Clowning Around Page 3

  “No wonder Brian left home the day he turned eighteen,” Joe mumbled. He bent down to pick up the clown suit and shook his head. “I wouldn’t be surprised if my little brother isn’t still running from job to job, trying to dodge his problems.”

  His brother had a hot temper and had been fired from several positions because he couldn’t work well with others and didn’t want to take orders from his boss. Joe prayed for Brian regularly, but he’d given up trying to talk to him; their last discussion had ended in a horrible argument, and Joe figured he might never hear from his brother again.

  Pushing thoughts of his brother aside, Joe dropped the clown suit into the hamper. Without warning, another one of his mother’s accusations pounded in his head.

  You’re not going to wash that without checking the pockets, I hope.

  Joe chuckled. “No, Mom. I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  He stuffed his hand inside one deep pocket and withdrew three red pencil balloons and one green apple balloon. “Whew! Wouldn’t want to put these babies in the washing machine.”

  Joe plunged his hand into the other pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “Hmm—what’s this? Somebody’s phone number?” He sank to the edge of his bed and stared at the paper. Who’d recently given him a number, and why hadn’t he been smart enough to jot down a name to go with it?

  Joe grimaced. He’d probably forget his own name if it weren’t on his driver’s license.

  “Think hard, Joe. Whose number is on this piece of paper?”

  Lord, if this phone number is important, help me remember.

  Still nothing.

  Joe stretched out across the bed, and within a matter of minutes he was asleep. Several hours later he awoke, feeling more refreshed than he had all day.

  Sitting up, he noticed the slip of paper lying on the bed. He looked intently at the phone number, and a wide grin spread across his face. “Lois Johnson! Tabby’s sister gave me her number when we met at the coffee shop the other night.”

  Feeling as if he’d been handed an Oscar, Joe grabbed the telephone off the small table by his bed. He punched in the numbers and waited for Lois to pick up, but only a recorded message answered. He hated talking to machines so he didn’t leave a message.

  “Guess there’s no hurry,” he assured himself. “I’ll call her after I get back from the beach.”

  Five

  Joe set his suitcase inside the front door, plodded to the living room, and sank wearily to the couch. Two weeks at the beach should have revived him. But they hadn’t. His body felt rested, but he had a sense of unrest deep within his soul. Maybe he would feel better once he started working again. That’s what he needed—a few more crusades or a couple of birthday parties to get him back on his feet.

  Joe forced himself off the couch and headed for the kitchen. He hoped to find at least one job opportunity waiting for him on his answering machine. He didn’t want to start hunting for programs. He had never been good at promoting himself, and so far he hadn’t needed to. Word of mouth had served him well.

  Among the messages, he heard five requests for his clown routine. Two were for church rallies, and the other three involved birthday parties. Even though the parties were mainly for entertainment, he still felt as if he were doing something worthwhile by providing children with good, clean fun. He usually gave some kind of moral lesson with his balloon animals, so at least the children were being exposed to admirable virtues and not merely being entertained.

  Feeling a surge of energy, Joe returned the calls, lined up each program, and wrote the dates and times on his appointment calendar. The business end of Joe’s clowning was important, and he tried to stay organized with his programs, even if he weren’t always structured at home. It wouldn’t do to forget or arrive late for an engagement. In fact, it could cost him jobs if he did it too often.

  He was heading upstairs to unpack his suitcase when he spotted the slip of paper with Lois Johnson’s number on it. He dialed but reached her answering machine, as he had two weeks ago.

  “Isn’t that woman ever at home?” Joe muttered. He hung up the phone without leaving a message. “I’ll try again after I unpack and see if there’s anything in the refrigerator to eat.”

  ❧

  Pastor Hanson had insisted Lois take off early from work today so she decided to explore some of the new stores at the Tacoma Mall. She didn’t have a lot of money to spend, but she knew how to shop for bargains. If a store were having a good deal on something, she’d be sure to find it. Besides, Tabby and Seth had left the day before, and she was feeling lonely. A little shopping would help take her mind off her troubles. At least it would be a temporary diversion.

