Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 15

"I do."

"Probably should shave. You're a mess."

"I forgot yesterday."

"I'm shocked you could actually function."

Obi chuckled, nodding. "Yeah. Me too. Thanks for coming over. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it." He hugged his brother.

"I needed it, too. We have to make more time for each other."

"Yes, we do. How are things at work?"

It was Clive's turn to tear up. Shrugging, he shook his head.

"What's happened? I have to get dressed, come talk to me."

They walked silently to his room. Obi shaved and got a quick shower, with Clive sitting on the closed toilet.

"Talk to me, Brother."

"Friday is my last day. After I got hurt at work, my back's a mess. I've been on light duty, but I'm still on probation. They can fire me for any reason, and I can't fight it. But I'm trying to get a Workman's Comp settlement."

"You call a lawyer?"

"Yeah, Uncle Toomy hooked me up with his neighbor's son-in-law, who's willing to do it pro bono."

"Who's the lawyer?"

"Caden Perrine."

"No kidding? Wow! He's good. I've seen him in action. I thought he only handled criminal cases?" He dried off and dressed before combing his hair into a more orderly fashion.

"Usually, yes. He was so disgusted with how the company is treating me, he's willing to take it on."

"If anyone can do it, he can. He's an absolute barracuda."

"Is that better than a shark?"

Obi chuckled, nodding. "I think so. You can see a shark coming. A barracuda sneaks up on you, tearing you to shreds before you know it's there."

"Cool."

"I'll keep it in prayer. You working today?"

"No," he sighed. "They cut my hours to every other day."

"I could use your help at the church, if your back's up to it. I fired my maintenance man a few days ago. So of course, that's when everything goes wrong. I'll pay you what I paid him, if you can do me a solid."

"Like what?"

"Men's room, the handle on one of the urinals broke. The door is loose on the stall, and a few other things in the kitchen need tending. I could do them, but I've got a pretty full day today. Plus, need to work on my sermon. I had an idea I was working with, but I've changed my mind. I need to do some research. I can't trust some dude off the street to do a good job. I can trust my brother."

"I'd be happy to."

"Thank you! I had visions of Mrs. Bannister trying to make calls." He shuddered.

"What're we doing?" Eagle walked in without knocking, a cup of coffee in hand.

"Clive's gonna do some work at the church. You wanna help?"

"Sure! I'm not working today. Sarah's helping her dad at the clinic. She's his nurse."

"The Three Musketeers ride again!" Clive said, raising his empty mug high.

The brothers did a loud roar, hands meeting above their heads. Sarah poked her head in the door.

"You guys okay in here?"

"The Randolph Brothers are unstoppable," Clive replied. Walking over to her, he held out his hand, kissing hers when she took his. "I'm sorry I've been such a jerk. I was goaded by jealousy. I've never had a woman like you." Pushing past her, he trotted down the stairs.

"On that note, I have to jet," Obi said after a glance at his watch. "You guys get there when you can. Sarah, I hope you and your dad have a great day. Please tell him I said hello."

"I sure will." Her voice was a little dreamy.

Obi rattled down the stairs. Sarah turned to Eagle, her eyes wide with wonder.

"What just happened?"

"That was my brothers, being the men I know—kind, accepting and very cool."

"That they are."

"Let's get you to work, Babe."

They kissed briefly, then followed his brothers outside. Obi locked the house and they got in their cars. Clive and Obi went to the church. Sarah and Eagle headed to her father's clinic.

Mrs. Bannister was just unlocking the church door when Obi arrived. Clive pulled up as he finished the process, and opened the door. Thanking him with a smile and nod, she bustled to her office, where the phone was already ringing.

"St. Pete's," she answered.

No matter how many times he told her to answer the phone in a more professional manner, she didn't. She'd been secretary longer than he'd been alive, and didn't hold with such fripperies. He often wondered what she thought of him. He'd always thought of her as a flighty, old bat. Perhaps, like with Sarah, he hadn't looked beneath the veneer to her true self. Determined to clear that up, he went to her office before going to his own.

