Permanent Resident at the Purse Table (17 page)

The following day, Ava was discharged to go home. Dr. Griffin assured her that outside of some cramping she should feel fine. Glad to be leaving, Ava packed her belongings and took down the flowers and balloons from the windowsill. The card from her group therapy friends sat on the table, unopened. She picked it up and read all the messages written on the inside.

A smile resided on her face as she silently read each heartfelt message and prayer. There were words of encouragement and prayers for healing and protection. Thankful for the love shown her way, she placed the card back in its envelope and tucked it in her suitcase.

People were actually thinking about her and wishing her well. It had been a long time since she felt special. Wanting to hold on to that feeling a little longer, Ava fished the card back out, sat down on the bed, and read through each message again.

After getting through half of the messages, Toni busted in the door. “Ava, you ready, girl?”

Rene came in behind her. “Yep, we're breaking you out of this place.”

“Thank you, Lord. I miss my own bed.” Ava could've chosen a different piece of furniture to vocalize her missing the apartment, seeing how the bed was the scene of the crime. She'd need to be more careful in her choice of words from now on. Especially when Rene was around.

Toni cut her eyes at Ava, seeming to feel Ava's thoughts. “Well, if you're packed and ready to go, let's be out.”

“Do you want a wheelchair?” Rene picked up one of the bags.

Ava grabbed the balloons. “No, I'm okay.”

“Well, let's ride.” Toni picked up the suitcase and opened the door.

Waving good-bye to the nurses on the way out, Ava wore a solid smile. On the way down to the car, Rene communicated to Ava how through God's grace she'd made it out of the dangerous accident alive, as well as managed to catch the culprit. Ava concurred, and although she didn't understand why the miscarriage happened, she walked out of the hospital with more peace than she rolled in with.

Dr. Moses' visit and prayer had helped her to open her eyes and see the situation differently. The word that was imprinted on her mind was grace. When she returned home, digging deeper into her Bible and the scriptures concerning grace would be at the top of her list.

“You want to stop and get some real food on the way home?” Toni grinned.

“No, I just want to get home. We can order pizza or something.” She lifted her arm with the cast on it. “I need to figure what I'm going to do about this event that's coming up in a few weeks. It's sort of a welcoming in the fall sort of celebration and is a good piece of change, but I don't know if I can fix all the meals they ordered, even with extra staff.”

Rene bent forward toward the front seat. “You have a catering gig? I didn't know that. I'll be able to include that in our case against Ishmael. We need to write down all the things you can't do that you normally would be able to, and what is hindered as a direct result of the accident. Emotionally, physically, your safety. Whatever you can think of.”

Out of all the phrases Rene put together, one word stood out to Ava: our. They were taking Ishmael to court together. God sure could turn circumstances around. And heal relationships in the process.

Ava turned to Rene. “We can do that today, if you feel up to it.”

“No problem.”

“Pizza and preparation for the case it is.” Ava placed her good hand over her stomach. The pregnancy had come and gone so fast, which saddened her heart. She would do her part to put the murderer behind bars.

Ava couldn't comprehend how Ishmael could be so cold. Or, how Rene couldn't see that side of him before.
I guess people show what they want to show when they want to show it.
He couldn't have thought that causing Ava to lose the baby would win Rene back. He was definitely crazier than she thought. Ava was just happy Rene saw that horrific side of who he was before the marriage license displayed their signatures at the bottom.

Toni pulled into Ava's apartment complex. “Well, I can make sure I'm free whenever the event is. I can help you with the catering, Ava. You'll have to tell me what to do. You know I don't cook. But I'm pretty good at following directions.”

“That'd be great. Then I'll just have to get some extra staff to bring out the food.”

“I can ask some of my model friends.” Toni smiled. “At least you know they won't be sneaking food off the trays.”

They laughed, and then Ava took out her cell phone and ordered dinner for the ladies.

Heading up the stairs, Ava sent up prayers of thanks. She was at home by way of her closest friends in the world. Toni was going to be there for Ava with her struggling catering business, while Rene, who she had caused a great deal of pain, represented her without hesitation as her determined lawyer.

She was thankful to have such amazing friends. Skinny and beautiful, yes. But there was character behind that beauty. And that was the most attractive part of all. The Lord had taken care of all of Ava's issues despite her poor decision-making skills. Maybe that was the grace Dr. Moses was talking about.

Ava delighted in all of the blessings God placed in her life. And she couldn't wait to see what else He had in store.

Ava's catered event went off without a hitch. Toni and her friends proved to be exactly what she needed. They not only acted as waitresses, but turned out to be pretty good banquet decorators as well. Ava's client purchased all of the fall décor and the ladies worked together to make the guests feel like they were sitting in an autumn painting. Tired and ready for a nap, Ava did just the opposite and put her tennis shoes on. She wasn't sure where her energy came from, but she enjoyed it just the same.

