by Teri Wilson
Peggy chuckled while she stirred a spoonful of sugar into her mug. “That Eve. She’s really something. She loves you like a sister, though. You may not know this, being an only child and all, but sisters can be bossy.”
“Yea, I’ve actually picked up on that.” Goldie patted the cushion on the sofa next to her, and Bliss hopped up, snuggling between the two women. “What in the world do you think she’s going to say to Josh?”
“I have no idea, but it was nice of her to offer to talk to him and explain the situation.”
“You do think she’s going to tell him the truth, right?” Goldie frowned, suddenly wondering if Josh would waltz through the library door again tomorrow morning. Maybe she should have been more insistent about talking to him herself.
Peggy waved a hand in the air. “Don’t worry. She gets it now.”
While she appreciated Peggy’s confidence, Goldie wasn’t quite so sure. “You really think so?”
Peggy reached over and squeezed her free hand. “Yes, dear, I do. Anyone could see your feelings for Joe when you talked about him earlier at dinner. It was written all over your face, child.”
Embarrassed, Goldie stared at her tea, and then realized she wished it were coffee.
Thankfully, Peggy changed the subject. “So, do you think you’ll be going back to Eve’s church this Sunday?”
“No!” Goldie blurted out, a tad too quickly. “It would be awkward, with Josh there and all. Besides, it’s not the right place for me. I think I might try Joe’s church. They have a service right on the beach. Doesn’t that sound nice?”
Peggy nodded thoughtfully. “It does.”
Goldie gripped her mug tighter. She hadn’t planned to talk to Peggy about Care Group tonight, but she’d already confessed to Eve and admitted her feelings for Joe to everyone. She may as well keep on putting herself out there. “Unless…”
“Unless what, dear?”
“Unless you would let me come back to Care Group.” She took a breath and kept talking, before Peggy could answer. “I’ve started a new job at the library. I told you how much I care for Joe. You wanted me to get a life. Well, mission accomplished. I think you should let me come back. I’ll even wear real clothes.”
Peggy looked at her with solemn eyes over her cup of tea.
“Please,” Goldie added, this time nearly choking on her emotions. “I won’t bring Bliss, either.”
Peggy sighed and Goldie’s heart sank. Sighing was not good. Not good at all.
“Yes, you certainly have accomplished a great deal in the short time since we last talked about Care Group.” Peggy sipped her tea and Goldie couldn’t help but notice the older woman’s gaze turn in the direction of the closed door to her Grandpa’s bedroom.
Goldie had to suppress the strong urge to stomp her foot and argue that they never really talked about Care Group. If memory served, Peggy had done the talking and Goldie just stood on the outside of the house begging to get in. She didn’t recall having a say in the matter at all. But, acting like a child and throwing a fit was no way to prove she had moved on and gotten a life.
Also, what did Peggy mean by short time? It hadn’t seemed short to Goldie at all. In fact, it seemed more like an eternity since she’d laughed and prayed with her older friends in the comfort of Peggy’s warm living room. The stinging humiliation of peering inside the barely open crack of Peggy’s front door and finding out she wasn’t welcome was still fresh in her mind, however.
“Don’t forget I also went to visit another church,” Goldie added, wanting to emphasize the most spiritual aspect of her moving on status. Never mind that it was a complete and utter disaster. Some things were better left unsaid.
“Honey,” Peggy tore her gaze from Grandpa’s door and looked at Goldie, her eyes filled with sympathy. It was an expression Goldie had grown accustomed to seeing in recent weeks. “There’s more to moving on than actual movement. Sometimes the best way to move on is by sitting completely still.”
Sitting still? You mean I could have stayed right here on the sofa watching television? She must be crazy. That made no sense at all. “Peggy, I’m not at all sure what you mean.”
Peggy closed her eyes and held one palm up toward the heavens, as Goldie had seen her do many times before at Care Group. “Be still and know that He is God.”
“Psalm 46?”
“That’s right.”
“I still don’t get it.”
“Goldie, with all this moving on that you’ve been doing, have you taken the time to talk to God? To really hash things out and let him know how you feel?”
How did she know? Was Goldie wearing some sort of sign around her neck that advertised the fact she was barely on speaking terms with God at the moment? “He’s God. He already knows how I feel.”
“Yes, yes He does.” Peggy nodded. “But He wants to hear about it from you.”
Goldie knew she was right. They’d discussed this exact fact in Care Group many times before. She knew God wanted to be in a relationship with her. He knew all about her cares, her hurts, her deepest desires without her ever saying a word. But as her Heavenly Father, He wanted her to come to Him with these feelings. This could only mean one thing—the Big Conversation. The one she’d been avoiding as best she could. The mere thought of it caused a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.
Goldie’s voice cracked with emotion, and she instinctively plunged her hand in the softness of Bliss’s fur. “It’s just so…hard.”
