Cherished

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Cherished Page 15

by Kim Cash Tate


  As others surrounded Kelli, Heather heard her ringtone and stepped away to grab her purse from the floor. Missed call from Logan. Her brow creased. She hadn’t expected to hear from him today. She’d assumed now that he’d sort of handed her off to Cyd, his Christian duty done. She dialed him back, leaving the family room so she could hear.

  “Heather, are you home?” he asked.

  “No, I’m at Cyd’s house.”

  “Two days in a row, huh?”

  “They’ve been really good to me, but what’s up?”

  “Guy on the worship team can’t make the Cards game. He gave me his tickets, but it starts in less than an hour. Wondered if you’d like to go.”

  “Is that baseball?”

  There was a pause.

  “Seriously?”

  “What? There’s a Cardinals football team in St. Louis too.”

  “ . . . that left in 1987. Didn’t you grow up here?”

  Heather laughed. “I never paid much attention to sports.”

  “You think?”

  “Okay, smarty . . . you can see I wouldn’t exactly be the best sports companion. You might want to ask some others and use me as a last resort.”

  “Already did. You kinda are the last resort.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “Just sayin’.”

  Heather thought a moment. “Well. This wouldn’t be a date, would it?”

  Logan paused. “Can’t say I’d thought of it that way, so no. Been awhile since I considered myself on a ‘date.’”

  Same was true for Heather. Guys were interested in hooking up with her, not dating. “Okay, then. Long as you don’t mind telling me what’s going on. I should have it down by the ninth quarter.”

  “Ha-ha. Makes more sense to pick you up from Cyd’s and shoot downtown, if you don’t mind leaving your car.”

  “Sounds great. See you.”

  TWENTY MINUTES LATER, THE DOORBELL RANG AS BRIAN was saying good-byes in the foyer.

  “Wonder who that is,” Cyd said.

  “Probably Logan,” Heather said. “We’re going to a baseball game.”

  “You’re headed to Busch Stadium?” Lindell asked. “They’re playing the Reds today. Sweet!”

  Brian was closest to the door, so he opened it. “Hey, man,” he said. “Saw you at the conference. Love the praise and worship at church, but we haven’t formally met. I’m Brian.”

  Logan stepped inside, shaking his hand. “I’m a fan. Love what you do. We should get together soon.”

  “Thanks. Definitely.”

  While Logan exchanged greetings with Cedric and Lindell, Heather said her good-byes to the women.

  “Hope you don’t mind if I leave my car outside your house a few hours,” she told Cyd.

  “ ’Course not,” Cyd said. “Have a good time.”

  Stephanie glanced between Heather and Logan. “Hmm.”

  Cyd pushed her. “Mind your business.”

  Heather smiled. “I know what you’re thinking—but it’s not like that. For some reason, God’s just giving me real friends. I’ve never had that.”

  Stephanie came closer. “If God’s giving you real friends like him, girl, you know you’re blessed.” She peered over at him. “Our family has known Logan for years. He’s a really good guy.”

  “I’m so glad you came over,” Kelli said, hugging Heather.

  “I would’ve been mad if I missed it. Now I can say I was one of the first to hear the hit song ‘I Will Love You.’”

  “Whatever.”

  “Seriously. And I’m expecting big things from the rest of the songs you two will write.”

  “Yeah, well, I’m not sure yet about any of it,” Kelli said. “But if it does work out, would you consider doing background vocals? Cyd said you’ve sung some beautiful solos at church.”

  The question took Heather off guard. “That would be a dream come true. But much as I’d love to say yes, I’m still feeling like music is a no-go for me right now.”

  “Heather, we’d better leave,” Logan said, turning from his conversation with the guys.

  They said good-byes and scurried out. Logan opened the passenger door, and Heather got in, then watched him walk to the driver’s side. When they were on their way, she said, “Hey, I just learned something else about the new Heather.”

  He glanced at her. “What’s that?”

  “I used to get this skitter thing whenever I saw you. You know, because you’re so cute.”

