Friday, June 24, 2011

Chapter 24

Richie barely heard the rest of the service.  He stayed tuned-in enough to stand with the congregation and exchange fellowship greetings with the family in front of him, but his mind was preoccupied with his revelation that maybe his future lay here, in this little Georgia town.

He felt a little guilty at the thought of not going back home to Jersey.  But Richie also felt a flush of warm excitement at the idea of staying in Darien with Annie.  He could hardly wait to talk to her after church, to tell her of his epiphany and to see the happy sparkle in her blue eyes.

Richie’s mind raced as he considered what the future may bring.  They’d figure out the details soon enough, he and Annabelle.  He obviously had to find a job and a place to live.  But Richie was fairly certain Annie would put up with him sleeping on her couch for at least a few more nights, until he could make his own arrangements. 

If the couch was where she wanted him to sleep, anyway.  The idea of waking up in Annie’s bed again made Richie smile.

Finally, after a long sermon, a few more hymns, the offering, and another performance by the choir, the worship service came to a close.  Richie practically jumped out of the pew, eager to find Annabelle. 

When he realized it would take her a few minutes to return her choir robe to the closet and make her way out to him, Richie retreated to the back corner of the sanctuary.  He stood against the wall, watching the congregation members socialize and file out through the front doors, shaking hands with the Reverend and his wife as they departed.  

Richie wondered if Reverend Purdy would remember his name when he approached.  Then he chuckled softly as he answered his own question.  Probably everybody in this little church would know his name, considering how many curious questions he had answered while he serviced cars at Eddie’s yesterday.

“So you didn’t run out on me, huh?”  Annie’s sweet voice in his ear sent a tingle down Richie’s spine.  He turned to give her a broad smile, wondering how she had snuck up on him. 

“Nope.   Made it through the whole service.  And lightning didn’t strike or nothin’.”

Annie giggled.  “Well, imagine that.  Considerin’ you haven’t been a very church-goin’ man lately, maybe God was cuttin’ you a break.”  Annie’s blue eyes twinkled merrily.  “But you still owe him some Hail Marys, I’m guessin’.”

Richie chortled and dropped his voice.  “Yeah, just for the robe closet alone.  You should be confessing for that.  You started it.”

“Mmmm.”  Annie didn’t argue, she just gave Richie a conspiratorial smirk.  “So, you hungry?”

As if on cue Richie’s stomach emitted a low rumble.  He grinned.  “Yeah.  Starving.”

“Well come on, then.  Plenty of good food out in the Fellowship Hall.”  Annie slipped her hand into the crook of Richie’s arm.  She gently guided him toward the front door, strolling slowly at his side.   “How ‘bout we go fill our plates and go outside, sit on the grass?  Have a little picnic?” 

“Sounds good,”  Richie nodded.  Actually, it sounded perfect.  He could hardly wait to get Annie alone so he could tell her about his plan.

But first he had to get past the Preacher at the front door.

“Reverend Purdy, this is my friend I was tellin’ you about.”  Annie gave Richie’s arm a little squeeze with her introduction.  “Richie.”

“Ah, yes.  Our visitor from up North.”  The gray-haired, bespectacled man in the white robe gave Richie a warm smile as he extended his hand in greeting.  “Welcome.”

Richie accepted the Pastor’s handshake with a shy grin.  “Thanks.”  He gave Annie a sideways glance, trying to think of something to say to the Reverend.  “Umm… that was a nice service.”

“Why thank you, Son.”  Reverend Purdy’s smile broadened.  “I always enjoy deliverin’ that message, and I certainly like seein’ new faces out in the congregation.  Was there anything special ‘bout the service you enjoyed?”

Richie shifted uncomfortably, realizing he was on the spot.  Shit.  He hadn’t paid attention to a single word of the sermon.  “Uh… actually…”  Another little squeeze from Annie’s soft hand gave him the answer.  “I liked the music.  Nice songs… uh, hymns.  And the choir is really good.”

The Reverend beamed at the compliment.  “Yes, they sure are.  Beautiful voices of praise.”  He tipped his head toward Annie.  “Especially you, Annabelle.  Your solo today was perfect.”

“Why thank you, Reverend.”  Annie replied primly.

