“Wait, who’s Alyssa?”
“Sarah’s friend, the one helping me with Peyton. She’s beautiful and smart and spirited.” A smile stretched across his face as he spoke about her.
“Dude, are you falling for her?” Justin’s head dropped forward as his left eyebrow went up.
“Maybe.” Max glanced at Justin before returning his attention to the computer. He had to finish one more report before he would feel comfortable leaving for the day. “I mean I’m looking forward to seeing her again. We’re having lunch tomorrow.”
Justin let out a low whistle. “She better be something special if she’s taking Maxwell Banks off the market.”
Off the market? Was she taking him off the market? He certainly didn’t have the same desire to date other women he used to, but was he ready to be a one-woman man?
“Peyton was wonderful today,” Helen said, greeting him at the door. “Tomorrow is your lunch with Alyssa, right?”
Max didn’t know what it was about Helen. He had only known her a week but was comfortable sharing his life with her. “Yes, she’s meeting me at the office tomorrow and going to lunch. Can I ask you something? It’s about Alyssa. You said you saw something between us, right?”
Helen smiled. “I did and I do. It is clear you both have feelings for each other.”
Max blinked. He didn’t think it was clear Alyssa had feelings for him. In fact, she seemed determined to avoid contact with him. “I like Alyssa, really like her, but she knows about my past. I guess you could say I was never into relationships. Now that Peyton’s here, I am starting to look at things differently, but I'm not sure Alyssa sees that. How can I get her to give me a chance?”
There was no shock on Helen’s face at his words, which made him wonder if he exuded the aura of a playboy. “I don’t think you will win her with words. You must show her you’ve changed.”
“I could barely get her to agree to lunch tomorrow after Tuesday night.”
“Alyssa is looking for something more. She’s looking for an equal. You will have to try things she is interested in.” Helen looked at him matter-of-factly. “You’ll have to go to church, and not just go, but give it a real effort.”
Church. The word used to send shivers through his body, but if that’s what it would take to show Alyssa he was changing, then he could do it. What’s the worst that could happen? Losing a few hours on Sunday morning didn’t sound that bad.
He nodded. “Church. Okay, I’ll give it a shot.”
“Good. I’ll be praying for you both.”
The words should surprise him, but they didn’t. Helen seemed to embody the same peace and love that Alyssa had, and Max wondered if there was something to their beliefs.
As Helen left, Peyton filled him in on the rest of her day.
“We read this book about trains, and we blew bubbles outside. She’s really fun.”
Max smiled at her sweet voice and made a promise to himself that whatever happened with Sarah, he would be in Peyton’s life from now on.
Alyssa woke with butterflies in her stomach on Friday. She hadn’t spoken to Max since Tuesday night, but that hadn’t stopped her from thinking about him. Even though she knew he was not the kind of man she should fall for, she couldn’t help thinking about the “what ifs.” What if he could change? What if she could convince him to attend church with her? What if he became a believer? Though there was much about him not to like, she had seen those glimpses of the man he could be.
It was just lunch today though. She needed to put the “what ifs” aside and focus on this just being lunch. She needed to keep her head on her shoulders and listen to it rather than her heart.
After a shower, Alyssa dried off and stood in her closet, surveying the offerings. What did one wear to “just a lunch?” Were shorts too casual? Was a dress too dressy? She had no idea where they were going for lunch; she should have asked him.
Deciding a longer summer dress would fit wherever they went, she pulled one over her head and put on a little makeup. Her skin was so fair and pure that she didn’t need much, but decided a little powder to highlight her eyes and a touch of gloss on her lips wouldn’t be too much.
With her make up done, she headed to the kitchen to make breakfast and do her devotional. It was her favorite time of day because Roxy usually slept late and she had the table to herself. Since she had no final today, she could take her time and really get into the word.
