After Shock- Ellie's Chance

by Vikki McCombie

  When Jason turned in later that night, he mulled over what had happened that morning and his subsequent conversation with Ellie. Now he had a better understanding of her aversion to religion and attending church services.

  If he’d had a similar experience at such an impressionable age, and no one explained that not all religious practices were the same, he might have not embraced his faith. Thank God his parents were believers and took him to church regularly, fostering a love for God.

  He’d never thought too much on why some people didn’t believe. Hearing Ellie’s story made him realize he’d judged others for their lack of faith, not knowing why they didn’t believe as he did.

  Going forward, he’d be more open-minded and try to discover why, before he set in judgement. He suspected that other believers like him, who’d found God at such a young age, probably believed as he had. That had been short-sighted on his part.

  Learning what had caused Ellie’s aversion only made him more determined to offer her a chance to see how true believers lived and why they believe in God. Not only did he have an opportunity to help Ellie, he could influence her son.

  He glanced at his watch. It was getting late, and he had a full day coming up. Taking time to pray for God’s guidance before he fell asleep, he experienced the familiar peace that only came from his heavenly Father.

  He’d reach out to Ellie in a couple of days. He hoped she’d agree to dinner. He fully believed God wanted him to help her, and the strong desire to show her more had to come from the Lord. Maybe he could have more than friendship with her. His attraction to her grew stronger the more time he spent with her.

  The next couple of days were busy. Between his work and taking care of his kids, he hadn’t taken the time to call Ellie. Hopefully, she’d be at the Wednesday night supper. He’d seen Zach and he’d said they were planning to come. While he’d have liked to take them, it was probably better for them to come on their own. He didn’t want to push too hard and possibly turn her off.

  When they arrived that evening, he joined his friends. While he hadn’t known any of them until he’d relocated to the area, they’d embraced him and his kids from the start. He’d needed to find such a welcoming set of friends after leaving his parents and friends in Jacksonville.

  Once he took his seat, he joined in on their conversation. He kept watching the door, hoping Ellie and Zach would come through it. The minister led them in prayer, and he tried to pay attention, but disappointment plagued him. Maybe he should have called and offered to bring them after all.

  Joining the others in line, he kept glancing at the door. When it opened, Ellie and Zach entered, and relief swept through him. Excusing himself, he stepped out of line and went to them. “Glad you made it.”

  Zach huffed, “Mom got delayed at work. I was almost ready to call Brian and ask if you’d pick me up when she finally arrived home.”

  Ellie gave her son a stern look. “I’m sorry, but you know there are times when it’s difficult for me to leave. My team needed my help. The desk got swamped shortly before I’d planned on leaving. I couldn’t very well walk out and leave them to deal with the rush.”

  Jason stepped in between the duo. “It’s fine. You haven’t missed much. I’m just glad you made it.” He addressed Zach. “Why don’t you join Brian in line. He’ll be happy to see you.”

  Ellie blew a wayward curl that had fallen, and he had to resist a desire to tuck it behind her dainty ear. “I’m sorry you had to witness our bickering.”

  “No worries. All parents have disagreements with their kids.” He grinned. “It’s part of being a parent. Come, let’s join the others.”

  “Are you sure it’s all right? I didn’t have time to grab the salad I’d prepared since Zach was waiting for me when I pulled into the drive.” She sighed. “He was so agitated, I forgot to run in and get it out of the fridge.”

  Her worried expression tugged at his heart. “Relax, it’s fine. The tables are loaded with more food than even this crowd can eat.”

  Placing his hand on the small of her back, his fingers tingled, and he suppressed his visceral reaction. Although he was getting used to it, nonetheless, he still found it disconcerting. He guided her through the line and soon they were seated with their friends.

  The rest of the evening went smoothly. When Henry passed the slip of paper with that evening’s topic to their table, Ellie actually added some of her thoughts. He was impressed with her opinion and it spoke well of her willingness to seek the truth.

