Sisters by the Sea, page 4
On the trip to Pinecraft, Leora had given John the names of several interesting places he might want to visit while he was in Sarasota, and he’d said maybe she would like to go with him. They’d exchanged phone numbers before John’s driver dropped her off, and John promised to call.
Leora bit the inside of her cheek. But if he was going to call, surely he would have done so by now. Maybe John decided to see the places I mentioned by himself or with someone else. A man as friendly as John would no doubt have made a few new friends in Pinecraft by now, or maybe he’d met up with some people he knew from his hometown. There are certainly enough Amish folks from Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, so why wouldn’t there be some from Michigan too?
Enough thinking about Mr. Miller, Leora told herself. I need to get dressed for work, grab a bite of breakfast, and be on my way to Der Dutchman.
John rummaged through his backpack for the umpteenth time, searching for Leora’s phone number. He was sure he’d put it in his backpack after she’d given it to him, but it wasn’t there. He had planned to call her yesterday, but he’d found a shuffleboard partner at Pinecraft Park and ended up playing the game for several hours. Following that, John had eaten a sandwich at the Postal 98 Café on Yoder Avenue, and then, on the spur of the moment, he’d decided to hop on the bike he’d rented and check out a portion of the Legacy Trail. John had ended up going farther than he’d planned, and by the time he got back, it was suppertime. In no mood to cook a full meal, he’d opened and heated a can of vegetable soup, then ate it with a few crackers.
After that, John had been too tired to do the dishes, so he’d soaked them in the sink and flaked out on the couch with a devotional book on the topic of worry that he had brought from home. He’d read a few pages and fallen asleep, then woke up the next morning and realized he was still on the couch, dressed in yesterday’s clothes. After showering and changing into a clean shirt and trousers, John sat on the end of his bed, trying to remember where he could have put Leora’s number.
“Here I go, worrying again.” John thumped the side of his head. If it isn’t my business I’m worried about, it’s something else. Losing Leora’s phone number is not that big of a deal, he told himself. I just need to go over to Der Dutchman’s bakery and talk to her in person. Maybe I’ll speak to her first and then get some breakfast in the restaurant. A big meal this morning will make up for the lack of a hearty meal I didn’t eat last evening.
When John entered the bakery, the only person he saw was one cashier. He thought she might recognize him but then realized it was not the same woman who’d waited on him before. “Is Leora Lambright here?” John asked, stepping up to the counter.
“She’s in the back mixing cake batter. May I help you with something?”
He shook his head. “I need to ask her a question. Can you go tell her that John Miller is here and would like to talk with her a few minutes?”
The woman gave a quick shake of her head. “Not unless it’s an emergency.” She gestured to the other cash register. “As you can see, I’m here by myself, and I can’t leave my station.”
John leaned a bit closer and spoke in a quiet voice. “I understand, but I really need to talk with Leora. Can you show me what room she’s in? Maybe I can just poke my head in there and—”
“No one except for the restaurant manager and the bakery staff is allowed in that room. Leora will most likely be decorating a cake over there within the next hour or so.” She motioned with her head to the cake display area.
John’s shoulders drooped and his arms hung loosely at his sides. “I suppose I could go have some breakfast, but have you seen all those people waiting in line?”
She rolled her brown eyes. “Yes, I have, and since there are a lot of people waiting, the time it’ll take to wait and then eat your meal will probably equal an hour or more. By then maybe Leora will be out here at her decorating table and you can speak to her then.”
“Okay.” John gave a reluctant nod and quickly made his way to the back of the line that was now nearly out the front door.
Leora had just begun decorating a cake shaped like a guitar when a familiar voice called, “Hello, Leora.”
She looked up and was pleased to see John Miller on the other side of the glass case, smiling at her. “It’s nice to see you, John. I heard you were here earlier looking for me.”
“Yes, I was. I misplaced your phone number, or I would have called.” He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. “I was kinda thinking you might call me.”
