by Elsie Davis
“Okay, then. Keep me posted. When will you know and when are you coming home? I need something to appease your mother. She keeps hoping you’ll move back to Dylan and I don’t think Hollow Creek is what she had in mind.”
“I expect it will take weeks. I’m taking a few extra vacation days to check the area out, and then I’ll head home.”
“Sound like a plan. Be safe and make good choices.” Her father told her the same thing every time she left the house when she lived at home. Some things never changed.
“I always do.” Or try to.
“I know, Pumpkin, I know. Call me when you find out more,” her father said, resigned to the fact Juliet was going through with her plan.
“Will do.” She hung up the phone, glad to have that out of the way. Next stop, Jennifer.
Her roommate answered on the first ring. “I’m so glad to hear from you. Is everything okay? I haven’t heard from you since you left.”
“It’s not like I had cell service out on the trail in the mountains. But, yes, to answer your question, I’m fine. The others are back in Memphis, but I’ve had a change in plans. Do you have a minute to chat?”
“Sure. I was just about to pick out a Hallmark movie for tonight. I thought you’d be joining us.”
“Ahh, yes. Hallmark movie night with the ladies. Tell everyone I said hello. I definitely won’t be home tonight.” That was only one of the things she would miss. Giving up her social outlets, including her small group at the church, and being further away from her family were all factors she hadn’t considered. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
“Will do. What’s up?” Jennifer asked, the curiosity in her voice undeniable.
Juliet proceeded to tell her roommate everything—even more than she’d told her own father.
“Wow. That’s a lot to take in. Do you have feelings for this guy Jake?” Jennifer asked, zeroing in on the one aspect of the subject she didn’t want to cover. Not yet anyway.
“No, it’s not like that.” Maybe a little. But none that mattered. “I really think Jake is the doctor looking to hiring someone, but he’s not exactly Mr. Let’s Get Personal.”
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to do something different. You keep talking about mixing things up, now’s your chance. I say go for it.” Jennifer was always good for an adventure and that’s exactly how she was picturing this, but she was forgetting some of the down-to-earth aspects.
“What about rent? If this turns out to be longer than just a few weeks, what will you do? The last thing I’d want is to leave you in the lurch with a mortgage payment that’s hard to pay.” Juliet was the more practical of the two.
“No worries. Lily asked me just the other day if I was willing to take in a third person. Which I wasn’t, but she can have your room. If you get the job, that is. I’m not shoving you out the door,” Jennifer said, laughing.
“You are so not like my father. He didn’t take this well at all.”
“Of course, he didn’t. What father wants his little girl to move to a place because of a man she just met? But it’s your life, Juliet. Be brave. Face these new challenges if you get a chance.”
She took a deep breath, knowing her friend was right. “It’s not because of Jake. Well, I mean, it is sort of. But not in the way you mean. Oh, I don’t know.” She closed her eyes and tried to think.
“Juliet, we both know exactly what you need to do,” Jennifer said, suddenly sounding way too serious.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“I’m sure Hollow Creek has a church. Go visit it. Meet some people. See if you’re comfortable. Pray about it. Search in your heart if it feels right. If not, rescind the application and come back to Memphis. If it does, stay there and do exactly what you planned. Check the place out.” Since when did Jennifer become practical? Maybe years of living with her was rubbing off on her friend.
Juliet smiled. “Perfect advice and just what I needed to hear. Thank you so much.”
“Anytime roomie, anytime. Keep me posted. On the job and Grizzly Jake. Got to run. There’s someone at the door. Hugs,” Jennifer said, hanging up before Juliet could answer.
Her dinner arrived, and the food was delicious. Comfort food at its best. And by the time she’d finished eating, Juliet was firmly resolved to take her friend’s advice.
Where better to find answers than at church?
10
Juliet stepped outside, basking in the red glow of the sky as the sun disappeared on the horizon. “Excuse me, ma’am.” She took a step toward the woman coming down the sidewalk.
The older woman stopped and smiled at her. “What is it, dearie?”
“I was wondering if you could tell me where the church is?”
The woman’s smile broadened if it were possible. “Such a lovely place it is. Pastor James and his wife have been around for a long time. He should still be there now; if you hurry, you can catch up with him.”
“I don’t know if I need to go that far.” Juliet laughed. Actually, she wanted to go further. She wanted to talk to the highest authority in search of peace regarding her choices.
“It’s just down the street . Go four blocks, turn left, and then go another block. You’ll see it on your right. It’s the Faith Christian church. If you’re looking for a particular denominational church, there are some others over in Willow, the next town north of here.”
“No, the Faith Christian sounds perfect. Thank you for your help.”
“Any time. I’d walk with you there if I didn’t have to stop and see my son first.”
“That’s sweet of you. Have a nice visit with your son,” Juliet said. So far, the people she met in town were rather nice. Quite the contradiction to the original grizzly Jake she’d met, but way more like the teddy bear Jake she suspected him of being.
