“You better not.” Elizabeth put her arm around Melissa and patted her shoulder. “Besides, why would you want to date a journalist? They’re all work and no fun.”
Melissa jabbed her sister playfully in the ribs for the snide comment as they both went back to preparing lunch.
Martin’s voice floated from the back yard through the kitchen’s window screen. “Time to eat.” The sisters picked up the trays of hamburger toppings and headed outside.
—
Jim drove straight from church to his aunt and uncle’s house, calling them on the way to announce his pending arrival. He planned to spend the mealtime asking his aunt and uncle, who were Christians, about some of the things in the service. Patty was just about finished cooking when he arrived. He went into the kitchen to get a glass of her fresh-squeezed lemonade. What he liked most about it was the fact it was unsweetened and you had to put in the sugar yourself. Preferring his drink to taste more tart than sweet, Jim only put a couple of teaspoonfuls of sugar into the oversized plastic glass. Perfect.
Not much of a professional sports fan, Phil was watching an old black-and-white movie on TV when Jim came and sat down in the cushioned chair next to his. They made small talk during the commercial breaks. Just as the movie was reaching the climax, Patty told them the meal was ready.
“Perfect timing.” Phil sighed as he pressed the remote’s power button.
“Oh, you’ve seen that movie ten times. Besides, whiners don’t eat, right Jim?”
Patty led the way to the dining room. They sat down to a lunch of fried chicken, sweet potato fries and cucumber salad. Jim was quick to compliment his aunt on the meal. He didn’t cook much at home and Patty was known as the family’s best cook. Over lunch, Jim filled them in on his reporting on New Creation Fellowship.
“So, did you see Vince there?” Jim could hear the worry in Patty’s voice.
“Yeah, he looked good.”
“But you think this Pastor Jeremiah isn’t all he claims to be?”
“Without a doubt, Uncle Phil.”
Patty clutched Jim’s left forearm with her right hand and stared straight into her nephew’s blue eyes. “Please watch out for Vince, OK Jimmy.”
“I will.”
Sensing the tension in the room, Phil changed the subject.
“Jim, I know you didn’t come over here just to talk about Vince and his new church. What else is on your mind?”
“Well...” Jim wasn’t sure where to start. He didn’t really have any theological questions just yet. His concerns were more practical.
“You see, I have a friend at work, her name is Melissa. I just got to know her a couple of weeks ago when we were assigned to write about New Creation. Since then we’ve talked almost every day about different stuff, mostly work. The problem is that I’m kind of attracted to her and I’m not quite sure what to do.”
Patty chimed in. “Am I imagining this, or is the boy who broke the hearts of three girls when he went to the prom with the head cheerleader asking us for some advice on dating?”
Phil and Patty enjoyed a laugh.
“Not exactly. You see, Melissa is pretty religious. As a matter of fact, she even got me to go to church with her this morning. Like I said before, I like her, but I know her faith is important to her and I don’t want to offend her or anything if I were to ask her out. I know I probably sound like a junior high boy or something, but Melissa is a nice person and I don’t want to hurt her.”
Phil smiled, but waited a few seconds as he contemplated his response.
“You’re right, Jim. You are in something of a bind. The New Testament does talk about not being ‘unequally yoked’ with a non-Christian. If Melissa is attracted to you like you think she is, this can’t be very easy for her either. Part of being a Christian is having the strength to make the tough judgment calls when your desires collide with your beliefs. And while you may want a relationship with her, it would be unfair on your part to ask her to make such a decision.
“But it’s always best to be honest with each other. You know, you might have to settle for just being friends. You like the beach, so go there. Reassure her it’s not a date but that you just want to talk. Pick a nice place, sit down and have a conversation. You can tell her how you respect her beliefs and don’t want her to compromise them just because of your feelings. Hey, it’s not an easy call to make, but it might just be the right one for both of you.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
Jim had a great deal to think about as he finished his meal.
13
Making the formal transition from reporter to columnist made the week leading up to the change very busy for Jim. He divided his time between working with Charlie and Ken and training Tammi to take over his job. Since Jim would be writing two staff editorials a week in addition to his columns, he would now have Wednesday and Friday meetings with the executive editor, publisher and editorial page editor. His first official column ran on Friday, which was Independence Day, next to a round-up story about where area residents could find parades and fireworks shows. And although Jim was not assigned to work on the federal holiday, he planned to be in the office for at least half a day researching ideas for future columns. All told, he expected to put in about 10 hours of unofficial overtime this week he knew he wouldn’t get paid for. Nothing new about that.
He and Tammi had attended Tuesday night’s Emerald Valley City Council meeting and Jim decided to write his Friday column on the abysmal attendance at the meeting. He hoped a little haranguing might get a few people to attend the meetings and take part in their city government. Driving home from the meeting Tuesday night, he started to put together his thoughts and arrange his ideas in a mental outline.
