Could she talk about what happened without falling apart?
In the kitchen, Vivian stirred something in a large black iron pot. “I’m making gumbo. Chicken and sausage. This is perfect gumbo weather. Getting cooler, rainy. Just right. How did things go with Delton?”
Noel plopped on the stool, placed her folded hands on the counter across from Vivian, and sighed. Noel owed this lady an explanation after all Vivian had done for her.
Vivian laid her large stirring spoon on the rest next to her pot. “That bad, huh? Oh, honey.”
Noel tried to speak, but instead of words, sobs burst through her lips. After a moment, she blurted out her heart. “He wouldn’t even…consider me as his daughter. Denied the whole affair with my mother ever happened. But that’s not the worst of it. Justin’s upset with me, and I’ll probably never see him again. My car should be ready this afternoon, and I think I’ll head back home.”
Vivian placed her hand perpendicular to the other in a cross-like fashion. “Time out!” She leaned over the edge and met Noel’s gaze straight on. “What are you talking about? Justin upset. You leaving. Explain.”
Noel took a deep breath. Between sobs, she relayed the events of the morning and about telling Justin the truth about the article. “Vivian, I’m so sorry. I wish I’d never written that dumb article.”
Vivian slid onto the stool and placed her arm around Noel’s shoulders. “Honey, it’s done. Trust me. I know a lot about regretting things from the past. It never helps. Have you considered coming up with a way to make it up to Justin. As I see it, you’ve only told half the truth. Maybe, your readers need to know the truth too.”
Noel stared at Vivian. “You mean let my readers know my real name?”
“Sure, why not? And maybe…” With her index finger, she tapped Noel’s forearm. “Maybe you could do something for Justin. Let them know the truth about him.” She winked.
“Me? What could I—” She smacked her head. “I know. I know exactly what to do.” She kissed Vivian’s cheek. “You, dear lady, are a total Godsend.”
****
Justin’s tightened grip on the steering wheel had nothing to do with the wet roads or his concern for safety. His anger fueled his posture. How could he have been so stupid? To think that he actually thought this gal might be the real deal. Yeah, right. How was it possible that she’d gotten under his skin not once, but twice? Once as Micki Barrett, sports reporter, then again as Noel Winters, heart-stealing beauty.
Maybe this was a sign that he was losing focus and needed to be redirected. Focus, yes. That’s what he’d do. He needed to get ready for spring training, and he’d show everyone that he wasn’t a failure. He had a gift given directly from God, and he would show them…
Conviction wrapped its tail around his heart. The familiar squeeze reminded him what was important.
My gifts are not given to show the world what you can do, but what I can do through you.
He pulled in a deep breath then slowly exhaled. “Forgive me. Lord, I’ll need You both on the field this year and off the field right now. Show me the best way to handle this situation, because I’m pretty sure the way I just acted with Noel was not how You would have me react.”
Maybe he would get a chance to reflect Christ when she came to pick up her car. She’d shown a boatload of courage in telling him the truth. Or had she done it to make sure he didn’t fall for her? Either way, he was responsible for his response, and he’d failed miserably in showing her his Christian faith. So what if she’d written the article? While the words were brutal, they were the truth. He had played like a nervous rookie, regardless of the reason. She’d bluntly stated what she saw.
At the shop, he entered to find Nonc Al under the front of Noel’s car. “How’s it coming?”
“You have perfect timing. I’m done.” His uncle rolled out and faced him. “What you boodayin’ about? Things didn’t go good with Delton?”
How did his uncle do that? One look and he could see right through him. “As we expected. Delton denied everything. Really upset Noel. Randy called as soon as Delton told him. He’s not happy with the way his dad handled things. He wants to investigate further.”
“I know you want to help Noel, but be careful wit’ this. Give Delton time to process what he heard. I know him. He needs to chew on what she told him for a while.”
“You think he may come around?” Justin asked.
