The Healing Quilt (19 page)

“That’s sure a nice bike,” Jan said, after he’d checked out Kim’s black Harley with pink stripes. “I see you even have a helmet to match. That’s pretty cool!”

“Your bike is nice, too,” she said, motioning to Jan’s black-and-silver motorcycle. “It’s bigger than mine and looks like it’d be good for long road trips.”

“Yeah, and since there’s room enough for two, sometimes Star rides with me. She has her own bike, but I decided to add a sissy bar to mine. That way when she or someone else rides with me, it’s more comfortable for their back.”

They talked motorcycle stuff for a while, and then Jan gathered up his nerve and asked if Kim would like to get a bite to eat with him after class. “We could either ride our own bikes, or double up on mine. Maybe we could grab a burger and fries at a fast-food place and then head to the beach.”

Kim looked up at him, tucking a stray piece of blond hair behind her ear. “I—I don’t know about that….”

“Do you have other plans for this afternoon?”

“No, not really, but if I went I’d have to take my own bike. So when we got ready to leave the beach I could just head straight home rather than coming all the way back here to get my bike. I’d have to keep my eye on the time because of Maddie, too. It’s bad enough that she’s home by herself when I’m at work, and I hate leaving her in the outside pen too long, because she barks, which irritates the neighbors.”

Jan grunted. “I can relate to that. But it’s better to have the dog penned up than running around the neighborhood causing trouble. I went through that with my dog already and almost lost him because he took off from the yard. So I finally had to pen him up while I was at work, and it’s been much better that way.”

“That’s true for Maddie, too.” Kim glanced at her watch. “I can’t believe we’ve been out here almost thirty minutes. I didn’t realize we’d been talking that long.”

“Sorry,” Jan apologized. He resisted the temptation to reach out and twirl Kim’s fallen curl around his index finger. Tucking his hands in his jeans pocket, he said, “It’s probably my fault, for flappin’ my gums. Sure hope I didn’t cause you to miss anything important in there.”

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Kim said. “It’s most likely my turn to use one of the sewing machines, though.”

“Uh, before we go inside, you never really did say if you’ll go to the beach and have lunch with me today.”

“Sure, why not?” she said with a nod.

As they turned and headed for the house, Jan couldn’t keep from smiling all the way. He was anxious for the class to be over so he and Kim could be on their way. He’d never imagined coming to Florida and meeting someone like her. Things like this just didn’t happen to him. Of course, he figured nothing would come of it—not with them living several states apart. Besides, Kim would probably turn out to be like all the other women Jan had dated—a passing fancy.

H
ow are you feeling today?” Lamar asked Mike as he sat at the table, waiting his turn to use one of the sewing machines.

Mike shrugged. “I’m okay, I guess. Better than last week. But then I’ve been eating regular meals, which I think has helped.”

“That’s good to hear,” Lamar said. “You gave us all a pretty good scare when you got dizzy and shaky last Saturday.”

“Yeah, I had another spell at home, so I made an appointment and got in to see my doctor within a few days.”

“How did that go?”

“The doc said he wasn’t able to give me a diagnosis yet, but he did a thorough exam and sent me to get some blood tests. I should know something when I go in next week.”

“It’s good that you went,” Lamar said. “Emma and I will be anxious to hear the results of your tests, and I certainly hope it’s nothing serious. Of course, we’ll be praying for you, Mike.”

“Thanks.” Mike couldn’t believe Lamar’s concern. Most people who didn’t know a person that well probably wouldn’t have even thought to ask how he was doing, much less offered to pray for him. Mike was beginning to realize that Emma and Lamar were caring people who lived their religion and showed it to others by what they said and did.

Maybe when Phyllis gets home, the two of us ought to start going to church
, he decided.
She’s mentioned it a few times, but I’ve always been too tired or too busy to go. Between now and then, it probably wouldn’t hurt if I said a few prayers of my own, ’cause I’m nervous about the outcome of my blood tests
.

“Sorry for taking so long,” Kim apologized to Emma after she and Jan had returned to the house. “We got a little carried away talking about our bikes.”

“That’s okay,” Emma said. “The machines are free now, and you’re just in time to start sewing,”

Kim smiled. “Oh good. I’ll get right at it then.”

While Kim went to one of the sewing machines, Jan meandered over to the table where B.J. sat with Noreen and Erika. He seemed genuinely interested in what they were doing. Though she resisted the idea, Kim had to admit, there was something about Jan that intrigued her.

I can’t believe I agreed to go out with him after class
, Kim thought as she took her seat at the sewing machine.
I barely know Jan, and since he’s not from around here, there’s no chance of us ever getting to really know each other or develop a relationship. Maybe that’s for the best
, she decided.
Less chance of any romantic involvement that could lead to another dead end for me. Well, I’ve already said yes to his invitation, so I may as well go and try to enjoy the afternoon
.