9:27 a.m. Wednesday, July 2
When Jim walked into the newsroom, he noticed Melissa working at her desk. He decided to go over to her and talk about getting together that weekend. Thankfully there were few people at their desks this morning, and they could have a semi-private conversation at her desk.
“How’s the switch-over going?”
“Pretty good. I start full time in editorial today, and Tammi seems to be getting a feel for Emerald Valley. How are things with you?”
“No complaints here. I’m working on a feature about a Christian athlete who’s speaking at a youth rally Friday night. Other than that, I’m just figuring out what kind of mid-summer stories I can update for this year.”
Jim chuckled. “Same story, different day, huh?”
“Yep.”
Jim paused and shifted to a new topic. “I was wondering if you would like to go to Crystal Cove on Saturday.”
“On a date?”
“No, not exactly.” Jim searched for the right words. “We have been working really closely with each other lately and we’ve become friends. But it kind of feels like we might be becoming more than just friends. I could be wrong about that, but either way I’d like to talk things through before it all gets too complicated.”
Melissa nodded. “Sounds reasonable.”
“Usually I do my thinking of this magnitude down at Crystal Cove. If you want, maybe we could go down there and figure some things out.”
Melissa thought for a minute. “OK, I’m game.”
They set a time for Saturday afternoon, agreeing Jim would pick her up at her house.
Jim went to his “old” desk in the main newsroom and worked until 11:30 a.m. on one of the last metro stories he would write until the editorial board meeting began. During the meeting of the paper’s section editors in the Courier’s windowless conference room, Jim noticed Charlie looked more relaxed than he had in a long time.
Jim was assigned his first editorial, all 10 inches of it. After completing the background research for the article, he figured it would take him about a half hour to write and edit the piece, giving him plenty of time to work on his column today and get a little bit ahead on his packed schedule. As expected, Jim tackled the editorial in short order. A r
ecent state report noted the rise of drunken-driving accidents in Southern California, with a marked rise in the suburban areas covered by the Courier. The report also recommended changes in the laws regarding drinking and driving. The paper’s position was simple: driving drunk is selfish, and it’s sad people have to die before others notice there is a problem and try to find a solution. He read the report and then speedily drafted the editorial. He showed it to Ken, who signed off on it and lauded Jim for a job well done.
Then he went to work on his column for Friday. Instead of starting off with a stern finger wagging, Jim pondered a new approach.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CITY COUNCIL IS UP TO?
By James T. Mitchell
Residents of Emerald Valley, did you know your city council held its last meeting in the nude? In fact, they talked about holding all city meetings in their birthday suits.
One council member even proposed naming the first Friday in November as Annual Nudist Day and everyone can go to work with or without their clothes.
You’re probably saying, “Come on Jim, that didn’t really happen.”
Prove it to me.
Oh wait, you can’t. You weren’t there.
In fact the only people who attended the meeting were the council members themselves, two reporters and community watchdog Fred Vitelli, who has literally missed only three meetings in the last 25 years.
Come on folks, you can do better than that!
Jim ranted on for a few more paragraphs before bringing his tirade to a close.
President Teddy Roosevelt, among others, had a few things to say about public involvement in government.
Try his words on for size.
"The government is us; we are the government, you and I."
I’ll see you next Tuesday.
James T. Mitchell reminds people of their civic duties on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He can be reached at [email protected]
Finishing his article, he waited until it was edited and proofread before leaving for the day at 4:30 p.m.
I could get used to this kind of day.
—
3:05 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Jim picked up Melissa at her place Saturday afternoon, and they headed out to Crystal Cove. Taking five different freeways, they passed the hour-long drive by talking about work. Arriving at the state park, Jim stopped at the Shake Shack to purchase a vanilla shake for Melissa and a chocolate malt for himself. The yellow shack had been a favorite stop with locals for years. They parked near the Reef Point section of the beach. He retrieved two beach chairs from the trunk of his Accord while Melissa took the drinks.
As they crossed the sand, he pointed to a group of about a dozen children and three Parks and Recreation workers walking past the rock-strewn part of the cove.
“See the kids over there? The city offers weekend field trips out here to look at the tide pools filled with starfish and other sea life.”
A few children waved at the two and they returned the greeting. Jim and Melissa went about 30 yards further down the beach before they set up their chairs.
Jim closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing the sounds, while Melissa watched the waves crash onto shore. They were far enough from the water to keep from getting wet. If he believed in a loving, creator God, he would consider this a key piece of evidence proving His existence.
Jim opened his eyes again. “I come here to get away from the insanity of life.”
“I can see why.”
“As you probably know by now, I like to take the direct approach. So here goes. We need to talk about our relationship. Now I like working with you as a colleague, but we’ve gone past a professional working relationship. Well, I have at least. You see, I like you as more than a friend, Melissa.”
