Sugar and Spice, page 3
“I like it a lot. I find Rev. Willow’s sermons very inspiring.” He glanced across the room to where her parents were visiting with some other couples. She noticed respect in his eyes as he looked at her father.
But she certainly didn’t intend to spend the afternoon talking about her father’s sermons. “Tell me, Jimmy, what sort of work do you do?”
He hesitated and a trapped look crossed his face; then he relaxed. “To be honest, I’m trying my hand at several things. I work at the warehouse with Eddy through the week. Yesterday I worked on the docks.”
“Really? How exciting. My parents won’t allow me to go near that district.”
“That’s probably wise of them. It’s no place for a young lady to go alone.”
“Tell me about it. What goes on down there?”
“It’s usually teeming with people. From passengers boarding steamboats to dockworkers.” He smiled. “Children everywhere, and of course there are warehouses and other buildings all along the river. You weren’t too far from there the first time I saw you.”
“I know, but I was only shopping. Please, tell me more.”
She listened, uncomfortable, as Jimmy told her about the poverty of the people who lived in the area.
When Helen and Eddy rejoined them, Cici welcomed them eagerly. She didn’t want to hear about poor people. She wanted to hear about adventure and excitement.
The afternoon sped by, and before they knew it, the party was breaking up.
Cici had cornered her parents shortly before and received permission to invite Helen and the boys to dinner the following Sunday.
They all accepted and the boys left, while Cici and Helen helped clean up.
When Cici went to her room that night, she felt happy and eager to see Jimmy again. As she got her night things out, she saw the stockings with the lipstick and suddenly she wasn’t sure about her new friendship with Gail. Well, she was going to lunch with her soon. She’d see how she felt about it then. And there really wasn’t anything wrong with a little lipstick, was there?
But her conscience answered, What about deceiving your parents and friends?
Four
“ ‘Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.’ ”
Jimmy inhaled sharply, the softly spoken words penetrating his mind and heart like a knife. Did Rev. Willow know about the confusion in his head? But how could he? He hadn’t spoken of it to anyone but Blake and Cobb.
“How many times have we skimmed over these words, scarcely noticing them? Do we remember this scripture when we make decisions in our daily lives? Do we even know what the words mean?”
Jimmy leaned forward, eagerness tightening his chest and throat.
“It is really quite simple.” Rev. Willow cleared his throat. “It means exactly what it says. Is there an important decision you have to make? Whom to marry. Which house to buy. A career choice.”
Yes, yes. But how did he know?
“In these decisions, we must get down on our knees. Discuss the situation with our heavenly Father. Give it to Him. Ask Him what His plan is in the situation. According to God’s Word, if we do this, our thoughts shall be established. We will know what to do.”
Jimmy frowned and crossed his arms. Was it really that simple? Danni prayed a lot. And Blake always said a blessing over meals. But Jimmy had never really given God much thought other than attending church on Sunday mornings. He wasn’t sure he knew how to go about discussing things with God. Maybe he’d get a chance to ask the reverend about it after dinner. He was glad he and Eddy had been invited.
The service over, Jimmy rose. Cici and her friend stood in the aisle by his pew. Startled, he realized he hadn’t thought about her during the service even once. Now, as she turned her glance in his direction, he was once more mesmerized by her loveliness.
“Let’s go, Jimmy.” Eddy shoved him from behind and they moved out into the aisle.
“We may as well walk to the parsonage together, right?” Eddy flashed a grin at the girls.
“Of course.” Cici smiled and waited.
“Oh, forgive me.” Heat rose in Jimmy’s face as he realized the girls were waiting to be escorted. He offered his arm, and Cici slipped her hand inside the crook of his elbow.
The walk to the house next door was much too fast. They stepped inside, and Jimmy felt a twinge of disappointment as Cici removed her hand from his arm.
The girls removed their wraps and went to help Mrs. Willow.
“Come.” Rev. Willow motioned toward the chairs by the fireplace. “We might as well visit while we wait.”
