© Copyright 2010 by Charlotte Ann Zuzak

Kevin paced the shop, touching the shelves, waiting for the arrival of the contractor, Andy Nelson, already half an hour late. He had been told that Andy might be late, because he needed to finish a job. His handsome features maintained a scowl. He was not happy when workmen were late. Impatiently he roughed up his dark, brown hair. Finally when he lost count of how many times he had paced the main area, the bells hanging on the front door rattled indicating that someone was coming in. A young woman in grubby work clothes entered.

“Sorry I’m late, but my little girl was off from school today because of teachers’ inservice, and my baby sitter was late. Teenagers!” She rolled her green eyes and shook her head of curly red hair.

“Who are you?” asked Kevin, looking confused.

“I’m Andy, the contractor.”

“I thought you were a guy!”

“Everyone does,” she grinned. “Andrea is my first name, but I’ve been ‘Andy’ for years, especially since I’m working in what has been considered a man’s profession. I’m in business with my father. I worked with him in high school and during summers when I was in college. I taught school in California and returned home after being on the West Coast for a few years.”

She looked around. “I always loved this place when it was a knitting shop. I should take up knitting again. Haven’t done it since college.” She looked at him, puzzled, trying to figure out what kind of store he would have. “ So you own the place now. What are you going to do with it?”

Kevin stood on one foot, then the other as a grin started across his face. “I’m going to have a knitting shop. My sister and I bought it when Mrs. Owens died.”

Andy looked amazed. “You’re going to run a knitting shop? What do you know about knitting?” Her lips twitched as she tried to keep from laughing.

“I’ll probably be more at the business end of it. I came home after a rough career in Chicago as a lawyer. My wife left me about that time and there was nothing to hold me there. I really wanted to leave the brutal business world and get into something less demanding. Right now I’m handling a few other businesses in town. Since Bentonville is on one of the Great Lakes, I see it developing a great tourist industry. It seems as if it’s a town that has suddenly been discovered.”

Andy nodded. “I know what you mean. Now that they’re polishing up the town it should draw people who want to live here and open businesses. Like me. Dad and I are really busy redoing houses that people want to buy. There’s a definite charm in the Victorian homes. Nice that it’s drawing people like you and me to return.”

She paused and looked at him. “You know, I think we went to school together, didn’t we?”

“That’s what I’ve been thinking,” smiled Kevin. “That red hair looks very familiar. Did you know Amy Neville? That was her maiden name. She’s my sister.”

“I knew her very well several years ago. I haven’t been back very long, so I haven’t gotten around to seeing who’s still here. My parents never made the move to Florida that many of their friends did. Preferred staying here involved in everything they’d done through the years. Dad still keeps busy with the firm and now I’m a part of it. Just got my credentials to work on electricity and plumbing.”

“Are you married?” asked Kevin.

“I, uh, I’m single.” Andy seemed reluctant to talk about herself. “So show me around the store. What do you want done. So far I’m picturing beautiful yarns in bins, on organized shelves, or in attractive baskets.”

“ Are you also an interior decorator?” Kevin laughed. Suppose you take a look around, get some ideas and then you can get together with Amy and me. She’s going to be teaching knitting courses and be the main power when it comes to running the shop. I’m learning how to do some spinning.”

“Great! You know what I see right away? You have room for two good-sized tables with chairs for lessons, and it looks as if at one time there was a fire place in that wall. Wouldn’t it be great if it could be opened up and then put a couple of sofas by it? Look at the window. How about a table and chairs to sit by the window so that passers-by can look in and see what’s going on. Do you like animals? Cats or dogs?”

Kevin looked at her. This was going so fast. “I have a retriever.”

“Every shop should have a cat or dog. It’s comfy.”

Kevin looked at her. This girl was really something. She was designing the shop as if it were her own. “You need to decorate it according to the season. You know, fall colors starting in July, Christmas pieces in October; you get the idea.”

Andy got out her instruments and started measuring various areas. “You got children?”

Kevin just looked at her in astonishment. Was she a snoop or genuinely interested in the people she was working for. “No,” he hesitated. “It was just my wife and myself. And you…are you divorced or widowed? You said you had a daughter.”

Andy said nothing and looked away concentrating on her work. She was silent for a period of time causing Kevin to think that she had not heard him, or more likely he’d touched on a situation that she’d rather not talk about. Finally, hesitantly, she tried to put her situation into words.

“It’s just me and Dana. There’s no man in my life.”

