Mrs. Bartholomew nodded again. She then changed the subject and they discussed Charlotte’s mother, her garden, and even Custer. At last she felt enough topics had been covered to disguise her mission. “Well, I’d best let you get back to work. It’s been nice talking to you.”
Charlotte handed her the now empty glass. “Thanks for the lemonade and the company. I enjoyed it.”
Mrs. Bartholomew went straight to her living room. “It’s just as I thought, Custer. She’s definitely in love with the pastor. I don’t know what all this stuff with Frank Rubin is about.” She shook her head and walked into the kitchen. Custer stretched and settled back down for another nap.
Charlotte put her head down and began to type, but after a few minutes she stopped. Something in her conversation with Mrs. Bartholomew had disturbed her. She wasn’t sure which part it was since they’d conversed about a lot of subjects for quite a while, but after her neighbor left she felt a vague dissatisfaction. She decided to go inside and call Frank. Maybe he’d like to do something tonight. She knew they’d just been together last night, but that was with her mother. The two of them could go to a movie over at Carlston.
She dialed his number, but after four rings she got his answering machine. She left a message that he should call her and hung up the phone disappointed. She needed a distraction right now.
Walking into the kitchen, she noticed the church bulletin from the week before sitting on her table. Picking it up, she saw there was a bake sale this afternoon to raise money for the youth group. She decided to drop by to see if there were any goodies she couldn’t live without.
Entering the church, the first person she saw was Mrs. Donahue. “Hi. Are you helping out today?”
“Yes, my husband and I work with the youth group. It was my idea to organize the sale. Look at all the wonderful things people made.” Charlotte began walking down the long table and marveled at all the beautiful baked goods.
“Wow, it’s going to be hard to choose. This is better than a bakery.”
“You bet. We’ve got some of the best cooks in the county in this church. We sell a cookbook too. It’s down there on the end.” As Charlotte walked down to look at it, Mrs. Donahue had an idea. “Would you do me a favor?”
“Sure.”
“Pastor Gordon’s in his office. Would you take him this pouch of money to put in his desk? I was going to take it, but I’d better stay here to man the table.”
Charlotte looked around. There were only a couple of other people there, but she was glad to do a favor for this nice woman. She took the pouch and went down the hall to the pastor’s office. Through the window, she could see him with a pen and paper and his Bible open. She knocked, and he looked up. He gave her a small smile and motioned her in. “Mrs. Donahue wanted me to bring you this.” She held out the pouch of money.
“Thank you. I didn’t know you were helping with the bake sale.”
“I’m not. I just took a break from writing and stopped by.”
“So, you’re working on another book?”
“Yes. This one’s set in the South Pacific.”
“Nice.” He nodded his head slowly. “Have you ever thought of writing a different kind of book?”
“What kind?”
“I don’t know. One that’s more useful for people. One that’s not a romance.”
Charlotte felt angry; angrier than his comments warranted. “What’s wrong with romance?”
“Don’t you think it’s kind of frivolous?”
“Not at all. The Bible’s full of romance. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, to name a few. Then there’s the Song of Solomon.”
“Yes, but . . .”
“But what?” she challenged him a little more vehemently than she meant to. “If you think about it, romance is central to the whole message of Christ. The church is called the bride of Christ, and His pursuit of us is the ultimate romance. We should be wildly in love with Him in response to His overtures toward us. He’s the bridegroom we all need.”
Pastor Gordon stared at her, frozen and unable to say a word. He felt the same attraction to her that he thought he’d rid himself of forever. He really liked this woman. He was afraid to speak at all for fear he’d reveal his true feelings. So he just stared. After a moment of this, Charlotte began to giggle. “Have I struck you dumb? Or are you so annoyed with me that you don’t even want to talk to me?”
Gordon managed a smile and simply answered, “I stand corrected. We’d both better get back to work.” He looked back down at his notepad and she turned to leave. When she got to the door, she said, “Have I offended you?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. I’m impressed.” But he put his head resolutely back down, so Charlotte left the room. There was something infuriating about that man.
Frank didn’t call back until late in the evening. Since it was too late to go the movies that night, they decided to go to a matinee Sunday after church.
He picked her up right on schedule. Pastor Gordon noticed once again, but this time it was painful. He began to wish he’d never laid eyes on Charlotte Fyne.
She once again enjoyed Frank’s company. They both liked the action film they’d seen and talked about the intricacies of the plot on their way home. They also worked out the details of the double date the next weekend. It felt secure to have plans for the future. When he walked her to the door, he leaned over to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. She felt awkward and decided not to invite him in.
Charlotte had just taken off her shoes and settled into a chair when she heard a knock at the door. She opened it expecting to see Frank again, but instead a young girl stood in her doorway. She looked to be about ten, but Charlotte wasn’t a good judge of age. “Yes?”
“Are you Charlotte Fyne?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I thought so. You look just like your picture on your book covers.”
“You’ve seen my books?”
“Yeah, my mom buys them all and I read them when she’s done with them.”
“Oh.” Charlotte wasn’t sure what to do next. “How old are you?”