  He tossed his eyes in embarrassment. “Wait. Used to?”

  “Yep. Skitter’s gone. Just noticed it. Guess I really am starting to see you as a big brother.”

  “Cool. Never had a little sister. Maybe God thinks I need one.” He paused, rubbing his chin. “That was off the cuff, but there’s probably truth in it. I don’t have any women in my life who I really talk to. Maybe because women tend to make it known that they’re interested in me romantically. I only share that to say I think I’ve put a wall up—or maybe God put it up. Until I’m ready for a serious relationship, I don’t see the point in letting anyone get close.”

  Heather stared at him, appreciating his honesty.

  “So, seems like God is up to something here,” Logan said. “Who knows? Maybe He wants to show you it’s possible to have a man in your life who doesn’t have an agenda. And maybe He’s taking my wall down a bit. I spend a lot of my time ministering to people, but funny thing is, I don’t have to share a whole lot of myself. Maybe I’ve gotten too comfortable with that.”

  “I noticed that in the choir,” Heather said. “You were always there, always available, but it was also clear you kept your distance.”

  Logan grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Yeah, betcha didn’t know that beneath the praise-and-worship leader exterior was a big kid who could spend hours at the go-kart track or Six Flags.”

  “Now we’re talking,” Heather said. “No offense to the love-of-sports thing, but I’d go-kart racing in a minute and I could ride the Screaming Eagle all day.”

  “Is that your favorite too?” He looked at her. “Every year they’ve got some newer, fancier roller coaster, but give me the Screaming Eagle over all of them.”

  “Well.” She looked at her watch. “Don’t know if you realize it but it’s August. Park’s only open a little while longer. And I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been this year.”

  “I haven’t been in two years. So pack a lunch because when we go, we’re staying all day.”

  Heather laughed. “Any chance we can ditch the ballpark right now for the amusement park?”

  “Not on your life.”

  “WOO-HOO!”

  Heather high-fived Logan, and they came to their feet with the rest of the crowd, pumping fists and cheering wildly as the ball sailed clean over the wall.

  “Grand slam, baby!” the guy behind them yelled. “How ya like them apples?”

  Heather peeked at the guy to her left. A Reds fan, he’d been battling the guy behind them throughout the game. Until this moment Cardinals fans had been dejected, thinking the game lost, and Mr. Reds had been talking trash. Now he was the only one around them still sitting.

  “I knew Pujols would knock it out,” Logan said, beaming. “He is such a clutch player. What a way to end it.”

  Pujols did his victory lap around the bases as the music blared.

  “Look at Fred Bird gettin’ down,” Heather said. The team mascot had been major entertainment. “He’s hilarious.”

  They lingered in the celebration a few minutes more, then filed out and up the stairs with the rest.

  “So what’d you think of your first major league baseball game?”

  “Way more fun than I thought it’d be.” She took a sip of the Mountain Dew left in her cup. “There’s so much energy in the stadium, it’s hard not to get into it.”

  “Didn’t hurt that we had primo seats either. I didn’t realize we’d be so close.”

  Logan guided her through the throng, past
the concession stands and wastebaskets overflowing with empty popcorn tubs and hot dog wrappers, until they found the exit doors closest to where they’d parked.

  “And thanks again for the shirt,” she said as Logan held the door. She’d changed in the bathroom and stuffed the one she’d had on into her purse.

  “You’re welcome. Had to get you in the spirit.”

  They strolled down Broadway, the late afternoon sun following overhead.

  Logan gazed over at her. “So . . . just curious . . . why’d you want to make sure this wasn’t styled as a date?”

  “Remember in Indy we prayed about God’s plan for me? And you said pay attention to the ways God might respond, how He might lead me?”

  “I remember.”

  “Well, I started reading John, like you suggested, and . . . it may sound weird, but I feel like I’m actually spending time with Jesus. And the more I know about Him, the more I want to know.” She shrugged. “So I’m thinking that’s the plan right now. Not music or romantic involvement with a man. Just hanging with Jesus.”

