First Mates Read online

  “How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t want to talk about him?”

  “Are you falling in love?”

  “My goodness, no. This is the first time I’m meeting this guy.” She sipped her soda.

  “I’ll let you off the hook this time, but you’ll need to fill me and Rachel in eventually. I can’t stand secrets!”

  After they finished their lunch, Rainy opened the bakery box. She enjoyed the buttery rich scent of the cheesecake as she cut two slices and placed them on small china plates. She brewed coffee, and as they enjoyed the luscious dessert she told Sarah about her visit to Winston’s house. “I honestly didn’t think I’d take that long to see him. If I was thinking clearly, I would’ve called you.”

  After they were finished eating, Sarah voiced her concerns. “So do you think you’re falling in love with Winston?”

  “I can’t help the way I feel. I’ve only been in love a few times in my life, and each time it happens quickly.”

  Sarah shrugged as she poured another cup of fragrant coffee. Curls of steam floated in the air as she grasped her mug. “Well, maybe you’re not over Jordan yet. When we left you on that cruise, you looked like a little girl who was leaving her mother for the first time.”

  “So?” Rainy walked to the sink and rinsed her coffee cup. She placed it in the dishwasher before returning to the table.

  “So? When it comes to relationships, you’re clueless.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “You’re one to speak, looking through Christian dating ads. They should call you ‘desperately seeking Sarah.’ I’m offended!”

  Sarah squeezed Rainy’s hand. “Look, I don’t mean to offend you, but it’s true. You jumped into that engagement with Jordan so quickly and you were still hurting over the breakup when we left you on the cruise ship.” She paused, gazing at her red, manicured nails. “And now you’re telling me that you met Winston, and that made the pain vanish?” She released her hand and leaned back into the chair.

  Rainy turned away, ashamed she had fallen for Winston so easily and in such a short time. She was also ashamed for the way she had been treated by Jordan.

  “Hey, did I hurt your feelings?” Sarah’s tone softened as she gazed at her friend.

  Rainy leaned her elbows on the table and placed her chin beneath her palms. “No, I’m just upset because I think you’re right. That being the case, it still doesn’t change the way I feel for Winston. I felt connected with him and I felt he was the right man for me.”

  “He could be the mate God intended for you, but I can sense it’s going to be a while before you find out.” Sarah paused and sipped her coffee. “So, you two are just going to be friends for now?”

  Rainy sighed as she crumpled the oily bags. “I guess so, but I haven’t told you the worst part yet.” She mentioned her accusing him of drinking.

  “You didn’t! Do you think that’s why he doesn’t think it will work between you two?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe. Winston is hiding something from me, and while Winston and I work together on the church ministry, I plan on finding out what it is,” she vowed.

  Rainy folded the papers for the bank field trip and placed them in her purse. Children’s voices echoed in the corridor, full of excitement. Winston pounded on the closed door of the empty classroom of Friendship Community Church. “Rainy, are you in there?”

  She sighed, zipping her purse shut. This is the second week of the youth financial seminars and I’m still in the dark about why Winston wanted to stop dating me. Why did I agree to do these seminars with him? She patted her hair and opened the door.

  He glanced at her, his hazel eyes full of curiosity. “What are you doing in there by yourself? The school bus just arrived to take us to the bank.”

  “I’m coming.” She grabbed her hat and followed him out of the building into the parking lot. Being around Winston was wearing her down, and she had to take a few moments to compose herself.

  Several children’s voices mingled in raucous laughter as she led them to the school bus. The blistering heat scorched her skin. She pulled a large sunhat over her head and licked her dry lips as she stepped onto the vehicle.

  Clara, a ten-year-old girl with dusty-brown plaits and tiny freckles on her cinnamon-brown skin grinned at Rainy, showing the dimples in her cheeks. “Mr. Winston sure is sweet on you! Is he your boyfriend or something? You two gonna get married?”

  Rainy practically pushed the child onto the bus. “That’s enough, Clara. You’re the nosiest kid in this group. Stop asking so many questions.” Rainy settled into the vinyl seat as Winston followed close behind, guiding the other kids onto the bus.