After ten minutes of walking down the block, her feet, sore and aching, didn't offer much support to her stiff back. But her will to start feeling better about herself was much stronger. She meditated on Philippians 4:13 as she strutted to the end of the street. When she turned around to walk back to her apartment complex, the tree she had ruined with the front end of her car stared back at her.

Seeing this tree brought up an awkward feeling. Tragic as it was, the scattered dent of bark in God's creation also represented a turning point in her and Rene's relationship. And brought back to memory the conversation that led to Dr. Moses' prayer, which, Ava believed, sparked the fire she needed to get moving in the right direction. Everything was far from perfect, but as she walked toward God, hope lived inside of her now.

After returning from her walk, as she opened the door to her apartment, her phone's ringtone played the upbeat song that matched her new attitude.

“Hey, Ava, just calling to let you know the police picked up Ishmael today.” Rene seemed pleased.

“Well, that was fast.” Ava took a bottle of water out of the fridge.

“They had all the evidence they needed. I don't know if he'll make bail. His momma will probably end up paying it, but we should go to trial soon. My friend in the office will move your case to the top like he did Toni's.”

“This friend of yours seems to hook you up a lot. You sure he just wants to be your friend?”

Rene giggled. “He asked me out once or twice, but I told him I wasn't ready. He said when I was he'd be happy to show me a night on the town.”

“Sounds promising.”

“First things first. I need to get Ishmael out of my system before I dive into anything else. Even if it's just a date or two.”

“I hear you. As always, I appreciate all you are doing for me.” Ava gulped her water.

“Justice is justice. And of course, I love you, Ava.”

“Love you too, girl. See you at church on Sunday?”

“I'll be there.”

Closing her cell phone, Ava said a little prayer for Rene's peace of mind and strength to move on. And that their friendship would continue to flourish.

The next few days included ignoring the humiliating comments the young inmates made toward her as she visited the county jail, and walking twenty minutes a day despite the pain, and sticking scriptures all over her apartment. The more she read and thought about the scriptures, the bigger the invisible earplugs became at work, and the easier her walks were on her limbs.

On her bathroom mirror, she taped a sticky note that read:

By her bed, on the nightstand, the paper read:

Hanging on the fridge, her pink stationary note had scribbled on it:

And finally, by the front door where she hung her keys, she wrote:

Every word in each scripture was inscribed on her heart. She spoke these words into her spirit and truly believed each one of them.

Thursday evening came before she knew it. After her daily walk, she showered and got dressed. Group therapy started in an hour and a half. She noticed her jeans fit a little better and it wasn't an uphill battle to put them on. Putting on makeup crossed her mind, but she didn't want to go too far. One step at a time. Some lip gloss would be enough for now.

Her mother wanted her to put on the whole face: foundation, powder, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, and blush. Ava figured she could work up to that, or only do it on special occasions. Like her wedding. Yeah, the full-face war paint could make a debut on her wedding day. For now, simplicity was best.

Before she left her apartment, she smiled into the mirror over her bar and was surprisingly satisfied with what she saw in her reflection. Maybe she'd do the lip gloss thing.

When she arrived at the counseling center, she scoped out the coffee, knowing she'd need the caffeine to stay awake. Two Sweet'N Lows and three creams. She created hot chocolate actually, but it tasted good.

She turned around and stepped toward her meeting room. Right behind her, a white shirt covering a firm chest bumped her hand. All the coffee turned the shirt to a caramel color.

“Ahh!”

“Oh, I'm so sorry.” Ava snatched napkins off the table. “Here you go.”

“It'll be okay. I've had worse pain before. Ava, right?” The classically handsome gentleman smiled.

“Yes, how'd you know?”

“We've met at this spot before. I'm Kevin.”

A lot had happened since then, but Ava didn't want to offend him. Even though she didn't remember him, she played it off. “Oh, yeah. I remember you.”

“No, you don't.” He laughed. “Just lying. And in the Christian Counseling Center, too.”

She hung her head and chuckled. “You got me.”
I must've been going through quite a bit to forget your handsome face.

He tossed the soaked napkins in the trash. “This should help you remember. You got on me for calling you ma'am.”

Smiling, she pointed her finger at him. “I do remember you.” She really did this time. “But you explained yourself. A respect thing. I got it. I've seen you pray over people out here in the lobby.”

“That would be me.”

“Do you attend one of the counseling sessions?” She wrapped a napkin around her coffee cup, analyzing every line in his face. Ava guessed he was in his late twenties or early thirties.

“Yes. Actually, I'm the leader of the drug recovery group down the hall.”

“Oh, okay. Sorry about your shirt. Hate you have to lead the group with a big coffee stain on the front of it. I didn't see you.”

