Jodie's Song (2 page)

 

****

 

Kevin finished the landscaping detail in front of Jodie's unit. He planted phlox of snowy white and deep purple, and then dug holes for hyacinth in shades of pink and lavender and white. The sweet aroma enticed him away from drudgery as he worked the soil and carefully placed the flowers.

While he groomed bushes and raked up debris, he took in the activity going on around him—the transport of a person's life from one spot to the next. A wide dresser passed by on a dolly managed by one of the movers. After that came the large pieces of a dark wood sleigh bed. By the time he laid soil for a batch of snapdragons, a flat screen TV, an oak entertainment unit, a dinette and a set of comfy looking leather furniture had been toted inside by the moving crew.

He didn't see much of Jodie Cunningham, but that stood to reason. Judging by the series of neatly labeled boxes he watched the crew unload and cart inside, she was most likely keeping busy unpacking kitchen items, den items, and if the box markings were any indication, a sizeable selection of CDs and DVDs. The lady liked creature comforts and entertainment but seemed to indulge her passion while at home rather than at theaters, clubs, or concert halls. And he didn't notice any evidence of a ‘significant other' as his Uncle Andy might be inclined to say. That recognition initiated a pleasant prickle along his nerve endings.

The lady is alone.
He chided himself.
Most likely she wouldn't appreciate the idea of a stranger being struck down by some sappy form of hopeful expectation. Are you this lonely? Really?

Scooping a rake full of dry leaves, he dumped the remnants into a tall paper refuse bag, re-centering in a hurry.

But soon Jodie exited her new space and trotted along the pathway that led right by him. Unbound hair bounced against her shoulders. She slipped her sunglasses from the top of her head but didn't put them on quite yet. Their gazes tagged—and she smiled. “The landscaping looks great, Kevin. I really appreciate it.”

“My pleasure. I'm glad you like the results.” She turned toward her car, and he found he hated to see her leave. “I'm looking forward to getting to know you.”

She cast him a quick look that shot a ripple of shyness and uncertainty into the laden air. “Likewise. See you.”

 

 

 

 

2

 

“I'm fine. I'm OK and I mean it, Jodie Ann. I'm still not understanding you. Not at all. You did
not
need to drop-kick your life in Dallas just because of my ridiculous dizzy spell.”

Four weeks had passed since that incident. Now, Jodie perched on the armrest of the sofa in the living room of her childhood home; she pulled in deep, quiet breaths and forced back a groan. Her father reclined next to her, settling in for a nap. He closed his eyes and shook his head, weariness etched into every line in his pale features.

“Pop, it wasn't a dizzy spell; it seemed like a heart attack.” She schooled her voice, maintaining the tender call of her emotions while she banked a building sense of weariness that plagued her mind and body these days.

So much had changed in her life during the past month, at a pace that left her reeling for purchase.

“Call it what you will, but the fact remains. You most certainly didn't need to give up everything you've built on my account.”

Jodie's spirit tightened into a coil. She didn't know whether to hug her father tight or throttle him silly. At present, the pallor of his skin nearly matched the sandy hue of the blanket that covered his body. Worst of all, a level of defeat laced his words, a surrender of sorts. Such a thing was foreign to Jodie's experience. Despite a gruff attitude, her dad was giving in, and that broke her heart.

She covered his hand with both of hers. Meanwhile, her sister, Tracee, delivered a scowl packed with resentment—a resentment Jodie fully understood. Why shouldn't her sister be bitter? From Tracee's point of view, Jodie had made her way to Dallas and become a Christian radio personality in the ‘big city.' Tracee, on the other hand, had raised a family, seen to its welfare, and been their father's consistent source of support. Far less glamorous, but oceans more meaningful from Jodie's point of view.

Jodie understood the launch point of her sister's reaction, but it also tore her apart inside; Tracee's assumptions couldn't have possibly been more erroneous. Loneliness and longing, a spiritual hunger aching to be filled, drained Jodie's heart dry.

