Every Girl Gets Confused (27 page)

“Maybe this news will make things a little easier.” Brady walked over to join us. “We want to give you the dress. No balance due.”

“W-what? Are you sure?” She put her hand over her mouth.

“Very sure. And not only that . . .” Brady turned to Madge,
who handed him an envelope. “We want to return your deposit. The dress is our gift to you. You will wear it at just the right time.”

“And it will be perfect.” Eduardo knelt down in front of her. “Because the perfect bride will be wearing it. The one I designed the gown for. The one who was destined to wear it all along. She will have her day and she will be beautiful. And we will all celebrate alongside her, not just for the vows she's taking but for the road she's walked that's led her to that moment.”

Carrie began to weep. Madge passed her a box of tissues. Eduardo tried to stand but couldn't get up until Brady and I helped him.

Just then the door opened and a nurse nudged Jimmy's wheelchair into the crowded room. “What's going on in here?” she asked.

Carrie's tears raised immediate concerns with Jimmy. “Carrie? What's happened?”

“My dress!” She pointed to the gown.

“Ah.” He gazed at the bag and then looked back at her. “I see.”

“They gave it to me, Jimmy. Gave it to me. No cost.”

“Wow.” He gave Brady an admiring look. “I knew I was rooting for the right team.”

This seemed to awaken something in the nurse, who pointed at Brady. “That's it! You're Brady James. You play for the Mavericks.”

“
Played
for the Mavericks. I don't play anymore.” He pointed down. “Bad knee.”

“Bummer.” She helped Jimmy out of his wheelchair and into the hospital bed. “Sounds like we've all had our share of hard knocks.”

“Yeah.” A reflective look came over Brady's face. “I don't
know if I'll ever play basketball again. But I've been thinking about that a lot. The Bible says I'm supposed to be content in whatever state I'm in.” He gestured to his knee. “I haven't been. I've been angry. Sad. Depressed. But definitely not content.”

Jimmy struggled to get comfortable in the bed. He let out a little grunt, then said, “Tell me about it.”

Brady walked to the side of the bed and spoke to him friend to friend. “This morning I got to thinking about all of the people who've faced the loss of a dream but kept going. People who thought life was going to take them in one direction but ended up taking them in another. God redirected them. We have a choice to get bitter or get better. I know you, Jimmy. At least, I think I know you, based on the few times we've met. You're going to get better. And this season will be behind you sooner than you think.”

“Not sure I would accept that speech from just anyone.” Jimmy adjusted his pillows and tried to get comfortable. “But knowing what you've been through, Brady, I think I can handle it from you. You're one of the few people who really understands what I'm going through, I guess.”

“I don't suppose it matters in the long term if I shoot the winning basket or not,” Brady said. “I guess it doesn't even matter if I ever get back out on that court. What does matter is how I choose to live my life, how I face adversity. I want to be an overcomer, not someone who gives in to defeat. And I know you want that too, Jimmy. That's why I came, to remind you that you're going to get through this.”

You could've heard a pin drop as he wrapped up his speech.

“Wow.” The nurse fussed with the covers around Jimmy's legs. “Maybe you should take up preaching.”

“Maybe I should.” Brady chuckled.

The nurse put her hands on her hips. “In spite of that lovely
speech, I say you're brave to come to San Antonio tonight. That shirt will
never
fly here.” She pointed to his Mavericks T-shirt and grimaced.

“Yeah.” Brady shrugged. “That's me. Brave.”

He was brave. Truly one of the bravest men I'd ever known. I had witnessed it the day of his surgery and saw even more evidence of it right now, as he talked about the end of his career without any evidence of pain in his eyes. I loved this brave guy. And I would go on loving him no matter how many dreams were gained and lost along the way.

I'm always looking for insights into the real Doris Day because I'm stuck with this infatuation and need to explain it to myself.

John Updike

W
e made the drive back to Dallas that same night. Brady and I talked quietly while worship music played on the radio.

“You want me to drive for a while?” he asked.

