In the garage, Dad hunched over his worktable sharpening the lawnmower blade. He looked up and gave JD a half smile. "Hello, son."
JD swallowed hard and cleared his throat. Dad greeted him as if the day Joella brought him home never happened. Yet he had to admit, his parent would have answers. "Can we talk a minute?" A vice held the blade his father sharpened with a rattail file, but another vice held JD's heart.
"Sure. But if it's about that woman who brought you home—"
"Dad, no. Though I think you overdid it, you were right. I came to talk a minute. I've made a decision to become more active in the church.
Dad dropped his old leather gloves on the worktable and stared back at JD as if in pleased surprise. "That's wonderful, son. I knew you'd come to your senses."
JD tilted his head back with a slow grin, noting the affection in his father's look. Despite their strained relationship, JD loved him.
Dad nodded without taking his eyes from JD's face.
"I was wondering. You're always ready to give me your opinion. What would you suggest—what are the most important steps I should take right now?" JD forced a chuckle. "You were right when you said I'd put off bettering myself."
Dad's face brightened. He paused as if thinking of the best way to answer. "Son, as I've suggested before, you could volunteer to lead a children's group at church and maybe work on some of the outreach projects such as visiting the elderly and homebound." He placed a hand on JD's shoulder.
"You could even get together with a couple of other guys and take a Saturday to mow lawns of the widows in the church. But the most valuable course of action is to marry a nice EB girl and have a family right away. I've stressed this many times. You know the importance of having offspring—children add to the Scale of Balance."
Marry a nice EB girl. Dad was right. But first he had to find a way to get Joella out of his heart. He could do it … his father's advice was paramount. "Thanks, Dad. I guess I'll start by attending the single adult group at church." JD had never gone to even one of their meetings.
"Good idea, son. There are a lot of eligible girls at church. And if I can help you in any way, just let me know. Remember, you need to be married and producing children. It's time, JD." Dad turned back to the worktable then spun around. "Oh, and son. I certainly hope you won't have any more to do with that woman."
His father's reference to Joella pieced his heart, but Dad was right. "You have nothing to worry about. I'm not seeing her anymore."
"Good. Glad to hear it."
JD nodded, looked into his father's eyes once more, and turned toward the door. "I'll see you Sunday. Good night, Dad."
"Good night. I can't wait until we hear wedding bells around here."
*****
The clock on Joella's office wall indicated another long day was finally over. She pulled her compact from her purse and dabbed powder on the persistent dark circles. Even after she put Champ back in the yard last night, she couldn't stop crying. Only two days since JD broke up with her. Maybe after a thousand, the pain wouldn't hurt as bad.
Joella stuffed the mirror in her purse and glanced at her cell phone. For one bizarre moment, she thought about calling him. No. How could she? In time, he'd forget about her. A deep chasm separated them.
She stuck her hand into her purse to pull out a tissue for the tear threatening to escape. Her hand glided over a card next to her cell phone. Dave Reye's number.
A prayer partner. Dave would pray with her, and he understood different religions, as well. She pulled out her cell and punched in his number.
"Hello, Joella. I've been meaning to call and ask for some help with the teen barbeque next month." His smooth voice sent another wave of self-pity into her heart.
"That's … great Dave. Sign me up."
"Is something wrong? You sound upset."
"Yeah." Joella couldn't go home again to another lonely evening with nothing to take her mind off JD. She couldn't even start planning her trip to Europe as she'd hoped several months back.
"I'm sorry. What's is it?"
"I was wondering if we could meet for prayer somewhere … maybe Starbucks."
"Sure. I'm done here at New Life. Where are you right now?"
"I'm downtown getting ready to leave work."
"Great. I can meet you in … say fifteen minutes."
"Thank you, Dave."
"Hey, Joella. Don't worry. We'll give this to the Lord."
******
Joella found a seat by the window and set her latte down on the side table next to the drink she'd bought for Dave. He used to love a caramel macchiato in college.
She stared out the window. All the way down the sidewalk at the end of the block her friend sauntered along, his lips puckered as if whistling a tune. Just the sight of him lifted her burden.
