Eleven

Alan watched the man veer toward Juli’s car. The man’s stagger delayed his steps while Alan prayed she would get out of there fast. When she sped away, he jumped into his car and peeled out toward the parking lot exit with the man chasing him. The man’s muddled thinking saved Alan. No reasoning would have delayed the thief from using the knife he’d pulled from his pocket to take Alan’s wallet. He wasn’t happy with the couple of bills he’d tried to give him.

Alan wanted to wring Juli’s neck for not leaving immediately. He understood why. She was worried about his well-being, but her delay could have caused both of them problems. He wouldn’t let that happen again. “Thank You, Lord,” he said aloud, grateful for God’s protection. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

Alan pulled out his cell phone and hit Juli’s number. Instead of getting the usual voice mail, he listened as her phone rang. When he heard her voice, he relaxed. “I’m fine,” he said. “Are you okay?”

“Scared, but fine. What happened?”

He told her about everything but the knife.

“I’m sorry I didn’t leave as you told me, but I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“We’re both fine now, but let’s not do that again. We should have learned our lesson from the purse-snatching incident. I’m sorry—I wasn’t thinking.”

He heard her deep sigh. “And ruin the most excitement I’ve ever had in my life.”

He chuckled but managed to remain firm. “I mean it, Juli.”

“I know you do.”

Her contrite voice touched him. “Call me when you get home. Please. I want to know you’re safe.”

“I will. Promise.”

He closed the lid of his cell phone and slipped it into his shirt pocket. Weariness rolled over him, some due to the adrenaline rush he’d had from the addict who wanted his money and some due to frustration.

Tonight he’d planned to be open with Juli. He’d made such a secret out of his career, and now it had turned into a monster. Since he had opened the door to his difficult past, he thought the time seemed right to tell her about his work. He wanted to do it face-to-face and not over the phone. He didn’t want to make a big deal out of it either. Driving to her house made the revelation too dramatic. He wanted it low key, but he had to work long hours this weekend, and seeing her soon seemed unlikely.

Alan wished Juli lived closer to Monterey. Gilroy was a lengthy drive to Monterey to see each other when they had conflicting work schedules, but even though that was the case, right now he wanted to advise her to stay in her apartment. Paying for school and cutting back on work meant less income. Living where she did made more sense

Conflicts. They seemed to be a part of life. Not everything went smoothly, especially when working on a solid relationship. Juli had made it clear that trust was important to her. Despite her own misgivings, she’d opened up about the things that troubled her, and she’d told him her dreams. He’d fallen short by not being open and honest with her. He’d never lied, but he’d left things unsaid.

Lacking openness and honesty seemed to be Tom’s problem. He’d led Megan astray with his empty promises. The situation turned Alan’s stomach. He believed respect was a major part of any relationship, especially a romantic relationship. Yet Tom had led Megan on, letting her think he had serious intentions when he had nothing but getting his way and then dropping her for a new opportunity.

Do not judge. The words washed over him. Maybe Tom had been open, and Megan had failed to heed his warning. Either way it was a rotten situation.

❧

When the telephone rang, Juli dropped the brochure and headed for the phone. Her hello was greeted by sobs.

“What happened, Megan?” Juli didn’t have to ask. She could guess Tom had dumped her for Angie. In a few weeks Tom would dump Angie for some other woman eager for love, but what they found in Tom wasn’t love. It was empty desire and nothing more.

“Tom dumped me,” Megan finally mumbled between her tears.

“Megan, I don’t know what to say.” Good riddance was one thing, but Megan’s feelings were what mattered now. “When I introduced you to Tom, I had no idea who he was. I thought he was Alan’s friend, and Alan is such a good Christian.”

“It’s not your fault. You warned me, and I didn’t listen.” A hiccup sob cut through her words.

“Forget that now. That’s not important. Do you want me to come over?”

“You’re not busy?”

“I’m just sitting here. I’ll get ready and be there in an hour or so.” Juli looked at her watch, calculating Saturday’s traffic.

