Part XXVIII:   

Meeting the Boys

www.ambassadorsforJesus5.com

     Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ~Philippians 2:1-4　

     It was Super Bowl Sunday and Alex had arrived to pick up Sarah. After walking up the three steps to her door he rang the bell and heard her yell, “I’ll be there in a minute!” When the door opened she stood there sporting a Green Bay Packers’ jersey, along with blue jeans and sneakers. Her hair was brushed back in a ponytail. “Ok, I’m ready,” she breathed.

     “Look at you,” Alex said appreciatively while a large smile played on his face. He thought she looked cute. He then unzipped his jacket to reveal his Pittsburgh Steelers’ jersey.

     Sarah laughed as she held a hand to her mouth. “Oh my, we look like rivals?”

     “Oh, I don’t know about that. I think we look cute.”

     Sarah couldn’t help but smile at that.

     “Come on, we’re running late.”

     In his truck she noted how excited he was as he discussed his thoughts on how the game would play out. “But you’re rooting for the Steelers.”

     “Yes, but I didn’t say I thought they would win.”

     Sarah then turned to face him. “Alex, I know what I said about being accustomed to men and their sports rituals, but I have to admit, I’m a little nervous again. What if they don't care to have me there?”

     “I don’t see that happening. Even Jim is impressed with you and believe me, Jim isn’t easily impressed. My concerns ran in the opposite direction, that you may be uncomfortable. As I said the testosterone levels can peak at these events, along with egos. Just stick with me and I'll look out for you. I know the guys that will be at our table. They are a fun bunch and we do keep each other in check.”

     When they arrived at the clubhouse they found it already packed and buzzing loudly with pre-game talk. As they made their way through the crowd Alex periodically introduced her to different people he knew. Sarah was glad to see there was also a good number of women in attendance. They then heard Reuben calling out to him and proceeded to his table.

     “Late again. Bro, don’t you own a watch?”

     “What are you my wife?”

     Ignoring the reproof, Reuben then turned to Sarah as he waited for the introductions. He was more than a bit curious to meet the girl that had captured his friend’s interest, especially since Alex had always given him the impression that he was more interested in work than women; something Reuben couldn’t phantom in a single man beyond being wired in singleness.

     Alex then turned to Sarah. “This is the wise guy I told you about.”

     “Hey, that’s your title,” Reuben threw back before addressing Sarah. “It’s really good to finally meet you Sarah. He then noted her jersey and let out a hearty laugh. “Go Packers!!!” he yelled as he held his hand up for a high-five. Sarah couldn’t help but laugh at his passionate reaction and slapped his hand.

     Reuben continued, “Nice to see Alex bring along someone with some smarts!” Then turning back to Alex he parted his jacket for a better view of his jersey and shook his head in consternation. “Bro, you got a death wish? Look at all the Packers’ fans in here. Let me zip that up for you, you’re gonna make us look bad.”

     Alex gave his chest a playful shove. “Hands off the merchandise, Hands off the merchandise…”

     Reuben laughed. “Well, you’ve got some cajones, I’ll give you that much.” Then remembering there was a lady at their table Reuben turned to Sarah and with a wink said, “That’s Spanish for real guts.”

     “Did I mention Reuben is also a liar?”

     “Don’t listen to him Sarah. I should know." He then glanced back at Alex’s jersey and shaking his head again added, “He’s just slow. I feel bad for the guy, I really do.”

     They then settled in at the table and Alex introduced her to the rest of the guys. “This is Mike.”

     “Hi Sarah. It's a pleasure to meet you,” he greeted with a warm smile.

     “And these two characters are Charlie and Nick. They do the upkeep in the neighborhoods just past ours (ours being his and Reuben’s).”

     Charlie leaned his large frame towards her and said, “I really don’t know these guys. I just needed a table to sit at.”

     Alex couldn't help but chuckle at the remark. “Another liar. I’ll remember that line the next time you call for help...”

     “Hey, watch it Charlie,” the nice-looking man sitting to his left cut in. “You almost spilled my drink.” He then turned to Sarah and said, “Personally, I like to hang with them. They make me look good.”

     “Oh shor, blame it on us pretty boy,” Charlie shot back while patting Nick’s hair. “Now I know why yor still driving that junk of a ca, you spend all yor money on hairspray. Man, it’s as hard a rock. Nick, yor problem is you spend too much time in the mirror admiring yor own image. ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, hoose the fairest of them all?’”