“I doubt it, but he won’t let it drop. I’m not sure he’d appreciate Randy’s involvement in this. He’s planning to run for governor next term. No way he’s gonna let someone blindside him. But somehow, I don’t think dat’s all dat’s botherin’ you. What’s da matter?”
His aunt and uncle had gotten very angry when they’d read Micki Barrett’s article. Should he tell them Noel had been the author? Then again, if Noel told Vivian, they would find out. Better to come from him than anyone else.
He sat on the small rolling stool next to his uncle, who sat on the creeper, and shared the truth about the article.
“So Noel is this Micki Barrett, huh?”
Justin nodded.
“Well, I’ll be. She sure is a little firecracker, that one. I never would have guessed dat in a million years. So what else did she say?”
“That she was really sorry.”
“Hmm. Did you forgive her?”
Justin shook his head.
“Well, I didn’t like the way she wrote that piece, but to be honest with you, it was the truth. You didn’t play the way we know you can. It’s up to you to rise above one little article and be the man I taught you to be. Give her a reason to write something better. And I don’t mean to show off on the field. I mean forgive her so she can see the man behind the ball player.”
He’d have to eat some serious humble pie to forgive her and also apologize for the way he acted. But how could he? He doubted she’d ever want to see him again.
Treize
Noel swallowed the last bite of gumbo. Even though her appetite had disappeared, she ate a small serving so as not to hurt Vivian’s feelings. Even Vivian’s festive snowman bowls weren’t enough to pull Noel from the funk she’d settled into. “Very good.”
“You barely ate enough to sustain a bird. I know you’re upset. Tell me. Is there anything I can do? Anything I can say to change your mind about leaving. It’s Christmas. You can’t be alone at Christmas.”
“Well, when Justin calls, would you take me to pick up my car?”
“Normally I would, but Cheryl borrowed mine today. Don’t worry. Justin and Al can deliver it. Maybe give you a chance to talk with Justin then. Please, promise me, no matter what happens with Justin, you’ll consider staying with us through Christmas. I’ll be a nervous wreck worrying about you if you leave sooner.” Vivian’s violet eyes softened with the compassion Noel had seen from this woman on more than one occasion.
“I’m—”
Vivian’s cell phone played an unfamiliar tune. “It’s Al.” She swiped the screen. “Hello.”
Vivian explained her car situation and asked Al if they could deliver it. “Oh, great. Thank you. We’ll be here.”
She ended the call then turned to Noel. “They’re on their way. Thought about what you’re going to do?”
Noel nodded. She’d been thinking about nothing else since Vivian had planted the idea in her head. But would Justin agree to it? He’d been pretty upset with her, and she had no reason to believe he’d want to trust her again.
“I have some cupcakes cooling. Why don’t you help me frost them before they get here?”
Again, Vivian’s phone belted out the crazy tune. Noel would have to remember to ask her about it. “It’s Lark.”
Noel gathered the dishes then began rinsing them. Vivian’s expansive kitchen was a place for someone who loved to cook. She had the latest stainless steel appliances, easy clean granite counters, and wide open spaces for preparing the best dishes Noel had ever eaten. She could get used to the food and hospitality he
re.
Vivian entered the room, her complexion several shades paler, and dropped her phone onto the counter. “It’s Kimmie, Gilly’s oldest daughter. She’s been hit by a car and is in the hospital. They don’t know the severity of her injuries yet, but they’re asking for prayers.”
Noel placed the bowl in the dishwasher. Kimmie had been the one to graciously give Noel a pair of flats. Noel wrapped her arms around her friend and began praying with her.
“That poor girl. Gilly’s been through so much. She’s a twin, you know. Gilly and Jo. That’s short for Josephine. Their mother died when they were twelve. The whole community kicked in to help Francois raise those girls. Then Jo’s fiancé died, and instead of bringing the girls closer, Jo pulled away from Gilly. Growing up, those two were inseparable. Gilly was devastated. Then the cancer diagnosis a few months ago. It’s been hard on the whole family. Gilly is the strong one, the one who keeps everyone else in line. Now this.” Vivian slumped onto the nearby stool. “I feel so badly for Gilly.”
