Chapters 4 and 5

Chapter 4

Having Greg work with us will be refreshing. As much as I hate to see Phoebe go, I am very grateful that we will have someone to take her place in January. Again, I trust that God will come through and provide the right people, yet I am amazed by how He orchestrates just the right circumstances to bring it about. There’s Greg now. “Ian, do you mind if I use your study for the interview?”

“Of course not. Can, I get you anything?”

“No, I’m all set.”

“Hi Ian, Mrs. I mean, Fiona.”

“Greg, are you ready?”

“Go easy on him,” kids Murdoch.

I grin at Doc and he, Greg and Ian laugh in a ribbing kind of way. While we walk toward the study, I hear Ian say to Doc, “As long as I’ve known your mother, there is still something that is quite mysterious about her, that helps keep things lively in a marriage….”

“I have just been praising the Lord all day for what He has done in your heart Greg. We have prayed for you even before we knew your name. When I put up the flyer in your apartment building lobby, it was with much prayer. Knowing, that I needed to be of service to our Lord in this way, in the thick of our changing society has been challenging and if I don’t depend on the Lord, I would burn and crash.”

“It certainly would have been easier for you to just stay here in the shop with Ian, like you have been doing for the past 5 years.”

“Yes, that is true but the Lord has never allowed for Ian and I to settle into any type of routine for very long, not for quite some time now. Are you ready for our interview?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“How would you describe your own reality right now?”

“Umm, that’s a loaded question Mrs. B.”

“Start with your current employment and we will work from there.”

“I am a project manager developing machines that are able to replace a thousand men, that is one machine can do the work of a thousand employees. I’ve made a lot of money, a few enemies and not a very big difference in the world. Actually, the work I do has eliminated many jobs. In the last few months this has brought me great personal distress. Thinking about how many mothers and fathers that are losing jobs as a result of my brilliant work at times has brought me to tears. I am not ashamed. I believe it is the heart of compassion, like that of our Heavenly Father that causes my pain.”

“So, you believe that you are your brother’s keeper?”

“I guess I do. Not that I am responsible for their lives and well being but that I am responsible for mine. I am to really think about how my work will affect other people, to realize that my work does affect other people. I want my impact to be one that is affirming. To know that what I do in this life will affect those around me and perhaps those around the country and even the world.”

“How long have you been at this current job?”

“3 years.”

“Do you get along with the people you work with?”

“It is funny, that little word “with”

“Why is it funny?”

“In the corporate world, you don’t work with people. You do your best to get along with people, but in terms of work: you either work for them or they work for you. ‘It’s a dog eat dog world out there,’ as the saying goes. That is probably why the change in transportation causing us to become more dependent or better yet, interdependent has been a very difficult transition for our society. Not very many people trust one another. I was one of those people. I was so pissed about having to give up my car. I loved driving it and I loved driving it ALONE. I’m sorry Mrs. B”

“It’s ok go on.”

“After riding with you for 2 weeks, I still didn’t understand why I had even called you. Now, I know it with the Spirit of the Living God guiding and directing my steps. I was still fuming, barely cooled off. I knew that I did not want to take the train every day. I could ignore people for a time but then I’d get into a routine and well, I love people even though I have been very pessimistic about them for the last 10 years.”

“See, the question wasn’t that hard once you got going.”

“but Mrs. B, it is a risky question, not to ask but to answer truthfully.”

“I’m not so sure about that, there have been people who haven’t made it through the interview. People who thought I was getting personal, which I was. People who thought I didn’t have a right but I do because quite frankly, I’m a “business owner” in the technical sense but honestly, I am a steward of what God has given to Ian and me. We care just as much about the people who work with us as the customer who walks through the door. Our first concern is about you as a person. This is going to be a dramatic change in your work environment. What has changed for you to even consider working here?”

“As I was telling you, I couldn’t stop thinking about the people who were losing their jobs. One day I met up with Phoebe at Barnes & Noble and we got to talking. She told me that she would be leaving right after Christmas. Phoebe didn’t say anything about you needing to replace her but I got to thinking that there might be a chance. So, I stop by one day and asked Ian if you were going to hire someone when Phoebe leaves. He smiled and then said, I will call you. I’ve been wise about my money and I actually could live off of my savings for at least a year without working but I would go crazy if I didn’t keep busy. And that was another thing, I didn’t want to do something that would just keep me busy, I want to make a difference. That is what you and Ian have been doing in this neighborhood for the last five years and I would really like to be a part of it, even if it is just for a little while.”

