The Random Acts of Cupid (Christian Romance) Page 5

  “No, I’m not opposed to love or the Easter Bunny. I only have a problem with your deceptive methods. Maybe it’s a side effect of my job. Because I have to deal with lying and deception at its worst, I don’t have tolerance for it in any form.”

  “You’re a lawyer, right? Elise asked. “But you’re also in school? What is it that has caused you to become so cynical?

  “I don’t think I’m cynical as much as realistic. I’ve seen humanity at its worst, and I guess it’s hard to recover from that.”

  “You must be in criminal law.”

  “I did a stint as a prosecuting attorney,” Ryan admitted. “But most of my success has come with international law. Some of the worst examples haven’t come from felons but from wealthy, powerful people who seem to have little care for anyone other than themselves.”

  “Why are you still a lawyer if you hate it so much?”

  Ryan looked surprised. “I don’t hate it at all. I love it. I’m working on my doctorate right now. I also am an adjunct professor at the University. Because of my success, I’m frequently called upon as a consultant in international cases. That’s what my conference call this morning was about. You’re right in that I dislike seeing the worst of human behavior, but I love being the one to help defend and bring justice to those who would otherwise not have any.”

  Ryan sounded so honorable. With his experience, it was no wonder that he viewed her pitiful attempt to ‘help’ in such a bad light. Once again, Elise felt the hopelessness of trying to convince him of her motives.

  “Um . . . Elise, where exactly are we going?”

  Elise recognized the slight thread of suspicion in his voice as he obviously seemed to notice where their direction was taking them. She couldn’t put it off any longer.

  “We’re going to the prison.”

  “The prison!” Ryan exploded. “You’re making a match at the prison? Are you crazy?”

  “No, I am not crazy! I’m not making a match at the prison. We’re just going to talk to one of the inmates.”

  “Why? You said you were matchmaking. Are you setting a match up for after an inmate is released?”

  “No.” Elise tried to remain calm. There was no way she could give a good explanation for this one. Ryan was just going to have to see it. “We’re just talking to an inmate about her daughter. It won’t take very long. The daughter is the one I’m helping.”

  “How do you even find these people? The headlines of the newspaper? America’s Most Wanted?”

  Elise sighed. Ryan wasn’t going to make this easy in any way. “Our church has a prison ministry. I’m sure you’ve heard it mentioned. I met this woman while volunteering for that ministry. And, for your information, I don’t use the headlines to pick my ‘victims.’ I just observe people at church, at the library, wherever. And then, if I’m thinking about helping a couple with a match, I pray about it. I try to make sure it’s something God would want me to do.”

  “Just like you prayed for Britney and me?”

  “I did pray about you and Britney!” Elise muttered.

  “So who was wrong on that one, you or God?”

  Elise was quiet, not even wanting to respond. She pulled into the prison parking lot, found a space, and parked the car. Finally, she spoke quietly. “I pray about every match I even think about making. There have been many times that I haven’t gone ahead simply because I didn’t have a peace about it. Britney is a very nice person. And she likes you very much. If I make a match in error, it’s my mistake. Not God’s. I try to take every precaution, but I’m not perfect. I believe I already apologized for that misunderstanding, but if not, I’ll do it again. I’m sorry.”

  Ryan sighed heavily. “I don’t know why you seem to bring out the worst in me. I’m really not normally so . . .”

  “Irascible . . . judgmental . . . unforgiving . . . “

  Ryan’s eyes shot to hers, words of defense on his lips, but seeing the teasing light in her eyes, his eyebrow quirked up and his expressions softened.

  “Guess I deserve that.”

  Elise unbuckled her seatbelt, got out of the car, and opened the door to the backseat so she could pull out a garment bag. Wanting to have her umbrella up first, she tried to open it, but the old, cheaply-made contraption was jammed and wouldn’t fully extend. As she struggled, Ryan came up beside her and extended his own classy black umbrella over her as well.

  Elise tossed her under-achieving umbrella back into the car, grabbed the garment bag, and began walking to the front entrance with Ryan and his umbrella remaining in close attendance beside her.

