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I still can’t get back to sleep

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

A FEW DAYS LATER, I walk to St Mary’s in a gentle, steady, cozy rain I miss Colonel so much it aches…the past few days have been so quiet, both at the diner and in my personal life, that I’m a little stir-crazy The diner is closed for the day, the baking done It’s not ht for Meals on Wheels, and I’ve spent so ive her a little space Clearly, it’s ti

So The high school had a dance in the church baseo over and clean the kitchen, which always suffers during this type of event

As I cross the street, I see Bishop Tranturo walking out of the rectory Father Tim stands in the doorway, his arms crossed on his chest He seesthe door behind him

Bishop Tranturo has been around forever He’s not often seen in these parts, as we are a tiny parish, but I re his annual visit to confirers, he usually stops by the diner for breakfast In fact, he presided over my own confirmation

I wonder what he’s doing here I wonder?

“Hi, Bishop,” I call out, splashing across the street as he’s about to get into his car

“Hello, dear,” he says “I’m sorry, you are…?”

“Maggie Maggie Beaumont”

“Oh, yes,” he says, recognition lighting his cherubic face “You’re Maggie, from the diner Of course Nice to see you” He smiles and waits

“So how are things?” I ask “How’s everything?”

“Just fine, dear And you?”

“I’reat A great priest” My stomach cramps with anxiety

Bishop Tranturo nods and looks over my shoulder

“Is he leaving? Is that why you’re here?” I blurt, glancing back at the rectory “Is Father Tim…?”

The bishop sighs, his breath fogging in the cool air “I think I’ll let him tell you that himself, dear,” he says “Take care God bless you, my child”

“Okay, yes Thanks And you, too,” I say manically “Drive safely Bye”

I step back and let hi harder now, but I barely notice

Father Ti the priesthood

My heart pounds sickly in ht, I drift into the church and slide into the last pew

It’s e and welco The door clicks shut behind me, and I aainst the slass s, and below me, the furnace kicks on The candles in the front flicker in the drafts Only one light is on, shining gently on the cross that hangs over the altar

I haven’t been in St Mary’s for a while, too flustered by Father Tim to come here And it’s a shame, really, because it’s lovely, truly a place to think, to open myself up and listen for a whisper of wisdo time My embarrassment over Father Tiht have had in the past year

Father Tih, but I’m unable to hold on to one Father Tim has been lonely He cares abouton that…and he asked me about Father Shea

The question is, what if it’s true? What if he’s leaving the priesthood and wants to find someone? What if he thinks he wants to be with me? What then? It’s not like I have other contenders…the pet psychic, the groin injury guy, the old ry Malone

I rush outside and over to the rectory, bursting in on Mrs Plutarski

“Where is he?” I demand “I know he’s here”

“He’s very busy,” Mrs P answers “What’s got into you?”

“Father Ti my head into his office He’s not there “Father Tim?” I shove my wet hair back from my face

He coie,” he says warmly “Just the person I wanted to see”

“Father Ti his arency”

Mrs P sighs draoldfish this time?”

“Bite h the common room, into the kitchen I don’t want Mrs Plutarski to overhear us, and I know she’ll try

“Here now, Maggie,to see you?”

“Sit down,” I tell him He obeys, and I take a seat opposite him at the small table “I just spoke to Bishop Tranturo About, you know…you” My hands are shaking, the palms sweaty

Father Ti to tell you ie, you know I care?”

“Wait!” I bark “Please wait Don’t say anything” I take a deep breath, then another, as Father Tim looks at me, concerned and expectant “Okay…uently “Listen You are a wonderful priest and the thing is, I understand that it’s not always easy for you, but…” I s He waits patiently “Listen, Father Tim, you’re a very nice, kind man And of course I…you know Care for you But I think you’re ive this all up!”

Father Tiie It’s been wonderful I’ve loved being pastor here, as you know But change is going to come, whether we like it or not”

I take another breath,weak and sick “Does anyone else know about?about your, um, decision?”

“No, Maggie I was planning to say so at Mass” At Mass! My mouth falls open, but he continues “Of course, the bishop knows, but that goes without saying”