Here for You

by Pat Simmons

  They all laughed, then Rachel offered to help Ava bring dishes to the table.

  “No, you’re our guest.” She walked toward an open-plan kitchen with dark granite countertops and big glass balls that hung from the ceiling with bright light.

  “I love your black-and-white color scheme,” Rachel said as Nicholas slid in the chair behind her.

  Karl grunted. “It may be my wife’s color scheme, but she made me do all the work a few years ago when we gave our house a facelift.”

  Ava blew kisses. Soon the table was set, and Karl gave thanks and asked for blessings over their food. Although his words were sincere, she liked the way Nicholas prayed better. Boy, she was becoming biased. While enjoying an Italian meal, Rachel was amused by the lively discussion about family stories. Even the twins wanted to share a story.

  The adults listened with patience, then laughed as the boys giggled. Careers were the next topic. Ava worked at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the billing department, not far from Rachel’s West End condo. Karl held down a senior accountant position at a downtown accounting firm, and she already knew where Nicholas worked, but she was impressed when he shared his accomplishments at Nissan. Finally, it was Rachel’s turn.

  “You build things?” Rory asked. His eyes widened. “I make stuff with my LEGOs. Wanna see?” He raced off without waiting for her answer, his twin trailing him.

  “We’re in trouble now,” Ava said as their sons returned, dragging a box loaded down with colorful pieces of various shapes.

  Karl was about to order them back in the room, but Rachel waved them off. “It’s okay with me. You never know how young minds work.”

  That earned her cheers from the boys. She smiled at Nicholas’s surprised expression when she got down on the floor and began to assist them. Yes, jeans had been a good choice. As she helped assemble the pieces, Rachel explained the importance of creating a structure that was friendly with the environment. In her element, she had not only the boys but the adults captivated too.

  * * *

  While Rachel used the bathroom, Ava dragged Nicholas into her kitchen, grinned, and danced in place. “I like her!”

  Her excitement was contagious. “Me too.” He blushed like a schoolboy.

  “And she’s gorgeous with all that beautiful hair. I’m so jealous.” She frowned. “Not really.” She beamed, then squinted. “Okay, maybe a little.” Ava ran her fingers through her hair that she chopped off a couple of years after the twins were born. Even his brother liked Ava’s new look. Loading the dishwasher, she continued her rambling in a hushed tone. “What are you going to do about her?”

  “Hmm…I was thinking about keeping her.” He chuckled.

  She swatted him with a towel. “She’s not a pet. You know what I mean.” She lowered her voice and peeped over Nicholas’s shoulder. “What about her commitment to God?”

  “I believe it’s coming. I’m watering God’s harvest, and He’ll cause the seed to grow.”

  “Good answer but watch your chemistry. Don’t let your hormones get you in trouble.”

  “Ye of little faith. We’re both taking it slow and respecting each other.” But Ava was giving him a word to the wise. Rachel was extremely beautiful, and it was hard not to take notice. They were going to have to deal with resisting temptation.

  “Oh, I’ve got faith. But Rachel has yet to receive that keeping power, so remind yourself often of yours,” Ava said as if she were the big sister instead of the little sister-in-law.

  “She’s becoming more important to me each day.” Nicholas smiled as Rachel strutted back into the living room. “Now, I better go and rescue her from your sons before they think she’s their girlfriend.”

  Ava laughed, but Nicholas frowned. “Seriously.”

  Chapter 13

  Nicholas had never seen Rachel blush so much. Neither had he seen his mother give out so many compliments. That was what happened when he and Rachel stopped by his parents’ house after leaving Karl and his family.

  Vera Adams had opened the door and clicked immediately with Rachel as if they had been friends forever. His father didn’t say much but gave him a nod of approval. Later that night, they shared with Nicholas that their reaction had little to do with Rachel’s outer beauty but something about her warm spirit that drew them to her. That convinced him nourishing a relationship with Rachel was worth it. Now, all they needed was to be in accord spiritually.

