Church. Landon huffed. He wasn’t looking forward to going, but Octavia was his incentive. Boy, he missed being around her and watching her dance for the Lord. It was as if he had known her for years instead of barely a week and only two days in her presence. How did she get into his head like that?
Rossi had been right. Octavia definitely ruled, because she was taking over his thoughts as he stared out of the empty room at the Tolliver office building. Rossi had a computer setup for Landon to use as his work space for employment searches and to make follow-up calls. Rossi went a step farther and gave Landon tasks: monitor and update Tolliver Design & Construction Company’s website. As if that wasn’t enough, Rossi’s assistant paid him out of the petty cash fund.
Rossi’s business partner, Levi Tolliver, had welcomed him with a handshake. “If my cousin says you’re a good person, then you’re good. We’ll have lunch delivered before noon, so don’t be shy.”
After creating business cards, Landon had busied himself with updating his résumé, using Rossi’s office address and an email for contacts.
“Hey, I’m heading out early,” Rossi said, sticking his head into the small room. “I’ll give you a ride to Mac’s.”
Standing, Landon stretched. He couldn’t believe it was after four. “Thanks.”
During the short ride from the Metro East in Illinois across the bridge to downtown St. Louis, Rossi chatted about sports and his family. Landon kept his secrets close. Ten minutes later, he pulled up to Mac’s Place and Landon climbed out.
“Call me if you need anything, including a ride to the church street service.”
“Keiner Plaza isn’t far. I’ll walk,” Landon said less than enthused. “Thanks.”
He strolled inside and scribbled his signature on the sign-in sheet, so the staff knew that he had returned. Landon was relieved to have the room to himself. Grady wasn’t there, but his Bible was lying open on his unmade twin bed. He eyed it a couple of times. “Who am I kidding?” He didn’t have it in him to repent and mean it. Dropping his head into his hands, Landon sighed. It seemed like his seed of salvation had fell on rocky soil and never took root after all those years of living and breathing in the church.
He shut out the voices in the hall. Things were starting to turn around, right? He was off the street for the next ninety days for sure. He had a place to sleep, hot meals and a friend, so why wasn’t he happy with progress?
You knew Me once, Landon, but you didn’t glorify Me as God. Neither were you thankful with all I gave you, but you became vain, God whispered Romans 1:21.
It was the same chastisement that had been haunting him since leaving home. Suddenly, he didn’t crave the solitude. Leaving his room, the aroma from the kitchen met him halfway in the stairwell.
In the dining room, Landon went through the motions of eating. The meatloaf and mashed potatoes smelled good, but he couldn’t taste their flavor as his mind drifted back to Octavia who had endless beauty and a fresh personality, and he had no chance with her. The devil taunted him with flashbacks of the women he had taken chances with, but those outcomes weren’t pretty.
Grady appeared with a tray as Landon pushed back from the table. “What’s up?” He nodded.
“Nothing new. See you later.” Landon disposed of the remains and rinsed his plate, then wandered to the lounge where a couple of men were gathered.
They were enthralled by a tied baseball game that happened to be with rivals Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. He sighed. That reminded him too much of what he had left behind. Stretching his legs, Landon closed his eyes and immediately Octavia’s face and her flirtatious smile greeted him.
The vision seemed to come alive with her dainty voice flittering around him. Opening his eyes, he blinked and looked over his shoulder where he had a bird’s-eye view of Octavia in the lobby, chatting with Brother McCoy. This evening, she was dressed in a silk bone two-piece suit and wearing her name badge.
His heart pounded as he cataloged her every movement. What is she doing here? he wondered, sitting up straight. Octavia was an animated talker, moving her hands, swaying her body and laughing in intervals. She brought that energy in her praise dance as if she was one with the instruments.
When Brother McCoy pointed in his direction, Octavia twirled around and strutted his way. The killer smile from his memory came alive. “Hi.” She sat without giving him a chance to stand. “Busy?”
“As a matter of fact, I am,” he answered sarcastically. “No, actually, I’m bored, but seeing you brightened my day”
“I’m glad to see you, too. Want to tag along with me tonight?”
Landon was about to say yes, but then squinted. “I can’t do church tonight and again this weekend,” he stated. He didn’t care if it was going to cost spending time with her.
They stared at each other, a duel, then Octavia spoke first. “It’s a first-time home buyer’s seminar,” she said softly with disappointment in her eyes.
Great. Now he felt bad. He reached for her hand. “Sorry,” he apologized, and her smile let him know he was forgiven.
Rubbing his jaw, Landon realized he desperately needed a shave. If he used one of the shelter’s disposal razors; he would nick his jaw for sure and was guaranteed to get razor bumps.
Her eyes seemed to follow his hand, then roam over his face. “You looked very nice on Sunday. I meant to tell you.”
“Your eyes told me,” he lowered his voice as more men came into the community TV room, either to watch whatever was playing on the screen or live before their eyes. Octavia had every man’s attention. What about now?” He challenged her for more compliments.
“You look like a man who is coming back to life.” She squeezed his hand. “Stop fighting what God has for you.”
Landon gave her a pointed look before standing. “You have no idea what I want at this very moment. Give me a sec to freshen up. I’ll be right back.” He glanced around at the men waiting to pounce on Octavia. “Do you mind waiting in the lobby near Brother McCoy? I don’t want to get put out for hurting someone over you.”
Her eyes widened in surprise, but she complied. Landon walked to his room with a smirk.