Every Girl Gets Confused

  “Yeah, I’m sure it will sell. Just thought the whole thing was so strange. It’s weird how women—er, people—can change moods so quickly.”

  “Um, women?” He was a fine one to talk. These past few weeks he’d been up and down like a yo-yo.

  “Okay, okay, I get your point.” He put his hands up in the air as if caught. “We all go through highs and lows.”

  “Thankfully, more highs than lows.”

  “Yes. And we all move on.”

  His words made me think of Casey. I’d definitely moved on from him, hadn’t I? “Yes, we do.”

  As he leaned back in his chair, it squeaked. Other than that little noise the room went quiet for a moment. Brady finally broke the silence. “Speaking of moving on, I, um . . . I wanted you to be the first to know that I’m about to sign my official release papers from the Mavericks. I mean, we knew it was coming, but I got the forms this morning. Stan faxed them over.”

  “Oh, Brady.” A rush of air left my lungs. “Are you . . . I mean, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, actually, I am. I mean, it took a while for the idea to sink in, but I think I’m okay with it. God might open a door for me to play pro ball in the future, or he might not, but the Bible says I’m supposed to be content in whatever state I’m in.”

  “You’re in Texas, boy. Everyone’s content in Texas!” Madge’s voice sounded from the open doorway.

  I laughed out loud. “Well, she has a point.”

  “Everything’s better in Texas!” Alva appeared next to Madge.

  “Which is precisely why I moved here,” Eduardo chimed in beside Alva.

  “Looks like the gang’s all here,” Brady said. “Did someone call a meeting?”

  Madge shook her head. “No, but I was about to. We just had a call from Carrie Sanders. She wanted to thank us for the fruit basket that arrived this morning.” Madge’s eyes narrowed as she looked back and forth between Brady and me. “I don’t recall sending a fruit basket. Does that ring a bell with either of you?”

  “Ooh, I love fruit,” Alva said. “I’m especially fond of nectarines.”

  “Me too.” Eduardo clasped his hands together. “I should take you to California some day, Alva, to taste the sweet nectarines from Orange County.”

  “I would love that,” she said. “But wouldn’t people talk if the two of us headed off on a vacation together?”

  “Let them talk.” He lifted his chin.

  “Well, I don’t know.” She looked concerned. “A single man? A single woman? Heading off on an adventure together without a chaperone?” She glanced my way. “Ooh, that’s the answer. We’ll take Katie with us. How would you like to go to California, Katie?”

  “That’s random,” I said. “I’d have to think about it.”

  “I do see another solution.” Eduardo slipped his arm over Alva’s shoulders. “One that would keep people from talking.”

  “Oh?” She looked at him.

  “Yes, but we can talk about that privately.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  Okay then.

  “So, back to that fruit basket . . .” Madge wrinkled her nose. “You set that up, boss? Then I’m assuming you’re also the one who scheduled more flowers to be delivered tomorrow to the Dennison home? I saw the receipt come through on the company email account.”

  “Yep.” Brady nodded. “I want them to know we’re thinking of them.”

  Madge waggled her finger in the air. “Brady James, you are a good, good boy. Your mama raised you right. Of course, I had a little something to do with your raising too. I think I did a fine job, if I do say so myself. I hate to brag. That would just be wrong. But you did turn out to be quite the gentleman.” She crossed her arms. “Even if you are a little over-the-top generous.”

  “I think this situation with Jimmy really struck a nerve. I feel bad for him. He’s lying in a hospital in far worse shape than I’ve ever been.” Brady rose and paced the room, pausing to rub his knee for a moment. “What if we gathered the troops and made a trip to San Antonio to deliver the dress in person?”

  “Right now?” Madge looked stunned by this idea.

  “Yes.” Brady stopped in place. “Right now. It’s Friday. The shop is closing in a couple of hours.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked.

  “Ooh, I want to go.” Alva raised her hand. “You’re talking about the girl from that radio program, right?”

  “He’s talking about Carrie Sanders,” Eduardo said. “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to go too. I would love to deliver that dress in person.”

  “Yes, I think it would be nice if we all showed up together,” Madge said. “I do hope it’s not too much for Carrie to have the dress, considering . . .”