"Want coffee?" he asked as she hung up the phone.

"I'll get that, Father. You don't need to trouble yourself."

"I'm happy to. The phone's already ringing, bound to be busy."

To prove him right, it rang again.

"St. Pete's." There was a long pause while she listened. "You'll need to speak to Father Randolph. One moment, I'll see if he's in." Putting the phone on hold, she folded her hands. "That's a call you'll want to be taking."

"Who is it?"

"Edward Lancaster." The richest man in the parish.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 14

 

"Dad is interested in a lot of different things. He's an MD, but he's learned Eastern Medicine, and alternative approaches to invasive procedures. I called and asked him about Dr. Joshua, who's going to put together Wanda's care plan. He says he's a good doctor, who incorporates alternat—"

He held up his hand, head tilted to one side as he tried to hear her more clearly. "Whoa. Head spinning. When did you stop talking like an addlepated bimbo?"

"Is that what you thought of me?" she was shocked and horrified.

"No. Truly not. I did think that there had to be more to you, for Eagle to like you. He's attracted to strong, intelligent women. You didn't seem his type at all."

"He's very deep."

"Yes, he is. Probably more so than I am, and I'm almost ten years older."

"You never had the opportunity to explore, like he has."

"You're very perceptive, Sarah."

"Thank you." She flashed a dazzling smile. "Eggs are ready. Hi, guys!" She'd set plates out on the table, serving each of them. Next, she got slices of French toast from the oven, distributing them around.

"Aren't you eating?" Eagle asked.

"I ate already. I've been up since six."

"Really?" Eagle was stunned. "Why?"

"I like to get up with the sun, do my yoga, meditate, say my prayers.... Do you do that?" she asked Obi.

"Not like I should. I do pray every day, but I don't always have time to meditate."

"And the yoga?" Clive asked, batting his eyelashes.

"Not much here lately. I swim every chance I get." He nodded at the enclosed pool behind the house.

"You do yoga?" Clive's tone was derisive.

"I've been known to do a downward dog or two."

"I wouldn't say that too loudly," Clive said in a serious tone. "Or people will lock up their pets." Winking, he got up to get more coffee.

Tossing back her head, Sarah laughed. "Eric, your brothers are a kick."

"You never call me Eric." He turned to Obi. "Did you break my girlfriend?"

"What? No. We had a nice conversation before you came in. We're buds now."

"You. And my girlfriend. Are buds?" Shaking his head, he waved that possibility away.

"Why's that so hard to believe?" Sarah bridled. "Do you think men don't want me for a bud?"

"That's not what I meant. Help me out here," he appealed to Obi, because Clive was ready to throw him under the next bus.

"What Eric is saying, is he didn't think you and I got along." He turned to his youngest brother. "But we do. And she is. Deal with it."

He and Sarah did a high five, hands connecting without looking at one another. Eagle wasn't sure how to handle that, so he simply drank his coffee.

Sarah excused herself to go upstairs and shower. Eagle punched Obi on the arm.

"Since when do you get along so well with Sarah?"

"Since I discovered that she's not a bobble toy. She's very smart, and really nice."

"Did you think I'd date her if she weren't? You're such a snob!"

"What! Me? I'm not a snob."

"You are. You look at the outside, and don't see the inside. Sarah is bright, funny, beautiful. I really like this girl, Obi. I want your blessing, man."

"Wait. What?" Clive butted into the conversation. "What are you saying?"

"I think I'm in love," Eagle replied defensively. "And you know I've never said that before—about any girl." There had been a lot of women in his life, more than his brothers combined. "Why do you think we're still together? Usually, I get tired of them, and tell them to shove off. But this girl—woman—she's special."

"Because she's your soul mate?" was Clive's obnoxious reply.

Eagle punched his arm, hard. "Would you not belittle that? Honestly, yes. I know you think that's a bunch of nonsense, but the fact is, when we met, something clicked! It's like I had this big, gaping hole in my chest. I met her, and the hole filled in. There wasn't enough sex in the world, to stop that up. But Sarah did, just by saying hello. And, just so we're square, she and I aren't having sex."