     They all roared with laughter at that and Reuben yelled, “Great tackle!”

     Now on defense, Nick returned, “That car is a classic, as in classy. Although I reckon you all would’n know anythin about that.

     Mike then cut in, “Oh, it’s a classic alright, a classic case of abandonment and neglect.” The rest of the guys chuckled seeing the truth in that.

     Sarah couldn’t help but notice the difference in accents on Charlie and Nick, and it grew thicker as they continued to tease each other about their differences.

     Alex then looked at Sarah who was still laughing at the exchange between the men. “You’ll have to excuse my friends, they’re a bunch of jerks.”

     Sarah finally spoke. “Oh, it’s ok, as they say...boys will be boys.”

     “Ewww! Ouch…” They winced in feigned hurt between chuckles, that is all but Reuben who yelled, “Touch down! Touch down!! Now that’s how you pick up a fumble and take it across the field.” He then raised both hands to her for a double high-five before turning back to the guys. “The girl’s got game?! I knew she was smart! Sarah, maybe you can help that loser beside you see the light. Bro, zip up the jacket and cover it up. It’s embarrassing.”

     Alex then reached over and gave him another shove. “I’ve got your number on speed dial. One call to your wife and you’ll be sitting the bench.”

     “Ouch!” Reuben now yelled. “Dan!” He called out into the crowd. “Where’s our referee? Major foul Alex! Major foul!”

     “I barely touched you,” Alex declared, calling his bluff.

     "Who’s talking about that? You know threatening me with the wife is a holding foul. I say he sits the bench and lets the gal play.”

     “I’m game with that,” Mike replied. “What do you say BOYS?”

     Charlie then yelled, “Sarah! Sarah!” and a cheer broke out among them. “Sarah! Sarah! Sarah!”

     Alex was shaking his head, yet he was getting a kick out of all the attention she was receiving. He then leaned in and whispered in her ear, “And you were concerned.”

     Sarah was shaking from all the laughter and taking note of it, Alex was pleased to see her having a good time. After a moment he got up from his seat. “Come on, let’s check out the buffet.”

     “Where you going?” Reuben asked.

     “To check out the buffet while you pansies cool off!”

     “You can leave Sarah here,” Nick suggested flashing her a smile.

     “I second that,” Mike added. “Finally we have someone in the group prettier than Nick!”

     They all laughed again, then grabbing for her hand Alex exclaimed, “Not a chance! I leave her here with you BOYS and you’ll have her turned against me by the time I get back.”

     “It’s scary how well he knows us,” Charlie said to Sarah with a mischievous smile.

     “Bro,” Reuben yelled, “bring me back some nachos!”

     “What do I look like your mother!”

     “Well come to think of it…nachos Alex, NACHOS! And don’t forget the cheese!”

     As they made their way to the buffet table Alex exclaimed, “Testosterone!” while giving her a wink.

     “They’re funny,” Sarah commented still wearing a large smile.

     Alex then turned his head towards her and replied with feigned sarcasm, “Oh yeah, loads of fun.” In truth, he was happy and grateful that the guys gave her such a warm and enthusiastic reception.

     Before he could look ahead again he had collided with another and sensed that they were about to fall. He let go of Sarah’s hand to quickly catch them. When he looked up he was facing Camille.

     Taking full advantage of the situation Camille wrapped her arms around his neck for support before stating with exaggerated surprise and pleasure, “Alex, I was hoping to run into you!”

     Sarah knew he hadn’t seen it, but that is exactly what had happened, she ran into him.

     “I, I didn’t see you coming,” Alex stated apologetically as he held her while she regained her balance. Concerned, he then inquired, “Are you alright?”

     Reaching for her left leg she winced, “I’m not sure. Can you help me to my table?”

     “Of course,” Alex replied, then glancing back at Sarah he discovered Jim was now by her side.

     “You go ahead Alex, I’ll stay with Sarah.”

     “Sarah?” Alex asked.

     Everything was happening so fast. “It’s ok Alex. I’ll be fine.”

     Alex did not want to go, but he couldn’t just leave Camille there to fend for herself. “I’ll be right back,” he reassured her, although he was looking solemnly at Jim as he said it.

