Bratwurst and Bridges

by Baganz, Susan M. ;

He grinned. She’d kissed his cheek. It was a start.

  TWENTY

  This is awkward. Not you’re awkward, but cause

  we’re…I’m awkward. You’re gorgeous.

  Wait, what?

  Anna – “Frozen”

  Monday morning Skye walked into the law offices and shivered. It really had been the most brutal winter as far as temperatures went. She was grateful her heat was included in her rent. And once again, her car windows were scraped clean. She was beginning to suspect her handsome neighbor, who dared to grill brats on the grill Sunday afternoon and offered her and the kids some. He also made hot dogs, which the kids eagerly devoured. The man was nuts.

  “Skye O’Connell?” the receptionist asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Mr. Rodriguez is waiting to see you, come this way.”

  She followed the professionally dressed woman down the hall to an office and was motioned in.

  “Miss O’Connell, would you like some coffee?”

  “Yes, thank you. That would be welcome.”

  Roberto stood and walked around his desk to greet her. “Welcome. Dan said you had some contract concerns?”

  Before she could answer, the door opened and the receptionist handed them each a cup of coffee. Skye sat hers on a small table next to her chair as she sat. Mr. Rodriguez sat in the adjacent one.

  “Mr. Rodriguez—”

  “Roberto or Robbie is fine.”

  “Roberto, I think I might have gotten into some trouble when I signed up with an agent out of New York to represent my art.”

  “Do you have the contract?”

  She pulled out the papers from her purse. “I finally got them in the mail, but can’t make heads or tails of any of it.”

  “Do you mind if I look them over?”

  “Please, go ahead.”

  Roberto leaned back in his chair and started scanning the documents. She saw his brow wrinkle as he concentrated and a frown marred his attractive face. A photo on the desk showed him with his wife and son. A family man. And from what Dan told her, an honorable one.

  The wait seemed interminable. Finally, Roberto set the papers down. “Well, do you want the bad news or the good news first?”

  “I don’t care. Tell me what I’ve done wrong and how to fix it.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong. This contract is ripping you off. When you sell to someone else, they get a cut of the sale, then your agent gets a cut, and then you are paid out of what is left. It’s just the way that kind of business works. However, this agent has taken a far larger cut than what is normal. Because you signed that deal in New York with that publishing company, the money goes through her first. They don’t have a high markup to begin with, and you’ll have to sell a lot of cards and calendars to make some significant dough. Not that you couldn’t do it. Anything is possible. In my opinion, however, your agent is getting more than her fair share.”

  “Was that the good news or the bad news?”

  “The bad. The good news is that this contract is non-negotiable for a year. After that, you can terminate it. Now for anything she sells within that year, the terms apply even years later. Any new contracts after that, she doesn’t get a cut. At that point, you can find another agent or maybe you won’t even need one. Here’s the other piece of good news. This contract is not exclusive. You can’t sell through another agent, but there is no clause in there forbidding you to find your own contracts for selling your work. She might argue that you need to go through her, but she only is paid when she finds and negotiates a contract on your behalf. If you find other buyers, you can sell to them directly without going through her. I’m surprised they allowed that loophole.”

  Skye leaned back in her chair. “So for now, I’m kind of stuck, and the windfall I had hoped for is probably not going to come my way.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What do I owe you for your time?”

  “Nothing. You’re not signing a contract to retain me, so no charge. If you need further advice on things like these and want me to advise you, give me a call. I’d be delighted to help.” Robbie rose and handed her back the papers. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss O’Connell.”

  “Skye, please.”

  “Skye.”

  “And thank you.” She took the papers, tied her coat tight, and headed back into the cold. She drove home and tried hard to warm up. She collapsed on her bed and gazed at the picture of Dan. Would she ever tire of it? She longed to call him, but he was at work. She picked up her phone and texted instead.

  Met with Mr. Rodriguez

  How’d it go?

  He was nice. News was not good.

  How are you?

  Sad. Defeated.

  Don’t beat yourself up.

  Too late, already sporting bruises.

  I’m sorry.

  Not your fault.

  She didn’t hear from him again but assumed Dan was busy at work. She gazed up at his image on the wall and recalled the kiss she’d given him Friday night. She couldn’t believe her boldness in doing that, but she valued his friendship and craved time with him. The kiss left her wanting more.

  Wasn’t it wrong though to desire someone that way? Or was that temptation? Was temptation sin or the invitation?

  So many things she still did not understand about this new faith.

  ~*~

  Wednesday morning Dan sat in his usual space at the restaurant, with his usual cup of coffee and his usual breakfast. How many years had he been in the habit of meeting with these men?

  Tony sat next to him and Simon and Nick were across the table.

  Simon spoke of his wife’s recent illness and health struggles. Nick was able to report that his wife’s chronic health issues had been in remission and she even managed to attend church the previous Sunday. The first time in a long time for them to be able to worship together. Tony was struggling through sleepless nights with a new baby plus the twins.

  “So Dan, guess we saved the best for last, huh? How are things in your world?” Tony elbowed him.

  “I am seriously considering dating a woman.”

  “Anyone we know?” Simon asked.

