Free Sintown Chronicles II: Through Bedroom Windows by Sr. David O. Dyer Page A

limit George opened the passenger door from the inside. “I warmed the car up for you,” he said as Maggie slid in, “but don't you think you need a jacket?"
    “I'm fine,” she said with the heart-stopping smile on her lips. “It'll warm up soon and a jacket would just be in the way."
    He watched her latch the shoulder strap and admired the shape of her breasts as the belt tightened between them. “I appreciate you going to church with me, Maggie. I feel a bit out of place when I go alone. I should have bought you a corsage."
    “The pleasure is mine, kind sir, and I look foolish wearing flowers” she replied jovially. “I don't talk about it much, George, but I rarely miss a Sunday in church, and certainly not Easter Sunday."
    He put the car in gear and headed down the circular driveway. “Here I go again, sounding like a dirty old man, but Maggie, you are such a lovely creature. Why do you usually dress so sloppily?"
    “To keep the guys from hitting on me,” she replied without hesitation. “It usually works, too. For instance, when you first met me you said something to the effect that I have small breasts. Men like big ‘uns,” she laughed. “I keep mine strapped down so they won't get in my way and don't attract unwanted attention."
    She noticed the tint to George's cheeks and gently placed her hand on his knee. “I didn't mean anything by that,” she said lamely.
    “I ... I shouldn't have commented on your anatomy at all. I apologize."
    “George,” she said rubbing his knee with the palm of her hand, “lighten up. I like you. You're a great guy."
    “You're a great gal, too, Maggie. I feel like my whole life has changed for the better these past few days."
    “Me too,” she said as she let her head fall back on the headrest. “Your home is like a palace to me, George. Letting me have the run of the place is like a dream come true."
    He glanced in her direction and saw her eyes close and a dreamy expression emerge on her face. Her lips seemed to glow. Perhaps she was wearing some type of lip-gloss.
    “One of the things I am going to do in church this morning is to thank God for you,” she said with her eyes still closed. “The other is join the church. Are you a member, George?"
    “Well, I go nearly every Sunday and give them a little money, but I've never formally joined."
    “I believe in being a church member,” she said, “and since Dot has only one church, my choice is easy."
    He laughed. “You know,” he said. “You are setting a good example for an old man. I think I'll join this morning too."
    “Does the church have a good choir, George?"
    “It's small, but I think they do a good job. They have a wonderful little pipe organ one of the members donated, but the teenager who plays it is not the greatest organist I ever heard. Why do you ask?"
    “I sang in the glee club in high school and the only thing I truly enjoyed at Clemson was the glee club. I was thinking I might want to join the choir. You have a sweet baritone voice, George. Do you sing?"
    He nodded. “Used to. I've been thinking of joining the choir too, but I hate to go alone."
    “Now you don't have to,” she sighed and she moved her hand to his thigh.
    They rode in silence for a few minutes. “You're excited about tomorrow, aren't you?” she asked.
    He smiled and nodded. “The Grande Opening."
    “The place will be packed."
    “I certainly hope so."
    “I should think giving away meals will guarantee it."
    “That's the idea. I just feel a little bad about Dottie."
    “Dottie?"
    “Dottie Frank. She owns the Dot Diner."
    “So?"
    “The Korner Kafe will drive her out of business."
    “You think so?"
    “I know so. I will do whatever it takes. This town just won't support two restaurants. I offered to buy her out but she got snooty on me. She thinks her customers are friends who won't desert her, but money talks. I tried to warn her."
    “Is that why you set our menu prices so low—to drive her out of