Free Aging with Gracie by Heather Hunt Page A

it’s amazing how he just latches right onto you. You’re hooked from the get-go.” She glanced around the room and gave an apologetic grin. “Pardon the analogy.”
    “It’s right on the money,” Jack agreed. “Max is definitely one-of-a-kind. If you hang around long enough, you’ll probably get to know him even better. He’s a member down at the Community Church, and he’s always got some sort of project going on there. As a matter of fact, it was Max who led me to the Lord my first year in college.”
    “Really?” Grace asked. “I figured you were one of those little kids whose head barely bobbed above the water in the baptismal pool.”
    “And here I was thinking the same thing about you, Gracie,” Jack kidded. “But seriously, I had always thought I was a Christian. I always went to church with my parents, and I wasn’t that bad a person. Unfortunately, God’s Word didn’t dwell in my heart the way I had always been told that it should.”
    “I know what you mean,” Grace nodded. “I’ve been a Christian since I was twelve, but I never knew that God had a plan for my life. That I could actually do something for His kingdom.”
    “That’s where Max was such an influence on me,” Jack told her. “I came up here to work with Gramps that summer and got involved with Max’s housing ministry. God really convicted me of the sin in my life, and I finally gave my heart to Him. Max and many of the people in his church were a great source of guidance for me.”
    “They sound like they are truly dedicated to the ministry. I’ll have to visit there.” Grace smiled. “I’ve been so sidetracked with my injury and the work and the center that I’ve neglected my spiritual health.”
    “I can show you where the church is located on the way back to your place. My grandparents and I still attend there. We could even save you a seat,” Jack joked.
    “Thanks,” she nodded her head. “I’d appreciate it…I think.” She gave him a wary look and was rewarded with one of his amazing smiles.
    “It’s a great place, Gracie,” he assured her.
    They exchanged small-talk for the next several minutes, but by the time Max returned, Grace had moved her attention from Jack to the captivating scene outside the window of the restaurant. Past a weathered deck lay a lazy mountain river that disappeared into a thick forest of pines. She leaned her head closer to the open window and heard the soothing rush of water.
“Thank you,” Grace accepted the glass of sweet tea. “You have a beautiful place here, Max.”
“Thank you, little lady,” he said as he handed Jack his drink. “Have ya’ll decided what it’ll be yet?”
“I’ll have the spicy grilled,” Jack answered.
“And I’ll try the fried catfish,” Grace said without an ounce of guilt.
“Hush puppies?”
“Of course!” she laughed. “Is there any other option?”
    “Not for me,” he grinned, “But with so many of those fancy pants coming up from Atlanta, we have to cater to their whims, too. Portobello this and eggplant that. I can barely keep up with the trends.”
    “I really have very simple tastes, Mr. Monroe,” Grace told him with a smile. “I’m sure whatever you bring will be outstanding.”
    “Now that’s a smart lady you have here, Jack Ellis,” Max said with a waggle of his generous eyebrows. “Ya’ll be sure to hang around for the music. We’ve got a little group starting up in about half an hour.” He grabbed up their menus and headed toward the kitchen.
    “We’ll do,” Jack nodded. “You know, I believe he’s right.” Jack watched Grace with an approving stare.
    “What do you mean by that?” she asked. “And stop staring, Jack Ellis,” Grace leveled him with her gaze. “You’re embarrassing me.”
    “I can’t seem to help it,” he shook his head. “I was talking about you being a smart lady. I’m not so sure about the other part.”
“What do you mean?” Grace asked, a little confused.
“What you