“I am distracted with thoughts of a visitor who is coming for Sunday dinner…”

An excerpt from “Trouble and Strife,” by Johanne Levesque

  During communion, I walk to the front, and I am distracted with thoughts of a visitor who is coming for Sunday dinner.

The priest says, “The body of Christ,” his hand suspended at eye level, immobile.

I can see he is waiting for me.

“Have you received before?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“Your response is ‘Amen,’” he adds.

I blush and say, “Amen.”

Many Sundays, Warren Burrell, Eugene’s business partner, visits for dinner.  He is always impeccably dressed with charming manners, and he is a thoroughly delightful gentleman.  In all my thirty-five years, I have never found any man even remotely as attractive.  I catch myself looking at Warren’s fiery red hair and admiring his looks several times when he visits.  I have a secret crush on him.  I often wonder why this thirty-year-old bachelor has not yet found a wife.  He would be such a great catch.  Owning properties with Eugene is only a past-time for him.  He made his fortune on the wholesale of tea.  He has clients all over the world, in Ceylon, India and the Dutch East Indies.

In the evening, we sit down to eat turkey with roasted potatoes, Eugene’s favourite meal.  We hold hands while I say, “Bless us Lord for these gifts we are about to receive.  We thank you for the food on our table.  In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.”  I have trouble concentrating on the prayer as I feel Warren’s hand in mine.

If you liked this excerpt from Trouble and Strife, you can buy the book at any of the following links:

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