”I know, dear.” Peggy laid a comforting hand on top of Goldie’s.
Goldie felt Bliss’s soft heartbeat pumping beneath her palm and the warmth of Peggy’s hand resting on hers. The feeling brought her great comfort, and she closed her eyes, wishing she could stay there as long as possible.
“You’ll get there. When the time is right, you’ll pour your heart out to Him.” Peggy squeezed her hand and then rose from the sofa, preparing to leave and walk back to her house next door.
Goldie stood and carried the teacups to the kitchen before walking Peggy to the door. When she found herself wrapped in Peggy’s arms for a goodbye hug, she didn’t bother asking again if she could come back to Care Group. She knew the answer already.
Cup of Joe
Inspirational romance, Christian romance, Christian fiction, romance novel, christian romance novel, teri wilson, white rose publishing
Cup of Joe
Chapter Eleven
Goldie wrapped a silky lavender polka dot scarf around her ponytail and tied it in a loose bow. There. She was ready. All of Bliss’s training items were packed in a small backpack by the front door—treats, her Rally Obedience rule book, a collapsible water bowl with bottled water. She was dressed in soft, faded jeans, a comfy violet sweater and sneakers. Harold had a strict rule about all the students in obedience class wearing sneakers. He didn’t want any of the handlers to accidentally step on a dog’s foot in hard-soled shoes. As soon as Joe got there, she’d be ready to fly out the door. Goldie glanced at her watch.
Yep, he should be here any minute.
She took in an excited, shaky breath and checked herself in the mirror one last time. Even though she’d seen Joe every day this week, when he’d kindly brought her a nice, warm Goldie’s Latte Macchiato to the library, she still felt a nervous thrill while she waited for him to arrive. They were going to dog training class, just like last Saturday. Only this time, he was picking her up so they could ride together. Which made it seem more like a date than ever!
Even though she’d been expecting it, the sound of Joe’s knuckles knocking on the front door startled her so badly she nearly jumped out of her skin.
Calm down.
She took a deep breath, smoothed her ponytail and swung open the door.
“Hi Joe,” she said, rather breathlessly.
“Hi.” Joe’s voice carried a hint of gruffness and Goldie noticed his gaze dart to her polka dot scarf.
“Is that what I think it is?” She pointed to the paper cup in
his hand.
He grinned. “No, Miss Smarty-pants. As a matter of fact, it’s not.”
Goldie’s stomach flipped a little at the sound of his flirty tone. “You mean that’s not a Goldie’s Latte Macchiato you have there?”
“Nope.” He shook his head. “This is the weekend. I thought I’d bring something a little more…” He paused, and then finished with, “playful.”
“Oooh. That sounds intriguing.”
“Here.” He held the cup toward her. “Try it and let me know what you think.”
Goldie took a tentative sip from the cup’s straw. A rush of ice-cold, whipped sweetness filled her mouth, with just a hint of coffee. The chill tickled her nose and she rubbed it with the tip of her finger.
Joe’s grin grew wider. “Did the cold catch you by surprise?”
“It did.” She took another sip, this time prepared for the icy tingle on the tip of her tongue. “But this is delicious. Absolutely wonderful, almost like a milkshake. What is it?”
“A whippaccino.” He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans and his grin wavered, a sheepish expression washing over his features. “A Blissful Whippaccino, to be precise.”
Oh, wow. Goldie suddenly had trouble swallowing the cool, creamy drink. She couldn’t help feeling the tiniest bit exhilarated.
It’s one thing to have a yummy coffee drink named after you. It’s quite another to also have one named after your dog. Quick. Think of something clever and cute to say.
“Um, that’s so, so…nice.” Ugh. Goldie could have cringed at her tragic lack of skills in the flirting department.
Fortunately, Joe didn’t seem to mind at all. In fact, he practically beamed at her pleasant response. “I’m just glad you like it.”
“I do. Very much.” She took another sip from her straw.
“So, are you about ready for class?” Joe nodded toward the car, where Java waited with his head poking out the back window.
“I sure am.” Goldie slung her backpack over her shoulder and pulled the door shut behind her.
She skipped down the front steps, but when she was about halfway to the curb where Joe’s car was parked, she realized Joe wasn’t beside her. “Joe?” She turned around and saw him still standing by the door, his soft, brown eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” he asked, his lips twitching at the corners.
“I don’t think so.” Goldie unzipped her backpack and took a quick inventory. Everything appeared to be in order. She even had extra treats in case anyone in class ran out.
Joe walked over to where she stood, still peering inside the backpack. With a gentle touch, he moved her silky bow to the side so he could whisper in her ear. His breath danced on the sensitive skin of her neck and he said only two words, “Your dog.”
“Oh!” Goldie shrieked and dropped her backpack on the ground with a thud. She ran back to the house, a distinct burning sensation crawling up her neck and settling in her cheeks. She could hear Bliss scratching at the other side of the door. “I’m coming, Bliss.”
