CHAPTER NINE

Didi exploded to life when a deep bass voice next to her ear belted out “Drop Kick Me Jesus Though the Goal Post of Life.” Now, wasn’t that appropriate? She’d set her clock radio to a country station because she hated the music. Well, she didn’t hate it. Keith Urban was kind of cute. But it wasn’t her favorite. This morning’s twangy ditty sent her bounding out of bed to slap the blasted thing, and since she was up, she might as well stay up.

She glanced down. Poor Maisie crouched on the carpet by the foot of the bed. The cat blinked her big green eyes and licked the ruffled fur on her shoulder. She padded out of the bedroom toward the kitchen, looking pointedly behind her as if to insure her person was following.

Didi had other things on her mind. A few times a month or whenever Kevin had been extra generous with his time, he’d picked her up for church. Obviously, that wasn’t going to happen this morning.

A fresh start was called for, and it would do her good to be with friends. With any luck, after last night’s untidy scene, Kevin wouldn’t show up again this morning to “check” on her. He’d most likely expect to see her crying into her cereal bowl, and she refused to give him the satisfaction.

Still, Didi didn’t like going to church by herself. Even though she was going out to lunch with Suzy after church, maybe she could persuade her to tag along this morning. Since Michel was the best husband in the world, at least according to Suzy, he shouldn’t have any problem getting three energetic kids off to church by himself. Where did one find a man like that?

Didi searched her fridge and poured herself a glass of orange juice as she dialed Suzy’s number.

Her friend picked up on the first ring, always the bright and chipper early bird. “Good morning, sleepyhead. What are you doing up this early?”

“How would you like a ride to church? I’ll throw away the Big Mac wrappers in my car before I get to your house.”

“Big Mac wrappers?”

“Yeah, and maybe a stray French fry box. Did I tell you I’m on a diet? Again?” Didi drained her glass and strolled down the short hallway toward her bedroom.

“Well, now, who could pass up an offer like that? And you’re the last person who needs to go on a diet, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Didi paused and huffed out a sigh. “I woke up jumpy this morning, and I need to get out of here.”

Didi tramped into the bedroom and eyed the inside of her closet. Examining her wardrobe choices for church, Didi spied a few possible outfits, dragged them out, and tossed them onto the bed. This morning, it was important to wear precisely the right thing. She wanted to be at her best, but she didn’t want to seem like she was trying too hard. If Kevin showed up for worship, she wanted him to realize he’d been an idiot to cheat on her. Wouldn’t it be nice if he drooled over her for once?

“Didi, are you okay?”

“I’m all right. I just don’t want to promenade into church by myself, and Kevin’s certainly not going to pick me up. Why don’t I stop by in an hour or so? That will give me time to eat breakfast and get dressed.” Maisie sidled up to Didi with a hungry gleam in her eye. Didi ignored her.

“An hour’s fine. Are you expecting Kevin to be at church?”

“I doubt it, but I suppose it’s possible.” Maisie bumped her head against Didi’s calf then stood on her hind legs and pawed Didi’s thigh.

“Okay. Sounds ominous. I’m not sure what’s going on with you two, but I’m thinking it might be good to arrive right on time for Sunday school and not one minute early. If Kevin does get there before we do, make him wonder if you’re going to show up. Keep him guessing.”

“If that’s the case, I want you there by my side.” Didi bent down and petted the impatient cat. “Right now, I don’t have a clue what Kevin might or might not do.”

“I can’t wait to hear the news at lunch, but in the meantime, I’m sure whatever it is, a modicum of uncertainty will do him good.”

“It might at that,” Didi mused. “I’ll pick you up in an hour, then.”

Finally giving in to the persistent, purring feline, Didi ambled into the kitchen with an expectant kitty hot on her heels.

“Poor little Maisie, and I do use that term ‘little’ loosely, my zaftig darling. Did you think I’d forgotten to feed you again?”

Didi pulled out a can of moist food, and Maisie did a cat happy dance, mincing prettily around Didi’s legs. Maisie could only eat squishy food for a little while after her teeth cleaning. Stooping, Didi stroked the soft fur and ignored the dust bunnies under the kitchen table. “Tomorrow” was always the best time to clean house, but she vowed to work on it soon.

While Maisie gobbled contentedly, Didi contemplated her own breakfast. She stared with longing at the toaster tart box, but resolving to strive for fitness in both mind and body, she sat down to a nutritious bowl of high-fiber cereal and a cup of antioxidant-rich green tea instead. Surprisingly, the cereal was tasty. Proud of herself, she sauntered to the pantry and chucked the toaster tarts in the trash.

