“Chirpy? You’re dating a girl named, Chirpy?” Marianne McCalister stood at the stove and spooned grits onto her brother’s plate.                                                                          

            “It’s a nickname, cute huh?” Eli pushed the newspaper aside to make room for his plate.

            Marianne placed his plate, and returned to the stove to fix her own. “Nicknames are silly.”  She joined him at the table. “That nonsense ceases when children get to my classroom. No cutesy names or initials. David Wayne Lassiter should thank me. Corky would have been laughed at in Washington.” She chuckled. “A congressman addressed as Corky? Can you imagine?”

            Eli’s eyes twinkled as he grinned at his sister. “You’ll like her.”

            “I’ve liked most of them.” She put butter on her grits, peppered her egg, sipped her orange juice, and studied her youngest sibling’s face.

            “Multitasking?”

            “Hm?”

            He laughed. “You’re smooth, Sis, oops I mean Marianne.”

            She smacked at his hand in a teasing manner. “Sis is okay. As long as it’s a term of endearment.”

            “You’re so busy trying to read me, you’ll put butter in your coffee if you’re not careful.”

            “You are pushing forty and still single, little brother. Mom says she’ll be too old to enjoy your children, if you ever have any.”

            “Could have given her three ready-made ones, if things had worked out with Lori.”

            “You’re so good with children; you should have a family.”

            Eli took a sip of his juice, forked up some grits, and smiled appreciably at his sister.

“You always get the grits just right.”

            “Tell me about the new girlfriend.”

            “She’s thirty-three, never been married. She was engaged once, but he was killed in a car wreck.”

            Marianne scrutinized his continence, but detected no emotion. “Hm. Coincidental.” She thought about Jennifer, Eli’s girlfriend, whose life had been cut short by a drunk driver. They were perfect for each other. Eli had bought her an engagement ring, but was waiting for Christmas to give it to her. Christmas never came for Eli that year.

            “Yes. His accident also involved a drunk driver.”

            Marianne sighed but didn’t comment.

            “We met at the hospital. I took her out to dinner to see if she was interested in working for me.”

            “Is she?”

            “Never asked. By the end of dinner I was interested in dating her. Thought it would be best to see where that went. Could be awkward if she were working for me.”

            “Yes. It could be.” 

            Eli looked at his watch. “Wow. It’s almost eight-thirty and my breakfast hasn’t been interrupted by an emergency call.”

            “Kids manage to stay well when school is out for the summer.”

            “Poison Ivy, falls, and stomach viruses take the place of cold and flues.”

            “You’ll be even busier when Doctor Ben retires.”

            “Don’t think he’ll retire. Perfect health—no hobbies to speak of—me to take over when he and Miss Becky take a trip—no reason to retire.”

            “I thought that was why he asked you to be his associate.”

            “He asked me because I’m a home boy. I mowed his lawn: he tended to my childhood

hurts.”

            “So you’re happy as it is?”

            “I keep busy but I’m not stressed. It’s why I stay in Grassella. Eighteen miles to the hospital, twenty-five to the city, and still have the peace and quiet of a small town. Can’t beat it.” Eli drained his coffee cup. “Got to go, Sis. Thanks for breakfast.”

            “Anytime. The whole summer is stretched before me, and my last little bird is leaving the nest for college in the fall. We’ll be shopping for school and having leisurely lunches, whenever I can entice her away from her friends.”

            Eli stood to go. “I’ll call and bring Chirpy out to meet you—if we keep seeing each other.”

            “What’s her real name?”

            “Robin Lynn Sutton.”

            “Robin Lynn—pretty name. Why do you suppose . . .”

            “Gotta go.” He kissed her and hurried off.

            “Does she sing?” Marianne called after him.

            “Don’t know.” Eli took the porch steps two at a time. “See ya, Sis.”

            Doctor Ben and Miss Becky, as they had been known for decades, had the office open when he arrived. No patients were in the waiting room. Wednesday was their official day off, but they usually put in a few hours going over charts.