  A smile lit his face. “I am so excited for you,” he said.

  “Why?”

  “I can see that fresh wonder in your eyes. There’s nothing like being rocked by Jesus. And you never know what He’ll do or where He’ll take you. So get ready for the ride.”

  She turned that over in her mind. She’d been thinking she might need to get used to the idea of staying at the dentist’s office the rest of her life . . . which wasn’t so bad. But what if something totally new and unexpected unfolded? “Whatever’s in store,” she said, “I just want Jesus with me.”

  “That’s a given,” Logan said. He poked out his lip. “But what about your bro?”

  Heather chuckled, her heart lighter than she could ever remember. “I hope Jesus brings you along too.”

  eighteen

  THEY SAT TIGHT IN THE BOOTH TUESDAY NIGHT, DANA, Phyllis, and Cyd on one side, Stephanie and Kelli on the other. Cyd didn’t know how the arrangement worked itself that way, but she was sure it had the effect Dana wanted. She could practically ignore Cyd from her position.

  So far there’d been light banter about the Maggiano’s menu, but with orders placed and the server gone, they were set to focus on one another and the news Kelli waited to share.

  “Quick housekeeping question,” Phyllis said. “Last couple of DF gatherings have been over a meal, which is great, but when’s our next real meeting? I miss the Bible study.”

  “You’re right,” Cyd said. “We’ve gotten off track. I miss it too.”

  Dana lifted her water glass. “I figured you didn’t have time for two Bible studies, so DF was on hold.”

  Cyd glanced over at her. “I always have time for DF. We should plan the next meeting before we leave.”

  “Great,” Phyllis said. “Okay, I cannot wait another second. What’s the news?”

  Kelli sat up, looking into their faces. “I told Brian I’d work with him on his new album, helping to write as well as singing.”

  Phyllis stared. “You just said that so calmly, like it’s no big deal. You’re going to be on the next Alien album?” Phyllis practically screamed it, albeit with an inside voice. “Cole will absolutely flip.”

  “Kelli, this is way bigger than the Monica opportunity,” Dana said. “Talk about answered prayer. And I’m so excited you’ll be singing. I love your voice.”

  “Thank you, but like I told Brian, I’ve got a lot of reservations. If it looks like we can’t work together, I’m bowing out.”

  “Wait . . .” Phyllis frowned as she broke off a piece of bread. “A little over a week ago you couldn’t stand to look at Brian. How did things change?”

  “Well . . .” Kelli was obviously measuring her response. “I was upset with him about something in the past, but a series of circumstances made me see he deserved forgiveness like everybody else.”

  Cyd wanted badly to look over at Dana to see if she might have made a hint of a connection, but she kept her eyes on Kelli, who continued.

  “Around that same time, Brian heard ‘I Will Love You’ and wanted to do a remake. He asked me about it, and we recorded it that same night.”

  Phyllis’s mouth dropped. “You already recorded a song? I know it’s fabulous.”

  “It’s still weird for me,” Kelli said, “hearing my recorded voice. But I guess it turned out okay.”

  Stephanie gave Kelli her familiar look. “I don’t know what she’s talking about—‘I guess it turned out okay.’ The song is blazin’.”

  “You’ve heard it?” Dana asked.

  Stephanie glanced at Cyd and Kelli. “Was I not supposed to say anything?”

  “It’s fine,” Kelli said. She looked at Dana and Phyllis. “Brian and I played it for them on Sunday. We’re not sure when we’ll let others hear it. There’s a lot of story behind it that we haven’t shared openly yet.”

  Dana nodded. “I understand. Makes perfect sense to let family hear it first.”

  Cyd concerned herself with her water glass.

  “Did Heather hear it too?” Dana asked.

  Eyes went wide around the table.

  “Now, why would you ask that, Dana?” Phyllis asked. “I was hoping we could stay off the subject of Heather tonight.”

  “I’m asking because we drove by Cyd’s house after church so Scott could drop off some stuff he needed to give Cedric. When he didn’t stop, I asked why, and he said that was Heather’s car out front. I figured Cyd must’ve asked her to spend the night after they went to dinner. Maybe she’s part of the family now.”

