Six

Alan stood near the soup kitchen door and waited for Tom to catch up with him.

“I know I’m supposed to keep my mouth closed about the physician stuff,” Tom said, rolling his eyes. “I still don’t get you, pal.”

“Trust me until I tell Juli myself. Please.”

They passed through the doorway into the heat of the kitchen. Alan saw Juli and headed her way.

“Where’s—”

Juli lifted her index finger toward the back door. Alan turned and saw Megan’s blond hair and smiling face as she waved.

Tom nudged his shoulder. “Is that Juli’s friend?”

“Sure is,” Alan whispered.

“Wow!”

“Hi,” Megan said, walking toward them, her gaze settling on Tom. “You’re Tom.” She extended her hand.

Tom grasped it. “And you’re Megan. It’s nice to meet you.”

Juli took a step backward. “We’d better get to work before Bill squawks.”

The foursome divided and found their workstations. Alan made a quick move to the cans of peaches. Today with the heat he could avoid the stoves and definitely the onions. He began opening lids, his mind sailing back to his great date with Juli the previous Saturday. Everything had gone well, except his discomfort when she’d asked about his family. He suspected she came from a poorer family, too, so it should be easy for him. Still, it wasn’t. It was a time he wished he could forget, except it had instilled in him the values and character that made him the man he was today. When he felt confident Juli really cared about him, he’d tell her about his childhood poverty. He wanted no pity while dating.

When Alan got into the swing of filling dishes with peach slices, he scanned the kitchen and noticed Tom and Megan working together at a counter chopping vegetables. He could smell the aroma of chicken stock rising from the large soup kettles. When he looked Juli’s way, she was watching him. He needed to dig deeper and see what made this wonderful woman tick.

The evening flew, and plans settled into his mind with the Fourth of July only two days away. When the food had been doled out, he watched Juli visiting with the homeless. Sometimes she knelt beside them, while other times she sat in an empty chair at the person’s side. Alan listened and could hear the hope she offered them with her words of faith. When he noticed her take a young woman’s hands, he moved closer.

“May I pray with you?” Juli asked.

The woman nodded, and Alan felt drawn to her side.

“Lord, bless Anne’s efforts to reconcile with her family. Open their hearts to her needs and provide the light of forgiveness to touch them all. Jesus, You promise to be at our sides. Let Your light shine for Anne and her family. In Your name we pray. Amen.”

“Amen,” Alan added.

Juli raised her head in surprise. “Where did you come from?”

“I saw you praying and believe the more prayers, the better.”

The young woman gave Alan a faint smile; then her eyes narrowed. “Haven’t I seen you somewhere before?”

Her words triggered a memory. He felt nailed to the floor.

Recognition lit her face. “In emergency at the hospital. I had a knife wound and—”

Alan recollected too well. “I remember. How are you?”

“Fine, thanks to you. I only have a small scar between my ribs.”

“You were blessed to have it nick the bone and not go any deeper.”

Her expression said it all. “I know it could have gone into my heart.”

Alan heard Juli’s intake of breath.

“Praise the Lord,” Juli said, reaching out to touch the girl’s shoulder.

“Thanks so much,” Anne said, knotting her hands in her lap. “To both of you. I wouldn’t have survived without medical care, this food, or prayers. I’ve messed up my life, but I’m trying to make it better. Now if my family will give me a chance.”

“Be confident, Anne. God is good, and He hears our prayers. I’ll continue to pray that your family opens their hearts.”

Tears welled in the young girl’s eyes. “Thank you.” She rose and looked as if she wanted to hug Juli, but she hesitated.

Juli stepped closer and embraced her without faltering. Her compassion and concern wrapped the girl in a healing balm, and Alan could only reiterate the prayer already sent up. Lord, bless this girl. She needs Your help.

Anne said good-bye and headed toward the door while Alan stood with Juli, his admiration increasing for Juli’s ability to love and care about people. She truly followed God’s instruction to live a life that emulated Jesus.

Before he could say anything, Megan headed their way with Tom close behind.

“We’re going out for a bite to eat,” Megan said. “Would you two like to join us?”

Alan looked at Juli but saw a no in her expression.

“I have a long day tomorrow, and I’m really tired tonight,” Juli said. “I’d love to, but I should head home.”

