First Mates

by Cecelia Dowdy

  Reverend Marshall nodded. “Of course. Rainy, I’m sure you recall that Deacon Thomas, who used to head the children’s ministry, has moved away. Well, I figured you and Winston would be perfect candidates to replace him. You’ve done so well with the Youth Financial Seminar, and I’m sure you’ll do well with the children’s ministry. The next big event they’ve got scheduled is the Christmas Pageant. I know it’s only the beginning of September, but this is the largest children’s event in the church, and it takes lots of planning and preparation. Hopefully the two of you will see it in your hearts to take this on.”

  The Reverend stood and squeezed Winston’s shoulder. “I hope you’ll let me know as soon as possible. If the two of you aren’t interested, then we’ll have to ask somebody else in the congregation to take on this project.” His large feet plodded down the aisle before he stopped and turned toward them. “Oh, let me know within a couple of weeks. That’ll give you some time to think about it and pray about it. I feel in my heart that the Lord has called both of you to work with the children in this church.”

  Winston whistled softly. “Mercy, I never would have expected this to happen today. I thought our involvement in the Youth Financial Seminar was the end of our calling, but looks like I was wrong.”

  Rainy gasped, shoving his shoulder. “You’ve got to be kidding. Do you honestly think it would be a good idea for you to join this church, and for us to work together in the children’s ministry?”

  Winston remained silent as he stared at the large cross in the pulpit. Lord, what have You called me to do?

  Winston spent the rest of the picnic in a daze, wondering how he should plan his church activities in the future. He watched Rainy as she helped Sister Mary serve the hungry children. He admired her easy camaraderie with her friends, Sarah and Rachel. At one point, the three girlfriends sat under a large oak tree, laughing wildly. Rainy looked up and caught him staring, so he quickly looked away.

  He watched Rainy from afar for the rest of the day. He wanted to take her away from this crowd and spend some time alone with her, on a real date. His heart skipped a beat when she finally left the picnic, without even looking his way or saying goodbye. The church grounds were growing empty, and the cleanup crew was removing the debris left behind.

  He trudged to his car, wondering how he would spend his Saturday night. He suddenly felt lonely, and he knew he would miss the joy and camaraderie he’d found in Rainy’s church—but most of all, he knew he would miss Rainy.

  As he drove, he barely paid attention to the passing traffic and the beautiful palm trees dotting the side of the road. Waves of loneliness continued to engulf him, and he suddenly didn’t want to go home and be by himself. He made a U-turn and drove toward his aunt Gladys’s house. He pulled into the driveway as gospel music drifted through her open windows. He knocked, and his aunt yelled for him to come inside.

  She sat in a rocking chair, knitting. A spool of crimson yarn was strewn around her lap and a pair of reading glasses perched on her nose. “Winston, what in the world are you doing here?” She placed her knitting aside as he kissed her cheek. Since the music continued to blare from the stereo, he turned it down.

  He shrugged as he sat on the tattered floral-patterned couch. “What’s wrong with a visit to my favorite aunt?”

  “Humph. This ain’t no friendly visit.”

  He playfully placed his hands over his chest. “Aunt Gladys, I’m hurt. Why wouldn’t this be a friendly visit?”

  “Boy, I’ve known you since the day you were born. I can tell by that sad look on your face that you’ve got something on your mind and you just needed to talk to somebody about it. What are you so upset about anyway? Does it have anything to do with that girl you told me about? The one you met on the cruise ship?”

  Before he could answer, she scurried to the kitchen and returned with a plate of frosted chocolate brownies. “Here, have one of these. You always liked my brownies when you were feeling low about something.”

  He removed one of the dark squares and popped it into his mouth whole. When he was finished, he reached for another. “Hey, these are great! You even put macadamia nuts in them.”

  “Now, boy, tell me what’s on your mind,” she demanded, ignoring the compliment.

  “You can certainly read me like a book. Yes, this has something to do with Rainy.”

  “What’s the matter?” She selected a brownie and sat back in her chair.

