by Gay N. Lewis
“That’s an admirable challenge, but Gary has the right to choose whether he yields or flees temptation.”
“Like Adam and Eve in the garden?”
“Exactly.”
“I would have tried to help Eve avoid the snake and the forbidden fruit if I’d been there.”
When Mother Goodness laughed, her face lit in a soft glow. “No doubt.” She hugged Sarah. “You have a kind spirit and a gentle nature, and it’s in your disposition to care and assist, but God allows choices.”
“But I’m helping Beth with her options.”
“Yes, but Beth has already made her choice. She has chosen the Lord and desires to serve and please Him. One of these men has also made a choice. He plans to harm Beth. You are to help her discover the intentions of this immoral man. In that regard, you aid Beth in honoring her resolve to do God’s will.”
“I believe Sheila is involved.”
“Yes, I think so too. Do your best to determine if she is, but you aren’t to prevent Gary from surrendering to her charms.”
After a farewell hug, Mother Goodness vanished.
When Sarah returned to the ballroom, she found Bryan hovering at Beth’s side.
“The party is going well, don’t you think?”
Beth nodded. “Your guests seem to be having a good time.”
“Care to join me on the dance floor?” As he spoke, he guided Beth to the center of the room.
Laughing, Beth placed her hand on his shoulder as the dance began. “You take a lot for granted. I didn’t agree to dance, but here I am.”
Interesting. The dude held her loosely as he glided to the music. Probably easier to talk to her that way. Sarah floated above and kept her eyes and ears on the couple.
“You seemed to enjoy our dance the other day when we were alone.”
“It does feel good to waltz again. Your younger staff will want to do some be-bop, and I’ve asked the DJ to mix up the music. When he plays the hip-hop stuff, you will not be able to drag me out here.”
“Believe me, I’ll sit out that mess of noise as well.”
When the music ended, Bryan led Beth to sit with Gary and Sheila. Sarah floated near.
“Gary, glad you could come to my party. Your mom is a gracious hostess. Is Sheila treating you well?”
Gary nodded but said nothing.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you and your sister, but Beth thought Kimberly preferred a quiet evening at home with her family.”
“Yes, those little rug rats keep her exhausted. By the way, how did you and Mom meet? I’m afraid I haven’t heard the story.”
Beth cocked her head. “Didn’t I tell you?”
Gary shook his head. “No, but that’s not a surprise. You are a busy lady and know many people.”
“Your mom came into my real estate firm one day about a month ago to discuss some business, and I confess, I was charmed the minute she walked through the door.” He reached for Beth’s hand. “Not only is she beautiful, she is special.”
“She is that, for sure.”
Another waltz sounded through the speakers. “Mom, would you like to dance with me?”
“Son, I’d love it.”
Once they left earshot of Bryan and Sheila, Gary leaned down to whisper. “Okay, Mom, what’s going on? What kind of business do you have with Bryan? I know you didn’t ask me here to party with a bunch of strangers for no reason.”
“You understand me well.” Beth sighed. “Bryan and his brother, who is a silent partner, own one of the top real estate companies in Houston. I wanted to see about selling this house and buying a smaller one. I’d never met Bryan until the day I stopped in his office. I still haven’t met his brother, but the firm has a good reputation, so I’m thinking of dealing with their company. Does it upset you to think I might move?”
Sarah crossed her arms over her chest. Bryan has a brother? Maybe that’s who Bryan spoke to on the phone the first time she’d gone to his agency. The caller had been a man, and she’d heard Bryan say, “Not yet, but I’m working on it. Give me a bit more time. Beth will come around and we’ll have what we are after.” Hmmm. The man on the phone must have been the brother. Well, at least the conversation between Gary and his mother solved that part of the mystery.
What kind of response would Gary give Beth about selling the house?
Gary twirled Beth. “No, this is a big house, and it’s your decision. I support you with whatever you want to do with it.”
“Thanks, son. I want your opinion of Bryan. What do you think so far?”
“I’ve watched the two of you together all evening. He seems a little sleazy to me.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “Really? Why is that?”