  He cleared his throat. “Now listen, everybody, you know what I told you about this field trip to the bank. You’re going to listen to what the bank manager has to say, and I don’t want any talking or horsing around. Did you get the permission slips from your parents?”

  Several brown heads bopped. One young boy named Morris removed his paper. “Yeah, my mom signed this paper, and she said I could open a savings account.” He reached his tawny hand into his backpack. “She also gave me this dollar!”

  Several children waved their dollars in the air. The wilted paper created a cool breeze on the stifling bus. She sighed and leaned back into her seat, closing her eyes. Minutes later, Clara sat beside her, wiggling and kicking the floor. The doors slammed shut and the driver revved the engine. Cheers filled the bus as they pulled out of the lot.

  “When are we going to get there?” whined Clara.

  “Don’t worry, it’ll only be a little while.” Wads of paper and gum littered the floor. The driver chewed on a toothpick as he maneuvered the vehicle down the North-South Expressway. Clara vacated her seat. Rainy assumed she was looking for more promising company.

  Minutes later, Clara’s seat was occupied by another youth. “Hi, Miss Rainy.” Terry, a fifteen-year-old participant in the program, pulled a mint from her purse. “Want one?” She popped the candy into her mouth.

  Rainy shook her head and gazed at the passing scenery. The windows were open and drafts of wind plunged into the bus. Winston yelled from the rear, admonishing two fighting children. She rubbed her temple and reached into her purse. She popped two aspirins and swallowed them dry.

  “You know, Miss Rainy,” she said, chewing her candy, “I think you look mighty tired. Didn’t you sleep last night?”

  “I slept a little bit.”

  “Well, I think it’s real nice that you and Mr. Winston let the younger people get involved in this program, too.”

  “Yeah, thanks to you, it is a good idea.”

  “After I signed up and my baby sister wanted to do the same thing, it caused a big stink in the church since this program was supposed to be for teenagers. But you and Mr. Winston said good financial skills can’t start too early.”

  The children ranged in age from five to seventeen. She smiled as she recalled Winston’s crusade to include the younger members of the parish in the youth program. At times, she forgot he was not a member of her church.

  Terry nodded as she opened the package for another mint. “Mr. Winston is real smart, too. I’ve really learned a lot. This is only the second week we’re meeting, and I’m already opening my own savings account!”

  “Your boyfriend Michael didn’t want to join the youth financial seminars?”

  Terry shook her head as she crunched her mint. “My man doesn’t need guidance when it comes to money. He’s got his act together and when it’s time for him to go to college, I’m sure he’ll get a scholarship. Plus he works at McDonald’s on Saturdays, so he can’t come. He’s supposed to be meeting me at the church later on today.”

  Excited voices mingled with the loud engine of the battered school bus. A spitball fight ensued and Winston stomped down the aisle, confiscating straws and strips of paper.

  “He sure does know how to handle a bunch of kids. You probably would have had a hard time handling this projec
t by yourself.”

  Winston threw the items into the trash. As he returned to his seat, he glanced at Rainy. His stormy expression softened. As he parted his full lips, a sobbing child pulled his leg. “Mr. Winston, he hit me!” She pointed her brown finger to the culprit. Winston turned to settle the dispute.

  The bus jolted to a stop in front of the bank. Rainy stood and yawned while Winston herded the kids out the bus. She clutched the straps of her black leather purse as she followed the group into the bank. As the air-conditioning washed the heat from her body, she relished the cool temperature. Sweat trickled down her spine as the bank manager introduced himself.

  “Now, I need to shake each of your hands since you’re going to be my customers from now on. That’s how we establish good business relationships.” Chuckles rolled through the room as he shook hands with each small customer. “Now, let’s begin our tour, shall we?”

  The manager waved his hand toward the walls. “Look at the pictures lining these walls. This one is the president of the bank. You’ll also see pictures of past presidents and the bank’s founder.”