“Nah. I'm doing okay. Enjoying it, really.” I was enjoying more than just the drive. Our sweet conversation was just
what we needed. I kept a watchful eye on the road, but the late hour provided us with smooth sailing.

A call came through from Lori-Lou on the Bluetooth. Alva had been sleeping soundly in the backseat but awoke the minute she heard her great-niece's voice coming through the car's speaker.

“Oh my goodness!” Alva let out a squeal, which woke Eduardo. “They've hired Lori-Lou to be on our program!”

“What program?” Eduardo yawned. “What did I miss?”

“Our
program
,” Alva repeated. “But I can't believe she would take on a job right now, what with the new baby coming and all.”

“New job?” Lori-Lou said. “I don't have a job, Aunt Alva. In fact, that's why I'm calling.”

“Calling?” Alva echoed.

“Yes.” I could hear the anxiety in her voice. “Katie, I'm calling because I need your help.”

“Help? With what?”
Please don't say the kids. Please don't
say the kids.

“The kids. I can't believe I'm saying this, but the doctor has put me on bed rest.”

“Why?” Madge, Alva, and I spoke in unison.

“Because I'm having Braxton Hicks contractions. They're not productive or anything.”

“I have no idea what that means, Lori-Lou.” I eased the car into the next lane and slowed my speed.

“It means my body is wanting to go into labor, even though Iris isn't due for two months.”

“This show just gets more and more exciting!” Alva squealed. “So glad I woke up in time to tune in.”

“Are you serious?” I asked.

“Yes.” Lori-Lou's voice trembled. “You know me, Katie. I
don't get shaken up about a lot of things. But I'm really scared. The doctor says I have to take it easy. Look at me. Look at my life. You know that's impossible. How can I lounge around in bed all day with three kids to take care of? The girls fight all day and Joshie is into everything. It's just a stage, I know, and all stages pass. But man, this is a tough one. And I'm all by myself over here. Well, I'm never all by myself, but I feel like it, if that makes any sense.”

“I just don't know how much I can—”

“I'm not trying to make you feel bad,” Lori-Lou said. “I'm really not.” She began to sniffle. “I think it's the h-h-hormones. Pregnancy makes me a little c-c-crazy.”

In the backseat Madge cleared her throat. Brady shifted his gaze out the window, probably to keep from laughing.

I kept a close eye on the road, my thoughts now tumbling. “I'll come and help you tomorrow after work. We'll figure out a plan.”

“Lori-Lou, if you stop working for the radio station, you can spend more time resting,” Alva shouted from the backseat.

That got Brady tickled. He couldn't seem to stop laughing.

“I'm telling you, Aunt Alva, this isn't a radio program. It's a phone call. I think Katie has me on speakerphone.”

“Speakerphone?” Alva said. “Are you telling me there's some sort of contraption that makes the phone come to life so everyone can hear?”

“Yes, Alva,” we all said in unison.

“For pity's sake. So this is really you, Lori-Lou? And you're really on bed rest? It's not some sort of act?”

“I wish it was an act, but it's really me and I really need help.”

“Well then, I have the perfect solution,” Alva said. “I'll come and help with the kids.”

“But you don't drive, Alva.”

“Eduardo will take me. I know he will.” She leaned over to ask him, “You will, won't you?”

“Anything for you, my dear,” he responded.

“He's a fine man and he will be happy to drive me over to your place. I know Katie Sue's busy with the shop.”

“Well, technically Eduardo's busy too,” I added, “but I'm sure Dahlia wouldn't mind if he takes some time off.”

“He doesn't work around the clock, Katie Sue.” Alva's voice sounded like she was scolding. “He's well past his retirement years and needs to take it easy.”

“Eduardo loves his job,” I argued.

Alva cleared her throat. “One can speculate that people work to stay busy. But when one isn't lonely anymore, one doesn't have to fill that void. Is this as clear as mud?”

It was clear, all right, though she'd lost me at the mud part.