“Man, I gotta step up my game. You don't see me. You don't remember me. What's a man to do?”

She recalled him all right. Just figured he was one of many who didn't pay her no mind, so she carried on about her business. “What made you remember me?”

“Well, along with that pretty smile, you have a sweet spirit about you. A little feisty I bet, but sweet all the same.”

No, he didn't.
“Thank you.”

“You're welcome. We should hang out sometime after group. What do you think about that?”

“Depends on what you mean by ‘hang out.'” She'd “hung out” plenty before which usually led to hanging in. Between the sheets.

“What does hang out mean to you?”

She smiled. “How about you tell me what it means to you?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Have lunch, dinner, or maybe go get a cup of coffee. Something like that. But I'd be sure to wear a dark-colored shirt though if we got coffee.”

Ava laughed. “I like your definition. Sure, we can hang out some time.”

“How about tonight?”

Her heart vaulted into her throat. “I guess that'd be all right.”

“If you'd rather wait, that's fine. I don't want to rush you. Just interested in getting to know more about you.”

That's a first.
“No, you just caught me off-guard is all.”

“If asking you out for a cup of coffee caught you off-guard, get ready for a fun ride.”

Ava wasn't sure if she was ready, but she didn't care. She'd just be sure to wear her seat belt.

All week, Ava counted down the days until group counseling Thursday. Going to group meant she'd get the chance to converse with Kevin. Last week after their meetings were over, she told him they could postpone hanging out until the next time they met up at the center. Not wanting to seem too eager, her need for male companionship would have to wait another seven days.

Dr. Moses said she was progressing right along in overcoming her insecurities and self-pity. Her main issues remained the sensitivity it took to restore her relationship with Rene, and the ongoing problems that stemmed from her involvement with Ishmael.

Ava hadn't been in any pain since she'd left the hospital, but emotionally, it was like riding the Titan at Six Flags. A part of her wanted to have the baby, so she'd have someone to love and someone to love her back. But maybe her losing the baby happened for a reason. The child would be dropped into a world of chaos. Who knew what would've become of him or her?

So other than trying to figure out the “Ishmael baby accident court case” situation, she had a positive outlook on life. In fact, between studying God's Word and her walks where she could meditate on His Word, she felt and looked better than she had in years.

On her way out the door, Toni called. “Headed to your counseling session?”

And to Kevin.
Ava chose to keep quiet about him. She didn't want to put the cart before the horse by spreading any news about her new friend. Especially, if their talks turned out to be no news at all. “Yes, I am. Looking forward to it.”

“That's good to hear. You seem to be feeling better these days.”

Ava smiled. “God is good.”

“All the time.”

“And all the time . . .”

“God is good.” Toni laughed.

When Ava and her girlfriends used their “God is good” catch phrase, it meant all was good in their lives. Ava wanted to utilize that phrase much more in the days ahead. “So how are things with you and Eric?”

“Well, that's part of the reason I called you. Wanted you to know he and I are starting our relationship up again. I'm liking what I see in him, so I'm diving in. Needed to ask you a favor?”

“Anything.”

Toni took a deep breath. “Could you please keep us in prayer? This is charted territory, but uncharted feelings. It's weird. I love him, but in a different way. It's a new him. Dating him again is almost like I'm cheating on the old him with the new him.”

“Yep, you're right. That does sound weird. But just enjoy it, girl. I'd love to see you two mend and finish skipping down that path you started together way back when.” Toni and Eric were meant to be together. They completed one another, and when he stepped out of their relationship shock was the biggest emotion Ava walked around with. And ever since, Toni felt incomplete. Moving toward reconciliation excited Ava as much as it did Toni. Well, maybe half as much. Toni loved her some Eric.

“I would too. But don't want to get my hopes up too high.” She paused. “The higher they are, the further they have to fall.”

“Just move slowly. And before any moves forward, make sure you have peace.”

“Will do.”

Ava couldn't be happier for the reuniting couple. It was obvious love still resided between them. She just hoped Toni would never have to go through what she went through that sparked talk of a divorce. So as promised, she began to pray for Toni and Eric.

Now almost to the CCC, she threw up a quick prayer for herself. “Father, I pray your will be done in my life as well. I trust you with my future. Please continue to restore my health, physically, mentally, and emotionally, as well as restore my relationships. And if Kevin is to be a friend of mine and maybe more, help me to let him lead. Remind me that I can be nobody but who you've created me to be. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you, Lord. Amen.”

Later during group, Ava barely heard two words anyone said in the group session. Her eyes travelled back and forth between whoever was speaking at the time and the thin, vertical rectangular window in the door. Catching a glimpse of Kevin was at the front of her mind. She hadn't seen him in the lobby before the meeting started.