  When he walked her to her car, he asked, “Have you decided whether you can go to dinner with me?”

  She gave him a warm smile. “I’d be happy to. What time should I be ready?”

  “Would six be too early?” His pulse kicked up a notch over the anticipation of an evening with her. “I’d like to take you to a place I heard about from some of the guys at work.”

  “Okay, that will work. I should be able to leave early since I’m going in at seven that morning.” She bit her lip, and again, his physical nature wanted to take over and nip at her lip as well. “How should I dress?”

  “Casual is fine.” She’ll be gorgeous no matter what she wears.

  “All right. I look forward to it.” She grinned. “You do still plan to feed me?”

  He laughed. “I promise. I won’t let you starve.”

  He opened her door, and she climbed inside. After pushing the start button, she lowered her window. “I guess I’ll see you on Friday.”

  “Definitely.” He winked then strode away. The young guy hidden inside him wanted to do a fist-bump. The woman he found so fascinating…had agreed to a date. He couldn’t wait until Friday. He hoped the cooler weather would hold off, or it could foil his plans.

  * * *

  Ellie turned to Zach, who sat slouched in his seat. “Hey, what’s going on? I know you don’t like me to be late, but you’re normally more understanding.”

  “I’m sorry.” Zach sighed. “I had another run in with that guy in my geometry class. He heard me talking to Brian and started in on me, once he left. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but it does. I don’t like him ridiculing me. It’s none of his business what I’m doing.”

  “No, it isn’t,” she assured him, “but you don’t usually let something like this get to you.”

  He swiped at a lock of hair that had fallen across his brow. “I know, and I can’t understand why it’s bothering me so much either. I’m sorry for giving you such a hard time. I really do know you do your best.”

  Now he sounded more like her amiable son. “I’m glad you do. Listen, I was just as enthused over going tonight as you. Did you enjoy your youth group meeting?”

  “I did. It’s given me even more to consider,” he earnestly replied. “It’s a big decision to give my life to God. It’s a commitment I need to be ready for. Part of me wants to rush it, but I know I can’t. How did your meeting go?”

  “Very thought-provoking. I too, have a lot to think over.” She eased out of her parking space and turned toward home. “Oh, by the way, I’m going to dinner with Jason on Friday. You’re okay with that, aren’t you?”

  He grinned, his normal cheerful demeanor restored. “I think it’s great. I really like Mr. Henderson. Hope you have a good time. You rarely go out. You deserve to do something fun.”

  “Thanks.” By that time, she was turning into her driveway. Once they were inside, Zach gave her a hug and wished her goodnight. He told her he had a ton of homework and went to his room.

  Since it was almost nine, she followed him upstairs. Five o’clock in the morning was early, and she functioned better on at least six, preferably seven hours of sleep. After preparing for bed, she climbed in and read another passage in the book then turned off the light. After she said her prayer which was fast becoming part of her nightly ritual, she fell into a dreamless sleep.

  The next couple of days went by quickly. Work had gone smoothly, and on Friday, she was able to leave on time. Zach w
as spending the night with John, one of the other guys on his soccer team, so he could ride with him to Richmond for their game on Saturday. She wished she could go, but morning games were impossible with her work schedule.

  After a relaxing bath in her soaking tub, she spent a little more time than usual on her makeup and hair. He’d told her to dress casually so she selected a fuchsia tunic over a pair of black leggings. After adding a scarf and a pair of ankle boots, she was ready. She was looking forward to spending more time with Jason. Shortly before six, she went downstairs to await his arrival.

  Grabbing the true crime novel she hadn’t touched for the past week, she opened it, but before she’d read more than a few pages, she heard Jason’s car pull into her driveway. Closing her book, she went to the door and opened it.

  Jason waved and strode toward her. His strong body truly was a work of art. Broad-shouldered and lean hips, he exuded masculinity. Although she appreciated his looks, it was his caring personality that attracted her the most.