“What about Alan?” Megan’s question gave away her sadness.

“He’s working a long shift this weekend. Everyone at the hospital seems to be taking vacations.”

“Could you”—another sob broke into her sentence—“could you come?”

“Right away. See you soon.”

Juli placed the receiver in the cradle and hurried to her bedroom. She took out a pair of capri pants and a top, pulled a comb through her tangled hair, and ran gloss over her lips.

Before she drove away from the house, Juli took a chance and hit Alan’s cell phone number. If he was busy, she knew he would ignore the call. When he answered, her heart soared. “I hate to bother you.”

“What’s wrong?”

The concern in his voice meant so much to her. “It’s Megan. She called, and I’m heading over that way. She’s so upset.”

“I know. Tom told me this afternoon he ditched her. I wondered if she’d call you.” His voice softened. “I should have warned you, but I didn’t want to upset you.”

“It’s okay, but I honestly don’t know what to say to her. I feel bad even though I know it was as much her fault as his.”

“Be supportive and speak from your heart. That’s all you can do.”

“It seems like so little. They saw each other so often, too often, really, and—”

“I know. What can you say to someone whose trust has been shattered? I’m glad I’m not in your shoes.”

“They’re way too small for you,” Juli said, struggling to be lighthearted. “I’d better go. It’ll take me awhile to get there.”

“Be careful driving home.”

“Maybe I’ll stay there overnight. Don’t worry. I just wanted to hear your voice.”

“I miss you, Juli. That’s the bad thing about this job. The hours are crazy. You know I’ll be sending up prayers for both of you.”

“Thanks. That’s what we need. I—I’ll talk with you later.” The words I love you had nearly slipped from her mouth. She closed her cell phone, wishing she could say those words aloud to Alan.

To her, those three words held a deep commitment. She felt certain she loved Alan, but making a lifetime commitment tied her in knots. They’d only met weeks ago, and how could she be sure this wasn’t puppy love rather than the real thing? Megan’s situation came to mind.

Still, confidence burned in her heart. Alan filled her image of a soul mate, a man who respected her, who wanted only the best for her and could trust her with the story of his difficult childhood, and a man she could trust. It had taken time for him to open up, but he had. She’d told him everything, and now that the doors were opening, each had shared their deepest hurts and worries. To Juli that was love.

Even more wonderful, he was a Christian, and she sensed that God had guided their steps to meet. She thought back to the day Bill had asked her to train Alan at the soup kitchen. They’d hit it off so well that day. They’d teased and yet talked about having a purpose in life to help others. It seemed perfect.

As Juli drove, she dug deep for any wisdom she might have tucked in the caverns of her mind. She searched in her heart for God’s Word. Thinking of Megan feeling abandoned and used by someone who had such little feeling for her overwhelmed Juli. How could Megan be so blind?

Blind. What if she’d been in Megan’s situation? What if Alan had been taking her for the same kind of ride? Would she have been wise enough to see the truth? The idea unsettled her. She clamped off the thought. Alan would never hurt her. Never.

The traffic thickened as Juli drew closer to Monterey. Instead of driving on the main tourist thoroughfare, she turned away from the bay toward the city, where traffic would be lighter. The closer she came to Megan’s, the more uneasy she became. “Lord, give me words and wisdom.” Her prayer rose, and she felt her shoulders lift.

When she reached Megan’s building, she took time walking to her apartment. Every step that drew her closer made her feel less capable of being a source of help. Source of help? What made her think she would be Megan’s source of help? A Bible verse entered her thoughts. “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber.” This was Megan’s source of help. Juli recognized she was only the messenger.

❧

Alan leaned back in the cafeteria chair, thinking about Juli. He couldn’t wait to see her. The past week they’d talked on the phone, but that was it. She worked during the day, and he’d been working the long night shift then sleeping during the day, exhausted from overtime in the ER. He’d even missed Wednesday at the soup kitchen. Though the volunteer job meant work, too, he loved it there. Another week of nights, and then he’d be scheduled back to his regular shift and have some days off. He couldn’t wait.