“You never came in here until you started riding with me. How did you know we are making a difference?”

“On occasion one of my neighbors would say, ‘Hey, Greg, have you ever been to Relaxing in our Reality?’ and of course, I would say no. Their response would be, ‘you have to check it out some time. It is a really great place to chill out, there’s no TV, not one,’ or ‘man, there is just something about the place that makes you want to come back for more. You gotta meet Doc, he is a man’s man, sticks to the truth and knows how to treat the ladies and I mean with respect,’ or ‘when those people ask you how you are doing they really mean it. One day I was having a really rough one and I guess I was having a hard time from not having it written all over my face, so the young guy in there said, you want to talk about it? I almost started crying. So, we talked and the guy really helped. I think I avoided coming in here. I remember when your sign went up. I thought, reality is no place to relax, relaxing is when you escape from reality. I knew you were authentic and probably deep down I knew Who your peace was.”

Smile that is all I could do. Silently thanking God for His goodness knowing that His presence truly is in this place while I listen to Greg tell me about his neighbors. “So, you had been given little samples of how we work even before you stepped foot in the door. It is amazing. We do a good little business. It is mostly by word of mouth. Have you ever read Dickens’ A Christmas Carol?”

“No.”

“Murdoch is going to be in a musical adaptation of the story. The character Marley who was Scrooge’s associate, are you familiar with the story?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Anyway, Marley and Scrooge are having a conversation and they are talking about business. Marley says to Scrooge ‘BUSINESS! People were our business! And we were busy counting pounds.’ The reason Marley uses past tense is because he is making a visit to Scrooge after he is dead. Externally, you smell good coffee and old books, however these are just the vehicles we use to reach people. Don’t get me wrong, Ian and I enjoy good coffee, good books and good conversation but our main concern is the good of the people, their well being. I believe there is a place for you here with us when Phoebe takes off to Florida.”

“Mrs. B this has been good, I mean this is not like any interview that I have ever been to in my life. This has been more like an evaluation of my heart and mind. I’m not sure if I am ready to be a part of this. It’s only been a couple of weeks since I gave my heart to the One who made it.”

“What are you afraid of?”

“You do not pull any punch, you just go for the direct hit.”

“Ian always said, if you are good at something stick with it. That is why I get to do the interviews.” I said with a smile.

“Fiona, I want to make you proud, I want to make my mum proud and I don’t want to let either of you down. It’s just that for so many years I have been doing my own thing, being the king of my own world and I have hurt people along the way just to get what I want or what I thought I wanted out of this life. I am afraid of hurting you or maybe the customers….it’s like all of you are counselors. I don’t think I am ready for that.”

“Greg, do you consider me to be a friend?”

“Yes. More than a friend, more like a mother figure, I guess that is why I have a hard time calling you by your first name.”

“We want you to not only be friendly to the customers but be willing to become a friend. It is risky I know, agape love always is.”

“Let me know if I am hearing you right. You want be to be myself, be a friend, be willing to love who ever walks through the door?”

“Exactly. There is a Counselor in the shop at all times. We seek His advice constantly and He has even written a manual that contains life giving words. Are you willing to depend on Him and believe that He can work through you, Greg?”

“I am so willing to give it a shoot. And I am very grateful to have the opportunity to do so. What about ringing the register and making the coffee and mopping floors? ”

“We want you to do those things with excellence as well.” Greg and I walk out into the shop together. “First things first. Greg welcome to Relaxing in our Reality Café and being willing to share the reality of Jesus Christ ruling in your heart giving you the ability to relax wherever you may be. The coffee, food, books, the shop, the register those are the tangibles and they are fairly easy to learn. We just ask that you stay in your Reality, to remember that you do not represent Ian and Fiona Blair but the Redeemer and Giver of Life. Your training for those things is also important. Would you be able to start before Phoebe leaves?”

“Yes.”

“If you can start 2 weeks from tomorrow, then I will have Murdoch start training you then.”

“Thanks Mrs. B for everything.”

