“Seriously?” Lyza leaned against David.
Leesa grinned. “No, but I shook you up, didn’t I? Everyone wants to know who your date is.”
“Leesa, we’re having a good time. I’m not sixteen anymore, so I guess I can have a date without the inspection crew.”
Leesa brushed the hair from her eyes. “We both know better. Father will check David out. Bringing him here tonight opened the door. I’ve already been grilled. Everyone keeps asking, ‘Where did she meet him? How long has she known him?’ It’s the topic of the evening; forget the orchids.”
Lyza pleaded, “Leesa, please. Oh, I think we’re going to leave before we stop enjoying the evening.”
“Unless you’re ready for the big reveal, you probably should.” Leesa backed through the French doors and closed them.
David took her hand. “Are you ready for the big reveal?”
“I’m ready for whatever presents itself. There’s no reason this has to be such a big deal. We’re on a date. We’re not getting married.”
Not tonight, anyway, David thought. “Is there a way to the car from here?”
“Great idea. Let’s go to my place.”
“Your place sounds great, but let’s go somewhere people won’t be calling or dropping by to check me out.”
“You name it. I trust you.”
***
Leesa tried to hide, but Lawrence caught her coming into the ballroom. “Where did she go? I saw her here a few minutes ago. You know better than to hold out on your father.”
“Really, Father, I have no idea. Where’s Mother? I’m sure she would like to dance.”
“Your mother can dance anytime she wants to. I’m talking to you right now.”
“You can talk to me, but I’m off to find Tim before the orchestra leaves.” Leesa quickly turned and knocked over a mermaid, one of the smaller ice sculptures. “See what you made me do?”
Stepping around the several pieces of ice, she made her way to the bar. She spotted Tim, Gary, and Julie, with another vaguely familiar couple.
Leesa motioned to Tim. “Watch out for attacking ice sculptures. One tried to get me, but I struck it down!”
Gary sounded sour. “I’m surprised you didn’t jump up on the pedestal tonight for all of us to view.”
“Wow, what does that mean?” Tim challenged.
Gary stood. “Nothing, but it’s obvious that Leesa would like a little attention. That’s your job, buddy.”
“Thanks for reminding me what a jerk you are. I had nearly forgotten, but then that might be why Lyza’s with someone else tonight.”
Gary took Julie’s hand. “Touché. Mark one up for the Tim. Let’s dance.”
Leesa whispered in Tim’s ear. “Remember year before last? We talked about it earlier.”
“I remember it well. How would you like to go bowling tonight?”
“I would absolutely love it. Tim, you’re the best!”
The sound system blared. “Ladies and gentlemen, a word from our hostess and sponsors, Lana and Lawrence Lane.”
Lana walked onto center stage. “We want to thank everyone here for their support of the ‘Save the Orchids’ campaign. I also want to thank everybody who has worked so hard for the cause. Orchids are the most beautiful flowers on this earth. There are thousands of species of orchids, and they sort of remind me of the people in my life. I hope you all appreciate the fact that when I think of you, my dear friends, I see beautiful orchids.”
She motioned for Lawrence to come join her and put the microphone in his hand.
“Well, what can I add to that?” Everyone politely laughed. “We just want to thank you all for coming back year after year. Of course, you all know that the orchid cause is something Lana picked up years ago—before we knew anything about global warming. Therefore, I must commend her on her vision and fortitude. Thank you, honey. You’re doing a great job here.”
He turned back to the audience. “Even though I must admit we miss her at Lane Unlimited. Lift your glasses to toast my wife, the woman who saves the orchids.”
“Hear, hear,” murmured the crowd. Glasses clinked, and the orchestra began playing “I’ll Always Love You.” Lawrence reached over to clasp Lana’s hand as they stepped down to the dance floor, beginning a romantic dance. Lawrence whispered in Lana’s ear, “Where’s Lyza?”
Lana whispered back, “The other question is, where is Leesa?”
Lawrence relaxed a bit. “You mean they’re both gone? Well, that may be a good thing. I don’t blame them for not sticking around. They’re young and energetic and get bored easily. Remember the year they snuck out and went bowling?”
“You knew about that?”
Lawrence grinned slyly. “Of course I knew about that. I keep track of my girls. And, Lana, I mean all of my girls. You know as well as I do, it’s for everyone’s protection.”
***
David drove along Highway 101 with the top down until they found a deserted spot to turn off and park near the beach. The moon reflected off waves, and the stars sparkled.
David turned off the ignition. “This has been a special evening.”
Lyza looked across the water. “It has been for me. I admit I often wonder what you think of all the glitz surrounding me. Only recently I’ve come to realize how little all of it means. I hope you won’t judge me too severely for the circumstances under which I was born.”
David smiled and put his arm around her. “I’m not judging you on any level, Lyza, except to think that you’re an incredible woman. Usually when someone is concerned about being judged, I say, ‘But for the grace of God go I.’ However, considering the riches and opportunity into which you were born, it would seem inappropriate.”
“‘For the grace of God go I.’ What does that mean?”
“It means something like: I, myself might have suffered a similar fate, except for the mercy of God.”
“Is it in the Bible?”
“It’s not specifically quoted in the Bible, but the message is alluded to throughout the Bible.”
“I’ve been reading the Bible for the first time in my life. I feel things changing. Things appear so different from how they did in the past. It’s as though I’m seeing the whole world with new eyes. Nothing is the same since the accident. And you know what?”
David drank in her blue eyes. “What?”
She leaned toward him. “I’m glad the accident happened! What am I saying? Two hundred eighty-six people died. Only six of us survived, and I myself nearly died. Maybe I shouldn’t say I’m glad that it happened—but if it had to happen, that I’m glad I was there. I can say it to you and I know you understand. If I hadn’t been in the crash of Swiss Air 688, I would never have found this new relationship with Jesus. Even though, mind you, it is difficult because I cannot yet… I cannot bring myself to tell my Jewish family what happened.”
“Lyza, it will be in God’s perfect timing that you reveal it. He is in control, and I don’t think you’re supposed to be burdened with everything all at once. You are new to the faith, and you need time to digest it, to discover what an astonishing gift you have, to wear it, and to walk in it. Don’t feel guilty about not telling them.