"Yet, you sleep together," Clive said.

"Yeah. So? Sometimes, it's nice to wake up to another person. You should try it, maybe you wouldn't be such a prick."

Waving his hands, Clive shook his head. "I don't get it, but fine. I hope the two of you are very happy."

"We are!" Eagle called after him. "I really hope you can find your soul mate," he said softly. "It's the greatest thing in the world."

"Tell me you don't believe this crap," Clive appealed to Obi.

"I do. More than I thought, actually."

"Do you believe that you and Wynter are soul mates?"

"No. But I believe we're good friends, and that friendship will grow. Maybe, one day, it will be more. For now—" his phone rang. Wynter's face appeared on the screen. "Speaking of...." Walking onto the pool deck, he answered. "Hiya! How's Mama?"

"Anticipating her first chemo treatment in about an hour. You?"

"Got to get ready for work. They make me dress up in this funny outfit, with clown shoes. I need to get the trappings of my profession on."

She giggled. "I won't hold you up. Mama wondered if you'd be able to stop by later?"

"I'd be happy to. Call me when it's a good time, and I'll drop by."

"Thank you. Go be spectacular, in your clown shoes."

"Will do. You, too."

After hanging up, Obi held the phone as he stared into space. He couldn't believe how good he felt, simply talking to her for a couple minutes.

"Don't you need to go put on your clown shoes?" Clive asked. He was standing in the kitchen doorway, leaning against the frame, a cup of coffee in his hands.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 13

 "I'll have a soft drink. I have to go back to the hospital later."

"Have a cider, at least. My buddy makes it, and it's amazing. He grows his own apples, and everything."

"Talked me into it," she agreed.

"Excellent. You may keep this one, Obi-Wan."

"Thanks a lot, Clive. She's not my girlfriend."

"No? So, you wanna go out?" he asked Wynter.

"Thanks for the offer, I appreciate it. But I just broke up with a real beast of a man. I'd be on the rebound."

"I'm okay with that."

Obi gave him a long look, which spoke volumes.

"And I'll keep other comments to myself," Clive said. He started unloading bags onto the counter.

"Hi, I'm Sarah," the younger woman said to Wynter. "I'm Eagle's soul mate."

"Are you? That's so great. I'm Wynter."

"Is Obi your soul mate?"

"We met today...."

"Trust me, if he is, you just know. It's like the meeting of two hearts. Mine just started singing, when we met. It was like—magic. You know?"

"Yes. Magic. Sure is," Obi said without really listening.

"I don't need a romantic entanglement right now," Wynter said. "I need a friend. And Obi has been a great one." She put her hand on his arm, blinking back tears.

"Oh, hey! I didn't mean to make you cry. It's okay if you aren't soul mates."

"Thanks. It's not that."

"Can I help? I'm a good listener."

"Thank you. I appreciate that, but I'll be okay."

Wynter turned to follow the men to the backyard, but Sarah took her arm.

"I know you think I'm an airhead," she said in a very mature voice. "That's okay. But I am a good listener, and I've been through some stuff, so I understand. Eagle's the best guy I've ever met. His brothers don't like me much."

"I'm sure that's not the case. They aren't used to a woman like you, that's all."

"You think I'm a vapid airhead, too," Sarah said, sniffling.

"Anyone who can properly use the word vapid, is not as much of an airhead as she'd like people to think. Sweetie, if you want to be taken seriously, then cultivate seriousness," Wynter said kindly. "Being a strong, intelligent woman is good. I think Eagle would appreciate that even more than a vapid airhead."

"You think?"

"Yeah. Let's take that for a spin, huh?"

"Sure. Thanks." She hooked arms with Wynter. "So, what do you do? Are you from here?"

Chatting happily, the two women talked about themselves. Wynter didn't think it was possible, but she actually felt herself bonding with the flighty young woman.

After dinner, Obi took Wynter back to the hospital, leaving his brothers and Sarah at his house. After dropping her off, he felt slightly let down. Somehow, she had made the worst day of his life, better. He knew she had a lot going on, just like he did. Their shared emotional upheaval had bound them together. He'd always wondered if soul mates were real, particularly after Eagle had met Sarah, and started spouting off about it at any given moment.

