by JoAnn Carter
Amanda felt her face grow warm as she changed the subject, “I thought your office would be bigger.”
“Our department is big,” Tracy explained, “but it’s spread throughout the building. Only Don and I share this room.”
Don watched Amanda closely. “I think I’ve seen you before, but I just can’t remember when.”
“Cone Heads. You came in for ice cream last summer.”
He snapped his fingers. “That’s right. You’ve got a good memory.” He turned back to his desk and said, “I wish I could stick around, but I need to head out for a meeting. I just dropped by to get a few things. I look forward to seeing you in the future though.”
“Thanks,” Amanda replied.
Tracy pulled a chair up to his desk and offered her a seat as he pulled his chair close to her. “Well, shall we get down to business here? I hope you don’t mind if we share this desk. I have a lot I want to show you so we can both be working from the same page.”
Tracy’s shoulder brushed Amanda’s. She could smell his spicy after-shave. Focus, stay focused. “Just tell me what to do, boss.”
Tracy winked at her. “You better not call me that too often or I may just start ordering you around.”
“I wouldn’t put it past him,” Don yelled over his shoulder as he walked out the door.
“Ah, away with you!” Tracy called out.
Amanda felt herself relax at the easy camaraderie Tracy and Don apparently shared.
Tracy looked at Amanda and gave her a bright smile. “He’s a good guy but I should warn you, we’re not used to sharing our office with a female.”
“Well, I guess that makes us even then.”
Tracy looked a little puzzled.
“I never had to share my classroom with a male before I met you.”
“Touché.”
****
The morning sped by. Tracy rubbed his neck and said, “I think we’ve really made progress today. What a difference it makes when you’re here.”
Amanda blinked. “We did get a lot done, but I’m afraid I’m beginning to see double.”
Tracy laughingly said, “I guess it’s break time.” He reached over and took the statistic papers she was reading off. “Speaking of breaks, do you have anything going on over the holiday weekend?”
“Do you mean Saturday?”
“Sure do.”
Up until now, Tracy had maintained a strictly professional relationship. She wondered if he were trying cross that fine line as she hesitated for a moment before answering. “I don’t know yet. We usually go to see the fireworks. How about you?”
“My family is coming for the weekend.”
The air seemed to leave her all at once. It was nothing personal. So, why did she suddenly feel disappointed? She plastered a smile on her face. “That sounds like fun.”
“It’s sure to be.” Tracy added, “I’d really like it if they could all meet you. Do you think there is any chance you would come to a picnic on the Fourth?”
“Me?” She felt like a yo-yo. Back to that fine line again . Amanda toyed with the idea of meeting his family. She knew she was in no shape to make a decision. She’d only wind up regretting it later. “Would it be all right if I got back to you tomorrow?”
“No problem. If you can’t make it for the picnic, perhaps you could come back to my house after the fireworks for dessert?”
“I’ll see what I can do.” She saw that determined look in his eye and wondered if he’d even take no for an answer if it were to come to that. “How many people from your family are coming?”
“When I talked to my folks a few days ago, the count was up to fourteen.”
Amanda whistled. “Wow. Where will they all stay?”
With a carefree wave, he said, “I’m not too worried about that. They’re easy to please. I have a spare room with a double bed for my parents and the rest will flop on the pull-out couch or sleep on the floor.”
“Do you need any more air mattresses or something like that?”
“Nope, they’re used to camping so they all bring their own gear. My nephew was actually thinking about popping a tent in the backyard.”
“That’s a great idea.” Nodding and reaching for the papers Tracy had taken from her earlier, she said, “I think I’m ready to have a go at this again.”
Tracy rolled his eyes, and teased, “You’re going to be the death of me yet.”
Amanda swatted him with the papers. “Come on, let’s get busy.”
He winked. “Okay, Boss. ”
****
Amanda didn’t know how he did it, but yet again, as they sat waiting for the fireworks, she realized Tracy won another round. She glanced around her. Everyone was either sprawled out on blankets or sitting in lawn chairs waiting for the fireworks to begin. Tracy leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I’m glad you were able to come today.”
Amanda was surprised she could honestly say, “Me, too.” God must have done some healing work in her heart.
“My family really likes you.”
Amanda looked at the friendly faces around her. “You are very blessed to have a family like you do. I can tell, they are very special people.”
Tracy smiled gently at her and said softly, “So are you.”
Do you really mean that? Amanda bit on her lower lip before answering, “Thank you.”