  He sighed, finishing off another brownie. “Well, you know that Youth Financial Seminar that I was doing with Rainy?”

  She continued to give him her full attention. “Why, yes. I think it was mighty fine the way you two have been spending your Saturday afternoons helping those young people. I’m really proud of you.”

  “Thanks,” he mumbled. “My problem is Rainy. I already told her that we could just be friends, and I really liked seeing her every weekend while we did the seminars together.”

  Gladys shrugged. “But?”

  “I really like Rainy…a lot. And I don’t know how I’m going to manage not seeing her each week anymore. I want us to date again, and be more than just friends, but I don’t think that’ll be a good idea.” He then told her of Pastor Marshall’s offer for them to lead the children’s ministry.

  She folded her arms in front of her chest. “What’s the matter with you? She lives right here in Miami, so there’s no reason for you not to date this girl.”

  He stared at his aunt. “You know why I can’t date Rainy.”

  “No, I don’t.” Her mouth was set in a firm line.

  He sighed. “You know about my drinking problem. I can’t put Rainy through that.”

  “You’ve been sober since Pam died, that should amount for something. Plus, you need to remember the faith you have in Jesus. Lean on Him and He’ll show you what to do.”

  She resumed her knitting, seemingly dismissing him from further conversation. Why is she acting so mad at me?

  He glanced around the house. “Uh, where’s Uncle Greg?” he asked, changing the subject.

  Her knitting needles clattered as she answered, “He’s out with some people from the church. He should be back in about an hour or so if you wanted to wait for him.”

  “No, I think it’s time for me to leave.”

  As he opened the door, her voice stopped him in his tracks. “You just remember what I told you. You keep forgetting you need to lean on God, and you should be honest with Rainy about how you feel. Don’t be a coward. You really like this girl, and it’s not right to turn your back on that because of your fears.”

  The screen door banged shut as he left the house and returned to his car. He drove around in the semidarkness until he reached Rainy’s small home. The porch light was on, illuminating the oak rocking chair and iron lawn furniture.

  He sniffed the scent of the orange trees planted at the side of the road. The sweet smell filled his nostrils as he watched her house. “Lord, what am I doing here?” He turned his radio on to a gospel station. He made sure the volume was low as he listened to the sweet melody about the death of Jesus Christ.

  He leaned back into his car seat and continued to stare out of the window. He opened his sunroof and gazed at the bright stars twinkling in the semidark sky. “Lord, why am I here?” he asked softly. “Please show me a sign, let me know if I’m strong enough to be a good man for Lorraine Jackson,” he pleaded. “I don’t want to fall into the trap of alcoholism again. I don’t want to be a failure to her.”

  He continued to gaze at the sky. “Rainy has suffered enough. She’s a strong, proud woman and I don’t want to hurt her. Is it best if we stay just friends, or should I pursue her as a future mate? Please help me out, here, Lord,” he paused and swallowed. “Please show me what I need to do. Amen,” he whispered. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, and his burden seemed to lift in the slight breeze moving through the orange trees.

  Show her how you feel. His heart skipped a beat as he wondered if God was answer
ing his prayers in a meaningful way. Patience is a virtue. Be patient with her and show her how you feel. He sighed with relief as he opened his eyes.

  “Yes, Lord, I’ll show Rainy how I feel. I’ll be a patient man, and maybe things will work out between us.”

  Rainy was still thinking about the Youth Financial Advisory Picnic as she pulled her laundry out of the dryer. She’d caught Winston staring at her all day, and she wondered if it was a sign that things could work out for them after all.

  After doing numerous household chores, she finally went to bed, exhausted. Dreams of Winston plagued her sleep and when she woke up the following morning, she felt far from being refreshed.

  During the early-morning church service, she struggled to stay awake and listen to the sermon, and when she happened to scan the parishioners, she spotted Winston sitting in one of the pews near the front!

  Her stomach was tied in knots when she saw him talking to Sarah and Rachel in the foyer after the service. Minutes later, he approached her, requesting that they spend time together that afternoon.

