Page 75 of Between Two Shores

He scanned the room to find Beth. She stood at the open doors, to distribute women’s care packs, and smoothed down her long skirt. He strode over and whispered in her ear, “Beth.”

She startled. “What’s up?”

“Do you think it’s a good idea, us serving together on the breakfast counter? Would it encourage people to talk?”

Her eyes widened. “You’re right. Maybe just come straight over after the meals are served. Then I’ll introduce you to the team as Chris’s friend . . . and mine.”

“Right. Good.” He scurried away to find the brother-in-law, what’s-his-face. Remembering names wasn’t his strong point

BETH

Beth clapped her hand to her thigh, humming to the band’s lyrics. Swirls in her belly spun faster and faster, like a mini-cyclone ready to take her through the ceiling. Soon the regular volunters would see her for the first time in months. Dumped at the altar. Kind of like that.

Volunteers began to appear from the commercial kitchen, placing deep metal trays of food on the serving counter. Time to face the gossip.

Beth gulped when Tina slammed her tray down and made a bee-line for Beth. “Tina! How are you this morning? Love that color on you.” Beth enthused. She glanced past Tina’s shoulder. Where was Lachlan? Since he was a fairly new face, he’d get swarmed with welcomes.

Tina grabbed Beth’s wrist, demanding attention. “Dear Beth. I heard what happened with that sailor. Beth, darling, how shocking!” Her lips shaped an “O”, jaw hanging.

Beth winced. “Yes. I was in shock. Let me tell you.”

Tina grabbed her other wrist and drew her to the IKEA seats. “Do tell. I want to know everything, dear.”

A throat cleared. Lachlan stood before them, a charming smile on his face.

She nodded rapidly, thankful for the rescue. “Tina, let me introduce you to a friend. Lachlan, this is TINA.” She widened her eyes, emphasizing the words, hoping he’d remember their conversation. This was the one. Warning, warning.

“Oh, Tina, is it? Lovely name. I knew a Tina once, in high school.”

The woman’s face scrunched. “You’re American.”

“Guilty as charged. I’m friends with Chris Evanson. Also, an American.” He nodded his head slightly to the side in a gentleman bow. “I’m working at his restaurant, here on a visa. But I happen to know Beth too. She stayed with my parents after the Nick fiasco.”

Beth wrinkled her brow. Was fiasco the best word to use right now?

“As a qualified counselor, I explained to Beth that the behavior her ex-fiancé showed lined up with mania. Unfortunately, Nick’s mother confirmed he wasn’t well.”

Beth nodded and waved her hand for him to continue.

“When a person becomes elevated, they project a drive and passion for grand ideas and ambitions. It's easy for those around them to get caught up in their excitement. It’s not sinister at all. A biological impediment on the brain confuses a person with Bipolar.”

“Bipolar? My friend has Bipolar type two. I’m familiar with it.” She tilted her head toward Beth. “Oh, that’s understandable, Beth. No wonder your father didn’t see it. Did Nick become very spiritual in the end?”

“Yes. Very much. An urgency to help people and leave for Jerusalem. So that’s where he went, I assume.” She shrugged.

The woman’s jaw dropped. “You haven’t heard from him?”

“No. I tried to call him several times, but it’s over.”

Lachlan snapped his attention to Beth, eyebrows raised.

Didn’t he know it was over? Of course, it was. She couldn’t go back to Nick, even if he asked her. His mother’s stories told her it was no use, and Beth had peace that it wasn’t her responsibility to fix Nick.

Tina tapped Beth’s hand. “Well, now you know. Don’t go rushing into any relationships in the future.”

Beth nodded and gave her a fake smile. Thanks for the obvious advice.

Lachlan pointed over his shoulder. “Beth, can you introduce me to the volunteer team?”

---