This weekend he finally had a day off, and he planned to catch some sleep tomorrow morning and then go to the garlic festival with Juli. The idea made him chuckle. Alan Louden and the garlic festival—but he was falling in love with Juli, and garlic was an important part of her life. What he wouldn’t do for love.

“What’s so funny?”

Alan turned to face Tom. “Nothing’s funny.”

“You had a stupid look on your face.”

“I was thinking about Juli and the garlic festival.”

Tom snorted. “With your aversion to garlic, this sounds like love to me.”

Although Tom was kidding, Alan wasn’t. “I think you’re right. She means more to me than I can tell you.”

“Really?” He tucked his hands into the pockets of his lab coat. “Sorry I can’t say the same.”

Alan didn’t want to deal with his romantic liaisons. “You already told me you broke up with Megan.”

“Not Megan.” He grasped a chair, pulled it to the end of the table beside Alan, and sat.

“No?”

“Angie.”

“What do you mean?” Alan braced himself and wondered what was coming next.

“I really had fun with Megan, and she cared about me.”

Alan had to bite his tongue from saying what was on his heart. “She did. She trusted you.”

“I know. Now I realize how much I care about her. It’s a new experience for me, Alan.” He lowered his head. “I messed up. You got me thinking about being a Christian and about what God expects. I messed up double. Megan and God.”

Alan’s eyebrows raised. He’d never seen Tom look so serious. “What made the difference now?”

“I’ve thought about you and Juli. Your relationship is so strong. I’ve thought about what you said about respect, and I realize I haven’t respected women much at all. Not even Megan.” He lifted his head, discomfort on his face. “And I want to be honest with you. I didn’t get that intimate with Megan. I tried, but she held me off. What I insinuated was just locker room talk. I should have respected her more.”

Tom’s confession startled Alan. He drew in a lengthy breath. “What do you want to do, Tom?”

“I want to make it right with Megan. What would you do, Alan?”

“I can’t imagine being in that situation, so I’m not a good person to ask, but first you need to make it right with God. You need to open your heart to Him and spend some time in prayer, asking for His direction.”

Tom closed his eyes and nodded. “I know. I’ve followed in my dad’s footsteps, I think. He ran around on my mom, and they finally got divorced. It wasn’t fun, Alan. It’s not an excuse, but I guess I thought men were supposed to be like that. That’s why I never thought about marriage. I guess I didn’t want to ruin my own kids’ lives with divorce, so it seemed impossible. But now. . .it’s different.”

Alan had never known about Tom’s past, and he prayed the Holy Spirit would give Tom a double dose of God’s direction and assurance.

“I know you’re not an expert, but I’d still like to hear what you have to say.”

Alan thought a moment. “You know I move more slowly than you. First I want to like and respect the woman I’m dating.” He held up his hand. “And don’t think I don’t feel passion. I’m human, but passion doesn’t last forever. Love does, and once trust is destroyed, it’s difficult to regain. I guess my advice is move slowly. Prove yourself.”

“I realize there’s no guarantee with Megan. I don’t know if she’ll take me back, but I could try.”

Alan shifted closer and rested his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “This is when I turn to God for help. You’ve probably not been on speaking terms with the Lord very often, but it’s never too late. Our imperfections allow God to show His power. ‘My power is made perfect in weakness.’ That’s what He tells us. Think about it.”

Tom looked thoughtful. “Thanks. I know you could blow me off and tell me I made my bed and can lie in it now, but you didn’t. That means a lot to me.” He shook Alan’s hand then stood and walked away.

Alan let out a lengthy breath, amazed at Tom’s revelation. He’d never seen Tom regret his actions, at least not like this, and to hear him say he needed God was awesome. He’d bounced from one woman to another. Each romance lasted until a new face came along and caught Tom’s attention. He’d never showed a sign of remorse, and from Alan’s memory he’d never longed to return to an old girlfriend. Something had happened to Tom.

❧

“Juli.”

