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Breaking Bread With Sarah

12/8/2024

Sarah kept her arm wrapped around Leo’s throughout the service. There was something reassuring about him that helped fend off the panic attack she’d otherwise be having.

He didn’t have a great singing voice, but his uninhibited participation in the hymns comforted her even more than the lyrics. She felt out of place, but hooking elbows with Leo moored her.

She was feeling content until the thought occurred. ‘What happens when he finds out?’

Sarah was afraid that notion might drag her down into despair, but Leo’s warning about the pew calisthenics was given in earnest. Stand, sit, stand, sit, stand, sit, stand, kneel, stand, kneel, stand, sit, stand, leave. Even in the midst of the action, she felt her heart sinking.

“Doing okay?” He helped her with her coat.

She nodded and forced a smile. “That was a beautiful service, and this church is gorgeous.” She looked around at the stained glass and the architectural details. ‘Great place for a wedding. If only…’ Sarah hummed along with the recessional hymn.

“I hope you’ll come again next week. Gaudete Sunday is always special.” Leo looped his scarf around his collar before slipping into his overcoat. ‘I hope you’ll come here every Sunday forever.’

She teetered on the edge of delight and disaster. She was encouraged by his invitation, but it rubbed hard against her fear of him finding out what she’d done. “That sounds wonderful. I hope I can.”

“Maslov’s?”

“Right. They seem to wait until the last minute to schedule our shifts.” She released a tense breath and looked across the aisle to Grace’s family. Grace waved and smiled.

‘You have friends.’ Dr. Hu had told her over and over. Sarah knew it was true, but she had spent so much time living alone in her house in Laurel Ridge. ‘It’s hard to feel attached when you’re all alone all the time. I don’t know how else to be.’

She looked at Leo and his family, and it made her heart ache. Looking at Grace and her family compounded the feeling. ‘Am I just latching onto Leo for what I don’t have? Is it just wish fulfillment?’

Leo saw the look on her face. “Sorry, it takes a moment to clear a big church like this. Father Tom likes to say hi to everyone. To be honest, I wish the Communion wafer was a waffle.”

Tears welled up in Sarah’s eyes. ‘What a beautifully bizarre thing to say.’ She chuckled as she dabbed at her eyes. “You’ll have to mention that to him. Thanks again for taking me shopping last night. I would have felt weird without a nice outfit. Your mom and sister-in-law are so stylish.”

“Hmm, takes one to know one. You certainly have taste.”

She looked down at her dress and smiled. It had been forever since she’d splurged on something nice to wear. “Why, thank you. You look effortlessly GQ.”

“This old thing? I just put it on when I don’t care what I look like.” He grinned.

That reminded her that she hadn’t watched “It’s A Wonderful Life” yet this year. She wanted to invite him back to her place to watch it after breakfast, but she didn’t want to take things too fast. ‘Maybe he’ll invite me over to watch it at his place or maybe there’s a theater…’

“Hey, after breakfast…” He smiled.

“Does Hearth and Hollow have Communion waffles?”

Leo smiled. “If I can’t sell Father Tom on the idea, maybe Tad Zborowski will go for it.”

“It’s worth a try.” She hugged his arm as they filed out of the pew and up the aisle toward the nave. “Do you like movies?”

“Absolutely. They’re showing ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ at the Five if you’d like to go after breakfast.”

“I’d like that.”

“Perfect.” He turned to Father Tom. “Good morning, Father. Allow me to introduce my friend, Sarah.”

“Good morning, Sarah. It’s a pleasure having you with us this morning. I hope you’ll come again.”

“Thank you. I’d like that. This is such a beautiful church.”

“That’s very kind of you to say. We’re blessed to have some devoted craftsmen in the parish. In fact, Leo helped to redecorate some of our classrooms.”

“He’s a keeper.” She froze. ‘Oh, my. Did I just say that out loud?’