“Annie, you look lovely, my Dear.”  The plump, sandy-haired woman standing next to Reverend Purdy spoke, having finished her conversation with an elderly lady who was now shuffling toward the Fellowship Hall.  “That green dress is quite fetching.  Of course, you look beautiful in everything.”

Annie giggled softly, a light blush painting her pretty cheeks.  “Why thank you, Miss Adeline.”

“Honey, this is Annie’s friend, Richie.  He’s visiting from… New York, is it?”  Reverend Purdy’s attempted introduction made Annie giggle again.

“New Jersey,” Richie corrected him before giving the pastor’s wife a little smile and nod of his dark head.  “Ma’am.”

“Yes, of course.  I remember you from yesterday.”  Adeline Purdy reached out to give Richie’s forearm a familiar little pat.  “You filled up my tank over at the Texaco.  And checked my oil and cleaned my windshield.”  She smiled sweetly.  “And did a fine job of it, too.”

“Uh… thanks.”  Richie’s cheeks tinted slightly at the compliment.

The pastor’s wife turned her inquisitive gaze from Richie to Annie, then back again.  “So how long will you be staying with us in Darien, Richie?”

“Oh, he’s just passin’ through, Miss Adeline.”  Annie was quick to answer, cutting off Richie’s reply before he could draw in a breath.  “Eddie’s fixin’ his car, then Richie’s headed back North.”

“Oh, well that’s just too bad,” Adeline tutted.  “He’s gonna miss the Blessing of the Fleet next weekend, then.”

“Uh… yeah.  Sorry.”  Again Richie fidgeted, eager for this conversation to end so he could tell Annie that actually he would be here for next weekend’s church event.  The corners of his mouth curved upward at the thought.

“Well, I’m sure he’ll be happy to get back home to his folks in New Jersey.”  Annie turned her sweet smile to Richie, then giggled as she heard his stomach grumble again.  “But first I think we better get some food in him.”

The Reverend and Mrs. Purdy laughed warmly along with Annie as Richie’s blush deepened.  But he didn’t mind being the butt of the joke when he felt Annie’s hand slide along his arm until her palm pressed against his.  His smile broadened as she laced her fingers with his and gave his hand a little squeeze.

“Enjoy the potluck, Richie.  We got some fine cooks in this little church.”  Reverend Purdy chuckled as he watched the two young people exchange a look.  It always warmed his heart to see new love blossoming in his parish.

“Thank you, Sir.” Richie replied over his shoulder as Annie tugged him toward the little hallway to the Fellowship Hall.  “Ma’am.”

“Bye, Richie, Annabelle.  Y’all have a Blessed day.”  Adeline Purdy gave the couple a little wave before exchanging a smile with her husband.  “Nice young man.”

“Seems to be,” Reverend Purdy agreed.  “Guess he’s got a little bit of a wild streak in him, though.”  He chuckled quietly.  “He and Annabelle were out at Ruby Mae’s last night, I hear.  And he was singin’ and playin’ guitar.”

Adeline Purdy’s brows lifted with surprise.  “Oh, my.”  Her lips pursed as she turned her gaze back to the lanky, long-haired young man who stood quietly by Annabelle’s side in the doorway to the Fellowship Hall, his hand still twined with hers.

Reverend Purdy shook his head and tsked quietly at his wife’s reaction.  “Addie, she’s happy.  And we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”  He grinned and lowered his voice.  “Besides, he’s leavin’ town tomorrow.”

“Well Praise the Lord for that,” Adeline replied, giving her husband a meaningful look.

Annie guided Richie into the Fellowship Hall, which was buzzing with enthusiastic conversation.  Richie felt dozens of pairs of eyes on him as he carefully filled a paper plate with fried chicken, potato salad, and portions other home-cooked dishes.  He smiled and exchanged greetings with a handful of church ladies at Annie’s introduction, though he wanted nothing more than to flee the room and find a quiet spot to wolf down his delicious-looking lunch.

Richie breathed a sigh of relief when Annie led him back through the Hall doors and down the front steps of the church.  Finally he would have a few minutes alone with Annie, where he could tell her of his plan.  But his relief was short-lived;  as soon as they dismounted the steps friendly greetings claimed Annabelle’s attention.

Annie glanced at Richie as he was met with this new assault of friendly curiosity by the parishoners.  She could read his discomfort in his slouched posture and his tight little smile.  Realizing Richie had reached his limit of socializing, Annie led him toward a quiet corner of the yard, politely declining several invitations to join friends and neighbors in their picnics.

