to Ocean City after you graduated from college?”
“Yes. Since the University of Maryland isn’t too far from here, I decided to move to this area after graduation. Then I started worshipping in the same church as Anna and Monica. We worked in the church’s soup kitchen regularly, and that’s how we became friends.”
He pulled into the parking lot of the fast food place and cut the ignition, still lulled by the sound of her voice. “When did you accept Christ?”
“When I was in college. My mom and dad were always regular churchgoers, but I never truly placed Him first in my life until I was living in the dorm.”
“Did something happen to make you accept Him, or did you just finally bite the bullet and decide you wanted to follow Jesus?”
“Well, the whole story is kind of long.”
“I’d like to hear it if you don’t mind.”
“Okay, well, when I was away from home, in college, I realized I’d only gone to school because it was expected of me, and although I then found I had a great outlet by doing hair and finally getting paid for it, I still felt like my life was missing something.” Passion began to fill her voice. “Then my roommate started socializing and studying with a campus Christian group. They had a Bible study in my dorm room sometimes. My roommate invited me to come, and I found that through the Bible study, my questions about God an
d salvation were answered. I started poring over the scriptures because, even though I’d been to church all my life, I’d only read a few verses here and there. I’d never read the entire Bible, nor actually spoken with others who knew so much about the scriptures. So one night during Bible study, I told the group that I’d accepted Christ.” Her voice wavered, and tears now filled her eyes. “I’d found the piece that was missing from my life. A passionate relationship with Him.” She wiped her eyes. “You know, I’m glad you asked me that question, Keith.”
He smiled, taking her hand. “Why?”
“Because you’ve just reminded me about the most important day of my life.”
He smiled then gestured at the restaurant. “Come on, let’s go get something to eat.”
Hand in hand, they walked toward the restaurant.
Fifteen
After seeing Lionel, Karen continued to pray for his salvation and that he would find help for the bitterness he still harbored against those who were responsible for his mother’s death. As the trial came near, both Monica and Anna kept her abreast of what was transpiring in Ocean City. She eventually learned that Lionel had been sentenced to two years in prison. She felt a little sad but held out the hope that Lionel would seek religious counsel while in prison and one day accept Christ.
During the late summer, Karen and Keith helped with the annual youth picnic held on the church grounds. Karen watched Keith as he poured charcoal onto the grill. As the teens munched on pretzels and chips while waiting for the meat to get done, Karen thought about Keith’s divinity school search. She knew he was narrowing down his choices and would, within a few months, make his final decision.
“Hey, Karen.” Amanda approached, sipping a soda.
Karen smiled at the young girl. “Hi, Amanda.”
Amanda grinned. “I saw you staring at Mr. Keith.”
Karen looked away, wishing the teen hadn’t caught her gawking at Keith. Wanting to steer the conversation in another direction, Karen asked, “How have you been lately, Amanda?”
Amanda shook her head, still smiling. “No, you can’t go changing the subject by asking about me. What’s up with you and Mr. Keith?” She gestured toward the teens eating their snacks. “We’ve all been wondering if you two are dating or what?”
Karen thought about the frank and honest discussion she’d had with Keith after their impromptu day trip to Ocean City. “Yes, we’re dating, but we’re taking it slow.”
The girl furrowed her brow. “Taking it slow?”
Karen had noticed that since Amanda had broken up with Ron, she’d stopped wearing so much makeup and so little clothing. “Yes, we’re getting to know each other as friends.”
The girl pursed her lips. “I wish me and Ron had done that. Maybe if we’d taken things slow, we’d still be together. He called me last night, wanting to reconcile, but I told him no, even though it was hard.”
Karen sighed. “I know we’ve talked about this before—”
“I know, I know, I need to stay celibate until I get married. I’ve learned my lesson. Believe me.”
Karen mentally sighed, saying a quick prayer for Amanda’s well-being.
Keith approached, pulling Karen into his arms, kissing her cheek. “I got one of the guys to man the grill for a few minutes. What are you two ladies talking about?”
Amanda giggled then said, “Girl talk,” before rejoining the other teens.
Keith chuckled. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.”
Karen sighed, basking in the scent of Keith’s aftershave as she settled into his strong arms. “We were just talking about. . .stuff.”
“What kind of stuff?”
Karen swatted his shoulder. “Girl talk, like she said.”
One of the teens turned on the radio, and praise and worship music soon floated on the warm summer breeze.
Later, Karen watched Keith as he served up burgers and hot dogs. Afterward, they played a competitive game of softball. Once the picnic was over and all of the food had been put away, Keith and Karen drove home in his car.
After he pulled into his driveway, he turned to Karen. “I was going to watch the game tonight. Want to join me?”
“Sure.”
Suzie greeted them as they entered his house. After letting the large dog out into the backyard, he threw a bag of popcorn into the microwave and grabbed two sodas from the refrigerator. He plunked ice cubes into the Styrofoam cups before pouring their beverages. Moments later the scent of buttered popcorn filled the room.