Her father didn't seem to have dozed off quite yet. His eyes came open, spearing Tracee. “And you, young lady, tend to panic when you shouldn't. I can manage without supervision.”

Jodie bit her lips together to stem an outcry; she slid off the arm rest and paced. The oval braided rug, which bore a few frayed spots and earth tones that were faded by time, had covered the parquet floor ever since her middle school days. If she listened just hard enough, she could hear the scrape and bounce of a spirited game of jacks. She and Tracee used to love striking up a match on gloomy days. In this space, Jodie could breathe deep and come upon the memory of her mother's rose scent, her mother's smile and the soft touch of her kiss upon a cheek or forehead. Those had been such easy, carefree days.

That was another issue that built blockades between Jodie and her sister. Since Tracee was their father's most ready and convenient target, she tended to absorb the majority of his arrows—arrows full of sadness, desperation, declining health…and fear.

Their father's faith was absolute. Still, as he had said a handful of times since their mom had passed away, no matter how devout his beliefs, that final crossover from this world into God's waiting arms was something he battled within himself.

Jodie exchanged a cautious glance with her sibling and stepped into the fray once more, kneeling near the couch. “Pop, don't be grouchy. Tracee isn't the one who led me here. What brought me back home is the love I feel for you, and for her. She's not the only one who freaks out—and with good reason, I might add—when you pass out at church and your heart goes into arrhythmia.”

That piece of truth drew Tracee's cautious, steady regard. Jodie took hold of her dad's hand, a bit surprised to find it rather cold, considering the rapidly warming temperatures. Instinctively, she slid her thumb back and forth slowly against thin, vein-lined skin.

“This is new territory for us, Dad. You've never endured an episode like this. The cardiologist already had you monitored on a twenty-four hour Holter monitor and you've had an echo cardiogram so we can figure things out and keep you strong.”

He scowled, and shades of his characteristic strength and authority bubbled to the surface. “The doctors said I'm fine.”

“Yes.” Tracee rested her hand on his shoulder. “But they're the ones who recommended the next round of tests. Whether you like it or not, we're going to stick right to you and make sure you're OK.”

We—such a powerful and encouraging word. Strengthened, Jodie's gaze connected with her sister. Subtle lines fanned outward from the corners of Tracee's eyes and a touch of dark color rode beneath them. For everyone's benefit, Jodie pasted on a smile. “Tracee is absolutely right. We're here to help. You need to stay strong.”

****

 

A few hours later, Jodie strolled along the length of her parents' time-worn wraparound porch. A wispy imagining of Kevin Mitchell slipped through her mind as the sky paled, as stars bloomed and hot breezes turned temperate and sweet. Maybe the bed of freshly planted, multi-colored hyacinth she had cultivated today was what prompted her thought pattern toward the handsome landscaper. Perhaps that enchanting scent, coupled with the aroma of a gradually cooling night was what made her think of his approachability and kindness. She smiled, considering the warmth he exuded, his easy presence—because she craved both aspects so desperately right now. She had meant it when she said she looked forward to getting to know him.

Her lips twitched. Sure. Like that could happen. Time crunched, mentally exhausted, over committed, Jodie didn't hold out much hope for anything in the way of new relationships. Something like that would take nothing short of a miracle. Her focus remained on establishing a new life within a stressful set of family circumstances.

Swept into the advancing night, she savored the familiarity of the two-story farm house. Granted, her mother had passed away a full two years ago; still, she considered this place to be
theirs
, and it was the only home she had ever truly known. Laying claim to one of the gliding chairs, she sank into the deep, comfy cushion and tipped her head back, beginning to rock. She closed her eyes, lulled by the peaceful melody of insects and the whispering rustle of a breeze that curved through the tall wild grass.

Odd that Kevin Mitchell came to life in her mind's eye all over again. In peaceful tranquility she swayed in time to her own internal beat and pondered her reaction to his ready warmth. Ease of self—was that it? That's definitely what she had sensed about him straight away.

At times like this, she wished she could rely on a script, on a safe pattern of living where right actions and motivations would lead to fair and just conclusions. Years on the radio had taught Jodie how to present her ideals in a positive and constructive way. Her passion came from sharing God's love with those who listened to her daily program.