“You have given no indication that you have a romantic interest in him, and yet he seems to assume you do.”
“He’s asked me to marry him.”
Gary suddenly ceased the dance and stared at Beth. “What?”
“You heard me. I find him attractive, but I keep telling him I’m not ready for marriage.”
Gary resumed the waltz. “Go slowly, Mom. Kimberly and I have talked about the possibility of you remarrying someday. We will accept the guy, but just make sure he’s who you really want.” He gave her a squeeze. “We love you.”
Tears sprang to Beth’s eyes. “Thank you, son. What do you think of Sheila?”
“She’s striking. We’re going to have dinner next Friday night. What do you think of her?”
“Just a little too flirty with you for my taste, but you’re right, she is a stunner.”
Sarah smiled. Beth and Gary appear to discern these two people somewhat accurately. No way for them to know the true motives of Bryan and Sheila, but their cautious, godly nature provided them with insight.
After Beth and Gary returned to the table to visit with the real estate tycoons, Sarah meandered to the food table. With people busy talking and dancing, no one noticed several shrimp disappear. She slipped behind a corner Christmas tree and ate to her heart’s content. Wonder how Stanley was getting along? Hope he drove safely. Poor guy…he’d been hungry earlier, just as she had. When he grew famished again, this time, he would have food.
After the guests left, Beth retired to bed. Sarah, feeling pooped, found her comfy cloud. Merciful heavens! Playing detective and attempting to remain in the good graces of the Superiors proved exhausting work. She slept as soon as her head hit the puffy pillow.
* * *
Shortly after midnight, Stanley pulled into a roadside park just off the highway and dug into the sack to remove the nuggets. At the bottom, he found three one-hundred dollar bills. His mouth gaped. “How in the world?”
A scripture from the book of Hebrews came to his mind.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
“Sarah!” He sat in stunned awe. “Now I understand some of her odd comments. God sent me an angel. Amazing! She said she needed me because she was lonely, but in truth, I’m the one who needed her.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
When the sun’s rays warmed her face, Sarah sat up. Wonder what she should do today? Maybe check on Charles? After last night, perhaps Gary placed some second thoughts about Bryan in Beth’s mind. “And I think that’s a good thing.”
When she spoke aloud, a flock of birds heading south scattered away from her in total surprise. “Poopty doopty.” She waved goodbye to them. “Sorry.” Watching them regain their flying formation, she marveled at the Creator and how He designed birds for flight. Hollow bones helped their light bodies stay airborne, and they digested high-energy food quickly. To store food added body weight. “That’s one reason you are always looking for food. Your design requires you to eat often…kind of like me. I’m hungry right now, and I’m thankful I brought leftovers from the party. No worries about eateries and disguises this morning.”
As she tidied her cloud, Bryan and Sheila came to mind
. The more she learned about them, the more she knew that something was not right with those two. But what could be wrong? How to find out? And then how to let Beth know, if her suspicions proved correct?
After breakfast, she decided to wander into Bryan’s office and then go see Charles. Maybe another perusal of those guys would give her a clue as to what to do next.
* * *
When Sarah arrived at the real estate firm, she found Sheila and Gwen in the break room, drinking coffee. Gwen sported dark circles under her eyes. Missed sleep affected the lady, and she appeared tired, but Shorty Sheila sparkled with energy.
Gwen zigzagged her cup across the table. “I wish we didn’t have to work today. Since we’re open seven days a week, I guess a weeknight was as good as any for the party. It helps that Bryan let us open an hour later.”
Sheila brought the mug to her lips for a sip and set it back down. “If Bryan had closed the office for the day, we could have stayed longer at the Marsh Mansion, but still, it was a great bash.”
“That Gary is a good-looking man. I noticed you never let him out of your sight.”
“He’s super-nice too. We have a dinner date next week. I asked him why not tonight, but he said he has a bank party to attend.”
Gwen widened her eyes to an impressive bulge. “I thought you and Bryan were a couple.”