Her mother’s voice floated down the hallway, and Juli came from the bedroom, adjusting the second outfit she’d tried on. “Hi,” she said, surprised to see her mother. “I thought you’d left for the festival.”

“Your dad’s slow this morning, and he wanted to know where we should meet for dinner.”

Juli held back a frown. “Meet for dinner? Alan’s picking me up. . .and I’m not sure if we’re eating at the festival. You know how he is about garlic.”

Her mother widened her eyes. “I thought his allergy was pine nuts.”

“Yes, but—” How could she explain that some people weren’t crazy about garlic? “He should be here any minute. I’ll ask him.”

“Good. Your dad wants to get to know him better.”

Juli grinned. Not just her dad—her mom wanted to know Alan, too. She heard it in her voice, and she knew why. They realized Alan had become important in her life. “I’ll give you a call when he gets here.”

Her mother’s gaze lowered to the lamp table beside Juli’s recliner, and Juli’s stomach rose to her throat. She watched her mother reach for the brochures she’d been perusing.

“What’s this?” Her mother turned the pamphlets over then turned them back. She flipped through the stack then lifted her head. “What’s this about?”

Juli drew up her shoulders. “I’m thinking about taking some classes.”

“But these are health and human service classes. What does that have to do with business?”

Juli’s chest tightened. Today of all days wasn’t a time she wanted to get into this. She’d been praying and searching her heart for the best way to explain her longing to her parents. “It has nothing to do with business, Mom.”

Her mother tossed them on the table. “Then I don’t understand.”

“It’s something I would like to do for me.”

Her mother’s face filled with a quizzical look.

“Like nursing. You said you’d thought about being a nurse.”

Her mother shook her head as if Juli were dense. “But I didn’t become a nurse, did I? I became your mother. Your dad counts on you in the store, Juli. What would he do without you?”

She drew in a lengthy breath. “Alan answered that the other day. I’ve trained people well, and we have trusted employees who’ve been with us, Mom. Dad would manage fine without me, but I’m not leaving the store tomorrow or next week.” She released an exasperated sigh. “Please—I’m just looking at the brochures. Let’s not get into this now. I’m not you. I don’t have children to raise.”

“But you will.” She swung her hand toward the doorway. “Alan’s been seeing you for some time now. He’s a nice young man, and your dad and I have hopes. I realize he’s not in the same financial situation we are, but he’s young. Your father and I struggled at first, too, and look at us now.”

“ ‘Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ ” The scripture verse sailed from Juli’s mouth before she could stop it.

Her mother’s eyes widened, and Juli wanted to pull the verse back into her heart.

“My heart is with the Lord, Juliana. A person can be well off and still be a believer. I’m shocked at what you’ve insinuated.”

Juli crossed to her mother’s side and put her arms around her. “I wasn’t insinuating anything. I was trying to make a point. For me, wealth isn’t important, but being of service to others is. I’ve had the longing for years to help people, and lately I’ve thought about being a social worker, even a counselor. But I put it aside because I know how much Dad wants me at the store. You know how much I love volunteering at the soup kitchen, and I realize it’s because that’s what I want to do.”

Her mother flung her arms upward. “If that’s what you want, I can’t stop you.”

“I’m not going to abandon the store. I can go to school part-time.”

“I suppose Alan gave you this idea.”

Juli pulled away. “Alan has nothing to do with this, but he’s listened, and he supports my idea. He’s the one who told me classes are offered online so I could still work.”

“At least he has a brain in his head.”

Juli’s arms went limp. “And I don’t?” She wanted to ask why her brother had been encouraged to go to school and she hadn’t been after she’d graduated, but that would only cause more dissension.

“I didn’t mean that.” Her mother sank into Juli’s favorite chair. “It’s just a shock, and you’ve never talked it over with us.” She fingered the brochures then pushed them into a stack.

“I’d planned to discuss it with you and Dad once I decided what I’d like to do. I wanted to have a plan—find a way I could attend college and still work, at least part-time.”

Her honesty had caused another notch in the argument. “Part-time?”

