Discernment, p.13
Discernment, page 13
But Sean knew it was possible—and we were both aware of that.
Alvin pressed his lips together and retied my sash. As soon as we were cuddled on the bed, he whispered “I’m sorry you had to go through all that for me to believe you. I love you—I can now say—like I’ve loved no other.”
“That’s what matters most, Alvin.”
His arms around me made me feel cherished, his kisses adored. We made love with the sunlight burning through the drapes as we fused another link of devotion between us.
The rest of the Sunday passed quietly. That night, I sealed our bedroom from unseen visitors before going to sleep—an event I expected to make habitual from then on.
Monday morning, I woke without troublesome dreams. I saw Alvin off for work then settled in the kitchen for a morning of baking. Once the chocolate cake was out of the oven, I went to the front porch for a few minutes of rest.
A woman, thin and precise, came up the front walk. Her hair was in a tight bun, her floral-print dress simple but pristine.
“Hello,” I said as I stood from the rocking chair.
“Good morning. Might you be Deborah Farley?”
“I am. How may I help you?”
She stopped before me, no taller than my nose, yet her bearing demanded respect. “I’m Merritt Graves, a neighbor a few blocks down Palmetto. Sean asked me to stop by and introduce myself.”
I drew back and she laughed.
“Yes, the old bounder begged me to make your acquaintance in an attempt to heal some rift I assume blossomed from one of his hair-brained schemes.”
I nodded. “Would you like to sit down?”
I glanced in the front window to make sure Catherine wasn’t in the parlor as we took adjacent rocking chairs.
“Well, Deborah—may I call you that?”
“Of course.”
“And allow me to be Merritt to you. Sean came to me in tears yesterday afternoon, telling me he’d broken your trust and begging, as I already said, to help explain him to you since he’s thoroughly disenchanted me before.”
“Has he no shame?”
“None that he can’t confess away,” she said with a wry smile.
I grinned. “I completely understand.”
“It was thirteen years ago he waltzed into my life. He hopped the fence at my aunt’s house and nearly swept me away along with my younger cousin. I was your age and should have known better.” She paused, gazing at me with understanding. “Sean said you saw him with my daughter the day you meet in Washington Square. We live across the street from the park.”
Remembering the girl with glasses and a heavy soul, I nodded. “Ethelwynne, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Ethelwynne and Andrew are my children. Sean has them both wrapped around his finger, but especially Winnie.”
“Doesn’t that worry you?”
“Some days more than others. His intelligence and charm are dangerous, dare I even save malevolent, to a degree. He was only seventeen when I met him, but practically my undoing.” She sighed. “He’s an arrogant cad, flashing that smile to be forgiven, and completely at a loss when he meets a woman that doesn’t work with.”
I laughed.
“I’m not sure what he did, but he’s habitually hasty in his ideas and doesn’t see beyond his nose when he’s focused on something.” She paused to study me. “Whatever line he crossed, know that he did so with pure intent. It’s been years since I’ve witnessed such a level of moroseness in him. You’re very special to him, Deborah. I won’t tell you to forgive him or not, but understand he makes mistakes, though a lasting friendship with him is possible—if you want it.”
“Thank you, Merritt. Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you. I need to get back to my laundry, but stop in on me anytime you feel like company. I’m home most days. If there’s a dog in the yard, pay no mind. Velvet is a sweet girl. She just has a loud bark, especially if she has pups in the barn.”
I accompanied Merritt to the sidewalk and hugged her in thanks before she went down the street, secure in my knowledge that Sean Spunner was even more of a rascal than I had initially thought.
Fifteen
Saturday morning was the football game. I cooked Alvin a breakfast twice the size as typical, complete with fresh-squeezed orange juice. Sean—whom I had avoided all week—was picking us up at half past eight so we could drive to the playing field. There, the blue team would practice for an hour before the red team arrived for a ten o’clock kickoff.