His smile brightened when he stepped in and spotted her by the window.
"I hope you still like lattes."
"For sure. Thank you." He slid down in the chair next to hers.
She fingered the clasp on her handbag. "I thought of you when I found your card in my purse."
He rested a finger on his cheek. "I've enjoyed our friendship over the years. You know I'm here for you." He picked up his latte, took a sip, and peered at her. "Is it my imagination, or do I detect an ache in your heart? I don't think I've seen those puffy eyes before."
Joella had to control herself. She couldn't sit in Starbucks and cry. "Yeah, I'm afraid so." She pulled a tissue from her purse. "Something happened that I could never have predicted."
Dave leaned closer.
"It's nothing like my issues in college. Don't worry. I've grown in the Lord since then." She leaned back in her seat and drew in a long breath. Where to begin? "I wonder sometimes how different my life would've been if I'd practiced obedience to the Lord in those days—like you."
He tugged his earlobe. "You've got that wrong." He looked off somewhere over her shoulder. "I made mistakes, too. Maybe not in college, but later … in Los Angeles. I'd be a hypocrite if I led you to believe I hadn't."
Joella twirled a length of hair around her finger. She had an inkling of what he tried to say. One thing about him, he was a man of integrity who spoke the truth.
Dave wiped his forehead with his napkin. "But we're not here to talk about me. What's going on?"
Joella lowered her voice and forced the words out. "I fell in love with the wrong guy." Telling Dave made her problems would make them more real. "Actually, you met him at the sunrise service."
Dave rubbed his neck. "I'm listening."
Joella took a sip of latte and a deep breath. By the time she finished repeating the story, her coffee cup was empty.
"You're right. I've read a little about Exalted Brethren, a spurious religion at best. Their core beliefs are quite different from what our Bible teaches. It's a creed based on works, and our faith is founded on God's grace. For one thing, they believe in the theory of evolution."
"I spent a couple of hours on the Internet trying to understand their thinking ."
"Joella, have you ever asked someone if they know for sure they're going to Heaven? And then they say yes, I think so. I'm a good person. I haven't murdered anyone or committed adultery."
"Hmm. Yeah, I have." She tapped her fingernail on the table.
"Well, this religion is closely akin to that way of thinking—only carried to the extreme. They believe they have to maintain a level of goodness in their lives to gain favor with Exalted Father. People can't understand that our status with God has nothing to do with our own efforts, but what He did for us." Dave rubbed his neck.
How well she knew and cherished those truths, but she couldn't open up JD's brain and pour them in. "It's the hardest thing that's ever happened to me. Sure I miss JD. But more than that, I fear for his eternal soul, not to speak of his peace of mind on this earth."
Dave took her hand as he'd done so many times in college. "I'm so sorry, Joella. What a place to be."
She tightened her grip and peered into his eyes. "I love him. What am I supposed to do?" Her friend's sympathy hadn't helped. She fought familiar tears again.
"Let me pray." He leaned even closer, so their prayer would remain private.
She slid one arm around him and squeezed his hand with the other. She needed someone to hang on to again.
"Father, please give my sister peace and the faith to trust in You. Guide her life according to Your holy will. Restore her joy. And we lift up to You this one, JD. Bring him to the knowledge of Your dear Son, Jesus." Dave released her hand and wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb.
Joella moved her arm from Dave's shoulders, blinked back moisture, and glanced toward the window at a man standing on the sidewalk peering at her with large blue eyes, his mouth hanging open.
A tormented expression on his face, JD stared a moment longer then looked away, marching off down the street, a large shopping bag on his arm.
*****
JD glanced in the window of Starbucks and ran his free hand over his eyes. Surely he hadn't seen what he thought he saw. Joella, her long brown hair reaching down her back, had an arm around a dark-haired guy. JD moved closer to the large glass window—the usher from the sunrise service. What was his name? Dave something. A youth pastor at Joella's church. JD tapped his brow. The same man Henry mentioned.