“Whatever. I’m still giving it thought.” She crouched beside her mother. “Please don’t run downstairs and start something with Dad today. Alan will be here any minute, and we’re going to the festival. I promise I’ll talk with him tomorrow if you think I should, but I really thought you’d both be more encouraging if I had solid plans in my mind.”

Her mother drew in a lengthy breath and released a deep sigh. “I hate keeping things from your father.”

“I know, Mom, but—”

The doorbell chimed, and Juli froze for a moment then closed her eyes and opened them again. “Please.” She turned and headed to the door.

Alan’s face glowed when his gaze met hers. “I’ve missed you so much.”

She tried to give him a signal with a slight tilt of her head. “I’ve missed you, too.” She opened the door wider, and when he stepped in, she saw the surprise on his face.

“Hello, Mrs. Maretti. It’s good to see you again.”

Her mother nodded and rose from the chair, looking as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. “Thank you, Alan.” She walked past him toward the door. “Call me when you decide where we should meet for dinner, Juliana.” She hustled outside and shut the door.

Alan’s befuddled look would have made Juli laugh if she were in a better mood.

“Juliana?”

Juli tried to push her doldrums aside. “That’s my full name. Everyone calls me Juli unless they’re upset.”

“I guessed something was wrong.”

Juli motioned toward the table. “She walked in and found those. I didn’t know she was coming.”

Alan eyed the brochures then looked back at her with a frown. “You mean you have to hide them from your family?”

“Unless I want a big commotion, like right now.”

“You’re not a child.”

“Tell them, Alan.” Tears blurred her eyes. “I love my parents to death. They’re wonderful and so good to my brother, Jim, and me, but they get an idea in their heads—an idea they think is good for us—and they can’t get it out. It’s like a legacy, I guess. My dad created this huge business and expects us to love it as much as he does.” The tears couldn’t be contained, and she felt them flowing down her cheeks. “I hurt my mom’s feelings today with scripture. Can you believe it?”

“With scripture?” He gave her a dubious look.

“I’m not kidding.” She told him what had happened as he drew her into his arms and brushed away her tears.

“Sweet Juli,” he said. “Once they think about it and understand, it will work out. If God wants to bless you with a new career, then He knows exactly how to do it.”

“Trust in the Lord,” she said, realizing how little she trusted even her heavenly Father. “Thanks. It’s so easy to try to handle everything myself.”

“That’s just your way. Our way. I’m guilty, too.” He took her hands in his, leaned back, and broke into song to the tune of “Oh, Susanna.” “Oh, Juliana, oh, don’t you cry for me, ’cause I come from—”

She pulled away and gave him a poke in the side. “Don’t make fun.”

“But it’s so cute.” He pulled her into his arms. “So what’s happening now?”

“My parents want us to eat with them at the festival. I reminded her you don’t eat—”

“Everyone eats garlic at the garlic festival. Anyway, how can we say no? You’re already in hot water. Maybe my being around you will keep things calm.”

“Would you do that for me?”

“I told you. I’d climb a mountain.”

She threw her arms around his neck. “But that’s probably lots easier than dealing with my dad.”

❧

Alan had never seen Christmas Hill Park before, but today it appeared to hold the population of Monterey. He’d had a difficult time finding a parking space, and they’d had to walk to the park since many of the roads were barricaded. He slipped his hand into Juli’s as they headed inside.

“I can’t believe this many people like garlic.”

“Everyone likes a party.”

He squeezed her hand. “True.” He glanced at the throng, wondering if they might have lost her parents. He’d so longed to talk with her today and tell her he was a physician, but adding to her stress now didn’t make good sense.

He’d begun to understand why she’d been so hesitant to change her career or even discuss it with her parents. They didn’t understand that one person’s treasure was someone else’s junk. A poor analogy, he knew, but it worked for him.

“I told Mom we’d meet them by the Garlic Garden booth. Dad hangs around there a lot anyway, schmoozing.”

He grinned. “Makes sense to meet there,” he said, letting her pull him along. “In all the confusion I forgot to ask how things worked out with Megan.”

