Pesto and Potholes

by Baganz, Susan M. ;

  “I have a few scratches, and my back and shoulders ache. Those will heal much easier than the emotional wounds.”

  “No doubt. Have the police found Bryan?”

  Renata nodded and took a tentative sip of tea. “Tony restrained him till the police came. He took good care of me.”

  “Bryan. I would never have suspected.” Gabby had been about to take her tea bag out but dropped it back in and the string followed, forcing her to fish it out with her spoon. “Poor Tony. Another friend betrayed his trust. No wonder he was upset.”

  “What you are referring to?”

  “His fiancé deluded him. He’ll have to tell you the rest. It has to hurt to know someone you’ve known for so long is capable of such evil.”

  “How can anyone know the evil lurking in another person’s heart? Don’t we want to believe the best in people? Too often I’ve been guilty of placing my trust too fast, too soon, and in unsafe places.”

  “I guess you are right. Am I to assume he’s in jail?”

  “Yes, Washington County jail in West Bend.”

  “Good. I’m glad you are not letting him slide by on this. He needs to be held accountable for his actions.”

  Gabby sipped her tea as Renata reached for a plate and used her mini-spatula to serve up a brownie to each of them. Jacob stirred.

  “Oh, here’s my big boy. Are you awake from your nap? Jacob, please meet our new friend, Renata.” Gabby turned her son to face Renata.

  Renata stared as she bit her lip, and the hand in her lap clenched. Her nails cut into her palm. Jacob’s pudgy hands moved about wildly as he tried to reach for his mother’s teacup. He drooled. His almost-bald head had a small tuft of dark hair sticking up. His deep brown eyes were intent on his object as he grunted with his frustrated efforts. Gabby smiled at his antics while pushing the teacup and saucer a little further away, allowing the baby to bat his hands on the wood table. “Would you like to hold him?”

  “Uh, no, but thank you. He’s adorable, Gabby. You must be proud of him.”

  “We tried for three years before this little miracle joined us. I’m grateful to God for this blessing and pray He gives us more. I’m behind the ball when it comes to having children in my family. Has Tony told you how prolific our siblings have been?”

  Renata smiled. “I think he mentioned nineteen nieces and nephews total?”

  “Yes. It’s crazy and wonderful. I hope you can meet the rest of our family. They are dear to me. My siblings are my best friends, although Tony is probably closest to me, which is why I take such interest in his personal life. Can you love too much, though?”

  “I don’t know. They sound wonderful.”

  “You’re tired. I’ve overstayed my welcome. Thank you for letting us visit. Call me if you need anything.” Gabby pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from the diaper bag and wrote out her phone number. “Seriously. Anytime. I’m occasionally up at night with my little man.” She gave a noisy kiss to Jacob’s cheek and settled him on her shoulder.

  “Thanks for coming, Gabby. I appreciate your concern, and I’m sure I’ll have no trouble polishing off those brownies.”

  Gabby and Renata stood, and Gabby reached over to give Renata a hug. Jacob clutched a handful of Renata’s hair and yanked. Gabby pried his hand loose. Renata was disturbed but smiled as she walked Gabby to the door and let the two of them out. After she had shut and locked the door, Renata slid to the floor with her back against the solid wood and wept. If my daughter had lived...“Should-have-beens” stabbed like a knife in her already-bruised heart. The pain of the past few years, mingled with the trauma of the previous night, left her a puddle.

  She finally managed to stand up, grab a box of tissues, and made her way back to bed. She hugged her pillow close to her chest and cried herself to sleep.

  * * *

  Saturday dawned cold and dreary, with more rain. Renata drove her rusty, old, red 4x4 to the bank and prayed that, emotionally, she could hold it together until the doors closed at noon. The rain kept customers away, and she caught up on work. She returned phone calls. She managed to set up appointments for the next week and kept up a good professional façade. She didn’t want anyone to suspect the inner turmoil with which she struggled.

  She grabbed her raincoat to head out for the weekend when her cell phone beeped. Stephanie had texted.

  Lunch, on me—De Luca’s. When?

