Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 18

"I'll come by and get you later," Eagle said. "I have to get my car, anyway. And if I know my brother, he won't stay quiet like he's supposed to. Give me about an hour?"

"Sounds good. I'll sit on him, so he behaves."

The men gave an earthy laugh.

"Pretty sure if you do that, he will behave—extremely badly," Clive said.

"Oh, hush," Wynter scolded playfully. "I'll see you soon. You behave!" she admonished.

"He will, or I'll sit on him!" Eagle stated. "He won't like that nearly as much."

"I promise," Obi said, holding up a hand.

"Good. I'll see you soon." She hung up.

"Way to make me look feeble and childish. Thanks," he grumbled.

"Get over it. See you soon, bro," Eagle said, giving Clive a hug.

"Thanks for taking care of him," Clive said. "He's a moron, but he's ours."

"He needs so much taking care of," Eagle sighed, laughing when Obi smacked him.

Laughing, they closed the door. Eagle drove home, uncharacteristically silent. When they got there, he helped Obi to the front door. Obi changed into jeans and a t-shirt. Eagle made sure he was settled on the couch with his laptop.

"I know you won't stay in bed, but you sit there and drink plenty of water, juice—tea."

"I don't have any tea," Obi whispered.

"Mostly, you don't talk. Mrs. Bannister has the church under control. Clive's with her, doing all the fixing. I'm gonna get Wynter, and join him. You can behave for the next thirty minutes, can't you?"

"I promise," Obi swore, his hand raised.

"Okay. I'm holding you to that." Giving his brother a kiss on the head, he left.

Obi must have dozed off, because he didn't notice the passing of time. The next thing he knew, the door opened and Eagle came in with Wynter. He carried bags which smelled delicious.

"I got that soup you like," he explained as he set the bags on the coffee table. "Sarah's dad said to keep it soft, for the next day or two."

"I got ice cream," Wynter said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I also brought some of Mama's tea. It's very soothing, especially with local honey." She bustled into the kitchen.

Eagle set out the soup, handing him a spoon. "Eat all of it. It's been a long time since breakfast."

Wynter came back with crushed ice in a glass. "It's blistering hot. I watched them ladle it up. I think they ran it through a nuclear generator." She handed him the glass, allowing him to add what he wanted.

"Thank you," he croaked.

"Stop talking," she ordered, sitting next to him on the couch. "Mama's doing well. She had her treatment, and she's sleeping. She told me to take a hike. So I'm here until she wakes up and calls."

Obi nodded, following the no talking directive.

"She asked if you'd come by, provided you feel better. She said she'd to all the talking."

He snorted, nearly inhaling his soup.

"You know, kind of like her daughter."

"Did you sleep all right?" Eagle asked. "It's horrible, what passes for a bed in that place."

"Awful! I'd have slept better on the floor."

"Obi has a futon upstairs. I bet he wouldn't mind you taking it."

His brother gestured that he was happy to loan it to her.

"I kinda like Silent Obadiah," Eagle said with a grin. "We can talk trash about him, and he can't complain."

His older brother glared at him, shaking a fist.

"His voice might be broken, the rest of him isn't," Wynter said. "He can still hit you."

"And he's faster than me. He ran track in school. He was the men's anchor on the relay."

"Really?" Wynter turned to Obi, impressed. "I was on the dance team."

"Not a cheerleader?" Eagle sounded disappointed.

Wynter wrinkled her nose. "We won't discuss that."

"I hear a story," Obi whispered, tapping her with his toes.

"No, you don't."

"Oookay...." Eagle said. "Moving on. Sarah's dropping by when she gets off work. She's bringing her dad."

Obi rolled his eyes. "Not necessary," he croaked.

"Don't argue. He volunteered. He also wondered if you'd like him to go see your mom," he told Wynter. "He's got some interesting methods of coping with the side effects of chemo. He wants to help her."