  Morris raised his copper-brown hand. “Mister, how come you don’t have any black pictures on these walls? You mean you’ve never hired any black presidents?” His short dreadlocks danced in the air as he tilted his head toward the offending wall. Rainy sighed and rolled her eyes. She didn’t know Morris’s parents very well, but several members in the congregation commented that they were militant. Before Winston could respond, she pulled Morris aside, allowing the bank manager to resume his speech. His pale skin developed a rose hue as he spoke of how the prominent bank got started.

  “Morris, we’ll talk about this later. Right now we need to teach you kids about finances. It’s the work that God has called me and Winston to do. Your attitude is not helping matters much.”

  “Miss Rainy, I don’t mean no disrespect, but why couldn’t we have put our money into a black bank?” His large brown eyes softened as he gazed at her.

  “Morris, Winston and I went to just about every bank in the immediate area, and this was the only one willing to take on this project. Now listen to the manager and I’m sure you’ll learn something.” She paused, thinking about what she should say. “You’ll be able to learn financing skills to pass on to others in the black community. When you grow up, you can start your own bank.”

  “Yeah, right.” He folded his skinny arms.

  “You can do just about anything you set your mind to do, Morris. That’s what Winston taught on the first lesson, remember? Have faith in God and yourself, and things will fall into place.” She pulled him toward the crowd of touring kids. “Let’s rejoin the presentation, and remember to listen.”

  The manager continued walking around the carpeted area while showing them deposit slips and other papers. The safe-deposit boxes were next and as she stood in the cramped corner with Winston, she smelled his distinctive cologne. The children took turns entering the small chambers. Winston grazed his finger across her arm. “Are you okay?”

  She swallowed and managed to nod while checking her watch.

  He touched her shoulder. “Are you anxious to get out of here? That’s the third time you’ve checked your watch since this tour has started.”

  She rubbed her sweaty palms against her blue jeans. Being around Winston was like sitting next to a luscious piece of chocolate cake while dieting. Her mouth watered for his kisses. She turned away as she felt the tears brimming in her eyes. She blinked and left the cramped quarters.

  The bank bustled with activity. Several customers entered and stared at the group of children. The manager took them behind the teller stations, and the children’s eyes bulged as they saw the wads of money being handled by the adept workers. He answered questions about banking and budgeting skills, and several of the younger children boasted about the knowledge they learned from Winston and Rainy. Harried tellers and the bank manager filled out the paperwork for the new savings accounts.

  “Okay, I think you have everything.” The manager shook both Winston’s and Rainy’s hands. “If you know of any churches who are interested in this program, just send them to me. I like to think I’m helping children to learn good money skills early in life,” he said with a shaky laugh.

  Winston cleared his throat. “We’re sorry about Morris. He can be kind of militant sometimes.”

  Rainy nodded.

  The manager placed his arms behind his back. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ve already forgotten about it.”

  The children’s yells echoed in the hot summer breeze as they walked across the scorching asphalt parking lot. The bus driver stood in front of the bus, inhaling from his cigarette. Smoke curled from his mouth as he took another hit.

  Clara boldly rushed up to him. “Don’t you know smoking’s bad for your health? God doesn’t like cigarettes, mister. They make you die.”

  Winston pulled Clara on the bus as the driver glared at the children. “Clara, you need to learn to keep quiet. Get on this bus so we can go home!”

  “But I just wanted to tell that man it’s not okay to smoke. What’s wrong with that?” She pulled away from Winston and stomped to the back of the bus. Minutes later, the driver returned to his seat and slammed the door shut. Giggles and laughter filled the air as the children conversed. After Winston gave a speech about good behavior on the drive home, he took the empty seat beside Rainy.

  “Whew, what a rough day. If I’d have known it would be so difficult, I never would have scouted to arrange for this field trip.” She stared at the way his black jeans hugged his trim thighs before gazing out the window as the driver revved the engine.

  “Vroom, vroom,” chanted small voices from the rear of the bus.

