Free Sewn with Joy by Tricia Goyer Page A

bereft of worry. “But even more important than that…I can only stay a few minutes.”
    â€œ Ja , I understand. A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.”
    Beside Matthew two older men with white beards sat on three-wheeled bicycles. They wore straw hats with a black band. They each chatted with one foot on a pedal and the other on the ground. Another man sat in a motorized wheelchair, with his basketball-size belly pushing out. It was hard to picture him as a young farmer or factory worker from up north. She guessed that twenty years ago he’d never imagined himself here, hardly able to walk or get around well. Just like her dat never pictured himself in such a weakened state. Lord, help me to focus on what matters. Even though it may not seem like it, the years are short.
    On the other side of Joy were women on bicycles. While one woman sat, the other two stood, arms crossed and eyes intent on the roadway, as if just watching it would make the bus come more quickly.
    Mem scooted closer and joined them just as the bus pulled up. One by one, weary travelers exited. They were met by friends and family eager to help with their luggage and welcome them to this haven of rest. Most of the visitors were factory workers, here to enjoy their two-week vacations. Older men and women, younger women with children, and piles of suitcases filled the street.
    Joy introduced her cousins to Matthew, and both Rosella andSylvia eyed her curiously. Joy knew she’d get lots of questions later. A handsome bachelor at their cousin’s side was news for certain.
    Hugs were given, and Joy looked around. “Where’s Esther and her family? Aren’t they coming?”
    â€œActually”—Rosella lifted an eyebrow—“they took the train out West and got on a cruise ship. They’re sailing through the Panama Canal and will be landing in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow.”
    Mem clicked her tongue. “Well, that’s a fancy enough way to travel. I—”
    â€œExcuse me.” A man stepped toward them, an Englisch man. He wore jeans and a light blue T-shirt. He stepped past Mem and turned to Joy. “I’m so glad I found you. I was hoping to introduce you to my…uh, my friend.”
    All eyes turned Joy’s direction. She pulled back in surprise. “Oh, are you talking to me?”
    â€œYes, don’t you remember…from the other night?”
    Joy’s eyes widened, and then she realized he was the man from the moving truck. He was hard to recognize without his baseball cap. He looking happier, refreshed. A woman stood behind him. She had dark hair pulled up in a ponytail and wore a yellow sundress with thin straps. She rubbed her arms, seemingly uncomfortable by the way she was dressed around these plain women. Seeing that, Joy took a step their direction. The sooner they said their piece and were on their way, the better for everyone.
    â€œI do remember. I hope you found the place all right.” She extended a hand to the young woman. “I’m Joy.” She glanced behind her. “The bus has just arrived with friends and family from up north. It’s like a family reunion.” The woman looked familiar, but Joy wasn’t sure why.
    â€œIt looks like we arrived just in time,” she said, offering a smile. “I’m Alicia.”
    The man’s smile was brilliant as he scanned the group. He placed a hand on the woman’s bare shoulder. “Alicia is one of the actresses here. She’s part of the television show we’re filming.” His voice boomed. “I would ask you if you’ve seen some of her other projects, but we all know that’s not allowed, don’t we?”
    The voices around them stilled, and the expressions on the crowd’s faces darkened. The joy of the moment slipped behind cautious masks. They didn’t trust this man and didn’t like that he’d interrupted their reunion.