Whispering in Greg’s ear, “Listen, I understand about the mother thing, with my gray locks and all. I think if you just look at me as an older sister you might be able to call me Fiona.”

Greg laughs, “Now, that’s a thought. I’ll think about it.”

“Mr. Abbadelli, have you got the job?”

“Yes, sir and I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”

“Good. Have a great rest of your day.”

“You too.”

Chapter 5

“More than fine, more than bent on getting by, more than fine…..” singing with abandon my voice booming throughout the place.

“more than just OK” I turn around, to find Bess singing with me

“When I'm lit with the sunrise. (she looks at me with that keep singing don’t start crying Mum look so we sing on and we sing out loud)
”I want more than just a good time.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.”

“Mum, I haven’t heard that song in years. Don’t let any of your friends catch you singing like that,” Bess says as she hugs me and laughs.

“What are you doing here? I didn’t expect you until next…” Bess puts her index finger ever so gently on my lips.

“I wanted to surprise you. What’s for dinner tonight?”

“I was just going to do grilled chicken and a salad.”

“Let’s do it together.”

“Did you see your dad?”

“No, I came in the back door. I wanted to get changed first.”

“You go ahead and get changed, see your dad and Phoebe. The two of them are going to go crazy when they see you. I’ll make dinner. Just let me know when you are going down so that I can stand in the stairwell and take in all the excitement.”

“Why not just go a head of me and take it in through the eye gate as well?”

“Sounds great.”

“Where’s Murdoch?”

“He has rehearsal tonight. I think he was meeting Tristian early to go over the Perriwinkle scene then they were going to have dinner before rehersal, so he won’t be home till later.”

Bess leaves to get changed. I check the refrigerator to make sure I have everything for a salad.

“OK Mum, let’s go.”

We came down the stairs and through the hall into the shop. “Mum, I hear them, I think they’re up front.”

“They’re taking inventory.” I stroll up to the front. While Bess sneaks off to her favorite spot in the shop, it has 5 places to sit and it is the first intimate spot that we created.

The two of them are so busy they don’t even look up.

“Ian, do you need any help back there?”

“Phoebe and I got it.”

“Could the two of you come out here?”

“One minute.”
Bess can’t stay still so she attempts to spy on our approach. Ian spots her through the books, as she has taken out a couple of books out to do it and there is rarely a book out of place at this time of day. She knows she’s caught but Ian holds his tongue and ushers Phoebe in ahead of us. The girls embrace, laughing and crying. “Bess I thought you weren’t going to be able to come until Christmas.” Daddy’s turn, “Elisabeth, you’re still my girl, playing peek a boo with your dear ole dad.” Ian says as he gives Bess a big squeeze. “It is so good to see you, are you staying?”

“I’m in town for business and I took a couple of extra days knowing that I would want to see all of you and not be distracted by work, of course, you know that I will still need to answer the phone and check my email, but I will do my best to keep that to a minimum.”

“This is a very pleasant surprise. Do you want to be in the shop with us tomorrow?” asks Ian.

“I thought I would ride into town with Mum and then I’ll join you, Phoebe and Murdoch.”

“I am so glad you can stay for a couple of days. Just yesterday, I was saying that I wish I could have seen you a little more. I’m leaving in 3 weeks.” Phoebe said to Bess while squeezing her hand.

“Well, I am going to let the three of you visit and I will get the dinner started.”

“BB, you and I need to finish that inventory. “

“I’ll go help Mum and then I will come down and get you when it is ready.”

Kissing his oldest child with a twinkle in his eye, Ian turns to Phoebe.

“Let’s get this done Dad, so we can visit with Bess.”

We linger over dinner, enjoying our time with Bess.

“How is the Beltway treating you?” asks Ian.

“Well, Dad I don’t use the Beltway, I take the Metro,” Bess smiles at him while playing on his words. (You could say it’s a family trait.)

“It’s ironic, that one of the things I got in trouble for, I now get paid to do. Putting words in someone else mouth,” Bess laughs, “honestly, I love my work but I miss all of you and I miss Boston. The secretary is a very respectful man and he wants my input. The whole department is very much a team. We have to be with everything that is happening right now. It has always been very visible without needing to be vocal. You know that Anne Coulter was grooming me to be her successor, we were already planning her retirement from the show when I got the call from the DOT (Department of Transportation).”

