The next day Angie hurried through the house, unpacking the last few boxes and making her living room come to life with lamps and decor except for the walls. She’d need help for that. She did everything she could to distract herself from the uneasy feeling that had settled in her.
“I’m being silly.” Her voice escaped into the room. Definitely silly. She needed a fresh perspective, and her gaze shifted to the bright window where she saw the sun spilling onto the grass, trees and landscaping around her home. Though well tended, her yard lacked flowers, and those little changes would make the house her home.
Needing a break, she slipped her house key into her pocket and stepped outside. The warmth struck her arms and the scent of lilacs swept past her. The blossoms on the trees were abundant, and the aroma floated on the air. The street name had captured her if not the house itself. Who didn’t love lilacs?
Deciding to get a closer look at her neighbors’ flower beds, she bounced down the sidewalk and turned right toward the jog in the road, her body buoyed by a renewed spirit. Rick had helped her so much, and she had only a few things to do to finish making the house livable. The neighborhood also lured her to anticipate new friendships even though Rema and her sadness hadn’t made the most upbeat impression.
Rema hadn’t dropped by since the day she’d appeared with the muffins, and Angie’s concern had faded. Since her visit, Angie had noticed Rema’s husband coming and going. He seemed to keep late hours and she wondered about his career...or whatever it was that kept him away.
Instead of her original attitude toward Rema, the thought of her as a wife with so much time alone and without children softened Angie’s heart. One day she should invite Rema over or drop by her house for a visit. She’d never been inside any other houses on the street, and she’d like to see what they were like.
She exhaled and studied her surroundings. She looked toward the corner and noticed the house for sale did have a sold sign and she’d missed it. While her attention darted from one side of the street to the other, she admired the flower beds and the variety of foliage. She would add plants to her landscape soon. Looking at the displays today made her anxious to tackle the flower beds.
As she approached a yellow ranch, she noticed an elderly man on his knees digging into the soil, a flat of flowers beside him. Age didn’t stop some people. She picked up her step as her shadow slipped past him.
He noticed and looked at her over his shoulder. “Hello, there.”
She faltered, pleased to see his smiling face, which reminded her of her grandfather, long gone to heaven. She grinned back. “You’re busy, I see.”
He hoisted himself up, taking a moment as if to balance himself before stepping closer. “I had tulips and spring flowers here, but they’re gone, so I’m adding a few more plants. If my wife were here, she’d have pushed me out the door a week ago with her honey-do list.” His eyes twinkled.
“My grandma had one of those lists, too.”
His eyes searched hers a moment. “You love family, too.”
She nodded, though aware she’d neglected hers in recent years.
“Too many young people go off and don’t remember where they came from. Know what I mean? Their roots and their faith training tossed into the wind.” He tilted his head. “Are you a woman of faith?”
Guilt crept into her heart. “I grew up in a Christian home, but I’ve been rather delinquent about acting on it.”
“Hmm. I knew you had the foundation. Sometimes I can just tell.” He gave her a wink. “I’m Elwood Barnes, but my friends call me El.”
She extended her hand. “Angela Bursten, and my friends call me Angie.”
El eyed his hand and brushed it off on his pants before he grasped hers. “Nice to meet you. I hope you’re enjoying your new home. I think you’ll like most of the neighbors.” He chuckled as if he’d told himself a joke.
“I love the house.” A grin stole to her mouth. “And I’ll love it more when I get things settled. You know how it is.” She shrugged. “I’m still finding places for everything and working out the kinks.”
“I know about kinks.” He did a little bounce from the knees. “I have a few of those myself.”
Cute as could be, he made her chuckle. “I think you’re doing well, Mr. Barnes, and I’ve had help moving in, so I can’t complain.”
He tilted his head toward the Durbans’ house. “You meet Rema?”
She eyed him a moment, questioning why he’d asked. She didn’t suspect the sweet man to be a gossip. “Yes. She dropped by with some delicious muffins, and we had a short visit.”
“Rema could use a friend or two.” A twinkle lit his eyes. “I hope she made a good impression, and I suppose the muffins helped.”
Grinning, she gave a nod as Rema’s words echoed in her thoughts—I’m sure we’ll be best friends soon enough. “I don’t see her husband much.”
His smile faded. “Trey...” He paused a moment. “He travels a lot. I think Rema’s lonely.”
Lonely. She’d been lonely, too, at times, but moving and Rick had filled her life with new expectations.
“Married?” El glanced at her left hand.
“No, not yet.” Yet? “No” would have been good enough. She managed to control a frown. “But a good friend from work came over and toted the heavy stuff. He’s a very kind man. Probably someone like you.” Angie spotted a hint of pride puffing his chest.
“Thank you.” He shook his head. “So this fella is just a good friend. Nothing else on his mind?”
An image sparked in her mind. Life with Rick? She found him attractive, but she’d avoided thoughts of anything more. At least, she tried to. “Right. Rick’s just a friend, and that’s good with me.” But her true feelings and reactions confounded her.
“Good girl.” He patted her arm as concern fell across his face. “Please, don’t think I’m the nosy neighbor or the morals police. I just admire young people who value the Lord’s expectations.”
“My parents gave me strong values.” Again she thought of her relationship with Cal and his friends. She’d let her values slip there, anticipating a ring on her finger. What a mistake. “And I don’t see you as being nosy. I think you care about people, and you’re a man of wisdom.”
“Thank you, but the Good Book’s filled with wisdom. I just have a good memory.”
His wit tickled her. “El, it’s nice to meet you, and I know if I need a little wisdom I can come to you, especially with that good memory you mentioned.”
He gave her a wink. “Love to have you, and you’ll find other good people on this street.”
She loved his smile. “I’ll let you get back to work and finish my stroll so I can face mine again. I’m determined to get things put away so I can get outside, too.”
He laughed and waved as she returned to the sidewalk and her trip around to the circle and back. Yet as she walked his comment about Rema being lonely knotted in her chest. Though she didn’t want to take on a needy friend, she couldn’t neglect her, either.
She headed back home on the far side of the street, admiring her new house as she approached. As it often did, Rick’s image popped into her mind. But so did El and his encouragement to read the Bible, as if it was something she needed. Maybe it was. She’d been without the Lord for a while, and like Rema, she’d been lonely, too. Lilac Circle had opened doors for new friendship and now El had reminded her of another friendship, one with the Lord. Like all new friendships, it would take time.