Richie nodded gratefully when Annie directed him to sit in the shade of a big weeping willow tree.  Remembering his manners, he waited for her to settle onto the cool grass before dropping to the lawn beside her.  He couldn’t stop a relieved little groan as he balanced his plate on his lap and leaned back against the smooth tree trunk.

Annie giggled softly.  “Sorry ‘bout all that.  I reckon you’ve had enough Fellowship for awhile.”

“S’Okay.”  Richie shrugged, then gave her a half-hearted smile.  “They’re just being nice.”

“They’re bein’ nosy, is what they’re bein’,” Annie chortled, pulling off her high-heeled shoes.  She tucked her legs up underneath her, carefully balancing her plate on her lap.   She smiled back at Richie.  “Go on, eat.  I know you’re starvin’.”

Richie nodded and picked up the fried chicken drumstick from his plate, taking a big bite.  He hummed in appreciation; it was delicious.  In a matter of a few bites he had cleaned the meat from the bone.

Annie watched him eat with gusto, then chuckled again as she turned her attention to her own plate.  “So, what did you think of the service?  A lot different from your church?”

Richie nodded as he swallowed a mouthful of potato salad.  He swiped a napkin across his lips before responding.  “Yeah.  I kept waiting for everybody to kneel.  But nobody did.” 

Annie giggled.  “We Baptists kneel sometimes.  Just not today.”  She sipped from her Styrofoam cup of sweet tea.  “What else?”

“No altar boys.  And the whole service was in English.”  Richie shoveled another forkful of potato salad into his mouth.  “God, this is great,” he mumbled in approval.

“Your church does services in Latin?”  Annie smiled at Richie’s nod.  “Wow.  That must be really confusin’.  Do you understand it?”

“It is.  And no.”  Richie grinned.  “I can repeat the words but I have no damned idea what I’m saying.”  He took a drink from his own cup.  “At least you can understand what your Priest is saying.”

“Pastor,” Annie corrected him, then smirked.  “Not that I was listenin’.”

“Me either.”  Richie smiled sheepishly.  “I was…”  He paused for a moment, looking up at Annie.  Seeing her blue eyes sparkling back at him, Richie took a deep breath.  “Actually, I was thinking, about… stuff.”

Annie felt a little flutter in her tummy at Richie’s quiet statement.  “What kinda stuff?”  she inquired softly.

“About… well…”  Richie paused again, his brow furrowing as he tried to figure out how to explain his epiphany.  “I guess it kinda happened, what you said earlier.  Before we went in the church, remember?”

“What did I say?”

“About God showing me the Light.”  Richie looked down at his plate, suddenly a little embarrassed by his impending admission.  “I... um… I guess I just kind of… got it.”

Annie’s eyes widened slightly.  “You got it?  Got what, Richie?”  She grinned.  “Are you saying you had a Holy Vision?”

Richie shook his head, his cheeks coloring lightly.  It really sounded silly, now that Annie said it.  “No.  Not a vision, exactly.”  He took a deep breath, puffing his exhalation upward to ruffle his bangs.  “I just realized something.  About the future.”

Annie’s smile gentled.  “What about the future?”  Her tone was softer, encouraging.

Richie set his fork down on his plate and raised his gaze to meet Annie’s.  “I was watching this little girl.  You know, the one in front of me, with her parents?”

Annie nodded.  “Sure.  Scott and Lisa’s little girl, Lindsay.  She’s a cutie, ain’t she?”

“Yeah.  She’s adorable.  Anyway…”  Richie felt his pulse kick up.  He didn’t know why, but he was suddenly nervous.   “I was watching her and her parents, and I realized…”  He swallowed hard and looked down at the plate on his lap, then back up to Annabelle’s beautiful face.  “I realized I don’t want to go back to Jersey.”

Annie’s heart skipped a beat.  “You… you don’t wanna go home?  But Richie… then where will you go?”  Her voice had taken on a husky note, laced with both hope and dread.

Richie’s lips curved into a wistful smile.  “Annie, I think I’m meant to stay here.  In Darien.  With you.” 

Nervous butterfly wings beat in Richie’s stomach as he heard Annabelle’s little gasp.  She gazed at him for a long moment before clearing her throat softly.