“I’m twelve, but I look young for my age.” She shifted her weight to her other foot, looking uncomfortable. “Can I come in?”
Now Charlotte was confused. “I guess so. Did you want anything in particular?”
The girl walked right in and sat down on the sofa. “I want some advice.”
“Advice?” Charlotte felt like she was in the twilight zone or something.
“Yeah, advice about my love life.”
That got Charlotte’s attention. She sat down with a thud. “Aren’t you a bit young to have a love life?”
“I told you I was twelve,” she said, looking indignant.
“Does your mother know you’re here?”
“She’s the one who told me to come.” The girl looked like she’d about had it with this line of questioning.
“Okay, would you like a cookie or anything?”
“Sure!”
Charlotte went into the kitchen and came back with a plate of bake sale cookies and two glasses of milk. “These’re good,” the girl proclaimed as she stuffed one into her mouth.
“I’m glad you like them. What’s your name, anyway?”
“Misty.”
“Well, Misty. What’s the problem with your love life?”
“I ain’t got one.”
“I see.” That’s what Charlotte said, but she didn’t see at all. “How can I help with that?”
“Tell me how to get one.”
Charlotte sighed as she took in Misty’s little girl demeanor. She hadn’t developed much yet and looked like the kind of girl who would always have a baby face. She imagined that she had trouble keeping up with her classmates in the social arena.
“You’ll have to help me. I’m rusty. How does a love life look to a twelve-year-old?”
“Huh?”
“What would you like to see happen?”
/>
“I’d like the boys to like me. Everyone’s got a boyfriend but me.”
“I see.” This seemed to be all Charlotte could get out as she silently prayed, “Help me, God. I have no idea what to say to this child.”
“What would you do with this boyfriend?”
“Kiss and stuff.”
Charlotte smiled, “Now, do you see anyone kissing in my books?”
“Yeah, they always do. Right when they ask them to marry them.”
“Exactly. The characters in my books are all older. They’re ready to make lifetime commitments. What you’re seeing the other kids do at school is not what love is about at all. They’re just seeing who will give them the most attention. They don’t care about the person they like in the long run. That’s why young love is so dangerous.”
Misty screwed up her mouth until it touched her nose. “I was afraid you’d say that. That’s what my mom says too.”
Charlotte felt very relieved to hear that she and Misty’s mom were on the same page. She’d been starting to wonder about her. “I think what you really want is to know that guys find you attractive. We all want to know that, even me.”
“Yeah, how do I know anyone ever will?”
“I guess you don’t know for sure. So that’s why we need to find our value in something besides whether or not a guy likes us.”
“Like what?”
“Like the fact that God values us no matter what. That’s the most important. Also we need to develop our abilities so we get satisfaction out of our accomplishments, as well as getting to know other people of all ages that we can be useful to.” Charlotte took a bite of cookie. “In spite of my books, television, the movies, and all the talk at the junior high, there is more to life than romance.”
Misty folded her legs under her and settled in more comfortably. “So you aren’t married either?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Does that ever make you sad?”
“Sometimes it makes me really sad, but then I have to concentrate on all the things I just told you and remember them myself. I have a great life. A man in it would be nice, but not necessary.”
“Do you think I could bring some of my friends over once in a while and you could tell them this stuff too? Nobody my age seems to know it.”
That caused Charlotte to chuckle. “Not too many people my age know it either.” She took a sip of her milk, which left a funny little mustache that made Misty laugh. “Sure, I’d like that. Just call before you come over, so that I’m prepared.”
Unexpectedly, Misty jumped up and hugged Charlotte. “Bye. I gotta go, but I’ll be back. You’re the greatest.” Then she ran out the door as if she were in the Boston marathon.
Charlotte picked up the plate and glasses and carried them into the kitchen. “I guess I’d better listen to my own advice.” She sat down at the kitchen table and spent a long time reading her Bible, ridding her mind of Frank and Gordon and even Misty’s grade school heart throbs.
CHAPTER thirteen
On Wednesday morning Mrs. Donahue called Charlotte to invite her over for lunch. “I just finished one of your novels.”
“Which one?”
“Love Dawns.”
“Did you like it?”
“I loved it. It’s the most refreshing thing I’ve read in ages. That’s why I want to have you over. I want to talk about it.” Then she paused, “Is that all right? Do authors want to talk about their books? I mean, you’re the first author I’ve ever known.”
“I don’t know about other authors, but I’d be glad to talk about it.”
“Good, I’ll see you about noon then.”
“I’ll bring some bake sale cake.”
“That would be nice. It’s Mrs. Snyder’s cake, isn’t it?”
“I’m not sure.”
“The one with caramel and chocolate on the top?”
“That’s the one.”
“Mmm. I can almost taste it now.”
Charlotte got off the phone and sat back down at her computer. She liked Mrs. Donahue. She was the kind of person that instantly made you feel like part of the family. The morning flew by, and when she next looked up it was eleven forty-five. She shut down her computer, pulled out the cake, and slipped on her shoes. After running a comb through her hair, she walked around the block.
“Welcome, Charlotte. Thanks for coming on such short notice.”