Joella pulled away, and the guy touched her face.
JD turned and strode down the sidewalk like someone shot at him. But not before she glanced up. Now she probably thought he was spying on her.
Sorrow and anger chased each other to the exterior of his emotions. She hadn't wasted any time in finding a new boyfriend.
Chapter Twenty
JD towel-dried his hair, combed it out, and applied gel to form spikes. His stomach rolled as if he'd eaten liver and onions. The image of Joella and the youth pastor at Starbucks unsettled him. What did he expect? She was free to date anyone. But why was she practically making out in a public place? He didn't think she would have a new boyfriend this soon.
Good. Maybe she wasn't as serious as she'd said … only caught up in the moment when she said she loved him. It made his task a little easier.
JD splashed on woodsy aftershave and tried to force his goals to the forefront of his mind … the impetus he needed to move on—past Joella. Tonight he'd make the first step at the EB singles event, the sunset hayride at Langdon Farms. Meet at the church for transportation and bring a topping for homemade ice cream. What could be easier?
He tucked his light blue shirt into his jeans, picked up the jar of chocolate syrup lying on the kitchen table, and allowed the locked condo door to slam behind him. Unease poked him in his middle when he reviewed his purpose again. He had to meet an EB woman, someone with whom he'd spend the rest of this life and all eternity.
He had an hour. There was time to accomplish something he'd wanted to do since the last time he talked to Henry—drive by the old family home on Almond.
His friend's words still bugged him. Only getting half what the property was worth. The whole thing sounded suspicious. But if Henry followed up at the county tax office, he'd already investigated the situation for himself.
If JD were honest, he wanted to see the old home place where he'd visited Henry a few times and perhaps relive, for a moment, some of the memories from his teen years, a less stressful time in his life. He took the elevator to the ground floor and the parking garage.
The drive to the section of town with towering oak trees and azalea shrubs gave a homey feel. Finally he arrived in front of Henry's old Tudor house with its plaster and timber. A smaller label with the word sold was taped over the Sierra Realty sign in the front yard.
He stepped out of the truck and onto the sidewalk. The blinds were open at the front windows and a furnished living room lay beyond. The yard looked to be well cared for and an SUV sat in the driveway.
Hmm. The new owners have already moved in.
JD crept closer up the sidewalk toward the front door hoping no one would think he was a prowler.
"Are you looking for the people who live here? I don't think they're home at the moment." An older black woman with her hair up in a tight bun, strode toward him from the house next door.
"Hey, Grandma. Can we bake cookies now?" A young girl about six darted out the front door and skipped down the sidewalk toward the woman.
She smiled and hugged her granddaughter to her side. "Yes, honey. In just a moment." She turned back to JD. "Is there something I can help you with? You look like a nice young man."
What was it about her? A twinkle in her eyes spoke of the same peace he'd always seen in Joella's life. "I used to be friends with the original owners, the Ruperts." JD scratched his neck. "My buddy Henry and I used to hang out. Boy, this place brings back the past."
"That's interesting. I moved in right after Mr. Rupert died. Mrs. Rupert and I became good friends. She loved the Lord like I do." The dark skin around her eyes crinkled when she laughed. "Today, my neighbor is probably singing in the Lord's choir with His angels."
The poor woman must be deluded, talking about angels and choirs. She really put on a good act—seemed so happy. "Well, it was nice chatting with you." He turned to walk away then a thought prompted him to curve back. "I'm curious. Do you know how much the current owners paid for this property?"
"Sure, anyone can go on Zillow.com and find out. It's common knowledge. I looked it up. They paid $600,000."
JD's bottom lip hit the grass. "Uh, all right. Thank you." Burchett had made off with 300,000 illegal dollars.
*****
JD followed the familiar route to the meeting house and parked in the side lot. The orange mini-bus waited under the covered circular drive. When he climbed out of his truck, he looked toward the vehicle, to the side of the church, and around the parking lot—not many familiar faces. Just one. Tolvin Smith stood at the back of a line with ten or twelve people waiting to board the bus.