As he drove home, he considered that concept, determined to look into it more. The Bible might not speak of it, but other religious texts, did. Home once more, he drank a couple of ciders, but didn't overindulge like the night before. In fact, he pulled himself together, and headed to bed by 10:00.

"If you're going to be naughty, take the red room," he told Eagle.

The red room was the smallest bedroom, and furthest away from his.

"It's tiny!"

"The bed is just as big, and I won't have to hear your joyful adulation. I need my sleep, baby bro."

"No problem. Goodnight, big bro!" He ruffled Obi's hair playfully.

The brothers hugged before heading to their bedrooms. Clive took a room next to Obi's, but Eagle dutifully took the red room, as requested.

"You think they're gonna be naughty?" Clive asked glumly.

"Wouldn't you?"

"Duh!"

Tilting his head, Obi shrugged. "See you in the morning."

"What time are you up?"

"Eight."

"Wake me?"

"Sure, no problem. Thanks for coming over. I needed the company."

"Dude, me too. Ironic that the only brother who's getting lucky, is a child." Clive was 27.

"Somehow, it will turn around. We can hope, right?"

"Yes. Sleep well."

"You, too."

Obi slept fairly well, waking just before his alarm went off. He tapped on Clive's door as he headed to the kitchen, where he found Sarah making breakfast.

"I wasn't sure if you guys were hungover, but I've got the best cure in the world. My dad taught me."

"Is he a drunk?" he teased as he set up coffee.

She giggled, adding hot sauce to the scrambled eggs. "No. Actually, he's a doctor."

"No kidding. What field?"

"He works at the Urgent Care near the Trifecta."

"Really? That's an edge market!"

"You'd think so, right? But he mostly gets kids with the flu, and the occasional broken arm. The really bad stuff goes to St. Mary's. He's under the protection of the Brujos Malvados. No one messes with him."

"Really? Wait. Is your dad Sir Lane?"

"He is! You know him?"

"Quite well. He's done some seminars I've attended."

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 12

 

No, he's not. I'm still trying to remember why I was attracted to her."

"Tequila goggles?"

"Partly. Though she's attractive. Not as pretty as you, but hot—in a very deadly way." He pulled out his phone, showing her a picture. "She does car commercials for dealerships. She goes all over the country."

"I've seen those. She's the one with that butt ugly dog!" Wynter jabbed the screen of his phone, making the picture change. "Oops, sorry. Hey, are those your brothers?"

"Yes. That's Clive on the right. Eagle on the left."

"Eagle? Another family name?"

"No. He fancies himself a shaman. His real name is Eric." He shook his head, smiling a little. "He's twenty-four, and trying to find himself."

"You didn't have that chance," she said softly.

"No. My life path was chosen for me."

"What did you want to do?"

"Be a drummer in a rock band."

"No kidding? Are you any good?"

"Yeah. I still play with a small band. We just get together for fun, blow off some steam. I also play with the jazz ensemble at church."

"What jazz can you possibly play at church?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "It's a misnomer, though we do play modern gospel. The prior priest named it the jazz ensemble, because the congregation didn't like the idea of rock music being played in church. Strangely, they didn't mind jazz?" He shrugged.

His phone rang. When he saw Clives's face on the screen, he answered. "Hiya, middle brother. Sup?"

"You want to know what's up? I want to know what's up! Why is Mom calling me, telling me I need to fly to your side? Are you sick, bro? Dying or something?"

Obi laughed a little harshly. "No. I broke up with Cieran last night."

"Well, thank God for that! I'll bring the mixers, you chill the vodka."

"I'm not home right now. I'm visiting a friend."

"Is she hot?"

He was so loud, Obi was sure Wynter could hear him.

"No, she's beautiful. Hot is for twenty year old, former prom queens, at a club."

"Pardon me for not knowing that, Older Brother. I'm still coming over."

"I'm not home right now. I've got to take Wynter to the hospital."