“Hello, people. I am still in the car.” Eduardo's voice had a hint of laughter in it.

“Does anyone remember that I'm still on the phone?” Lori-Lou's voice rang out through the speaker.

“Of course I remember,” Alva said. “And I'm your solution. I'm the perfect candidate to come and play with the children. In fact, I might just stay there with you instead of coming and going. If you don't mind my gentleman friend coming for a visit every now and again. During daytime hours, I mean.”

“That would be lovely,” Eduardo said. “I would like that very much.”

“Do I have your permission to allow a male visitor in your home while I'm there, Lori-Lou?” Alva continued to raise her voice. “If not, then all bets are off.”

My cousin sounded like she was choking on the other end
of the line. Finally she said, “Certainly you're welcome to have a visitor, Aunt Alva. No problem at all.”

“I promise to behave myself,” Alva said. “In front of the children, anyway.” This led to a hearty laugh from my aunt, who slapped her knee and then groaned in pain. “I always forget about this stupid knee. Must be a storm coming. It's aching something fierce.”

There was a storm coming, all right, but not the kind she referred to. I couldn't picture Aunt Alva putting up with Lori-Lou's three kids for more than a few hours before throwing in the towel, and I certainly couldn't picture Eduardo handling them.

On the other hand, she might have them walking the straight and narrow in no time. And who knew? Maybe Eduardo secretly longed for grandchildren to spoil.

“You've got room in that new house of yours, don't you? I can stay in Joshie's room on that air mattress you're always talking about.”

“You're planning to sleep on an air mattress, Alva?” I shook my head. “It's not easy to get up and down from that thing. Trust me. I slept on it for weeks when I first moved to Dallas.”

“Then we'll put in a proper bed. I'll stay at your place as long as you need, Lori-Lou. That's what family is for, right?”

So I'd be at Alva's house by myself. That might be a little weird.

“Oh, one more thing before I go,” Lori-Lou said. “The game just finished. The Mavericks pulled it out in the end. I hear Spurs fans are beside themselves.”

“Wow.” Brady chuckled. “Guess we got out of San Antonio just in time then.”

Lori-Lou ended the call and I turned the radio back up. A familiar worship song was playing.

“I'm so relieved to hear that Lori-Lou has quit that radio program.” Alva yawned. “I would hate to see her overtaxed.”

“But Alva, surely you heard her say that—”

“Yes, I heard her say that she's on bed rest, and that's a good thing. When I'm at her place I'll make sure she gets the TLC she needs. But promise me one thing, Katie.”

“Anything.”

“Promise me you won't listen to our radio program without me. It's getting
so
good!”

Good gravy. After all of that, she still didn't get it? My poor auntie. Clearly her mind was starting to slip.

“I don't mind admitting I am a wee bit confused,” Eduardo said.

Join the club.

“Oh, it's the most intriguing program. You would love it, Eduardo. I know you would. It's kind of like a soap opera. There's a girl who's ordering a wedding gown and her family doesn't get along. It was just getting to the good part when we had to turn it off, so I'm feeling a little conflicted about how the story is going to end.”

“I can assure you, it will end with a happily ever after.” Eduardo's words had a loving tone. “They always do.”

“Yes, they do, don't they?”

Soon gentle snores followed from both of them.

I kept my gaze on the road in front of me, but the guy in the seat next to me—the one who couldn't stop laughing—proved to be quite the distraction. One of these days I'd explain it all to Alva. Or maybe I wouldn't. Maybe I'd let her go on thinking that life was a radio program, filled with highs and lows, cliff-hangers and breathtaking moments. Because, after all . . . it really was all of those things and more.

There was something very special about walking onto the set and seeing Doris Day. It was just electrifying. Just looking at her.

Philip Brown

B
y the time we reached mid-January the shop was filled with customers again. On a particularly busy day I received a call from Carrie Sanders. In spite of my crazy schedule I was happy to hear from her. I closed the door to my office so I could hear above the din coming from the shop.