  Looks faded over time, and the older she became the less she considered them. Although, it was nice to know she could still be attracted to a man. For the last several years, she hadn’t met anyone she was remotely interested in, until Jason.

  She stepped on her porch. “Hey. Right on time.”

  He climbed the three steps and joined her. “You look lovely. That’s a good color for you. Are you ready?”

  “Sure. Let me grab my purse.” She reached inside to the table beside the door and scooped it up, before locking up and setting the alarm. “Okay. Ready to go. Where are you taking me?”

  He laughed. “Patience. We’ll be there soon.”

  A short time later, he pulled up to the pier and stopped. “Hope you haven’t been here before.”

  “The Spirit of Norfolk.” She smiled, pleased he’d brought her there. “Once, but it was quite some time ago, and it was work-related. I had a great time. I love being on the water, so this is perfect.”

  After all the passengers were on board, the boat pulled from the pier. They found a secluded spot on the upper deck where they could talk. He told her he’d grown up in Georgia, which explained the slight southern accent she’d heard when they first met.

  She told him about growing up in Brooklyn. How she’d lost her parents while in her first year of college. Why she’d decided to get a degree in hospitality. They went to the dining room for the meal and enjoyed a couple of dances.

  Before she wanted the evening to end, the boat pulled up to the pier. Jason helped her down the gangplank and to his sedan. They picked up their conversation and soon he pulled into her driveway. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?”

  “Sure, coffee sounds great.” He escorted her inside, and while she popped a pod into her one-cup coffee machine, he took a seat at the high-top table in her breakfast nook.

  “How do you like your coffee?” she asked.

  “Strong and black.” She selected another pod of a darker roast, full-bodied coffee. That would suit him better. Once her cup was brewed, she made his.

  “I have some pumpkin-flavored muffins. Would you like to split one? These are huge, and I can only eat part of one.”

  “Sure, love anything pumpkin. Wish you could find them all year, but for some reason, that flavor is only popular in the fall.”

  “I agree. I stock up on pumpkin-flavored coffee and tea, so I can enjoy it well into the new year.” Once the coffee was ready, she placed Jason’s cup in front of him and slid on the chair across from him.

  “So…did you enjoy our cruise?” he asked. His deep, mellow voice sent shivers racing along her spine.

  “I did, and I enjoyed our conversation even more. Savannah sounds lovely. Do you still have family there?”

  “A few cousins, but that’s all. My parents are comfortable in Jacksonville, so even though my dad’s retired, they’ve decided to stay there.”

  “I’ve always wanted to visit Florida, but I’ve never had the time. While Zach was younger, I had my hands full raising him while working full-time and attending classes. We’ll run to Nags Head for a few days each year, but that’s all. Now that I manage the front desk of the hotel, it’s hard to take time off in the summer.”

  “I imagine your busiest times are around the holidays and when kids are out of school.”

  “True, but at the Cavalier, we host a lot of conventions and conferences, so we stay busy all year.” She was glad he hadn’t asked many questions about her life in New York.

  In hindsight, she should never have allowed her sister to believe she’d died on 9/11. Shame washed over her. Now when her sister needed her, she didn’t know what to do. Perhaps once she felt more comfortable with Lynda, she’d ask her advice. She needed to do something soon.

  She’d contacted the facility in Virginia Beach and had an appointment to be tested next week. As it stood, it would all remain anonymous, but she could still reach out to her sister. Jason cleared his throat. “Hey, are you okay? You kind of zoned out on me. Maybe I should leave you to your thoughts.”

  Oh, no. Now he probably thought she was a space cadette. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. This talk of vacations and travel had me regretting I’ve not made more time for them.”

  The concern in his eyes cleared. “That’s one thing about the Navy, I’ve had the chance to see a lot of the world, but that didn’t include my family. We did take a family vacation each year though. The kids love exploring caves, so we’ve seen several. In fact, on our way here, we visited an attraction in Chattanooga.”

