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Let Go and Let God

‘She’s looking at me again.’ Toby adjusted his bowtie. “Steve, is there blood on my bandage?”

“Huh?” He looked Toby over. “No, you’re okay. What’s the matter?”

“Meredith keeps looking at me.”

“I told you, man. She thinks you’re cute. You’re both crazy Sentinels fans. You just have to get to know her and you’ll have it made.”

“You think it’s that simple?”

“I’m living proof, buddy. They put up this icy exterior, but it’s to protect them from themselves.”

“No kidding?”

“Nancy fessed up after we’d been married a while.”

“So, you think she’s scared of herself?”

“That’s definitely part of it.” He looked down the pew. “If somebody hurt her before, that just hardens the armor.”

“Hurt her? Who would want to do that? She’s so nice and so… everything.”

“Look, Toby, you’re a gentleman, a genuinely nice guy. Not everyone is. Some guys see nice as a vulnerability they can exploit. Some guys just want to wreck something good to drag it down to their level. Misery loves company.”

“You think somebody did that?”

“I don’t know for sure, but Nancy said she was terribly upset when Ivy took her back to the hotel from our place.”

“Do you think she thinks I would do that?”

“Not if she got to know you. She doesn’t know you that well yet. If she’s in self-protection mode, she might not be willing to take the chance.”

“I don’t want to make her uncomfortable, but I hate the idea of her being alone forever out of fear.”

“Fear is like a fire and love is like water. Unconditional love drowns fear.”

“Are you only deep when you’re in church?”

Steve laughed. “Probably so. Don’t tell anyone. I have a rep to uphold.”

“So, how do I get through the armor without being pushy or demanding or selfish?”

“Dude, what did I just say?”

“Unconditional love?”

“Exactly.”

“Sounds good in theory, but how do I do that?”

“Where are we, Toby?”

“You think I should pray that she gives me a chance?”

“I think you should pray that if she’s the one for you, that God will help her deal with whatever’s holding her back.”

“Wow, deep and wise all in one sitting? Better not let people hear about this.”

“I know, right?” Steve laughed. “As for you, my friend…”

“Yes?”

“Let go and let God.”

Ian pulled into the parking lot of Townley’s Buffet. “Everybody ready for lunch?”

“I’m famished.” Ivy said. “I’m glad we got to do a dry run, but I should have had a bigger breakfast.”

Meredith sat in the back seat, trying not to get psyched out by the size of the restaurant.

“Meri?” Ivy turned around. “Everything okay?”

“Sure.” She clenched her hands in her lap. “Seems like it could get crowded in there.”

“I called ahead and reserved some tables for us.” Ian said. “If you’re not up to jostling with the lunch crowd, we can grab something and bring it back to you. What are you hungry for?”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be okay.”

“Sure you will, Meri.” Ivy said. “Let’s go in.”

The trio exited the car and headed toward the buffet.

Meredith scanned the windows as they approached the front door. Her stomach churned at the sight of the bustling lunchtime throng. As they entered, the racket of the churning mass gave her a headache.

The hostess greeted them. “Three for lunch?”

“Woodard Party.” Ian said. “I called ahead.”

“Oh, sure. Come right this way.”

“Could you direct me to the Ladies’ Room?” Meredith’s voice cracked.

“Certainly, Miss. Just around the corner here.”

Meredith cut a fast path through meandering diners in search of the restrooms.

“I’d better go check on her.” Ivy said. “I’ll catch up with you.”

When Ivy arrived, Meredith was splashing water on her face. “Are you going to be alright? Do you need me to take you back to the hotel?”

“No. I should be alright once I get myself cooled down. This isn’t so bad.”

“It’s a bit of a madhouse, but I think most of them should start clearing out soon. The offer still stands.”

“Getting me a plate or taking me back?”

“Okay, both offers still stand. Let me know what you need.”

“Do you know if Toby is coming?”

“I think so. Is that what’s getting you? We can sit him at a different table.”

“No, it’s definitely the crowd that’s throwing me. I’d like to talk with him about his collection. It will help me focus on something to take my mind off of the crowd.”

“Sure, I’m sure he’d love to compare notes with you.” Ivy rubbed her back. “Take a moment and breathe first. Okay?”

“You must think I’m a basket case.”

“Nobody’s judging you, honey. Take your time. They have a wonderful selection. Would you like breakfast stuff or lunch?”

“Ivy, I’m sorry.” Meredith pulled a paper towel to dry her face.

“No need to be sorry. If you think you’re ready, we can grab a plate of something on our way back to the tables.”

“Sure. I’ll be alright.” Meredith checked her face. “Do you think he likes me?”

“Why wouldn’t he?”

“There’s nothing special about me.”

“Are you kidding? Sentinels fans aren’t as common as they are in the city.” Ivy took her hands.

“Angela said he likes to geek out about them.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“I do, too.” Meredith’s head drooped. “I don’t want to get carried away.”

Ivy perched a finger under her friend’s chin to lift her gaze. “Look, between Toby and Frank, I’m sure you’re going to be in perfect company. You guys are going to have a great time. No pressure. No getting carried away. Just have fun and be as much of a fangirl as you want.”

“Okay, okay.” Meredith turned back to the mirror to check her face and hair. “Let’s get some lunch before you pass out. Your stomach sounds like a freight train.”