by Leah Atwood
Just then the door blew open, and Dan barreled in, fighting to close the door. “The weather is changing quickly. The wind blew my car all over the road.”
Dan removed his suit jacket, seemingly oblivious to Zach’s presence. When he hung his jacket on the coatrack, he glanced over and made eye contact with Zach. His jaw dropped, and eyes opened wide. In two long strides, he reached Zach and embraced his old friend in a boyish bear hug.
Not used to this much attention, all Zach could do was stand there, embarrassed at the welcome reception. If only Melanie would accept me back this easily.
“How are you, old buddy? I’m so glad to see you.” Dan backed up and continued to stare at him. “I thought you disappeared from the Earth. Every few months, I’d try to track you down through social media, but never could find you.”
“I like to keep a low profile.” The corner of Zach’s lips twitched. “You know, so all the Mr. Jenkins of the world couldn’t come back and punish me for the many pranks we pulled.”
With a single joke the ice was broken, and they were teenage boys again, laughing and reminiscing. They moved into Dan’s office and enjoyed coffee that Cheryl brought in. After talking about old times and catching up on the last few years of Dan’s life, the pastor asked the question hanging in the air.
Dan leaned back in his office chair and crossed his arms. “What about you, Zach? Where have you been for the last four years? The last time we spoke, you were in Alabama doing some sales job you hated, still running from demons. Forgive my bluntness, but I assume you have found peace since you’re back in Hope Springs?”
“I was so lost back then. I was running from my life, looking for answers to what I wasn’t even sure the questions were. Finding out about my family threw me for a loop, and I couldn’t find a way to accept it. You’re the only one who knows other than the truck stop chaplain.”
“Truck stop chaplain? Sounds like you have been busy old friend.”
Zach laughed, not quite from humor. “More than you know.”
His phone vibrated, and he pulled it out of his pocket. A text message from his realtor lit up his screen, telling him she was running a few minutes behind. He checked the time. One fifty-five and it would take him a good fifteen minutes to get to the house. Thank goodness she’d be late because he would be as well.
He enjoyed catching up with Dan and was reluctant to leave so soon but had to get moving. “That was my realtor. If I don’t leave now I’ll be late.”
“I understand. Hey, do you have dinner plans tonight? Every Monday I go to Sally’s Restaurant—it’s crab cake night.” Dan rubbed his stomach. “Want to join?”
Zach’s mouth watered at the mere mention of a real Maryland crab cake. Many places claimed to offer Maryland style crab cakes, but no one outside of Maryland could get that perfect blend of crab meat, breading, and seasoning.
“You had me at crab cake.” He grinned and picture himself sitting in one of Sally’s old vinyl booths. “Besides, it sure beats another TV dinner that doesn’t fully cook in the hotel microwave.”
Dan laughed as he scribbled his number on a piece of paper and handed it to Zach. “Six-thirty sound good?”
Zach nodded. “I’ll be there.”
“Great, see you then. Make sure to bring an empty stomach.”
Zach took the phone number and ran out to his truck. He started the engine and sped out of the parking lot into traffic. Not that much traffic existed in Hope Springs. He pulled off the main road onto Moo Road. Henderson Drive was the real name, but everyone had called it Moo Road for so long because of the cows along the way that liked to moo at passing cars. The idiosyncrasies of small town living.
Two more roads, the final one leading up a hill, and he reached the destination. He stepped out of his truck, and before he even went into the house, he knew he had found his home.
Chapter Three
Melanie grabbed her purse as she jumped out of the car. The ride to Sally’s Restaurant, the usual meeting spot for dinner, was close enough to her house for a longer walk, but she’d driven due to the weather. Her goal was to get out of the parking lot and into Sally’s without being soaked.
She rushed in and pulled the restaurant door closed, just as a strong gust blew it back open. Yanking it closed again, she surveyed the tables until she spotted Lily. Eager to shed her raincoat, she slid it off as she walked toward the booth.
A blast of cold air blew from the vents, sending a chill through Melanie, making her aware of her sopping collar and wet pant bottoms. Once away from the direct air flow, she warmed up and slid into the opposite side of the booth from Lily.
She’d barely sat down when Helen, one of their usual waitresses, approached to take their drink orders.
“Iced tea for me,” Melanie said.
Lily raised a hand. “Same for me.”
Melanie glanced at the menu, even knowing she’d get the same thing she always got when she stopped by Sally’s on a Monday. She unabashedly self-proclaimed herself a creature of habit. Some people would call it boring, but she preferred to think of it as being loyal to what she liked. Besides, she at least changed up her side orders. Her life wasn’t totally monotonous.
“Mmmm, can you smell that apple streusel? We should save room for dessert tonight and order one.” Lily’s smirk suggested a dare.
Melanie rarely ate dessert. Not that she didn’t enjoy it—she had an impressive sweet tooth—but Sally’s portions were large and mouthwatering. Even with good intentions to save room, she’d take another bite of her dinner until her stomach couldn’t hold more.
“Maybe I will tonight. I feel like a change.” That apple streusel does smell amazing, and a perfect dessert for a rainy night. Besides, I’m celebrating today. “That reminds me. You will never guess what I did today.”
