He flipped open his phone. “Ravyn. I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.” He cleared his throat after the pointed remark. He’d only been trying to reach her for three days.
“Very funny.”
Mark grinned, stood, then stretched out on his bed while he talked. “So what’s up?”
“This is going to take awhile.”
He glanced at his wristwatch out of habit more than anything else. “I’ve got some time. What’s on your mind?”
“Well, first I want to apologize for not showing up at your party Sunday afternoon. I was in Chicago. I found Shelley.”
“I figured. But I also know you weren’t happy with me last week—”
“Yeah, I’m sorry about that, too. I guess I was puzzled when you were short with me in the hallway and then—”
“I had the neuro team hassling me about that patient we had in the ER, the one with the neck injury. As for Carla,” he added, guessing her thought process, “I was witnessing to her, Ravyn.”
“I’m not surprised.”
Mark went from feeling defensive to defused by her agreeable reply. He’d fully expected her to challenge him. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. It’s just been a rough weekend.”
He listened as Ravyn began telling him about her friend Shelley, how she was in the throes of overcoming a drug habit, how she had a ten-year-old son—named Marky.
His gut lurched as possible allegations flitted across his mind. But an instant later, Ravyn quelled his mounting concerns. Shelley kept in touch with the boy’s father, whose name just happened to be Mark.
Ravyn went on to explain how Shelley met the guy. “Do you remember him?”
“Vaguely.”
“Well, that’s more than I remember of him.”
Mark pieced the circumstances together. On one hand, he could see how the case of mistaken identity occurred. On the other, he felt the sting of injustice and it wounded him to realize that Ravyn had struggled to believe him these last two months.
“I couldn’t leave Shelley and Marky in that sweltering dump of an apartment. It was worse than any of the low-income units I lived in as a child. So I brought them back with me. Shelley really wants a chance at a new life, except—we already had an argument over cigarettes. I told her I wouldn’t pay for them and Shelley’s going crazy. She wants to smoke so badly that she’s snapping at Marky and me. It’s all I can do to keep my patience.”
“There are over-the-counter remedies that might help Shelley.”
“I know. I plan to pick something up for her when we go to the store this afternoon. She’s making a grocery list right now. That’s why I thought it’d be a good time for me to sneak out onto the deck and call you.” A moment’s pause. “Believe it or not, I didn’t phone you to discuss Shelley and Marky.”
“Oh?” He stared at the familiar white ceiling and wondered at the reason for her call. Did she need a favor?
Mark’s pride cried out for retribution. Hang up on her! What-ever she asks, refuse!
However, the better part of him knew that if it were within his power, he’d help her any way he could. He cared about her and nothing she said or did would change the fact.
“What did you want to discuss?”
“Actually. I need to tell you something.” Another pause. “I want you to know how truly sorry I am for—well, for jumping to conclusions and thinking the worst about you right from the start. I was so wrong.”
The apology quieted his nagging indignation.
“I’ve done some soul-searching these past three days and God showed me that I’ve been selfish, angry, skeptical, bitter, and, well, maybe even jealous.”
He grinned. Maybe?
“I hope you can forgive me.”
His grin became a smile. How could he not forgive her? The Lord wouldn’t allow it, and neither would his heart.
“All’s forgiven.”
He heard her expel a sigh. “Good. I know you leave tomorrow and—”
“Hey, how ’bout if I bring over a movie and a couple of pizzas?” Suddenly Mark didn’t feel ready to wrap things up and say good-bye to Ravyn. He sensed their relationship could take a turn for the better, and he hated to miss an opportunity to see her again before he left Iowa. The fact she admitted to “maybe” feeling jealous encouraged him in a weird sort of way. “Do you feel like some extra company?”
“Sure. I could use some Christian reinforcement. And Marky will be happy with pizza. The kid eats nonstop.”
“Good. Then it’s a plan. I’ll be over about six.”