“What about Friday?” Alan asked, jumping into the conversation. “It’s the Fourth. Would you like to go to the Monterey fireworks?”

A grin broke out on Tom’s face. “I’d planned to ask Megan at the restaurant. What about it?”

“Sounds like fun.” Megan turned to face Juli. “What do you think?”

Juli hesitated, and Alan felt his neck prickle.

“Well, I—”

“Idea,” Megan burst in. “How about meeting at my place? Juli could spend the night with me. That’ll save Alan the long ride to Gil—”

“What do you say?” Alan rested his hand on her shoulder.

“Say yes, Juli,” Tom said. “Alan really likes you.”

“That’ll work,” she said, a slight flush on her cheeks.

“Then it’s a yes all the way around.” Tom slipped his arm into Megan’s. “See you on Friday.” He and Megan turned away and headed out the door.

Alan stood beside Juli, wanting to press his hand against her rosy cheeks, but he knew she would be even more embarrassed. “Sorry for Tom’s exuberance. I think he’s doing a little matchmaking, too.”

“I think so,” she said, her flush fading. “Thanks so much for your prayers for Anne. She has such needs.”

Alan knew more about Anne than he wanted to share. He nodded. “Let’s hope God intervenes.”

“She said a knife? How was she hurt?”

“An attempted robbery, sort of.”

Juli’s expression changed to a frown. “Robbery? But she doesn’t have anything.”

“A man owed her money for her services and didn’t want to pay.”

Juli lowered her gaze, and he sensed she understood. “Well, she’s on the right road now. She told me how she’d been going to the church down the block. She realizes her sins, and she’s asked God for forgiveness.”

“Sometimes it takes us awhile to give up our foolish ways and let God take over. We drag a lot of baggage around with us.”

“I know. It’s time to put it in the Dumpster.”

Alan realized Juli was referring to the baggage they’d talked about the other day. She needed to let it go.

And he needed to do the same.

❧

Juli looked out the window toward the road, waiting for Alan and Tom. Megan had given him directions to her apartment, and she hoped they had been clear. She grinned at her worrying.

“I guess I’m ready.” Megan’s voice cut into the silence.

Juli pivoted away from the window. “You look great,” she said, admiring Megan’s red, white, and blue knit top over walking shorts. Even her sandals were the colors of the American flag. Juli looked down at her coral capri pants with a navy and coral striped top and felt very unpatriotic. She should have thought of the holiday when she selected her outfit.

“You look good in—” Megan’s attention flew to the window. “Here they are.” She headed for the door.

Juli picked up her navy sweater and shoulder bag. “What about a sweater for tonight? It could be cold on the beach.”

Megan released a giddy laugh. “I’ve got love to keep me warm.”

Love? Juli tried to control her raised eyebrows. Megan hardly knew Tom. Megan flagged her through the doorway, and as Juli stepped outside, Alan opened the driver’s door and met her. “You look wonderful.”

She peered down at her outfit then at Megan’s. “I forgot to look festive.”

Alan slipped his arm around her back as he walked her to the car. “You look more than festive.” He opened the passenger door.

She pondered his words as she slid into the seat. Behind her she saw Tom slide over while Alan held open the door for Megan. Megan gave Alan a smile as she joined Tom in the back. Alan closed her door then settled behind the wheel.

Juli noted that Tom hadn’t moved to help Megan into the car. Alan had. His gentlemanly ways grew more wonderful each time she saw him.

He slipped his hand over hers. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” She managed a smile.

“Good. Buckle up, everyone. We’re on our way.”

She attached her seat belt as Alan backed down the drive-way and pulled onto the highway. As he drove, Juli noticed most of the vehicles seemed to be headed toward the bay. The Fourth of July meant the beaches and parks would be filled. Alan maneuvered his way through the holiday traffic as the scenery became filled with celebration. Large flags flew from buildings, and children waved miniature ones as they bounded beside their parents. As they approached Fisherman’s Wharf, the traffic came to a halt.

“It’s good we came early,” Alan said. “I thought we’d buy food on the wharf then sit on San Carlos Beach for the fireworks.”

No reply came from the backseat.