After cleaning the breakfast dishes, I found Alvin upstairs adjusting the pads in his gray football pants. He wore a long-sleeve, navy blue athletic shirt tucked into the belted wool pants and striped socks that went almost to his knees.
I put my arms around his middle and smiled up at him. “You look wonderful.”
“And you’ll be the most ravishing lady on the sidelines.” He kissed me with a near ferocious passion.
Hands trailing his chest and shoulders, I returned the favor. “I like this rough, competitive side of you, Alvin.”
He kissed across my neck and nuzzled my ear. “And I’ll love you tonight, win or lose.”
Alvin slung his cleats over his shoulder, and I piled my hair into a soft chignon topped with a navy bow that matched the trim on my walking suit.
After gathering the picnic basket filled with refreshments and jars of water, I was ready to go when Sean stopped in front of the house.
“Good morning, Farleys.”
“Hello, Sean. Thanks for the ride,” Alvin said as he handed me into the backseat.
I took the supplies from him and motioned Alvin to the front. The men immediately started a conversation about the forthcoming game.
“I’m putting you in charge of plays,” Sean spoke as he drove. “Once you see how the men stand, you can assign them their positions too.”
“That sounds like you’re having Alvin do your job as team captain,” I said.
Sean glanced over his shoulder at me, smirking. “Delegation is the best thing for a leader to do if he knows someone else would be better at something.”
“Then delegate Alvin to team captain.”
He laughed. “That’s the one thing I can’t do. Last year’s teams vote on the captains, but I have no doubt Alvin will be a captain next time.”
“You haven’t even seen me play,” Alvin said.
“No, but I had my secretary look up your stats from your years at Polytech. I have complete faith in you, Dog Farley. You’re going to be the star player on the field today.”
I already knew the nickname because my father was excited when he hired the former college football star the previous summer. Over supper one night, he explained to my mother that “Dog” didn’t refer to him being ill-mannered or ugly (what she was concerned about), but to his full name—Alvin Robert Farley.
A.R.F.
I’d never do that to one of our children.
The game was to be held adjacent to Monroe Park, an entertainment area along Mobile Bay, south of the city. A wooden rollercoaster and baseball stadium rose above the tree line. A carousel, bandstand, arcade, and several eateries were sprinkled around the area, as well as many wandering souls displaced from hurricanes or those hanging onto pleasant memories from their earthly days.
I hugged Alvin’s arm as Sean led us to the outskirts of the park. A grassy field was in the process of being marked by a couple of men with stakes to hammer into the ground to mark the yard lines along the sidelines. Alvin took a quick survey of the situation and steered me to a nearby magnolia tree. Underneath it, he spread our blanket, set the picnic basket on it, and removed his regular shoes to tie on his cleats.
Sean joined us with a handful of other men and introductions were made. Out of the ragtag group of pampered office men, Sean was the next-largest to Alvin. Not a good sign.
“Dog Farley!” One dark-haired man exclaimed. “I saw you play several times in oh-seven and eight against University of Alabama while I was a student. You were amazing!”
There were black slaps and jokes, then Sean urged them to the field.
The sky was an azure blue, the grass verdant green, and a cool breeze blew in from the bay. It was heavenly to experience such a scene even though a shadowy figure roamed the nearby seagrass as if looking for a lost child. I lay back on the blanket, listening to the shouts as the men tossed the ball and tried different offensive plays.
“Hey, Dog! Did you ever get hurt during a mass formation play while they were still legal?”
“Nothing to speak of, though I sent a couple guys to the hospital over the years.”
Laughter followed, then Sean barked orders about lining up for a kick-off practice as a few latecomers walked over form the park.
“Miss Deborah,” Chuck Brady called to me as he approached.
I sat up and smiled. “Hello, Mr. Brady.”
“Call me Chuck. After that chess beating your husband gave me we’re like kin now, right?”
I laughed. “Sure, Chuck. It’s good to see you again.”