  Her wistful tone surprised her. “Zach would enjoy exploring caves, but that’s an activity for people who like camping. Having grown up in the city, I know next to nothing about camping, climbing, or exploring caves.”

  He met her gaze. “I suppose Zach’s father isn’t part of his life?”

  Oh, what should I say? How much could she tell him without saying too much? “I wasn’t married to Zach’s father. I left him before 9/11. That’s one of the reasons I wanted a fresh start.”

  “Has his father never wanted to be a part of Zach’s life?” he asked. There was a hard tone to his voice.

  She stiffened at the edge in his tone. “He never knew about Zach. Listen, it’s all long ago. My relationship with the man was not good. He drank too much, and while I didn’t know it at the time, he used drugs. He was a ballplayer for a major league and died when Zach was still a toddler.”

  His features softened. “So…you’ve had to raise him on your own. No family?”

  Oh, goodness. Their conversation had turned in a direction she’d dreaded. She deflected. “I told you my parents died shortly after my freshman year started. There was no other family to help. I quit school and found a job as a receptionist. I’d already left Zach’s father before 9/11. I moved here; there’s really nothing more to it.”

  Oh, please let this end his questions.

  His demeanor became distant. His body language screamed disappointment. In her. “I’m sorry. I never meant to make you relive painful memories.” He checked his watch. “It’s after ten, and I know you have work in the morning. I’ll take off. Thanks for going with me tonight. It was an enjoyable evening.”

  Her heart ached. How had such a pleasant evening gone south? “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that to come out so sharp. But, you’re right. It was a difficult time in my life, and I’ve never talked about it with anyone before. Please forgive me for ruining what was a wonderful evening.”

  “You haven’t ruined anything. I assumed too much.” He reached for her hand and took it in his. “I had a great time. I hope we can do it again soon. Will we see you at church on Sunday?”

  “We’ll be there.” She stood with him. “Let me walk you to the door.”

  He turned to her. Taking her hand, he pulled her to him, then slowly kissed her with more tenderness than she’d ever experienced before. The kiss went on and on, turning more passionate. Long, drugging kisses. Kisses that bespoke desire, Kisses
, she couldn’t help responding to.

  But then he slowly released her and stepped back. “Sorry, didn’t mean for that to happen. Let’s just say it’s been over twenty years since I’ve held a woman in my arms who was not my wife.”

  She touched her swollen lips. “No need to apologize. I liked your kisses.” She looked away, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

  He lifted her chin, not giving her a choice. “I’m glad you enjoyed my kisses. I want to get to know you better, and of course, I wouldn’t want to do anything that would disrespect you. When, not if, I kiss you again, I want to make sure our feelings are the same for each other. It’s too soon to know that yet.”

  She nodded. “I understand.” He squeezed her hand, then turned and walked out the door, closing it softly behind him.

  She leaned against the banister. What had just happened? He’d kissed her with more tenderness and care than anyone ever had. She’d responded, and had wanted more, but his words let her know he wasn’t interested in anything that wouldn’t lead to a commitment.

  A thrill of anticipation shot through her. He planned to kiss her again. She wrapped her arms around her waist. She could easily fall in love with Jason. A relationship with him would be so different than any she’d had before, not that she’d had many.

  While she’d dated a few men, it never went further than a few times. Something always held her back if one of them tried to push her to take it too far. She had never wanted to let a man into Zach’s life before.

  With Jason, she knew he was steadfast and an amazing father. Oh, why couldn’t the past stay in the past? But, before she let their relationship go any further, she needed to make a decision concerning Connie.

  Oh, goodness. How would she ever tell Jason what she’d done? How she’d allowed Connie to believe she’d died when the towers fell? A righteous man such as he would never understand. Her heart dropped to her toes.

  Something powerful rolled through her, and she felt a presence, and a voice in her head that had never been there before. The truth will set you free. She gasped. Where had that voice come from? She shivered. Could it be possible? Was God speaking to her?