She found the critter in one of her flower beds, digging a nice little hole. “Oh, no you don’t, mister. You’re going back inside to pester your owners.” Lisa picked up the pup and marched over to the other unit. She was about to knock on the door when she saw a note stuck near the door knocker with tape. Squinting, she read it aloud: “To Lisa Brooks: This is to inform you that we can’t pay the rent this month, so we moved out this morning while you were at church. We are moving in with my folks, but can’t take the dog with us, so I hope you’ll either take him in or find the mutt a good home.”
Lisa slapped her forehead and groaned. It was bad enough the young couple had moved out with no advance notice, but to leave the dog behind, expecting her to take care of it was unbelievable. I wonder what state they left the place in. I’ll need to get the key and let myself in so I can take a good look around each room. She held the pup securely in her arms. What were those people thinking? How could they abandon this poor little thing?
With a sigh of resignation, she picked up the pup and headed back to her place. For now, she would keep the critter, but as soon as she could find him a good home, he’d be gone. She had no time or patience for a pet.
When Lisa entered the house, an idea formed. This coming Saturday she’d be attending her third cooking class. Perhaps one of Heidi’s other students would like a dog.
Canton
Todd yawned and stretched his arms over his head. He’d slept in this morning and had spent the afternoon watching TV. It felt good to do nothing and answer to no one once in a while. The past week he’d tried out a couple of restaurants and written his review of each one. The first place he’d visited served French cuisine, and the other was a bistro a friend had told him about. He’d seen a young woman there who reminded him of Lisa Brooks, only her hair was a lighter shade of blond. Ever since his friend’s wedding, when Lisa walked off the dance floor, Todd had thought about her. He wondered if he ought to look up her number and give her a call to apologize for his remark about the food at the reception. According to the bride and groom, Lisa had rushed off without even saying goodbye.
Todd got up from his chair and ambled out to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Maybe he would go out later to look for some new shirts or a pair of slacks. Todd liked the attention he always got from the female store clerks. Of course, in all likelihood, they were only trying to get him to part with his money. Todd preferred the specialty shops tucked away in the mall. Catering to himself could almost always pull Todd out of the doldrums. He’d put Lisa out of his mind for the time being and concentrate on other things. He would see her at the cooking class this coming Saturday; then he could apologize for his unkind remarks. Maybe I’ll arrive early for class and wait in my car until Lisa gets there. Sure hope she’s willing to talk to me.
Chapter 17
New Philadelphia
Hey, how are you, and what brings you by my place this evening?” Bill’s friend Andy gave him a big grin and opened the door wider.
“Came to give you this.” Bill handed Andy a loaf of friendship bread, along with a jar of starter. “I learned how to make this at the last cooking class and wanted to share a loaf with you. Was planning to give it to you and our other hunting buddies on Thanksgiving weekend but decided to come on over and give it to you now.”
“I appreciate the bread, but what’s in here?” Andy squinted at the jar.
“It’s the starter, so you can make more bread if you want.”
Andy shook his head vigorously. “You know I don’t cook.”
“Well, maybe one of your daughters might be interested in making the bread.”
“Yeah, could be.” Andy motioned with his head. “Come on in and stay awhile. I’ll put on a pot of coffee and we can have some of this bread.”
“Sounds good.” Truth was, Bill wanted to discuss a few things with his friend about their upcoming plans to go hunting. Sunday evenings were always kind of boring for him, so he was glad he’d found his friend at home.
Andy led the way to the kitchen and told Bill to take a seat at the table, while he placed the friendship bread and starter on the counter. “I’ll get the coffee going before I cut the bread.”
“I have a better idea. I’ll cut the bread while you make the coffee.” Without waiting for his friend’s response, Bill grabbed a cutting board and knife and sliced several thick pieces of bread. He placed them on a plate and set it on the table.
“Do we need butter or jelly to go with it?” Andy questioned.