"Did you make the beautiful woman ill?"

"No. Her mom is sick. I was going to take her to dinner, then to the hospital."

"Change of plans. Booze and brats at your house."

"Clive—"

"Not taking no."

Obi tried to protest, but Clive cut him off.

"No arguments, dude. I'm at the store, then I'm at your front door. If you aren't there, I'll let myself in and fire up the grill. Bring the beautiful woman. We'll eat. We'll drink. We'll sing rude songs."

"If the lady doesn't mind."

"Ask her. I'll wait."

"Booze and brats at my house? You can meet my younger brother, Clive."

"Eagle's coming too, only he's bringing some weird vegan crap, that no one else wants to eat."

"When did he go vegan?"

"Yesterday. Who knows? But he's bringing Sarah."

"Does he have to?"

"She's his soul mate, dude," he said in a very sarcastic tone.

"Yippee. Okay. What am I providing for this meal?"

"Coals and ice. And a bed, so I can pass out."

"Guest rooms are always made up. I bought new sheets."

"No more He-Man sheets? I'm so sad."

"Hanging up now."

"Get over to your house."

"On our way." He hung up. "I hope you don't mind. He's determined to cheer me up."

"I could use it, too."

"I promise not to drink so much that I can't take you to the hospital later."

"I trust you."

"Thank you. Got your bag packed?"

"Yes. I did that after I showered. I'm good to go."

"Excellent." He hopped up, washing the cups and saucers, placing them in the rack.

"I'm going to save this tea for later. One second." She poured the rest of the tea in a pitcher and tucked it in the fridge.

Obi put the cookies back in the box, placing them in the cupboard. They were done with their cleanup in less than five minutes.

"Ready?"

"Yes. After you."

She set the alarm and locked up the house. Obi opened the car door. Thanking him, she got in.

Clive was just pulling up at his house, when they arrived. He had bags of food, which Obi helped him carry in. A few minutes later, Eagle arrived with a perky brunette. She was short, buxom and reminded Obi of a Barbie Doll. He'd never liked Sarah much, but she'd become a fixture of late. He hoped his brother would follow his usual track record, and break up with her after a couple more weeks. Eagle's longest relationship, to date, had been two months. He'd been with Sarah nearly three.

"Namaste," Eagle said, greeting them with prayer hands and a bow.

"Back at ya, bro," Clive said, shouldering past his younger brother.

"You could say hello to Sarah!" Eagle called after him.

"Hello to Sarah," Clive said over his shoulder, as he walked to the kitchen. "Whatcha drinkin'?" he asked Wynter, whom he'd met in passing, before Eagle arrived.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 11

"Okay. Be right back."

While she was gone, he called Mrs. Bannister. She hadn't even noticed he wasn't back yet, which wasn't surprising. Afterward, he took out the tea ball and decided to call his parents. His mother answered, and he fell apart.

"Sonny? Sweetheart? Prescott, get on the extension. Obadiah needs us."

"Son? What's wrong?" His father's deep voice cut through his misery.

Snuffling, he pulled himself together, explaining what had happened.

"So, the wench dumped you. I hope you got the keys back to your house," his father growled.

"She never had keys, Dad."

"Good. I know you thought you loved her, but I never liked her."

Obi snorted, sniffling again. "Yes, but thank you for not saying it until now."

"I'm so sorry this happened," his mother added softly. "It's going to be all right."

"Do you want me to call Toomy?" his father offered.

Toomy was his uncle, Thomas. He lived just outside the city in a golf course community.

"I can call him," Obi sniffled again. "I hadn't thought of it, but that's a good idea."

"I'll call," his father decided. "He'll kick some sense into you."

A barking laugh escaped Obi. "He should have done that before I took up with that tart."

"Probably so, but it's too late for that now. I'll call Toomy. You call your brothers. If you can't rely on them at a time like this, why did we bother raising them to manhood?"

Obi laughed again, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. "Why, indeed? Oh, I need you to add a couple names to your prayer list, please."

"Sure. Shoot."