Just then a loud boom was heard and everybody’s attention was drawn to the sky for the start of the show. The crowd’s oohs and ahhs soon followed. Tracy and Amanda fell silent as they watched the spectacular colors fly and drift in the sky.
All too quickly, the show’s finale began. The last fireworks were shot off and everyone started clapping. Tracy called out through the noise; “Can you come back to my place for some dessert?”
Amanda shook her head. She was experiencing feelings toward Tracy that she had no right to feel. She was afraid if she stayed with him any longer, the cracks in her heart’s armor might show. “I think I should probably be getting home.”
Mrs. Atkins said, “We won’t keep you for long but you really should stay if you can, dear. Other than the fireworks, it’s the best part of the day.”
How do you say no to a man’s mother? “I suppose, since you put that way, I really can’t resist.”
Mrs. Atkins winked at Tracy before she turned to talk to her husband. Tracy folded up the blanket they were sitting on and offered her his arm. “There are a few potholes in the ground. Why don’t you hold onto me until we get to the parking lot?”
Oh, what would this one time hurt? Amanda slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. “Thanks.”
Tracy pulled his arm into his side to give her hand a little squeeze. “Anytime.”
Amanda blew a strand of hair out of her eyes as she prayed, What now, Lord?
“Amanda?”
“Hum?”
“In two weeks or so, you’re job at the office will be done.”
Amanda nodded, “Yes, I know.”
Tracy pulled her closer to him. “Watch that hole.”
“Oh, I didn’t see it.”
Tracy picked up where he left off, “After the job ends, where will that leave us?”
Amanda almost tripped, but this time not from a hole. Her feet simply didn’t want to move. “I don’t know.”
“I’d still like to see you…more than at church.” Tracy stopped and held Amanda still. “Amanda, no more skirting things. It’s time we were open with each other. I imagine by now, you must know how much I’ve come to care about you.”
Amanda swallowed hard. No, please don’t say that.
“I’d love to be able to spend more time with you. To see if you may be able to come to care for me as I care for you.”
“Tracy, I…I…” Could she dare to expose her heart again?
After she didn’t say anymore, Tracy put his head down. “I wanted you to be thinking about it.” He started walking again. “Before you know it, your job will be finished, but please,
don’t let that be the end of us.”
Amanda silently followed him, with much on her mind.
****
A week and a half later, Tracy laid aside the last folder and sighed, “That’s the end of the pile.”
Amanda felt like cheering and crying all at once. “I thought for sure I was going to need glasses before you were through with me.”
With a half teasing grin, he quipped, “Who said I was through with you?”
Amanda laughed, “You know what I meant.” She raised her arms high over her head and stretched. “Whew. How can you do this all year?”
“Well, I do other things, too. But,” Tracy smiled, “now you know why I jumped at a school year of fieldwork.”
“Hmm.”
Tracy turned off his computer and asked nonchalantly, “How about we go out to dinner and celebrate the end of this project?”
This would be her last day with Tracy. All that she was about to lose hit her like a boulder. No longer would she be able to hear his laugh every day or enjoy a cup a coffee over a mound of papers. She would lose him like sand slipping through her fingers if she didn’t do something. “Sounds…wonderful.”
“How about that new Mexican place?”
“I’ve been wanting to try that.”
“Great. How about I pick you up at six?”
“I’ll be ready,” Amanda replied as she picked up her purse.
Now Tracy felt like cheering, but he tried to maintain a cool composure. “Amanda, thanks again for all your hard work this past month. It’s made a big difference.”
“I’m glad I could help,” she said sincerely before opening the door and calling over her shoulder, “I’ll see you in a little while.”
****
Amanda kicked the door closed with her foot, threw down her purse and ran to the phone. Thankfully, Carolyn picked it up. “Hello?”
“Carolyn, I need your help.”
“Sure. What do you need?”
Amanda rubbed her forehead. She knew she’d never live it down, but right about now, that didn’t matter. “How do I let Tracy know I’m interested in him?”
“I knew it, I knew it!” Carolyn laughed. “It won’t take much.”
Amanda sat down on the couch impatiently. “This is all so new to me. You know I’ve never dated much and don’t like playing mind games. How do you let a person know you’re interested in them without being forward?”
“Honey,” Carolyn chuckled, “You need to just let go...and let God. He’ll show you what to do. Pray that Tracy will understand what you are saying.”
“What should I wear?”
“What should you wear? Wait a minute...wait just a minute...is this Amanda Manning I’m talking to?”