  “This visit isn’t about a dress,” Brady said. “It’s about giving them hope. And extending a hand of friendship.”

  “Even if they don’t like the Mavericks?” Alva asked.

  “That doesn’t even factor in,” Brady said. “Never did.”

  Less than an hour later we were all pressed into my SUV, Brady in the front seat with me and Alva, Eduardo, and Madge in the backseat. The gorgeous Doris Day gown had been carefully bagged and laid out in the very back of the vehicle. I couldn’t believe we were leaving this late in the afternoon to drive all the way to San Antonio, but I was open to an adventure. Out of the corner of my eye I peeked at Brady, who seemed to come alive as he talked about how we would go about giving them the news. I hadn’t seen him this excited in a while.

  “It feels good to shift the attention off myself,” he said. “And if anyone needs our attention right now, it’s this couple. They’ve really been through it.”

  Yes, they had. And how good of him to care this much.

  Brady made a call to Mr. Dennison, who gave him the address of the rehab hospital. When the call ended, Brady gave us our marching orders. “Okay, he’s in room 104 and Carrie is there with him. He should be wrapping up therapy on his legs when we arrive, so the timing would be perfect.”

  We arrived at the rehab hospital at six o’clock, just as the sun was starting to set. I was happy to stretch my legs. Alva was happy to look for a bathroom. When we walked inside the lobby, the guy behind the front desk looked up, his eyes widening when he saw Brady.

  “Dude, you’re Brady James.” The fellow stared up at Brady in awe, then extended his hand across the desk.

  “I am.” Brady shook his hand. “And you are?”

  “Oh, sorry. Jeff Blaine. I play for the Wildcats. Northwest Vista College.”

  “I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Wildcats.”

  “Really?” Jeff looked at our little group, clearly confused. The sight of Alva searching for a bathroom probably didn’t help. “What are you doing here in San Antonio?”

  “Came to see a friend who’s rehabbing after an accident.”

  “Ah. You’re brave, man.”

  “Brave?”

  “Yeah. Big game tonight. Spurs. Mavericks. You know.”

  Brady’s eyes widened. “Would you believe I forgot about that? I really did.”

  “Wow.” Jeff laughed and pointed Alva in the direction of the ladies’ room. “Well, no one around here has forgotten about it, trust me, so you might want to get out of town while the gettin’s good.”

  “I think we’ll see our friend first. Could you tell us how to get to room 104?”

  “Better yet, I’ll show you. Just let me get someone to cover the front desk, okay?”

  A couple of minutes later an older man took Jeff’s place—after scowling at Brady. We waited for Alva, the tension a little thick as the man muttered something under his breath about the Mavericks, and then headed to Jimmy’s room. Eduardo carried the bag with the gown inside.

  When we arrived, Jeff knocked on the door and I heard Carrie call out, “Come in.”

  We eased open the door and her eyes widened when she saw us standing there.

  “Oh!” Tears sprang to her eyes. She jumped up and rushe
d toward us. “I can’t believe you came all this way.”

  “We have a special gift to deliver.” Eduardo lifted the bag that held the gown. “For a very special lady.”

  “My—my dress.” Her expression shifted from surprise to concern. “I . . . I don’t know what to say.”

  “No need to say anything.” Eduardo hung the dress on the empty IV pole next to the bed. “We wanted you to have it.”

  “This was supposed to be our wedding day.” She stared at the bag, a somber expression on her face.

  “I know.” I put my arms around her and held her in a warm hug. “That’s why we came today. Brady decided we should bring the dress. And we’ve been wanting to see Jimmy.”

  She pointed to the empty bed. “He should be coming back from therapy any minute now. They wanted to try it without me in the room today. He seems to work harder when I’m not there.” She shrugged.

  “How is he doing, Carrie?” I took the seat next to her as she sat down. “And how are you?”

  “It’s going to be a long journey,” she said. “Maybe another month or two before he’s able to put any weight on those legs. I’m all healed up . . . on the outside. My hand will recover. But my heart . . .” She looked up at the dress bag once more. “I’m not so sure.”

  “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.

  28

  By the Light of the Silvery Moon

  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

  We 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 s
tages 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?”