Part XXVI:

Out of the Comfort Zone

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     Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.     

     But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.  ~James 3:13-18

     After all this time Jim had finally decided to try the food at the diner. A select few had recommended it to him but he had disapproved of the place. With the help of that crazy skit from Alex he now understood that seeing extends beyond what meets the eye and he had decided to see for himself what all the fuss was about.

     Shortly after he had settled in at a table located in the back of the diner he saw Alex walk in with a familiar face. He recognized it immediately. It was that lady from the other day. She had made quite an impression on him with her passionate rebuke. Then Brian had informed him that she was spying on them and was looking rob them of their liberty. He had bought the line and it made him mad, but at home alone that night she was on his mind and he began to wonder if something was amiss with his ways.

     It was her passionate response that struck a cord deep within him for it seemed to echo his. She may have been seeing from a different angle but the cry of the heart was the same. They were each longing for an end to abusive crusades. Then that ride with Alex helped him see where he was being blindsided and narrow minded, something he saw in others but missed in himself.

     Jim had found her very pretty and thought it a shame they had not met under better circumstances. After all, they had a passion for the same thing. What was she doing with Alex? He decided to go over there and introduce himself, then offer an apology.

     “Shorty!” Alex greeted as he approached their table.

     Jim laughed, “Hey Cowboy.” They had done quite a bit of teasing back and forth with the nicknames that crazy morning and it stuck. “How’s it going?”

     “Good, although I’ll need to return to Home Depot soon. Interested in tagging along?“

     “Do I look like a glutton for punishment?” Jim asked before focusing his attention on Sarah, “Hi.”

     Alex made the introduction, “Jim, this is Sarah.”

     “Hello,” Sarah softly greeted.

     Oh yes, she’s even prettier than I remembered, Jim thought as he shared, “We’ve met.”

     “Yes,” Sarah agreed and was grateful that Alex had drawn his seat closer upon Jim’s approach. It felt supportive and comforting.

     “Listen, I wanted to apologize for the other day. I get carried away at times, deeply disturbed by what I see and hear. You obviously can relate.”

     “Yes…yes I can. And I’m sorry if I came on strong."

     He waved it off, “I deserved it and more…but thank you.”

     “Stopped in for lunch?” Alex asked.

     “Yes, I have a table in the back.” After a moment he continued, “Well it was really nice to formally meet you Sarah…under more favorable circumstances.”

     “Thank you, I feel the same.”

     Jim then turned to Alex, “Later Cowboy,” before making his way back to his table.

     Sarah flashed Alex a surprised look, "He seems like a totally different person than the one I saw that day."  She was impressed with his new demeanor, and touched by the apology. 

     Alex was happy to hear it, "Jim's had his vision enhanced.  He called it reverse psychology.  I call it walking in another's shoes." 

     “He’s eating alone," Sarah noted, "Shall we invite him to join us?”

     “It’s your call. Are you comfortable with that arrangement?”

     She nodded. Alex then approached Jim at his table and invited him to join them. They then returned to Sarah.

     “Enjoying your lunch?” Alex asked Jim.

     “Yes, I have to say I am.”

     “They have a great dinner buffet on Friday nights, you should check it out sometime.”

     “I think I will,” Jim replied, then turned his attention to Sarah.

     “You’re not from here are you?” he asked.

     “No, I live a couple miles from here in Hidden Springs.”

     “I know that place. I have friends that live there. Maybe you know them, Rick and Rebecca off of Breeze Street.”

     Sarah took a moment to think about it before replying, “The names don't ring a bell, although I’ve probably seen them…wait a minute…do they live in the corner house and have an Irish Settler?”

     “They do,” Jim confirmed with a smile.

     “Oh, I’ve seen them and we’ve waved “Hi” back and forth but I don’t really know them.”

     “They're a great couple,” Jim then turned to Alex. “Alex, you know them don’t you? They’ve been in the neighborhood.”

     Alex shook his head, “I can’t say I do, but I’m sure they’re a cute couple.”

     At hearing his response Sarah giggled and gave him a light shove which brought a smile to Alex’s face.

     Jim watched the exchange between and asked, “Hey, I’m not interrupting a date here, am I?”

     Alex looked at him, then after a moment said, “You’re fine Jim. I’m just showing Sarah around.”

     Jim smiled happily at that and Alex took note of it with interest.  Jim then turned back to Sarah.

     “So Sarah, are you married?”

     The question caught her by surprise, “No…no I’m not.”

     Jim's smile widened, “Boyfriend?”

     “No.”

     He grew more bold with each response, “Why not?”

     “Why not?” she echoed.

     “Yeah," he said as if it was the most common thing to ask a woman he had just met, "I mean you’re a very attractive woman and it seems odd that you wouldn’t have a husband or boyfriend. I’m curious as to why?”

     Alex noticed she appeared a bit nervous with his line of questioning but thought her level of discomfort was reasonable enough. Besides, he was also curious and wanted to hear her response.

     Sitting more erect now Sarah then asked, “Tell me Jim, why is it seen as odd for a woman to be single nowadays?”

