Page 53 of Between Two Shores

With his shoulder, he pushed off the wall. “Is that so?”

She frowned. “Are you in a bad mood? Did I do something wrong?”

He forced a laugh but didn’t answer.

“I’ve been adjusting to the new time zone and sleep pattern. Today will be much better. I should’ve gone for a jog with you.” She fiddled with her necklace. “How much sleep did you get last night?”

His arms dropped to his side. “Maybe two hours. I haven’t slept much this last week. Lots on my mind. I haven’t stopped since I got off the ship. It’s hard to stay still, wanting to get on with making things happen.” He stared into space, unfocused. “I must go to Jerusalem soon. I feel an urgency in my soul.” He turned to face her.

“I can see you’re passionate about helping others. That’s admirable.” Beth tucked some hair behind her ear. “It would be good, while we’re here in the U.S. to drum up some financial support.”

“Maybe.”

“Um. I need to get some milk and eggs from the corner store. Do you want to come for a walk?”

“No. I’m making a quick call to Malachi. I need to share with him another dream I had.”

Beth blinked. “Oh. Okay. I’ll make you some breakfast when I get back.”

He nodded, although he didn’t want her to cook for him. Not now.

BETH

Beth entered the brightly lit convenience store. Neat rows of colorful fruit in crates somehow lifted her mood. She could do with some healthy treats. She lifted a pineapple and read the sticker. The store must’ve imported all these tropical fruits. Nick would love the variety. She grabbed a blue shopping basket and put in the pineapple, then added figs, apricots, and strawberries.

A lady moved through the narrow aisle, wearing a polo shirt with the store’s logo above the pocket. “Good mornin’, ma’am. How are you today?”

“I’m well, thank you. You?”

The woman’s brown eyes widened. “You from Australia?”

“That I am.” Beth smiled.

“I don’t meet many Australians around these parts, but I’d know that accent anywhere. Just like Nicole Kidman.”

Beth couldn’t help laughing. “I’m not as well-spoken as Nicole, but thank you for the compliment.”

The stocky lady bent down and adjusted the cartons of juice, bringing the back ones to the space at the front of the lower shelf. “How long are you staying in California?”

“A few weeks.” She added two apples to her basket. “I haven’t met anyone yet. Not a proper conversation with any of the locals. I’ve only been here for a few days, and I’m feeling homesick already. Never been out of Australia. I’m from a close-knit community. Small population.”

“People keep to themselves here. But, if you get involved in the activities, you’d meet lots of friendly folks. We have a notice board in the window. You should check it out. Yoga classes, Zumba, mother’s groups, there’s something for everyone.”

“Thank you.” She hesitated. “I’m Beth, and your name is?”

“Sally.” The African American woman stood, her hip leaning to one side. “You look like a homey-type-a-gal. Would you be interested in a craft group at the library? I go on Tuesday mornings, my day off.”

“Really? That’s nice of you to invite me. What crafts do they do?”

“People bring their projects and morning tea to share. I crochet. Some paint, scrapbook, dress jewelry, art, anything you like.”

Beth swapped the basket to her other arm as it weighed heavy. “That sounds wonderful. I’ll talk to my fiancé about it.”

Sally raised a brow. “You need permission to visit the library?”

Beth let out a small laugh. “No. He may have other plans for us that day. That’s all.”

“Well, I hope he can rearrange any plans so you can have some time with the ladies. It’ll do you good.”

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