~ Chapter Three ~

Madison pushed open the door to Toodie’s Burger Heaven and scanned the tables for Jimmy John. There he sat in his usual booth, sporting a mile-wide smile. He waved her over.

She settled in across from her friend. “How was your day?”

“Good. And yours?” He motioned to the tray in front of her. “Got your favorite.”

“Busy, but fine. Thanks. How much do I owe you?”

He slung his arm across the seat’s back. “My treat tonight. I bailed on you and Abbi at the center the other day.”

“It’s not fair ‘cause you had to work. I always pay my way. Wait. Where’s your burger?”

He waved a hand toward the kitchen. “Cook had to make more chili. He promised it wouldn’t be long. Is Abbi coming?” Jimmy John tilted his head to look around Madison and out the large window to the parking lot.

“She’s sick. A stomach bug or something. I dropped by with some soup—homemade, as a matter of fact. My Granny’s recipe.” She giggled, proud of the recipe and blessed to even have access to such a monumental thing.

Jimmy John stared at her with tight lips, ready to burst out in laughter. “You…cooked?”

Huh. The way he emphasized his question is uncalled for but appropriate. “Yes, I did and burned nothing, including myself.” She held up both hands for his inspection.

He couldn’t hold back any longer. A low chuckle started, and then he broke into a full laugh. “How’d you manage to pull it off?”

Madison gave him a dismissive wave, but the gesture didn’t deflect his continuous harassment.

Finally, she folded her hands in her lap and waited. It didn’t take long for him to cover his mouth while he tried to finish the teasing.

“Stop. With Abbi’s folks out of town until Sunday, she doesn’t have anyone to care for her. She didn’t look too good.”

“Don’t catch her bug, or we can’t go to the Mud Bogs tomorrow. Tell her I wish her well and get better.”

“Good thing you commented on my best friend getting better at your last comment. I was about to call you selfish. By tomorrow, we’ll both be okay.”

“Hey. I thought we were best friends?” Jimmy John’s lower lip puckered. And just then, the server brought his food.

The girl glanced at him and then at Madison. “Is he all right?”

“Yep. Just being a man.” Madison laughed. The server turned and headed back to the counter, giggling.

Jimmy John reached across the table with palms up. “I’ll say grace.”

So when the shoe is on the other foot, you’re serious. Madison nodded and slipped her hand into his.

Jimmy John gently squeezed her hand. Something he made a habit of doing after he said, ‘Amen.’ She didn’t mind one bit. Gramps used to do the same after he prayed, so she found the slight gesture comforting.

Madison spoke around a bite. “My family is having a fish fry in two weekends. Can you come?”

“Sure. Thanks for the invite.”

“I’ll tell Dad you’re coming. I have something I want to ask. Well, Abbi and I are doing a joint venture, and we wanted you to join in on the mission. We’ll need more help and suggestions.”

Jimmy John stopped chewing and held his gaze on Madison. He swallowed the bite almost whole. “You have my attention.”

“Don’t choke yourself before I can ask. I found out we have a neighbor in dire straits.” Madison relayed the information her mother had shared with her earlier. She held her breath, hoping her friend would say yes.

“Sure. I’m in. Does the house need any repairs?” He grabbed his soda and took a large gulp.

“Can’t tell you. Her name is Taylor Sanderson. Mom tells me she won’t let anyone in the house. The property sat empty for years, so it probably needs some. What do you have in mind?”

“We can get the materials at cost. Dad would help, I’m certain. I can recruit Marshall. Getting out of the house and staying busy will do him some good. His wife meant a lot to him. Married over twenty-five years. I can’t even imagine—” Jimmy John stared out the window and shook his head. “Things like this hurt my heart. We neglect the people in our community by being unneighborly.” He held up his hand. “Not your family.”

“You’re right. We need to be more conscious of our neighbors. Some people don’t want to be bothered. They think all Christians are only coming by to hit them over the head with a Bible. Not true, at least in my family’s case.” Madison took a swig of soda. “I’m concerned about Abbi—”

“Is she that sick?”