The conversation ended and in one swift move, Mark sat up and bounced off the bed. Pocketing his cell phone, he walked downstairs and informed his great-aunt that he wouldn’t be home for dinner. Then, with renewed enthusiasm, he finished cleaning out his desk drawers.
Seventeen
Sitting cross-legged on her sofa, Ravyn sent up a quick prayer while Mark explained the way of eternal salvation to Marky. After viewing a Christian movie about a boy with cancer who had one last wish to learn how to bull ride, Marky was full of questions. Even though Ravyn knew her walk with the Lord wasn’t what it ought to be, she’d experienced the reality of her faith time and time again, and she prayed Marky would come to know Jesus in a personal way, too.
“God loved all of us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, from heaven to save us.” Mark sat on the floor as he spoke. He appeared relaxed in his tan cargo pants and striped vintage-style cotton shirt, which he wore untucked; however, Ravyn sensed his zealousness. “Just like the character in the movie pointed out, we’ve all done things that are wrong and that’s why we need the Lord.”
“I thought Jesus Christ was a swear word,” Marky admitted.
“Well, it’s a sin to take God’s name in vain,” Mark explained. “People take God’s name in vain when they use Jesus Christ as a swear word. But if we’re talking about Him and how He’s the One who saves us, then it’s okay to say His name.”
“Oh.” Guilt reddened the boy’s face before he looked over at his mom as if for confirmation.
“It’s true.” Shelley dabbed her eyes, wet, in part, from the movie’s sad ending. “I should have told you about the Lord a long time ago, Marky, but I was—” She barely eked out the rest of her sentence. “I was living a life far away from God.”
Marky appeared both uncomfortable and confused. He turned to Ravyn. “Can I have another piece of pizza?”
“Sure.” She gave him a smile. “Help yourself.”
He shot up from where he’d been sitting on the floor, grabbed his paper plate off the coffee table, and dashed into the kitchen.
“This is all foreign to Marky,” Shelley said. “I don’t think he’s ever been to church in his entire life. And don’t say it.” She held her hand up, palm-side out. “I know it’s my duty as his mother to teach him about God, but I haven’t exactly been on my job and I take responsibility for it.”
Mark stood. “I wasn’t about to condemn you, and I doubt Ravyn would, either.”
“She’d have good reason.” Shelley stared at the tissue box in her lap. “You both would.”
“Don’t start in on yourself again.” Ravyn reached across the length of the sofa and touched Shelley’s shoulder. “You took a wrong turn in life, but you’re headed in the right direction again.”
“I agree.” Mark stretched. “It’s good you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions.”
Marky reentered the room. “Hey, can I see what else is on TV?” He picked up the remote with one hand and took a bite of his pizza with the other. A juicy piece of sausage tumbled onto the light-colored carpet. It bounced, leaving two blotches of greasy tomato sauce on Ravyn’s expensive area rug.
“Oh, now look what you did,” Shelley said. “Where’s your plate?”
“I didn’t think I needed it,” Marky replied with his mouth stuffed.
Ravyn swallowed down her sudden impatience and steered the ten-year-old back into
the kitchen. This isn’t the kid’s first spill, she reminded herself as she grabbed a handful of paper towels and pulled out the spray bottle of carpet cleaner from under the sink, and it won’t be the last.
Without a word, she scrubbed out the spots before they became stains. Meanwhile, Shelley asked Mark various medical questions.
“I want to quit smoking for good, but I don’t want to get fat. I heard people gain a lot of weight when they give up cigarettes.”
Ravyn pressed her lips together and congratulated herself on her restraint. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell Shelley that she could use a few pounds on that bony body of hers.
Lord, I’m feeling bitter-spirited. Take it away and give me Your peace.
She reentered the kitchen and tossed the paper towels into the garbage.
“Sorry, Ravyn.” Marky stared at her with wide, repentant brown eyes.
