Page 21 of Evan
“It’s wonderful that you take the time to go and see her. I am sure it’s appreciated.”
“And what about you? How did you spend your afternoon?”
“Gardening.” Her laughter reminded him of butterflies flitting around in the garden and pleasant days in the summer sun. Shaking his head in irritation, he waited for her to elaborate. “I had some seedlings to plant and some thyme to transplant.”
“You also have a vegetable garden?”
“More like a vegetable patch.” Her laughter came again and filled him with peace. “I started out planting some herbs for cooking and have gotten a little ambitious. But the Lord has been smiling on me or rather on my efforts, because they are thriving.”
“You think this is his doing?”
“Of course it is. He sends the rain to water the plants and get the soil ready for reaping. Are we going to have our usual disagreement over religion?”
“I have gotten quite fond of it.” He admitted and much to his surprise, he meant every word.
You said you like art.”
“I do, immensely.”
“Jackson is having a private showing at the end of the week in his studio uptown. I would like you to accompany me.”
He waited while she paused and found that he was holding his breath.
“Are you asking me out on a date?”
Picking up the paperweight, he hefted it in his left palm and stared across the room. The office was oppressive, the furnishings too heavy for his taste. He had stepped in when his uncle died and had been meaning to make some changes, but he kept putting it off. He also realized that he would like her opinion on the color scheme.
Beige and cream to him were not colors and they were also depressing. He had a feeling that the woman he had become so fascinated with, would suggest something in emerald green or sunshine yellow.
“It’s just two people taking in something they appreciate. The place will be filled with patrons of the art, so we would not be alone. If you don’t think it’s a good idea…?”
“I would love to be there,” she told him softly.
“Good. Good.” Her acceptance had him spinning mentally in confusion. “I -er- I have taken up enough of your time. I will call you later in the week and let you know the details.”
“Thank you Evan.” Her cultured voice calling his name had such a profound effect on him that at first, he could not respond.
“I believe that should be my line,” he murmured gruffly. “Goodbye Cassandra.”
He hung up before he could make a fool of himself and for the next few minutes, felt as if he was drifting on a cloud. Shaking his head ruefully, he picked up the folder and tried to get back to work.
*****
“My dear, are you all, right?”
Cassandra looked up startled, jolted out of her reverie. “I am sorry. I didn’t realize you had returned. How was Brother Carlton?”
Pastor William gave her a strange look as he came further into the small office.
“Doing much better. You seemed a million miles away just now. Anything wrong?”
Cassandra hesitated a second before responding. “Are you busy?”
“Come into my office.” Turning towards the doorway, he left her to follow.
“Is this a closed-door meeting?” He asked as he went behind his desk.
“No!” Shaking her head, she perched on one of the overstuffed chairs facing him. For the first time in her life, she was suffering from acute confusion. Evan had asked her what she did after he left, and she had not been exactly truthful.