Leora’s face warmed, and she glanced around, hoping no one was listening to their conversation. “Calling you seemed kind of forward, and I wasn’t sure you would appreciate it.”
“Why wouldn’t I? We exchanged numbers so we could keep in touch, right?”
“Jah.” Leora added some burgundy-colored frosting on one side of the cake. “I figured you might call me first.”
He turned his hands palms up. “I would have if I hadn’t lost your number.”
Leora felt a sense of relief, knowing John had truly wanted to keep in touch. She’d convinced herself that he hadn’t called because he hadn’t enjoyed their time on the beach as much as she had.
“If you have something to write my number on, I’ll give it to you now,” she said, looking away from the cake and back at him.
“As a business owner, I almost always have paper and pen with me.” He withdrew both items from the pocket in his trousers.
Leora told John her number and then resumed work on the cake. She had other cakes waiting to be decorated too and needed to get this one done soon. But it was hard to concentrate on her work with this dimpled Amish man smiling at her in such a way that it made her face, neck, and ears feel impossibly hot.
“I should get going and let you do your work,” he said. “But before I leave, I do have a quick question.”
She tipped her head. “Oh? What’s that?”
“Do you have any plans for this evening? There’s supposed to be a full moon, and I thought it would be nice to take a walk. I’d enjoy it more if you went with me.”
A tingling sensation swept up the back of Leora’s neck. The thought of walking in the moonlight with John would be ever so nice. Leora was about to say yes when she remembered about the plans she’d made to get together with Karen and some of their other friends for an evening of singing, snacking, and fellowship at Leora’s place. With only a slight hesitation, she said, “A walk sounds nice, but I’ve already made plans for this evening. She explained to John what they were and said, “Would you like to join us?”
He gave a throaty laugh. “I sure would. Is it all right if I bring my maularigel along?”
“Of course. I’ll have my guitar, and there might be a few other instruments as well, so the addition of a harmonica will be nice.”
“Great! What time should I be there?”
“We’ll probably begin around six thirty. Will that work for you?”
“Absolutely.” His eyes seemed to sparkle as he offered Leora another wide grin. “I’d better go home now and practice up so I don’t make a fool of myself tonight.”
“I doubt that very much. Besides, none of us are professional musicians.” She returned his smile and picked up her decorating knife again. “I’ll see you later, John.”
“Most definitely. And now I’ll leave you alone to do the work you get paid for. Have a good rest of the day, Leora.”
“You too.”
As Leora watched John walk away, a sense of excitement welled in her chest. He’d clearly enjoyed spending time with her the other day, or else he wouldn’t have asked her to go for a moonlit walk with him this evening. Maybe if they continued to see each other, they could take that walk some other time. Leora hoped that would be the case, because she felt like a young girl with a crush on one of the cute boys who attended her school. Leora could hardly wait for her shift to be over so she could go home and get things ready for this evening’s gathering.
Chapter 6
Leora moved about the kitchen, getting all the snacks laid out for the evening’s gathering. For those with a sweet tooth, she had brought home strawberry long johns, strawberry cookies, and chocolate-covered doughnuts. Karen had said she would bring potato chips, pretzels, and mixed nuts, so those items should satisfy anyone who had a craving for salt. Leora also had water, iced tea, lemonade, and grape juice to offer to drink. She figured no one would go away hungry or thirsty.
Leora hummed the tune to “Sweet By-and-By” while she got out paper plates, napkins, and plastic cups. She always looked forward to gathering with friends who liked to sing and play their musical instruments, but tonight she was even more eager. Although Leora had not said the words out loud, she knew in her heart that the reason for her enthusiasm was because John would be joining them. From the few times she’d been with him, Leora had found herself enjoying his company, and she felt fairly sure that he’d enjoyed his time with her too. She looked forward to introducing John to some of the friends she’d made in Pinecraft. It was too bad most only lived here part-time, but at least she had the opportunity to spend time with them a few weeks or months out of the year.