As she sipped her tea, she opened the Bible to the book of Psalm she had been reading. Psalm 34:4 jumped out at her. “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Perhaps she needed to spend even more time in prayer to hear the Lord’s answer.
When she entered Max’s office building a few hours later, she was greeted by two receptionists behind a large white desk. The building was bright and open with lots of natural light coming in.
“Can I help you?”
One receptionist was on the phone, chatting through the headset covering her right ear. The other, an attractive brunette, was the one who had addressed Alyssa.
“Yes, I’m here to see Maxwell Banks. Alyssa Miller.”
The woman’s eyes widened as she appraised Alyssa. “Just one moment. Is he expecting you?”
Alyssa nodded as the woman clicked a button on her phone handset. “Mr. Banks, there’s an Alyssa here to see you.” She paused, and her eyes flicked to Alyssa again. “Yes, sir, right away.” She clicked the button to hang up the call and raised her eyebrow at Alyssa. “He’ll see you now. Take the elevator to the third floor. His office is 307.”
“Thank you.” Alyssa wondered if the woman’s odd reaction was because Maxwell often had women come in and she didn’t fit the model or if it was because he rarely had women come in.
As the elevator opened onto the third floor, Alyssa found herself staring into the face of a man with sandy brown hair. His green eyes locked on hers and then traveled down her body, sending a thread of disgust down Alyssa’s spine.
“Well, hello, I haven’t seen you here before. Who can I help you find?” His voice was rich, but it didn’t erase the creepy feeling he gave Alyssa.
“I’m here to see Maxwell Banks.”
Surprise alighted the man’s face. “Maxwell is my best friend. I’m Justin. I’ll take you to him.”
He stuck out his hand, but Alyssa didn’t want to touch it. However, her upbringing had always taught her it was rude not to return a shake, so she swallowed her unease and took his offered hand.
“You don’t have to do that. Weren’t you waiting for the elevator?”
“Oh, it’s no big deal. I can catch it again in a minute.”
Alyssa pasted a smile on her face and followed him through the open room that housed cubicles. A few employees looked up as they passed, but no one spoke to them.
Justin deposited her in front of office 307 but not before knocking at the door jamb and announcing her to Max.
“Your lunch date is here.”
Alyssa looked to Maxwell. He must have told Justin because she sure hadn’t.
“Thanks, Justin.”
Justin hung just a moment longer before leaving when Maxwell said nothing more to him.
“Sorry about that,” Maxwell said when they were alone. “He means well, but Justin…” He didn’t finish the statement, just shrugged. “Anyway, are you ready?”
“Sure.”
They garnered even more looks as they walked back through the office and to Maxwell’s car.
“So, I have to ask,” she said as he opened the car door for her, “do you have a lot of women visit you at work or am I the only one?”
His head tilted to the side as a lopsided smile pulled at his mouth. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I received rather strange, disbelieving looks from the moment I stepped into your building.” She stretched the belt across her chest and snapped it into the clasp.
Maxwell stared at her as if deciding how much to tell her. “You
are the first woman I have let come to my work,” he said finally. “In the past, I never wanted to see the women again, so I didn’t want them showing up at my job.”
A tiny flicker of something burgeoned in Alyssa’s heart. “So, I’m special then.”
She meant it as a joke, but his face was serious as he answered her. “Yes, you’re special.” He flashed her a smile before turning the key and backing the car out of the space.
Alyssa’s eyes dropped to her lap as a faint blush crawled across her face. That she was the first woman to attend his work gave her a fuzzy feeling.
The restaurant he pulled into was a small deli. They must have beat the lunch rush as there weren’t many people inside. He led her to a small booth at the back. A brown fabric covered the seats, and a simple decor adorned the walls. Alyssa was a little surprised at the restaurant choice.
“The food is good,” he said, catching her reaction. “Plus, you said this wasn’t a date. I promise if you’ll let me take you on a real date that the restaurant will be of higher caliber.”
“Oh, I didn’t,” Alyssa started.