  “My neighbor, Skye O’Connell.”

  “The one with the pink, fuzzy boots?” Nick grinned as he raised his eyebrows.

  “One and the same.”

  “Wow. Are you really ready for this step? What makes you think she’s worth it?” Simon asked.

  “I like her. She challenges me. She’s come to faith in Christ. I can’t stop thinking about her.”

  “You’re in love? So soon?” Nick asked.

  “I’m not sure, but I want to explore that possibility.” Dan sighed. “Is it so far-fetched? I’m tired of being alone. It’s not about replacing Sharon, but about finding a partner to walk this journey with.”

  Tony grinned. “Sounds like love to me, and we will pray that if this is God’s plan for you, that you will succeed.”

  “Thanks, guys. I don’t think winning her hand will be an easy task.”

  “You need a challenge,” Nick said.

  Dan grinned. “Maybe so.”

  ~*~

  The next morning Dan was back at the YMCA lifting weights at the bench press. A sweet red-head appeared above him. “Need a spotter?”

  “Always a welcome sight.” He did a few more presses and sat up. “Thanks.”

  “My turn?” Skye moved to take his heavier weights off and put on ones more suited for her. He towered over her petite form as she reclined on the seat and began her presses. She finished and sat up.

  “Nice job. Didn’t know you worked with weights.”

  “Not as much as I would like. It’s hard to find a man who’s not going to make it about more than fitness, if you get my meaning.”

  “Unfortunately, I do. I’m honored you trusted me.”

  “You’ve given me no cause not to.”

  “I am a man who still appreciates an attractive woman.”

&nb
sp; “I don’t mind appreciation. At least you have control enough not to leer or make crude remarks.” She wiped her forehead with the towel while he wiped down the machine.

  “I would never disrespect a woman so.” Dan tossed the rag into the nearby bin.

  “I know. It’s one of the things I like about you.”

  “Would you also like to get a cup of coffee before you head home and I head back to work?”

  She tilted her head as she considered him and a soft smile formed on her lips. “I always enjoy a cup of coffee with my favorite neighbor.”

  “I’ll meet you there?”

  “Yeah, sounds good, Dan.” She took off toward the woman’s locker room and Dan struggled to not watch her go as he headed in a different direction to the men’s.

  ~*~

  He arrived at the coffee shop before her and purchased her drink. She blew in on the wind, her hair kept confined under a blue hat that contrasted beautifully with her hair. She whipped it off and strands of hair filled with static blew about. She shook her head and tried to smooth it down.

  “Ugh. Winter. Remind me of why I still live in Wisconsin?” She put the knit cap back on.

  “Because New York City is filled with cheats and has more snow.”

  “True, but it is warmer.”

  “Well, but you wouldn’t live across the hall from your irresistible neighbor.” He shoved her cup across the table to her.

  Her laughter rang like Christmas chimes. Light and joyful. “Well, there is that to be sure. Where would I be without Harold?”

  He faked a punch to the heart. “Harold? The older man downstairs?”

  “Have I pricked the pastor’s pride?”

  “No, but you’ve wounded this man’s ego.”

  “You? You have to be the humblest man I know.”

  “I don’t see myself that way.”

  “Maybe you need to look in a different mirror.”

  “Explain.”

  “You are drop dead gorgeous, but you don’t act all cocky, like women should admire you. I would suspect you consider your physical beauty to be more of a burden than a blessing.”

  “I didn’t start looking good till after I graduated high school. I think I still see myself as that pimply kid with crooked teeth. I still remember all the insults leveled at me because of my eyes.”

  “Your eyes are stunning and unique. Kids made fun of you?”

  Dan shrugged. “Apparently, they foretold a future of sinister evil.”

  “Was that why you became a pastor?”

  “It’s probably more of why I wear glasses rather than contacts. I became a pastor because I was convinced that’s what God wanted me to do.”

  Skye leaned back and considered him. Dan grew uneasy under scrutiny. He fidgeted with his coffee mug.

  “Why did you ask me to coffee, Dan?”

  His eyes shot up to look at her. He gulped. “Because I like you. You challenge me. You don’t treat me as if I’m anything special, but you also don’t try to manipulate me to get something you want.”

  “What would I want from you?” She leaned forward, both hands around her cup.

  “Attention. A date. Favors. Or more.”

  “As a pastor, you’ve had women coming on to you?”

  “Not everyone always realizes I’m a pastor. I don’t look like one, do I?”

  “No. You don’t act like one either.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “You don’t act high and mighty, better than those around you and you’ve never looked down your nose at me, but treated me as someone God cared about.”

  “Because you are.”

  “You don’t try to prove yourself right. You care.”

  “I do care. And since I’ve gotten to know you over the past two months, I’ve come to like you more and more.”

  “Is that why you scrape my car windows? Invite me to coffee?”

  “Yeah. Is that so bad?”

  “Did you send me flowers?”

  He nodded. “I missed having someone to love and knew you didn’t have anyone either. I didn’t expect you to figure it out.”

  “But don’t you see? God keeps doing strange things when you’re around. The only way that painting could have happened to mirror those flowers was because of Him. How could He do that without someone tuned into His Holy Spirit?”