“You mean… you think… God brought you here to Darien, to be… to be with me?” 

Annie’s eyes widened in stunned disbelief.  Her heart danced for a moment, then sank like a stone.  The words Richie was saying to her were beautiful, almost too beautiful to bear.  He wanted to stay here with her.  They wouldn’t have to say goodbye after this weekend.

But how could he really mean it?  Despite their intimacy, Richie hardly knew her.  When he had told her he loved her last night it was in the afterglow of sex.  She knew he believed the words when he uttered them, but things surely looked different in the light of day.

But here he was again, telling her he wanted to be with her.  Annie's lips curved in a slight frown.  If he did stay here, what would he be giving up for her?  His family?  His home?  His music?  His dream?   Annie swallowed hard at that thought.  How could she keep Richie from everything that made him who he is?

Richie nodded slowly, a little wave of dread forming in the pit of his stomach at Annie’s reaction.  Oh shit.  What if she doesn’t want me here?  Suddenly he felt the need to explain.  The words tumbled from his lips.

“I was thinking maybe I can get a job somewhere around here, maybe at the Paper Mill.  And find a place to live.  I’d probably have to rent a room at first, until I can save up some money, but…”

“Richie.”  Annie interrupted his pitch with a quiet word.  “I’d love nothin’ more than for you to stay here in Darien.”  She swallowed hard, then smiled in spite of herself.  “With me.”

The rest of her reply died on her lips at Richie’s beaming smile.  But you can’t stay here.  This isn’t where you belong,  she continued silently.  

But she couldn't say the words out loud.  She couldn't bear to extinguish his joy.

Annie knew it was wrong, allowing her own needs and desires to keep her from being honest with Richie.  His future wasn’t here, in a dead-end job in this backwater little town.  He had so much promise, so much potential.  Richie was destined for great things.  She just knew it.  And she couldn’t selfishly hold him back.

Even if he had told her he loved her.

Richie’s grin was brighter than the sun.  “I… Oh, Annie… I just knew you’d be excited too!”  He set his plate aside on the grass and reached for her hand.  “I can start workin’ on it today, maybe go to some of the places around town, see if anybody’s hiring.  Maybe pick up some applications…”

Annie’s gentle laugh cut him off.  “Slow down, Richie.  It’s Sunday.  Ain’t nothin’ open today.”

“Uh…. Oh.”  Richie grinned sheepishly.  “Yeah, I guess you’re right.  I’m just not used to that.  Back home in Jersey lots of stuff is open on Sunday.”

“Well this ain’t New Jersey,” Annie chided him gently.  “Down here Sunday’s for God and family.”  She smiled.  “You’ll have plenty of time to figure out what you’re gonna do come tomorrow.”

Richie brushed his thumb gently over the back of Annie’s soft hand.  “Yeah, guess you’re right,” he shrugged, then grinned.  “Guess I’m just excited.”

Annie’s smile softened.  “I know.”  She gently tugged her hand from Richie’s, then set her half-empty plate aside .  “You wanna get some dessert, then we’ll head for home?  There’s pie.”

“I could eat some pie.”

Annie laughed, her eyes sparkling.  “I thought so.  Well come on, let’s go get you a piece before Eddie and the Reverend eat it all.”

Richie stood and helped Annabelle to her feet, then they carried their lunch plates and cups to the trash before returning to the Fellowship Hall.  Once inside they socialized with the church ladies while they each finished a piece of fresh blueberry pie with homemade ice cream.  Then Annie and Richie said their farewells and escaped to Annie’s old truck, Richie carrying the now-empty deviled egg platter.

Annie smiled quietly and listened to Richie’s excited chatter during the short drive back to her home.  He seemed so happy; she didn’t have the heart to tell him of her misgivings about his plan to stay in Darien.  She didn’t want to see the shadow of sadness return to his handsome face.  So she stayed mute, letting him enjoy his euphoria.

Once home, Richie followed Annie up the short walk to the porch steps.  He chuckled quietly when she stopped short in front of the door, making him bump into her. 

“Whoops.  Sorry.”  Richie’s hands slipped to Annie’s waist, steadying her as she wobbled on her high heels.