  Renata smiled. Why not? Going home was only going to provide opportunity to sulk. She figured she could go home and change out of her dress and pumps for the late lunch.

  Gotta change—1. Okay?

  Fine. CU soon!

  Renata had not seen Stephanie since Thursday night. Lunch could be fun. She needed a few laughs. She wondered if Tony was working. Would she see him? A small shiver of delight coursed through her veins at the thought.

  Renata arrived at De Luca’s five minutes early, and Stephanie was waiting for her. They sat at a table overlooking the lake and gazebo. Even in the gloomy rain, the spot looked idyllic. Geese wandered around the pathways and left mementos of their visit. A few trees had started to change to their fall colors. She loved autumn in Wisconsin. She shuddered at the realization that November would be upon them before they knew it and would bring painful anniversaries.

  With Stephanie smiling from across the table, Renata chose to set thoughts of the past aside and enjoy lunch at one of the Milwaukee area’s most celebrated restaurants with food made by their premiere chef—Antonio De Luca.

  “What are you in the mood for? Anything you want, it’s yours. There are your classical Italian dishes available, but also gourmet style dishes I highly recommend.”

  Renata smiled. “My favorite Italian dish has always been angel hair pasta with a creamy pesto sauce. Next to spaghetti and meatballs of course.”

  “Would you want meat, chicken or shrimp on that?”

  “Scallops?”

  “Now you’re talking, girlfriend!” Stephanie motioned for the waitress, a young woman who introduced herself as Allie and brought them water and freshly baked bread before taking their orders.

  “How was the bank this morning?”

  “Slow, no one wanted to come out of their vehicles in this rain. Makes me wonder what they’re like when it snows.” They both laughed.

  Lunch remained lighthearted, with talk about the city, activities coming up they might consider attending and possible movies they might want to see based on People magazine’s latest reviews.

  * * *

  Tony knew Renata was dining with Stephanie. Under normal circumstances, as the lunch hour wound down, he would go out to visit. Today, the most he could bring himself to do was catch a glimpse of them through the glass in the kitchen doors. Why was he nervous? She was a woman. He never experienced this around Steph or his waitresses. He glanced through the window again.

  Renata looked good, dressed in cream-colored cords, brown boots, a brown sweater, and a multi-colored scarf. What was it about her that drew him? He shook his head. There was no room for a woman in his life, and he reminded himself again of Stacy’s deception. Tony turned away and distracted himself with work. Saturday evenings were often the most hectic of the week, and there was a lot of prep work to finish.

  He hoped Renata liked his creamy pesto. It was one of his personal favorites.

  * * *

  It continued to rain on Sunday morning, and Stephanie’s car refused to start. They took the truck to church, and Renata made sure to wrap Tony’s sweatshirt tightly in a plastic bag to keep it dry. They sat in the same place as the previous week, but now people she recognized, and who remembered her name, greeted her. She was amazed at how many names she could recall. As they settled in their seats to wait for worship to start, they were joined by Gabby and Paul, as well as Sharon, Pastor Dan’s wife. Pastor Dan was leading the worship band and singers. Everyone hemmed Renata in, safely and securely. Valued. Her eyes watered because it was such a singular realization.

  She bo
wed her head and prayed to settle her spirit and prepare for worship. She smiled that the God who called her “friend” would provide many people around her to be “Jesus with skin on.” It was sweet. Maybe her healing would be possible here.

  She knew the moment Tony arrived. She watched him slide into their row next to his brother-in-law. She glanced at him throughout the service, which made it difficult to concentrate when Senior Pastor Drew came center stage to give the message. One time, Tony caught her looking and winked at her. After the service, Sharon wanted to take Renata to the elders who were off to the front side of the sanctuary so they could pray for her. Renata’s back twinged as muscles tightened and a flash of pain wavered at her temples. She tried to resist, but Sharon insisted and Stephanie encouraged her to go. Her mouth grew dry and her hands shook, but she agreed. The genuine concern from these men she had never met before overwhelmed Renata. By the time she left the prayer huddle, all pain had vanished as a deep peace washed over her.

