by Pat Simmons
“D?”
David snapped to attention. He squinted, looking back and forth between the brothers. “What?”
Nathan sighed and shook his head. “I said Thy Mother’s Keeper organization needs more male volunteers.”
Straightening in his chair, David hated to ask what for as he leaned forward, but he was clueless. “Why?”
Tapping his pen on a document in front of him, Nathan gave him an irritated look.
“Earth to my baby brother. The group is holding its first Valentine’s Day dinner for widows and single mothers on Valentine’s Day. One Hundred Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis has committed a certain number of its members to serve, but Thy Mother’s Keeper is still short about ten men. Any volunteers?”
The Andersen family was expected to fill in the gap whenever they were needed, holding fast to Luke 12:48—to whom much is given, much is required. David, his brothers, and parents had personally become involved in an endless list of activities, including stocking food pantries, Christmas fundraisers, and visiting the sick.
“Count me out on this one,” Christian said with a wide grin as he pushed back from the table. “I plan to propose to Joy and the girls.”
There was no doubt that Christian was smitten from the day he saw Joyce Knight. To be honest, David and his parents were, too, considering all the brothers were still bachelors.
It didn’t matter that Joy had four children—actually, only one was hers. They were well-mannered and adorable, and everybody was crazy about them, including David.
“Are you sure?” David stuttered.
“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t know she was the one.” Christian backed up his declaration by reaching inside his suit jacket and pulling out a black velvet box. He flipped open the lid to present an emerald-cut diamond that winked at them.
Nathan whistled. “Good taste. Congratulations, little bro.” He slapped Christian on the back.
“I never thought I would find the love of my life in a checkout line,” Christian admitted as he inspected the ring. “Do you think she’ll like it? Women can be brutal.”
Nathan nodded. “Not Joy.” He turned to David. “It looks like it’s the two of us still standing. Bring your apron Friday night. Meeting adjourned.”
Chapter 2
Two days later at midweek Bible class, David made note of Valerie’s seating arrangement—alone again. Yes. She was wearing a red sweater and matching headband to tame her curls.
Brown boots covered her legs that were crossed under a denim skirt. What a pity, because he had admired her nicely shaped legs.
While their pastor taught, Valerie scribbled notes without distraction. Good for her, he thought because he might need to read them later. So far, nothing was breaking through his misguided concentration.
On Sundays, David sat with his family. Any other time, he randomly sat anywhere. What he desired was to stand up in the middle of Bible class, stroll to her pew, climb over folks hugging the end and claim the seat next to her. Since
Valerie showed up on his radar, David made sure he had to have an unobstructed view of her. Can I really hold off two more days until after Valentine’s Day?
“Jesus took on a servant’s status to glorify God.” Pastor Peyton lifted his voice as if to draw David back into the purpose of being there. “A good deed can lift up a bowed down head… It is our responsibility to take care of others.”
David wholeheartedly agreed. He and his family were on various brotherhood boards as well as active in the community.
Plus, in lieu of taking Valerie out, he would be serving widows and single mothers. Soon enough Bible class ended, and one person walked down to the altar for prayer during the call for discipleship.
He kept his eye trained on Valerie during offering as she tucked her tithe envelope in the box and placed dollars in the offering plate.
Instead of returning to her seat, she kept walking, exiting the sanctuary before the benediction. With all the power within him, David resisted the urge to follow her. Two more days and then it was on!
***
On Friday, David’s company buzzed with excitement after each delivery of flowers, candy, and gift baskets.
Those staffers who were treated to lunch by their significant other returned to work, beaming.
Christian had made it clear he wouldn’t be returning to his office after taking his soon-to-be fiancée to lunch.
One employee, surprisingly, got engaged. David knew he wouldn’t get any work out of her for the rest of the day.
The woman was old enough to be his mother, and it was her third marriage within the past five years. She was definitely taking advantage of the Valentine’s Day factor.
A few hours later, David logged off his computer and put files aside to leave work. He stuck his head into Nathan’s office who was always the last one to leave.
“See you tonight,” Nathan mouthed while listening on the phone.
Nodding, David waved and headed to the elevators. It was as if vases filled with red roses on desks saluted him on the pathway. Stepping inside the empty elevator, David inhaled the lingering floral scent before the doors closed.
He thought about Valerie again and couldn’t wait for Sunday to make his presence known.
Before long at home, David showered, then donned a pair of nice jeans to be comfortable and an oxford shirt to be presentable.
He scooped up his jacket off a wall hook and then his keys to the SUV. David made it to his destination in less than twenty minutes.
Since it was an hour and a half before the start of the event, David guessed the couple rows of cars in the lot were those of volunteers.
David hadn’t attended a function at the Vanguard Banquet Center in a while. Once he parked, David slipped on his jacket and stepped out of his vehicle.
The temperature had dropped since he left home, so he wrapped a scarf around his neck and strolled to the door.
The center’s grand entrance gave guests—usually attending a wedding reception or large celebration—a majestic welcome.
Eight feet or taller white pillars were posted on both sides of the double door and the upper window above the door showcased an elaborate chandelier.
