The Path To Love. Jane Myers Perrine

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СКАЧАТЬ think he’s more handsome than most, Julie.”

      She bit her lip. “Yes, I guess he is. He’s got those dark brown eyes that say such romantic things to a woman, but he’s got a really macho attitude. Thinks he owns his woman and can’t get it through his head that I have a brain and can take care of myself. He hates it that I own this place.” She leaned toward Francie. “I think the fact that I was his boss and told him I would not hand the diner over to him when we got married was what finally broke us up.” She sat back in the booth. “Men!”

      “You know, it’s probably hard for him to work for the woman he loves.”

      “What?” Julie sat up straighter. “What’s the matter with you? You used to agree with me about Manny.”

      “I’m trying that kindness thing.”

      “Huh?”

      “I’m trying to be a kinder person.”

      “Just because you’re trying to change doesn’t mean you have to side with Manny. You’re still my friend and can be kind to me.”

      “I’m trying not to judge other people.”

      “If that doesn’t beat all.” She took a sip of her coffee. “I want you to be happy, Francie, but don’t get all goody-goody on me.”

      “I’m sorry, Julie. Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly the right balance. I’m still searching.”

      “I guess you’re doing the best you can.” Julie stood. “Okay, I’ll leave you to your play.” Julie picked up the coffee cups and took them to the kitchen.

      When Francie was alone, she leaned against the back of the bench and closed her eyes, turning her thoughts toward God. “You know,” she whispered, “this whole transformation is turning out to be a lot more difficult than I ever imagined. I’d appreciate a little help here because I don’t know what I’m doing.”

      Francie had just finished studying when the lunch crowd came in. Within minutes, she had tables and booths full and was running back and forth, taking orders and picking them up, placing them on tables, adding up checks and picking up tips. While she did all of this, she smiled and kept up running jokes with the regulars.

      Shortly before one-thirty, the crowd thinned. As she filled the glasses of the few remaining customers and wiped down tables, she heard a familiar voice.

      “Hey, Curly, how’re you doing?”

      Francie turned around to see her cousin Mike Fuller, Tessie’s older son. “Hi there. How’s one of my favorite cousins doing?”

      He had become such a handsome young man. She’d met him when he was seven and she was twelve, back when Uncle Lou went to prison and she’d moved in with Aunt Tessie. For six years, they’d been like sister and brother. He’d been a skinny little kid, a runt everyone in the neighborhood picked on. Now he was over six feet tall, broad from working out and almost as handsome as Mr. Fairchild.

      Where had that foolish thought come from? Mike was much more handsome than Mr. Fairchild, in a different sort of way. Besides, she shouldn’t be thinking of her parole officer like that. She shouldn’t be thinking of him at all.

      “Hey, Francie.” He hugged her.

      “Sit down. What do you want? The usual?”

      “Yeah. You know how much I love Manny’s hamburgers.”

      “Hi, kid,” Julie said and gave Mike a hug. “Take a break, Francie, and grab a bite with Mike.” She picked up the order Francie had written and handed it to Manny who took it from Julie’s hand but didn’t look at her.

      “Friendly guy,” Julie grumbled.

      “Hey, Mike,” shouted Manny from the window. Then he turned toward Julie to say, “See, I’m a very friendly guy when people treat me right.”

      Julie frowned. “If you weren’t such a good cook and never missed a day of work, I’d fire you.” She picked up a plate and carried it to a customer.

      “What a terrific surprise,” Francie said to Mike. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have class?” She slid into the booth next to him.

      “Hey, lay off. I don’t have classes this afternoon, and I’m not due at work for an hour. Why can’t I stop by to see my favorite cousin—”

      “Only cousin.”

      “Without getting the third degree?”

      “The third degree is sort of a custom with our family.” She smiled at him. “How’s life going?”

      “Great. My grades are good. You know I got accepted to med school.”

      “I know. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”

      Mike took her hand. “If it hadn’t been for you—” He shook his head. “Thanks, Francie.”

      “Enough of that.” She shook her head. “Okay, so tell me why you’re here.”

      “My girlfriend’s family is having a barbecue Sunday. She’s heard me talk about you and wants you to come.” He put onions and ketchup on the hamburger Julie had just placed in front of him, then took a drink of the milkshake. “We’re going to start about noon.”

      “That sounds wonderful, but I’ll probably be a little late.” She paused and dropped her eyes to the plate Julie had placed in front of her. “I…um…I’m going to church on Sunday.”

      If he hadn’t had taken a big bite of hamburger, Francie knew Mike’s mouth would have fallen open. While he chewed and swallowed, she picked up the tuna salad sandwich Julie had given her and nibbled on a corner.

      “You’re going to church? Why? What’s the matter?”

      “Nothing’s the matter. I want to go. I had an experience a couple of weeks ago.” She paused for a minute. “This is hard for me to explain, but I went to a church service and it felt good. I felt close to God.”

      “Terrific, Francie. If that makes you happy. It just seems strange.” He shook his head. “I can’t think of anyone in our family who’s been religious.”

      “Maybe it’s about time.” She took a deep drink of diet soda. “I’d be happy if you’d like to come with me sometime.” After she’d found a church.

      “Yeah, sure, maybe sometime.” He began to devour the enormous pile of French fries.

      “How’s your little brother doing?”

      “I don’t see Tim much. He’s still living with the Montoyas.”

      “How long has he been with this foster family? Three years?”

      “That’s about right.” He studied her frown. “Francie, stop worrying about him. Stop worrying about me. We’re doing fine. With school and work, you’ve got enough to take care of in your life without taking on more.”

      She СКАЧАТЬ