Juliet followed the woman’s directions and found the church quite easily. It was a small, white building with a high-pointed steeple. Very traditional. The oversized, brown double doors at the front made her smile. They look just like the ones back home where her father preached. Quaint came to mind. As she reached to open the door, Juliet realized it was almost as though she were being welcomed home. She held the door lightly as it closed, respectful of the sanctuary silence.
She glanced around, admiring the beautiful stained-glass windows that surrounded the room, casting it in a beautiful glow. Juliet moved toward the front, loving the large cross at the back of the altar.
Judging by the placement of the chairs and the organ, they were still very much a community that embraced traditional church music, something her father had changed in his own house of worship. Juliet liked the new upbeat music that many of the churches were embracing, the praise and worship teams lifting people’s voices together in song and praising God in an upbeat manner. There was something to be said both ways considering traditional music was more reverent and peaceful.
Juliet moved to sit on the front row and bowed her head.
Father God, I pray that you will guide me and show me the way regarding this big decision in my life. I know I’ve grown impatient wanting the love of a Christian man with which to share the joys of love and family. I realize that might not be Your plan for me. Maybe my plan is to be of help to others. Whatever it is, Lord, I trust you. In Jesus’ name, I pray for you to show me the way, Lord. Amen
Juliet sat back on the pew and took a deep breath. The serenity of the sanctuary filled her, and she let out a deep, cleansing breath. She thought back to the many times over the years that she’d sat in the front row. It had been expected of her as the pastor’s daughter, not to mention a way for her parents to keep a close eye on her. They’d kept a tight rein, wanting her to always make good choices. And all through her childhood, they’d been there to help her with those decisions. But then came adulthood and the ability to decide for herself. She prayed she’d make the right one now.
She got up and started to leave, stopping for one last look around the sanctuary.
The peace in her heart was calming, the fears and doubts she’d had walking in the place now gone. In its place was the knowledge that although she didn’t know the answer yet, she was confident it would come to her by the time she was faced with the decision.
Juliet made her way back to Main Street, and to the motel she’d noticed when they’d first entered Hollow Creek. Without a vehicle at her disposal, she could only hope they had a room, and their vacancy sign was accurate. Catching a ride back to Jake’s wasn’t what she had in mind, and the odds of a bus passing through to take her to the next town was slim to none.
It didn’t take her long to reach the Sleepy Hollow motel. Juliet smiled at the name, remembering the movie she once watched that had left her sleepless for days. It was an ironic name for a motel, a good indicator the owner had a weird sense of humor.
She pushed open the door, a buzzer sounding in the backroom to signal her arrival.
A portly man came out from the back. “How can I help you?” he asked.
“I noticed your vacancy sign, and I’d like a room for two nights, please. It might be more, but at this point, two will do.”
“Is it just you?” he asked, one eyebrow raised.
“Yes. I’m considering moving into town and wanted to check the area out.”
The man looked her over and nodded. “I see. In that case, I’ll give you our local discount rate. Folks around here send a lot of my business my way when their families come into town and they don’t have enough space.” He smiled, reaching into a drawer to take out a key. “I just need your driver’s license and a credit card. The discounted rate is fifty a night, and I’ll put a hold on your card until you check out for the hundred dollars plus tax. If you decide to stay longer, I’ll adjust it. Is that okay?”
His offer was quite welcome. It would go easier on her budget and allow her to indulge in a few extras while she was here—like meals out. “That sounds perfect. And thank you, that’s kind.” Juliet handed him her cards.
“The people in town like it when young folk consider moving here. We lose too many to the big city, so it’s nice to see it in reverse,” he said, typing in her information on the computer.
“I’m from the city, and trust me, I much prefer the quietness of Hollow Creek.”
He handed her the key. “I’ve put you in the room at the end. Go out the front door and turn left. It’ll be the last door on the end. That’s one of the units with a kitchenette just in case you don’t want to eat all your meals out or if you’re on a budget.”
“Thank you. I’m sure it will be perfect.” Juliet took the key, slid her backpack over her shoulder again, and headed out the door, waving at the man.
Juliet entered the room and was pleasantly surprised at how clean and upbeat the place had been decorated. Nothing like she expected based on the name of the place. She put her backpack on the bed and sat down at the table in front of the window that looked outside the front of the hotel. Pulling out her phone, she started to type a message to Jennifer to let her know where she was staying and her game plan.
An email notification suddenly popped up, flashing at the top of her screen, Juliet stopped typing and clicked on it. She was surprised to see it was from the Hollow Creek Medical Center. Juliet frowned. A response that quick could only mean one thing— she’d been rejected.
Obviously, Dr. K wasn’t Jake. Perhaps wishful thinking on her part.
The internet service wasn’t the quickest, and she watched as the blue circle spun around, trying to load. The email finally popped up on the screen.
Dear Juliet,
Dr. K asked me to forward his response to you.
