He was exhausted. Since Joe’s disappearance, as he constantly offered assurance to others, he, himself, wasn’t at all sure what was going on here. He tried to imagine what it would be like to have someone to meet him with open arms when he returned to the rectory, to talk over the events of the day, to have that person hold you and replace the day’s troubles with tenderness and comfort. He thought that must be quite wonderful.
He reached over to the other side of the bed, pretending for a moment that someone beloved was there beside him. In his imagination, he could almost sense her presence and feel her hand reach for his.
His half-dream was interrupted by what he thought was a slight rapping on the door. It was probably a cat. He heard it again. Maybe it was somebody in need. He hoped not. He really was exhausted. The third time he was wide awake and thought that he might as well get up. He put on his robe and his slippers and opened the door. There was no one there, but he had a distinct sense that someone had been there. Down the street at a distance he could see a figure walking toward him.
“Mother o’ God!” said Father Callaghan under his breath. “It’s Joe!”
As he came closer, Father was sure that it was he. He stopped momentarily, smiled and waved.
The figure called out, “Good to see you, Francis!”
Then he disappeared as if into the ether.
The next thing Father Callaghan knew his alarm was ringing.
Chapter 14
A thin layer of morning mist greeted the rising sun as Sally arrived at Joe’s at 5:00 a.m. Turning the key in the latch and entering the diner, she had a strong sense that someone had been there recently. She checked the back door. Everything was secure and nothing obvious was missing. She mounted the stairs to Joe’s apartment. Nothing. No one. She felt both relief and disappointment.
By the time she returned downstairs, Georgia had arrived and was making herself familiar with the kitchen, all the while fussing and mumbling that it did not reach her standards. Nate was here too. Somehow, that made Sally feel more secure, more at peace.
Jeremy arrived with freshly roasted coffee. A pickup pulled up by the back entrance. Bob and Sue Abernathy had showed up with the farm fresh eggs from the Unsettlement.
“Where do you want these?” asked Bob.
“In the supply shed in the back for now,” said Sally. “We’ll need a runner to keep them coming into the kitchen as we need them.”
This, she thought, was a good job for the Watson brothers.
“Johnny and Hobe! Could you help a minute here with these eggs?”
She was surprised at the authority in her voice. She heard it as if she were listening to someone else. Even a week ago, she had not thought of herself as being in charge of anything. Now, here she was, leading a whole operation of people.
As Nate walked by, their hands brushed each other, bringing to both a shock of erotic magnetism. It was right then and there that she admitted to herself that she was in love with Nate. It was a terrible place to be. She had just been widowed, but the sorrow for her dead husband was not as intense as her feelings for Nate. For so long she had wanted to kiss him, to hold him. Once he had taken her hand and she allowed it. It was an overpowering experience for her and she drew back immediately.
What does one do when you are committed to one person and in love with another?
“Keep busy!” she heard herself saying aloud.
“What is that you said, Sally?” asked Georgia.
“It’s going to get busy!” she said, her face flushing for a moment.
A burst of energy preceded the door opening and everyone, without looking, knew that it would be Katye. The pace picked up automatically just because she was there. Father Callaghan and Mayor Lou arrived, one after the other. Hope was working with Meriwether on the bus shuttle schedule for showers. Applause greeted the Grand Marshals of the upcoming parade. Sally stole a look at Lou and noticed that the momentary pain on his face was soon replaced by his best public smile. He clapped politely.
Carmelita pulled up in the squad car with Cliff on the passenger side. Not everyone knew Cliff and she thought this was a good time and place to introduce him. Besides, bringing him down here would give him something to do. She did not always know what to do with her husband when he visited.
Susanna came through the front door and was commandeered into the kitchen to prepare her famous Mediterranean breakfast. Since Georgia had insisted that her kitchen help be competent team players, Sally recruited Carmelita, Carla, and Hope. Marshall was assigned to direct the traffic that would soon be arriving. Hobe and Johnny would be table servers outside.
Meanwhile, Jeremy and Nate were setting up tables and chairs outside that had been supplied by Always Sunny Church and the Country Club. Mayor Lou reminded everyone of the limitations on the number of people allowed in Joe’s by the Fire Marshal. Even Buddy and Caitlin were assigned a task. They were busy putting silverware and napkins on the table with a bit of corrective supervision, when needed.
Ray Ripple would be shuttling groceries from his store and from the storage shed. Father Callaghan would pour coffee. Nate would keep it flowing. Cliff and Luther would keep the trash cans emptied. Katye served as Sally’s assistant and was constantly on her cell phone, making arrangements for the upcoming parade this afternoon. Wendell was shining up the iconic bay windows “for this auspicious occasion” he said, and later would take receipts from all the merchants who had supplied anything for the morning’s breakfast. Doc Bailey was there, on call for any emergencies that should arise. He chose to work in the kitchen until such emergency presented itself.
At the very last moment Stewart made an appearance. Katye looked pleased.
“What is there for me to do?” he asked.
“We’re going to need a go-fer,” said Sally. “We could use your help where it is needed, when it is needed.”
“Then, that’s what I’ll do,” he said.
Not one person was left out. Everybody was assigned somewhere. When they were all together, it was as if Joe was present, after all. For a few moments in time, no one worried about Joe’s mysterious disappearance or where he was, or whether he was safe, and what he might be doing. Everything and everybody moved as one.
Chapter 15
As the buses approached Joe’s and unloaded their passengers, Sally felt her heart quicken as she sensed the excitement in the air. Only a few days ago, Joe was presiding over the business. How they had taken him for granted! Had he not come to town and opened the diner, this occasion would not be happening. The people of the Unsettlement would be carrying on as if it was a normal day and the citizens of Safety Harbor would be putting on another parade, which would meld into memory with parades past.
Yes, Joe was here in some mysterious way. She could feel it. Had she not seen him among the light and shadows last night?
Meriwether arrived now, looking sharp as she drove up in her chili-red Mini Cooper Coupe she had just purchased in Portland a few days ago. It had been a busy morning as she coordinated the showers and hygiene needs at the Country Club.
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