“Carrie!” I did my best to focus on her. “How are you?”

“Good. Making progress.”

“And Jimmy?”

“He's out of the rehab hospital. He won't be doing any marathons, but that's okay, since he's not a runner.” She laughed.

“I'm glad he's better. So glad. We've been praying.”

“Thank you so much, Katie. He's graduated to home care, so it's time for us to think about the wedding. I thought you'd want to know we've set a new date.”

“You have?”

“Yes. Palm Sunday weekend. But I have the best surprise ever. I guess some guy at
Texas Bride
magazine somehow found out about our story.”

“Is his name Jordan Singer, by any chance?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“I have a sneaking suspicion I might know how he got your name, but keep going.”

“Well, he called me and wanted to know if they could bring a camera crew to photograph us. Jimmy and I are going to be on the cover of
Texas
Bride
! In March, I think. Or maybe April? I wasn't clear on that part, but they want a shot of me in that amazing Doris Day dress. Can you believe it?”

“I can. And Eduardo will be tickled pink.”

“We all are. But the best news? My dad has been the one helping take care of Jimmy. He goes to his house every day and spends time with him, runs errands for him, that sort of thing. It's really gone a long way in mending fences between our families. This accident could have taken us down, but it's only made us stronger.”

“You've survived the season.”

“I guess you could put it that way.”

Yep. I could put it that way, because that was the way it was.

I had to end the call with Carrie quickly because another call came through—this one from Mama. I knew that she and
Pop would be leaving tomorrow for their big RV road trip, so I wanted to hear what she had to say.

“Mama, are you packed and ready?”

“As ready as I'll ever be. I still can't believe we're going to do this. Your father has some crazy idea that we might buy an RV park. Can you picture that?”

“You haven't even been to an RV park yet. How does he know if he'll like it?”

“Exactly what I said. But you know the man—crazy as a loon. He's been working up a sweat loading the RV—er, fifth wheel—and I'm trying to stock the kitchen. Can't imagine making all of our meals in that teensy-tiny cracker box of a kitchen, but I guess I'll try.”

“And you can eat out while you're on the road.”

“Humph. Your father and food. Between the cruises and eating out at so many restaurants, he's going to be as big as a house. We'll have to squeeze him through the door of the fifth wheel. But anyway, I just wanted to call to say goodbye. Next time you hear from me we'll be in New Mexico. I think. And then Arizona. After that I'm not really sure. California, likely.”

“Ooh, Alva might be going to California with Eduardo. She wants me to go with. Maybe we could all meet up.”

“W-what? Alva's traveling with that sewing fella now? I thought she was staying with Lori-Lou until the baby comes.”

“Oh, she is. The California trip would be later . . . if at all.”

“I guess Alva and Eduardo are a couple, then?”

“He's fallen head over heels for her, and vice versa.”

“As I live and breathe. I guess it's true what they say—love knows no age.” Mama paused and then her tone changed. “And apparently it knows no boundaries either.”

“Boundaries? You think Alva and Eduardo need boundaries? That's why they've invited me to go along on their trip, to serve as chaperone.”

“Oh, sorry.” My mother sighed. “I wasn't thinking about Alva and Eduardo at all when I said that. My thoughts were on someone else entirely. Well, a couple of someones.”

“Mama, shoot straight with me. Who are you talking about? I'm so confused.”

“Poor Levi,” she said. “Poor, poor Levi.”

“Poor Levi? What do you mean?”

“That poor boy just doesn't seem to have any luck with women.”

“Joni told me a while back that she wasn't really dating him. Are the WOP-pers disappointed by that news?”

“Maybe a little. The WOP-pers believe they have an inside track to the Almighty, and they were pretty sure about that one. But they were wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.”

“Joni and Levi are still good friends,” I said.

“Yes, God bless Levi. You know how he is. He's always been the forgiving sort. And he seems to bounce back no matter what life throws his way. Must be all that ministry training.”

“I'm so confused, Mama. What does he have to forgive?”