Leo smiled at that. “She likes my idea for Communion waffles.”

Father Tom smiled and shook his head at that. “I’m not sure how that would go over. It sounds tasty, but people would be wanting to replace the Communion wine with maple syrup. Clearly, I’m holding you up from your breakfast. Take him somewhere before he becomes completely delirious.” Father Tom patted him on the back and smiled at Sarah.

“Communion waffles?” Dad laughed. “What a marvelous idea, but you’d put poor Tad out of business. See you at H&H.”

Leo drove down Maple Street as Sarah sat beside him, locked in on her phone. “Everything okay there?”

She smiled and nodded. “Sorry, just girl talk.”

What am I supposed to do?

Have breakfast
Meet the family
They’ll love you

Not if they find out

Now is not the time to
worry about that
Have breakfast
That’s all this
needs to be

It feels like lying

You’re not lying
You’re just not
bombarding them
with details
Would you want Leo
to tell your family
about every cavity
and broken bone
he’s ever had
the first time
they met him?

‘I don’t have a family.’ She read the conversation twice before putting her phone away.

“Better now?” He asked. “H&H is just a few more blocks here.”

Sarah looked out the window and dabbed tears from her eyes.

“Look, it’s not a biggie if you’re having second thoughts. We can meet the family another time if you’re–”

She looked at Leo. Her eyes were puffy. “It’s not that.”

“I don’t mean to pry. I don’t want you to feel obliged to go through with this.”

“They were fine at church. It would be nice to have a chance to actually talk with them.”

“Okay, breakfast with the fam is a go.” He nodded. “So…”

She turned to look at him.

“You said Grace gave you my card?”

Sarah nodded. “I was really surprised.”

“I’m glad she did. I was wondering how I was going to approach you.”

“Approach me?”

“You know, figure out how to get to know you.”

“You wanted to come ask me out?” She smiled as she wiped her eyes.

“Naturally.”

That made her giggle. “Naturally. What are you talking about? Who bothers with a department store Santa’s helper?”

“There’s a lot more to you than that.”

“Not really.” She shrugged. “I’m just me.”

“Who could ask for anything more?”

‘Aw, how sweet is he?’ She smiled at the tinsel wrapped around the street lights.

“How did you meet Grace?”

A knot twisted in her chest. ‘Not yet. Oh, my. Please, not yet.’ Her breath caught in her throat. “SQUIRREL!”

Leo swerved and looked in his rear view. “Wow, I didn’t see it at all. Doesn’t look like I got him.” He put a hand on his chest. “Good eye.”

She looked out the window as if searching for a squirrel carcass. “Sorry if I startled you.”

“Well, what can you do? Whew, we’re finally here. I think you’ve got me sold on that waffle idea. What are you thinking of having? You can have whatever you want. Dad’s going to pick up the check.”

“Maybe an omelet?” She put a hand on her forehead. ‘That was too close.’

“Ooh, good call. Now I’m thinking about quiche.”

“Quiche?” She grinned. “I pegged you as a guy who thinks about the Roman Empire.”

“You know, actually, the Romans had a dish called Patina that was somewhat quiche-like.” He found a parking spot near the restaurant door. “So, you don’t have to walk so far in the cold.”

Her mouth moved without speaking.

“Are you okay?”

“Did you actually just use a ‘well, actually’ on me? On the Roman Empire and quiche, no less?”

He smiled sweetly. “Huh, I guess I did. That’s not a deal-breaker, is it?”

‘Thank you, thank you, thank you, Grace.’ She shuddered. “I’ll have to think about it.”

“I think that’s the empty stomach talking.” He jumped out of the car and ran around to her door. “Let’s get you inside before I start talking about aqueducts.”

She hopped out and ran with him to the restaurant door as he flicked the locks with his key fob. “It’s so, so, so cold!”