Back in the bedroom, after great deliberation, Didi chose her tried-and-true black and lavender print blouse and her most flattering pair of black slacks. Kevin had told her they were way too snug on her, but they fit her perfectly. In the back of her closet, she unearthed a black suede blazer she’d been saving for a special occasion. Black patent leather pumps and silver earrings with a matching necklace completed the ensemble.

At her church, which was an “anything goes” sort of church in the clothes department, she would be one of the better-dressed young women there without being too obvious. Well, she hoped so, anyway.

Pulling her hair back with a couple of tortoiseshell clips, Didi dabbed on her favorite perfume. The sweet scent had come from Ireland and been a gift from her mother. The final touch, a new shade of lipstick called “Miss Me Mauve,” perked up her spirits. She might not be a beauty queen, but her lips looked pretty. Satisfied with her appearance, she picked up her Bible and purse and headed toward the door.

As usual, Didi was five minutes late. Thankfully, Suzy, always easygoing, didn’t mind. Didi wanted very much to confide in her friend, but she didn’t want to talk about Kevin quite yet. It was sure to make her cry…or make her want to punch something.

Her friend seemed to understand and didn’t ask. In fact, Suzy had brought along a new CD to listen to on the way to church. Music was something they had in common. The gritty sound of the new Daughtry album helped lift Didi’s mopey mood.

As they both sang along, Didi recalled how they’d met in high school in the Madrigals choir. Didi sang soprano, Suzy alto, and they’d performed a duet for a pep rally. Their voices blended beautifully, and they’d become fast friends during the many practice sessions. After high school, they’d lost touch, but three years ago, they’d bumped into each other at the grocery store. Suzy had invited Didi to visit her church, and she’d fit right in.

Turning into the parking lot of the First Community Church of God, Didi slid into a space on the other side of the lot from her usual spot. She preferred to be as far away from the usual as possible today. The solid red brick church sat on a shady corner a couple of miles outside of town. On Sunday mornings, the congregation filled the inviting sanctuary, unlike some churches she’d visited where attendance was poor.

Didi liked the church’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. What she liked best, though, were the messages. Pastor Dale Shelton had a way of making every sermon sound as if it was sent special delivery straight from God especially for her. She’d prayed for such a message today. Before she and Suzy left the safety of the car, Didi asked her friend to offer up a prayer for her, too.

“Suzy, I’m really edgy. I’m scared he might be in there and…and I’m afraid I might cry. Mostly though, I’d love to lob Maisie’s catnip rats at him.” Didi managed a tiny laugh at the image of raining rats.

Suzy slung a sympathetic arm around her shoulder. “Well, my goodness, I can hardly stand the suspense, but in the meantime, I’ll pray.”

“I know it’s good for me to be here,” Didi said. “But please stick to me like superglue. I’m not ready to talk to him alone yet.”

With that, the two trooped into church together with heads held high and determination in their steps. She presented a brave front, but inside, Didi blanched.

Mercifully, there was no sign of Kevin in the spacious foyer, or as the church preferred to call it, the Welcome Center. Didi and Suzy picked up bulletins and announcement sheets and shook hands with the greeter. As they walked by the sanctuary, Didi peeked inside. No sign of Kevin. Nor did Didi spy him in any of the many classrooms, the kitchen, or the fellowship hall they passed. A few men congregated by the coffeemaker but no Kevin. With lessening trepidation, she and Suzy proceeded to their adult Sunday school class.

Breathing sighs of relief, the girls found seats near the back of the room. With two minutes to spare before the popular class commenced, Didi skimmed the bulletin. Her favorite soloist, her friend Maria, was singing today. The sermon topic was the second in the series Your Identity as a Christian. Didi was looking forward to that as well. Just as the lesson began and just when her heartbeat had finally slowed down to a steady rhythm, Kevin’s face appeared in the doorway. Her stomach turned, and heavy thumps started again in her chest. She was surprised he knew where to find her.

His eyes scanned the room and landed unblinkingly on her. Didi couldn’t help it. She twisted away in a panic. Taking herself in hand, she made up her mind to act like an adult and spun back around. She stared Kevin straight in the eye, and with a formal nod, she acknowledged his presence. Turning her attention toward the front, she focused on Shawn, their class leader.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kevin take a seat on the other side of the room, and every few minutes, he sneaked a glance in her direction. Didi did her best to ignore him and listen to the lesson, but after a while, she gave up and waited for it to be over. She made a mental note to ask Suzy if she’d missed any nuggets of wisdom.

