Chapter 23

We went inside that building and found a room with seating like a living room. The four of us sat down with me in an easy chair and Alice in my lap. Marilyn and Bob were seated in a love seat. The guy who was interested in Alice earlier, Jim Ames, came in joining us.

I said, “Hello, Jim. I didn’t know you were staying in the athletic dorm.”

He smiled, “Yes, I’m a guard for the basketball team on scholarship. I don’t care much for TV, particularly if there are two pretty girls with who to talk.”

Bob said, “It’s good to meet you, Jim. I’m Bob Stovall, here for football, and she’s Marilyn Baker. She’s Alice’s roommate.” Marilyn gave Bob’s arm a light squeeze leaning into his side.

I said, “You’ve met us, Jim.

“We’re making our plan for church tomorrow morning. Would you like to join us?”

Jim squirmed. “Not really. I quit going when my parents split and never wanted to start back.”

Marilyn smiled gently, though I could see a glint in her eyes. “That’s okay. We would never want to force someone to join us. Bob is going to be my escort tomorrow morning. I’m looking forward to worshiping with him and the team of Alice and Jerry.” She gave Bob a genuine smile. Bob looked happy to receive her look.

Jim wasn’t quite as happy. Alice said, “Jerry and I have been going to my church since our visits to each other’s homes have worked out that way. My love, how have you liked my little church?”

“I’ve enjoyed going with you and your family. It’s a good church. My church is a small town church. The one we’re going to tomorrow is a bigger church than the two put together. However, it seems to be a good church. I enjoyed going with Alice over the orientation weekend. I think that was the true beginning point for us.”

Alice smiled at me. ‘It’s part of who we are as a couple.”

Jim didn’t say it but he was disappointed. I think he was used to getting attention from women with his looks. Even as a guy, I could tell he is a good looking guy who many women would like. Alice had noticed him but dismissed him when we had eaten together earlier. I think he was surprised to find Marilyn hadn’t shown interest in him preferring Bob. Bob was a nice guy with a strong looking body and a friendly, open face but no Adonis like Jim.

After a moment, Jim made his excuses and left the room. Alice breathed a tiny sigh of relief. “He’s okay but I’m only interested in you, Jerry.”

“That’s okay. I think his focus was going to be Marilyn but she deflected him gracefully.”

Marilyn smiled at Bob. She said, “Jerry, what time should we plan on leaving?”

I replied. “Sunday school starts at nine forty-five. It’s very close. We can pick Bob up on the way at nine thirty and be there in plenty of time.”

Bob asked, “What time are you going to have breakfast?”

Alice said, “We’ll meet outside the cafeteria at eight fifteen dressed for church.”

Marilyn said, “I would like to eat with you. What should I wear?”

Alice said. “I could have fun with that.” She smirked. “Seriously, just wear something simple and nice.” She looked at Bob. “Nice slacks and buttoned shirt, Bob, but no tie or coat.”

Bob smiled, “I would like to join you for breakfast, too.”

Now, Marilyn smiled. “That would be nice, Bob. You can be my companion.”

He looked at her smiling back. “I would be honored to do that.”

Marilyn reached over and took Bob’s hand. His smile was happy as he gently squeezed her hand in his. Marilyn smiled back at him. “Bob, your hands are hard. What do or did you do?”

“Part of it is from football. Even more of it is from working this summer. I was on a construction team building concrete block outbuildings for a cattle farm close to my home. Even with gloves, those blocks are rough as you carry them. It did help make me stronger and earned some money. It was the easiest way to earn some spending money for this school year. I will probably do something similar next summer.”

We talked softly as couples before heading to our beds. Bob walked Marilyn as I walked Alice. He and I walked together to my dorm before he left for the athletic dorm. He said, “See you in the morning, Jerry.”

“Okay, Bob. I look forward to it.”

In the morning, I showered and shaved. Back in the room, I put on my slacks and a nice shirt. Joe woke up to ask where I was going. I told him. He just rolled over. I left the room. Outside the building, I looked and saw my beautiful Alice and Marilyn walking from one direction and Bob coming from the other side. I kissed Alice. Bob gave Marilyn a hug. We four walked to and into the cafeteria for breakfast.

We sat at a table for four. I asked a blessing and we ate. Both Bob and Marilyn asked, in that order, if they were dressed okay. I told Bob he looked fine. When Marilyn asked, Alice answered her that she looked fine also. I said nothing but could tell each of them, Marilyn and Bob, were looking at the other to be sure that person approved of their clothing choices and looks, also.

We enjoyed our meals talking very little. I think Marilyn and Bob were enjoying each others’ presence. I was, as always, very happy to be in Alice’s presence. We were now drinking our coffee and holding hands. Everyone finished and it was time. We handed over our trays and headed for my car.

We arrived at the car and Bob and Marilyn were impressed. I said, “It’s a hand-me-down from my parents. First, my dad bought it and drove it until he was tired of it. Then, my mother took it over. When I turned sixteen, she was tired of it. I still enjoy it. I’ll put the top down for our ride back, perhaps. That’s fun if the weather is good.” We got in and I drove us to church.

Once there, we got out and walked into the church building and the Sunday school class. I was holding hands with Alice. Marilyn took Bob’s hand and he seemed to bask in the feeling. It was obvious he enjoyed her presence. I realized that I understood his feeling since I was that way about Alice. I hoped that Marilyn would let him down easily if she wanted out of any relationship with him.

We went into the college class and found seats with each couple sitting together. It was a good lesson about fresh starts. We then went into the sanctuary. Alice was sitting next to Marilyn with Bob and I on the outside. I overheard Alice whisper to Marilyn and Bob that the Methodist church practices an “open” communion. She said, “Listen to the Invitation and respond to it as you are led.” Marilyn and Bob both nodded.