Sheila laughed. “We have some things going on, but it doesn’t hurt to keep a man guessing, does it?”
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t care much for games. I prefer letting a guy know where I stand and how I feel.”
“Oh, Miss Prude, you miss a lot of fun when you go at life like that. A man stays challenged if he thinks he has competition.”
“Are you trying to make Bryan jealous?”
“No. Well, maybe a little, but if he is, that’s okay, don’t you think?”
“Are you trying to make him green-eyed because he was showing romantic interest in Mrs. Marsh? She’s about his age, and she’s very beautiful.”
Sheila drew her mouth into a tight line. “His attention to the widow does sort of chap me.”
“I thought that might be part of it.” Gwen shrugged. “Wasn’t that the most gorgeous mansion you’ve ever seen?”
“Yes, and we’ve seen and sold many in Houston, but Beth’s will bring a prime dollar amount.”
“Do you think Bryan will get the listing?”
“If he can convince her to sell, he will.”
“How do you figure into the transaction? I can’t imagine you letting a money-making house slip through your fingers.”
Sheila winked. “Got it covered. If I get Gary to convince his mother to list with our firm, Bryan will split the sale with me.”
“You’re kidding!
“Nope.”
Gwen’s brows almost touched across the bridge of her nose. “You are quite the multi-tasker. Here you are trying to make Bryan jealous, get a new guy to show interest in you, and make a sale all at the same time.”
“I don’t believe in putting all my eggs in one basket. Bryan is wealthy, but he doesn’t have the fortune Gary presently has, and he doesn’t have near the amount Gary will inherit from his mother someday. One of these men will make husband number two for me, and I’d prefer the richer, younger, more handsome Gary.”
“You did well financially after your divorce. And now you provide well for yourself, but you still want more?”
Sheila nodded. “I didn’t grow up poor, but I never had the clothes and things I wanted. After the split with my husband, the money I received served me well. It provided cosmetic surgery and an education in real estate, but it was a drop in the bucket. My marriage to Denton was a stepladder for my future. We didn’t sign a prenuptial, so I received half his meager holdings when the marriage ended. The monies just got me started. I earn great commissions in this business, but they aren’t where I want them to be. I want to be rich beyond my wildest dreams, and I plan to make my dreams come true.”
Gwen puffed a breath. “Do you realize how callous you sound?”
“I’m gonna do what I have to do to get what I want. It’s business.”
Merciful heavens! This conversation proved her suspicions correct about Sheila. Still not sure about Bryan. He might be a pawn in Sheila’s hands. Where could the bloke be? Too bad the dude missed a chance to eavesdrop on Sheila and Gwen.
Having heard enough, Sarah floated away.
* * *
Smiling because she found the bank without flying lost or making an accidental detour to another city, she drifted in and found Charles in his office just as he picked up his phone.
Sarah twirled her fingers in the air to hear the conversation. Might be boring bank business, but then again, it could be another chat worth hearing. Sheila and Gwen’s dialogue had provided food for thought. Maybe this one would too.
“Hi Maria, is Beth available?”
“I get her.” Charles heard Maria’s heels click on the tiles as she walked away. He doodled on a notepad while he waited.
“Good morning, Charles.” Beth sounded chipper, even after a late night of entertaining.
“Hi, Beth. I’m calling to see if I may escort you to the bank’s Christmas party tonight. Everything’s all set at Scott’s Steak House.”
“I’d love to go with you. Pick me up about six o’clock. Since I’m a hostess, I’d like to be there early enough to greet the guests.”
“I’ll be there. Will Gary be bringing a date?”
“No, I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering if I need to add to the guest list. I gave a count to the restaurant, but I can add more if I need to.”
“I spoke to him last night at a party here at the house. I think he plans to come single.”
“Several of the bank personnel are looking forward to it, especially Cathy and Maureen. They’ll be happy to hear that Gary will be here without a date. The ladies are excited, and with the bank closed on Saturday, they know they can stay as late as they want.”
Beth laughed. “Are Cathy and Maureen bringing dates?”
