One man sent her his picture and asked for a date. She quickly deleted that. It creeped her out that some one would ask for a date without knowing anything about the other person. For all the guy knew, she could be a serial killer.
Several women said she was nuts to be feeling anything but glad to be single. Those posts made Trista wonder what had happened in their marriages. She and Kevin hadnt been very happy together, at least not the last few years, but she still missed having someone to talk to at the end of the day. Someone to share the ups and the downs with.
There were suggestions of places she could go to meet people, mostly exotic locales. Yeah, right! She had a baby to take care of, she couldnt go gallivanting all over the world.
Books were recommended on dealing with divorce and single parenthood. Links to support groups were offered. A few commiserated on the emptiness and loneliness of finding themselves single after so many years of marriage.
Several said theyd be praying for her. She rolled her eyes at the clichéd sentiment. If only lifes problems were fixed so easily.
What did you expect? she asked herself aloud. This was a Christian Web site. These people believed in the power of prayer. It certainly couldnt hurt to have them praying for her.
Trista wrote back to a few ladies that she felt a connection with, giving a brief glimpse into her life, yet careful not to reveal anything too personal.
A person just never knew who she was actually talking to online. Hadnt she just seen a news show about online predators?
Then one e-mail snagged her interest.
Momof1
Has your family said that youre a burden to them? If not, dont assume thats how they feel. One way of finding connections would be to join a womens group in your area. As to your question about emptinesspeople are not only physical and emotional beings with a need for food and companionship, but humans are spiritual beings with a need for God. How is your relationship with Him?
Called2serve
Trista stared at the screen. It wasnt an unreasonable question that Called2serve asked. Presumably everyone on this site would believe in God. And it wasnt that she didnt believe in Him. It was justwhere had God been when she was growing up and needed Him?
That was a question she was afraid to ask because she might find out she was right. She wasnt worth Gods time.
Scott had thought hed scared off Momof1 when a day had passed without a reply. But there was a message from her in his in-box on Thursday evening. He clicked on the post.
Called2serve
You ask how my relationship is with God. Im trying to discover that amid all the turmoil of my divorce.
Momof1
Compassion filled Scotts chest. He couldnt imagine the pain of divorce. The death of a marriage. The shattered dreams.
The only experience he had with matters of the heart had been Sylvia. They had met during high school in the choir at church and shared a love of music and God. At least hed thought they had until shed walked away from him and the life hed offered.
Her rejection had hurt, but had faded quickly after hed entered seminary. Since then, he hadnt met anyone whom he wanted to let into his heart.
He offered Momof1 what solace he could even though he felt very inadequate.
Thursday night.
Momof1
I dont know the circumstance of your situation, but I do know God loves you. His comfort and peace are gifts He wants to give you.
Called2serve
Friday Morning.
Called2serve
How do I receive these gifts?
Momof1
Friday night.
Momof1
Theres nothing complicated about it, even though wed like to think there is. Open your heart and mind to Him. Ask Him silently or aloud to show you His love, to come into your life. He so longs to. Then you wait and watch. Hell reveal Himself. Sometimes in small ways, sometimes in big, dramatic ways. But youll know. And youll feel the peace and comfort like a gentle blanket of protection.
Called2serve
Trista entered The Kingdom Room on Friday night to discover a chat room was now available. Shed decided to stop corresponding with Called2serve since the direction of their conversation was heading into waters she wasnt ready to navigate. Asking God into her life?
She was too afraid Hed say no.
It took a moment to acclimate to the format of the chat, but soon she was in on the discussion of the latest blockbuster movie. She hadnt seen it, but asked if it was worth the time and trouble to go since she wasnt into action films.
She was surprised to see Called2serve enter the room. But Called2serve didnt acknowledge her, instead wrote that he wanted to see the movie and planned to go on Sunday afternoon.
Several other people who hadnt seen it yet said they too would make a point of seeing the movie over the weekend at their local theaters and then the discussion could resume.
All she could commit to was a quick, Ill think about it.
That earned her a smiley face from Called2serve.