Near the end of class, Didi excused herself and sprinted to the ladies’ room, relieved to find a ready supply of tissues in the lounge area. Despite her best efforts, teardrops slipped down her face. Wouldn’t most women in her position be emotional? She brushed her hair, applied a fresh coat of lipstick, stuck on a smile, and crept out of the ladies’ room…and straight into Kevin’s broad chest. Subtly, he backed her into a corner, eyes narrowing and jaw clenched. “We need to talk.”

Taking in a lungful of air, she hung her head. She hated it when he was angry with her. “You’re making me uncomfortable, Kevin. I don’t want to do this right now.”

Kevin’s voice rose to a dull roar. “I said we need to talk.”

Heart pounding like a jackhammer, Didi forced herself to meet his eyes. “Well, okay, then. Maybe I’ll give you a call later…”

One of the teachers rounded the corner, whistling. Kevin flashed the man a big smile and stepped back away from her. Didi took that opportunity to dodge around him and flee back toward the Sunday school room. She risked a peep over her shoulder, but Kevin wasn’t following. Creeping back into the classroom, she balanced on the edge of the chair next to Suzy as Shawn said the closing prayer.

Suzy shifted in her seat and whispered, “Are you okay? You’re as white as a sheet.”

Didi put a finger to her lips and bowed her head. As the prayer ended, she steadied herself and gave her friend a tiny smile, but her performance wouldn’t fool Suzy.

“What did he say to you? I knew I should have followed him.”

Didi didn’t want to worry her friend. “Everything’s okay,” she lied. “I’ll tell you at lunch.”

Suzy shook her head and kept silent. They gathered up their Bibles and headed upstairs toward the sanctuary. Their church called the twenty minutes between Sunday school and church “Half Time,” but rather than sticking around to have a cup of coffee in the Welcome Center, Didi and Suzy opted to take a hike around the church. The air was chilly but warmer than anywhere near Kevin.

“Are you sure you want to stick around for the service?” Suzy furrowed her brow. “I’m quite certain God would understand if we left now.”

Didi shivered and drew her blazer closer around her. “No, I want to hear the sermon, and I will not let him chase me out of my own church. We’ll wait out here until church starts, sit near the back, and make a quick getaway.” Her plan might be considered the coward’s way out, but it was the best she could do.

They took a couple of turns around the parking lot and enjoyed the jonquils, hyacinths, and tulips that lined the walkway. As they made their way back inside, the music played, alerting the congregation the service was about to begin. Thank heavens, Kevin was already seated half a dozen pews in front of them. Didi had a terrific view of the back of his head. Better her staring at him than him staring at her.

Pat caught her eye from the front row, and they exchanged smiles and waves. How nice to know that in addition to Suzy, another caring soul was looking out for her.

Their plan worked well, although during the service, Didi caught a few raised eyebrows from her friends. She managed to follow most of the service and basked in the lilting melody as Maria sang “You Make Me Want to Be Brave.” Good timing, God. With a great deal of effort, Didi paid attention to most of the sermon.

As she worshipped in the crowded sanctuary, a sense of peace descended upon her. The presence of God soaked through her, and the warmth and fellowship of those around enfolded her. This was a place where she could lay her troubles down and leave them with the Lord. Silently, she breathed in His calming presence.

As the pastor prayed the closing prayer, Suzy tugged on her sleeve and motioned for the door. Feeling sneaky, the two slipped from their seats as Pastor Dale spoke the benediction. They were the first ones out the door and the first ones out of the church parking lot. In fact, it wasn’t quite noon yet when they swung into the parking lot of Abundant Garden.

At noon, the proprietor unlocked the front door and welcomed her first customers of the day. With chicken fried rice and hot and sour soup on Didi’s mind, she and Suzy headed into the restaurant. Having their choice of seats, they took a booth by the window, and Didi plunked down heavily.

“Okay, spill it.” Suzy motioned for a pot of tea. “And don’t spare the particulars.”

Over her fragrant Chinese soup, Didi relayed the gloomy story of her devastating Friday evening. She began with the tense breakup and told her friend the whole sad story. Well…she told her almost everything, leaving out a few minor details.

* * *

A couple of hours later back in her own living room, she flopped onto the couch, pulled an afghan over her knees, and relived the past few days. What she considered most of all, though, was what she hadn’t told Suzy. Didi hadn’t wanted to trouble her friend.

As they were slinking out of the sanctuary, Didi had stolen one last glance in Kevin’s direction. As if on cue, he’d turned around and shocked her with an icy, malevolent stare. Kevin was mad. He was really mad.

Didi shivered. Kevin was beginning to scare her.