Mistake (4 page)

CHAPTER
8

    
 
Lil’s gaze followed the busty waitress as she sauntered across the floor. Beth and Cornflower emerged from the bathroom with Kelly in tow. She watched in alarm as Cornflower approached the busty waitress.

    “What’s wrong?” Richard asked Lil. “Your eyes are bulging as if you’ve seen your worst enemy.”

     Cornflower stopped in front of the woman, smiled, said some words and then the two embraced. Lil let out her breath.

     “You alright?” Richard asked.

     “Yes, I thought I saw something, but I was mistaken,” Lil answered.

     “Saw what?” he asked.

     “Nothing. We can talk about it later,” Lil said in a relieved voice. To herself, she thought,
hopefully he will forget about it.

     Cornflower returned to her table with the baby and Beth returned to her group.

     “Beth, does Cornflower know that waitress?” Lil asked.

     “She and Cornflower are good friends. They have been friends since elementary school,” Beth answered.

     “So Beth, I find your viewpoint of relationships interesting. Have you met a man with those qualities yet?” Andrew asked.

     “Not yet, but I’m still young. I have time.”

     “What about you Lil? Have you met a man like this?”

      Lil’s eyes blazed at Andrew. “Now you’re trying to get me in trouble with Richard. Of course I have met a man like that. Richard is my perfect man,” Lil said batting her eyes flirtatiously at Richard. “I can see you’re a troublemaker Andrew,” Lil said sarcastically.

     “No I’m not Lil. I was just kidding. I agree with Beth. There is nothing I want more than to find a woman who has eyes for only me. Her, I would hold on a pedestal and kiss her feet. My eyes would belong to her,” Andrew said dreamily.

     “Aw, that’s so nice,” Beth said.

     “Hockey shit,” Lil spat out. “You’re full of shit. I don’t think I have a pair of boots tall enough to walk in that.”

     “Lil, stop being such a pessimist. I think it’s a nice thought,” Beth reiterated.

     “Sadly, I agree with Beth,” Richard said. “It would be a basis for an everlasting relationship.”

     “Andrew, would you consider coming to dinner tomorrow? It would give us the opportunity to spend more time together,” Beth asked.

     “Are you sure your mother won’t mind an extra mouth to feed?” Andrew asked.

     “No, she always cooks way too much. The more the merrier, she always says.”

     “Okay, count me in,” he said.

     “What are we, nonfriends? What happened to our invitation?” Lil asked in a hurt voice.

     “You know you don’t need an invitation. You’re always at Sunday dinner anyway, you moocher,” Beth said playfully.

     “You’re invited also Richard.”

     “This is one dinner I wouldn’t miss,” Richard said.

CHAPTER
9

    Beth sitting next to her mother in the front row pew watched her father at the pulpit. He was so distinguished looking she thought to herself. He stood at the pulpit scanning all the faces of the church members as his sermon boomed through the congregation. His silver hair was still full, parted on the side and lay comfortably in place. His olive skin glowed under the lights. He removed his black wire rim glasses and laid them on his Bible as his deep brown eyes searched the crowd and he spoke of the Ten Commandment emphasizing fidelity, family and friendship.

     Beth’s head lowered in a prayer of forgiveness as she thought about her self gratification. Her mother reached over, took Beth’s hand and held it.

     “Fidelity, respect, tenderness, devotion and friendship are just a few of the ingredients needed for a happy marriage,” father Masters was saying.

     Oh how she wanted to find that man who would offer her these things so she could finally be rid of her virginity, Beth thought as she listened.

    “A roving eye will destroy the sanctity of a marriage every time. Don’t you believe, it doesn’t hurt to look. It hurts every time and in the end it kills. It will kill the marriage,” he said as his voice rose in a booming tone.

     The organ began to play. The members accompanied with voices rising loud sending their prayers and praises. The sermon was done. The singing and prayer has ended. Now members began to move about. The men shook hands and patted backs. The women embraced and kissed on the cheeks. Conversations and mingling continued long after the service was over. People were slow to make their way to their cars to head to their next destination.

      Beth’s mother hurried into the house, slipped off her heels and slid into comfy, pink slippers. Beth inhaled deeply. The house smelled of cinnamon, chicken, ham, apple pie. What a glorious appetizer to the nose Beth thought.

     “Mother, you have overdone it again,” Beth said as she noticed all the food and desserts which lie on the kitchen table and counter.

     “Your father helped honey. There is no better way to celebrate than a family meal and I’m anxious to meet your new friend.” Beth’s mother said.  

     The doorbell chimed. Beth hurried to admit the first dinner guests. She hugged Cornflower and then Tommy in greeting. She kissed Kelly and showed her cousins to the sitting room. The door opened again as her father hurried in.

     “I didn’t think the church would ever clear out,” he said moving forward to shake Tommy’s hand and kiss Cornflower and Kelly on the cheek. “You three live so close but you’re like strangers since you married,” Beth’s father said.

     “We don’t mean to be Uncle Harry. Time has been tight since Kelly was born. Tommy works the night shift and I work the day shift. That way we save on daycare. When we are off on the same day, we spend our time together as a family,” Cornflower said.

     “Now that is what my sermon was about, family. Stop by the church one Sunday as a family,” he replied and kissed Cornflower’s forehead and eyed Tommy.

     “Yes sir. We will,” Tommy replied.

     Beth’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She checked the caller ID and answered. “Hello Andrew. You’re not standing me up are you?”

     “Not a chance. I’m outside.”

     Beth ended the call and threw the door open, “Come on in and meet my parents.”