He leaned closer. “Don’t worry about being lonely. I’ve invited a bunch of girls to come watch the game. You’ll have a gaggle of friends in no time.”
“Brady!” Sean shouted. “Stop flirting with Dog’s woman and get over here!”
“Dog?” Chuck looked from me to the team and back. “You mean to tell me Alvin is the Dog Farley?”
I nodded.
“We’re gonna beat them reds today!” Chuck whooped a rebel yell and ran across the grass to join the others.
There wasn’t a hesitant bone in Alvin’s body has he taught plays and gave instructions the next half hour. I couldn’t help smiling over his antics and the respect the others gave him.
Half a dozen men in red shirts arrived and huddled together near me as they looked at their competition.
“Who the hell is that?”
“Spunner said he recruited a new player.”
“Look, he’s got pads in his pants. Who does that?”
“Spunner, get your ass over here!” the guy who appeared to be in charge shouted.
“Watch your mouth, Thomas Charles. There’s a lady right behind you. I don’t think her husband would take too kindly to you talking like that in her vicinity.”
The man glanced my way and his scowl turned surprised. “I beg your pardon, ma’am.” He turned back to Sean. “If that’s a collegiate player, I call a penalty.”
“He’s retired—two years out—and probably torn up from old injuries. He was a player when President Roosevelt threatened to ban the game. Do you think Dog Farley had anything to do with that?”
“Dog Farley? You must be shi—teasing us, Spunner,” the red captain said with a sheepish look my way.
Sean crossed his arms and looked down his nose at the other man. “On my honor, Thomas Charles. And that’s his wife right behind you. Mrs. Farley, meet our opponents, Thomas Charles and his band of red coats.”
“Hello, gentlemen.”
Dazed was the main expression, but a few nodded toward me.
“If you feel so encumbered by our teammate, we’ll let you have the ball first without a coin toss.”
“I don’t need your charity, Spunner.”
“Then we’ll see you on the field in fifteen minutes. And by the way, this is our sideline.”
The men in red shuffled away to await their other players and Sean advanced on me.
“Well, Deborah, how do I stand before you now?”
“Like an arrogant braggart, full of self-importance over another man’s accomplishments.”
A huge grin painted his face with smile lines while his whole body was surrounded in a blue tone that had nothing to do with his team. “I missed you this week. You’re the only other woman besides Althea and Merritt who will call me out about my egotistical manners.”
“Sending Merritt to me was rather sneaky.”
“She likes you, Deborah. I hope you’ll visit her sometime. She’s alone too much during the day when the children are in school. Ah, here come some more neighbors.” He nodded toward a group of young ladies. “Good morning, Miss Sadie. You and your friends are a bouquet of beauty this autumn day. Thank you for coming to cheer us on—no matter which team you’re rooting for.”
“We brought ribbons in both colors, so we can decide once we see the lineup,” the blonde said.
“How very clever, though I’ll put in a good word for the blue team.” Sean winked. “This is our sideline. May I introduce our first fan of the day, Mrs. Deborah Farley. Deborah, this is Sadie Marley. She’s just on the next block from us. Sadie, please introduce all the ladies to Deborah. I need to get back to the team.”
“A new neighbor?” Sadie came forward as Sean retreated with a sly smile.
“My husband and I just moved from the Montgomery area the beginning of the month. It’s nice to meet you, Sadie.”
There was a flurry of introductions to the other five girls. Then all eyes were on the men though the others chattered between themselves.
“May we join you on the blanket?” Sadie asked.
“Only those for the blue team.”
She laughed. “I suppose some of us will have to sacrifice the shade to go to the other side of the field.”
A brunette scanned the players. “There’s Henry! I have to go to the red side for him.”
“Go on,” Sadie told her. “I have to cheer for Sean since he’s best friends with my sister’s husband. My brother-in-law was supposed to be the doctor on site, but he got called in for an emergency surgery this morning.”