  “What’s this lady in for?” Ryan asked

  “I don’t know. I didn’t even ask,” Elise replied. “It’s not important. She mentioned that she’d made some mistakes. But now she’s anxious to finish her sentence so she can get back to her family and turn her life around. I think the church’s ministry has really helped her, and she’s committed her life to Christ. She’s very nice. You would never think her a criminal.”

  “Everyone is capable of being a criminal. I haven’t even decided on your guilt or innocence yet.”

  As if she needed a reminder.

  “So tell me what we’re doing here,” Ryan urged once again, ignoring her silence. “How are you helping this inmate and her daughter?”

  Elise could tell that Ryan was the type who liked to know the plan. It probably gave him a sense of control over the situation. It was very likely driving him crazy not to know every single last detail. And Elise kind of liked the thought of throwing this self-assured man even a little off-balance.

  Right before the entrance, Elise stopped and turned to face Ryan squarely.

  “I think I’ve really told you all you need to know right now. Like I said, I don’t know much about Tricia other than she’s a woman who needs a little help with her daughter. I have a plan to help her, so beyond that, I guess you’re just going to have to trust me.”

  From the tension emanating from Ryan, Elise knew he wasn’t happy about the situation, but he kept his moody silence the entire time as they went through security and were led to a windowless room to wait for Tricia. He remained quiet even then, though after about thirty seconds of waiting, he popped out of his chair and began pacing the room. Elise ignored him and pretended to inspect her nails until finally, the door opened and a security guard led a woman dressed in the standard prison-issue jumpsuit inside.

  Tricia’s eyes jumped from Elise to Ryan, and she stopped dead in her tracks.

  “I didn’t ask for a lawyer,” she said in confusion. “Elise, I already told you I was guilty.”

  “No, Tricia,” Elise hurried to explain. “He’s not here for—”

  “How did she know I was a lawyer?” Ryan interrupted in confusion.

  “Isn’t it obvious?” Elise said, pointedly looking at Ryan from head to toe. “Wipkipedia probably uses your picture to help define the term ‘lawyer’”

  In Ryan’s defense, Elise had to admit he wasn’t dressed as a typical lawyer, at least not today. This was the first time Elise had seen him in anything other than a suit. But even with his khaki pants and forest green pullover, Ryan still had the unmistakable presence of a successful attorney.

  “He is a lawyer, Tricia, but he’s not here on official business. Ryan is my . . .” How exactly was she supposed to explain Ryan’s presence? “friend,” she finally finished. “He’s just tagging along on my errands today.”

  Thankfully, Tricia seemed to accept this explanation and sat down at the table.

  Elise stood and opened the garment bag. “Tell me what you think of this, Tricia. Do you think Macy will like it?” Elise pulled out a beautiful turquois blue gown. It had little cap sleeves and delicate sparkly detailing along the bodice. The classic empire waist extended in a long skirt made from soft flowing material.

  Tears filled Tricia’s eyes, and she suddenly couldn’t speak around the emotion clogging her throat. Elise reached over and gently held the other woman’s
hand in quiet comfort.

  “It’s beautiful.” Tricia finally managed. “It’s perfect. Exactly what I imagined.” Taking a few more cleansing breaths, she nodded more confidently. “She’ll love it. But I’m sure you spent way too much money.”

  “Don’t worry about that,” Elise said firmly. “It was my pleasure.”

  Tricia got a little choked up. “I don’t know how to thank you,” she whispered brokenly.

  “You don’t have to.” Elise replied. “I enjoyed doing it.”

  Worry suddenly creased Tricia’s brow. “I know she’ll love it, but I’m still worried that she’ll refuse to go without a date. I know how much she wants to, but I also know my daughter can be extremely stubborn at times. She might find it too embarrassing to go to the dance alone.”

  “Don’t worry,” Elise assured. “I already have that covered. I’ve arranged for my cousin to escort her. They go to the same high school, so it will work out well. I helped him get a good grade in Trigonometry, so he owes me a favor.”