As he waited for a response, she filled in the silence. “Me too, Jim. But there’s a problem. As a Christian, the Bible is very clear about not getting involved with people who don’t share your beliefs. It’s not that the Bible says I shouldn’t be around non-Christians. It’s just that if people have two different sets of beliefs, somebody has to change their mind eventually if the relationship is to be a healthy one. And that kind of situation usually causes more problems than it solves. Do you understand what I’m trying to get at?”
“Yes I do. I talked with my aunt and uncle two weeks ago about this. They have been Christians longer than I’ve been alive and they basically said the same thing you just did. That’s why I asked you here. If you were anyone else, I would have asked you out on a real date. But I had an idea you probably would have said no because of what you believe in. And the last thing I want you to do is compromise your standards. I respect you too much to ask that.”
“Thank you.”
“So, basically I think we should just remain friends and that’s it. I’d like to work with you from time to time, and maybe hang out together, but definitely nothing romantic. I’m not sure if the idea is practical, but it’s the best I can come up with. Do you think something like that might work?”
“Maybe. Hey, it’s at least worth a try.”
“Friends?” Jim extended his hand to break the awkward moment.
“Sure.” She chuckled and shook his hand.
Looking to maintain the positive mood, Jim thought lighter conversation was a good approach. “So, tell me about your first day at the Courier.”
Melissa laughed as she thought about how she spilled coffee on her blouse and had to go home and change before her first assignment. That story led to another and another, as the two talked for another half hour.
Jim looked at his watch and saw it was almost 5 p.m. “Are you hungry for something a little more substantial than this?” He held up his empty shake cup.
“Actually I am.”
“Good. I know just the place to go.”
—
Antonia’s Pizzeria was about a half-mile from the beach and the mixture of tangy sea breeze, zesty tomato sauce and bubbling mozzarella combined to form a unique blend of appetizing aromas. Jim told Melissa the restaurant was famous for its deep-dish Chicago-style pizza, complete with cornmeal crust. They ordered two sodas and a medium pepperoni and mushroom pizza. Hungrily they ate piece after piece, chatting as they devoured the meal.
They also talked freely, mostly telling stories about their childhood and asking questions back and forth.
“I hope this doesn’t offend you,” Melissa paused for a second before continuing, “but why do you use James T. Mitchell as your byline?”
“When I became an editor at my college newspaper, I wanted to have a more professional image. So I started wearing collared shirts and slacks every day and changed my byline from Jim to James. I just kept up the routine when I started at the Courier. Why do you ask?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, Jim, but that does sound a bit egotistical.”
He chuckled. “Is there a right way to take that comment?”
“Probably not.”
“Perhaps you’re right.” A piece of last week’s conversation at church popped into his head. “Hey, I have a question for you. What’s the story behind the whole ‘Lisa’ thing?”
“Well, Elizabeth is four years older than me. She started middle school when I was 7. Up until that point we were ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Lisa’. But when she began hanging out with the cool kids, she started going by ‘Liz’. After a few weeks I got sick of the confusion around the house, so I announced my name was ‘Melissa’. Sis changed back to ‘Elizabeth’ her junior year in high school, but I stuck with Melissa.”
“So, you go by Melissa because of a grudge you’ve held against your sister for the past two decades, and I’m the one with the problem here?” They both laughed.
“I guess it might have started out that way, but I think I’ve grown into ‘Melissa’ over the last decade or so. You ever think about going back to ‘Jim?’”
“Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know. I guess because ‘James’ seems too
formal to describe the nice guy I can tell is deep down inside you.”
He paused for a moment of reflection.
“Maybe I don’t want people to see too ‘deep down’ inside. ‘James T. Mitchell’ is someone who knows what’s going on in the world around him and controls his own destiny. ‘Jim’ is a guy who sometimes has a problem opening the plastic bag inside a cereal box.”
Melissa’s heart ached for her friend, but the reply she felt God giving her was one of exhortation, not comfort.
“You know, it doesn’t matter what name you go by, you’re never going to be in complete control of the whole universe or even you little slice of it. That’s God’s job. Hiding behind a fancy byline won’t change that.” She paused. “Sorry, that came off a bit harsh.”
“Just a little bit.” He smiled as he held out his index finger and thumb about an inch apart from each other. “And I never said I was switching back to Jim, Lisa.” His continued grin showed the comment was meant in jest.
“But you like Jim better, don’t you?”
He nodded.
“Then maybe you should use a name that describes who you really are inside.”
“I’ll think about it.” Then his serious tone ebbed away, with a fresh wave of humor to taking its place. “The only problem is I use my full name for my new column and I wouldn’t want to confuse my readers by changing things up all of a sudden—”
“I think they could handle it. They’re not schoolchildren.”
“If you’d read some of the emails I’ve gotten, you might not be so sure.”
She chuckled as she threw a napkin at him. “What am I going to do with you?”
“My mother still asks that question. I’ll let you know if she comes up with a good answer.”
—
They spent another hour at the restaurant before heading home.
Chasing Deception Page 11