  “I love how eagerly you seek answers and grow in your faith.”

  “I have a million questions.”

  “I doubt I have that many answers.”

  “I love that about you. You don’t pretend to have it all together, but you respect the process.”

  “Skye. I like you. A lot. I’m attracted to you. I’ve even come to like those silly pink boots. Would you be willing to explore whatever is between us?”

  “What is between us? I’m not looking for a husband.”

  “I wasn’t initially looking for a wife. I know many women, Skye, but none of them intrigue me like you do. I don’t feel a spark with any of them like I do with you.”

  “I don’t know, Dan. I have a rough background. I’m not the kind of girl a man like you should even look at twice.”

  “A man like me?”

  “Pure. A pastor. A role-model.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “A pastor doesn’t spend time with a woman like me.”

  “Who says? What makes you think that your past is an automatic deal-breaker for me?”

  “It’s not you, per se. It’s church. Christians.”

  “Listen, Skye. You can make excuses if you want, but let me assure you of this. I don’t live my life to please the church or other Christians. I live it to please God.”

  “But you have these rules…”

  “Principles. Guidelines. Because, Skye, I am still a man who can be very much tempted by a beautiful woman. I set some boundaries on what I will or won’t do to protect myself from gossip but also to keep myself from dishonoring God…or any woman I might be with.”

  “And me? You’ve wanted to keep from dishonoring me?”

  “Of course.”

  “Oh. So if we dated and someone got wind of my past and started hurling the truth about that wouldn’t shame you and make you run?”

  “Pull out your phone.”

  Skye pulled it out. He took it from her hand and opened her Bible application. He opened to the book of Hosea. “Read this story later. God uses people with the roughest backgrounds to tell His story. If God used the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, and Gomer, who was a prostitute wife of a prophet of God, to further His purposes, I suspect He can use you if He decided you and I were a team He wanted together. If that were the case, I would gladly hitch myself to that wagon.” He glanced at his watch.

  “I need to get going. Saturday. Could I treat you and the kids to a matinee of the movie Frozen?”

  She took her phone back and looked up at him as he rose to his feet. “Sure.”

  He bent over and kissed her cheek. Then he turned and headed back to the office. Even though it was freezing outside, he was warm all over.

  Had he blown it? Had he overplayed his hand with her? It seemed that every conversation took him further than he ever intended to go because she would ask such questions. Was he moving too fast?

  He strode into church, grabbed his mail, and went to his office. He sat down and it dawned on him. He had a date on Saturday. She said yes.

  ~*~

  Friday night after Skye put the kids to bed, she went to her own room and got in her flannel jammies and snuggled in. The moon shone in her room, shedding light on her painting. She looked at the picture. Had he really moved beyond his grief to see her as more than a neighbor and friend?

  A shiver caused her to wrap her blankets tighter around her. It wasn’t the cold causing it, it was a wish that she wasn’t alone anymore, especially during the dark, cold, lonely nights.

  She’d see him tomorrow. The kids were excited about going to the movie. T
hey were young, and she’d never taken them to the theater. Not that it was really in her budget to do that. Nor would it be any time soon.

  But what was it like for Dan’s wife to be loved so much? Was it ever possible that a man, especially that man, could really love her like that? Enough to overlook her past? Even reading the Scripture he suggested, well, it seemed so unreal. Thankfully, she wasn’t a prostitute, nor had she ever been one. Not that anyone cared. Riley hadn’t been her only partner…just the only one she married.

  Regrets didn’t help though, did they? Could she regret a marriage that gave her such beautiful children? She only wished…well, if wishes were fishes she’d be drowning in the ocean. She threw back the blankets and grabbed her robe. She padded to the living room and turned on a light near a blank canvas set up for tomorrow. She pulled out her brushes and paints and went to work. A lonely heart needed help expressing itself.

  ~*~

  The phone rang, awakening her from the spot she collapsed to on the sofa. It had been where Dan slept when he stayed with the children. She imagined snuggling up to him. Wanted. Loved. The kids were playing on the floor, but watched her stretch and answer the phone.

  “’ello?” her scratchy voice answered.

  “Good morning. I was wondering if you and the kids would like to join me for some special pancakes…I was thinking of adding chocolate chips to the mix. Think they would like that?” The timbre of his voice resonated in her heart.

  “Kids.” She pulled the phone away to talk to them. “Dan wants to know if you would like some chocolate chip pancakes at his place this morning.”

  The kids started jumping up and down, screaming “Yes!”

  Skye smiled as she spoke into the phone once again. “Did you hear that?”

  Laughter greeted her. “How soon can you get here?”

  “I don’t know. I probably need to scrape off my car and the journey is quite long.” She couldn’t help but grin at her fake excuse.

  Dan laughed. “Your car windows are scraped already.”

  “Hmmm. Thank you. Fifteen minutes? We need to get dressed.”

  “Bummer. Pancakes taste much better in PJ’s.”

  “Fine, maybe the kids can keep theirs on, but I am not coming to your house in my ratty pajamas.”

  “Ratty pajamas, huh?”