The backdrop in the ballroom was decorated festively with foiled red hearts hanging from the ceiling and soft lighting.
The square tables were draped in red tablecloths topped off with wide gold runners and gift bags. A group of men were huddled nearby. David joined, nodding to a few acquaintances.
“Thanks, everyone, for coming,” Terry Newsome, the organizer, said. He was a young man known to have a big vision when it came to helping out in the community.
“We’re still short staffed, but we’ll make it work. We’re expecting seventy-eight ladies tonight, but we’re prepared for extras. Our mission is to make them smile.” Terry grinned to demonstrate. “I need three men at the door—one person to greet our guests and the other two will escort the ladies to their tables.”
Nathan walked through the door. Once he spotted him, he strolled next to David and whispered, “What’s up?”
Folding his arms, David nodded toward the speaker. “Last minute instructions.”
“Most of you will be servers. But we need to make sure each lady receives a long-stemmed rose and chocolates. We do have sugar-free, so we need to ask them which they prefer.”
He pointed to a table lined up with the stuff, then dismissed the group, dispatching each man to his post.
Assigned to the kitchen, David and Nathan were handed red aprons to wear, which they reluctantly accepted.
Although they complied, one look at Nathan reflected David’s thoughts. Even though they felt ridiculous, the aprons did nothing to downplay their manhood.
All the Andersen men played football in high school and college. They continued to stick to a healthy regimen, including lifting weights. “At least we don’t have to go bare-chested and wear a red bow tie,” Nathan joked, referring to the Chippendal
es.
“And that’s where I would draw the line,” David said. “I’m saving my body for my wife to enjoy.” He wiggled a brow and smirked.
Nathan barked out a laugh. David chuckled himself. It wasn’t that the Andersens weren’t tempted since they made commitments to Christ, but they knew how to flee temptation.
The doors opened at exactly seven o’clock as overhead music filtered throughout the place. A steady line of chatty ladies of all ages were escorted to their seats. Some seniors were dolled up in their Sunday finest—from hats to matching shoes and handbags.
The younger women—he guessed single mothers—strutted across the ballroom in five-inch platform shoes. Scandalously dressed hot mommas meet the church mothers. David was amused at the thought as he returned to his kitchen duty.
Wicker baskets filled with hot rolls wrapped in red linen cloths were stacked on top of large platters. David’s stomach grumbled as he heaved one tray up to his shoulder and headed to the ballroom to make his first rounds.
With a dazzling smile, David welcomed the ladies as he weaved his way through the tables. He guessed there had to be almost one hundred women there.
He was about to service the other side of the room when he glanced at the entrance, then froze. His sudden stop nearly caused a collision with other servers behind him.
But he couldn’t move. He squinted and wondered if his eyes were playing tricks, then his vision confirmed that Valerie Hart was, in fact, there. Humph.
David stared at the yellow glow cast from the chandeliers in the foyer, which gave Valerie an angelic aura, complementing her off-white sweater dress exposed under an open black shawl or cape.
The same color tights not only protected her legs from the cold elements, but showed off her assets. Valerie’s black spiral-curled hair hung over her shoulders. “Breathtaking,” David mumbled, then remembered to swallow.
“Excuse me,” a volunteer said behind him. On auto-pilot, David stepped to the right—or was it to the left? Valerie gave a dazzling smile to the greeter who seemed to be a little more receptive than David appreciated.
Despite the hot rolls waiting for a home at tables, David rested his platter on a nearby stand. He stalked to the entrance to stake his claim.
A mature version of Valerie stood next to her, decked out in red from head to toe. David was within feet of her when it dawned on him that the event was for honorees of a certain status. What was Valerie doing there? Which was Valerie—a widow or single mother of children he had never seen? David would have his answer in less than a minute.
The designated usher was already directing the two women to their seats when David quickened his steps. Valerie was struggling to remove her cape as she walked. David reached out and assisted her.
“Sister Valerie,” David called at the same time she twirled around. Whoa. He thought Valerie was attractive from a distance, but up close, the woman was perfection: the beauty mole, dark eyes, pouty lips, and the widow’s peak. She was gorgeous. Valentine’s Day or not, David wanted to kick himself for denying himself the pleasure of her company sooner.
Chapter 3
Valerie shivered as she heard her name called from the lips of an unrecognizable deep voice. When she came face-to-face with the owner, she could only stare as she studied him.
Was it his clear brown eyes…no, it was the silky black goatee that encased a smile that could probably melt every piece of chocolate in the room, or maybe it was his build that had her mesmerized.
One thing was for sure, Valerie was scared to blink or she would miss something. Good-looking was an understatement.
He knew her name, so how could she not know this man? The question must have blanketed her face, because he introduced himself without her asking.
“I’m Brother David Andersen. I attend SFC—Salvation is Free Church.” He extended his hand for a shake.
Valerie nodded, but didn’t remember seeing him. He was not a man any woman would soon forget.
Breathe, she coaxed herself. Exhale. Speak. “Oh, praise the Lord.” Suddenly, she remembered she was not alone. “This is my mother, Mrs. Hart.”