“She’s okay. We talked about a lot of things. She’s confused, but I hope she’s on the right track. I brought up God’s expectations and His blessings. She really listened.”

“I’m glad.” He slipped his arm around her waist and held her close.

“But it gets more interesting. Megan called me this morning.”

“What happened?”

“You’ll never believe this.”

He looked at her dubious expression. “Believe what?”

“Last night Tom sent her a huge bouquet of flowers—roses and orchids. She said she’d never seen such an arrangement, except at a funeral.”

Alan chuckled at the description but not at the news. “He told me yesterday he’d made a mistake. I didn’t know what to think. I’ve never heard Tom talk like that.”

“Really?” She put on a playful pout. “And you didn’t tell me.”

He shrugged. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up. I never know what to expect from Tom.” He patted her hand. “What did Megan say?”

“She had mixed feelings, I think. She was flattered but doubtful it could make a difference. Trust is trust.”

“It is,” he said, his own messy situation coming to mind. Next week he was on overtime again, and he knew he had to broach the subject of his career. “It’s odd how something that seems so unimportant can become so important.”

“Trust? You think that’s unimportant?”

“No. I didn’t mean that. I meant sometimes—”

“I’m teasing.” She smiled and pointed ahead. “The vendors are this way.”

Alan decided to let the topic drop. This wasn’t the time, and it was probably for the best. Maybe today if they found a quiet spot, they could talk. She spoke about trust often, and he had no doubt not telling her would also be a trust issue. He needed time to explain.

As they wended their way through the crowd, Alan spotted five young ladies with tiaras and long gowns—the garlic queen and her court, he assumed. “Look.” He pointed through the mob. “That was you a few years ago.” He actually felt proud.

“No, that’s the real Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen and the runners-up.”

He drew back. “That’s not the same queen you were back then.”

“Right. I was the high school garlic queen. I participated during the crowning of the real Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen. I wasn’t eighteen yet, and you have to be for this contest. Anyway, this one is based on an interview, talent, evening gown, and a speech—like a beauty contest. That’s not me.”

“What do you mean? You have tons of talent. I think you’re gorgeous, and I’ve never seen you in an evening gown, but I’d love to.”

“What about the speech?”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and drew her to his side. “You make me smile, Juli. I love. . .the way you can do that.” He’d swallowed the word that seemed so logical.

As Juli maneuvered her way through the crowd, Alan followed. Stands had been erected displaying everything from wooden and metal crafts to handcrafted jewelry, leatherwork, and dried flowers, and ahead he saw braids of garlic. Finally they entered the food area with ice cream, strawberry desserts, garlic cookbooks, souvenirs, and root beer floats. When he spotted the sign announcing the Garlic Garden, Juli hesitated.

“There they are.” She gave him a plaintive look. “I hope my mother didn’t say anything about the brochures. I’ll be able to tell, and I’ll really be irked if she did.”

Alan understood but wanted to avoid any confrontation, especially here. “Think positive. Just be yourself.”

She gave him a feeble grin then charged off, waving as if nothing were wrong, and her father waved back, a smile lighting his face.

“There’s my girl,” he said then extended his hand toward Alan. “Good to see you again.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ve looked forward to today.” Not to eat garlic, he added to himself, but to see Juli.

“Alan, this is my brother, Jim.” Juli motioned to the man standing inside the garlic booth.

“Jim,” Alan said, extending his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same here,” he said with a crooked smile. “I hear you’ve been spending time with my little sister.”

Juli shook her head. “You sound like Dad, except I’m his little girl.”

Alan ignored the banter. “Yes, I’ve been enjoying your sister’s company.”

“I heard you met at a soup kitchen in Monterey.”

“True. Juli trained me on my first night, and that was the beginning of a great friendship.”

Jim chuckled. “Friendship?”

Juli shook her fist. “Stop teasing, Jim. Yes, friendship.”

“No fighting, kids,” her father said, chuckling. He turned to Alan and made a sweeping gesture toward the surroundings then back to his stand. “What do you think of the place?”