“Yes, you did, but it’s okay.” His lopsided smile displayed a dimple in his cheek. “I don’t always dine at five-star restaurants, and I know a lot of good dives.”
“Really?” She couldn’t help teasing him. “Maxwell Banks crashes dives?”
Her teasing set the tone for lunch, and by the time it ended, her cheeks hurt from smiling so much.
“Thank you so much for joining me for lunch,” Max said as he laid money on the table to cover the meal. “I’d love to see you again, and I’ve been thinking. Can I come to church with you this Sunday? I want to see what’s so important to you and Peyton.”
Alyssa blinked at him. “You want to come to church?”
“If you’ll let me.” He flashed that smile again, and Alyssa couldn’t say no.
Chapter 10
Alyssa smoothed her flowered dress as she stood in front of Maxwell’s door, waiting for him to open it. Her breath caught as the door swung open, and an audible gasp escaped.
“This will do then?” He smiled and gestured to his dark blue shirt and black slacks. “I wasn’t sure. I don’t know that I’ve been in a church as an adult other than for a wedding or a funeral.”
Alyssa couldn’t imagine never attending a church service, but then she and Maxwell had lived very different lives.
“It will do nicely. The blue really brings out your eyes.” The intensity in his gaze caused her to drop her eyes. “Is Peyton ready?”
“Uh, mostly, I think.” He opened the door, and she followed him to the kitchen.
She was expecting another repeat of last week but was surprised to see Peyton not only dressed but with her hair combed as well.
“You did well, Max.”
He grinned and grabbed Peyton’s hand. “Ready?”
“Let’s go,” she said, pumping her other hand in the air.
Alyssa laughed as they headed out to the garage and climbed into the Malibu. Though Maxwell drove, Alyssa directed him through each turn, and minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of a single story white church.
“Huh, I thought it would be bigger.”
“There are other churches that are, but this is the one Sarah and I went to. It’s the perfect size for us. People know you so you don’t feel lost.”
The inside was larger than the outside seemed with a large sanctuary directly in front of them and a hallway that led to offices and meeting rooms to the right. A nursery and toddler area were to the left. Two women stood behind a brown desk at the front of the right hallway.
“Hi, can I check in Peyton Moore?”
The women’s smiles faded at Alyssa’s voice. “Is she…?”
“Sarah is in New York. We’ll be praying for the best.” Alyssa’s tone was forceful but kind. She had known these questions would come, but that didn’t make them any easier to answer over and over.
One of the women handed over a white sticker, and Alyssa led the way down the hallway. After placing the sticker on Peyton’s back, she hugged her and sent her into a small classroom.
“What’s the sticker for?” Max asked as they headed back toward the sanctuary.
“It’s a safety thing. If she needs something, they will flash this number on a little box at the front of the sanctuary, and I know to go get her. I also have to show this tag to pick her up, so they don’t send her off with a stranger.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
Alyssa led the way into the sanctuary, and Max sat beside her. His head slowly turned as he took in the surroundings. The sanctuary was large, but not overly decorated. A white screen hung at the back of the room to display the words to the songs, and a piano, drum set, and a few guitars sat on the slightly raised stage at the front.
“Hi, Alyssa, we’re praying for you and Sarah.” Though said in different variations, that seemed to be the mantra of the day as people she knew came up to her. She introduced Max to each one, and though most were courteous and pleased to meet him, she saw a few vainly trying to hide their contempt for the man. Unfortunately, even church goers were human and often struggled with the same sins.
The worship team took the stage a few minutes later, and Alyssa lost herself in the songs. Though Max didn’t sing beside her, she caught him watching her a few times, and it created an odd sensation in her heart. She could see herself with him here each Sunday, if he could open up his heart to the possibility of God, but then there was Sarah. If she got better, wouldn’t she want to get back together with Max? And if she didn’t make it, would Alyssa feel guilty for being with him when Sarah couldn’t?