“Who is that muscular man in blue?” someone asked. “He’s bigger than Mr. Spunner.”
All heads turned to where Alvin was leading the team in stretches. He might not belong to a fancy gym like the other men, but he kept in shape by lifting book stacks and stretching throughout the day.
“That’s my Alvin. I didn’t know him then, but he made a name for himself at Alabama Polytechnic Institute a few years back.”
“How thrilling!” Sadie took my hand to look at my ring. “When were you married?”
“The day before we moved here. We’re at the Snodgrass house on Rapier.”
“With Catherine Snodgrass?” After I nodded, Sadie continued. “Mr. Snodgrass was kind, but—”
“You don’t look much older than us,” Another girl interrupted.
“I’m nineteen, and Alvin is twenty-five. He’s a teacher at Barton Academy this year.”
“Oh to be happily married at nineteen—that must be a dream come true.”
Several groups of men, women, and families drifted over, some with folding chairs and others with blankets. By the time the team captains gathered in the center of the field with a man holding a coin, both sidelines boasted at least thirty viewers. The coin toss gave the ball to the blue team, to which Sean flashed a smirk at the other captain.
Thanks to Alvin’s blocking, our team scored within the first two minutes. By the end of the first quarter, they were up by fifteen points and the crowd had tripled in size. Alvin guzzled water and was back on the field helping his team to another three touchdowns including one he ran across the goal line himself.
Alvin was swamped by his teammates in celebration of their twenty-five point lead at the end of the second quarter. He came for his refreshments, then wrapped me in a sweaty hug that took the breath from me.
“I’m a bit rusty, but it’s going well,” he said into my ear.
“You’re marvelous, Alvin. Everyone I’ve heard says you’re the best they’ve seen and it’s the biggest crowd that’s ever attended one of these games.”
His smile grew even more. “It’s a good group of guys.”
“You should join the gym.”
His brown eyes widened, and I nodded.
“Do it next week, Alvin. Monday, after school.”
“Come on, Dog! You can love on your wife later. We’ve got a meeting to go to.”
The players jostled each other away from the shade to a safe distance from their opponents.
As the game started in on its second half, Sadie pointed down the line of spectators. “See the man in a fedora with a notebook? That’s Mr. Paterson, one of the main reporters for The Mobile Register. He doesn’t typically cover sports, but I bet this game has a human interest angle with the crowd being so large.”
My eyes wandered the expanse of people. I noticed the children who were with Sean the day I meet him—Merritt’s Ethelwynne and Andrew. They were with a man who had to be their father, for they both favored him, right down to the wire-rimmed glasses Ethelwynne and the man both wore. All three were eagerly cheering, the youngest calling out Sean’s name.
The remaining time passed in a blur of touchdowns and shouting. Sadie and I didn’t talk continuously, but it was nice to know someone was with me in the sea of strangers. The end score: seventy-five to that lone red team touchdown. The players hoisted Alvin onto their shoulders and carried him across the field.
Sadie dropped her voice. “Does it scare you to be with him because he’s so strong?”
“He’s gentle and romantic when we’re alone.”
“He looks like he could be a barbarian.”
“That might be interesting for a change.”
We both giggled and then stepped out from under the tree to meet the team as they approached the sideline.
“Party at my house!” Sean announced. “Two o’clock until whenever everyone goes home!”
There were shouts and laughter from the team, then others moved in to congratulate the players.
Alvin kissed me long and deep. Whistles and catcalls surrounded us. I wanted to stay in his arms, but Alvin’s attention was soon pulled to his teammates. Then the newspaper reporter made his way to the center of the crowd and wanted an interview. I migrated back to the blanket and settled in my old spot.
“It was wonderful meeting you,” Sadie said, “but I need to catch the streetcar back to town. I hope to see you at Mr. Spunner’s party.”
As the crowd thinned, the noise level settled into a pleasant hum. I lay on my side, picking at the grass beyond the blanket’s edge. A minute later, Sean approached.