Her heart softened. “It’s okay. It’s just a rug.” She tousled his dark hair. “When you’re done eating, wash your hands, and then you can watch TV, okay?”
He nodded before taking another bite. His expression said all was right in his world again.
Ravyn realized, and not for the first time, that he was basically a nice boy. He just needed love and discipline—and lots of patience.
She stooped to put away the carpet solution and saw that Mark had followed her into the kitchen.
“It’s after eight thirty. I need to get going. My plane leaves early tomorrow morning.”
Ravyn stood slowly to her feet. She was surprised at the swell of disappointment mounting inside her. She pushed out a smile. “I’m glad you came over. Thanks for bringing the pizzas with you.”
“You’re very welcome.” He inclined his head toward the door. “How about if you walk me out?”
She had secretly hoped he’d ask. “Sure, but let me get something first.” She traipsed to her bedroom and made her way to the dresser, where she lifted a small gift-wrapped box from its polished surface. While out grocery shopping this afternoon, she’d managed to stop at the mall and pick up a congratulatory present for Mark. It wasn’t especially unique or expensive, but she hoped he’d like it.
She carried it in one hand discreetly at her side as she backtracked down the hallway.
“Keep the DVD,” she overheard Mark say. “Watch it as much as you want to.”
Marky shrugged a reply, seeming more interested in his cold pizza.
Meanwhile, Shelley climbed off the sofa and gave Mark a hug. “I wish you all the best.”
“Thanks—and I’ll be praying for you.”
“Good. I need it.”
Ravyn headed to the door, opened it, then she and Mark walked in silence to the elevator. Ravyn pressed the button to call the car to her floor.
“I’ve got to hand it to you,” Mark said at last. “You’re a brave woman to take on a Goliath of a project such as Shelley and her son.”
“I’m not brave. I’m scared to death.”
The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside.
“Could have fooled me.”
Ravyn didn’t reply but watched the illuminated numbers above the doors go from 3 to 1. When they reached the main floor, the elevator stopped and the doors opened.
“My advice, not that you’ve asked for it or anything. . .”
Ravyn grinned.
“Keep your eyes on Christ and you’ll be fine. Remember Peter when he wanted to walk on water like the Lord? Jesus said, ‘C’mon.’ So he did. But the moment Peter doubted, he began to sink into the sea. Jesus had to pull him to safety.”
Ravyn listened as they strode through the bright lobby. She remembered the biblical account.
“I think sometimes when God allows us to do great things for His glory, we start doubting and sink before accomplishing the mission.”
She cast a glance his way. “Do you ever doubt your calling?”
“More times than I’d care to admit.”
Ravyn suddenly regretted all the negative remarks she’d made. She certainly wasn’t an encouragement to him.
“As for your situation, it looks like things have fallen into place. You have a plan, and Shelley seems both willing to go along with it and grateful for the help.”
“Yes, she does.”
Ravyn herself had much to be thankful for, particularly after her dad came up with “the plan” to which Mark referred. As of tomorrow morning, Shelley began her new secretarial position under the direction of Joan Drethers, the pastor’s wife. Joan ran the office at the church Ravyn’s parents attended and she needed assistance. She’d also earned a degree in biblical counseling years ago, so the setup seemed perfect. Meanwhile, Ravyn would continue her third-shift position in the ER and look after Marky during the day until school started in the fall. When Shelley came home in the afternoon, Ravyn would sleep and then Shelley would be home at night with her son.
Ravyn only prayed she could occupy a ten-year-old boy for eight hours a day.
They neared the lobby’s front entrance and Ravyn touched Mark’s arm. “Can you spare just a few more minutes?”
“Sure. In fact, I had hoped I’d get a little time alone with you.”
Ravyn wondered at the remark while pointing to a corner where two printed-upholstered sofas and several coordinating armchairs had been placed near the impressive floor-to-ceiling stone hearth. The lobby in each section of this large condominium complex resembled an expansive great room which all occupants could enjoy. Tonight, however, the place was empty except for an occasional passerby.