     Alex chuckled. He thought it was clever of her to turn the tables on Jim, but he was still hoping to hear her answer the question.

     She has spunk, Jim noted and liked it.  He then asked with an air of confidence, “Isn’t that what all women want?” 

     “Oh, I don’t know about that. I have several friends that are single and are quite content with that arrangement.”

     “Ah yes, but I’m not asking them how they feel about it, I’m asking you.”

     “Alright Jim,” Alex interjected seeing she was still hesitant to answer his question and appeared to be growing more uncomfortable, “Maybe Sarah doesn’t want to answer your question.”

     “Ohhh, I’m sorry,” Jim replied, “Am I making you uncomfortable? You’ll have to excuse me. I can be a bit pushy at times,” he informed innocently and it was genuine for he often forgot how his bluntness came across, and the negative affect it sometimes had on others, even oftentimes for some.

     Sarah thought it over for a moment before saying, “It’s alright Alex.” Turning back to Jim she offered, “I’ve tried the dating scene and things didn’t work out. I’m fine with it. I figured if the Lord has someone for me then it would happen. Until then I’m content in my relationship with Him.”

     Jim took a moment to digest her answer. He then commended her, “That’s a good answer.” Now turning to Alex he said, “Reuben invited me to meet with you guys at the main clubhouse for the Superbowl bash.”

     “Yes, I was with Reuben yesterday and he mentioned it. "Are you coming?"

     “I don’t know.” Turning back to Sarah he asked, “Are you going?”

     Alex sat back in his seat. Oh, he knew Jim came packaged with an extra dose of boldness and his approach didn't surprise him.  Jim's a straight shooter, but he was finding it more than a bit annoying now. Alex had wanted to invite Sarah yet he wasn’t sure if she was ready for it, something Jim wouldn't know.  Instead he had decided to see how things progressed today before inviting her.

     Sarah looked at him thoughtfully, then back at Jim.  She then shook her head no.

     “That’s a shame,” Jim was clearly disappointed. “It would have been nice to have a woman around. Not that Alex and Reuben aren’t fine men but they aren’t my type.”

     Alex was now shaking his head, although he couldn’t help but laugh at the comment. 

     Jim studied Alex in an attempt to read his response. Was he interested in her? Why wouldn’t he be? he mused to himself. She's not only attractive, there is something about her that is hard to resist, but if Alex is interested that could pose a problem. Although, he did say it wasn’t a date. It appears that whatever may be going on between them is still in its early stages. Alex may not be that involved.

     “Oh, I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to impose,” Sarah's words cut through his thoughts.

     “Not at all. It should be a great game and lots of fun. Come on, what do you say?”

     “Well…maybe I will,” Sarah offered weakly.

     Jim seemed to take that as a yes, “Good! I’ll look forward to seeing you there.” He then got up from the table as he said, “I need to get going…Alex, if you really need help at Home Depot…”

     “I was kidding Jim.”

     Jim nodded in acknowledgement, “Well then, thanks for inviting me over…Sarah, it was a pleasure meeting you.  See you tomorrow.” He then took off.

     Alex shook his head again and laughed at his air of confidence, then looking at Sarah he said, “That boy is like a whirlwind…a whirlwind with an obvious crush.”

     Sarah found herself blushing at the comment, and how he was intently watching her as if looking for how she would respond to that.

     "He is intense," she agreed.

     After a moment Alex asked, "Would you like to go to the game?"

     Sarah wanted to go, but was unsure of it all.  "It sounds like fun, but I really don't want to impose on you and your friends."

     "Sarah, it wouldn't be an imposition.  I've been considering inviting you.  Jim is right, it can be loads of fun, yet there also can be alot of testosterone floating around in the room and the guys can get quite worked up over these games.  I'm not sure it would be a favorable environment for you.”

     Sarah understood where he was coming from. He was a man of his word and was looking out for her. “Alex, I grew up with four brothers and most of their male friend are also mine...in some ways I feel more comfortable around men.  I’m quite familiar with the sports' ritual, yet I trust your judgement.  You're a good quarterback.”

     Alex smiled at the analogy.  He was also touched that she trusted him and was leaving the ball in his hands. "You honor me with your trust...and after watching the exchange between you and Jim I would have to agree you can hold your own, but you wouldn't have to if you would further do me the honor of accompanying me to the game.  Call it a safety net in case you need the help.  Reuben will also be there and I would love for you to meet him.  He's a great guy and a character.  It'll be fun...I would really like for you to join us."

     Sarah could see he was being sincere and was happy he wanted her to go.  "Well ok.  I have been enjoying the games and am looking forward to the Superbowl," she responded with a note of excitement.

     "Great!" Alex exclaimed while flashing her a smile.  "So Sarah, whom are you rooting for?" he asked with curiosity.

     "The Green Bay Packers."

     "Are you now?  Reuben's gonna love you.  He's a big Packers' fan.  I'm on the opposite side of the field.  I'll admit, I'd like to see the underdog win and appears the Steelers have a slight disadvantage with the fans."

     Sarah could easily see that about him and felt it was a part of his servant's heart...and she really liked it. 

Part XXVII:  The Promise, the Problem, and Uncertainty