Olivia
Dear Juliet Walker,
After reading your resume and reviewing your considerable experience, we would like to offer you the position of Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse at the Hollow Creek Medical Center beginning immediately. As you know, our office is currently unstaffed and in dire need of a medical professional for the people in town who need medical assistance. I will continue to look for a doctor, and I understand your need for this to be a temporary arrangement. Based on your qualifications, however, I would like to retain your services permanently if you change your mind. The needs of the community have increased over the years and having two qualified staff members would allow us to offer a broader spectrum of services.
The terms of the employment offer are attached to this email. Please respond as soon as possible with your decision or any other questions you may have.
Dr. K
Hollow Creek Medical Center
Juliet - I realize this is a little unorthodox, but then, so is Dr. K. I felt certain you would get the job and on a more personal note, I hope you will accept. It would be lovely to work with you. Let me know your answer, and I will forward it to Dr. K. I’m like the monkey in the middle. LOL.
Olivia
Juliet was shocked. The rejection she was sure she’d received, was in fact, an employment offer. Things didn’t happen this fast in the real world. But then, Hollow Creek was like stepping back in time with its sidewalks, antiquated shops, and abundance of friendly people. The expediency was explained by the doctor and Juliet understood. She was also more certain than ever, that the doctor was, in fact, Jake.
As she prepared to write her answer and wondered what to say, Juliet was surprised at the level of calmness she felt. She knew in her heart saying yes was the right thing to do. But before she accepted anything, she needed to call her boss. Sandy had always been good to her and she wouldn’t want to leave her in a lurch. Juliet dialed her number.
“Sandy Wyatt,” her boss answered, keeping her tone crisp and professional.
“Hey, Sandy. I’m so glad you answered. It’s Juliet.”
“Hey there, what a surprise. How was your hike?” Her tone changed immediately as she fell into a more casual discussion mode, the two of them sharing an easy camaraderie after working together for the past five years.
“Well, about that. It turned out quite different than I planned.” Talk about an understatement. “I ended up getting sick and didn’t get to complete the hike.”
“That sounds awful. What happened?”
“Long story short—I ended up with a virus that I must’ve picked up at the hospital. I stayed with the guy who came to my rescue for a couple of days, and he nursed me back to health. But then he caught the virus, so I stayed to nurse him back to health. The others finished the hike, but I’m actually still in Hollow Creek.”
“Him?” Sandy asked, curiosity dripping from the word.
“Is that all you got from what I just told you?” Juliet laughed.
“Not all, but that was the most interesting piece.” Sandy’s directness was one of the things Juliet admired about the woman. You always knew where you stood with her.
“His name is Jake Kensington. He something of a hermit around here. But honestly, he’s a nice guy, so don’t worry. But there’s been this really strange twist of fate I need to talk to you about.” Sandy’s answer would be the final determinant in Juliet’s own response to the job offer.
“I’m listening. Sounds interesting, especially if it involves a man.” Sandy laughed.
“It’s nothing like that.—trust me. It’s just that Hollow Creek is a small community, and they lost their doctor to a city hospital recently. I found out they were looking for someone and was encouraged to apply. My thought was to make it temporary, just until they found a doctor to staff the medical center. I honestly thought I’d come home in a few days, talk it over with you, and wait it out to see what happened. Except, somehow, I was accepted and offered employment with them literally hours later.”
“That’s insane. With all the background checks and everything else that needs to be run, who would do that?” It was the same thing Juliet had asked herself and why she’d concluded Jake was in the middle of all this.
“I have my suspicions, but they haven’t been confirmed yet. I’ll let you know when I know,
but this is a lovely town, and the people are friendly, and it sort of fits. Me.”
“Sounds like you want to accept. But then you wouldn’t have put in your application if you weren’t interested.” Her boss knew her well, though most people did since she was like an open book.
“True, on both counts. I just don’t want to make life tough on you with scheduling. They want me to start immediately. With no doctor in the office, the closest place they can go for medical treatment is almost fifty miles away. You and I both know what that means.”
“Listen, if your heart is telling you to accept this, and those people need you urgently, then I say go for it. We have plenty of people here at the hospital that are willing to fill your shoes—but it sounds like they have no one. I’m sure I can rearrange the schedule. Take whatever time you need. Your job will be here waiting for you whenever you’re ready to return.”
Adrenaline coursed through Juliet as everything sunk in. She was going to do this. “I was hoping you’d say that, but I wanted to talk to you before I accepted.”
“I’ll clear it with Human Resources. Don’t worry. I’m curious how they’re operating without a doctor. Have you checked into it to make sure everything is legitimate?”
“I have. Apparently, a doctor owns the place and keeps up his licensing requirements, but he no longer practices medicine. They had another doctor here for a couple of years, but then like I said, he split for a big-city offer.” Juliet liked that Sandy was concerned. As far as bosses went, she was the best. At least in Hollow Creek, her boss would be a piece of paper hanging on a wall. Or he would be until Juliet met him.
“Why doesn’t the other doctor practice anymore? Is he retired or what’s his story?” Sandy asked.
“I get the feeling from what I hear, that he’s been through a difficult time and hasn’t recovered.” She didn’t want to discuss Jake’s personal affairs. It somehow felt as though she would be crossing an imaginary line in their friendship.