  Once they were back on the freeway, Winston sighed. “So how have you been?”

  I’ve been terrible since you decided we should just be friends. “I’ve been okay. I’ve been busy at work, and doing other things.” The awkward silence stretched between them like a great expanse of nothingness. When a heated argument ensued at the rear of the bus, Winston abandoned his seat to resume his role as referee. Several children climbed into Winston’s vacated seat, trying to ensnare her in conversation, but she just wasn’t in the mood to talk. She wanted to return home, curl up in her bed and go to sleep.

  Finally, the bus screeched to a stop at the church. “Lunchtime,” chanted the children as they exited the bus.

  Winston yelled at the bunch as they ran to the church. “Don’t be running too fast! There are cars coming in this lot!” They barely paid him any attention as they opened the glass doors and ran down the stairs to the basement.

  Winston followed Rainy into the building. “Are you sure you’re okay with us doing this project together? You’ve hardly said two words all morning.” His deep hazel eyes pleaded with her as he awaited her response.

  You mean I’ve barely said two words to you this morning. “I’m fine. I’m just hungry. I didn’t have anything for breakfast.”

  He nodded as he opened the door that led to the kitchen basement. They trampled down the steps as the echo of children’s voices filled the corridor.

  Sister Mary, the official of the church’s food ministry, met them at the basement entrance. “I’m so glad to see you two finally made it back.” She embraced both of them before tying an apron around her ample, bulky frame. “Rainy, you look like your best friend died! What’s wrong, sweetie?” Sister Mary gave her another hug.

  Rainy shrugged as she pulled out a chair and sat at the long table. Children scurried around the vast space. Some stopped to show the kitchen sisters their new bankbooks and deposit slips. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just hungry.”

  Sister Mary pulled a rag from her pocket and wiped her face. “Well, after you two get some food in your bellies, you’ll both be looking as good as new. You don’t look so good yourself, Winston. Maybe you need a good meal, too. Sit down here next to Rainy and me and the kitchen sisters will handle this bunch. Reme
mber what you guys agreed to do?”

  Rainy nodded as she set her purse on the table. “We’ll clean up after the children are finished eating.”

  Mary nodded as she bustled to the kitchen. “That’s right! We’ve got plenty of spaghetti and garlic bread left over from today’s new-member-orientation luncheon. There’s also salad. After we serve these kids, we’re leaving because we’re tired.” She turned toward the screaming kids. “Be quiet! I want all of you to stand in a line. Brother Winston will say grace and then you will make your plates and eat.”

  As Rainy bowed her head and listened to Winston’s prayer, memories of the cruise ship meals filled her mind. She gently pushed the sweet thoughts from her brain as Winston uttered, “Amen.”

  She swallowed and whispered her response, as did the children. Aromas of tomatoes, garlic and spices filled the room with their tangy scent. The sisters dished up mouthwatering plates of spaghetti. They also served tall glasses of Kool-Aid. She sat beside Winston as she enjoyed two plates of the hearty meal with a few pieces of crunchy garlic bread. The grape Kool-Aid tasted good and sweet as it traveled down her parched throat.

  Winston leaned his elbows on the table and smiled. Rainy’s heart thundered when she discovered he was smiling at her! “You look happy when you eat. Did you enjoy the meal?”

  She nodded as she toyed with a napkin. “People in the congregation say Sister Mary makes the best spaghetti.”

  “It’s the best spaghetti I’ve had in a while.” He leaned back into the chair and patted his stomach. “You know, that’s one thing I like about you. You can enjoy a good meal and have a good time. I love watching you eat.” Her heart continued to pound as he pressed his finger along her lower lip and swiped stray sauce away. She blinked as she stared into his hazel eyes. The kitchen sisters, the children and the plates of food were momentarily forgotten as she gazed at the man that she loved. She pushed her chair away from the table. Loved? Did she really love Winston? What a frightening thought!

  “Rainy, what’s the matter?” The noise from a blaring car horn filtered into the basement. The children scrambled from their seats and ran across the tiled floor.