  Since the date night with the Nashville Symphony, Nicholas and Rachel had been inseparable on the weekends. They attended a pre-Memorial Day barbecue given by one of her sorority sisters, then a movie that Nicholas fought not to sleep through.

  For this upcoming weekend, they’d made plans to listen to a jazz band, but because of a computer glitch that affected production, Nicholas had to work overtime.

  “I’m sorry to disappoint you,” he said when he called Rachel. “I was looking forward to our weekend.”

  “Me too.” Her voice was filled with regret. “Jacqui accused me of neglecting her, so I’ll hang out with her.”

  Nicholas had mixed emotions about single women going out on the town, even if Rachel and Jacqui were veterans of the nightlife. Yet he had no voice in what she did. He didn’t expect his unofficial or maybe girlfriend to stay homebound because they couldn’t do things together. He trusted Rachel but not the men whose eyes lingered on her. Nicholas had witnessed firsthand the damage those two ladies could do together to a man’s hormones at the NFL Draft.

  In order to spend more time with Rachel, Nicholas put in a request for a shift change from third to first. Finally, after three weeks of waiting, his request was granted. Nicholas called Rachel with the good news as soon as he received the email. “Getting off at four-thirty instead of waking up is going to take some getting used to, but I look forward to spending more time together.”

  “Yes! I’m doing a happy dance.”

  “How about we celebrate this weekend? We can do whatever you like.” Nicholas was hyped. He had been on the overnight shift since he’d started. At the time, it had been no big deal. Now, he felt like he was being released into the world, and he wanted to explore it with Rachel.

  “Uh-oh,” Rachel began, then paused. “Jacqui and I already have plans. We’ve always attended the biggest All White Party in the South. Black ladies and gents never looked so good dressed in all white. Fun, food, and three DJs. Plus, the fashion show is worth the price of admission,” then she paused, “but I know that’s not your crowd.”

  No, it didn’t sound appealing at all, but Nicholas wanted to be with her while he waited on God to nudge her toward the church doors. “If you invite me, I’ll go.”

  There was dead air until Rachel said in a low voice, “I didn’t think it would interest you.”

  “But you do. Ask me and I’ll tell you,” he challenged her.

  “Okay.” He could hear the teasing in her voice. “Will you go with me to the All White Party?” she asked sweetly, then giggled.

  Stepping outside his comfort zone, Nicholas agreed. “Tell me what time to pick you up.”

  On Saturday evening, Nicholas arrived at Rachel’s place to chauffeur her and Jacqui to Nashville Sounds Stadium.

  “You look very handsome,” Rachel said, flirting when she opened the door.

  “And you’re stunning, as expected.” As she blushed, Nicholas reached for her hand and squeezed her soft fingers. He knew compliments were probably commonplace to her, but knowing his words affected Rachel made him want to stand taller than his six-two height.

  “What about me?” Jacqui appeared in the doorway. “I’m feeling like the third wheel already.”

  “You look nice too,” Nicholas said without giving Rachel’s best friend any perusal.

  “Rachel gets stunning, and I get nice?” Jacqui shook her head. “I’ve been robbed. That’s all right. I’ll fi
nd some guy tonight who will find me stunning.”

  Nicholas didn’t doubt that. It wasn’t that Nicholas didn’t like crowds. Music City swelled with them for conventions and other attractions. Churches were filled with hundreds or thousands of them on Sunday morning. But he was on full alert around a large number of people, and the amount of alcohol being served didn’t mix.

  At the event, he kept Rachel by his side with their hands intertwined as they mingled and chatted with people they both recognized. Jacqui strutted off solo, garnering attention from gawkers looking for a good time.

  When the disc jockey played popular songs, folks stormed the dance floor.

  “Are you going to dance with me?” Rachel tugged on both his hands and gave him an alluring smile.

  Nicholas resisted the temptation to succumb to her bidding and shook his head. “I’ll watch from afar.”

  “Watch?” The surprise on her face was amusing. Clearly, Rachel wasn’t used to a man telling her no. She lifted a brow. “Are you sure?”