     Jim was happy to get this opportunity alone with Sarah.

     “Sarah, you look great!”

     “Thank you,” she replied. “We were just on our way to the buffet.”

     “Great! I’ll take you. It’s some spread they lay out during these games.”

     As they approached the table Sarah saw that he wasn’t exaggerating in the least bit. The table was loaded with an assortment of appetizers.

     “Wow, there’s so much to choose from!”

     “Told ya…you really should try the chicken tenders…and here, this Greek salad is the best of its kind.” She took his suggestion and grabbed an extra portion of everything in case Alex didn't make it to the buffet. Jim added some potato salad while he also helped himself to a dish of his own.

     “I need to get some nachos for Reuben.”

     “Here,” he said taking her plate from her hand, “I’ll hold your plate.”

     As she reached for another Jim suddenly asked, “Sarah, what’s going on between you and Alex?”

     “What do you mean?”

     “You know what I mean. Are you two a pair?”

     “Jim, Alex told you. He’s been showing me around, that’s all,” she replied as she grabbed some nachos and poured on the cheese.

     “But you like him.”

     Sarah noted it wasn’t a question and visibly froze. Was she that transparent?

     Seeing her reaction Jim didn’t need to wait for a response. “I thought so,” he said with a note of sadness. As she glanced back at him he took note of the expression on her face and assured her, “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me…he likes you too you know.”

     “Did he tell you that?”

     “No, but I’ve known Alex for a long time. I’ve never seen him show this much interest in a woman…come on, I’ll walk you back to your table.” They then joined the others.

     “Jim! Where you been?” Reuben asked.

     “I got tied up at the shop.”

     “Well it’s good to have you here man. You know the guys.”

     “Hey Jimbo,” Charlie greeted. “Pull up a chair.”

     Jim grabbed an empty seat behind them and sat to the right of Sarah. “Thanks Charlie.”

     Sarah then handed the nachos to Reuben.

     “Sarah, you’re an angel.” Then looking around Reuben asked, “Where’s Alex?”

     “He got held up but said he would be right back.” Reuben nodded while informing the guys, “Jim’s another Steelers’ fan.”

     “Boo,” they yelled in unison as they made balls of napkins and threw it at him.

     “Real nice guys!” Jim shouted while he worked at deflecting the balls with his arms.

     The guys continued with their light-hearted banter and although Sarah was still enjoying herself, her mood was clouded as she wondered what was taking Alex so long to return.

     As if hearing her thoughts she saw him walking over to their table with his eyes fixed on her. He then looked over at Jim, then back at her. Sarah noted that he didn’t look happy. He then settled in his seat next to her.

     After a moment Jim asked, “Camille ok?”

     “She’s perfectly fine,” Alex replied in annoyance.

     “Da Bomb!” Mike yelled. “She still have the hots for you?”

     At that Charlie slapped him upside the head. “That’s no way for a respectable Christian to tawk…and around a lady at that.”

     “You’re right,” Mike agreed, then turning to Nick he said, “Sorry Nicky.”

     “Hey!” Nick yelled.

     Mike chuckled. “Oops, I meant Sarah. I think I’m getting dizzy from inhaling the scent of all that hairspray. Dude, what you do, use the whole can?”

     “You’re just jealous because I have hair,” Nick shot back rubbing Mike’s balding head.

     Alex was solemn as he turned to Sarah. “I was looking for the two of you.”

     Beyond that day Alex had come to her aid in Reuben’s neighborhood she had never seen him look so serious. She knew he was looking out for her, but also detected a streak of possessiveness in his tone. Sarah shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Alex noted it and thought she was feeling cold due to the room temperature. He didn’t waste time removing his jacket and placing it over her shoulders. Reuben smiled at the gesture thinking he looked like a large cat marking its territory.

     Yep, he’s been bit by the love bug, he thought with a grin as he imagined the look on Maria’s face when he told her that Alex was smitten.

     “We went to the buffet,” Sarah softly informed him as she showed him the plate. “I put some in here for you in case you didn’t make it there,” she continued all the while looking at the plate.

     At that his face visibly softened, then grabbing her hand under the table he gently squeezed it and whispered, “Thank you,” before letting it go.

     Alex then directed his attention Jim’s way…

PartXXIX:  The Master's Touch