“Only if you want some. The bread’s plenty moist, and as far as I’m concerned, there’s no need to put anything on it.” Bill glanced over at Andy and grinned. “I’m kinda glad Heidi taught me and the other students how to make this bread; you’re in for a treat.”
A short time later, they both sat at the table, drinking coffee and eating friendship bread. “You were right. It is good bread, and it’s plenty moist.” Andy smacked his lips. “I hope my daughter Jenny uses the starter and makes another loaf or two. Maybe I oughta share it with one of our buddies.”
“You can if you want to, but I’m planning to serve some of the bread when we all go hunting Thanksgiving weekend.”
Andy’s forehead wrinkled. “Uh … about our plans …” He paused and took a swig of coffee. “I can’t make it this year.”
Bill’s jaw clenched as his shoulders slumped. “How come?”
“Well, the thing is …” Andy paused once more and picked up another piece of bread. “I’ve been invited to eat with my daughter April and her family so—”
“Not a problem. You can come up to my cabin after the meal, just like you always do.”
Andy shook his head. “You didn’t let me finish.”
“Sorry. Go ahead.”
“We won’t be eating at April’s house this year. Her husband booked flights for all of us to go to Disney World.”
Bill’s neck muscles tightened as he tipped his head to one side. “You’re going to Orlando for Thanksgiving?”
His friend gave a nod. “I would’ve said something sooner, but I just found out about it yesterday, when April dropped by to see how I’m doing.”
Bill squeezed his fingers into a fist until his hand ached. He was tempted to ask Andy if he’d consider saying no to the plans his son-in-law made, but it wouldn’t be fair. Andy’s family had always been tight-knit—even more so since his wife, Nadine, died. Many times Bill felt envious of this; especially since he and his son rarely saw each other. Guess I should be glad Brent is coming to visit me next month. But at least it’s not on my hunting weekend.
Andy leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “You okay with this, buddy? You look sorta down in the mouth right now.”
“It took me by surprise, that’s all.” Bill lifted his shoulders in a brief shrug. “It’s been a tradition for all of us to meet at my cabin on Thanksgiving weekend, but don’t worry about it. Your family comes first. I’m sure the rest of our hunting buddies won’t let me down.”
Walnut Creek
“What are you doing?” Lyle asked when he entered the living room with two mugs full of hot apple cider. He handed one to Heidi and took a seat beside her on the couch.
She smiled and placed it on the coffee table. “I’ve been going through yesterday’s mail. Found a letter from Ron Hensley mixed in with the bills and advertisements.”
“Is that so? It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Ron. What’s he up to these days?
“He’s working part-time at the Walmart store in his hometown. Best of all, he’s made amends with his children and even apologized to his ex-wife for everything he did to hurt her in the past.” Heidi pointed to Ron’s letter lying on the small table beside her coffee cup. “He says even though there’s no chance of him and his wife getting back together, at least they can be cordial to each other from now on.”
“Good to hear. Is he still seeing a counselor to help with his post-war trauma?”
“Jah. He mention
ed that, too.” Heidi reflected on how things were when Ron first showed up at their house asking for a place to park his motor home. She’d been surprised when he’d decided to join her first group of students for lessons in Amish cooking, and even more surprised when, several weeks later, she’d learned that Ron had stolen some things from their house and barn. Thanks to a scripture Heidi had written on the back of a recipe card she’d given her students after one lesson, Ron found forgiveness for the hurtful things he’d said and done to many people after leaving the Marine Corp, following his tour of duty in Vietnam. Several others who attended Heidi’s first set of classes had also been affected by the scriptures she’d shared, not to mention a bit of mentoring from her along the way.
Of course, Heidi took no credit for any of it. If lives were changed, the glory went to God, for only He could change a person’s heart and give them a new lease on life. She felt thankful for the opportunity to share God’s love with others, and even more appreciative when someone responded to His calling. With this second group of students, she’d not seen any progress in a spiritual sense yet. But that wasn’t to say it wouldn’t come, for they still had four more cooking classes to get through. During those weeks, anything could happen.