She put her tools away and turned to Kevin. “I have to leave now. I can make an appointment with you to sit down and talk with you and your sister some morning. Right now I have to finish a job I have going for Reverend Grayson over at the Methodist church. I’ve been working on the education building. He cornered me at church three months ago to do some work for him. He’s happy now that it’s finished and will be ready for fall. The women involved in the teaching can put up bulletin boards and arrange the rooms the way they want them.

“They also have a day center in the summer which helps me out a lot. They plan activities for the children that use the facility for one reason or another. Usually working mothers. Sometimes my Mom will take Dana, but I can’t expect her to take her all the time.”

Andy set up a date with Kevin and Amy who walked in as she was leaving. The two women greeted each other warmly. not having seen each other in a few years.

After Andy had left, Kevin approached his sister.

“Amy, what do you know about Andy?”

“She’s been away for a while, taught school on the West Coast and wasn’t happy. At least that’s the story. And the most that I know.”

“Did you know that she has a child?”

“Yes, I heard that. But I don’t know if she’s widowed or divorced.”

“She says there’s no man involved.”

“Maybe the child is illegitimate.”

“I hate hearing that word describing a child. A life is a life. I regret that Carrie and I didn’t have a child.”

“Didn’t you say that Carrie didn’t want any children?”

Kevin sighed. “No, she didn’t. And I guess that in view of the fact that she was getting ready to run off with that lawyer she worked with it’s just as well that we didn’t have children.” He paused. “Iwonder about Andy and what exactly is going on there.”

Amy smiled. Two years younger than her brother put her at thirty. Tall and blond, she was happily married to the owner of the furniture store in town. She understood Kevin’s feelings about children since he enjoyed being around her daughter who was five, and her son who was seven. “My, my, big brother. Aren’t you the curious one?” Amy burst out laughing.

“Kevin, I really have no idea about Andy’s daughter. All I know is that when she came back to town, she had a baby with her. But if you want to see her daughter you might want to come to church on Sunday when they are having a dedication of the new educational facilities. Since Andy and her Dad did the work, they will be there.”

“I wonder if she’s a member of Reverend Grayson’s church. She mentioned doing some work for him. I have a financial committee meeting there tonight. I might ask.”

“Now don’t be a snoop!” laughed Amy.

“I have to get a bite to eat and then I’m heading over there.”

Grabbing his jacket, Kevin walked out the door and headed to his favorite diner. Maggie’s Diner was known for its good, home cooking. He entered and approached the counter where he usually sat.

Looking around he spotted Andy with a little girl. Andy was engrossed in whatever the child was telling her. They laughed together as the little girl drew on the children’s placemat that Maggie gave each child. Kevin noticed that the child chose her colors carefully, examining each crayon as she picked it up. Didn’t Andy say that her name was Dana?

Slowly eating his meatloaf dinner, Kevin watched Andy and Dana at the other end of the diner. They were sitting in a booth, and Andy had her back to him.

They all finished at the same time and walked out together. Andy smiled and greeted him. “Hi! I was late this afternoon because of finishing the church job so Dana and I decided to come to the diner. Maggie makes good kids’ meals.”

Kevin talked to Dana as the little girl looked at him with curiosity. “Do you know my Mom?”

“ Yes, it seems that I’ve known your Mom for a long time.”

“Do you like her?”

Kevin was flustered.

Andy turned bright red. “Dana, don’t ask questions like that!”

Dana continued, not paying any attention. “Our minister said that he wants my mom to teach Sunday school.”

“Well, I think that’s great! Do you belong to Reverend Grayson’s church?”

Dana nodded her head. “Mom’s doing some work for him on the church. They went to high school together.”

“Dana!” said Andy. “Enough! Kevin doesn’t need to hear my life history!”

Kevin laughed, trying to alleviate the tension. “No problem. As a matter of fact I have a meeting with the reverend in a few minutes. I was also in school with him.”

“Okay, Dana. Let’s go then. You need to do some homework for tomorrow.”

Andy rolled her eyes. “Can you imagine homework at age seven?” she asked Kevin.

“I wasn’t very good at it when I was in high school,” grinned Kevin.

Saying goodbye, they left the diner and went in opposite directions.

Bob Grayson had been minister at the church for about two years and was very popular with the young people. The teenagers enjoyed his sermons when he would use his guitar. He also helped some students who were studying music to learn to play the guitar. Not married, several mothers in the church had their eye on him for their daughters.

Kevin knocked at the door of the rectory and was greeted by Bob’s widowed mother who acted as the housekeeper. She was happy to fill in and figured that the church saved money by using her to keep house rather than having to hire someone.