They paused in the foyer for a moment to warm up. “Leave your coat on a moment. I’ll hang it up once we’re seated.” He pushed through the restaurant’s interior door to a warm dining room. The hostess approached. “Murray, table for ten.”

“We’ve got it all ready for you. Just this way.” She gathered a stack of menus and led them to a collection of tables that had been pushed together.

“Thanks. We’ll need a high chair and a booster seat, if you have them.”

She distributed the menus around the composite table and departed in search of the child seats.

“Ten.” Sarah gaped at the size of the table.

‘You’re at least an eleven or twelve.’ Leo pulled out a chair for her. “Can I get your coat?”

She slid out of it and watched Leo go to hang it. ‘Wow. Just wow.’

“I’m going to put in a beverage order for everyone so they’re here when everyone arrives. What would you like?”

‘I’d like to text Grace and tell her how you’re making my brain explode.’ She looked around the room for inspiration. “Chocolate milk?”

“Chocolate milk and an omelet?” He sat down next to her. “Going all in on the Vitamin D today.”

‘You are such a nerd. Don’t stop.’ She pursed her lips and gave a little shrug.

Leo tracked down their waitress and gave her the list of beverages. He whispered to Sarah as he sat down beside her. “Here they come. I can sneak us out the back door if you want.”

“Don’t make me nervous. I was doing fine until you said that.” She swatted at him.

The family arrived in ones and twos. Mary took the seat beside Sarah. John, Joan and the kids took their place across the table after the hostess returned with the child-friendly seating. Chris and Joe found seats, leaving their dad a spot next to Leo. He arrived shortly after the waitress had distributed the beverages.

“I had a word with Tad. They’re going to bring us some of everything. If there’s something specific that anyone wants, we’ll add it to the order.” Murray announced. “I’d like to raise a glass or a mug to our special guest. Thank you for brightening our table, Sarah, and thank you for the delicious cookies.”

She blushed and reached for Leo’s hand under the table.

“Don’t mind, Murray.” Mary whispered to her. “He’s a born showman, but I echo the sentiment. It’s a pleasure to have you join us for breakfast.”

“Thank you. You’re very generous to extend the offer.”

“Leo neglected to mention your surname. Do I know your people?”

“It’s MacInnes. We’re from Laurel Ridge. I moved here this year.” She took up her chocolate milk. ‘Please, don’t pry. Not today. Maybe later, but not today. Please.’

“Laurel Ridge is lovely, but I’ve always been a Pine Hollow girl.” Mary smiled as she took a sip of her tea.

“I can see why. It’s so peaceful here and you have such a beautiful church.”

“Did you enjoy the service?”

“Your organist is very talented. The choir sound like angels.”

“They’ve been working very hard.” Mary smiled. “Speaking of which, I have to say I truly admire your work.”

“You do?”

“Yes, dear, you’re an absolute marvel. The way you move around, it’s as if there were two of you. I wish I had your energy.”

“Ha ha, just one of me. Not sure the world could handle more than that.”

Mary smiled and sipped her tea. “That’s a very distinctive costume. Wherever did you find it?”

“Meirhe made it for me.” Sarah looked up as the first wave of breakfast dishes were delivered. “Scrambled eggs and bacon. Mm, that’s going to really hit the spot.”

“Help yourself, dear. Take as much as you want.”

‘She can’t interrogate you if you’re stuffing your face.’ Sarah filled her plate.

“That’s an unusual name. May-ra. Is it Gaelic?”

“Are you familiar with the Sentinels?”

“With four boys?” Mary rolled her eyes. “Posters, action figures, comic books, DVDs…”

“Meirhe is Mary Christmas’ proper name. Meirhe Kryzthnyz is how it’s actually supposed to be pronounced.”

“How extraordinary. How did a photographer from Laurel Ridge become such close friends with Mary Christmas?”

“That’s kind of a long story.” She scooped up more scrambled eggs and stuffed her mouth shut. ‘And this is going to be a very long breakfast…’