Millersburg
“You look tired, honey. Why don’t you go on up to bed?” Nicole’s dad leaned down over the couch and tapped her shoulder.
Nicole held up her history book. “I can’t go yet. Gotta test to take tomorrow, so I need to study awhile longer.”
His brows furrowed. “Shouldn’t you have done that sooner? You’ve had all weekend, and it’s not good to wait till the last minute to cram for a test.”
Her teeth clamped together with an audible click. “I haven’t had all weekend, Dad. I’ve been busy with other things—like cooking meals, washing clothes, and keeping my sister and brother entertained so they didn’t get on your nerves while you were watching your favorite TV shows.” It irritated Nicole that Dad couldn’t see how hard she’d worked over the weekend, with so little time to herself. “Now that Heather and Tony have gone to bed, this is the first chance I’ve had to crack open my history book.”
“If you’d said you had homework sooner, I’d have taken the kids out somewhere to give you a break.”
Before Nicole could comment, the doorbell rang. Dad rose from his chair. “I’ll get it.”
A few seconds later, he marched back to the living room, eyes narrowed and ears flaming red. Nicole cringed when she saw who’d walked in with him. “Tonya. What are you doing here?”
“Came to see you and my other two kids. And don’t call me Tonya.” Nicole’s mother’s words slurred as she staggered toward the couch. “How have ya been Nicki?”
Nicole sat up, folding her arms tightly across her chest. “My name’s not Nicki.” She hated the nickname her mom had given her. It made her feel like she was a little girl. Well, I’m not. I am practically a grown woman, and I’m doing your job, Tonya. Nicole bit her tongue to keep from spewing the words out in her mother’s face.
“You’ve obviously been drinking, Tonya.” Dad moved closer to her. “You’re not supposed to show up at this house unannounced. What brought you here anyway?”
“I just told ya. Came to see my kids.” She plunked down on the end of the couch by Nicole’s feet.
“Tony and Heather are asleep.” Dad moved toward the door leading to the stairs, as if to block the way in case Tonya decided to head in that direction.
She released an undignified belch and didn’t even bother to excuse herself.
Nicole wrinkled her nose when the smell coming from her mother’s mouth reached her nostrils. The odor of alcohol was so disgusting. Nicole sat up and turned her head away. A desire to flee the room was intense. She’d always hated it whenever her mother drank—not just because of the putrid odor, but because of how Mom acted when she’d had too much to drink. She became obnoxious and loud, often cursing and sometimes slapping the kids for no good reason.
“I don’t care if Tony and Heather are sleeping.” Tonya’s voice raised a notch. “I have a right to see my kids whenever I want.”
Dad shook his head. “No, you don’t. You gave up that right when you ran out on your family. Do I need to remind you that when you filed for divorce, you agreed to give up all rights to the children?” His nostrils flared. “I’ve been kind and let you visit some weekends, but only when you’re sober. You should not have come here tonight.”
Tonya’s face flamed, and she leaped to her feet. “Is it any wonder I left you, Mike? You’re a mean man.” Teetering back and forth, she lost her balance and fell back onto the couch.
“Dad’s not mean.” Nicole felt the need to defend him. Tonya had no right coming here and pointing fingers at Dad. He was a good parent, doing the best he could to raise his children. Tonya, on the other hand, didn’t deserve the title of Mother.
Nicole’s mom sneered at her. “You stay out of this, young lady.” She blinked several times. “And why aren’t you in bed, missy?”
Nicole pointed to her history book. “I’m studying for a test.” Holding her nose so she wouldn’t gag, she added, “Your breath smells terrible.”
As if she hadn’t even heard, Tonya turned away from Nicole and focused on Dad again. “Are you gonna get Tony and Heather outa bed so they can give their mother a kiss, or not?”