Kim started working on her quilt squares, and at the same time, she thought about the day she’d met Jan on the beach and how irritated she had been when he said she ought to keep an eye on her dog. But after visiting with him outside by their bikes, she’d seen him in a different light and actually found herself yearning to know him better, even though he would be leaving in a few weeks.

I can’t worry about this right now
, Kim told herself.
I need to concentrate on making my wall hanging
.

At eleven o’clock, Emma suggested that everyone take a break for refreshments.

“What’d you fix for us today?” Mike asked. “I hope it’s not oranges again.”

Emma shook her head. “I made a couple of strawberry pies, and there’s also a fruit platter with strawberries, bananas, and grapes.”

“Guess to be safe, I’d better stick to the fruit and leave the pies alone,” Mike said.

“That’s good thinking.” Lamar gave Mike’s shoulder a squeeze.

“While I’m getting the refreshments, the rest of you can visit or keep working on your squares,” Emma said, starting for the kitchen door.

“I’ll help you with that.” Jennifer left her seat and followed Emma to the kitchen.

“How did your week go?” Emma asked as she took the pies from the refrigerator. “Did your husband find a job yet?”

Jennifer’s shoulder drooped as she slowly shook her head. “Randy’s getting really discouraged, and he proved that when he did something totally out of character the other day.”

“What happened?”

“He charged up a bunch of furniture and other things for the baby that we really can’t afford.”

“Oh dear.” Emma placed the pies on the table. “How will you pay for everything if he doesn’t find a job soon?”

“Even if Randy found a job today, we’d have a long ways to go in catching up with our bills. But we don’t have to worry about paying for the baby things, because I insisted that he return them.” Jennifer sank into a chair and lowered her head. “I felt bad for him. He seemed so proud and happy when he showed me what he’d gotten for the baby. This whole situation with him being out of work is taking a toll on our marriage.”

Emma remained silent as she let Jennifer continue.

“I couldn’t let even more money problems get in the way of us trying to keep it all together. If I wasn’t due to have a baby in a few weeks, I’d go back to the styling salon where I used to work, but even if I could, I wouldn’t make enough to support us and the baby.”

Emma placed her hands on Jennifer’s trembling shoulders. “I know it isn’t much, but I have a box of food I want to send home with you today.”

“I appreciate it,” Jennifer said tearfully, “but I’m not sure how Randy will respond to that. He’ll probably see it as a handout, because he’s too proud to admit that we need help.”

“Would you like me to ask Lamar to speak to your husband?”

Jennifer sniffed. “That might help—if Randy’s willing to listen.” She paused and wiped her nose on a tissue she’d pulled from her pocket. “You know, Emma, when I got home from your class last week and showed Randy the fruit and cookies you’d sent home with me, he said he’d like to have you and Lamar for supper sometime to say thanks for your kindness.”

Emma flapped her hand. “What we did was nothing big, and no thanks is needed.”

“But if you came for supper, it would give Lamar a chance to talk to Randy,” Jennifer said.

Emma nodded slowly. “You might be right about that. If you’ll let us know what night would work best for you, we’ll plan to be there.”

“Any night this week should be fine. Why don’t we make it Friday?”

“Friday would be good for us,” Emma responded.

Jennifer tapped her fingers along the edge of the table. “I hate to even ask this, but do you think your friend Jan would feel bad if he wasn’t included? It’s not that I would mind having him,” she quickly added. “I just don’t think Randy would open up to Lamar if someone else was there.”

“I understand,” Emma said. “And I’m sure Jan won’t mind fending for himself that evening. Maybe he’ll even have a date by then.”

“This pie is sure good, Emma,” Jan said as everyone sat around the table, enjoying the refreshments Emma had provided.

“Thanks, I’m glad you like it.” Emma looked over at Noreen, and her gaze came to rest on the green scarf she’d worn around her head in turban fashion today. Emma had been tempted to ask about it but didn’t want to be rude.

Perhaps Noreen couldn’t get her hair to look the way she wanted this morning
, Emma thought.
Maybe she had what I’ve heard some Englishers call a bad hair day. Well, it’s Noreen’s right to wear whatever she wants. After all, I wear my head covering, and no one here has questioned me about it
.

“Tell us more about your artwork, B.J.,” Lamar said. “Are you self-taught, or have you had professional lessons?”

“I painted and drew pictures on my own throughout my childhood and teen years,” B.J. said, “but after high school I went to college and majored in art.”

“What school did you go to?” Erika asked. It was the first time today that she’d joined in the conversation.

“The college was in New York,” B.J. replied.

“So is that where you’re originally from?” Erika questioned.

B.J. shook his head. “I grew up in Columbus, Ohio.”

“Did you say ‘Columbus’?” Noreen asked with a curious expression.

“That’s right, but after I graduated from college, I didn’t move back home. Took a job as an art teacher in Chicago, which is where I still live.”

“What a coincidence,” Noreen said. “My sister and I grew up in Columbus.”

“Really?” B.J. reached for a cluster of grapes.

“That’s right. We lived on the north side of town.”