  Her mouth was as dry as a ball of cotton. “But I have plans with Sarah and Rachel after church.”

  He grinned as his fingers grazed her cheek. “I already talked to them and they know you’ll be spending the afternoon with me.”

  She went home and changed, and Winston arrived minutes after she was finished.

  His car sparkled from being recently washed and the windows shined beneath the hot afternoon sun. Rainy folded her arms over her chest. “Where are we going?”

  He pulled her toward his car, kissing her cheek as he opened her car door for her. “It’s a surprise, sweetheart. Don’t mess it up by asking a lot of questions.” His hazel eyes were full of mischief as he pulled away from her house.

  Minutes later the car jolted to a stop at an exclusive deli and bistro in the heart of Miami. “What are we doing here?” She waved toward the deli. “Is this the reason why you made me change my brunch plans with Sarah and Rachel?”

  He nodded. “Yep. Hold on, I’ll be right back.” He rushed into the deli, returning minutes later with a basket. “Lunch at your service.” He slid behind the wheel. As they pulled onto the street, she opened the basket and found it was laden with all her favorite foods: Italian submarine sandwiches, onion chips, potato salad and two thick slabs of chocolate cake. There was also a bottle of sparkling cider and two glasses.

  “This is so sweet!” She gazed at the luscious meal. Her mouth watered and her empty stomach growled.

  “Oh, so you’re hungry, huh?” He tousled her hair as she placed the basket into the back seat.

  “Where are we going?” she repeated as she gazed at the palm trees dotting the side of the road.

  “Well, I’m sure you saw me talking to Sarah and Rachel after the service. They told me what I needed to do to plan this special meal for you.”

  Minutes later they entered the state park. A few families frolicked in the grass, and a boy was playing Frisbee with his dog. But otherwise, it wasn’t too crowded. She quickly exited the car, and when Winston opened the trunk, he produced an old faded quilt. “My aunt Gladys gave this to me years ago. It comes in handy when I need to eat outside.” They walked to the edge of a sparkling brook and watched the clear water rush over the smooth stones. She tilted her head toward the sky, enjoying the sunshine.

  He took her hands and caressed her fingers. “Can we pray first?”

  She smiled and nodded. They bowed their heads together, their foreheads touching. “Lord, please help Rainy’s family during this difficult time. Please help her brother Mark with his problems, and please keep Rainy and Amber safe in their days to come. We thank you for this lovely day, and I thank You, Lord, for allowing me to meet Lorraine Jackson on a cruise ship four months ago. Amen.”

  “Amen,” she whispered. She missed the warmth of his touch as he released her hands. “I’m so glad that you prayed for my family. Thank you,” she whispered.

  “I know how important your family is to you. You seemed upset when you found out about your brother’s problems.”

  As they enjoyed their food, she couldn’t recall the last time she’d had such a lavish picnic. As they toyed with their glasses of sparkling cider, she touched his arm. “What’s all this about?” She gestured toward the empty picnic basket. “You get my favorite foods and you take me to my favorite picnic spot. I know you said a while ago that you just wanted us to be friends, but this afternoon it feels like you want to be more than just friends.” She took a sip of her cider and enjoyed the tangy sweetness on her tongue.

  He removed her cider from her hand and set both glasses under a tree. She enjoyed the warmth and support from his hard chest as he took her into his arms and she leaned against him. She closed her eyes and relished the brush of his firm lips against her temple. “What does this mean?” she asked again. Had he changed his mind?

  He stiffened for a moment, but he relaxed as he tightened his grip around her waist. “There’s just so much I want to say, but I just don’t know how you’ll react to it all.”

  She sighed as she sniffed his citrus-scented cologne. “Tell me everything. I want to know what happened between us. Why did you decide you wanted us to just be friends?”

  The breath of his sigh traveled over her heated skin. Being this close to him made her feel hot and cold at the same time.

  “Oh, a few things. First off, I wasn’t sure if you were over Jordan. You were grieving over your loss on the cruise, plus I saw you having dinner with him at Raymond’s. I know we dated for a few months after that, but I figured since you’d been in love with him before, chances were, you might take him back.”