  “Definitely.” He slipped his hands into his pockets. Was this a test for him or her? Nicholas wasn’t sure, but this would be an interesting night.

  * * *

  Bummer. Rachel and Jacqui had attended the white parties since they graduated from Fisk University years ago and never missed a beat. It was one function where Rachel danced the night away. The problem was leaving Nicholas’s side, and although he said he was okay with her dancing with other guys, she couldn’t disrespect him like that. There wouldn’t be a lot of dancing tonight. Returning to his side, they watched, laughed, and commented on some dance moves as Nicholas possessively held her hand in his.

  At the end of the night, Nicholas asked if she was hungry. “How about Monell’s?” he suggested.

  Rachel countered with breakfast at Sun Diner in Lower Broadway, next to the Johnny Cash Museum. Tourists who wanted to relish the glory days of the Sun Records label flocked to the hot spot. The record company was where icons like Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, and Johnny Cash got their break.

  Jacqui had run into a mutual friend who’d offered to give her a ride home. Rachel and Jacqui had an arrangement whenever they went out on the town: come together, leave together, and never depart with the opposite sex. But since it was another sorority sister, Rachel didn’t feel like she had broken their agreement.

  At the diner, Rachel and Nicholas talked about the event and some of the outrageous outfits they saw over their meals. They laughed like silly teenagers, and it felt liberating that she didn’t have to play the part of a sophisticated diva all the time.

  Soon, they both decided reluctantly to call it a night. Sighing in contentment, Rachel relaxed in Nicholas’s Maxima as he drove the scenic route back to her condo.

  Finally, Nicholas parked in front of the Westchester. He rounded the car and assisted her. When she stepped out, he twirled her under his arm. She giggled at their silliness.

  “For the record,” he whispered close to her ear, “here’s your last dance.”

  “Ah, I think it’s my only one, and the best.” They held hands past the reception desk, up the elevator, and to her door. She was already experiencing separation issues.

  “I have a confession,” she said, reaching for her keys.

  “Okay. I’m listening.” He frowned, not hiding his apprehension about what she was about to say.

  “The next time you ask me out, I’ll cancel other plans to be with you. I’ve always enjoyed the All White parties, but tonight”—she paused to form the words she wanted to convey—“it lost its luster compared to you. You were my highlight. Thank you for coming.”

  Her heartfelt words must have touched his heart, because Nicholas’s breathing deepened as he searched her eyes. “Then I’ll look forward to our next time.” For the first time, he brushed his lips against her cheek, and she closed her eyes to savor it. When she opened them, Nicholas stepped away to leave, but she stopped him.

  “Why haven’t you invited me to church?”

  He pivoted on his heel and stared into her eyes. “It’s all about God’s timing. I want you to come to God of your own free will.”

  “Good answer.” She nodded, then challenged him in a game of tit-for-tat. “Invite me to church.”

  He took the bait and grinned. “Would you like to attend Sunday morning worship with me?”

  “Yes!” She beamed, then slowly came down from the momentary high and pouted. It dawned on her that this Sunday, she was to serve as the mistress of ceremony in the morning at a fashion show fund-raiser. If he was disappointed with her when she told him, his face gave nothing away. “I guess you wouldn’t like to come with me, would you?”

  Nicholas shook his head. “Not on a Sunday. Good night.” He smiled and strolled away, leaving Rachel feeling torn between honoring her commitment and wanting to spend more time with him. Entering her apartment, she resolved they would be on one accord next weekend, by any means necessary.

  Chapter 14

  “You what?” Karl gave Nicholas an incredulous look the next day after church at his brother’s house. “Let me make sure I heard right. You don’t like those big social events, yet you invited yourself.” He shook his head and squinted. “Who are you? This is so not the MO of my minister big brother.”

  Even his sister-in-law gave him side-eye. “I like her, but where’s the compromise? She doesn’t have a desire to come to church? A couple needs God in their relationship.” Ava looked disappointed.