Ravyn and Mark sat down on one of the couches.
“I bought you something.”
“You didn’t—”
“I know I didn’t have to.” She smiled at his look of embarrassment. “I wanted to.”
“Well, thanks.”
Ravyn scooted sideways and tucked her leg beneath her as she watched him open the gift. A smile curved his lips when he saw the gold-faced watch with its black leather band.
“I realize you might have a bazillion watches. I know I do. But this one is sort of special.” Ravyn pointed out the smaller face within the large one. “It’s like two watches in one, and now wherever you go and whatever time zone you’re in, you’ll always know what time it is in Dubuque, Iowa.”
“Thank you, Ravyn.” Mark leaned over and planted a quick kiss on her cheek. “I’ll think of you when I wear it.”
Now it was her turn at embarrassment, although it was short-lived. Torrents of remorse followed. How could she have misjudged him so completely?
“Mark, I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“I feel like I’ve wasted the last two months when, in truth, I could have enjoyed your friendship.”
“If I hadn’t ruined it by kissing you.”
“Well, yeah.” Ravyn fought off a smile and Mark sent her an amused grin. “But I’ve changed my mind about that—about our friendship.”
“Oh?” Mark arched a brow.
Before she could explain, an elderly gentleman sat down in one of the nearby armchairs and opened the newspaper. With their privacy interrupted, Mark took Ravyn’s hand and stood, pulling her up from the couch with him. He nodded toward the door and she followed him out of the lobby and into the sultry June air. To the west, the horizon was aflame with the last of the sunset as they strolled through the guest parking lot.
“Now, as you were saying—you changed your mind?”
“Yes. It had to do with something Shelley said over the weekend. After hearing about her disastrous relationships, I came to the conclusion that any healthy, meaningful relationship develops from a friendship first.”
“I agree.”
“And, of course, the Lord has to be its foundation.”
“That goes without saying.”
They reached his car and Mark unlocked the door. He placed the gift Ravyn had given him inside and then turned back to her.
“I’m sorry I nipped our—friendship in the bud. But m
aybe it’s for the best since you’re—”
“Headed for the mission field,” he finished for her.
“I was going to say leaving.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
He gave a quick bob of his head, then lowered his gaze. When he looked up again, his gaze held a spark of mischief. He dipped a brow. “Of course there is the fact ye thought I was a black-hearted scoundrel.”
Ravyn laughed at his antics.
“In that case, ye had good cause to sever our friendship,” he continued.
She applauded. “Good pirate imitation, Monroe. My dad would be proud.”
He took a bow.
Again the feelings of regret; they might have had fun together if she’d only given him the benefit of the doubt.
“Are you ever coming back?” The question rolled off Ravyn’s tongue before she could stop it.
“Yeah, I’ll be back.” Mark stepped forward and gathered her into his arms. “Around Christmastime.”
Ravyn wrapped her arms around his midsection. December seemed like a million years away.
“Will you wait for me?” His lips brushed against her temple and then he stepped back. “I’d like a chance to continue this conversation.”
Looking up into his dark eyes, she barely got the chance to nod before Mark folded her into another embrace and pressed a fervent kiss against her mouth. Ravyn’s senses took flight. Suddenly she felt sixteen again.
And then the moment ended.
“I’ll call you.”
Ravyn fought her disappointment.
“You have my cell phone number.”
She nodded. “Take care of yourself.” Her throat felt tight with unshed emotion.
He sent her a smile before climbing behind the wheel of his car. She walked away, unable to watch him go. She made her way to the lobby and, once inside, she strode to the elevators.
As she rode the car to her third-floor condo, Ravyn made a startling self-discovery: She’d fallen in love with Mark Monroe. Perhaps she’d loved him all along.
But now. . .was it too late?
Prescription For Love Page 13
