“It was a long time coming, and I felt the sting of Kyle’s chastisement for taking so long. Did you know you possess the same mischievous twinkle that he had? Am I destined to know men who love to tease?”
“I hope so.”
“Thank you for being my friend these past days. I have enjoyed your company, even if my actions say the contrary.”
“And you know what today is, right?” Chad asked.
“Yes,” Merissa drew out the words as in the song’s phrase, “five golden rings.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Another bizarre coincidence in my morning adventure. But I was hoping you had the rundown on its symbolism. The whole pause in the melody is rather dramatic don’t you think?”
“Well, I hope you like the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, because that’s what this line represents.” Chad looked at her surprised expression. “Yeah – I was rather disappointed myself.”
“Surely there’s more,” Merissa pleaded. “Moses was great, but I was expecting something more...”
“Romantic?” Chad leaned across the table and grinned openly. “Well, you are in luck. There is more. Rings also symbolize eternity.”
“I beg to differ there.”
“I thought you might, considering the one you just took off your finger. But a ring has no stopping or starting spot. It just twirls round and round. You know that Kyle is in heaven, right? And someday you will be there, as well. So, the engagement ring he gave you is eternal – just whirling in space until you meet again.”
“Now that puts a nice romantic touch of the whole goodbye scene.”
“Our goodbyes in this life are only temporary,” said Chad.
“You should have been a preacher.”
“It’s difficult enough dealing with hard-headed business people who don’t know better. I’d lose it if I had to deal with an entire congregation that should know better.”
“Ouch!” Merissa definitely should have known better. She recalled Amy’s earlier remarks. “But I hear you have an artistic side.”
“Oh? And who betrayed that tidbit of knowledge?”
“Amy said she caught a quick peek before you closed your sketch pad. She thinks you are talented, but your choice of material was a little questionable.”
“She said that?”
“No, I’m teasing. Not about your talent, but why on earth would you draw portraits of me?”
“Why not? You are an interesting model,” said Chad.
“Is that what I am?”
“Definitely not all that you are, but this time I’m throwing compliments out slower. Don’t want to frighten my inspiration away.”
“Don’t walk on eggshells with me, Chad. Just be yourself,” Merissa said. She was tired of people pitter-pattering around her to spare her feelings. She was tougher than that and she’d prove it.
“Duly noted, Miss James.”
Chad took her hands in his. “So, are you ready to pick up where we left off?”
“Whatever happened to, slow?” Merissa asked.
“You wanted me to be upfront, and the answer to that particular question is burning a hole in my heart,” said Chad.
“All I can say is I’m starting fresh today and open to see where that leads me. I do like you, Chad Livingston.”
“And I double-do, like you, Merissa James.”
“So, what’s on the calendar today?” Merissa asked.
“I might attend a class where they teach you how to fold all those towels to create animals like the ones the stewards leave on our beds every night.”
“Desperate for recreation, I see,” Merissa teased.
“Hey, why not? I didn’t know you would be the feature of my day when I decided to go.”
“I hear there are shirts on sale this morning, and then a run or walk, on the top deck to help raise money to fight cancer,” said Merissa.
“I’m in for that. As soon as you’re finished eating your cold breakfast, we’ll head over and sign up.”
“Crepes are fine cold. And us talking was more important than food, anyway.”
“Agreed.” Chad leaned over and picked a loose strawberry off her plate. She slapped his fingers. “Guess I’ll head over there and let them stir me up a mess like that. A fruity dessert sounds good about now.”
“Yes, go. I’ll be here when you get back.”
“I’m counting on it, Merissa. My day is looking a lot brighter since you sat down.”
They spent the morning at sea deciphering lame paper instructions, overlooked by the far-too-busy demonstrator who struggled to teach a large group how to create creatures from white bath, hand and face cloths. At the end of the class, Chad purchased the hardcover book, for future attempts, leaving the room somewhat humiliated with their lack of skills in accomplishing the creative work of art.
The cancer walk was another story. That was their place of comfort and the need to find a cure for this horrific disease spurred them on. Each disappeared behind bathroom doors and came out donning new t-shirts, labeled Running for Cancer.
“You are looking more like yourself, dear lady,” Chad said.
“And you are bulging out of that shirt. You should have purchased a large to hold in those muscles.”
Chad beamed. “Ah, hah. So you like my muscles?”
Merissa slapped him but he ducked and she missed the mark. “I’m not feeding your ego today. Let’s get this run started.”
“Walk, remember?” said Chad.
“The shirt says run,” she teased.
“But you said...”
“Oh, stop whining. We can walk – fast,” Merissa said as they headed for the stairs. “I’m not sure I like this side of you, Mr. Livingston.” He groped for her and she slipped out of his reach, darting up the stairs two at a time.
“I see where this is headed. Missing the whole competition thing, are you?” Chad shouted from behind.
Merissa agreed. Yes, she missed the challenge of measuring her stamina against someone else. The rivalry forced her to achieve the best results possible. She felt relief when her thoughts did not automatically gravitate to