Was he avoiding her? He must've had second thoughts about going out for coffee afterward. Maybe he didn't want to be seen in public with her. Xavier avoided being in public with her by pulling from any one of his lists of excuses. Too tired, no money, or not feeling well. Surely, the Lord wouldn't dangle Kevin in her face only to have him be a replica of Xavier.

She should've just gone out with him last week before he had a chance to dwell on what he had done by asking her out.

Dr. Moses broke into Ava's train of thought. “Well, that's it, everybody. Thanks to all who shared tonight. Let's have a closing prayer.” She bowed her head. “Lord, thank you for changing us from the inside out. Please let everyone have a safe trip home and keep us in your care until we meet again.”

Ava waved to Dr. Moses on her way to the door. “See you next Tuesday.”

Upon entering the lobby, she looked straight over to the coffee pot to see if Kevin was in what had become their meeting spot. When she didn't see him there, Ava walked toward the hall where the recovery group met. No one in sight. He probably bolted out of there, so he wouldn't have to make up an excuse about not being able to go.

She pushed open the exit door and headed to her car.

“Ava?”

Turning around, she saw Kevin's baby-faced smile and inviting, dark eyes. He held his hands up in the air. “Are you trying to skip out on me?”

“I thought the same thing about you. Thought you might have forgotten our plans.”

“Nope, just in the restroom. We got out a little early.” He reached in his pocket and took out his keys. “If you're ready, why don't you follow me down the street to the Coffee House.”

Oh, I'm ready.
“Okay, sounds good.”
Calm down, girl. He's just a man.

It was almost nine o'clock. The Coffee House was fairly full for a Thursday night. On the patio, there was a little band playing tunes. Inside, college students with mounds of books studied in groups with coffee in one hand and notes in the other. The scene was public, yet peaceful. The perfect spot to get to know Kevin better.

After they received their orders, he led Ava to a small table in the corner. He pulled out a chair for her. “So, Ava, are you from Houston?”

She placed her coffee on the table and sat. “I was born in Dallas. Lived there until junior high school. But then my dad got transferred to Houston and I've been here ever since. What about you?”

“I'm from here. And never wanted to leave. My whole family's here,” he replied, now situated in his chair.

“Do you have a big family?” As she heard herself ask that question, she didn't want it to lead him to asking about her family. She'd only be able to talk highly of her father and brother.

“Pretty much. I have two sisters and two brothers. We're all close.” He removed the top from his coffee cup. “So how'd you end up at the CCC? If you don't mind sharing.”

Ava's lips tensed up. “Well . . . that's probably a story for another time.” She was not prepared to reveal all her dirty laundry yet. Maybe after a few more coffee dates.

“Don't worry about it.” He smiled. “I can tell you how I ended up there.”

“Okay.”

“I used to be a heavy cocaine addict. God delivered me.” Ava read confidence in his laid-back demeanor. “He completely changed me.”

So he had some laundry that could stand to be thrown into the washer too. Ava could work with that. Meant he wasn't without flaws. And God was using those flaws to help others. “Amen.”

“My family was there for me, but I couldn't kick the habit. Even with their tough love. Finally, I became sick of myself and called on the Lord. He answered me almost immediately.”

“That's an awesome testimony.”

“Thank you. I've been clean for ten years and serving as a counselor at the CCC for the last six and some change. I'm also a sponsor, and have about five people I sponsor right now.” He rubbed the palm of his hand over his bronze bald head. “Well, four and a half.”

“A half?”

“Yeah, my newest former addict hasn't decided if he really wants to get clean. And that's something I can't do for him. So he struggles, but knows I'll be here when he's ready.”

“That's nice of you.” He seemed good on all fronts. Hopefully, he wasn't too good to be true.

“Someone did it for me. I'm just doing what was done for me.”

Ava relished how easily the conversation moved along. She enjoyed listening to him speak. His deep baritone voice soothed her nerves. He smiled as he talked, which seemed to act as a calming agent as well. They swapped info about their jobs, friends, and families. The chat continued smoothly with bouts of laughter mixed in. Before they knew it, ten-thirty had rolled around.

Kevin looked at his watch. “I hate to cut us off, but I have to get up at five in the a.m.”

She shook her head and picked up her cup.
I hate to cut it off my dern self.
“Don't worry about it. I need to get up early too. I enjoyed talking with you.”

“Hopefully, we can hang out again some time.” He raised his bushy eyebrows. “Next week after group?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Ava was all in to hang out again.

They strolled to her car. After she disarmed the alarm, Kevin reached and opened her door for her. “You have a good night, Ava.”

“You too.”

Ava couldn't remember the last time she had a great cup of coffee and a great conversation with a man. And the added bonus was there were plans to do it a second time. The whole drive home Ava's smile grew larger along with her inner hope in this new relationship.