  Lois parked her car in the lot on the north side of the mall then slipped off her navy blue pumps and replaced them with a pair of comfortable walking shoes. It might not look fashionable to shop in an ankle-length navy-blue dress and a pair of black sneakers, but she didn’t care. It wasn’t likely she’d see anyone she knew at the mall.

  Lois grabbed her purse, hopped out of the car, and jogged to the mall’s closest entrance. Her first stop was a women’s clothing store where she found two blouses for under ten dollars and a pair of shorts that had been marked down to five dollars because summer was nearly over.

  Next she entered a bed and bath store in hopes of finding a new shower curtain. Her old one had water stains and was beginning to tear. The clerk showed her several, but they cost too much. Lois was about to give up when she noticed a man heading her way. She stood frozen in her tracks, her body trembling.

  Lois glanced around for something to hide behind, but it was too late. Michael Yehley was striding toward her, an arrogant smile on his face. Feelings of the old hurt and humiliation knifed through her, and she fought to keep from dashing out of the store.

  “Well, well, if it isn’t my beautiful ex-fiancée,” Michael drawled. He was dressed in a dark brown business suit, white shirt, and olive-green tie with tan pinstripes. He had never projected a flashy image, but he did carry about him an air of superiority. His dark hair, parted on the side, his aristocratic nose, and his metal-framed glasses gave him a distinguished appearance Lois had once found attractive.

  She took a step back as he reached for her hand. “H–hello, Michael. I’m surprised to see you here.”

  “My mother’s birthday is coming up, and I thought I’d get something for her newly redecorated bath.” He grinned at her. “She’s going with an oriental theme this time.”

  This time? How many other times has your mother redecorated her bathroom? Lois feigned a smile. “I’m sure she’ll like whatever you choose. You always did have impeccable taste.”

  Michael looked directly at her. “I thought so when I chose you.” He wrinkled his nose, as though some foul odor had suddenly permeated the room. “Of course, that was before you flipped out and went religious on me.”

  Lois swallowed hard. Michael first postponed their wedding because he thought she was too young and they hadn’t known each other long enough. But later, after she became a Christian, he had forced her to choose between him and God. When she told him she wouldn’t give up her relationship with Christ, he’d said some choice words and stormed out of her apartment. He had called a few weeks later, informing Lois she was acting like a confused little girl and that she should call if she ever came to her senses. That had been two years ago, but even now it hurt. Especially with Michael looking at her as if she’d been crazy for choosing God over him. She certainly didn’t want the man back in her life. She had tried hard enough after her conversion to get him to attend church, but it always caused an argument. Michael had been adamant about not needing any kind of religious crutch, and he’d told her he wasn’t going to church, no matter how many times she asked.

  “How about joining me for a cup of coffee?” Michael asked. “We can try out that new place on the other side of the mall.”

  Lois opened her mouth, but he cut her off. “It’ll be like old times, and you
can fill me in on what you’ve been up to lately.” He gave her a charming smile. “Besides, you look kind of down. Hot coffee and some time with me will surely cheer you up.”

  Lois shook her head. “You know I don’t like coffee, Michael.”

  “You can have tea, soda, whatever you want.” He took hold of Lois’s arm and steered her toward the door.

  “What about the gift you were planning to buy your mother?” she asked.

  “It can wait.”

  Why was she letting him escort her along the mall corridor? Was she so lonely she’d allow him to lead her away like a sheep being led to slaughter?

  When they reached the café, Michael found a table. He ordered a mocha-flavored coffee, and Lois asked for a glass of iced tea.

  As they waited for their beverages, Michael leaned across the table and studied Lois intently. “Tell me why you quit working for Thorn and Thorn.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “News sure travels fast. When did you hear I’d quit?”

  His lips curved into a smile. “I’m a lawyer, remember, Sweetie? Ray Thorn and I had some business dealings a few weeks ago, and he filled me in.”