     A horn blew to get Beth’s attention. She turned and saw Richard and Lil pull the yellow Mustang into a parking space. Her grandparents drove up behind the yellow Mustang and parked.  

     Beth took Andrew’s hand and strode to greet the newcomers. “Hey Lil, Richard. I’m really happy you came,” Beth said.

     “Well, well, well, don’t you two look cozy,” Richard noted with a devilish grin.

     Beth glanced at her holding of Andrew’s hand as if noticing for the first time and released it.

     “Oh Beth, he was kidding,” Lil said with a smile. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Masters,” Lil greeted turning her attention to Beth’s grandparents as they exited their car.

     “I didn’t see you at the service Lil,” Mr. Masters said.

     “I know. But I’ll be there next week though,” Lil answered.

     “Is your father here yet little lady?” he asked Beth.

     “Yes Grandpa, he’s in the kitchen helping mother.”

     She watched as her grandparents made their way to the house.

     Beth whispered, “Lil, now you’ve done it. If you don’t show next week Grandpa will have your hide.”

     “I’ll be there. I won’t disappoint him.”

     Beth stared down at her hand when she felt Andrew take it into his own and began to follow her grandparents into the house. Lil and Richard followed suit. The noise level in the house instantly rose with joyful greetings and conversation.

     “Would you like anything to drink?” Tommy asked Cornflower.

     “Yes, I’ll take some punch and bring Kelly a cup also.”

     “A cup?” Beth asked in surprise.

     “She’s almost two. She’s such a smart little girl,” Cornflower said proudly.

     Tommy rose from the loveseat where he was sitting next to his wife and kissed her cheek.
     “I’ll be right back,” he said and reached over to kiss Kelly.

     “He’s such a catch,” Beth said. “One day, I will find a man just like him.”

     “Hey. Who’s to say you haven’t already found him?” said Andrew smiling into her eyes.

    Lil fanned herself with her hand. “I think someone has the hots for you,” she whispered in Beth’s ear.

     Beth ignored the comment. The screen door opened and Beth noticed her aunt and uncle, Cornflowers parents entered. She hurried over and showered them with hugs and kisses.

     “I’m so glad you’re here.”

     “Did you think we would pass up an invitation for a free meal?” her uncle said winking at his wife who let out a small laugh.

     “Cornflower is here with the baby and Tommy.”

     “Oh how I have missed my grand baby,” her aunt said.

     “You just saw her last weekend honey,” her husband said.

     “I know. But it’s so hard being away from her.”

     “Hey Momma.” Cornflower said as she handed her the baby.

     “Come to your granny baby,” she said lavishing Kelly with kisses and hugs. “I missed you so much. I’m gonna take her with me into the kitchen to see my sister-in-law.”

     “Here’s your punch, baby. I gave Kelly hers in the kitchen. I see your mom has kidnapped her,” Tommy said.

    “She’s her first grandchild. She misses her.”

    “I know. She loves Kelly as much as I love you,” Tommy said.

    “I love you too,” Cornflower said embracing her husband and brushing a kiss over his lips.

     Beth and Lil walked over to look out the window while the men engaged in conversation about the upcoming baseball season.

     “They are so in love,” Beth said dreamily. “That’s why I’m going to wait until I’m married.”

     “They waited?” Lil asked.

     “I’m not sure. If they didn’t it’s a secret. You know how daddy is,” Beth answered.

     Beth’s father entered the living room and announced that dinner is ready to be served in the dining room.

     Andrew was immediately at Beth’s side. Beth noticed he was staring blankly at her father. His eyes were glued to the black shirt with the white collar trim signifying his religious status.

    “Andrew are you okay?” Beth asked.

    “You didn’t tell me Beth.”

    “Oh my goodness Andrew, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about it. Don’t worry. My dad’s cool.”

    After everyone was seated Beth’s father bowed his head in prayer over the meal as every head at the table lowered over their plates.

    “Amen, now let’s eat,” her father said. I see we have a guest I haven’t been privy to meet.

     “Dad, you’re so busy, I didn’t get a chance to introduce you to Andrew. I met him the morning of my graduation.”

     “It’s nice to meet you young man. What are your intentions toward my daughter?” he said as he lifted his fork of string beans to his mouth.

     All breath at the table seemed to stop. The room fell eerily silent. Even Kelly looked from face to face as if to say,
what just happened?

     “I, I,” Andrew caught off guard stammered.

     “Daddy, we have only known each other a short time,” Beth said with embarrassment.

     “It’s okay,” Andrew said recovering from the shock. “Beth seems like a lovely young lady. I’d like to get to know her and her family.”

     Beth’s father shook his head in delightful agreement. The dinner guests let out their breaths and relaxed.

     “I’m happy to be meeting you so soon after your meeting with my daughter.”

     “Likewise sir.”

     Beth’s mom stood. “I’m so proud of Beth. She is doing so much with her life. Becoming a nurse is such a wonderful career choice. Now we have two nurses in the family.”

     Light applause echoed around the table.

     “And let’s not forget Lil. She has been a part of this family for the past four years. So, let me amend my statement. We have three nurses in the family.”

    “Thank you Mrs. Masters. I’m happy to be a part of your family.”

    “I hate to interrupt, but Tommy won’t be able to stay long. He has to work tonight, unfortunately.” Cornflower announced.

    “Why don’t you and Kelly stay over? It would be wonderful,” Beth said.

     “Yes, what a lovely idea,” Beth’s mother agreed.

    Cornflower looked at Tommy. “Why leave early and stay home alone. Stay here over night and celebrate. I’ll pick you up in the morning,” Tommy said.

     “Alright, I’ll stay,” she said smiling widely.