  “But is he a nice boy? Will she even like him? Macy is shy, and I hate to think of her feeling pressured to go out with a boy she doesn’t like; or worse, one who doesn’t behave well.”

  “He is very nice. He’s a Christian and goes to the same church I do. I think they will like each other a lot. I wouldn’t have asked him to go with her if I didn’t think it would be good for both of them.”

  Tricia nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Elise. I will find a way to pay you back someday.”

  “The only payment I’ll accept is you finishing your time here, getting back to your family, and living your life for God.”

  Tricia looked Elise in the eye. “With God’s help, that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

  Tricia walked back to the guard to be escorted back to her cell.

  “I’ll take pictures for you, Tricia, “Elise called. “I’ll try to stop by next week to show you.”

  Tricia looked back, her eyes once again filling with tears.

  “Thanks, Elise. I think you must be an angel.”

  As the door closed behind Tricia, Elise heard Ryan. “You know, she’s not that far off, Cupid.”

  Ryan had been so quiet during the exchange, she had almost forgotten he was there. She packed the dress back in the garment bag, and moved to leave the room. She didn’t dare look Ryan in the eye to try to read his response to her latest endeavor. She had to fulfill the next phase of this mission, and she couldn’t waste time being distracted.

  As they left the room, Elise finally replied. “No, I think for this task I deserve a different title.”

  Since they were preoccupied getting back through security, Ryan lost the chance to question her about what she meant.

  Forty minutes later, they stood at the front door of a two story house that looked as if it had seen better days. An elderly woman answered in response to the doorbell.

  “Hi, I’m—”

  “Elise Hutchins,” the woman finished, her eyes sparkling. “Patricia told me you would be coming. Thank you so much for what you’re doing for my daughter and granddaughter. Please, come in. I haven’t told Macy anything. The poor girl’s been moping around all day.”

  As Elise and Ryan came in, the lady bustled partway up the stairs, not giving them a chance to get a word in. “Macy, come down here! You have guests!”

  A pretty teenaged brunette appeared at the top of the stairs. Her brow wrinkled in confusion at the sight of the two unfamiliar people.

  “Hi, Macy,” Elise said with a gentle smile. “You’re mom sent me. I’m your fairy godmother.”

  Chapter 9

  “My mom actually sent this for me?” Macy asked, fingering the delicate material of the beautiful dress she wore. Elise was helping Macy try on the gown in the teen’s room upstairs.

  “Yes,” Elise replied, zipping up the back. “I met your mom through a program my church offers at the prison. She told me how much she wished she could be here to get you a dress for the Valentine’s Day dance at your school. I think she mentioned that you’d just turned 16, and this was supposed to be your first real dance. I offered to bring a dress to you since she couldn’t. So she described exactly what she wanted for you, and I went shopping. I took the dress to show her earlier today.”

  “I didn’t think I was going to get to go,” Macy said tearing up. “Grandma didn’t have the money for a dress.”

  “Well, you are going to go,” Elise said, gently pushing her so she could see herself in the full-length mirror hung on the back of her bedroom door. “And see how beautiful you’ll look!”

  Macy covered her mouth in shock as she stared at herself in the mirror. Tears now flowed in earnest down her face.

  “It fits perfectly!” Elise said, pleased that the dress seemed to be tailor-made for the girl’s trim figure. Macy was so distracted that she didn’t even seem to notice the sound of the doorbell, which Elise was grateful for. Her job would be easier if Macy wasn’t aflutter with nervousness.

  “Get all your tears out now,” Elise ordered gently. “We still have to do your hair and makeup, and we can’t have you crying away all my fairy godmother magic.”

  Elise was by no means a beautician, but she’d had two younger sisters who had depended on her hair and makeup skills for all of their social functions in high school and beyond. Elise soon had her satchel of supplies spread across Macy’s bed and went to work curling hair and applying a subtle sheen of cosmetics that only enhanced Macy’s natural beauty.

  “I’m almost done,” Elise soon announced, twisting one last brunette curl into place at the top of Macy’s head. “You should have plenty of time to get something to eat before the dance starts. And your mom left strict instructions that you had to be home tonight by 11:00.”