  “I won’t go back to Jordan! Not now! I only had dinner with him because he kept pursuing me, and it was the only way to get him off my back. We discussed this when you grilled hot dogs for me in the park.”

  She removed herself from his arms and faced him on the blanket. “Is that the only reason you wanted us to be friends?”

  “Well, no, but that was a big part of it.” He paused. “Is Jordan still in the picture? Do you still talk to him?”

  She folded her arms and glared into his hazel-brown eyes. “What difference would it make to you? You said you just wanted to be friends.” She turned away and he grabbed her arm.

  “Please don’t be mad. I’m trying to make everything right. I know it’s going to take some time, but give me credit for trying.” He gestured toward their picnic.

  “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to understand you, that’s all.”

  “I’m glad you’re trying, really, I am.” He released her arm and she crossed her legs as she waited for him to continue.

  “Just tell me if Jordan will be an obstacle. Because if you still have feelings for him, then I’m going to need to know.”

  She sighed as she gazed at him. “No, Jordan and I are finished. I have no feelings for him. I’ve told you this before. You’re beating this whole thing into the ground and, frankly, it’s getting on my nerves.”

  “You never see him, or talk to him?”

  She sighed again. “Jordan is persistent. You know, he’s been coming to my church, and he sometimes comes over to speak to me. I can’t just ignore him, especially at church,” she defended.

  “No, you’re right about that.” He bit his lower lip as he continued to look at her. “I believe you.”

  “It’s about time,” she huffed. “Now can you tell me what else is bothering you?”

  “You know I used to be an alcoholic.”

  “Yes, you told me about it on the cruise.”

  “Well, that’s part of the reason why I didn’t pursue a relationship with you. I’m scared.” At that moment, he did seem as scared as a frightened child.

  “What are you afraid of?” She scooted closer to him and held his hand.

  He sighed as she gazed into the canopy of elongated palm tree leaves. They lifted in the fall breeze, and she relished the coolness against her skin. I
n his deep enthralling voice, he told her of his visit to his aunt and uncle’s house several weeks ago. “Just seeing my uncle, drunk like that, reminded me of my addiction. I’m an alcoholic. Whether I touch a drop of booze or not, I’ll always be an alcoholic.”

  “Oh, Winston.” She hugged his broad torso, and relished the feel of his muscled arms. “You’ve just got to have some faith, that’s all. You haven’t had a drop of booze in a long time.”

  She pulled away and a frown creased his handsome features. “What’s wrong?” Dread crept up her spine, but she pushed the negative feeling aside. He was hiding something. She could sense it.

  “Nothing. But what if something happens? What if I get depressed like my uncle? What’ll happen then? Will I turn back to my old ways?” He paused as he gazed at his hands. “I just changed my mind about our relationship after I saw my uncle’s tirade. It was like a wake-up call.”

  “Have faith in God and everything will work out. I just know it will.”

  She took his hands and closed her eyes. “I’m sure the Lord will help you through this.” She released his hands and opened her eyes as he reclaimed their glasses of cider. She enjoyed the tangy sweetness of the drink as it traveled down her throat.

  He sipped his cider as he gazed at the sparkling brook. A dog sloshed in the water, barking fanatically.

  She fingered the stem of her plastic cup, frowning.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She sighed. “Just thinking about my family’s problems. My parents are really anxious for me to come home. I think they might have something important to talk to me about.”

  “You mean something other than your brother’s wife’s affair?”

  She nodded while the wind continued to blow and her long hair whipped across her face. He playfully pushed the stray hairs behind her ear. “I think so. It’s just a feeling that I have. I want to see my parents, but I’m not looking forward to going home, not under these circumstances anyway.”

  He pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear. “Let me help you to forget about your problems for a minute.” As his lips pressed against hers, waves of joy fluttered through her soul, calming her frazzled nerves. “Would you do me the honor of dating again? I promise I won’t mess up this time.” His breathing sounded labored and intense, and she tried to calm her racing heart.