“Called Zach?”
“No.” She scrunched her nose and scowled at the thought of contacting him. “I sent in the application to the teacher exchange program. While I was waiting for my tutoring students to show up after school, I decided to just do it.”
Lily’s jaw dropped in shock. “That’s fantastic. I’m so glad you decided to give it another shot.”
“I won’t hear back for a few weeks, but if I’m accepted, I’ll spend fall semester abroad next year.” The prospect simultaneously scared and exhilarated her.
“What made you finally decide to apply again?”
“Zach. I realized how much time I’ve lost grieving the abrupt end of our relationship and how many opportunities I’ve missed.” She met Lily’s gaze, hoping she exuded more confidence than she felt. “That stops now.”
“I’m proud of you, Mel, and I know you’ll be accepted.” Lily’s excitement for her came through in a clap. “This is a huge milestone. Now we definitely need to order dessert as a celebration.”
As if on cue, Helen brought their iced tea, set it on the table, and then reached in her apron pocket for a notepad while producing a pencil from behind her ear with her other hand. “The usual?”
“I feel bold tonight, let’s change it up.” Melanie stifled a laugh at the raised eyebrows. “I want the single crab cake platter with soup and fries.”
Lily stared at her, brows still arched. “That is the exact thing you always order. How is that changing it up?”
“No, usually I get the double crab cake platter. This way I have room for dessert.” Melanie grinned and unwrapped the straw for her tea.
“Very funny.” Lily turned to Helen and placed her order. “I’ll have the same thing, but green beans instead of fries.”
“All right, ladies. Your orders should be ready in a few minutes. Is there anything else I can get you for now?” Helen tucked the pencil behind her ear again after they shook their heads.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Lily cut to the chase. “Any sign today of Zach?”
“No.” No physical signs at least. There had scarcely been a moment all day that he wasn’t present in her thoughts. S
he’d made a decision earlier but wanted Lily’s feedback. “I need to know why he is back. After five years, I may finally have that chance to get the answers I longed for. I honestly thought I had moved on and forgiven him but seeing him last night brought all those old feelings back.”
“Understandable.” Lily nodded, encouraged her to continue.
“Five years is a long time to hold on to that anger and resentment.” She turned her palms upward. “But how can I forgive him if I don’t even know the reasons he left? I need to talk to him and put closure on this whole ordeal once and for all. Am I crazy to actually want to talk to him after everything he put me through?”
“You’re not crazy at all. You have every reason to want answers and you deserve them.” Lily crossed her hands and held Melanie’s gaze. “It’s not as though he broke a promise to take the trash out. He walked away from a fifteen-year friendship and the promise to spend your lives together.”
“But what if the answers are worse than not knowing? What if he has a serious girlfriend, or worse, is married?” She had noted last night that he wore no ring on his left hand, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything.
Many modern men refuted the tradition of wearing a wedding ring. However, despite shunning church, Zach had always held closely to traditional values. Yet, how well had she known him? Everything she thought she knew went down the drain when he abandoned her.
Two thoughts suddenly crossed her mind. She realized deep inside of her, albeit very deep, she wanted to give him a second chance if that is what he wanted. Second, even if that is what they both wanted, it would never work. Zach didn’t believe in God. She was older and wiser now, and she realized she’d never be able to marry a man who didn’t share such an important belief.
“You’re like a sister to me. I love you and hate to see you hurting like this.” Lily reached over the table and gave Melanie’s hand a comforting squeeze. “I’ve always known, in spite of your denials, that you never stopped loving Zach. I don’t have all the answers for you, but keep praying. God works in mysterious ways.”
Helen returned and set their plates in front of them.
Steaming hot food and the scent of crab cakes filled with lumps of decadent blue crab meat filled Melanie’s senses with pleasure. “There is nothing in the world a good Maryland crab cake can’t fix—at least temporarily.”
“Funny you should say that.” Lily nodded toward the door.
Melanie turned her head just in time to see Zach walk in. He glanced around as though looking for someone, then looked at his watch. His dark brown hair was a windswept mess and gave him a rugged appeal that tugged at Melanie’s heart.
She allowed herself a short fantasy where she stood beside him and smoothed his hair back into place. Then they would join hands and sit side by side enjoying a romantic dinner. She shuddered and came back to reality. Those days were over, and for all she knew, they would never be again.
Lily scooted out of the booth and stood. “I’ll be right back.”
Assuming she was going to the restroom, Melanie nodded and continued eating her meal. A few seconds later she felt a chill course through her body and her senses heightened. She looked up and saw Lily with a mischievous gleam in her eyes standing with Pastor Dan and Zach at her side.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I invited them to sit with us. There were no tables available, so I figured they can sit with us since we have room.”
Of course, I mind. Melanie wanted to scream, but instead, she kept silent and shot Lily daggers.
Zach shifted, looking torturously uncomfortable. “We can wait for a table. Dan and I have a lot of catching up to do. We won’t even notice the wait.”
“No, it’s fine. There’s no reason you can’t share our table.” These lies have got to stop.