Annie giggled and turned to face Richie, feeling his big hands slide across her waist and back as she moved.  “S’Okay.”  Her hands raised to rest on his chest, toying with the loosened knot of Richie’s tie which was now askew under his unbuttoned collar.  She smiled up at him.  “So, whatcha gonna do this afternoon?  Watch TV?”

Richie’s brow furrowed slightly.  He figured he and Annie would spend some time together, maybe go somewhere or do something.   “Umm… I dunno.  What are you gonna do?”

“Me?” Annie chuckled throatily.  “I gotta do my Sunday chores.  If I don’t get ‘em done today I won’t have time durin' the week.”  She stepped closer to Richie, her hands sliding around his waist.

“Chores?  Like what?”

With a sideways glance Richie spied the porch swing at the end of the little veranda.   A happy vision of Annie curled against his side as they rocked slowly on the swing flashed in his mind.   With a secretive little smile Richie slowly turned, guiding Annie with him, and shuffled backwards toward the swing. 

Annie giggled softly, realizing what Richie was trying to do.  “Oh, all kindsa stuff.  I gotta tend to the garden, do the wash, clean the bathroom, bake some bread…”

“Wow.  That sounds like a lotta stuff,” Richie observed.  He stopped moving when the back of his legs bumped against the swing.  He smiled down at Annie, ready to coax her into forgetting about her chores for awhile.  He really wanted to just sit and relax with Annabelle, and make plans for their future together.

“Well, it ain’t easy livin’ on your own, you know.  Nobody’s gonna do all that stuff for me.”

“I can help you.”

Annie arched a quizzical brow at Richie’s offer.  “Oh yeah?  You know how to wash clothes?  You don’t know how to iron 'em.”

Richie shrugged, grinning gently.  “Okay, maybe not that.  But I can help with the garden.  But first I think we should just take a break.  Relax a little.  Ain’t Sunday supposed to be a day of rest or somethin’?”

“Yes, it is,”  Annie agreed, her blue eyes sparkling as she smiled up at Richie.  “So a little break, huh?”

“Yeah.” 

“Hmmm.  I don’t know.  I got an awful lot to do.”  Her protest was coy as her hands slipped forward to his belt buckle.  Her fingers tugged gently, pushing the leather strap against the metal square as she worked to unfasten the belt.

Richie sucked in a sharp breath as his dick jumped at the attention of her hands.  “Annie… uh… c’mon.  You can.. can relax a little… first.  Right?”  Her actions were making it difficult for him to form a cogent argument.

Annie chuckled as she succeeded in unfastening Richie’s belt and deftly popped open the snap under his buckle.  She felt the heat of his groin as she nudged the zipper downward, the metal teeth parting with a soft, slow grate. 

“I really need to get goin’ on the wash.  It’s gonna take all afternoon to dry on the line.”   Though her voice was calm and silky, Annie’s pulse was racing.  She had spent the whole church service watching Richie, remembering how glorious he looked naked in the moonlight.  And daydreaming about a little afternoon interlude, once she got him alone.

Now there was nobody here but the two of them.  And they had nothing but time.

OH!   Annie!”  Richie gasped with delighted surprise when Annie’s hand slipped into the fly of his jeans, cupping his already-fully-formed erection over his briefs.  He silently cursed the Catholic guilt-based modesty that had inspired him to wear underwear to church this morning.

“Thought maybe I’d do a load of your things too.  Since a lot of ‘em seem to be a little… musty.”  Annie chuckled as she remembered the wadded-up garments Richie had produced from his ruck this morning.  “But first…”  She gave Richie a wicked smirk, then gracefully sank down until she knelt in front of him.  Her hand slipped from his crotch to grasp his hip as she regarded from eye-level the ample bulge in his open fly.

Richie’s eyes widened as he watched Annie’s tongue slide slowly across her plump bottom lip before she continued her declaration.

“We need to get you out of these clothes…”



5 comments:

  1. catte I heart you! this is so perfectly written I feel envious of your talent! thanks for sharing

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  2. More!!! Need MORE!!!
    PLEASE!!!

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  3. Wow! I'm in love with this version of Richie (as well as the real one!)

    More please

    Vicki (Totallysambora)

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  4. Now that's just cruel to stop there! LOL. Great chapter! -ferfy0

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  5. Anytime you want to post another chapter is fine with us! So loving this. Anxiously waiting for the next segment ;)

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