“Evidently not. They both have a crush on Gary, and I get the idea they both hope to catch his attention.”
“If they succeed, they will make ladies two and three. One woman captured his attention last night.”
“Oh? You think it’s serious?”
“I don’t think Gary is ready to settle down yet, but who knows?”
Sarah nodded. You got that right. Who knows? The Superiors gave her orders not to interfere, but how could she let that nice man fall victim to Sheila?
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Sarah, in miniature invisible form, floated along with Charles and Beth as they entered Scott’s Steak House. My word! The place hadn’t changed a bit since her first mission to Earth. That soft lighting continued to accentuate the elegant marble and wood of the foyer, and fresh white gladiolus adorned the front desk. Goodness gracious—whoever planned this interior did a fantastic job. Secluded booths, elegant linens, small electric lamps on each table, sparkling stemware—all designed to add ambience to a diner’s evening. Sarah issued a contented sigh—so many remembrances in this place.
A middle-aged couple sat at the table where Tom had proposed to Marcy. Sarah lighted behind the rosebud in the vase on the table. Oh, the sweet memories of this spot. Tom declared his love for Marcy in this exact location. Sarah smiled. How had that romantic guy kept so many lovely surprises in his pocket without her knowing about them? Merciful heavens! The shock of his proposal to her charge caused her to fall out of the flower container and onto this very table.
My stars! Nothing romantic in the conversation between these people—who wanted to hear them argue about which one should take out the garbage on Tuesdays and Fridays? What a waste of ambience.
She drifted away to find Charles and Beth.
They mingled among the bank employees in a secluded room. A huge, natural Christmas tree adorned in red and gold ornaments stood in fro
nt of a bay window. Sarah counted six round tables to seat eight each. Nice.
Sarah nodded in appreciation at her assigned human. Beth’s caramel-colored suit, matching heels, and understated gold jewelry seemed most appropriate. The hue of her clothes accented her rust-colored hair and brown eyes perfectly. The dark suit and red tie Charles wore appeared equally in good taste. Why couldn’t Beth see that Charles could be a better choice than Bryan? Good grief—that silly nincompoop kept messing around with Shorty Pants Sheila.
A low rumble met her ears. Poopty doopty! No way to keep her thoughts secret. Okay, so she shouldn’t make judgments about Sheila and Bryan, and evidently they didn’t care for sarcasm either, but my stars! She wanted to guard Beth against those wicked people. On the other hand, who knew for sure about Charles? He might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. So many puzzles to solve.
A heavyset man ambled up to Beth. “You give any more thought to expanding to Saxonberg?”
“I haven’t made a final decision on that proposal.” Beth’s eyes twinkled, and she touched the man’s arm. “Now, Mr. Webster, do you mind if we have a dinner party tonight? We can discuss business at the next board meeting.”
Beth wanted to go to another boring meeting? Parties were more fun, with their food and pretty garments. With no desire to listen to them talk about business, Sarah floated away.
Wonder which lady could be Cathy and which one might be Maureen? Charles mentioned to Beth that the women thought Gary quite a catch. If possible, perhaps she could divert that young man’s attention to one of them and cause Shorty Sheila to vamoose out the window of his mind. Floating to two females, she honed in on the conversation.
“That dress looks great on you. Green goes well with your eyes.” A tall, slender woman stood next to a lady of about the same height.
“Thanks, Maureen. I like yours too. I wouldn’t have thought to wear pink if I had red hair, but it works well for you.”
“Oh, Cathy, I’m relieved to hear you say that. I’ve never allowed my red hair to dictate what I wear, but I’m pleased you think it works.”
Aha! So here stood Cathy and Maureen. Sarah peeked at their shoes. Good choice, Maureen. Black six-inchers. Oh, my! Her heart lurched at Cathy’s choice—a patterned pump of purple, pink, and gold with the cutest gold buckle. Sarah felt her mouth water with desire. Such adorable footwear. Wouldn’t be hard to duplicate that shoe—a snap of the fingers, and voila! But could she walk in them? Why not slip to a dark corner and give it a whirl?