"Wynter Whitley, and her mother, Wanda. Wynter's going through some stuff—similar to mine. Her mom is very sick, and needs healing."

"Done and done. How would you like company this weekend?"

"Wait. What?"

"Mother and I were planning a trip to take in the sights—art museum, maybe grab a show."

"Are you sure you're not doing this because you think I need cheering up?"

"A little, but we really were planning it, weren't we, Hester?"

"Yes, we were. We just hadn't firmed up a date."

"I'd love to have you visit. You can stay at the house with me. We'll get the boys over, and have a big cookout."

"Fabulous," his mother said with a happy sigh. "I'll start planning meals."

"Mom, that can wait—"

"Nonsense. I'll get a menu planned, and we'll go shopping when I get there."

"If you send me a list, I can order online and have them deliver."

"I like to shop for myself."

"Whatever you want, Mom. I love you guys a lot."

"We love you too, darling. We'll see you Friday night."

"Great. I look forward to it."

"I'll call Toomy right now," his father concluded, hanging up.

"Goodbye, darling. It's going to be all right."

"Thanks, Mom. Bye." Hardly able to control his tears, he hung up.

Wynter was standing in the doorway, quietly waiting. "Thank you for adding us to their prayer list, too."

"You're welcome. I've never seen anyone get the results my folks do. It's like they have a direct line to God. I often wish I had the faith and devotion my parents have. Their convictions are so strong. I'm not half the man my father is. Sometimes, I feel as if I'm cheating my flock...."

"Don't you dare say that!" she advanced angrily, taking his shirt in her hands. "You've given so much to me today. A complete stranger. I'm a wreck, with no job, no car—nothing to my name. My mother's sick, my life's a mess, and yet you're here with me. You've taken such good care of me, and I'm so grateful. Don't you dare say you're cheating anyone. You're the finest man I know." She burst into tears again.

Holding her close, he let his own tears flow. He rarely ever cried. But it was all right, because he was with Wynter, and she didn't care. Wiping her eyes again, she checked the tea.

"Sit. Did you find cookies?"

"I forgot to look. I called my folks, and—I can't believe I'm crying so much. I never do."

"You should. Men get this idea that they have to be tough and stoic, and not cry. God gave you tear ducts, use them!" She found a box of Girl Scout Thin Mints in the cupboard, and opened them. Pouring some into a bowl, she set them on the table with tea mugs, cream and sugar. "Would you prefer lemon?"

"No. Milk and sugar is fine." He waited to sit until she was settled.

The next few minutes were taken up by them stirring cream and sugar into their tea. Obi took his first sip, closing his eyes as he swallowed.

"Oh, that's good. I'm not much of a tea drinker, but I like that."

"Mom blends her own. She's very picky about how it's prepared, so she's taught me well. You won't find coffee in her house, though. She hates it."

"Good to know. I don't know that I have any tea at all. Coffee's my addiction."

"Some people smoke crack—" she laughed.

"So they do. Not a vice I picked up. I smoked cigarettes for a while, but gave that up."

"Drink?"

"Sometimes. I love a good Vodka Sour. Not much for beer." He shrugged.

"You said you were hungover, was that one too many Vodka Sours?"

"More like six too many. Only it wasn't Vodka Sours, it was simply vodka. I didn't feel like bothering with them, they get kind of tetchy with the egg whites."

"Don't need a fiddly drink when you're trying to get hammered," she agreed.

"Nope. I used to drink tequila, but ended up doing some really stupid things." He chuckled, sipping his tea. "I hooked up with Cieran, while drunk on tequila."

"If I were you, I'd stop drinking it. Jose Cuervo is not your friend!" she shoved him playfully.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 10

He turned onto her street, rolling slowly down the road. A lot of children lived in these neighborhoods, and they weren't always well watched.

"In my family, the first son of each generation, gets the name—and the vocation."

Shaking her head, she closed her eyes for a moment. "I'm confused." She focused on him, frowning a little.