“Come on in, Kevin,” said Mrs. Grayson. “It ‘s been a long time since we’ve seen you!”

Kevin smiled sheepishly. “I”ve been busy, Mrs. Grayson. I admit that my church attendance hasn’t been the best. Moving and everything. Amy and I are in the process of setting up her yarn shop.”

“I heard about it. I can assure you that it will be very popular! How about some coffee and dessert? Bob will be down in a minute and is going to have something. The others will be coming in about half an hour.”

Bob Grayson chose that moment to enter the living room and greet Kevin. Mrs. Grayson left to go to the kitchen.

“Hey, Kevin. Come and see what I had done to the social hall. I think that you’ll like it.” They walked next door to the church and went downstairs. Kevin was amazed. “You’ve got one big room here that can change into several smaller ones.! This is great!”

“Yeah! That Andy Nelson is really a help to her father. She knows what to do.”

Kevin shifted from one foot to the other. “Hey, Bob. You remember her from high school, don’t you?”

Bob looked puzzled and couldn’t figure out where this conversation was going. “Yeah. I really liked her. She went off to college and then taught in California for awhile, said she wanted to get away from here, a change of scene. I’d see her occasionally when I was home from seminary and she came to visit her folks. What’s on your mind?”

“Do you know if she has ever been married? I noticed that she has a little girl and if you knew anything about that.”

Bob paused a moment before answering. “Kevin, she is not nor ever was married. Has she confided in me? Yes. I can’t talk to you about it. It’s between her and me as her clergyman. If you get to know her and you’re interested in her then it is your right to approach her about the situation. I can’t talk to you about it.”

Kevin’s thoughts were spinning. What to think? He had approached her to do some work and without having dated her was already delving into her past.

Kevin couldn’t concentrate on the meeting that night. He did note that they had set up a meeting Sunday afternoon when Andy would come and present her ideas about other things that could be done to the church.

During the week Andy came and went from the store as she consulted with Amy and Kevin about what they wanted in a yarn shop. Andy had a lot of ideas about making the shop a cozy stop for potential and advanced knitters. Her main idea seemed to be that pretty woods made for a comfortable feeling. Together she and Kevin had opened up the wall where the fireplace had been. Upon examination it was obvious that at one time the fireplace had worked, so there was no reason why it shouldn’t now. Andy knew a young couple working as chimney sweeps on the old houses around town.

While Andy was very warm and friendly, Kevin noticed that she was reluctant to discuss her life in California. When he brought up her teaching career she seemed to withdraw and change the subject. The most he found out was that she had lived with a sorority sister who was also teaching.

Andy volunteered on her own time to help Kevin refinish some chairs and a large table that would be used during knitting classes. They completed their task one Friday night surrounded by unopened boxes of yarn. That was Saturday’s chore when Amy would be available to tell them where she wanted to place yarns according to types.

Kevin cleared his throat and spoke. “Andy, would you like to get a bite to eat?”

She smiled as she cleaned up her work area. “That sounds very nice. Dana is staying over with a friend tonight so it works. Let me call Emily’s mother and tell her what I’m doing. Where are we eating?”

“Do you feel casual or formal? We could go to the diner or that new restaurant downtown. It’s supposed to be very nice.”

“Well, I feel casual. But I need to change clothes and clean up. Give me an hour?”

Kevin noticed that she probably didn’t want to regard this evening as a date. He had never seen her out with a male companion.

He insisted on picking her up at her home, a modest setting probably dating back to the Victorian houses, just not as showy. Andy was dressed in her best pants outfit and simple gold earrings were the only accessory. His father had taught him to help a woman with her coat and open the car door for her. Andy didn’t say anything, but the expression on her face let him know that she was impressed.

They both ordered the chicken special with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy. Andy moaned at the thought of all those calories even though she maintained a slim figure, but the diner’s food was delicious.

“Seems to me that you can stand the calories considering the work that you do.”

Andy smiled. “I’ve enjoyed working on your store and helping you with the furniture. After all, I expect to take some classes and I know what I want to see.”

“It helps to have someone like you around,” said Kevin. “You’ve really had some good ideas.”

“I enjoy the work I’m doing. I love to fix and create. On my own I’ve started offering suggestions to people when they had problems decorating their houses. I’ve delved into history books about Bentonville and looked up the background on some of the houses where I’m working on the plumbing and electricity. The people at the library have been very helpful.”

They finished their dinner and Kevin asked her if she wanted dessert.

“You’ve got to be kidding,!” she moaned.

“We can walk it off,” said Kevin. “How about a walk down to the benches on the beach?”