But in real life—outside the confines of the studio—matters became much more complicated, especially over the past few years when family issues had become overwhelming.

The rattle of the screen door was followed by quiet footsteps that alerted her to Tracee's arrival. Reluctantly, Jodie lifted her head and waved toward the empty chair next to hers. “Join me?”

“Sure.”

Crickets chirped and a night owl hooted mournfully from the branches of a nearby tree. “Thanks for making dinner tonight.”

“No prob. Thanks for your help in the yard.” Tracee chuckled lightly. “I hate weeding and planting.”

Kevin's slow, easy smile drifted through her heart. Her senses tingled at the impact of those clear brown eyes laced by thick, black lashes. Broad shoulders covered by a thick white t-shirt had added emphasis to his strong, muscular frame, his sinewy arms.

Straightening at once, Jodie forced that mental walk to a stand-still. Was her life such a mixed up mess that she was now prone to fantasizing about a mere acquaintance who simply wanted to be friendly and welcoming? Really, she had been stuck in the single scene for far too long.

Focusing on Tracee, Jodie moved her legs to rock the chair. “Is dad still resting?”

“Yep.”

A brief silence sang with the sound of creaking metal that came from their gliders. “Are you and Ryan excited about the move to Corpus Christi?”

“In a way.” Tracee blew out a breath and stretched her legs. “It's exciting, but right now, as far as I'm concerned, his transfer to Corpus is just another layer of stress in my life. Alex and Melissa are understandably freaked out about the change and the idea of leaving behind their schools and friends.” She sighed, lifting her face to a cooling circuit of air. “Change seems to be the mile marker of our lives these days, huh?”

“Too true.”

Silence passed in time to the rhythm of the encroaching dark, until Tracee spoke again. “I know I haven't been very kind to you lately, Jodie. I haven't acted like it, but I do realize everything you've sacrificed.”

Jodie offered no immediate response to the low-spoken comment. She was surprised by the direction of their conversation and knew she had to say something. “You've done just the same.” Tracee didn't look her way, but Jodie knew her sister well enough to read an undercurrent of tension. “You have this idea that I've sacrificed to move here. Maybe I have, sure, but you've sacrificed a great deal as well. You and Ryan deserve a new start. Your family needs time to grow and come together again without the pressure of outside influences. Meanwhile, I'm being given the chance to look after Pop and make a comfortable professional move as well. It was meant to be.”

“But it was like the devil went loose in my soul.” Tracee shook her head. “I've been feeling that kind of push and pull lately, and I don't want to leave Angel Falls without telling you how proud I am of you. You're going to be great at KWJD. The kids have always thought it was so cool that their aunt is on the radio.” A tentative pause skated by. “And here's what else. I think you're amazing, too.”

Jodie stared at her sister, stunned by the unexpected affirmation. She reached for Tracee's hand and took a loose hold. “Well, I think your kids have a great mom who would do anything for her family. They're blessed.”

“You're a blessing, too.” Tracee's voice thickened; her eyes flashed with unspent moisture. “I never, ever meant to imply otherwise. You've spent weekends here as often as you can, and I know how much you care.”

They glided in a restful silence; the wood floorboards of the porch creaked in a comforting way as they swung.

“Know what you need?”

Jodie kept her head tipped back, her body relaxed, but she harrumphed at Tracee's leading question. “Another twenty-four hours in a day along with the energy and drive to see them through, because right now, I'm spent.”

“No. None of that. You need love. You need support and romance and the companionship of a really good man.”

Directly on cue, into her psyche morphed an image—Kevin Mitchell, bathed in sunlight, his smile as warm and free as the breeze that kicked up and kissed Jodie's cheeks like the brush of angel wings.

The image, her sister's comments, settled into place and even grew a few roots that Jodie worked hard to pull free. Sure, she wondered about this new chapter of her life. For certain new territory was set to be explored for her entire family. But romance? Finding her way to love? No. Not by miles.