PURSUIT: A Novel – 45: Offer

Christina’s House, Saturday, May 6, 1989

A black stretch limousine paused on the country road and then slowly entered the gravel drive that led to Christina’s house. Jerry was alone with Christina in the living room. Adera was out shopping and Eva was sleeping off a hangover from the celebration the night before. Both woke refreshed from their moonlight cuddling in the hammock, falling asleep in each other’s arms and waking to the songbirds as dawn peaked its eye over the horizon. He made breakfast, a frittata, a variation of the French omelette, in a small, black iron skillet—the eggs and ingredients—odds and ends and leftovers he found in the fridge—mixed together, then cooked slowly to produce a round and thick, heartier, healthier, and more satisfying meal than it’s famous cousin. Following breakfast, Jerry spent the early morning scribing in the green tanned leather journal while Christina sat on the deck and basked in the sun in meditative silence. Today would be a decisive one—she was meeting with Robert Chamberlain—and then the pomp of the KU graduation ceremony.

The limousine crept through the roundabout and stopped at the brick paved sidewalk that led to the front door.

Jerry, dressed in casual business attire, parted the front window curtain at the sound of gravel popping under tires. “Whoa. Looks like Mr. Chamberlain is rolling out the red carpet for you.”

Christina, wearing a knee-length chiffon dress, sidled up to him and watched the driver exit his seat and then open the side door. “I’m ready. I’ve been praying about this all morning. I’m happy that you will be with me, by my side, supporting me in whatever I choose to do. Thank you, honey.”

“No better place to be than with you.” He hugged her and she nestled her neck on his shoulder. “I love you,” she whispered and gently pulled his shoulders to bear his chest into hers, their hearts beat next to each other, their rhythm as one.

† † †

Eldridge Hotel, Lawrence, Kansas

Robert and Sansui met the two in the lobby of Lawrence’s most exquisite hotel, The Eldridge. Its historic elegance dated back to 1925 and featured wide Roman columns supporting an inlaid, sculpted ceiling that spanned the entire front of the building. The expansiveness, the handcrafted cherry furniture, and the domed chandeliers caught the breath of these two college students whose hangout was a hundred-year-old coffee shop that hadn’t changed a bit except for the grand chrome and brass espresso machine.

Robert greeted Christina with a kiss on each cheek as he gracefully held her arms to do so. He extended his hand to Jerry and said, “Welcome. Your presence indeed expresses her trust in you—une histoire d’amour.

Christina blushed.

“Sansui will join us for lunch. She has quite the story to tell about her first dance season with us. We have a private room in which to dine and shoot the video. Sansui, please lead the way.”

As Sansui led the way with Chamberlain close behind, Jerry tugged at Christina’s elbow and leaned to her ear. “What was that about?”

Her cheeks now ruddy, she said, “He thinks we are a love story.”

Jerry studied her profile while he walked beside her. I feel the same.

The room was set with a round table dressed in white linen, four place settings with polished silver and wine goblets that sparkled in the light of a crystal chandelier. To the side, two tufted arms chairs with a small, round table in between were situated for filming the interview in front of a tripod mounted camera.

Two white-gloved waiters appeared through a side door and seated the four, placing white linen napkins in their lap. Water was poured as a wine steward appeared with a cart that displayed a variety of fine wines. The steward nodded to Christina and gave a description of his selection.

“No, thank you,” Christina offered with a smile. “We had our celebration last night.” She gave a slight wink to Jerry.

“I will pass, also, and respect the wishes of our honored guest,” Chamberlain said.

As lunch was served, Sansui reflected on her first season with the dance company. Christina listened and at times nodded with understanding, but didn’t say a word.

“Ah, Christina, the selection of next year’s premier ballet is now official. I spoke with Martin the choreographer and Wolf the score composer in New York this morning. The premier is,” he opened his arms to announce, “Delight Of The Muses.” He waited for Christina’s response.

She raised her eyebrows and said, “Hmm. Nine daughters of Zeus, Greek goddesses of inspiration in literature, science and the arts. They were also considered water nymphs. How delightful. Robert— ”

“I am offering the prima ballerina $50,000— ”

“It’s not about the money, Robert. It’s all about the purpose.” She dabbed her mouth with the lap napkin and set it aside. She took a drink of water and said, “I believe it’s time you heard the purpose of my unique dance and from whom it is inspired.”

Chamberlain began the interview with the customary questions of her interests and what she was studying in college. Christina began to relax in the comfortable chair. Jerry and Sansui watched from the seats at the dining table. When Chamberlain asked when she started dancing, Christina replied—

“My earliest memory from childhood is of me dancing with my imaginary father. I still treasure the feeling of him gracefully holding my hands as I stood on his feet, flowing with him to the gospel music my mother continually played.”

“Your imaginary father? To whom are you referring?”

“I have never met my earthly father. The story is that he died in Italy as a spy for the Italian Secret Service. I yearned to meet him, to know him, to hug him, to nestle my head in his chest. It was not until I auditioned for Swan Lake that I realized for whom I danced.” She paused and looked at Jerry with a knowing smile. He returned a gleaming expression of understanding and nodded.

“And?”

“I dance with my Heavenly Father. Do you know Him, Robert? Do you know Father God?”

“Well, I know there are many gods. Zeus, Buddha, Allah— ”

“Robert, there is only one True God, our Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son, Jesus, our Savior. Do you know Jesus, Robert?”

“Well, he’s a well-known prophet from thousands of years ago, a prophet like, well, Muhammad.”

She looked down at her hands folded in her lap. When she returned her eyes to Robert’s, they shined brightly with a light of love. “Let me tell you about Jesus. Will you, Robert? I have a story to tell, the Greatest Story Ever Told. This is what I want to share with the world of dance—

I dance with God.

† † †

Copyright 2017  © Jeff Cambridge

Excerpt from PURSUIT, a novel by Jeff Cambridge.

Author of transformational fiction—

Real characters in real life drama that tell the story of their transformation to become more like Jesus.

To read the scenes sequentially, begin with

“PURSUIT: A Novel – Prologue”

Located in the May Blog Archive. Click on the episodes and enjoy.

This episode is pre-published. The book will be available Spring 2018.

Your comments are welcomed and appreciated. Check one of the reaction boxes below, write a comment, or email me at lightbycambridge@gmail.com.

This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, businesses, organizations, and locales are intended only to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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