  Nicholas wasn’t going to allow them to pale Rachel’s image. “Oh, she’s willing, but she was waiting for an invite from me.” Nicholas glanced away. “Which I didn’t know, or I’d have asked her day one.”

  “Why didn’t you?” Karl frowned.

  “Because God has to draw her. How many people have you and I seen who are in the church one Sunday and gone before the next service, not fully believing in the redeeming power of the Lord’s salvation?”

  “True.” His brother nodded. “The parable of the seeds falling on all types of ground.”

  “Exactly.” Nicholas shoved his hands in his pants pockets. “I want a woman on solid ground with deep roots. That said, I did ask her about this Sunday.”

  “And?” Karl and Ava asked in sync. His wife wore an eager expression.

  “She has to MC at the For the Love Fashion Show fund-raiser.”

  “Oh yeah. They raise a lot of money for college scholarships,” Ava explained. “Like you said, she’s got to make her own commitment.”

  “Exactly. We have to meet people where they are. And she’s not there yet.”

  “Brother-in-Law, please don’t take this the wrong way. What if she turns out not to be worth the wait? I don’t want to see you get hurt, because she’s not ready today, tomorrow, or even next month,” she said softly, concern etched on her face.

  “I have time to wait.”

  * * *

  Rachel never gave much thought to her social calendar except to keep it full. As a single woman, she had the right, but with her budding relationship with Nicholas, she was content with his presence. Now that he worked the day shift, they were more in sync as far as their free time.

  With an open calendar, depending on Rachel’s work schedule, Nicholas made the half-hour drive from his house in Smyrna a couple of times a week after work so they could enjoy walks through the park with the dogs, bike rides, or grabbing dinner at one of the neighborhood hangouts. He never called them official dates, but every moment she spent with him was special.

  One Wednesday evening, Rachel left work late but decided to make a stop before heading home when she had car problems. She pulled over, got out, and immediately saw the culprit—a flat. She gritted her teeth in frustration and glanced at the traffic zooming by her. She carefully got back in her car and called AAA for assistance.

  “Your estimated wait time is forty-fiv
e minutes, but it could be sooner,” the dispatcher advised.

  Great. She checked the time. No doubt Nicholas was on his way to Bible class, so she was at the mercy of waiting for help. Rachel sent him a text.

  On the side of the road on I-24 WB. Flat tire.

  Seconds later, he called. “Where?” She told him the mile marker, and he said, “I’m on my way.”

  “Whoa, aren’t you going to Bible class?”

  “Yes, but I also can’t have you stranded. Once I know you’re okay, I can get to church with a clear head to hear what the pastor is teaching.”

  Rachel’s heart fluttered. The man never seemed to miss a beat with her or the Lord. Sooner than she expected, Nicholas pulled up behind her Ford and went to work removing her flat and putting on the spare, despite her protests that AAA was close.

  “You think I’m going to wait for another man to take care of my lady?”

  His declaration slipped off his tongue as if it was a given, and Rachel’s heart fluttered. She smiled to herself and tucked the endearment away. By the time the motorist assist driver rolled up behind them, Nicholas was finished and went to speak to the man, who apologized for the delay.

  Once she had exited off the highway, Nicholas followed her home, then he took off for church, leaving a lasting impression in her heart: Nicholas Adams was a keeper.

  Later that night while preparing for bed, he texted her. You really should get a Nissan.

  She laughed. Although the car plant was there in greater Nashville, the model never crossed her mind. She called him. For the next hour, they talked about cars and silly stuff, then she grew serious and asked about the lesson taught at Bible class. “Hold on.” She grabbed Aunt Tweet’s Bible and flipped through to the passage Nicholas indicated, 3 John 1. Rachel felt like a kindergartener whenever she asked him to read from the Bible.

  Somehow, he seemed to breathe life into the Scripture, so for the next ten minutes, Nicholas read all fourteen verses. “The focus was on verse 2. ‘Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.’ The pastor was reminding us that God doesn’t want to withhold blessings from us, but in order to live life to the fullest, it has to be balanced: physical, mental, and spiritual.”