  Coming out to the atrium, Renata found Stephanie talking with Gabby, Paul, Tony, and Pastor Dan. Sharon accompanied her but extracted her husband from the group after he managed a short greeting. They both left, as he needed to gather with the worship team for the next service.

  “Good morning, Renata. How are you doing today?”

  “Fine, thank you, Gabby, and you?”

  “Jacob was fussy during the night. I’m tired today. I’m even thinking of skipping a visit to my family so I can take a nap.”

  Renata tried to keep her eyes off Jacob, who slept propped up against his father’s chest. She swallowed hard and mentally shook herself. She remembered Tony’s sweatshirt. “Tony, I brought you back your sweatshirt. I washed and repaired it. Thank you again for loaning it to me.”

  Tony took the plastic package with his one free hand. “Not a problem.”

  “I was going to take Ren out to Holy Hill for a hike today, but the trails will be too muddy. Popcorn and movies will be our exciting afternoon,” said Stephanie.

  “That sounds like a nice way to spend the day. But movies? What about the Packer game?” Tony asked.

  “I enjoy watching the Packers play, but don’t understand the game well. I enjoy it more when I’m with a group of people. It’s fun to listen to the cheering and groans and armchair quarterbacks. While I might peek in at the game, it will not consume three hours of my Sunday.” Renata surprised herself with the length of her little speech.

  Tony and Paul looked startled, and Gabby laughed.

  “I think my husband and brother believe you have spoken heresy. Football is like breathing to them. They love the game. However, I’m with you. It’s more fun to watch surrounded by men like them because they provide entertainment.” Gabby, Stephanie, and Renata giggled as the men continued to look at them openmouthed.

  “Entertainment? We supply entertainment?” Tony sounded incredulous, but nudged Paul. “I guess I can settle for being entertaining, can’t you, Paul? Never thought to hear we were more fun to watch than the Packers.” Tony winked mischievously at Renata. “Someday, you’ll have to come and be a part of my noisy clan as we watch a game.”

  Stephanie laughed. “If you want to scar her for life, yes, introduce her to your entire noisy family.” She turned to Renata. “You would have trouble focusing on the game if you were to watch all of them.”

  Paul protested. “Come on, Stephanie, since you’ve never experienced all of us together, how could you know what it’s like?”

  Stephanie had a saucy grin on her face. “Paul, I’ve met the De Luca clan. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture what you would be like during a game.”

  “Ouch, direct hit, Paul,” giggled Gabby. “You are totally spot on, Steph. They are wild.” She looked at Renata. “It is definitely not a sight for the faint of heart.”

  “That is taking things too far, Gabby. Sometimes I think you girls are louder than the guys when cheering on the green and gold.” Tony sipped his coffee.

  Gabby looked unrepentant. “Maybe, but they need all the cheerleaders they can get if we want them to go to the Super Bowl.”

  Renata laughed. “Sounds like a fun time, and I wish you a wonderful afternoon.”

  “If you wanted to join us, you would both be more than welcome,” said Tony.

  “I can’t speak for Ren, but I think I’ll skip it this time. It’s a sweet offer, Tony.”

  “I’ll hang at home with Stephanie today, but I promise, in your honor, to check in on the game and imagine the chaos taking place at your house,” said Renata.

  “Wow, Tony,” said Paul, “your good looks, our family, and the Packers cannot entice this woman. You have your work cut out for you.”

  Renata blushed and lowered her eyelids. She suspected Tony watched her, and it made her uncomfortable.

  “Maybe some other time? Cut her some slack, Paul. We have described to her major pandemonium, not the most appealing venue in which to meet our brood.”

  “I didn’t mean to offend. It’s just…I’m not sleeping well. I hope to get a nap in this afternoon,” Renata stammered.

  Tony leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Monsters?” The furrows between his eyes evidenced his concern.

  Renata nodded and turned toward Stephanie. “We should get going.” She glanced at Tony, Gabby, and Paul. “I have a roast in the slow cooker that will be ready when we get home. I’m getting hungry.” Her stomach growled to confirm her statement, and they laughed. She glanced at Tony, leaned in, and placed her hand on his forearm. “Speaking of food, I had the best creamy pesto ever yesterday at a sweet Italian restaurant. They have an amazing chef.” She smiled and winked as she leaned in closer to whisper. “I love the smell of garlic.” With that parting salvo, she turned and walked away.

