8

Michael strolled through the mall, taking in the sights and sounds, smiling at the colorful boxes sprinkled throughout the area. He’d heard about the mission’s Christmas party, and was hoping to get involved. Some of his students said this was the only way they could get presents for their kids this Christmas. He glanced towards the smoothie shop, but didn’t venture closer. His heart ached for what could’ve been. What he thought Nicole was. As he continued his stroll, a young woman with a Santa hat pushed a cart towards one of the collection boxes. The woman emptied the box into the cart. When she turned his way, his breath caught. Nicole. Of course. She must be taking the donations to the mission.

How could someone with her past, with her heart for helping those less fortunate, be only after his money? He flashed back to their conversation. She’d lived the extremes from wealthy to homeless. What if the memory of her time on the street had motivated her to go after his money? Still, she wasn’t trying very hard. Since her text on Saturday, he hadn’t heard from her again. Not that he’d given her a reason to reach out. Maybe she’d moved on to someone else. The thought stabbed through him.

Watching her unload another box of donations, a smile on her face for everyone who passed, crumbled his resolve. He couldn’t reconcile his friend’s words with what he saw in Nicole. He started to walk towards her. She glanced his way, and her smile fell. Hurt flickered across her face. She gave him a forced smile, and pushed the cart in the opposite direction.

~*~

Michael entered the classroom, ready to teach his business class to the residents at the mission. A new man sat in the back. The man straightened when Michael entered. Not so strange for a new resident to attend his class. People came and went at will according to their needs and when they enrolled at the mission. After class, Michael would introduce himself directly and find out who the man was and what he wanted to get out of attending the class. Michael enjoyed helping men get back on their feet.

He reviewed the resumes of several of the residents, pointing out where improvements could be made. They celebrated with John, who’d landed a job with a local construction company.

“Looks like I graduated from your class,” John said, an enormous smile lighting his face.

Michael clapped him on the back. “With honors, my friend.”

When the class ended, the new man strode to the front of the room. Michael held out his hand. “Thanks for joining us tonight. I hope you found something useful in the class. What was your name, again?”

“Russ.” Russ held Michael’s gaze. “I know a few things about making money already.”

“Good. Hopefully when you land a job, you’ll be able to manage your money well. How long have you been at the mission?” Michael asked.

“You don’t know who I am, do you?”

Michael’s brow furrowed. “I’m sorry, have we met?”

“Not properly, no,” Russ said. “I’m Russ Baldwin. You’re dating my daughter.”

Michael’s stomach rolled.

“I’m living here at the mission because my daughter can only afford a tiny one-bedroom apartment with no room for me. Times are pretty tight.” Russ gave a dramatic sigh. “If only we had a little cash to get started; with my business ideas, I’m sure I’d be on my feet in no time, and poor Nicole wouldn’t have to worry about me.”

Michael clenched his fists and exhaled slowly before answering. “I’m sorry you’re in a rough situation financially, but everyone who lives here has money troubles. If you attend the classes and chapel services offered here, you’ll find everything necessary to put your life back together. I’m happy to teach you in class any time. But I will not give you a free handout, and I am not dating your daughter.” He turned on his heel and stormed from the room.

“Michael.” A voice called out.

Michael turned. Cora stood by the door of the classroom, arms crossed across her chest. Russ left the room, glanced between the two of them, and passed through, head down.

“Care to explain what that was all about?”

“One of my students wanted a free ride. I simply told him that’s not the way we do things around here,” Michael said.

Cora reached over and opened Michael’s still clenched fist. “If that was all there was to it, why are you so angry?”

Michael scrubbed a palm down his face. “You’re a wise woman, Cora.”

“Flattery won’t get you out of this one,” Cora said, linking her arm in Michael’s. “Walk me to my car and tell me what’s really on your mind.”

“He’s the father of a girl I started to care about,” Michael said.

Cora raised her eyebrows, but said nothing. Michael continued. “I was deceived by a woman I thought really cared about me. It turned out she was only interested in my wealth. Now after one date with Nicole, her dad comes to me asking for money. I’m disappointed and angry.”

“And you think Nicole put him up to it?” Cora asked.

“How else would he know about me?” Michael said.

“Sounds like you’re jumping to conclusions without giving Nicole a chance. Have you talked to her about it? Have you prayed about it?”

Michael pushed open the outside door and shivered in the chill December wind. “Miss Cora, I’ll say it again. You’re a wise woman.” He re-linked his arm through hers and took her to her car before heading to his own. He had some praying to do.