The Memory (12 page)

Elliot was impressed by the depth of Geneva’s concern for her guests and he told her so. 

“You really take these things to heart, don’t you?”  It was more of an observation than a question.

Geneva nodded.  “A lot of suffering souls pass through the inn.  If I can point one in the direction of God’s love and mercy, then I guess I’ve done my job.”

“I imagine you’ve pointed more than just one, Geneva.”

“I give all the credit to the Lord.  He’s the one steering this vessel.”

An awkward smile spread across Elliot’s face.  “You managed to turn something bad in your life into something exceptional.  That says a lot about you, Geneva. You’re a survivor.”

“And a woman of extreme faith,” she added, confidently.  “I can’t do anything without my Savior.”

Elliot balled up his napkin with the crumbs of the muffin secured inside then tossed it in the trash can.  “Well, on that note, let’s get to work.”

“Where do we start?”  Geneva wondered aloud as they walked outside.

Elliot stood with hands on hips and scanned the grounds.  He had no idea.  Olivia’s criticism about the project sprang to mind. Suddenly, he doubted his abilities.  Was he even cut out for something this huge?

“I’m really not sure what I’m doing, Geneva.” A look of utter confusion swept over Elliot’s face.  It melted Geneva’s heart.

She put a hand on his shoulder.  “Let’s pray for God’s guidance.  That’s usually what I do when I feel weak or overwhelmed.  This is a big undertaking, Elliot.”

Without thinking twice, Geneva grabbed Elliot’s hand and led him to the water’s edge.  They bowed their heads.  Geneva asked God to give wisdom and clarity to Elliot for his generous offer to clean up the lake and picnic area for the Palmers.

“That was nice, Geneva,” he told her when she finished.  “You have a beautiful way with words.  I can’t imagine God denying you anything when you ask him so thoughtfully and humbly.”

Geneva blushed at the unnecessary compliment.  Praying was a big part of her life and ministry.  She stayed in a state of prayer all day long. 

“It’s not just praying, Elliot,” Geneva said as they moseyed to Elliot’s truck.  “You have to trust and believe. God loves a faithful heart.  I’m not always willing to sit back and let Him take over.  I’m pretty much a take-charge person.  Sometimes, I rely too much on my own abilities instead of trusting Him to do His will.  That’s usually when I make a mess of things or fail.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Elliot said, and he meant it.  Geneva made trusting the Lord sound so natural and easy.  He wanted her kind of faith. 

They jumped in the truck, and Elliot drove it close to the work area.  A plan formed in his mind before he parked under a tree.  They’d tackle the picnic area first.  While Geneva raked up the ground, Elliot started repairing the tables.  Some were too dilapidated to keep, so he marked them.  If Rick came the following week, he could help dump them and rebuild more.

After four hours of grueling work, Geneva suggested stopping for lunch.  They strolled over to the inn and washed up in the kitchen.  Russell was excited to see Elliot again.  The feeling was mutual.  Elliot played with the pooch while Geneva fixed some sandwiches and iced tea. 

“Glad to see you back in Holly Park, Elliot.”  Perry entered the kitchen, smiling from ear to ear.  He’d been at the church office all morning. 

“I’m really glad to be back, Perry.”  Elliot let Russell back outside then stepped over to the sink and washed his hands again.   He filled Perry in on the work he and Geneva had completed that morning.

All three sat at the kitchen table.  After Perry spoke a blessing, they ate around small talk.  When they finished, Perry returned to the church to research his next sermon. 

“I’ve got to get back to work, too,” Elliot said, clearing up his dishes.  “Thanks for the help this morning, Geneva.”

“I’m not bailing out, Elliot,” Geneva said, redoing her bun.

“You’ve got your own work to do around here.”

“I’ll get to it,” she assured him.  “Just let me do a few things here, and I’ll be right over.”

After Elliot left, Geneva prepared some of her dinner for that evening then freshened up in the bathroom.  She was back at the lake in no time with Russell in tow and a jug of water.

A couple hours later they took a break.

“Doesn’t look like we’ve accomplished much.” Elliot’s shoulders slumped.

“It’s a lot of work,” Geneva replied.  “But, we’ll get it done.”  She poured water in some paper cups, and they sat on the top of a table.  Russell scampered down to the water.