For some reason that silly little yellow icon on her computer screen made her laugh.
Saturday morning arrived with a fresh fall of snow. Outside, a soft blanket of white covered the town of Chestnut Grove and a crisp freshness in the air brought anticipation of a cold winter. Scott stomped his snow-covered boots on the dry pavement beneath the awning of The Reading Rainbow Palace, downtowns newest bookstore and café.
Inside the double doors, warmth seeped beneath the collar of his coat. He quickly shed the down parka, draping it on a peg bolted to the wall alongside a dozen others.
The place was hopping with mothers and children vying for spots near the center rise where a woman in a green vintage dress sat waiting. In her hands, she held a book and a puppet.
Hanging on to his backpack, Scott made his way to the counter and ordered a cappuccino with double whipped cream. Soon he was settled at a table off to the side where he pulled out a fiction book and began to read, the voices of the crowd fading into white noise.
A jarring knock against the table interrupted his flow. He glanced up and met the gaze of a beautiful, brunette woman with the most intense, bright-blue eyes hed ever seen. She smiled apologetically as she maneuvered a jogging stroller to the corner before unstrapping an infant from the seat. The baby, dressed snugly in a powder-blue jumpsuit, had the same dark hair and vivid blue eyes as his mother. His chubby legs pumped as she held him face out.
The woman stood and stared at the crowd, indecision written plainly across her oval face. Scott didnt blame her for hesitating before venturing into the sea of bodies taking up every available space on the carpeted floor. The only vacant chair sat across from Scott. He waved a hand to garner the womans attention.
She flicked her gaze at him, clearly unsure if she wanted to give him her attention. Scott indicated the chair. She bit her lip for a second before pulling the chair out and plopping down in it.
Thanks, she whispered.
Youre welcome, he whispered back.
The woman turned her gaze toward the storyteller. Scott turned his attention back to his book, but now the words wouldnt hold his interest. His gaze kept straying to the woman sitting across from him. He hadnt seen her in church.
He liked the way her dark ponytail hung low at the nape of her neck in a sleek way. The high arch of her cheekbones and forehead gave her face sharp lines that were softened by her pert nose and dark lashed eyes. She wore a red turtleneck sweater and close-fitting black pants tucked into her snow boots.
There was an air of sophistication about her, yet she didnt come across like one of the many debutantes his mother had always tried to fix him up with.
She glanced his way and he quickly picked up his drink to mask his bad manners. He usually didnt stare. Or notice a womans left hand. Hers was surprisingly ringless.
But for some reason this woman drew his attention.
Probably it was the way she so deftly handled her son, like a pro. And there was no mistaking the love shining in her expression every time she cooed in her childs ear.
Before the last story ended, the baby had fallen asleep, his little body curled over her arm, his head listing to the side. Scott tapped on the table, drawing the womans questioning gaze.
Nodding his head toward the child, he whispered, Hes asleep.
The womans eyes widened as she adjusted the infant so she could verify Scotts statement. With a rueful shake of her head, she said softly, So much for story time.
She made to rise and Scott quickly asked, Can I buy you a coffee?
Slowly, she sat back. For a moment she stared at him, then finally she nodded. Decaf almond latte.
Scott rose and made his way to the counter. Naomi was going to love to hear that hed just offered to buy this woman coffee without even asking her name. But the moment hed thought she was leaving, hed plunged ahead with the first thought that came to mind.
He ordered the drink and a few minutes later returned to the table. The jogging stroller was now pulled close to the table and the baby sleeping soundly in the seat.
Scott set the mug in front of the woman before he sat down. The quiet hum of parents helping their children do a craft that related to the story swirled around them.
She smiled as she put her slender hands around the mug. Thank you. This was thoughtful.
Youre welcome. Keeping his voice low, even though the crowd was busy with parents and kids wanting the storytellers books, he held out his hand. Scott Crosby.
She slipped her hand into his, the temperature from the mug having heated her palm. Warmth spread up his arm.
Im Trista Van Zandt.
Any relation to Ross and Kelly?