“Vivian, was someone calling your Bible study group?”
“Yes, Lark’s calling everyone. They’re meeting at the hospital.”
“Once Al and Justin get here, we’ll take my car and head there too.”
“That’s a great idea. I’m sure Gilly will appreciate the support.”
Noel finished cleaning the kitchen for Vivian. Once done, the knock they were waiting for sounded. “I’ll get it.” Noel ran to the door. She opened the front door to find Justin standing there. “Something terrible has happened. Gilly’s daughter Kimmie has been in an accident; they’re at the hospital now.”
“That’s awful. Get Cousin Vivian. I’ll drive you both there.”
“Where’s your Uncle Al?”
Justin cast his gaze to his feet. “Um…he refused to drive over with me. Guess, that was his way of making sure you and I talked.”
“Do you want to talk?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yes, we need to.”
“Good, I have something to ask you, and I’m hoping you’ll agree. But for now, let’s get Vivian to the hospital so she can be with the rest of the prayer group.”
He paused for a moment and let his gaze meet hers. “Before we leave, I have to say I’m sorry for how I acted, and I forgive you. Can we start over?”
She stared back at him. “No, we can’t start over.”
His eyes widened.
“We don’t need to start over. We start here. There’s something I want to do to make this up to you,” she said.
Vivian appeared at the door, purse and coat in hand. “Where’s Al?”
“Long story,” Justin said. “I’m driving you two to the hospital.”
****
Once at the hospital, Noel and Vivian gathered around Gilly and her husband, Darryl. They prayed for peace and healing for Kimmie.
When, Darryl and Gilly were called to the back room, the ladies settled in the row of chairs near the door to wait.
Justin and Noel sat off to the side near the windows.
“So what’s this something you want to do?” Justin asked.
Gilly walked into the waiting room. “She’s going to be OK.” Her flowing tears triggered a few others around the room. “She has a broken arm and a slight concussion. They want to keep her overnight, but she should be able to go home in the morning.”
Vivian hugged Gilly. “Thank God.”
Uncle Al and Aunt Cookie exited the elevator. “We got here as soon as we could.”
Cheryl followed closely behind. “Mama, is everything all right?”
Vivian relayed the news. A collective sigh came from both Cookie and Cheryl.
Noel took in the heart-warming scene. These people cared about each other. Not just superficially, but deeply and strongly. Their love was real and powerful. Articles, reluctant fathers, and decades-old love letters paled in importance to what she saw here today. Her heart grieved a little for not having this. This is what she’d always wanted and mistakenly thought an absentee father could give her. She’d placed a huge burden on Delton to live up to her fantasy. It hadn’t been fair to him or her.
She turned to Justin. “I want to write an in-depth article on you. Not Justin the ball player, but Justin the hometown guy who is more than a pitcher. Would you be up for that?”
He sighed and shook his head. A grimace crossed his face. “I don’t know. An article is what got us into this mess in the first place.”
“I understand your reluctance, but I promise, nothing goes to print until you read it and approve.”
He paused a moment, the whole time melting her with the intensity of his gaze. “That’s not it. I’m not sure I want the whole world to know so much about me. I’d hate for my aunt and uncle to be hurt by any of this.”
“We can make it as open as you like. I think it’s important that fans know the real you and the real reason for what happened last summer. But if you don’t want to, it’s OK.”
“Would you feel better if we did this?”
Was he more concerned with her feelings? She nodded. “Yes.”
His gaze enveloped her. “Then I’ll do it.”
Noel’s heart burst with gratitude. He was letting her make this up to him. She had to be careful. Real careful. She could very easily fall in love with Justin Gravois.
****
Justin’s reluctance to work with Noel dissolved when she’d shown her sincerity. He couldn’t say no even if he’d wanted to. There was surely something about this girl. And when she’d explained what she wanted to do, well, he certainly couldn’t refuse. Spending every afternoon with her taking pictures of his favorite places and with some of his childhood friends was a chance to really get to know her on a deeper level. Aside from the Micki Barrett thing, he still wanted to know the real Noel Winters.