"I'm sure she'd like that. She's all right now, but I know it's going to kick in eventually, and—" A sob caught in her throat.

Obi set his soup aside. Sliding over, he put his arms around her. Eagle, who had been sitting on the floor, jumped up. Hugging her from the other side, he talked quietly, crooning softly as she cried. With a final, gulping sob, she stopped crying.

"Thank you. You guys are the best! I feel like I've known you my entire life."

"Same applies," Eagle said. "I know I speak for my brother, when I tell you that we're here for the duration. Whatever you need. Friends for life." He held out his knuckles for her to tap.

Laughing a little, she did so.

"Sarah says you're a beautiful spirit," he solemnly declared. "And I agree. She believes you were sisters, in another life."

"Really? You know, I've had that same thought. I had no idea you believed in that!"

"What's your take, Ob?" Eagle asked.

"He's not allowed to talk," Wynter said sternly.

"Forgot."

"Contrary to doctrine, I believe it," he murmured, finding that easier on his throat than whispering. "I did a lot of exploring of other religions, when I was in seminary. Church doesn't like to talk about it, but my philosophy professor held debates on controversial subjects. I got stuck on the con side, but I really was pro."

"Shh! You shouldn't be talking."

©Dellani Oakes 2023

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 17

 

Obi's face hardened. "I'll kindly ask you to leave, Eddie. You're angry and irrational. I'm concerned about your blood pressure."

"You have some nerve!" Lancaster advanced.

Obi stood his ground as the older man advanced. He was so angry, veins throbbed in his face and neck. He turned red from the shoulders up. Spittle flew from his mouth as he yelled. Through it all, Obi stayed quiet. Finally, Lancaster stopped for breath, chest heaving.

"If you're quite finished...."

"I'm just getting started!"

The phone rang in his office. Without a word, Obi went to answer it. Lancaster lunged at him, grabbing the back of Obi's priest collar. Suddenly, the older man was yanked backward. His hold loosened as he flailed around, arms windmilling. Trying to catch his balance, he gurgled. Spinning around, Obi crouched, waiting for further assault.

Eagle had the back of Lancaster's shirt in his fist. "He bothering you, bro?"

"Yeah." Digging his phone from his pocket, he called the police. After explaining the situation, he hung up.

Lancaster hung limply from Eagle's fist, the bluster out of him. A police car rolled up in front of the church. Obi opened the door, and two uniformed officers came in. As soon as he saw them, Lancaster started yelling and fighting against Eagle's grip. One officer cuffed him. The other read his rights, and he was summarily taken to the cruiser and shut inside.

"Thank you," Obi said, straightening his collar. "Eagle, thanks, man." He clasped his brother's hand, pulling him into a hug.

"Wanna tell me why I've just arrested Edward Lancaster?" the officer, whose name was Avery, asked. He was shorter than Obi and Eagle, but broader in the chest.

"Yeah. Let's go to my office. Can I get you a drink? I've got water and coffee."

"I'm good. Thanks."

"I'll take a water," Eagle said. He got one for himself from the small fridge. He handed one to his brother.

Together, the brothers explained what had happened. Obi's voice was rough. His throat hurt from the tugging Lancaster had done.

"When I got here, that old man was in Obi's face, yelling and spitting. He grabbed his collar and yanked. I thought he was going to kill my brother, so I grabbed him."

"Is that how you remember it?" Avery asked Obi.

"Yes, sir."

"I don't suppose you have video cameras?"

"Yes, sad to say we've had to come to that. What with church related crimes.... Outside and at major areas. There are two in the narthex." He pointed to the front doors. "I'll get you that footage. The recorder is in Mrs. Bannister's—" Hands shaking, he dropped his water.

Eagle leaped to his feet. "Obi! Call an ambulance!" he yelled at the cop.

Avery already had his radio in his hand, talking quickly. Eagle knelt at his brother's side. Moments later, Clive was with him. Mrs. Bannister stood in the hallway, watching.