            “Good morning.”

            “Hi, Eli. There’s coffee and muffins.” Miss Becky looked up from her filing.

            “Just came from breakfast at Marianne’s.”

            “That right; school’s out. You guys hire a nurse for this office so Marianne and I can go shopping. Just because Ben doesn’t want to retire, doesn’t me I don’t.”

            “Thought you were going to interview a nurse who works at the hospital, Eli?” Doctor Ben said.

            Eli blushed. “That one didn’t work out, but I’m working on a couple of possibilities.”

            “Well, at least get a student in to answer the phone and make appointments. Becky says she has to get her green beans canned. Not that the two of us need many green beans, but she cans them anyhow.”

            “They make nice gifts.” Miss Becky closed the filing cabinet.

Later in the morning, sandwiched between a case of chiggers and a sprained ankle Ben took a break. He thought about Chirpy. She was unhappy with her job at the hospital and she would love to work in a Doctor’s office. He called her. “Feeling Chirpy this morning?” He joked when she answered.

            “Not in a good mood. Not at all.”

            “Sorry.”

            “I simply have to find another job. I’ve never had a problem with coworkers before, but the ones at this hospital are impossible.” Chirpy took a deep breath. “Actually, it’s only a few people, but they are the supervisor friends, and I don’t fit in.”

            Eli thought for a moment and decided to take a risk. “What time do you get off today?”

            “Three.”

            “Come over after work and I’ll introduce you to my senior partner. We might be able to work something out.”

            “Four, okay?”

            “Yes.”

Miss Becky poured tea into Chirpy’s cup. “Robin and I will have a little chat while you make your phone calls.” She gave Dr. Ben and Eli a dismissing wave with her hand.

            Ben and Eli hurried off.

            “This is the time of day they call in prescriptions and return phone calls. Wednesday is supposed to be our day off, but sometimes that doesn’t happen.” She studied Chirpy’s pretty face. “This would be a substantial pay cut for you, dear. You’re over qualified for the job.”

            “I think it would be a good career choice. I’m sure this position would add substantially

to my experience. I prefer small towns, and would love having the close relationships your office seems to have with the patients.

            Miss Becky took a drink of tea. “I see. Well, I’ll talk to the doctors and call you.” She studied Chirpy’s face a moment. “Oh, shoot. Hang on a minute.” She went to the door to the Doctor’s offices and called in. “Hiring her. Okay?” She smiled when they nodded.

            She went to the filing cabinet and got some papers. “Okay, hon. Fill these out and bring them back with you. Two weeks?”

            Chirpy took the papers and rose to leave. “Yes. In the meantime I might be able to help part-time if you want.”

            “That would work. Call and let me know.” Miss Becky got up to walk to the door with her, but Eli came barreling into the room and took Chirpy’s arm.

            “I’ll walk out with you.” He led Chirpy to her yellow Volkswagen. “Do you have to go now?”

            Chirpy smiled. “Yes.”

            He opened her car door. “Can I call you tonight?”

            “Yes. Around nine.” She gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thanks.” She slid into the car and gave a slight wave as she pulled out.

            Eli went back to work. He ignored Miss Becky’s grin and wink as he walked by her desk.

Marianne placed her breakfast plate across from Eli’s and joined him at the table. “Miss Becky called.” She carefully spread her napkin on her lap. “What changed your mind?”

            Eli scooped up some grits. “About what?”
            “About hiring Miss Robin Lynn Sutton. That’s what.”

            “I just arranged the interview.”

            Marianne took a drink of her coffee. “But at our last breakfast you thought it could be awkward. Did you decide it was worth the risk?”
            “She was looking for a job. I arranged an interview. That’s all.”

            “I see.” Marianne smiled.

            “Don’t give me that knowing smile, Sis. That’s absolutely all there is to it.”

            “Going to help her find a place here?”

            “If she asks.”

            “Going to help her move?”

            “Offered the use of my truck.”

            “When do I get to meet her?”