“I don’t suppose there are any alligators in this water.”  Elliot worried aloud.

Geneva shook her head.  “Ed has them removed whenever he sees one.  The lake’s pretty small.  I wouldn’t worry too much, but, it’s Florida so you always stay alert.”

Elliot downed his water then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.  He turned to Geneva who was keeping an eye on her dog.  “You didn’t ask me about Orlando.”

“I figured you’d tell me if you wanted me to know anything,” she replied, nonchalantly. 

“A strange thing happened yesterday at lunch.”  Elliot stared into his paper cup then sat it aside.

“What?”

Elliot explained his belligerent flare up when Olivia came up in the conversation.

“I became very defensive about my decision to marry her even though I don’t even remember loving her.”  He looked into the sundrenched sky.  “I don’t even like the woman to be honest.  Yet, their objection to my choice of her as a wife offended me.”  He slid his glance to Geneva.  “Do you think that’s odd?”

She shook her head.  “Not at all.  It’s a very human reaction to get prickly when our decisions are questioned.  It was probably a knee-jerk reaction.”

“Rick wasn’t as generous as you.” Elliot moped.  “He said it sounded like the old me.”

“Oh,” Geneva replied.  “Did you feel like the old you when you flared up?”

“I’m not sure what I felt, but it wasn’t good.  That much I know.  I didn’t like being antagonistic with those people.  They’ve been very kind and patient.”

“I’m sure they’re intentions are good, Elliot.  They’re probably very worried about you, but when it comes down to it, you’re the one who has to decide about Olivia.  Not them.”

Elliot gazed at Geneva with admiration.  She wasn’t just beautiful.  She was wise and grounded.  He liked being around her. 

“I spent some time with Olivia.”

              “How did it go?” Geneva had been waiting, patiently, to hear.

“She’s abrasive, cold, and self-centered.”  He sighed heavily then lifted and dropped his shoulders in a defeatist way.  “I can’t understand what I saw in her.  Sometimes, I find myself hoping I don’t remember the old me.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Elliot.  Live each day the best you can.”

He turned to her with skewed features.  “What if I’m subconsciously not trying to remember because I didn’t like my old self?  What if I’m trying to avoid remembering?  Is that possible?”

“You’re asking the wrong person.” Geneva backed away, afraid to touch the subject.  “Have you talked to the doctors about this?”

Elliot hung his head.  “I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t followed up with exams since coming here.  I was trying to do this on my own.”  He picked up a leaf on the bench by his feet and starting stripping it to its stem.  As if to defend his reasoning, he added.  “Other than the amnesia, I feel great.  The headaches are manageable now, and they don’t come as much when I try to remember.”

Geneva nodded.  “That’s good,” she told him, but she was concerned about his mental state.   “Are you afraid of something, Elliot?”

Elliot tensed at her directness.  He tossed the remnants of the leaf down and brushed his hands on the sides of his jeans.  Leaning forward, he rested his arms on his thighs and linked his fingers loosely together.

“I’m not sure what I feel anymore.  I’m between two worlds and don’t know much about either.”  He looked into the cloudless sky as if it held the solution to all his problems. 

Geneva felt sorry for him.  Not knowing who you are had to be a scary feeling.  All she could do was listen and comfort.

Smiling, she said, “Well, in this world, you have friends who care about you.  I’m sure you did in the other world, too.  You’re not alone in this.”

“Is it wrong to not want to remember some things?”  His question was full of doubt and despair.

“I don’t know how that works, Elliot?  I’m not an authority on amnesia.  But, I think if you remember something you didn’t like about yourself, you can always change it.  The same way you’d do without amnesia.”

“What if I forget all this when my memories return?”

Geneva hid her anguish behind a thoughtful expression.  She didn’t want him to forget her or their time together.  Emotion swelled in her throat.

“Let’s pray that doesn’t happen,” she heard herself whisper.

Their faces were just inches apart.  Their eyes locked.  A kiss was on the minds of each, but neither made a move for fear of treading into the unknown.   They quickly turned their gazes to the water.

“Break’s over!”  Elliot jumped off the table.

They worked a couple more hours then Geneva stopped so she’d have enough time to clean up before starting supper.