"Give him some air," she said sharply. "Obadiah, what's wrong?"

Eagle explained. Nodding, she went to the vestry, taking something from the cupboard. She came back with an unopened bottle of sacramental wine.

"I can't drink that!" Obi whispered hoarsely, horrified.

"Sure, you can. It hasn't been blessed yet."

Eagle cracked it open, pouring him some wine in a glass she had with her. "Drink it."

The ambulance arrived before Obi was force fed the wine. EMT's walked in. Eagle explained again, and the medic checked Obi's throat carefully.

"It's the shock," the head EMT declared. "You're fine, Father. You'll have some bruising on your throat. You'll want to be careful how much you speak, the next few days."

Obi chuckled. "My job kind of entails a lot of talking." His voice was rough, strained.

"As little as possible. You'll be fine in a few days. That wine won't hurt a thing," he said as he got up.

Clive handed it to Obi, who dutifully sipped it.

Avery's radio crackled. "Go for Avery."

"Sir, he's like—coding! I don't know what's up!"

"I'll be right out," the medic said. Taking his bag, he ran to the car.

"He has high blood pressure," Obi told the officer. "He's had a couple strokes."

"Thanks." He followed the medic outside.

Moments later, the cop car roared away, siren blaring. The medic rode in the back with Lancaster. The ambulance followed at a more sedate pace.

"That was far too much excitement," Mrs. Bannister said with a sniff.

They all agreed with her.

"Did he ever say what he was mad about?" Clive asked.

"Not really. He yelled a lot, got up in my face, screaming. The phone rang. I went to answer, and he jumped me." He rubbed his throat, groaning softly.

"You head home," Mrs. Bannister said.

"I need to work on my sermon."

"You can do that from home. I can hold down the fort for the day. Eric can take you home. Clive can stay with me."

"Go," Clive said. "You need to rest. Eagle can take your car. We'll work out logistics to get him back to his, later."

"I'll Uber back over here, no worries," Eagle said. "Not taking no, blood," he told Obi.

Together, the three of them bundled Obi out the door. His phone rang. It was Wynter. Clive was closest to that pocket, so he answered.

"Is he okay?" she screeched, after Clive told her what had happened.

"He's fine. The EMT looked him over."

"I'll go by later," Obi whispered.

"No, you won't," Clive stated. "Sorry, he's saying he wants to come by later."

"Nonsense. Mama said he's to stay home. We'll manage."

"You should go by," they heard her mother saying in the background.

"I'll do that. Crap, I need a car."

©Dellani Oakes 2023

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 16

 

Hands shaking, he took the phone as she hit the hold button. "Hello, Father Randolph here."

"Randolph, I've a bone to pick!" Conversations with Mr. Lancaster often started out this way. Never a pleasant man, he liked to throw his weight around.

"Concerning what?" Rubbing his nose with his index finger and thumb, he closed his eyes, saying a quick prayer for grace. He never prayed for patience anymore. It was always tested too greatly.

"I should think you'd know that already."

"No, sir. There are all manner of things that this could be concerning. You'll have to be specific." His tone was sharp, his manner terse.

There was a short pause. He heard Lancaster inhale abruptly as he regrouped.

"I'll thank you to watch your tone, Father. You can be replaced. I'm on the hiring committee, you know."

"I'm aware. Is it concerning the job I'm doing here? Do you intend to replace me?"

"That's not what I said! Stick to the subject at hand."

"I would," his voice took on an edge he didn't recognize in himself. "If I knew what it was." It took everything he had not to lose his temper and swear.

"Now see here, Randolph!"

"Got another call coming in. One second while I put you on hold." He hung up.

Mrs. Bannister gaped at him. Clive, who was leaning on the door frame, clapped.

"Five, four, three, two...." Obi pointed at the phone. It rang again. Giving it a few, he motioned to Mrs. Bannister to pick up.

"St. Pete's." She hit the speaker.

"Put Randolph on right this minute."