            “Friday night, okay?”

            “I could be receiving calls around eight. The nights have been warm. We could have lemonade on the porch.”

            “Gingerbread cookies?”

            “Perhaps.” Marianna looked down at her coffee and stirred cream into it.

            “I saw that smirk, Sis.”

My sister is a wonderful person, but it takes . . .”

            “. . . a while for a person to get used to her direct ways.” Chirpy finished the sentence for him.

            Eli laughed. “Quoting Miss Becky?”

            “And Doctor Ben.”

            He took the key out of the ignition. “You’ll like her.”

            “I hear she’ll insist on calling me Robin Lynn.”
            “’Tis a lovely name.” He placed his hand on hers. “Might call you that now and then, myself.”

            Eli got out, opened her car door, and led her up the porch steps. He called out, “Sis,” as he opened the screen door.

            “No need to holler, Eli. I’m right here.”

            Marianne was seated at the piano. She rose to greet them. She gave Eli a quick kiss on the cheek before taking both of Chirpy’s hands. “This must be the lovely Miss Robin Lynn Sutton I’ve been hearing so much about.” She squeezed Chirpy’s hands lightly before she let go.

            Eli sniffed. “I smell gingerbread cookies.”

            “Just baked. Bring the tray to the porch.” She left the cookies and lemonade to Eli and took Chirpy to the front porch and seated her in a rocking chair. “Lovely evening.”

            Chirpy smiled and took a deep breath. “Yes. Eli said he’ll bring me back in the daytime so I can see your flower gardens.”

            Eli arrived with the lemonade and cookies and sat them on a table. Marianne got up and poured the lemonade as he served the cookies.

            “I hear you’ve rented Lilly Johnson’s garage apartment.”

            “Yes. It’s small but cozy.”
            “Nice person, Lilly, sings in the choir. Do you sing, Robin? I thought perhaps you do, since they call you, Chirpy.”

            Chirpy looked up at the stars, put her glass down, focused her eyes on Marianne’s face, and then cleared her throat. “No. I used to sing, but I don’t anymore. Not at all.” She brushed her bangs back from her forehead. “Never.”

            Marianna took in Eli’s stunned expression. “Hm. Well, perhaps you enjoy listening.

Have Eli bring you to church one Sunday. Preacher’s interesting, too.” She smiled. “Isn’t he Eli?”

            “Yes. But we’ll give Chirpy time to get settled in before we expose her to all of the excitement of our small community.” He winked at Chirpy. “Marianne got pretty jazzy on the piano last Sunday.”

            “I do enjoy listening. Perhaps you could play before we leave.”

            “The crickets are making pretty music tonight. Some other time.”

Marianne tactfully changed the subject to gardening.

“Your sister is very nice. People must exaggerate when they describe her as rather stern.”

            “Schoolmarmish . . . at times.”

            “Perhaps that’s because you’re the little brother.”

            “She never lets me forget that.”

            “I like her.”

            “Me too.” Eli put the blinker on and pulled in. He noted Mrs. Johnson peep out from behind the blinds. “I’ll just walk you to the door. Mrs. Johnson is watching.”

            Marianna laughed.

            “I love your laugh. It’s musical.” His mind flashed back to her earlier reaction, but she showed no sign of discomfort. “Want to take in a matinee tomorrow? We should be done by one or two?”

            “Can’t remember the last time I went to a matinee.”

            “Okay?”

            “I’ll buy the popcorn.”

            “Deal.” He put his arms around her.

            “Mrs. Johnson is watching.”

            “Only if she moved to her back window.”

            Chirpy glanced over his shoulder at the house. “She did.”

            Eil hugged her and brushed her cheek with his lips. “Good night.”
            “Thank you.” Her tone sounded rather formal. “I enjoyed the evening.”

Marianne dangled her feet in the water and watched Eli reel in his line. “Even the fish are lazy today.”

            “We’re definitely not going to have fish for lunch.”