  “Okay, ladies, we’ve got your yummy entrées.”

  Cyd stared at hers when the server set it down. She always got the same thing—baked ziti with sausage—and it looked delicious. But she thought she’d be sick.

  “Enjoy, ladies!” Their server left them in their silence.

  “Shall we pray?” Phyllis asked. When no one replied, she began, “Heavenly Father, we thank You for this food and pray it nourishes our bodies. And we thank You for Daughters’ Fellowship. You’ve been so faithful to us, and we’re looking to Your faithfulness again. Protect us, Lord, from the enemy’s attempts to divide. Bring peace where he seeks to bring strife. May Your joy be our strength. In Jesus’ name.”

  “Amen,” Cyd whispered.

  Forks clanged as the women tried to busy themselves with their meal—every woman but one.

  Cyd could feel Dana’s eyes on her.

  “Wow,” Dana said. “No one answered, which means Heather really did hear the song.” She shook her head. “So, Daughters’ Fellowship prayed for God to open doors for Kelli’s music, and when He opens the door, she gets to hear it before we do. I find that interesting.”

  Cyd looked to the other end of the booth. “Dana, you don’t know the whole story. Trust me.” She wished she could explain the bond between Kelli and Heather, but that wasn’t for her to reveal.

  “I guess I don’t. But let’s see what I do know. You met with the girl on Saturday, took her to dinner afterward”—she ticked the events off on her fingers—“and hung out with her at your house on Sunday. Maybe I should just leave, and y’all can start a new Daughters’ group with Heather.” A tear fell from her eye. Dana dug in her purse and tossed a twenty-dollar bill on the table.

  “You’re not really leaving, are you?” Cyd asked.

  Dana got up and walked away.

  “Excuse me, Phyl.”

  Phyllis slid out of the booth so Cyd could get out. She caught up to Dana by the bar. “We need to talk outside.”

  They left the restaurant and walked down the sidewalk, away from the people dining outdoors, Cyd praying every step.

  Lord, I don’t even know what to say. Please help me.

  When they had some privacy, Cyd stopped and turned. “Dana,” she said, “please don’t blow this out of proportion. You’re making way too much of this.”

  “Really? She nearly took my husband from me, and now she’s get
ting between me and my best friend.”

  “Dana, that’s nonsense . . . I’ll always be your best friend. You’ve been stuck with me for nearly thirty years and you’ve got at least another thirty to go. I understand you’re hurt, but—”

  “No, you don’t understand, Cyd.” Dana ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. “From the moment her name came up, it was like the scab was ripped off and I started bleeding again. The images of her and Scott are even starting to come back. I need her to move to another universe. I don’t want to see her. I don’t want to hear about her.” She gave a flippant laugh. “But instead, she’s hanging out at your house!”

  “It’s not like that, Dana.”

  “Actually, it is. The reality is that Heather’s world and my world have bumped up against one another—again—and my sanity can’t take it.”

  Cyd waited a few beats. “I know I mentioned this before, but . . . have you ever considered . . . forgiving Heather?”

  “Can’t say I have, no. Why? Thinking about a Kumbaya party at your house for her and me?”

  “It’s not about you and her,” Cyd said. “It’s about you. Forgiveness would go a long way toward your own peace.”

  “I had peace, Cyd, when she was out of the picture.”

  “I’m not talking about that kind of peace. I’m talking about a real inner peace.”

  “Well, pray for me, because I’m not feeling it right now.” She turned to leave. “I just need some time. And space.”

  CYD ENTERED HER BEDROOM AND COLLAPSED FLAT ON the bed.

  “How’d it go, babe?” Cedric lay next to her, watching ESPN highlights.

  “Terrible.”

  He lifted his head and looked at her. “What happened?”

  “Dana and Scott rode past here on Sunday to give you something and saw Heather’s car parked out front. In her mind, Heather’s become part of the family.”

 

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