“Will you come to dinner tonight, Elliot?  Around six.”

Elliot leaned on his rake handle and smiled at her.  “I’d like that.”

A few minutes later, Geneva was soaking in a tub of warm, bubbly water.  Her heart was telling her she was desperately in love with Elliot Starling, but her mind was warning her not to get too close to him.  If his memories returned and he flew back into the arms of Olivia Swanson, she’d be left in Holly Park with a broken heart.   It’d be the second one Elliot had given her.

I don’t care! This is my time to have what I want, and I want Elliot. 

Her bold declaration rattled Geneva.  Was it wrong to want someone this badly?  Not if she truly loved him, she assured herself.  She did love Elliot.  In a powerful, selfless way.  Which meant giving him up if it came to that. 

Chapter 15

“What’s this?”  Geneva quizzed when Elliot handed her a wad of cash.

“I owe you for the meals I’ve eaten here,” he said.  When she tried to give it back he threw his hands up.  “Please, I’d feel a lot better eating here if I was paying.”

“And I’d feel a lot better inviting you if you weren’t paying,” Geneva countered.  She stuffed the money in his shirt pocket.  “So there, end of discussion!  I thank you for the gesture, but it’s totally unnecessary.”  She loved cooking for him. 

Elliot glanced at Perry who grinned.  “No use arguing with her, Elliot.  Geneva loves to cook for others.  That’s why she’s in charge of the kitchen at church.”

The two men settled in the living room while Geneva checked on dinner.

“She’s spoiled me,” Elliot confessed, patting his firm mid-section that was back to its original size since the accident.  He owed his healthy weight gain to Geneva.

“She’s spoiled a lot of people in this community.  Geneva wouldn’t want me bragging on her, but she prepares casseroles, stews, and desserts for the needy in town every week.  I get the joy of delivering the dishes.  It’s a mixture of her many gifts.  Compassion, generosity, and cooking.”

A memory fluttered from the recesses of Elliot’s mind.  It was Christmas time.  The room he stood in was decorated with garland and a lighted tree.  Christmas music played in the background.  Laughter and chatter filled the room, but the faces were blurred.  He couldn’t make any out.

Suddenly, she was beside him, her fragrance swirling in his lungs.

“Your pound cake is the best, Geneva,” he complimented after swallowing a mouthful.

“Thanks.” Her eyes danced as she smiled at him.  “I love cooking. Pound cakes are my favorite things to make.”

He was entranced by her dazzling looks and gentle spirit.  His heart raced as they discussed their holiday plans.

“Dinner’s ready!”  Geneva called out.

The memory evaporated faster than a snow flake in a July sky. 

Elliot stood on shaky legs and followed Perry to the table.  He regarded Geneva with love and respect.  His heart rate climbed till it matched the one in his new memory. 

After Perry said a blessing over the food, Elliot shared the memory in a nonchalant way that didn’t betray his feelings.

“I remember that Christmas party.”  Geneva’s jeweled eyes sparkled with imaginary glitter as she spooned taco casserole onto Elliot’s plate.  She’d been swept off her feet that night by his playful conduct, although she hadn’t let the incident go to her head.  “It’s good that you’re remembering more,” she added, cheerfully, passing him a basket of bread.

They exchanged tantalizing glances across the table.

“I would have remembered more if you hadn’t called me to dinner.”  Elliot chuckled. “Maybe you can tell me how the party ended.”

Geneva’s expression soured.  “Olivia interrupted us with a sales report.  You were still talking to her when I left.”

Elliot sensed Geneva had not been happy about that, but he didn’t press for more details.  He wondered if all his moments with Geneva had been interrupted by Olivia. 

Later, while helping Geneva clean the kitchen, Elliot admitted confronting Olivia with Geneva’s version of what led to the firing.  Geneva wasn’t shocked to learn Olivia had rejected her speculations. She accepted the news graciously, which didn’t surprise Elliot.

“I guess it boils down to her word against mine.”  Geneva pulled mismatched mugs from the cupboard and filled each with hazelnut coffee that had just finished brewing.  The hearty aroma drove away pesky thoughts of Olivia from both their minds.  Geneva turned to Elliot who was hanging the dishtowel over the handle on the oven door.  “Let’s not dwell on the negative while we have dessert.”