After he twirled his keys a few times, he shoved them in his pocket. Maybe Tolvin had forgotten about the night he saw JD with Joella in front of Café Romagna. The thought brought the familiar memory of her face, amber eyes and creamy skin, long flowing hair and parted lips when she smiled. He rubbed his forehead. Come on, man up.
JD strolled up behind Tolvin and stopped. "Hey. How's it going?"
Tolvin turned around, lifted his palm and grinned, giving him a high-five. "JD. First time I've seen you at one of these events. Glad you could come. Where's your girlfriend?"
"Oh, she wasn't my girlfriend." JD squeezed his eyes shut then took a breath. "Just an acquaintance."
"Are you kidding me?" Tolvin snickered like he didn't believe a word. "I thought you had it bad, the way you looked at her."
JD winced. Most guys weren't supposed to be that observant. "Well, you were imagining things."
"Sorry. Sounds like a touchy subject, but I don't believe she was just a friend." Tolvin raised his brows and stepped up onto the bus as the line moved forward. He trudged down the aisle and slipped into a seat about halfway down.
A guilty conscience stabbed JD. He didn't have to take his problems out on this kid. He moved out of the aisle and sat beside him. "I'm sorry, buddy. Didn't mean to jump on you. I've been working pretty hard lately. No excuse, though."
Tolvin raised the window and late afternoon air drifted in. "No problem." He tapped the shoulder of the girl sitting in front of him. "Hi, Aleece."
Aleece, barely out of her teens, turned to him with a grin. "Hi, Tolvin." She glanced at JD. "How ya doing?"
"Yeah, doing fine." He hoped she wouldn't make any remarks about Joella and the night at the Italian restaurant like his young buddy did.
Tolvin wrapped a strand of Aleece's hair around his finger. "I was hoping you'd sit with me tonight on the hayride." His ease with women showed.
Aleece batted her eyes. "I could be persuaded." She poked the girl sitting beside her. "This is Jayla."
The dark
haired girl whirled around and gave JD a smile and a giggle. "Hi."
"Hey." JD nodded, scrunched farther down on the seat, and folded his hands over his chest. A glance around the bus confirmed what he'd suspected—the girls looked to be ten years younger than he. Most people his age were already married … like he should be. JD exhaled a sigh. This is going to be a long night.
He didn't find the heart to participate in Tolvin's conversation with the two girls. I need Joella by my side. He gave himself a mental kick in the backside. Stop. I have to quit thinking like that. Finally after a bumpy ride over a country road, the bus pulled up to a log building with a sign, "Langdon Farms Retail."
A middle-aged man in the front row stood and faced the group. "I'd like to welcome all of you. I'm Cloyd Kingsley, and this is my wife, Manda, for any who don't know us."
Hmm. Richard Kingsley's parents. Hope Richard didn't bring up the night at Café Romagna's like Tolvin.
Mr. Kingsley looked down to the woman seated in the row with him. "We've got a great evening planned. We'll begin with the hayride. Then the tractor will stop by those picnic tables for homemade ice cream and lemonade." He pointed toward a grove of almond trees planted in straight rows where wooden tables sat on a wide grassy lawn.
"The Langdon's live over there." He extended his hand to a large farm house looking more like it belonged in the city with its beige siding and large windows. "Wonderful family from our church. They've offered us the use of their facilities if needed. You can set your toppings on those tables and meet the group at the tractor."
Mr. Kingsley hunched down and peered out the window on the other side of the bus toward the hay-laden flatbed and tractor. "Okay, everyone. Have fun."
JD followed Tolvin off the bus to the picnic tables and set his jar of chocolate sauce down alongside a bag of nuts, three cans of whipping cream, a jar of cherries, a bag of coconut, and a bottle of caramel sauce.
Jayla and Aleece strolled along on either side of Tolvin back toward the tractor, giggling at some remark he must've made.
JD fell behind a few steps.
A twenty-something woman set a container of marshmallow cream on the table with the other items. She giggled and jabbed a guy on the shoulder. He must've made a joke.