He shook his head, looking more determined than before. “I want you to leave, Tonya, and don’t come back to this house unless you’re sober.”
Nicole struggled to keep from shouting, “Don’t come back at all!”
Tonya lifted her chin, baring her stained teeth—teeth that used to be pearly white before she started smoking and drinking. “Don’t tell me what to do, Mike. You are not my boss. Y–you have no control over me anymore.”
“I never did. If I had, you wouldn’t be in the mess you’re in right now. You would have gone for help, like I wanted you to.”
Dad’s last statement seemed to enrage Tonya, for she hauled off and slapped his face. When it looked like she might hit him again, he grabbed hold of her wrist. “Enough, Tonya. It’s time for you to go.”
“Yeah, Mom, please go.” Nicole spoke softly, hoping to calm her mother down. The last thing they needed was for Heather and Tony to wake up. They shouldn’t see their mother acting this way. For that matter, as far as Nicole was concerned, they shouldn’t see her at all. She wished Tonya would leave and never come back. All she ever brought with her was trouble.
Dad took Tonya by the arm and led her firmly to the front door. “Do you have a driver who’s sober, or should I call you a cab?”
She sneered at him. “Arnie’s waitin’ for me in the car.”
“Okay, good. And the next time you want to pay the kids a visit, please give me a call.”
Nicole felt relief when her mother went out the door. The whole episode had shaken her badly. She set her history book on the coffee table. There was no point in trying to study anymore. All she wanted to do was go to her room and hope that things would look better in the morning after a good night’s sleep. Of course, it was doubtful. Short of a miracle, nothing would ever seem right in Nicole’s life—not with the way her mother was. The best she could hope for was that Tonya and her new husband would move out of town and never be heard from again. She sighed deeply. But that will probably never happen. Tonya is so mixed up and miserable. I think she wants to pull us all down so we’ll be unhappy right along with her. Well, I’ll show Tonya. I don’t know how, but I’m gonna make something out of my life someday, and I don’t need a mother to do it.
Chapter 18
Dover
Using her key to the other half of the duplex, Lisa opened the door and stepped inside. The evening shadows had darkened the entryway, so she flipped on the light switch. With the exception of a few scratch marks near the bottom of the front door, everything looked okay.
She made her way to the kitchen, but when she entered the room and turned on the l
ight, Lisa’s mouth dropped open. In addition to the refrigerator door hanging wide open, there was food on the table and dirty dishes in the sink. Her renters had not bothered to clean out the refrigerator or clear the table before moving out, and didn’t even care about leaving grimy dishes behind. Since she’d rented the place furnished, Lisa was anxious to see what condition the living room and bedroom had been left in.
Upon entering the living room, she leaned against one wall and groaned. The leather couch had several holes; the carpet was stained; and the rocking chair, which she’d bought used but in good condition, was missing an arm.
Her jaw tightened. It seemed the young couple with exceptionally loud voices didn’t care any more about the furniture in this home than they did their marriage. Several old newspapers were stacked on the coffee table, and when Lisa picked them up, she noticed a large scratch gouged in the finish. It would take considerable sanding and varnishing to fix a mark that deep.
She ground her teeth together. How could anyone be so careless and disrespectful of someone else’s property? I certainly made a mistake renting to them.
Moving on to the bedroom, Lisa found it also to be in disarray. The linens and bedspread, which had also been included with the furniture, had been stripped from the bed and lay in a tangled heap on the floor. The mirror above the dresser bore a huge crack, as though someone had intentionally thrown something at it. The bedroom carpet was also stained, and what appeared to be fingernail polish had been spilled on one of the nightstands.
Shaking her head in disbelief, Lisa clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. She’d have to do a lot of cleanup and perhaps pay for some work to be done before she could rent the unit out again. And then there was the yappy pup she’d left tied up in her yard. Lisa hoped once more that she could find the little fella a good home, because she certainly couldn’t keep him, even if he was a cute dog.
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