Ribbon of Years by Hatcher Robin Lee

Author:Hatcher, Robin Lee [Hatcher, Robin Lee]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Ten Talents Press
Published: 2014-04-11T04:00:00+00:00

"What was that about?" Del asked as Miriam hung up the telephone shortly after twelve-thirty that afternoon.

"It was Dad. He's too busy to come over for lunch, so he asked if I'd bring him something."

"He needs to hire more help."

"I know." She shrugged. "Deep down, he knows it, too, but he's too stubborn to admit it. I think he's afraid it'll be like saying he's old."

Del gave her a wry grin. "From where I'm sitting, fifty-six doesn't look so old."

Miriam laughed softly as she headed for the lunch counter.

A short while later, she took a towel-covered plate over to the drugstore, entering through the back door. She greeted Lou, the part-time pharmacist, then set the plate on the desk.

"He's out front," Lou said.

She nodded as her gaze scanned the store. She found her dad in the far left aisle. She was already walking in his direction before she caught sight of his customer.

Jacob McAllister.

Over her dad's shoulder, her gaze met with Jacob's. Despairing eyes, empty, hopeless. Sorrow filled her heart.

Give me the right words, Lord.

"Hello, Jacob."

He murmured her name, swaying slightly, then righting himself.

He's been drinking.

Giving herself a moment to gather her thoughts, she looked at her dad. "I brought you a tuna salad sandwich. It's on your desk."

"Thanks, pixie." Understanding in his eyes, Frank patted her shoulder, then said to Jacob, "That all you need?"

Jacob nodded.

"Then if you'll excuse me." He left the two of them together at the front of the store.

"Guess you heard about me and Elaine."

"Yes, I heard. I'm awfully sorry. I . . . I wanted to come see you, but I didn't know what to say."

"Elaine should have that problem." His words were tinged with bitterness. "Unfortunately, she always has something to say."

Miriam reached out, placing her fingers on his forearm. "The situation isn't hopeless unless you let it be. Maybe if you and Elaine went to see Pastor Desmond or another minister, you could—"

"The marriage is over. It's been over almost from the start."

"How can you say that? You have three children."

He shook off her touch. "Having children doesn't mean a marriage is working. Besides, I don't love her."

"Love can be a choice, Jacob," she said softly. "You can choose to love Elaine if you want."

"That's just it," he replied, lowering his voice to match hers and leaning toward her at the same time. "I don't want. And I can't have what I do want."

In his alcohol-glazed eyes, Miriam saw somediing she'd chosen not to see in recent years. She'd wanted her best friend back in her life, so she'd pretended she couldn't see what was diere. She'd pretended so well that she'd blinded herself to the truth.

What was it she'd said to Sally a few days before? Something like, no matter how innocent the intentions, there are always consequences, good or bad, for every choice, every action.

Suddenly, she was angry, more with herself than with Jacob. She slapped him. Hard. He stiffened and drew back, eyes wide.

"You're a stubborn, stupid, irritating fool." Her voice shook with rage.

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