After they were settled into the living room and he’d turned on the game, Karen ate a few kernels of corn before taking a sip of soda. Headlights shone into the living room, announcing an unexpected visitor.
“Who in the world can that be?” Keith mumbled, standing. Before he opened the curtain, a faint smile graced his lips. “Maybe it’s my brother.”
Karen’s heart skipped a beat, hoping that it was, indeed, Keith’s brother coming to make amends with his twin.
“Oh, man!” Disappointment filled his voice as he dropped the white curtain.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Melanie.”
“Oh.” Karen wondered about Melanie often. After Karen had told Keith about Melanie’s behavior following her haircut, he’d called her to check up on her. It turned out Melanie’s fiancé was too controlling and was constantly telling her what she needed to do to change herself. After her fiancé had forced her to lose her locks and then quit the youth ministry, Karen wondered what else he would make her give up.
She rapped on the front door and Keith opened it. “Hi, Melanie, I’m kind of—”
She stormed into the house, not giving him a chance to finish. After wiping her tear-streaked eyes, she noticed the popcorn, sodas—and Karen. “Oh!” Her brown eyes widened. “I didn’t realize you had company.”
Keith’s expression softened as he looked at Melanie. Jealousy, as thick as pea soup, flowed through Karen.
Melanie turned to Keith. “I—I could come back later if you want.”
Karen sighed, gathering her purse. “That’s okay. I need to get going anyway.”
Keith shook his head. “No, Karen, don’t leave.” He looked at Melanie. “You can tell me anything you want in front of Karen. There are no secrets between us.”
Melanie sat down, wiping away her tears. Karen brought her a box of tissues.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Melanie said through her tears.
Sitting beside her, Karen said, “It’s okay. Melanie, Amanda was just asking me about you today. She said a lot of the teens have missed you since you quit the youth ministry.”
Keith sat across from the women in a chair, staring at Melanie. “What’s the matter? Why are you crying?” His deep voice was full of concern.
Melanie glanced at both of them before responding. “I just gave Duane his engagement ring back.”
Karen gasped. “You broke your engagement?”
The woman nodded. “Yes.”
“Why?” asked Karen.
Melanie sighed. “It just got to the point where he’d criticize everything I said or did. I—I couldn’t do a thing without wondering if Duane would get upset or angry. After you live like that for a while, it makes you tired.”
Keith shifted in his chair. “What did Duane say?”
Melanie frowned. “You don’t want to know. Let’s just say he wasn’t pleased.”
“So you’re not going to see him anymore, at all?” asked Karen.
Melanie shook her head. “Karen, I can’t. He made me cut all my hair off. He hated my talking to my friends. He just wanted me to focus on him and do whatever he told me to do.”
Keith stood and squeezed Melanie’s shoulder. “I’m glad you broke things off with him. We’re here for you if you need anybody to talk to.”
For the rest of the evening, Melanie unburdened her heart to Keith and Karen.
❧
The following Tuesday, Karen entered the salon and
was greeted by her coworkers. After placing her equipment out on her station, she removed her bucket of curlers and made sure she had enough supplies for touch-ups and hair colorings for the day.
When it was almost time to break for lunch, Deidre spoke in an amused tone. “Karen, you have a visitor.”
Karen turned, pleasantly surprised to find Keith standing at the receptionist’s desk. He walked back to her station, holding a dozen brilliant scarlet roses surrounded by baby’s breath. “Keith! I didn’t realize you were coming.”
He shrugged. “I came to see you.”
“But you never come to visit me at work.”
He glanced around the shop for a few seconds, as if he was nervous. He gave her the bouquet. “Here, these are for you.”
“Thanks.” She sniffed the flowers before laying them on her counter.
“Mmm, mmm, mmm,” mumbled Sheronda. “Your man must’ve done something wrong if he brought you those flowers for no reason.”
Karen gritted her teeth, having grown tired of Sheronda’s unfounded innuendos. Ignoring the remark, she focused on Keith.
“Actually, I, uh, came by to get a haircut.”
Karen chuckled. “You want me to cut your hair?”
“Yeah, if you don’t mind. My barber’s out of town and I need a cut.” He touched his head, and Karen gestured him over to the chair.
“Sit down.”
Keith sat and Karen placed a cape around him. She looked until she found her clippers in the bin. She then plugged them in and turned them on. As the light buzz filled the space, she found herself admiring Keith’s profile as he waited for her to cut his hair. Warmth enveloped her when he glanced toward her, catching her staring at him. She swallowed, saying the first thing that came to her mind. “Sit still.”
He chuckled, giving her a warm smile. “You don’t have to tell me to sit still. When I was five, I moved around in the chair so much that the barber accidentally nicked my ear with his clippers.”
While smooth jazz floated from the speakers, she smiled at him, touching his hair before running the clippers over his perfectly shaped head. They continued to buzz as she cut his hair low. She glanced at his face periodically, and when she gazed at his full lips, she wondered how it would feel to kiss Keith Baxter.
Bittersweet Memories Page 13