“Okay, but I’m not climbing on the scales tomorrow morning!” she smiled.

After pieces of delicious, homemade chocolate cake, they walked slowly to the beach and sat on a bench overlooking the water as the sun went down and the old –fashioned street lamps shone from the street above the sand hills.

Kevin was determined to find out about Andy’s past, in particular the fact that there was no man in her life.

“How long have you been back to Bentonville?” he squirmed as he tried to figure out how to approach the matter.

Andy was quiet a moment. “About six and a half years.”

“What did you teach?”

“Advanced placement English.”

Her answers were short and terse. Kevin couldn’t decide if he should just ask specific questions or let it go. It was obvious that she didn’t want to talk about the past. The conversation came to a halt.

Andy stood up and paced. “Okay, Kevin it’s obvious you’re trying to find out about me. I guess it’s only fair that I tell you a few things.”

Kevin shrugged. “Only if you want to. If there are things you don’t want to talk about, I understand..”

Andy sat down again and looked at him a moment. “Do you regard me as some kind of mystery woman?”

“Andy, what’s the problem?”

“You think there’s a problem? Here goes.”

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “You may hate me when I finish.”

“Hate is a very strong word, Andy. I could never hate you.” Kevin put his arm around her shoulders. “You don’t need to tell me anything.”

“Yes I do.” She waited a moment. “I was engaged once, to a guy that I thought was everything I’d ever want in a husband. He was wealthy, he lavished gifts on me, and said that I was just the woman he wanted to be seen with in his job. He told me how to dress, how to act in different situations. His sister was my roommate when I was teaching. We had known each other in college.

“ He drank a lot and one night he made love to me, the first time. I became pregnant. I said nothing at first, thinking that he would be very happy. He had said that he wanted two children to complete the picture of a happy family. I was wrong. He wanted me to have an abortion. He even took me to a clinic expecting me to follow his wishes. I walked in, looked around and walked out. I told him I couldn’t do it. I wanted the child. This was my body we were talking about.

“He took me home, not saying a word. When we got to the apartment he said that he would take no responsibility for the baby. He had other things in his life that were more important at the moment and the timing was bad.

“I said fine. But the baby is mine. I will just put father unknown on the birth certificate. I handed him back his engagement ring without saying anything.

“I went into the apartment and noticed that my roommate, his sister, had moved out. I sat there and cried. The first thing that came to mind was to call my parents. But I didn’t. I went for a walk and passed the church I had attended. I went in and asked God for help. I felt very empty. Later that night my parents called. I decided that I would tell them exactly what was going on. They wanted me to come home. They would help me with their grandchild.

“I decided that I was going to continue teaching, and somehow would manage. I did have the baby in California at the end of a school year. That was one of the lonliest moments in my life. I tried to find a nanny during the summer, but was not happy with the women I interviewed. They were biding their time until they were noticed in Hollywood.”

Kevin shook his head. “That must have really been a difficult time.”

“I decided to leave California and come home. Dana was very young and would not remember anything about the place. I hadn’t seen her father at all and didn’t call him. One morning there was an item in the newspaper saying that a wealthy playboy had gotten married to the heiress of a huge conglomeration. Guess who? I didn’t call his family at all. I wanted to break ties and get back here. I was amazed that he had even looked at me, I’m not wealthy, but doing well.

“I came home, started working with my father, and refused to listen to the gossip that was floating around about me and Dana. I called the church, not realizing that Bob Grayson was the pastor. It was great seeing him and I told him what I’d been through. He was really helpful and we prayed together. He found a very nice woman who would babysit while I worked. Turned out it was his mother! He told me that anything I said to him was between the two of us and God.

“I didn’t want to live with my parents, they had worked for their time together. I found the house I’m in now and I’m in the process of fixing it up. Got my licenses as an electrician and plumber, and now you know everything there is to know about me.”

“You have really been through it,” said Kevin softly. “You’re a strong woman.”

They walked to the car without saying another word. When they arrived at her house he walked her to the door and kissed her on the cheek.

“Sleep well,” he said. “You have a good life here.”



The next day, Saturday, Kevin walked into the shop which was crowded with boxes of items that had been delivered that morning. Amy oohed and aahed over the different yarns she was unpacking. Dana sat at a table with a coloring book, but Kevin didn’t see Andy.

“Where’s your mom?” he asked.

“Oh, she had to go to California on business. Said she’d be back on Monday. I’m staying with Grandma and Grandpa, but I’m here with Amy while Gran gets her hair done.”

Kevin’s thoughts reeled. What was going on? All he could think of was that Andy hadn’t told him everything and was getting back with what’s-his-name. She had never told him what the guy’s name was.