Alan eyed the braids of garlic, bins of garlic buds, and jars of something he assumed contained garlic. “Unbelievable.” That was also true. He couldn’t believe how many people flocked to the park to celebrate something he’d avoided for so long.

Mr. Maretti patted his belly and eyed his wife. “Ready to eat?”

“We’re ready,” Juli said, her expression still cautious.

Her father turned to Jim. “You’re okay for a while?”

“Fine, Dad. Have fun. And, Alan, I’ll set you straight later. You know, give you the lowdown on my sister.”

“I can’t wait,” Alan said, giving him a thumbs-up as they stepped away, pleased to see the brother was a nice guy and Juli held no resentment that he could see.

They walked a short distance until Juli’s father stopped and gestured toward the booths. “Who wants to get what?”

Alan noticed Juli studying her mother, who seemed very quiet. He hoped, for Juli’s sake, her mom had kept the brochures to herself.

“Can we look around?” Alan whispered to Juli.

She shrugged. “Dad’s hungry.” She moved closer to her father. “Alan and I’ll look around. He’s never been here.”

“Well, hurry back. The lines are long already.”

Alan and Juli dashed through the stands as if they were taking a crash course in home economics while he tried to calculate which food he dared try. When he and Juli returned, each was sent to a different booth to purchase food for the group. Alan stood in the line for barbeque ribs and sandwiches, while Juli headed for the lemonade stand. Her mother had been assigned corn on the cob, and Mr. Maretti had suggested Thai food.

Music spilled from the amphitheater as they made their way to the picnic area, and when they spotted a family leaving a table, Alan rushed ahead to claim it. Their purchases were shifted and moved so everyone could reach them, and finally they bowed their heads as Juli’s father asked the blessing.

Alan took a bite of his sandwich, followed by a few fries. Fearing the items were loaded with garlic, he waited a moment to see if he sensed any reaction, but perceiving nothing, he dug in.

Two passersby approached their table, and Mr. Maretti scooted from the bench, his voice booming his greeting. Juli’s mother joined him, and grasping the moment alone, Alan slipped his hand in Juli’s. “What do you think? It’s going okay, don’t you think?”

She nodded. “He doesn’t know yet.”

Alan pressed her hand. “I’m glad. It’s hard to believe this caused such excitement.”

“Told ya,” she said, her voice playful yet disheartened.

Alan nibbled at a pork rib, hoping he and Juli could get away to spend time alone; but in another minute the friends said good-bye, and Juli’s parents sat back down on the picnic bench.

Silence filled the air a moment, and Alan sensed tension.

“Do you want to tell your father about the brochures?”

Her mother’s voice struck Alan like a dart coming from nowhere.

“What brochures?” Her dad’s face filled with question. “A new idea for the store?”

Juli looked as if she wished she could shrink into the picnic bench. Her eyes snapped fire, and she sat with her mouth half open as if she could find no words.

Alan swung his leg over the bench, unwilling to stay and witness the private family discussion.

“Nothing for the business, Dad,” Juli said, irritation in her voice. “Just some brochures I was looking at for me.”

Her dad did a double take, looking at his wife and then at Juli again. “What kind of brochures?”

“College classes.”

A heavy frown settled on his face. “Your brother handles all the business matters, Juli.”

“I know, Dad.”

“Then you don’t really need classes, do you?”

Alan patted Juli’s hand. “I’ll take a walk.”

Juli stiffened. “Mom, why did you do this today?”

“Do what? You said you’d planned to talk to us.”

Juli’s face sank with discouragement as she looked at Alan. “You don’t have to go.”

“It’s best. I’ll be back.”

As he stood, he could hear Juli’s volume rise. “Mom, Alan’s here, and we were having a nice day. I don’t understand your reasoning.”

“I don’t understand yours,” was the last thing Alan heard Juli’s mother say. He headed toward the music. He didn’t want to abandon Juli, but he didn’t want her to be mortified by his witnessing a family argument.