Pastor Brown spoke on love as he took the stage, and Alyssa couldn’t have asked for a more perfect message. She had been hoping it would be a nicer one that would allow Max to see the good side of God and not just the “rules part” that a lot of people got hung up on.
“What did you think?” she asked Max when the service ended.
“It was interesting.”
It was hard to tell from his voice if he was being serious or dismissive, but the expression on his face suggested the former. Alyssa sent up another prayer for him as she led the way back down the hallway to get Peyton.
“Aunt Lyssa, look, we made bracelets.” Peyton shoved her tiny arm in front of Alyssa’s face to show off the shiny beads on the story bracelet.
“I remember these. I made one when I was a kid too.”
“What does it mean?” Max touched the beads, as Peyton shoved the bracelet in his face.
Alyssa smiled as she remembered the lesson from years ago. “The black represents sin, showing that we all have sinned. The red represents Jesus’s blood shed on the cross for us. Blue is for faith because sometimes you can’t see with your eyes. The yellow represents eternal life, the kind we receive when we let Jesus into our hearts. Do you know what the white is Peyton?”
Her eyes closed, and her face scrunched as she tried to remember. “Uh, white is for no more sins.”
“Close,” Alyssa smiled, “it’s for the forgiveness of our sins. I never can remember what the green is though.”
“It’s for growth in God’s love,” a woman with blond hair said as she approached the entrance. “Hi, I’m Kim. I’m Peyton’s Sunday School teacher.”
“Max,” he said, sticking his hand out to take hers.
Alyssa watched the exchange and was surprised to feel a tiny pang of jealousy sprout in her heart. “Thanks, Kim, we’ll see you next week.” As she grabbed Peyton’s hand, she noticed the tiny flicker of shock in Kim’s eyes and the look of amusement in Max’s.
“Was that jealousy?” he whispered as she marched them down the hall and toward the entrance.
“No,” she hissed back, “I’m hungry. I thought we could get some lunch.” The words were not convincing, even to her, and the chuckle that escaped from Max’s perfect lips told her he wasn’t buying it either.
“Can we go to McDona
lds?”
Max and Alyssa both looked down at Peyton at the same time. She could see on his face that he didn’t want to go there either.
“How about an upscale version of McDonalds?” he offered.
“Does it come with a toy?”
“No, but it comes with ice cream.”
Peyton shrugged her small shoulders. “Okay then.”
“Wow, I was hoping for a bigger reaction.”
“Hey, you take what you can get when they’re three,” Alyssa said with a chuckle.
He smiled back at her and held her gaze a little longer than necessary, sending another tremor through her body.
When they reached the car, he opened the passenger door for her before helping Peyton into the car seat. Though he fumbled a little, it was clear he had been practicing strapping Peyton in.
Max was quiet as they drove, and Alyssa used the time to sneak furtive glances his direction. Perhaps this was the man Sarah fell in love with. She could see the possibility in his strong cheekbones and the tender side she had seen show itself today. What am I thinking? I can’t be equating love with this man. But as hard as she tried to deny it, the feelings still crept in.
Max pulled into a casual bar-b-que restaurant. Although it had tables to sit at, it was definitely more fast food.
“Learned your lesson last time, huh?” Alyssa said, a teasing glint flashing in her eye.
“Yeah. I’ll save the nicer restaurants for kid-free time, but this place has great food.”
“I know. It’s one of my favorites.”
As they drove back from lunch, Max sneaked glances at Alyssa. He had enjoyed the day. Her church had been different from what he expected, but in a good way. The pastor had spoken on God’s love, which was something he hadn’t heard much in the past. If that trend continued, he might find himself tolerating church.
Lunch had even gone well. There had been a few harrowing moments when Peyton nearly upturned her plate, and he’d had to apologize profusely for the mess she left on the table, but all in all, he considered it a success. Now, if he could just get Alyssa to go out with him again.
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