Of course, Leora reminded herself, John’s not a permanent resident here either. I need to accept that fact and not let my imagination carry me away. If I’m not careful, I might start believing I could establish a romantic and permanent relationship with a man—maybe John even. She shook her head. But that’s impossible. No matter how much I’m attracted to John, I cannot allow myself to feel anything more for him than a casual friendship. It wouldn’t be prudent to do otherwise.
John had finished eating supper and was about to get his harmonica out when his cell phone rang. He picked it up, and seeing that it was his parents’ number, he answered right away. “Hello.”
“How are you doing, Son?” his mother asked. “I haven’t heard from you in a while and thought I’d check and see how things are going.”
“I’ve only been here a few days, Mom, and it hasn’t been that long since your last phone call.”
“I know, but I was in the phone shed checking messages, and after seeing the note here reminding me to pray for you every day, I thought I’d give you a call.”
“I appreciate the prayers, Mom, but I don’t have much time to talk right now.” John glanced at the clock. If he didn’t leave for Leora’s now, he was going to be late.
“So are you doing okay?”
“Jah, I’m fine, but I—”
“How’s the wedder there?” she questioned. “Is it nice and warm?” “Jah, the weather has been quite warm. It was in the eighties today.”
“You’re fortunate. It never got any higher than twenty-five degrees here, I’m sorry to say.”
“Then you probably shouldn’t be out there in the phone shed where it’s so cold.”
“I admit, it is pretty chilly in here, but I bundled up real well before leaving the house.”
“That’s good.” John looked at the clock again. “Sorry to cut this short, Mom, but there’s someplace I need to go, so I have to hang up.”
“Where are you going?”
“Someone I met the other day invited me to her house this evening for a time of fellowship and singing with some of her friends.”
“Her? Who is she, John?”
“Just a nice woman who works at the bakery.” John chose not to reveal any further information, because if he did, Mom would most likely ask a bunch more questions.
“What would make her invite you to the get-together?”
John drew a sharp intake of breath and blew it out. Here we go with twenty questions. I really don’t have time for this right now.
“Son, did you hear what I asked?”
“Jah, but I didn’t think it really mattered.”
“You mean, my question?”
“It’s not that. As I said, Leora’s nice, and she…”
“You know her naame?”
“Well yes. All the employees at Der Dutchman wear a name tag.” John rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry to cut this short, Mom, but I am already late, and I need to go before it gets any later. We’ll talk again soon, though, okay?”
“All right. I’ll call you in a day or so. I’d like to know how your evening went, and I’m glad you’re getting out and socializing. Even when you’re here, you don’t go out much or attend many functions, so it’s good that you’re doing it now.”
John rolled his eyes as he lifted his gaze toward the ceiling. As far as he was concerned, his mother worried too much about him. He had his reasons for not socializing in his hometown, and he shouldn’t have to be reminded of that.
“I’ve gotta go now, Mom. Please tell Dad I said hello.”
“I will. Bye for now, Son.”
When John clicked off his phone, he released a quiet moan. If Mom knew I spent nearly a whole day on the beach with Leora, I can only imagine the questions she would throw at me.
He picked up his harmonica, slapped a straw hat on his head, and hurried out the back door where his bike was parked. He’d planned to walk over to Leora’s place, but given that he was now fifteen minutes later than he should be, riding the bike seemed like the best choice.
Leora jumped up from the couch when a knock sounded on the front door. Her heart pounded at the thought that it might be John and they could have a few moments alone to visit before the others arrived. Once everyone got here, it would be more difficult for any of them to carry on a one-on-one conversation.
She opened the door and saw that her first guests were Karen and her boyfriend, Ken. Karen held a paper sack in her hand, and Ken carried a portable keyboard with a stand.
“Welcome!” Leora opened the door wider for them. “You’re the first ones here.”