Once they left the hospital, he’d brought her back to the shop to get her car. Tonight when she’d driven away, emptiness he hadn’t known before crept in.
The doorbell rang. Who could be here at this late hour? Before long, his uncle appeared at his bedroom door. His eyes fixed and focused. “Justin, Randy’s here.”
Justin followed his uncle to the living room.
Randy stood. “Hey, bro. Think we can talk in private?”
Justin donned his jacket. “Sure, let’s walk to the shop. I have a few things I need to pick up anyway.”
They followed the well-worn brick path from the house to the garage amid the twinkling Christmas lights outlining his aunt and uncle’s house. From a distant neighbor’s yard, Silent Night chimed through the humid air.
In the shop, Justin flipped switches, bringing bright florescent light to the area.
Justin led Randy toward the workbench where he lifted tools and placed them in the toolbox drawers. Randy picked up a couple of wrenches and handed them to Justin.
“What’s up?” Justin asked.
“I think my Dad treated Noel horribly. I want to find out if she’s really my half-sister. Can you help me?”
“Me? How?”
“See if Noel will agree to DNA testing. We can at least find out if it’s likely that we’re siblings.”
Justin moved Noel’s hairbrush he’d left sitting on the counter away from Randy’s view.
“First off, I don’t know if it works that way. And secondly, I think she’s ready to put this behind her. She was pretty upset, and now she wants to move on.”
Randy nodded. “I understand. But maybe I can at least talk with her. Get to know her.”
“Does your dad know you’re doing this?”
“No. He’d probably have a cow.” Randy tucked both hands in his back pockets. “Besides, I’m sure he’s doing his own investigation and won’t bother to tell me what he discovers.”
“Why would you think that?”
“His run for the governor’s mansion can’t be strapped with anything unpleasant. He’ll get to the truth and pay Noel off to keep it a secret. Can’t have his precious reputation t
arnished.” He sneered when he spoke the last words.
Justin leaned back on the counter and faced Randy. “You’re not planning something stupid are you? You could hurt a lot of people. Especially Noel.”
Randy’s shoulders slumped. “No…as much as I’d like to, I won’t. I’m curious is all. It would be nice to know that almighty Delton is not the perfect man he claims to be.”
“Well, perfect or not, he is your father. Talk to him and tell him how you feel. Have you ever done that?”
“No, he’s usually too busy to listen.”
“I’m sure you’ll have an opportunity on your trip to talk with him alone. Give it a try. You might be surprised. I know your dad has some harsh traits, but I can’t believe he’s all bad. No one is.”
Randy remained silent for a moment, taking in what Justin said. “You’re right. I’ll give it a try.”
“If your Dad wants to pursue the DNA testing, make sure he’s the one who asks Noel. Otherwise, I don’t think she’ll consider it.”
Randy walked out into the frigid night while Justin took in the Christmas manger in the yard. Lord, maybe You could stir ole’ Delton’s heart. Let him see what’s important in his life. Like his son, and maybe his daughter.
Quatorze
Noel awoke to the chimes of her cell phone. With Christmas only two days away, she planned a full morning with Vivian and Cheryl helping with last minute wedding preparations and Christmas gift wrapping. And this afternoon, she’d spend with Justin. She would get pictures of his favorite hangouts as a kid. Tomorrow she would interview a few of his high school teachers and coaches.
A fleeting thought pricked. Would she interview Delton as a former employer? Why not? Of course, he was leaving for the mountains today and wouldn’t be back until after Christmas. So he was out. By then, she had hoped to get the stories completed, compiled, and ready to run. The first one would run the first week of January with subsequent stories each week thereafter. The major story would come out during the third week of February when Justin reported for spring training. Since this was his first year in the lineup, he would be moving to the Denver area. That thought made her smile.
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