  Macy suddenly paled beneath her makeup. “I can’t go!” she suddenly announced. “All my friends have dates. I told them I wasn’t going. I can’t show up alone! It would be humiliating to stand in the corner all night. Nobody’s going to ask me to dance. Everyone already has someone to dance with!”

  “You aren’t going alone, Macy. I heard the doorbell ring before we started on your hair. He’s probably downstairs waiting for you right now. You two are going to dinner and then the dance. Afterward, he’ll bring you back home. He’s very nice and responsible. I’m sure you’ll like him.”

  “I have a date?” Macy asked, her brown eyes wide. “Who is he? You didn’t get some old guy who thinks I’m a charity case, did you? Oh no. It’s my brother, isn’t it? You got Justin to take off work to help his poor, pitiful sister.”

  “No, to all those questions. He goes to your school. Maybe you already know Jake. Jake Kendry?”

  “Jake Kendry? My date is Jake Kendry?” Macy let loose an excited squeal of pure childish delight. “Tell me you’re not teasing me! Jake is a senior! And he’s not just any senior! He’s popular, plays on the football team, and is the class president! And he’s hot!”

  Elise had a hard time controlling her laughter. “I see you already know Jake,” she managed to reply with only a slight grin.

  “Know him? I practically love . . . well, I don’t know that you can say ‘love;’ I am only sixteen. But I am pretty deeply infatuated with him.”

  Watching the play of emotions across Macy’s face, especially the look of false maturity as she’d diagnosed herself as being ‘infatuated,’ was almost Elise’s undoing. Macy’s biography of Jake, along with the squeal of joy and her own words, made it incredibly difficult to maintain a straight face.

  Elise cleared her throat. “Well, I think you’re ready. Take a look at yourself in the mirror. And remember: no tears this time.”

  Macy’s joy couldn’t be contained. She pirouetted in front of the mirror and did a little dance like she was a three-year-old girl wearing her first princess dress. “Wait a minute,” she said, coming to a complete stop. “Jake’s downstairs right now? What if he doesn’t think I’m pretty? What if he doesn’t like me?”

 
“He will like you. And you are beautiful,” Elise reassured. “Now, let’s go. You don’t want to keep him waiting.

  Elise urged Macy back downstairs before the girl could torture herself more with nervous second thoughts. Thankfully, Macy was so excited, she hadn’t even bothered to ask how Elise had managed to get Jake to take her to the dance. Elise knew it would make Macy feel more special if she didn’t know Jake was doing it as a favor to his cousin.

  Macy’s entrance was all the fairy tale a teenage girl could dream. She floated down the staircase to meet her handsome (or hot, as she’d put it) date. He looked up. They made eye contact. He smiled and held his hand out to assist her the last few steps.

  “I don’t know that we’ve met officially, Macy, but I’m Jake.”

  “Hi, Jake,” a bright-eyed, pink-cheeked Macy replied. “Thanks for taking me tonight.”

  “It’s my pleasure. I should be thanking you for going with me. With the way you look in that dress, I’m going to have some serious competition by the end of the night.”

  Macy beamed.

  Grandma was openly blubbering into an old-fashioned handkerchief. Camera at the ready, Elise snapped some pictures both of Macy alone and Macy and Jake together.

  Elise felt movement at her elbow and turned to find Ryan’s presence pulling her down to reality. She didn’t want to think about how he was interpreting this scenario. She just wanted to enjoy that she had made a girl and her mother happy even if for just a little while.

  But after a few moments of ignoring him, Elise realized she had to know what Ryan was thinking. He had waited downstairs the entire time she’d helped Macy. Now knowing the full extent of her plan and the results, did he still find it deceptive and unethical?

  She darted a glance up to find him already looking at her. Was she just imagining it, or did his gaze hold a trace of admiration and . . . respect? With a slight smile, Ryan slowly, deliberately bent down, moved Elise’s dark hair ever so slightly away from her ear, and whispered, “Good job, Cupid.”