Supposing this might be the time he could ask the minister about the morning’s scripture, Jimmy was a little disappointed when the minister began to regale them with stories from his last hunting trip, then proceeded to tell a joke he’d recently heard. Soon Jimmy found himself roaring with laughter, along with Eddy. Then Cici announced that dinner was served.
They sat down at the food-laden dining table and Rev. Willow stretched his hands out to his wife and daughter, who sat on each side of him. Jimmy, seated next to Cici, took her extended hand as her father blessed the food.
Although he’d expected the dinner conversation to reflect the morning’s sermon, the room rang with laughter. Apparently he had a lot to learn about preachers and their families.
After dinner, Rev. Willow invited Eddy and Jimmy to his library. Leather- and cloth-bound volumes lined two walls. Their host walked over to a book-lined shelf.
Jimmy followed. He scanned the titles, but nothing seemed familiar.
“Ah, those are all books on theology.” The reverend ran his hand along the spines in an almost caressing manner. He turned and motioned to the book-laden wall across from them. “Those might be more to your liking.”
The two younger men followed him across the room.
“The Three Musketeers.” Eddy laughed and slipped the book from the shelf. “This was my favorite when I was a lad.”
Jimmy found many old friends in the collection, but his eyes kept going back to the shelves on the other wall. He felt drawn to the books and had no idea why. He glanced over and found Rev. Willow studying him with a curious expression on his face.
“Are you interested in theology, Jimmy?” The older man lowered himself into an overstuffed chair and motioned the boys to the sofa across from him.
“I really know very little about it, sir.” Jimmy hoped he didn’t sound as ignorant as he felt.
“Most people don’t. They prefer to leave that to their ministers. But there’s a world of wealth in those old tomes. Anytime you would like to borrow one, please feel free to do so.”
Excitement gripped Jimmy. “Thank you. That’s very generous.”
“Nonsense. My offer is purely selfish. I seldom have anyone with whom to discuss my books. It would be a rare treat.” He smiled and waved toward the door. “I’m sure the ladies have finished cleaning the kitchen. Cici and Helen won’t be happy with me if I keep you here any longer.”
Jimmy and Eddy thanked their host and joined the girls. Jimmy hoped to have a few moments of private conversation with Cici, but after a rousing game of croquet, Helen suggested they play checkers. Before they knew it, Mrs. Willow entered the dining room with a platter of sandwiches and fruit. They ate and then headed back to the church for the evening service.
Afterward, Jimmy managed to speak to Cici on the front step of the church. “I enjoyed the day, Cici. You have a wonderful family. Thanks for your hospitality.”
A pretty pink blush appeared on her cheeks. “It was my pleasure. Thank you for coming.”
“Do you think. . . ?” He cleared his throat. “That is, perhaps I can return the hospitality someday soon and you could have dinner at my sister’s home.”
“Perhaps.” A dimple appeared at one corner of her lips. “I’d have to get permission from my parents.”
“Of course.”
She offered her hand. He took it and then wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. Finally, he gave it a slight shake, bowed, and left.
“You dunce,” he berated himself. “She probably expected you to kiss her hand like you did before.”
“Hey, Jimmy, wait a minute.” Eddy huffed after him, his cheeks red from puffing. “Well,” he panted, “seems you decided to ignore my warning about Cici.”
Jimmy glared. “I don’t know why you don’t like her. She’s perfectly delightful, and your description of a siren doesn’t fit her at all.”
Eddy threw his hands in the air. “Okay, buddy. Sorry I said anything. I wish you well.”
They headed for the streetcar, where they said good-bye, since they were going in different directions.
Jimmy rode to the elevated train station. On the way home, his mind kept jumping from Cici to the morning sermon. The chance to talk to Rev. Willow about the scripture hadn’t arisen, but he determined to speak to the minister about it the first chance he got.
❧
Cici sat on the seat of the wobbling streetcar, her back rigid. She’d told her mother she was going to lunch with a friend and rushed out of the house before she could ask for more information. A niggling thought worried her mind. She’d never felt the need to be evasive about her friends before. But somehow she knew her parents wouldn’t approve of Gail. Cici took a deep breath and shoved the thought away. After all, she wasn’t a child. She was plenty old enough to choose her friends. And there was nothing wrong with Gail. Cici was sure of it.