Lily slid back to her original seat across from her and Dan sat beside her. Which left only one spot available for Zach. Traitors. She had some words for Lily, but she’d keep them to herself until later. A sigh escaped that she hoped was not audible, and then she slid over to make room for Zach.
His elbow grazed her arm as he reached for the menu, and she felt that familiar jolt of electricity between them. How could she possibly make it through an entire meal with him sitting so close? She could feign illness, but she said no more little lies. Besides, that would be entirely too obvious, so she had no choice but to accept the situation as it was.
***
“Some weather we are having lately isn’t it.” Pastor Dan’s attempt to break the ice did nothing to ease the awkward tension around the table.
“These storms today have been something else. Haven’t seen lightning like that since crossing the desert.” Zach inadvertently offered more information than he wanted Melanie to know. He wanted to wait for a private conversation to tell her about the last five years.
“Where were you?” Lily perked up. “I’ve always wanted to see a desert lightning storm. I’ve heard they’re breathtaking.”
Zach saw right through Lily’s attempt at gleaning information. Five years may have passed, but he’d known her pretty well since she was Melanie’s best gal friend. He also knew perfectly well she had an extreme fear of storms, and wouldn’t leave the restaurant until this one ended.
Fortunately, he was saved from answering the question when the waitress came to take their order. Her nametag read Helen. The same Helen who’d always waited on him years ago? He squinted and peered at her. Sure enough, it was.
She recognized him as well, and several minutes of trivial conversation followed. By the time she walked away, the question had been put aside, and a conversation about the upcoming Independence Festival tookover.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Melanie had stopped eating. Using her fork, she moved the food around, but it remained on her plate.
Guilt, more than he already carried, gurgled in his gut. His presence was the reason she couldn’t enjoy her meal. He should have spoken up when Lily first invited them to their table before they even walked over, but he’d hoped Melanie’s reticence would dissolve under a group setting.
He hadn’t counted on sitting directly next to her in such a small booth. He’d erroneously assumed Lily would sit next to Melanie and Dan would sit next to him. Was Melanie as aware as him of each time their arms unintentionally touched and brushed against each other? Every time she turned her head, he could smell the sweet scent of lavender.
Insanity was only a step away. Everything in him wanted them to be together again and share their hopes, dreams, and lives. He wanted the freedom to wrap his arm around her and snuggle in the booth. He wanted to take her hand and promise that he would never leave again.
She was so close in proximity, but so far out of reach. Fresh air. I need air.
He slid out of the booth and mumbled something about forgetting his wallet in the truck. Oblivious to the rain, he sat on the bench out front and leaned over with his palms on his head. Trying to gather his wits, he took a deep breath and sent a prayer heavenward.
Peace surrounded him as he was reminded that God is in control. He went back inside and took his spot in the booth. His food waited for him, and the savory aroma made him realize how famished he was. Conversation diminished as everyone ate their meals. Even Melanie managed to take a few more bites, he observed with pleasure.
Helen came to clear empty plates and offer refills. “Still want that apple streusel?”
Lily glanced at Melanie. The tension between them was evident. Melanie hesitated, but to his surprise, answered that she still would like a piece.
“Would you gentleman like anything?” Helen looked at Dan, then him. “We have apple streusel as our dessert special, but also have chocolate cake, cherry pie, and sweet potato pie.”
Zach was encouraged that Melanie ordered dessert. At minimum, it had to mean she didn’t hate him to the point she couldn’t stand to be near him. He tried not to read much from a simple action, but hope flickered within him. She still hadn’t
said a word directly to him this evening beyond granting permission to share the booth, but at least she was willing to extend the meal.
“I’ll have a slice of sweet potato pie with an extra dollop of whipped cream.” Next to their crab cakes, sweet potato pie was a Sally’s specialty. The recipe came from the original owner’s Pennsylvania Dutch roots and was closely guarded by the owner’s family.
Dessert arrived quickly along with the coffee they all decided would go well with it. Melanie laughed—dare he call it a giggle—and the group all turned with questioning eyes. She’d been silent since his arrival, save a few comments here and there, and her laughter surprised him. Dan and Lily, also, based on their surprised expressions.
“What’s so funny?” Dan asked.
Melanie pointed to Zach’s face. “You have whipped cream on your nose.”
She started to reach up, then jerked her hand down as though realizing what she’d been about to do.
Without fanfare, he grabbed his napkin and wiped it over his nose. His eyes locked with Mel’s and, for a second, he forgot all that had transpired between them. For that moment, they were old friends sharing a meal.
“This has been a long day.” Lily let out a yawn. “I think I will head home.”
“Me, too.” Melanie didn’t waste time agreeing to end the meal.
Helen walked past a nearby table, and Dan waved her to their booth. “Can we have our checks, please?”
“Sure thing.” She pulled four slips of paper from her apron pocket and distributed them. “How was dessert?”
“Fantastic as usual.” Dan pointed to his empty plate. “Ate it all down to the last crumb.”
Once their bills were paid, there was no reason to linger. Zach moved out of the booth, giving Melanie space to exit.
“We’ll talk more tomorrow,” Lily whispered as she gave Melanie a sisterly goodbye hug.