“Not her health but her heart and ambitions. She’s worked at Toodie’s for years but hasn’t started applying for college grants. She said she’s not sure of her path yet. How about you?” I hope he’ll be honest with me.

Jimmy John relaxed against the seat. “I’m required to run the family business.”

“Yeah, but you still can take some classes on business or whatever you’re interested in... Can’t you?” Madison tilted her head and smiled.

“Let’s not talk about that. I’m tired of the subject before we even start. We can try to walk Taylor’s land after the fish fry. It’ll give me an idea of how bad the property is from the outside—roof, siding, and windows. If she agrees to let me look inside the kitchen and bathrooms and inspect the equipment like the heater and air conditioner, that will help me find what she’ll need. I have a few contractor friends who run across used equipment they donate. With the house being empty for so many years, I’m certain all of it will need updated.”

“Since you won’t talk about college, I’ll back off. I hope we can befriend Taylor. Mom went by the shelter’s closet to gather some donated clothing.” Must be a sore subject with him. What’s happened? Am I totally clueless about where his feelings are concerned? I need to be a better friend and listen more. Is his father aware of his feelings about having to take over the business?

Jimmy John switched on the truck’s radio. He drummed the steering wheel, keeping in time with a fast-beat country song. He’d said goodnight to Madison after they ate supper at Toodie’s and headed home. This hadn’t been declared an official date—that was just wishful thinking on his part, for something other than friends hanging out together. He always walked on clouds whenever he spent time alone with her. Would he ever gather enough courage to utter those words he longed for her to hear? He talked daily to customers and coworkers with no problems, but telling Madison how he felt about working at the family business or his love for her, his throat closed...why? They’d been friends since the fourth grade, but he’d fallen deeply in love with her over the years.

The day she told him A&M wait-listed her and she’d be attending Tech, he could’ve sung, but then the disappointment and sting of pain flashed across her countenance. His heart sank along with hers, and he hoped never to see it again on her pretty face. And this one incident truly broke her heart. Her dream gone.

He rubbed the back of his neck. One day, I will tell you I love you, Madi. I’ll do my best to support anything you like and love, including helping your neighbor. Not only ‘cause you asked me, but it’s what Jesus did during his ministry. He sighed. Madi.

Jimmy John steered Blacky up the driveway and parked the 1976 Ford truck in its usual spot. Since he still lived at home with his parents, how would the woman he loved view him when he declared his intentions—Mama’s boy, unable to commit to a relationship? He shook off those mistaken images plaguing his mind. By working at the family business and living at home, he’d built his savings substantially to buy a home outright. When he planned on marrying, he wouldn’t deny his bride the privilege of selecting the house they’d share.

He turned off the engine, leaned against the bench seat, and closed his eyes when a slow groove played on the radio. His imagination filled with Madison and him in each other’s arms during their first dance as husband and wife—her blonde hair draping across her shoulders as he stared into her lovely blue eyes.

He’d always thought of her first even when he rebuilt his truck. The day he finished restoring Blacky, he picked up Madison for the maiden drive. They wound around the dam and pulled into the park. The picnic is one day he’ll never forget as long as he lives. He almost told her how much he loved and wanted to date her. But as usual, the words were stuck to his tongue.

Never failed, his mom left on a light in the kitchen anytime he came home late. A smile lifted on his lips at how his mother cared for him—not too mothering. Sometimes, she’d be waiting at the kitchen table so they could talk, but often, she’d be the one in need of a chat.

Jimmy John trudged up the three steps, glad he lived in a small town where they didn’t find it necessary to lock doors at night. Thankful for the empty room—not much in the mood for talking.

He climbed the stairs to his room. Get some guts, man, and tell her. He tossed his jacket on the chair in the corner, flopped backward on the bed, and folded his arm over his eyes. Madison’s question about taking online college classes filled his mind. Yes, sweetheart, I should take some courses on management. It will help the business if we expand with another store location. Something to think about. You always motivate me with some sort of project you’re interested in. Better take a shower and get to bed. Only have half a day to work tomorrow, and then I’ll see my sweetie.