“Did your mom say what kind of business she was going on?”

“No. I guess it has something to do with teaching.”

I’m so sure, thought Kevin.

Sunday Kevin went to church and saw Dana with her grandparents. They came up to him after the service and Andy’s mother told him how glad she was that once again there would be a yarn store in Bentonville. Kevin worked to restrain himself from asking what on earth Andy was doing in California.

He was miserable the rest of the day. He tried to help Amy set up the shop for the grand opening the next week, but only got in the way. Amy could see that something was bothering him.

“Kevin, what is on your mind? You aren’t yourself.”

“You heard about Andy going to California. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. Frankly, if you’re interested in Andy you ought to say something to her.”

“Isn’t it a little early? We just went out for the first time.”

“Kevin,” she looked at him with her hands on her hips, “If it’s meant to be it doesn’t have to take three years to develop. If you’re going to go to church, you might say a prayer for guidance. And don’t laugh at me. It works.”

That night Kevin sat in his house and awkwardly tried to pray. It had been a long time since he wanted something so badly.



Monday was a day of anxiety. When was the plane coming in? There was no close airport, so she had to land at the one that was about sixty miles away. He called her parents and asked when Andy would arrive. Six o’clock, her mother told him. They were going to leave early for the airport and get a bite to eat.

Kevin had a wonderful idea. “Mrs. Nelson, why don’t I save you a trip? I’ll go to the airport and pick her up. If Dana wants to go with me we can stop and get a bite to eat.”

“Why Kevin, that is so nice of you. You’re sure it would be no trouble?”

He assured her it wouldn’t and arranged to pick up Dana.

They arrived at the airport fifteen minutes before Andy’s flight was to land. Dinner had been McDonald’s, Dana’s favorite.

“My mother won’t be happy about that, so can it be our secret, Kevin?”

“Sure, Dana.” The little girl was really warming up to him.

When Andy came out to the baggage area, her eyes were big with surprise and pleasure. Kevin was dying to ask her about the “business,” but refrained until they could be alone.

Andy invited him in when they got to her house, and conversation was light until Dana went to bed.

“Am I allowed to ask about the business trip?” asked Kevin.

“It came up quickly.” She squirmed in her place on the sofa trying to get comfortable. “When I got home the other night there was a call waiting for me. It was Phillip. He and his wife have split. He wanted to talk to me, he said, about Dana. I told him I’d taken care of that years ago. His name as father was nowhere on any document. Then he said he had really missed me and wanted to get back together. I said no, that I was leading a happy, productive life. And furthermore, I wasn’t going to have him upsetting Dana. With that, I walked out of the restaurant where he had taken me.”

“But why did you have to go to California?”

“I just wanted it settled, once and for all. At the airport, on my way back, I ran into his father, believe it or not. He handed me a huge check to stay out of his son’s life! I told him I did not want to be a part of Phillip’s life. I had made the trip to make that clear. He insisted I take the check for Dana. I started to refuse, but it was then that he said that he knew he’d never see her. That he admired me for what I had done, and he wished that Phillip would grow up.”

“So, you’re done with California?” asked Kevin slowly.

“Oh, yes. I’m home.”

Kevin stood up and cleared his throat. “Andy, you and Dana are very special. I realize that we haven’t gone out a lot, but I feel as if you could be a part of my life. I’m coming to love you. And I’d love to be Dana’s daddy. My wife was determined not to have children.”

Andy’s eyes were glistening with developing tears. Mom called me and told me that I should come home and pay attention to who cared for me. She met Phillip once, and didn’t like him. I think she was right.”

“Andy, can I assume that we’re working on a future together?”

“I think so. Does this mean we’ll be talking to Bob?”

“When he sees us at church together, he’ll know that we’ll be making an appointment sometime in the days to come. Hey, you know that movie we’ve been waiting to see? It’s in town. Want to go tomorrow night? Think you can get a sitter?”

“Mom will be delighted.”




HEY! and don't forget to e-mail Charlotte Ann Zuzak if you have a comment!


zuz@zoominternet.net

Author's Note: Charlotte has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Albion College, and a master’s in Spanish: foreign languages and literature from the University of Michigan. She has taught on the secondary and college levels.

She has also worked as a piano accompanist for voice students, and as a church organist.

With her husband, a retired university dean, she has traveled extensively. Her latest trip was to Croatia.

She enjoys knitting and making items for her one year old granddaughter.

Her poetry and short stories have appeared in many journals. She received awards from The Lake Ontario Writers’ group.





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