We laughed until we cried, right there next to the brownies and the iced tea pitcher. Pastor Wells pretended not to notice. My friend Marlene from the choir absolutely did notice, and I knew I’d be answering questions on Sunday!
Garrett asked if I’d let him buy me coffee, and I said maybe a slice of pie too, if he was feeling generous.
« I’ll buy you a diamond ring. »
***
Garrett stayed for the bake sale and later paid for both the coffee and the pie before walking me to my car, as if it were still 1972. That was before life pulled us apart.
After that, we met every Tuesday at the same diner.
He told me about his late wife, Patricia, gone for almost 10 years, and about his grown children, Margaret and Daniel, who lived nearby and called him every Sunday. I told him about Howard, and the long good years, and the longer quiet ones after.
That was before life pulled us apart.
***
« I always wondered about you, » Garrett said one afternoon, stirring sugar into his coffee.