"I'm sorry. Father Randolph is on an emergency call from a member of the flock. May I take a message?"

"Fine! Tell that son of a motherless—"

"To whom do you refer, Mr. Lancaster? We don't have any motherless anyone here."

"You know good and well who I mean!"

"Excuse me a moment. I've got another call."

"Don't you dare put me on hold, you daft—!"

She hung up. Obi and Clive laughed and clapped.

"I didn't think you had that in you, Mrs. B.," Clive said, giving her a high five.

Obi hugged her. "That was amazing. You're my hero, Lorna."

She beamed, her eyes tearing. "Thank you."

"Have you any idea what that was all about?"

"I suspect it was because of Abner Carr."

"Why would he be calling about the maintenance man?"

"They're cousins. Mr. Lancaster got Abner the job here."

"What for? The man was useless. I've often wondered why Father Faraday hired him."

"He was forced." She sniffed, her nostrils white and pinched. "Lancaster made it impossible to say no. He threatened to withdraw his monetary support."

"Great. I just insulted my main contributor."

"If you ask me, you don't need that old coot's money. He's into some shady things, Father. You're better off not having him around. And I'm glad you got rid of Abner. He was a pervert."

"Did he bother you?" Obi squatted by her chair, taking her hand. "I had no idea. Why didn't you say so?"

"I didn't want to upset the apple cart. He was a fixture, and I thought we had to live with it. I didn't want you to get in a fight," she added quietly. "If you knew the things he did."

"To you? Did he hurt you? Assault you?" Clive asked, taking a similar stance to his brother's.

Mrs. Bannister wouldn't meet their eyes. "Nothing—physically. But he was crude. Suggestive. He'd make comments, and do things when you weren't here. If he was working, and you weren't around, I'd lock myself in the office until he was gone."

"Lorna, you should have said something! I'm so sorry. He was rude and useless, but I had no idea!" Obi gave her a gentle hug. "I'd have gotten rid of him ages ago, if I'd known."

"It's made Mr. Lancaster so angry. He's probably on his way over here right now!" Hands shaking, they fluttered to her mouth as her lips trembled. "He's going to be so nasty!"

"I'll deal with him. Why don't you go check the Sunday School rooms for me. You know how we always have to put in the paper towels, because Abner wasn't capable of doing it right. Clive can go with you, and help." He raised an eyebrow at his brother.

"Absolutely. It would be my pleasure."

"Clive's going to be filling in as maintenance man, until we find someone else. Or, if he decides he likes the gig, he's here for as long as he wants."

"Why don't you tell me what needs fixing, and make me a list while I do the towels?" Clive suggested, helping her stand.

"Thank you. I'll do that very thing!" Picking up a pad and pen, she led Clive out.

The brothers tapped knuckles.

"You'll be okay with Lancaster?"

"Eagle should be here soon. I won't be by myself long."

"Good, cause that man's—not right."

Obi could tell there was a lot more he wanted to say about Lancaster, but he was trying to behave in church. He and Mrs. Bannister headed down the stairs, to the long hallway to the rear of the church, where the Sunday School classes were.

Shortly after they left, there was a pounding on the front door. Since it wasn't locked, Obi had to wonder what was going on. Prepared for a fight, he walked slowly to the door. Lancaster stood there, red in the face, hammering on the door. Obi opened it a few inches. Lancaster yanked it the rest of the way, flinging the glass door so hard, it bounced off the wall. Fortunately, it didn't shatter, but it shook in its frame.

"How dare you!" Lancaster bellowed, shaking his fist in Obi's face.

"You still haven't explained why you're upset. Don't you have high blood pressure, Eddie? Perhaps you should calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down, you freak!"

©Dellani Oakes 2023

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

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.

©Dellani Oakes 2023

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

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.

©Dellani Oakes 2023

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani

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."

©Dellani Oakes 2023

To Buy Dellani's Books

For More About Dellani