The streetcar carried her to the downtown district, past department stores and salons. After a few blocks, she pulled the cord and got off. She glanced around, consternation rising in her. The neighborhood was rather rough looking. She bit her bottom lip and wondered if perhaps she should turn around and go home. A surge of fear shot through her, but with it came a thrill of excitement. Her eyes scanned the nearby buildings and came to rest on a sign that proclaimed Tony’s Place.
She swallowed and ran her tongue over her dry lips. She’d never felt timid or fearful before and didn’t intend to start now. She took a resolute step forward and walked down the street to the café. There, that wasn’t so bad. She reached out for the doorknob, but a laughing couple shoved past her and opened the door.
Cici gave an indignant glare to the retreating couple, then stopped inside the door and glanced around. The room sparkled with bright lights, and a small orchestra played merry music in a rear corner. Her nose inhaled the smell of smoke and perfume mingled with the zesty aromas drifting from the kitchen.
“Cici, over here.”
She turned.
Gail beckoned from a small round table.
With relief, Cici headed in her direction.
“Hey, I’m so glad you came. Put your coat on the extra chair. They never have enough coatracks here.”
Flustered by the daring adventure and Gail’s exuberance, Cici sat across from the laughing brunette.
A waitress came with menus and glasses of water.
Cici scanned the selections and the girls placed their orders.
“I wasn’t sure you’d come.” Gail tossed her a sideways grin.
“Why? I said I’d be here.”
“I know. I just thought you might change your mind and back out.”
“Well, I almost did when I saw the neighborhood.” She glanced around nervously. “Are you sure we’re safe here? It doesn’t look quite respectable.”
“Nonsense. Don’t be a baby. Some very interesting people come here. You know. . .show business folks and such.”
“Really?” Cici forgot her fears at this exciting news. “Have you ever met any?”
“Sure. All the time. Some of the cast of The Scarlet Lady hang around here a lot.”
Cici gasped. “What’s that? It doesn’t sound nice.”
“Sure it is. Upper class and all that.”
“Well, if you say so.” But dread tightened her chest.
“Gail sipped from her water glass. “You look very pretty today. I’m glad to see you painted those lips.”
“Yes,” Cici whispered, looking around. “Is it noticeable?”
“Of course. It’s supposed to be noticed. Why else would you wear it?” She gave a little laugh.
Indignation flooded Cici. Was Gail mocking her?
“Oh dear. That was rude. I’m sorry, Cici. Sarcasm just seems to come naturally to me.”
“It’s all right. You weren’t rude. I tend to be overly sensitive at times.”
“Well then, good. We’re still friends.” Gail reached over and patted her hand.
Their food arrived and Cici bowed her head and said a silent prayer. She looked up and found Gail staring at her. “What’s wrong?” Didn’t Gail give thanks for her food?
“Nothing.” Gail picked up her hamburger and took a large bite. “Mmm. Don’t you love hamburgers?”
“They’re all right, I guess.” Cici bit a small corner off her ham sandwich and tried not to look at the grease on Gail’s mouth. They chatted between bites. Finally, Cici pushed her plate back.
“How about some pie?” Gail looked around for the waitress.
“No, I couldn’t eat another bite.” She glanced at the watch at the end of her neck chain. “I should probably be going.”
“Stay awhile longer. We’ve hardly had a chance to talk yet.”
“Well, maybe a few minutes.”
“Gail! Darling! How nice to see you.” An older man had stepped to their table and stood smiling at Gail.
The girl flung her head back and looked up with a saucy grin. “Well, Sutton, it’s been a long time. Where have you been keeping yourself?”
“I’ve been directing a show in Paris, my dear. I arrived home last week.” He glanced at Cici. “And who is your charming companion?”
“Oh, forgive my bad manners. Cici Willow, I’d like to introduce you to James Sutton, an old family friend.” She glanced back at Mr. Sutton. “Cici and I, on the other hand, met only recently, but I believe we’re on our way to becoming best pals.”