  Stephanie raced behind and grabbed her arm as they walked to the lobby and coat racks. “Ren, were you flirting with Tony?” She smiled and whispered in her ear. “He would be perfect for you.” Renata stared and scowled at her friend, warning her to back off.

  * * *

  Tony watched the women walk away as Gabby tilted her head and glanced at him. “I think she likes you.”

  Renata had surprised him with her remark. Her sincere compliment pleased him. He glanced at his sister. “What’s not to like, sis? I have good looks and can cook. I’m the total package.” She slapped his shoulder lightly as they all laughed.

  Tony didn’t laugh for long as he watched the girls walk out the front doors. Was he good enough for someone like Renata? Would he ever be able to overcome her monsters? What about her made him want to? He shook his head. He didn’t know the answers, but he knew the One who did. That would take prayer.

  * * *

  Renata had shocked herself by the way she talked to Tony. She never flirted. She had no desire for a boyfriend. She had vowed she would never marry again.

  Men scared her. From her experience, few were trustworthy. But maybe, just maybe, there were some good guys out there?

  I thought that was true with Mick, too, and found out how wrong I was.

  Tony is attractive and kind, but that didn’t mean he would be good to her. Stephanie had mentioned his temper at work. Renata saw firsthand how forceful he could be in a rage. But that was directed at evil. He was considerate of me and my needs. She shook her head. Sometimes life was too complicated.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  The rain finally let up by Wednesday morning. Tony dragged himself out of bed and got ready to meet some men from church at a little Greek restaurant in Menomonee Falls. It was their regular spot to meet, with inexpensive but good food. He looked at his watch and headed out the door. He hoped the rush hour traffic was over so he could make good time.

  Dan, Nick and Simon waited for him in their usual booth.

  “What’ll ya have, handsome?” asked the cheeky waitress named Clarisse.

  “Hey, beautiful. The usual—coffee and one of those fabulous Greek omelets with tomatoes added please,” Tony responded.

&n
bsp; “Hash browns?”

  “You bet.”

  Clarisse took off toward the kitchen, and Tony turned his attention to his accountability group.

  “Tony, how are you, man? Dan was telling us there was a problem Thursday. Care to talk about it?” Simon was an older gentleman, close to fifty, and had been married thirty years. This group had walked Simon through his cancer scare and job fears. Simon, a man of godly character, had been an elder at the church. Tony knew this was not about gossip.

  “I caught Bryan about to rape a young lady I had brought to the bonfire. He’s in jail.”

  “Oh, well, that’s as clear as mud, man. I think we were asking how you are. Care to talk about that?” The questioner this time was Nick, a guy about his own age who had been married three years.

  “Truth?”

  They all nodded.

  Clarisse stepped up to bring the food, and the men all waited while arranging their plates. Dan bowed his head to pray over the meal, and the men once again looked at Tony.

  “Well?” asked Pastor Dan. He was probably thirty. He and his wife, Sharon, were childless because of health issues.

  Tony sighed. “I can’t imagine Bryan being capable of such evil actions that he nearly destroyed an innocent woman, and at a Christian social gathering. God only knows how long it will take her to get over the trauma, even though Bryan didn’t succeed. I thought I knew him. I trusted him. How was I so blind to this defect in his character?” Tony growled as he attacked his omelet with his fork and more force than necessary.

  “How’s the girl?” Simon inquired.

  “Shaken up, but I think she’ll recover. I managed to catch him in time, but he had been rough with her. If his goal was to humiliate and crush her, he had a good start.”

  “I cannot imagine how I would feel if someone did that to Angela. I don’t doubt you wanted to kill him, Tony,” said Nick.

  “Kill? No. But I did use force to get him off of her. My temper flared big time, but I don’t think I did any lasting damage. He was a friend for fifteen years. How could I have trusted someone like that?”