Read Online Dance, The (The Restoration Series Book #1): A Novel by Dan Walsh, Gary Smalley - Free Book Online Page B

best the American dream had to offer. And here she was, sitting out on this tiny balcony, in her pajamas, drinking iced tea with Charlotte.
    She hadn’t been this happy in years.

 12 
    M arilyn looked up from her table under the awning at Giovanni’s, a little Italian café on Main Street. Michele should be there any minute. The sun had begun to set, but it was still warm outside. She hoped not too warm to enjoy their dinner together.
    She was still wearing her outfit from work, glad she didn’t have to wear a uniform. When she took the name tag off she was all set for a casual dinner out. She’d gotten off at six o’clock; the store closed early on Sundays.
    That morning she had a pleasant experience at Charlotte’s church, the one that met in the high school. She felt a little odd going to a church service in a school, especially the same one her son attended. The congregation was much younger than she was used to, but the people were so friendly it didn’t seem to matter. The worship music was loud, performed by a contemporary band with drums, guitars, and an electronic keyboard. They were quite talented, especially the singers. The enthusiasm of the congregation soon drew her into the experience.
    Once the pastor began preaching, she’d quickly forgottenhow young he looked. He talked for just over thirty minutes and never bored her once. But perhaps the best part of the experience was the fact that no one knew who she was or any of the problems she was going through. No one judged her. No self-righteous eyes to deal with or fears of what people were saying behind her back.
    She glanced up again. Still no sign of Michele.
    Marilyn looked beneath the table. Beside her purse was a little bit of foolishness, something she’d bought that afternoon. She couldn’t wait to show Michele. It had been calling to her since her first day at Odds-n-Ends, just sitting there on a glass shelf. It was beautiful. Every time she saw it, it had stirred wonderful memories. These days, wonderful memories were hard to find. She glanced down at the box through the opening in the bag.
    “Mom?”
    She looked up. It was Michele, waving as she walked along the sidewalk toward the café. Marilyn got up to give her a hug.
    “That’s a nice outfit,” Michele said.
    “I’ve had it awhile, but it’s been in the back of my closet. I actually wore it to work this afternoon.”
    Michele smiled. “I’m still not used to that, my mom working a real job.”
    “Motherhood’s a real job,” Marilyn said.
    “You know what I mean.”
    The waiter walked up. “Can I take your drink orders while you look over the menus?”
    “Sure,” Marilyn said. They took turns telling the waiter what they wanted. After he left, Marilyn said, “Speaking of work, I bought something this afternoon I’m dying to show you.”
    “What is it? Something for the wedding?”
    “No, something just for me.”
    “Really?”
    Marilyn was reaching down for the bag when the waiter walked up. “Here’s your drinks, ladies. Do you still need a few more minutes to look over the menus?”
    “I’m sorry,” Marilyn said. “We’ve been just gabbing away. We’ll look at them now.”
    “No problem, I’ll be back in a few.”
    “My treat, by the way,” Marilyn said to Michele.
    “Mom, you can’t do that.”
    “Why not? I’m out with my daughter, we’re doing wedding things. If your dad and I were together, I’d be doing this very thing on this very day.”
    “But isn’t Dad going to be upset when he gets this bill?”
    Marilyn thought a moment. “He might be. I’ll tell you what, I’ll pay for it myself.”
    “With what?”
    “I’m working now.”
    “But you have bills now too. Just let me pay for my own dinner.”
    “No, it’s my treat. Besides, I’m all paid up on my bills for the first thirty days. Now let’s stop talking and read these menus before that nice young man comes back.”
    Marilyn smiled and opened the menu. After a few minutes,