The Cavalier launched herself into Goldie’s arms as soon as the door opened. Goldie gave her a kiss on top of the head. “I can’t believe I forgot you. I’m so sorry.”
Mortified to her very core, Goldie turned and walked back toward Joe, who stood holding her backpack and whippaccino. His expression bordered on one of immense pain. She could tell he was doing everything in his power not to burst out laughing. Goldie had to hand it to him. He was doing a good job. His lips sat in a mostly-straight line, but his warm brown eyes danced with mischief. “All set now?”
“Um, yes.” Goldie peeked at him through the fringe of her lashes. If she looked him straight in the face, her cheeks just might spontaneously combust. “I think I have everything now.”
“Then, shall we?” He made a sweeping gesture toward his car and, as if they’d rehearsed it, Java woofed from the backseat.
Goldie and Joe laughed at the big Husky while they climbed into the car. Thankful for the diversion, Goldie took a deep breath and tried to relax. Her growing feelings for Joe were sending her into a tailspin.
Dear Lord, please. Don’t let me do anything stupid.
It was a simple prayer, but she figured God would understand.
ef
Joe drove the short distance to dog training class, wishing somehow he could make the trip take longer. He didn’t want the drive to end. How many times had he dreamt about having Goldie here by his side, her sweet-smelling perfume filling the air? The inside of the car suddenly seemed smaller, and Goldie was so close. Close enough for him to hear the rise and fall of her breath and to feel the heat of her embarrassment over forgetting her dog.
The memory of her startled gasp when he whispered in her ear made him smile. She’d been nervous. Otherwise, she never would have left Bliss behind. He wondered what it meant. Hope lingered in his thoughts, buoyed by the realization that he’d seen none of Josh since that first day at the library. Not only had Josh failed to show up again, but Joe could tell Goldie wasn’t even expecting him to waltz back through the door. Every morning when he’d delivered her coffee, her gaze had remained focused squarely on him. It never wavered. Her blue eyes took him in. Him alone.
So, did that penetrating gaze have anything to do with her nerves this afternoon? Could it be possible she felt the same skittering thrill deep in her bones that he knew so well? Lovesick, some people called it. Yes, it was an affliction he’d grown accustomed to in recent months. Hoping to gather enough information to make a similar diagnosis in Goldie, he stole a glance at her sitting quietly beside him.
It was hopeless. In the fleeting glimpse, all his attention was drawn to the tiny white dots on the violet scarf wound around her hair. They danced in time with the hum of the car engine and, all at once, Joe could once again feel the smooth silk of the fabric against his fingers like when he’d moved her bow to the side so he could whisper in her ear.
He clenched his fist and dug his nails into the palm of his hand. Perhaps he should spend less time worrying about Goldie’s nerves and more time keeping his own in check.
“Are you OK?” Goldie’s gaze landed on his fist.
Joe relaxed his grip on the steering wheel and cleared his throat. “I’m great.”
And it was true. With her sitting beside him, he couldn’t be better.
ef
Bliss tugged at the end of her leash, dragging Goldie toward the door of the Community Center. Goldie shook her head in amazement. “It’s incredible how much strength a twelve-pound dog can muster when she’s anxious to get somewhere.”
Joe chuckled. “Yea, it looks like Bliss is excited to be back at class.”
She’s not the only one.
Goldie’s heart swelled as they walked into the Community Center together and were met with friendly greetings from Harold and all the other students. As much as she enjoyed working with Bliss, she had to admit part of the appeal of training class was the way everyone looked at her and Joe. As though they were a couple. Like they belonged together.
“I know you’ve been busy with your new job this week. Have you had a chance to practice?” Joe asked as he stuffed Java’s treats into the pocket of his jeans.
“Oh, yes.” Goldie untangled Bliss’s leash and wound the excess length carefully around her left hand. “We’ve been working hard. We wouldn’t want to disappoint you.”
He winked at her, causing her knees to quake. “Impossible.”
“OK class,” Harold’s voice boomed from the center of the room. “Let’s get to work. Why don’t you put your dogs in their crates and come walk the course?”
Goldie zipped Bliss into her portable crate and set her leash on top. “You be a good girl. I’ll be right back.”
Bliss just peered through the mesh door of the crate as Goldie turned to follow Joe and the other students to the center of the room. Behind the white lattice ring gates, Harold had set up another course made up of a jumble
of signs and orange traffic cones. Only this time, Goldie knew what it all meant. In addition to practicing obedience skills with Bliss, she’d also been studying the rule book Harold had given her. She found it to be somewhat easier than it looked. Once she’d learned what most of the symbols meant, like the stop and the curving arrows, the signs were rather easy to decipher.
As she and Joe moved closer to the Start sign, he placed his hand in the center of her back in that protective gesture that she loved so much. “Ladies first,” Joe murmured with a flash of his pearly white teeth.