Her expressive eyes widened. Ross is my big brother. Do you know them?
Yes, very well. Are you visiting?
She trailed a fingertip around the top of the mug.
No, I moved here recently from Richmond.
To make sure he wasnt making an incorrect assumption, because some women didnt take their husbands names, he asked, Are you and your husband enjoying our small community?
Tristas expression closed. Im divorced.
Oh. Im sorry.
She gave him a tight smile. Nothing for you to feel sorry about.
He acknowledged that with a nod. Does your ex-husband still live in Richmond?
Yes, thankfully. He wasnt ready to be a father. The very idea cramped his style.
Anger stirred in Scotts soul. Thats just He was tempted to say a bad word but resisted with effort. Ill never understand how some men can be so selfish. Being a parent is the greatest honor God gives us.
She blinked, obviously surprised by his words. I suppose thats true. It certainly is the hardest job Ive ever had.
Its good you have your brother and Kelly so close by. Are you adjusting to life here, then?
Her smile was warm. Yes, thank you. The slower pace is perfect for Aidan and me. I love my job and Aidan seems to like his day care.
Where are you working?
Benson and Benson.
Ah, are you a lawyer? Scott said, wondering why that wouldnt surprise him. She had a very strong self-possessed way about her, similar to Scotts brothers. Only on them, it could, at times, come across as arrogance.
Yes. And you? What do you do, Scott? Her interested gaze sought answers.
Scott gladly gave one. Im the assistant pastor at Chestnut Grove Church.
She blinked. Oh.
Scott could feel her retreat like the rays of the sun going behind a cloud. A disquieting sense of disappointment engulfed him, though why he didnt understand.
It shouldnt bother him that this woman would put up a wall between them because of his call to follow God. So many other people in his life had, as well.
He sighed. I take it you dont go to church?
She raised a brow. Why would you say that?
He shrugged. The vibe youre giving off.
One side of her mouth rose. Oh, really? I didnt know pastors bought into vibes.
Reading people is part of the job.
Then you must be good at your job, because youre right, I dont attend church. My parents werent big on religion and I just never got into it, not like Ross has.
Scott considered her for a moment. Now that youve moved here, maybe you should consider attending. You might be surprised.
She lifted one slim shoulder. Maybe. She fiddled with a napkin. I read in the paper that the Douglas Matthews show will be filming at the upcoming food drive that the church is hosting. That must be exciting to have that kind of coverage.
Yes, it is. She didnt fool Scott by changing the focus of their conversation. The Douglas Matthews Show has brought Chestnut Grove a lot of attention. I think the food drive this year will be the biggest yet. And the Thanksgiving Day dinner for the homeless is sure to be a success. He eyed her speculatively. We could use more volunteers if youre interested.
She seemed to consider his words. I might be. Ill have to get back to you on that.
Call the church and ask for Naomi. Shell be able to get you plugged in.
Ill think about it. She took a sip of coffee.
An awkward moment of silence stretched between them.
Did you grow up here? she asked.
He shook his head. I was born here, but we moved to Richmond when I was a teen. I came back as soon as I left seminary. He searched her face. What about you? Where were you born?
Brooklyn, New York. I went to college at Columbia, then moved to Richmond, where my ex-husbands family is from.
Scotts gaze touched on the sleeping baby. How old isAidan?
Affection lit up her eyes. Yes, Aidan. Hes seven months.
Thats a fun age. They arent supermobile yet, but their personalities start to develop.
Both of her eyebrows rose. You sound like you know kids. Are you married?
He laughed. No. I just know from all my nieces and nephews.
Ah. Learning secondhand. My big brothers been learning from Aidan. I cant wait to see Ross with his own little one.
Theyll be good parents, Scott stated. Tiny Blessings has been through the wringer with all the scandals that have happened over the past few years. But your sister-in-law and brother seem to be handling it wonderfully.
Tristas chest puffed with pride. They are. Ive been trying to help a little with some of the legal stuff, but it gets very complicated and time-consuming. Not to mention how emotionally involving it is.