  “I’m working as a secretary for Bayview Christian Church.”

  He grimaced. “That must mean you’re still on your religious soapbox.”

  Lois glanced down at her hands, folded in her lap. Her knuckles were white, and she was trembling again. Did Michael think it would help if he brought up her faith?

  “I’m not on a religious soapbox,” she said with clenched teeth. “I love the Lord, I’m enjoying my new job, and—”

  He held up one hand. “And you obviously care more about all that than you do me.”

  She sucked in her bottom lip. “What we once had is over, Michael. You made it perfectly clear you weren’t interested in marrying a religious fanatic. And from a scriptural point of view, I knew it would be wrong for us to get married if you weren’t a Christian.”

  Michael’s face grew red, and a vein on the side of his neck began to pulsate. “Are you saying I’m not good enough for you?”

  “It’s not that. With our religious views being so opposite, it wouldn’t have worked out. We would always be arguing.”

  “As we are now?”

  She nodded.

  The waitress arrived then, and Lois and Michael sat in silence for awhile, sipping their drinks. Lois wished she hadn’t come here with him. Nothing good was resulting from this little meeting.

  “I’m sorry things didn’t work out for us, Michael,” she murmured, “but, as I said before, I could never have married someone who didn’t share my belief in God.”

  The waitress brought the bill and placed it next to Michael’s cup. He gulped down the rest of his coffee and stood, knocking the receipt to the floor. “Some things never change, and you’re obviously one of them!”

  He bent down to pick up the bill. “Nice shoes,” he said in a mocking tone, as he pointed to Lois’s sneakers. “Real stylish.”

  Lois blinked back the burning tears threatening to spill over. So much for her afternoon shopping spree making her feel better. Michael had a knack for getting under her skin; he’d made her cry on more than one occasion, even when they were dating and supposed to be in love. Lois still found him physically attractive, but now she was even more convinced that he was not her type.

  Michael stalked off, but a few seconds later he returned to the table with a grim expression on his face. “I just want you to know—I harbor no ill feelings toward you. I’m getting on with my life, and apparently you are too.”

  Lois only nodded. Her throat was too clogged with tears, and she was afraid if she tried to speak she would break down. She didn’t love Michael anymore, but seeing him again and hearing the way he talked about her faith made her know for certain she’d done the right thing. Her unshed tears were for the time she’d wasted in a relationship that had gone nowhere. She also ached for Michael, that he would discover the same joy she had in a personal relationship with God. Only then had she found freedom from the pursuit of wealth and power, and she wished the same for him. She thought of the people lost in their sin, refusing to acknowledge they’d done anything wrong and turning their backs on God and the salvation He offered through the shed blood of Christ. She sincerely hoped Michael would choose to receive this gift.

  Suddenly Michael leaned close to her ear and whispered, “If you should ever come to your senses, give me a call.” With that, he kissed her abruptly on the cheek, turned, and was gone.

  Lois was too stunned to move. She could scarcely catch her breath.

  ❧

  A half hour later Lois unlocked the door to her apartment and heard the phone ringing. She raced to grab it before the answering machine picked up. “Hello.”

  “Lois, is that you?”

  “Yes. Who’s this?”

  “Joe Richey—the goofy gospel clown who fell into your lap a few weeks ago.”

  Lois’s heart pounded, and she drew in a breath to steady her nerves. Since he hadn’t called, she’d given up hope that he might.

  “You still there, Lois?”

  His mellow voice stopped her thoughts. “Yes, I’m here—just a little surprised to hear from you.”

  “I said I’d call, and you did give me your phone number,” Joe reminded her.

  “I know, but it’s been over two weeks, and—”

  “And you gave up on me.”

  “I–I guess I did.”

  “I’ve been to Ocean Shores, taking a much-needed vacation.”

  “Did you have a good time?”

  “It was okay. I did a lot of walking on the beach and slept late every morning.” Joe chuckled. “Something I hardly ever do when I’m at home.”