Cici blushed and offered her hand to the gentleman. He lifted it and let his lips linger on her fingers for a moment. Startled, Cici jerked her hand away, heart hammering.
His lips tipped in an amused smile. “Ah. Forgive my clumsiness, my dear. Your beauty quite overcame me for a moment.”
“Won’t you join us, Sutton?” Gail interrupted. “Tell us about the Paris show?”
“I would be delighted. That is, if your young friend has no objection.” He turned his eyes on Cici. Deep, dark eyes that seemed to search her entire being.
What was it about him that fascinated her so? He was as old as her father. And the feelings he elicited in her were certainly not romantic. Yet she found herself wanting to stay in his presence. To hear his deep, soothing voice.
She cleared her throat. “No, I have no objection. I’d love to hear about the show, Mr. Sutton.”
Five
“But Danni, I love working on the docks and couldn’t pass up the opening.” He stared down at his weeping sister, helpless at the unusual sight. “It’ll be all right.”
She wiped her eyes and sniffled. “Jimmy, have you forgotten so soon? How could you enjoy a place that is so wicked and cruel to children? Even before Sutton got us in his clutches, don’t you remember how we walked the streets till we were exhausted, then hid on the wharf, cold and starving, even to the point of my stealing someone else’s lunch?”
Jimmy patted her shoulder, wondering how to explain. “I do remember, Danni. But for some reason, I feel drawn to the area. I love the excitement of the harbor and the ships that moor there.”
“Oh, Jimmy.”
“But it’s not just that.” He walked to the window and glanced out. Late afternoon shadows fell across the opulent green lawn. Like the shadows that had reached out to him in his dreams, bringing him to his latest decision. Should he open up to her? Mention the children whose hungry eyes haunted his dreams and waking hours? Should he tell her of the cries of his heart to help them? “There are the children.”
She glanced up, a startled look in her eyes. “Is that what this is about? Have you been helping the children?”
He returned and sat beside her on the settee. “Not much. I’m not sure what I can do besides offer a bite of something now and then. Eddy is the one they flock to. They’re drawn to him like a bug to light, but he’s only there for an hour and sometimes he can’t make it.”
She bit her lip. “So it is the children.”
“Not just the children. If you could see the hopeless looks on the faces of the mothers. . .”
She laid her hand on his and looked into his eyes. “Please, Jimmy,” she whispered, “there are other ways to help these people. You know I’m part of a charitable foundation to help the poor of the city. I’ll try to get more people interested in helping out around the wharf area. Go back to school. Don’t throw your future away.”
He groaned. “Maybe I’m losing my mind, turning my back on a career in the Nelson firm. You and Blake must think I’m completely ungrateful, and I’m not. It’s just. . . I don’t know, Danni. I’m sorry to make you cry. But I can’t leave the docks. At least not yet.”
She turned, her face ashen, and walked from the room.
Jimmy hit his fist against the windowsill. Idiot. Why’d you tell her? Of course she’ll worry.
He took a deep breath. At least he hadn’t mentioned Cobb, who’d actually introduced him to the dock supervisor.
It had taken a few days to work out a system where he could help without compromising his job. He’d followed Eddy’s lead and made sure he had extra food in his lunch pail, but most days, he gave it all away. He chuckled. Cook must wonder about the enormous quantities of food he stuffed into his lunch pail, as well as the amounts he consumed at breakfast and dinner.
He headed upstairs to get a book from his room. He had intended to join the family for dinner before going to Rev. Willow’s for a Bible study, but under the circumstances, it might be best if he left early. Tonight they planned to discuss the topic of salvation by grace. Jimmy had accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was twelve, but in spite of the fact that Danni and Blake had a close relationship with God, Jimmy had never really studied the Bible for himself. The reverend had been teaching him the fundamentals of Christianity, and it had opened up a world of truth and light to him. He couldn’t seem to get enough. He couldn’t understand the insatiable hunger that seemed to drive him to more and more spiritual understanding; he could only follow it.