“Or we could go to Colton Hall,” he added. “They have food there, plus music.”

Juli glanced over her shoulder, waiting to hear what Tom and Megan preferred to do, but then spun forward after seeing them in a deep kiss that embarrassed her. Megan barely knew Tom, and that kind of familiarity seemed terribly inappropriate.

“The wharf sounds fun,” she said, managing to control her uneasiness. “We’ll want to find a place on the beach early anyway.”

He slipped his hand over hers. “Right. We want a good spot for the fireworks.”

She rolled her hand upward beneath his, wove her fingers through his, and gave them a squeeze.

Alan’s face lit with a smile that brightened his eyes, and Juli smiled back, sensing the same light in her eyes.

A horn tooted behind them, and the traffic began to move. “Finally,” Alan said as he released her hand and gripped the steering wheel.

Juli watched him concentrate on the traffic, relishing the memory of his fingers on hers.

“Look at this traffic,” Tom said.

Juli assumed they’d finally come up for air. The image of them set her on edge. She hoped they’d manage to harness their affection at the wharf.

When they arrived, Alan parked, and Juli stepped out into the warm bay breeze. The unique scent filled her senses—bay water, fish, and warm sand. As they neared the wharf, new aromas of food drifted on the air.

Megan and Tom walked ahead, talking with their faces close, their hands clasped together. Juli liked hand-holding and wished Alan was holding hers. He walked beside her, his arm brushing against hers, his fingers only inches away. Juli knew she and Alan weren’t in love, but she’d felt a strong interest that had grown into attraction, and she’d thought it was reciprocated. A picture rose in her mind—Tom and Megan kissing in the backseat. Alan had never asked to kiss her, never tried. Men and women sometimes had platonic friendships. She hoped Alan’s feelings had grown deeper than that.

They passed the weathered Fisherman’s Wharf sign and wove their way through the crowd toward the pink building sporting a bright blue lighthouse. They passed Harbour House and shops selling silver, pearls, T-shirts, and artwork. Tangy aromas drifted from the restaurants—seafood, steak, Mexican spices. Tom headed for the Casa Carmelkorn shop, but Alan whistled and cupped his hands over his mouth to form a megaphone. “Let’s eat dinner first.”

Tom sauntered back with Megan’s hand woven in his. “I’m ready.” He turned to Megan. “I’ll pick up some caramel corn to take to the beach.”

Megan nestled against his shoulder as they discussed their restaurant options—Crabby Jim’s, Captain’s Gig Restaurant with its covered porch for outdoor eating, and Cabo’s Wild Mexican Seafood. They walked to the end of the wharf and back, eyeing the possibilities, and eventually agreed on Café Fina. They returned to the butter-colored clapboard building and went inside. The air-conditioning felt great to Juli, and she was pleased to see the broad windows offered a sweeping view of the harbor.

Juli listened to the conversation, the romantic tones of Tom and Megan and Alan’s witty comments. She perused the menu, especially the wood grill fare of chicken and veal dishes. She noticed the New York steak and wondered if that would be Alan’s choice. When Megan mentioned that Café Fina’s pasta was homemade, Juli settled on Italian sausage with fettuccini.

“Sounds good,” Alan said, “but I’ll take the Pasta Fina. It has baby bay shrimp, Roma tomatoes, and onions covered in clam butter sauce. ”

The waitress wrote down their orders, and Juli turned to the window and watched the sun lowering in the sky. Its golden hues spread across the bay like deep yellow oil on water floating along the top, creating a vibrant splash of color.

“You’re quiet,” Alan said, leaning closer. He glanced at the other two, and Juli followed his direction. Seeing they were preoccupied, Alan leaned closer. “Are you upset with me about something?”

Her pulse tripped. “No. Not at all. I’m just distracted, I guess.”

Alan tilted his head toward Tom and Megan. “You’re surprised about—”

He didn’t continue, but she knew what he meant.

She gave a faint shrug. “A little.”

He nodded as if understanding.

She felt his fingers brush against her lower arm, a touch so gentle it sent a tingle to her heart. She felt her pulse give a jig, and it left her confounded. She longed to know how Alan really felt about her. Did he think of her as a friend, a girlfriend, a date, a what?