“You were getting a lot of air time.” Phoebe commented.

“We were actually in transition, when I picked up the third day and Anne was on just twice a week, our ratings went up immediately. Everyone still loves Anne but they were only getting a taste of me, the third day brought us right where we wanted to be. As you know I was on Thursday and Friday, so my audience was still Anne’s. Then our producer believed that if I went to the Monday, Wednesday and Friday route it would look like Anne sitting in for me on Tuesday and Thursday. It set us up exactly as we had planned. The results were quicker than we expected. We had to hire someone just to handle my email. It was very flattering and overwhelming. I was looking for to continuing my work and I loved my callers..”

“The Truth tellers” Phoebe and I said together. Ian and Bess laughed.

“Fortunately, you and Mum taught us to stay open and mindful and to ask, ‘Where does God want me?’ I do so appreciate the fact that we could pray about it together. It was probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. I am now seeing that my work with Anne is the very thing that prepared me for this speech writing job. I just found out that it was some one in the communications department of the White House who heard me on the show and told the DOT that this is the person they were looking for and needed. He even knew what we were doing and told them they better get a hold of me quick because it wouldn’t be long before Bess Blair would completely step into the shoes of Anne Coulter.”

“It still amazes me how God brings things together in order to fulfill his purposes.” I marveled.

“I loved being a motivator for the people, but I am grateful for an opportunity to serve our country in this way. Get paid handsomely to do something I love to do. It is treating me right. My circle of friends are strong believers. People who I have known for years. Mum, you remember, Jesse Rothschild.”

“How could I forget Jesse?”

“He lives in the same apartment building as Rochelle and I do. We take the same train and get off at the same stop.”

“What is he doing these days?” Ian asks.

“Well, he’s the communications director at the White House, he’s the one who heard me on the radio. He wouldn’t tell me. I would ask him, if he had anything to do with it and he would say silly things like “that’s classified” or “I don’t involve myself in civil affairs.” Finally, I said, ok. I work for the government too and I’ll have to find out for myself. It won’t be difficult because I do know that it was someone in your department. That’s when he told me. He knew I didn’t have time to do even something like that.”

“Is he watching out for you girls?” asked the ever protective dad.

“Dad, he is such a gentleman. He said, that if I am ever working really late which has been all the time for both of us, that he will walk over to the office to ride home together or he will send his driver over to get me. It has really been the only social thing I do regularly. Once I get in the door I crash.”

“Do you think it is fair that gov’t drivers get to drive alone?”

“BB it is only for work. The majority of gov’t drivers don’t own a car.”

“Sounds like the Lord has you right where you are suppose to be. When you obey, the blessings are unbelievable aren’t they, Betsyboo?” asked Ian.

“Absolutely.”

“How is the work you do for the secretary?” Phoebe inquires.

“Demanding. First of all, I am the guanine pig. DOT has not needed speech writers before this turn of events. I put in long hours and I know the next year or so will be very busy. We just hired two more writers to work for me. Of course, they will happy to know that we will be the writing team and that I will work with them. The work load has lightened up a little bit now that we are in the holiday season, I can breath a little bit. So when I had this trip scheduled to go to Boston, I jumped at the chance to come home. Mr. Secretary sends his regards to all of you. Told me to rest up over the holidays. We are going to be extremely busy the beginning of the year. ”

“Did I tell you that it is so good to see you my love?” I ask, knowing what’s coming since I have said so at least three times in the last three hours.

“Yes my Mum and it is so good to see you too. And BB and Dad. When do you thing Doc will be home?”
”Oh look at the time. I’d say within the half hour.”

The girls clear the table and get everything cleaned up. “Well, girls I have got to get to bed.”

“It’s early,” said Bess, “what are you reading?”

“You mean where am I going? Off to Scotland tonight.”

“Catching the redeye are you?”

“You’ve got it. I imagine that you girls probably want to catch up some more and the two of you will probably wait up for Murdoch.”

“I’m right behind you honey,” Ian chimes in.

“Good night B and Bess. It’s great to see you.” I give Bess a big hug.

“Good night Mum,” say the girls.

Catherine Mullaney 2005 ©