“Joni's gone off the deep end. She's dating someone else entirely.”

“Who?”

“Well, I really hate to say.”

“Mama.”

“Okay. Casey. Casey Lawson.”

For a moment there I thought I'd heard wrong. Surely I'd heard wrong. “Mama, did you say Casey Lawson?”

“Yep. I don't know how he did it, but that wolf in sheep's
clothing came in through the back gate and stole Levi's girl. Right there in front of God and everybody.”

“Well, she must've wanted to be stolen.”

“The way I hear it—and I'm not one to gossip, so forgive me if I get this wrong—he stayed after at Queenie's wedding to help clean up. Joni was there working at the Methodist church and Levi had gone back to the Baptist church.”

“You're saying they hooked up because of the two different churches?”

“I'm not blaming it on the churches. Just saying that Levi went back to the Baptist church and Joni and Casey were there at the Methodist church. They struck up a conversation.”

“But Casey and Joni? They're as opposite as two people can be. Casey always thought Joni was, well . . .”

“I know, I know. But clearly she's woman enough for him now. And they've been spotted all over town, even taking a drive down to the lake. Folks are saying it won't be long before she has a ring on her finger. The WOP-pers are saying it, so I'm guessing they'll be hitched soon.”

Wait—ring on her finger? Casey's ring? How many times over the years had I envisioned him putting a ring on
my
finger? And now, could it really be true?

As soon as those thoughts emerged, I pushed them down. I had nothing to be jealous of. Nothing whatsoever. My feelings for Casey had faded ages ago, never to return.

“I think the WOP-pers need to pray for Joni,” Mama said. “Can you imagine her being stuck with that heartbreaker Casey Lawson for the rest of her life?”

“Actually, there was a time when I could've imagined it for myself. But you know what, Mama? Maybe God really brought Joni and Casey together. Just like he brought together Queenie and Pap-Paul. Jasper and Crystal. Dewey and Dahlia.
Beau and Twiggy. Alva and Eduardo. Me and Brady. Maybe this was all meant to be. Not everything in life turns out the way we think it will.”

“Sometimes . . .” I heard Brady's voice behind me. “Sometimes it turns out better.” He slipped his arms around my waist and pulled me close, planting kisses in my hair.

“What's going on over there, Katie Sue?” Mama asked. “I'm hearing static on the line.”

She was hearing static, all right. Brady kissed the top of my ear and I giggled. “Mama, I have to go. I'm . . . working.”

“Doesn't sound like you're working.” She sighed. “Just pray for Joni. I guess you know this is more than just a marriage. We're losing her to the Presbyterians.”

“Oh, that's right. Casey's a Presbyterian.”

“And she was such a great wedding planner at the Baptist church. What a loss.”

“Look on the bright side, Mama. Maybe Casey will convert and become a Baptist.”

“Not sure we want him. Wolf in sheep's clothing. We have enough of those already,” she said. “Anyway, I have to go now. Your father wants to show me some great deal he found online on an RV park in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Can you picture me living in New Mexico? Because I surely can't. I hope they have Wi-Fi at this place so I can stay in touch with my children. I'm going to want to help Jasper and Crystal plan their wedding. It's so hard to believe they're getting married soon and I won't be here to help. But you will be, Katie. Promise you'll be there for them. I'll feel so much better knowing you're helping.”

“Well, actually, I—”

“Ugh. Your father wants me to hang up. He's got this RV park idea on his mind and you know how he is. I swear, I don't
know what's wrong with that man. He's gone nutso. Someone needs to reel him in.”

Someone was reeling me in right now . . . with his eyes. I ended the call and threw my arms around Brady's neck, all giggles and smiles.

“I'd love to know what that was all about.” He gestured to the phone I had just shoved into my purse.

“Um, kind of a long story. It involves a Baptist, a Presbyterian, and a God-ordained moment at the Methodist church.”

“I see. I think.”

He didn't, but it didn't really matter. All that mattered right now was melting into the sweet kisses of the man I loved.