            Marianne laughed. “Tuna.” She put her hands behind her, and leaned back with her face to the sun. “Did you ask Robin to come fish with you?”

            “She’s doing her laundry. I think that’s what girls always say when they don’t want to do something.”

            “Laundry does have to be done.”

            “Right.” Eli closed his tackle box. “I’ve been seeing her for three months and . . . I don’t know . . . I don’t know her any better than I did when I first met her.”

            “Doesn’t talk about herself?”

            “I know more about her, but I don’t know her.”

            “Want to? Do you want the relationship to progress?”
            “That’s a strange question.”

            “I don’t think so.” She got up. “I’ll go make the sandwiches while you clean-up here.”

            They ate lunch and settled on the porch with iced coffee.

            “She probably actually needed to do her laundry, Eli.”

            “I know. We’re going out tonight. But . . .”

            Marianne waited but he didn’t go on. “But what?”

            “I like her a lot. She keeps me at a distance.”

            “She needs to talk.”

            “About what?”

            “Where her song went.”

            “Song?”

            “Remember. When I first met her? I asked if she sang.”
            “Yes. I remember, but . . .”

            Marianne again waited but he didn’t go on. “When she talks about it . . . you’ll know she’s ready to move on.”

            “But I can’t just ask her.”

            “Directness has its rewards, little brother.”

Eli settled into the seat in the back row of the theater. He had just put his arm around Chirpy’s shoulder when he felt his phone vibrate. He checked the number and excused himself to go to the lobby. Chirpy hesitated a few seconds and then followed him.

            He was replacing his phone when she caught up with him.

            “Car accident. Four local teens are being taken by ambulance to the hospital.”

            Chirpy didn’t ask any questions until they neared the hospital. “Do you think you know them?”
            “I’m sure I do.” His phone rang and he glanced at it. “It’s Marianne. Take it for me, please.” He handed her the phone.

            “Yes. We’ll on our way now. We will.”
            “She said to let her know how they are as soon as we can. She heard it was two of the Patterson kids and maybe two of their cousins.”

Chirpy slid into Eli’s truck. “You’re still upset. I’ll drive.”

            Eli handed her his keys. “Okay with the gearshift?”

            “Been a while, but I’ll be fine.” She turned the ignition key. “Oh, almost forgot, call your sister.”

            He looked at his watch. “Thanks. She’ll not stop praying and go to bed until she hears.”

He called. “They’re keeping them for observation, but they should be released tomorrow. They’ll be okay.” He gave a little chuckle. “At least until there parents get a hold of them . . . Yeah. We’re fine . . . No. Chirpy’s driving.”

            He flipped the phone shut and let it fall to the car seat. “She heard the driver was talking on the phone. She was ready to scold me if I was.”

            “Guess she didn’t hear about the six-pack and open bottles yet.”

            Eli pressed his lips together, turned his head to his window and looked out.

“Jenny was going back to school after Thanksgiving. It was her senior year in college. She stopped by my house to say goodbye. We kissed—she pulled out onto the highway—gave a little wave. I stood watching her. I’d just come back from town where I’d bought her engagement ring. My hand was shoved in my jacket pocket holding the ring box. An out of control van came around the bend of the road and swerved into her lane. I don’t remember everything, but I remember the smell of booze from his car.”

            Chirpy pulled the truck off the road and put her arms around him. “I met Ron at the community theater. He was the director and I auditioned for South Pacific. He always said that I got the part, and he got the girl. Three months and we were planning the wedding. He was driving home to tell his family. I was alone when I got the call.”

            “I always regretted I didn’t give her the ring. I was waiting for Christmas.”

            “He wanted me to go with him. I had to work early the next morning and . . . I should have gone. The timing would have been different if he had picked me up. Maybe, it wouldn’t have happened.”

            They set there a long time. Not talking. Not crying. Just holding each other.

Marianne McCalister looked from her music to the congregation. She smiled when she saw Robin Lynn take Eli’s hand, focus her eyes on the hymnal, and sing Amazing Grace.