Turning into Wanda's driveway, he put the car in park. "The men in my family have been priests since before Henry the VIII created the Church of England. There has been a Prescott Randolph in each generation, and he's expected to become a priest. The first was in 1563, in England. There were those religious orders before, but he was the first with The Name," he used air quotes.

"The Name being Prescott Randolph?"

"Yes. Middle names change, and we usually go by it. There hasn't been an Obadiah since 1772. He and his wife came to America when he was twenty-five. They had three children, the eldest of which was named Prescott Uriah Randolph. Obadiah founded a small community, and built a church. People came, they settled around it, and the rest is history."

"Around here? I didn't think the city was quite that old."

"Not quite. They settled in Eastern Pennsylvania. The original homestead is still there. Built in 1777. Obadiah served in the Pennsylvania Militia as a clergyman and doctor. His son became a priest after him, and named his first son Prescott Samuel Randolph.... I won't bore you."

"I think it's fascinating!"

"All right, I won't bore me," he teased.

"So, you got the name, and became a priest?"

"As was expected."

"Is that what you wanted to do?"

He shrugged. "It's expected."

"And when you have a son, will you do what's expected?"

Shaking his head, he sighed heavily. "At the rate I'm going, who says I'll ever have one?"

Wynter took his hand, squeezing hard. "You will. You have to have faith."

His face dissolved. Lips trembling, he wept silently.

"Obi, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean— I'm so sorry!"

"I can't find it," he whispered. "I can't find my faith. My belief. Cieran robbed me of it. She shook me to my foundations. I don't even know who I am, anymore."

"Come inside. I'll make us some tea."

Nodding, he got out. Standing dejectedly, head bowed, he didn't come around to let her out, as he had been. She was fully capable of opening her own door, so she did. Hopping to the ground, she shut it. The thump startled him, making him aware of her once more.

"I'd like that," he replied, as if there hadn't been a break in their conversation.

As they walked up to the house, his hand sought hers. She gripped his, pulling him a little closer.

"You're a good man, Prescott Obadiah Randolph. And I'm honored to call you a friend."

"Thank you, the same applies. Osteen, huh?" he chuckled when she threatened to punch him.

"You caught that."

"What's your confirmation name? You seemed disinclined to have your mom say that, too."

She unlocked the door, inviting him inside. By habit, he wiped his feet on the coarse straw mat.

"I chose St. Vitus, the patron saint of dancers."

"And epileptics. And those who suffer from St. Vitus Dance."

"True. But I chose it because I wanted to be a dancer. I started lessons when I was five."

"But you chose a man, huh?" He chuckled.

"So?" The defiance was back.

"Nothing. I think it's a brilliant choice. I got St. Crispin of Viterbo."

"Got? As in – how?"

She led him to the kitchen and started setting out the teapot while he filled the kettle.

"Another family tradition. Whatever saint was born on the day we're born, we get that name at Confirmation. He was born November 13, 1668, and was canonized on June 20, 1982. I was born November 13, 1988."

"So, you got Crispin. What did he do?"

"I don't really want to get into an religious conversation right now." He sighed, shaking his head.

"No problem. We'll have another chance to talk about it."

"If you like."

"You're the only other person I know here, Obi." She teared up again.

He held his arms wide and she fell into his embrace, sobbing.

"Cry all you want. I don't mind."

Hiccuping, she nodded. "Some supportive daughter I am. I keep falling apart."

He tilted her chin with his finger under the chin. "You're entitled. But when you're around Mama, smiles and strength. You can call me, and cry anytime you want. I don't mind."

"You're going through your own stuff right now."

"Then maybe I'll cry with you. Would that be all right?"

"Yes. I think I'd like that, actually."

"I'm here, no matter what."

"You're a good friend, Obi."

"So are you, Wynter."

They held one another closely, until the tea kettle started to whistle. Wiping her eyes on her shirt, she set the pot to steep.

"I'm going to grab a quick shower. Will you take the tea ball out in about three minutes? I put the cozy on the pot already."

"I'd be happy to. Go bathe."

"There might be cookies in the jar on the counter, or the cupboard over the toaster."

"I'll have a look."

©Dellani Oakes 2023

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