  Lois twirled the phone cord around her finger, wondering what to say next.

  “Listen—the reason I’m calling is, I was wondering if you’d like to go bowling this Friday night.”

  Lois paused as she tried to absorb what Joe had said.

  “You do know how to bowl, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but not very well.”

  “Maybe I can give you a few pointers. I’ve been bowling since I was a kid and have a pretty good hook with my ball.”

  Lois giggled. In her mind’s eye she could picture Joe lining up his ball with the pins, snapping his wrist to the left, then acing a strike on the very first ball.

  “So what do you say? Would you like to go bowling?”

  “Sure—I’d love to.”

  Six

  Lois paced between the living room window and the fireplace. Joe should have been here fifteen minutes ago. Had he encountered a lot of traffic on the freeway between Olympia and Tacoma? Had he forgotten the time he’d agreed to come? Maybe he’d stood her up. No, that wasn’t likely. Joe seemed too nice of a guy to do something so mean. He did appear to be a bit irresponsible, though. He’d said he would call her after they met at the coffee shop, but he’d gone on vacation and hadn’t phoned until two weeks later.

  “Sure hope I’m doing the right thing by going out with Joe,” Lois murmured. “He’s funny and cute, but not really my type.” What exactly was her type? She’d once thought Michael fit the criteria—charming, good-looking, smart, and financially well off. Weren’t those the qualities she was looking for in a man?

  “That was then, and this is now,” Lois said as she checked her appearance in the hall mirror. She had a different set of ideals concerning men now. The most important thing was whether he were a Christian or not, and next came compatibility.

  The doorbell rang, and Lois jumped. She peered through the peephole in her apartment door and saw one big hazel-colored eye staring back at her.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Joe apologized when she opened the door. “You gave me your address the other night, but I forgot where I laid it and spent fifteen minutes trying to locate it.” Before she could reply, he pulled a bouquet of pink carnations from behind his back and handed them to her. Their hands touched briefly, an
d Lois was caught off guard by the feelings that stirred deep within.

  “I hope these will make up for my forgetfulness,” Joe said with a big smile.

  Lois smiled, too, and inhaled the subtle fragrance of the bouquet. “Thanks for these. Carnations are my favorite. Come inside while I put them in water.”

  Joe followed her into the kitchen, and after she’d filled a vase with water and inserted the flowers, she turned to him and smiled. He was dressed in a black-knit polo shirt and a pair of blue jeans. Nothing fancy, yet she thought he looked adorable. It must be that crooked grin. Or maybe it’s his curly brown hair. I wonder what it would feel like to run my fingers through those curls. Lois halted her thoughts. She barely knew Joe, and after being hurt by Michael she hoped she was smart enough not to rush into another relationship.

  “You look great tonight,” Joe said. “In fact, we resemble a pair of matching bookends.”

  Lois glanced down at her black tank top and blue jeans. “Let’s hope we match as well at the bowling alley.”

  “No big deal if we don’t.” Joe’s eyebrows wiggled up and down. “That’ll make it more interesting.”

  ❧

  Joe sat on the bench, with his arms crossed and a big smile on his face, watching Lois line up her ball with the pins. Her golden hair, held back with two small barrettes, glistened under the bowling alley lights and made him wish he could touch it and feel its softness. He had no plans of becoming emotionally involved with anyone right now, but something about Lois drew him in a way he’d never experienced with other women. Was it merely her good looks, or did Lois have the kind of sweet spirit he desired in a wife? Wife? Now where did that thought come from?

  Lois squealed with delight when she knocked down half the pins on her first throw, forcing Joe’s thoughts back to the game. “Good job!” he exclaimed, pointing both thumbs up in the air.

  She pivoted and smiled at him, revealing two dimples he hadn’t noticed before. “Not too bad for an amateur, huh?” She grabbed her ball when it returned to the rack and positioned herself in front of the alley. This time her aim was a bit off, and the ball made it halfway down before it veered to the right and rolled into the gutter.