Rolling her eyes, Amanda said, “Carolyn, come on. I need your help.”
“All right, all right.” Amanda heard Carolyn sigh over the phone. “I think you should just wear a comfortable pair of jeans and a nice top. Just be yourself. He’s not interested in your clothes and you’re only going out for Mexican food.”
Amanda rubbed her hand over her eyes, “You’re so much better at this kind of thing than I am.”
“Amanda, you know Tracy pretty well by now, don’t you?”
“Yes, I guess so.”
“Don’t you think Tracy knows you a little, too?”
“What’s that got to do with anything?” Amanda asked.
“Just...absolutely everything!” Carolyn blurted out. “He can read you as well as I can by now. Don’t stuff your feelings behind a mask and he’ll catch on in no time.”
“Easier said than done,” Amanda mumbled.
“Look, don’t you remember the sermon from last Sunday? Pastor Moore said to make the most of every opportunity because you never know when God will call you home.”
“You’re taking that out of context. He was talking about telling people about Jesus.”
“And I’m talking about the gift God has given you in Tracy.”
Amanda scratched her head at that. “All right. Point taken.”
“Call me when you get home?” Carolyn asked.
“Sure,” Amanda replied in a preoccupied voice. “Bye.”
****
Amanda and Tracy sat down at the table and waited for the waitress. Little chili pepper lights gave off a romantic glow. “Boy, I sure am glad they have air conditioning,” Amanda commented.
Tracy grinned. “I thought you were looking hot.”
Amanda picked up a tortilla chip. “I seem to recall you once said you didn’t flirt.”
He cupped his chin with his hand. “I’ve decided to make an exception with you.”
“Why?”
Tracy cocked his head for a minute before asking, “Do you really want to know?”
“I do.”
“Amanda, can I ask you a question first?”
“Sure, shoot.”
“Why did you agree to come here tonight?”
She took a deep breath. “I came here tonight because I enjoy being with you.”
Tracy studied her for a full minute before a slow smile lit his face. “You like me, don’t you?”
Amanda looked everywhere but at him.
Tracy grinned, “Sorry, I shouldn’t put you on the spot like that but I just wanted to make sure I was getting the right message.”
Amanda licked her lips. “I’m willing to see where God may be leading us…if you still are.”
Joy was written all over Tracy’s face. “You bet I am.”
Just then the waitress came up, “Do you folks know what you want yet or do you need a few more minutes to decide?”
Tracy winked at Amanda and she smiled back at him. To the waitress, he merely said, “I guess we may need a few more minutes.”
Teacher's Plans
Teacher's Plans
Chapter Fifteen
August
For a week now, Amanda and Tracy had gone out with each other almost every evening, but today was special. It was Saturday. They were able to enjoy each other’s company for the whole day. Amanda wiped a bead of perspiration from her forehead. Tracy noticed and said, “How about if we find an ice cream stand and take a break?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
They weaved their way through the crowd and found an ice cream stand. Tracy glanced around him. “Wow. There are a lot of people here.”
Amanda smiled, “The County Fair is always a big social event around here.”
“Our family always enjoyed going as well. I just don’t remember ours ever being this big or well attended.”
“It’s been this way for as long as I can remember.”
“What’s your favorite ride?”
Amanda blew a piece of hair off her face that had fallen from its clip. “The Ferris wheel…particularly at night,” she answered without a second’s thought.
“Why?”
“I love to see all the lights below and all the people who look like ants. It somehow gives you a different perspective on the world.”
Tracy agreed, “It’s like that in an airplane, too.”
“How about you, Tracy? What’s your favorite ride?”
“What kind of ice cream would you like, Amanda?”
Speaking to the waitress, she asked for a small swirl cone. Tracy added, “The same for me but large and two cups of water, please.”
As the girl went to fill their order, he answered Amanda’s question, “I always enjoy the roller coasters.”
“You need to hang out with Albert.” Amanda rolled her eyes, “I can’t tell you how many of those rides he’s managed to drag me on.”
“You don’t like them?”
With a grin she said, “Actually I do, but I’d never let Al know that.”
Tracy laughed. The girl handed out the cones and Amanda took them, along with a few napkins as Tracy paid the bill and grabbed the cups of water.
Walking away with their goodies, Amanda said, “Thanks for the cone and for bringing me
here.”
Tracy spotted a vacant bench that had a small spot of shade on it and directed her over to it. “You’re welcome. Thanks for coming with me.” Tracy offered her the shady spot with a wave of his hand.