They exchanged greetings, and then Leora and Karen went to the kitchen to set out the salty snacks Karen had brought. Meanwhile, Ken headed for the living room, saying that he was going to set up the keyboard.
“Will your new friend John be joining us?” Karen asked as she poured potato chips into a plastic bowl.
“I believe so.” Leora opened a bag of pretzels. “John said he would be here, anyway.”
Karen smiled. “I’m sure he will be then. Based on the things you told me about the time you spent with him on the beach, I’m guessing you’ll see a lot more of John before he goes back to Michigan.”
“If I do, it would be nice, but if not, that’s okay too.” Leora shrugged her shoulders. “After all, with him living there and me staying here, there’s no way we could ever develop a serious relationship. And I don’t think either of us is looking for one either.”
Karen bumped elbows with Leora. “You never know what might happen if you continue to see each other.”
Leora gave no comment but continued to set things out for their snacks. She felt relief when someone knocked on the door again, because any possible relationship with John Miller was not a topic she wished to discuss.
“I’d better go see who’s at the door.” She hurried from the room. This time she discovered two Mennonite sisters: Kathryn, who everyone called Kass, and Miriam, who went by Mim. They both had brought their guitars, which they placed in the living room beside Leora’s instrument.
Shortly after, two more people arrived—Aaron Byler and his cousin Charles. Aaron had brought his accordion, and Charles brought a banjo. What a nice variety they would have here this evening. Leora could hardly wait for things to get started. The only person who hadn’t arrived was John. She wondered if he had changed his mind about coming. But if he had, surely he would have called to let her know. Maybe John lost my number again, she thought. Would it be too forward if I called him? Leora pursed her lips. Maybe calling him would not be a good idea. If he changed his mind about coming, I wouldn’t want to make him feel pressured or guilty about not showing up.
“Should we get started now, Leora?” Aaron asked. “Some of us, like me, have to work in the morning, so we can’t stay too late.”
“Sure, of course.” Leora hated to start without John, but since there was a chance that he wasn’t coming, there was no point in waiting any longer.
“Why don’t we pick a few songs and play awhile, and then take a break for snacks?” Karen suggested.
“Sounds good to me.” Ken turned the keyboard on and played a few chords.
Since Karen was the only one who didn’t play an instrument, she volunteered to be the song leader and passed out the songbooks. It wasn’t long before the room came alive with music and song.
Although Leora played along, strumming her guitar, her heart wasn’t in it this evening. After fifteen minutes of playing and singing, she took a break to bring some beverages into the living room, knowing it wouldn’t be long before everyone became thirsty.
As she passed through the hallway, Leora thought she heard a faint knock on the door, but it was hard to tell with music coming from the living room. She opened the door in case someone was there and was pleasantly surprised to see John on the front porch. He smiled at her and said, “Am I too late to join the party?”
She shook her head. “Of course not. Come in, and I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
Leora took John’s hat and hung it on the coat tree near the door, and he followed her into the next room and stood off to one side. When the last stanza of “I’ll Fly Away” had been sung, Leora introduced John to everyone.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Ken said. “Do you play an instrument?”
John pulled his harmonica out of its case and held it up. “Sure do.”
“That’s great,” Kass spoke up. “We need another instrument, and you’re the only one here with a harmonica, so it’s nice you could join us.”
Leora offered John a chair, and as he was seating himself, she headed for the kitchen to get the beverages. When she returned to the living room, the music was in full swing. While the Amish never played instruments during their church services, singing only a cappella, it wasn’t unusual to find some Amish communities using guitars, accordions, harmonicas, and a few other instruments at small gatherings such as this one. Of course, the more conservative ones frowned on the use of any musical instruments. Here in Pinecraft, however, Amish and Mennonite, and even many English folks, enjoyed concerts in the park or in the yards of people’s homes, where musical instruments were accepted and enjoyed by all.