“Thanks for asking.”
She took the cake from her and almost hugged it. “Maybe we should skip lunch and just eat this.”
“That’s okay with me.”
“But then all the beautiful cold cuts I set out would go to waste, and I’d never be able to scold Mort for not finishing his vegetables. Being a mother is such a grave responsibility.” She shook her head and looked serious, but Charlotte saw the twinkle in her eye that showed she was teasing.
Mrs. Donahue had fresh flowers on the table, which was set with her best china on a white tablecloth. “Wow, this is beautiful. I’ve never eaten cold cuts in such a lovely setting.”
“I love to make things look pretty. With four kids, everything was a mess for years. I’m enjoying doing the little extras I never had time for before.”
“How old are your other children?”
“All grown. The oldest is twenty-eight and the youngest twenty-three. As you can tell, Mort was an afterthought.”
“Yes. He’s a lot further behind.”
“When I found out I was pregnant with him, I almost collapsed, but he’s been a delight. I think I’ve enjoyed him more than all the others put together. Not that I love him more; I just enjoy him.”
Charlotte nodded as they sat down at the table. For a few minutes they were quiet as they made their sandwiches and took those first hungry bites. “So what did you want to talk about?”
“Oh, the young man in your story. I fell in love with him. You portrayed him as so strong and sensitive. He reminded me of Pastor Gordon.”
Charlotte began choking and had to take a drink before she could speak. “Excuse me. I guess my food went down the wrong way.” After another sip she asked, “Why would you say that?”
Mrs. Donahue acted as if nothing had happened. “He’s the strong, quiet type. He seems all composed on the outside but is really a pushover on the inside.”
“That’s what you think Pastor Gordon is like?”
“Not think. I know. He’s almost like family to us. Everyone sees him as a confirmed bachelor who doesn’t need anyone, but I know differently.”
“How do you know that?”
“Little things he says and does. All the local women have given up on him, but I don’t think they should have. They just have to be a little more persistent. Just like Mirabel was with Marcus in your story.”
“Well, you could have fooled me.”
Mrs. Donahue sighed. “I know. He’s fooled everyone—including himself. If he’d just take that first step, I know he’d be over the hump. Maybe you’re the one to push him over the edge.”
“Me!” Charlotte looked at her as if she’d suggested that she kill Pastor Gordon. “Why me?”
“Because he likes you.”
“That’s ridiculous. He can’t stand me. He thinks all the romance novel stuff is foolish, and he doesn’t like to be around me.”
Mrs. Donahue looked like a wise sage as she narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. “You make him nervous because he likes you.”
“Are you sure about that?”
Mrs. Donahue put her sandwich down and rubbed her napkin over her mouth. “Oh, I guess I’m not sure. It’s just a hunch. Besides, I think you’d be perfect for him.”
“I see. Well, no disrespect intended, but I think you’re dead wrong about this one. I’ve rarely felt such hostility from a man. He may need a woman, but it isn’t me.” As soon as Charlotte said this, she felt sad. She knew it was true, but startled herself by feeling bad about it. “Besides, I’ve been seeing Frank Rubin.”
“Really?” Mrs. Donahue looked surprised. “I hadn’t heard about that. The Crispens Point grapevine must have a few breaks.”
“It’s not like we’re serious or anything, but we are both enjoying each other’s company right now.”
“Well, that’s nice. I’m sorry if I’ve interfered in your personal business. I didn’t mean to. I was honest about the fact that Marcus in your story reminded me of Gordon. I just thought you’d make a cute couple.”
“No offense taken. Pastor Gordon’s a great guy. I hope he finds someone.”
“Oh, he will eventually. At least if I have anything to do with it.” She smiled like the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland right before she says, “Off with his head!” Charlotte had no doubt that Mrs. Donahue would do her best to see Pastor Gordon married. As soon as the thought went through her mind, she felt sad again. The idea of him marrying someone made her feel awful. What was wrong with her?
After they’d both eaten all the cake they could without getting ill, Charlotte walked slowly back home. Thoughts were circling her mind like vultures about to attack. “I thought I’d gotten over my initial attraction to Gordon McCrae, but maybe I haven’t.” Then the side of her that was more practical argued, “Well, I’d just better get over him. It’s ridiculous to continue to moon over someone who doesn’t care. Better the bird in the hand than two in the bush. I need to enjoy Frank and concentrate on him right now rather than pie in the sky that can never be. Besides, Frank’s sweet. I really do like him.”
She walked into her living room and lay down on the sofa. Suddenly she was so tired that all she could do was go to sleep.
When Friday came, Charlotte was still feeling blue, but when Janice and Victor arrived at her door, she perked right up. A few minutes later Frank roared into the driveway in his little Corvette. He bounced up to the door with another bouquet of flowers in his hands. Charlotte had just thrown out last week’s the day before. She’d never been courted so lavishly before and was enjoying it.
Janice introduced Victor to Frank, and although both had been in high school at the same time, they didn’t really remember each other. But they seemed to get along well and chatted like old friends. They had decided to get pizza and go bowling.