Letting the question slide, Juli managed to be chattier. She and Alan talked about the soup kitchen, past Fourth of July experiences, and the ambience of the restaurant, anything to help her avoid watching Tom and Megan. Occasionally one of them added a comment, but the conversation tended to be hers and Alan’s until finally the food arrived.

They quieted and concentrated on their meals. They skipped dessert and ordered coffee, letting time pass as the sunlight turned to dusk and the lights came up on the wharf. The crowd thickened, and they discussed the need to find a spot on the beach. Alan motioned for the bill. When they stepped outside, he and Tom agreed to run back to the car for blankets while Megan went for the caramel corn and Juli headed for Carousel Candies to pick up some sweets.

Inside the store she made her purchase—and faced the truth. She really liked Alan, and if they were going to get anywhere, she had to stop her worries. She had to do something to get rid of her ridiculous attitude about Gilroy and garlic. She needed to give her concerns to the Lord and let Him guide her. Juli knew she had to take a leap of faith, to step outside her comfort zone, but she sensed that was what the Lord would have her do.

When they reached the crowded beach, they found a spot and spread their blankets close to the water. With the lack of sun and a breeze from the bay, a chill had settled over the sand. Megan and Tom stretched out on their blanket, arms wrapped around each other, while Alan and Juli sat Indian-style. She reached for her sweater tied to the strap of her shoulder bag, and Alan helped her slip it on then stretched out his legs and patted the blanket between his knees. “Come over here. We might as well stay warm.”

She looked at his face in the dim light. “Are you sure?”

“Am I sure? I insist.”

His voice rang with good humor.

“Want a piece of candy first?” She pulled a small package from her shoulder bag.

He shook his head. “You’re sweet enough for me.”

The look in his eyes sent her heart on a wild ride. She scooted across the blanket and settled down with her back against his torso. Alan wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Now isn’t that much better?”

Better. It was wonderful to be so close yet show good taste. “It’s much, much better, but are you comfortable?”

“I’m very comfortable. Isn’t that like you to be concerned about people?”

His words settled over her. “Is it bad to be so concerned?”

“Juli, it’s what the Lord expects. How can you ask? It’s what makes me care about you so much.”

She stopped herself from asking him to define “care about you.” She decided to enjoy his words and leave the situation in God’s hands.

Music from the wharf drifted down to the beach, and they sat without talking and watched people wander along the bay searching for a place to sit. She loved the feel of Alan’s arms embracing her and keeping her warm. It reminded her of the Bible verse in Ecclesiastes that began, “Two are better than one,” and went on to say, “But how can one keep warm alone?” The beautiful words that defined a loving relationship hung in her mind. Two are better than one.

Tom and Megan were lip-locked again. Juli averted her gaze, and Alan gave her a firm squeeze.

“I know that bothers you,” he whispered in her ear. “It bothers me, too.”

Juli turned, her mouth close to his. “They don’t know each other that well.”

“I know.”

She saw something in his eyes, and butterfly wings revisited her heart until she nearly lost her breath. “They just met,” she was finally able to say.

She saw his lips move, and she felt them brush the end of her nose. The sweetness of his kiss washed over her. She loved that so much more than tempting herself to sin. Too much passion too soon wasn’t what the Lord expected, and it wasn’t what she expected.

Alan’s gaze sought hers, and she smiled to let him know she loved his kiss. She felt his shoulders relax, and she turned again to face the water, nestling inside the circle of his arms. Tonight she knew why he’d never tried to kiss her. Alan respected her, and he’d waited for her permission to move forward. She needed to decide what she wanted, and if she wanted Alan, she needed to be honest with him. So many things piled up in her mind.

A hiss and a bang charged the sky, and a burst of color shot through the night, with red, white, and blue fairy dust floating downward to the water.

“That surprised you,” Alan said, nuzzling his chin against her shoulder.

Another burst lit the darkness like a golden chrysanthemum followed by tiny pinwheels spiraling through the air. The crowd responded with applause and cheers.

Juli watched one display after another, each more beautiful than the last, bursts in the shape of hearts and stars, fountains of brilliant color, but she realized the glorious glow held nothing to the light in her heart. The Lord had sent her a man who respected her and cared about her, a gift greater than any fireworks display on earth.