Not only did David shake her mother’s hand, but gave her a slight kiss on the cheek. Valerie wanted to stomp her ankle boots in protest that she didn’t get one. The usher held out the chair for Helen who continued to blush at all the attention. “Praise the Lord, young man.”
“Are you a widow or do you have children, Sister Valerie?”
Uh-oh, I’m about to get busted and asked to leave. Was she being screened to see if she was legit? Valerie scanned the decorated ballroom. All the women present were in situations she really didn’t want to experience.
“Neither,” Valerie whispered nervously as David pulled out her chair. She remained standing as she explained, “My mother is a widow. She was excited about the invitation, but refused to come by herself.”
David had the oddest expression. Was it a look of relief or amusement? “I don’t want to take anybody’s spot.” She paused and chuckled. “If left up to me, I’d be at home eating Imo’s pizza and topping it off with a Vess cream soda.” That earned her a smile, so she relaxed a little. “If your staff needs any help in the kitchen or serving, I volunteer.”
A grin spread across David’s face. “Come to think of it, we are short-staffed, and I could use the help.”
Turning to her mother, Valerie tried to get her attention. “I’m going to help…”
Helen, who had struck up a conversation with a lady at a table behind her, waved her off.
Shrugging, Valerie faced David who was watching her so intently that it was a little unsettling.
“Ah. Okay. Show me what I can do.”
“Right this way.” With a slight touch to her elbow, David guided her toward the kitchen. “I’m surprised you’re not enjoying dinner out with an admirer.”
Men just didn’t know the long sufferings of women who waited to be asked out, only to go with a girlfriend or alone.
“No admirers. Otherwise, he would have asked me out. Since my father passed, my mother and I usually go out to dinner.”
David gave her a warm smile as he opened the door to the kitchen and almost collided with another man who was working up a sweat. David laughed.
Watching the other man scowl, she didn’t see what was so funny.
“This is my oldest brother, Nathan, Valerie.”
She noted that David had dropped the church salutation sister and his brother’s eyes seemed to sparkle with merriment.
Valerie couldn’t help but wonder if this was where all the handsome men were on Valentine’s Day. She didn’t have time for her mind to drift.
“She attends to SFC with us, and don’t get any ideas and try to steal her. Valerie offered to help me.” David’s boastful statement made his brother wiggle a brow before resuming his duty.
“Actually, I can help wherever I’m needed. It doesn’t matter to me,” she spoke up.
“It matters to me,” David said and continued inside the kitchen. Behind closed doors, the scene was pure mayhem with more than one man trying to delegate and no one seemed to listen. But somehow, on the other side of the wall, it came together in the ballroom.
“Here, put on this apron,” David said as he scanned her shoes and frowned. “Are you going to be able to do much walking in those heels?”
“I’m a woman.” Valerie chuckled. “We can jump rope in stilettos.” He didn’t look convinced. “Besides, I always bring flats along when I’m in heels.”
“You can sit down any time you get tired. How about you follow me? I’ll carry the salad platter and you distribute them.”
“Sure. This is really a nice thing to do for the ladies. The smiles on their faces are priceless,” she said as David seemed to slow his steps to match hers.
Although she felt she was hindering his progress, she appreciated his thoughtfulness.
“So how long have you been attending SFC?” David asked, multitasking between smiling
and doting on guests. Yet, somehow, he made her feel like he was interested in what she was saying.
“Almost four years.”
“Four years,” David repeated, then whistled. “And I’m just now seeing you.” He shook his head.
“I’m not surprised we’ve never crossed paths. The congregation is a couple thousand members strong. Plus, I moved from section to section for a while until I found a comfortable spot.”
She chuckled. “I know that sounds silly, considering all the seats are made the same.”
“Not at all.” He stopped and gave her what was becoming a signature smile. He was so good-looking; Valerie couldn’t help but be attracted to him, just like every other woman in the room. Although David didn’t have on a ring, it didn’t mean he wasn’t married. “You’d be surprised at what you may find from changing up a routine.”
Valerie guessed he was right. After about four trips to the kitchen, Valerie concluded David Andersen was a natural charmer. He had a ready smile to flash and an endless supply of compliments to dish out. “Wait.” She rested her hand on his arm. His muscles seemed to flex. David stopped in the middle of what he was doing and gave her his full attention.
“What’s wrong?” His genuine look of alarm was comical.
“I’m going to concede to foot comfort and go change my—”
Something behind her snagged his attention and he grinned, which caused Valerie to look over her shoulder. Heading their way was a young couple and three little girls. “Uncle David! Uncle David!”
The older girl—who couldn’t have been more than ten years old—hurried to him and wrapped her arms around his waist as he rested his empty platter on an unoccupied table. He returned the affection. The two smaller girls vied for attention, and David didn’t disappoint. Each one received a loving squeeze, topped off with noisy kisses to their cheeks.
“Stop it,” the little girls pleaded, giggling.
Valerie couldn’t help but fade into the background and mentally record the tender moment. What she wouldn’t give to have an affectionate man like that. She wanted to be privy to the details of his significant other.