Chapter 6 #2
“How would you know? You barely spoke to him when he was kind enough to drop you home in the sleet storm.”
“I guess I was kind of rude.”
“I’d say more than that, Elizabeth. Perhaps it is time to make amends, jah?”
“Yes, Mommi,” she replied meekly. Because, what else could she say?
“That’s what I wanted to hear, dear.” Smiling at her, she said, “Go stop by and take a peek.”
“You don’t think he’d mind?”
“Beth, why would you think he would?” Looking slightly impatient, she waved her hands.
“Go over, child, and say hello. Take a tour and see if you might be of use. He had to work fifty and sixty hours a week last fall to keep up with the demand. If there’s anything I know about you, it’s that you’re a hard worker. ”
“I’m beginning to think that you’re trying to get rid of me.”
“Never that, but I do think that you need to do something besides sit around here and worry and hold on to misplaced guilt, dear,” she said in a soft tone.
“I’m trying to move on.”
“You are pregnant, child. Soon you will be holding a baby in your arms, and he or she will become your whole world. You’ll move on even if you aren’t ready.”
“I suppose that’s true.” To her surprise, the idea of working a little bit made her feel much better. It might not be real estate, but she was good on the computer, on the phone, and could even box candles or something. It all sounded better than sitting all day long.
She took a deep breath. “I think I’ll go see Junior’s candle company. What is it called?”
“Walden Wax Works. It’s a big metal barn two blocks off of Maple. You can’t miss it.”
“Okay. I’ll head out in a couple of minutes.”
“Gut.”
“Hey, Mommi?” When she turned, Beth said, “Thanks.”
Walking over, she enfolded Beth in a warm hug. Running a hand down her hair, she whispered, “I know you’re scared, but everything will be good soon, Bethy. The Lord doesn’t make mistakes.”
Beth realized that she was counting on that.
It turned out that Walden Wax Works was not only easy to find, it was really big. She thought that two or three of the Schrock’s family home could fit inside the structure. There were also about twelve cars in the parking lot and at least a dozen bicycles parked near the door.
This was a real business. If she was going to apply for a job, she should have dressed more professionally.
Looking down at herself, Beth was pretty sure that she’d chosen the wrong clothing to wear. She was still wearing the dark yellow Amish dress that she’d been wearing when she’d gotten sick.
All she’d done to spruce herself up was wash her face, brush her teeth, and slip on her favorite butter-colored V-neck cashmere sweater over the dress. Since it wasn’t too cold, she’d elected not to wear a coat.
She had thick black stockings on her legs and black suede pull-on tennis shoes on her feet. She wasn’t wearing a kapp, but she had pulled her hair into a ponytail. She was actually very comfortable.
Compared to her power suits, four-inch heels, and expensive accessories that filled her regular life, she felt frumpy and wrinkled.
And, compared to the young-looking Amish receptionist who looked like she should be on the cover of a book—she was so neat and pretty in her lavender dress, apron, and simple black cardigan—Beth didn’t feel like she looked Amish enough, either.
She supposed she looked exactly like she was—a woman who seemed to be constantly tired, nauseous, and two or three steps away from having a mental breakdown. Way to go, Beth, she chided herself. Now you can give Junior yet another reason to think you’re a loser.
“May I help ya?” the perfect-looking Amish woman said when Beth walked through the door.
“Yes, I came to see Junior Lambright.”
“You want to see Junior?”
It might have been her imagination, but Beth was pretty sure that the girl’s dark brown eyebrows lifted an inch.
Unease filled her. Was she not supposed to call him Junior? Her mind had gone blank. Beth had completely forgotten what his given name was.
Deciding to bluff her way through the exchange, she raised her chin a bit. “Yes. Is he in?”
“He’s here.” She frowned as she looked at the calendar on the desk. “But I didn’t see that he had any appointments this afternoon.” The girl eyed her more carefully. “What is your name?”
“Beth Schrock.”
“Hmm.” Looking up at Beth again, she wrinkled her nose. “Did he forget to tell me about ya?”
“No. I don’t have an appointment, I just thought I’d stop by to say hello.”
“I see.” The girl was now looking at Beth as if she couldn’t imagine Junior would want to interrupt his very important day to speak to her.
And, based on the way she’d treated him when he’d driven her home, the girl was probably right.
And now Beth felt officially embarrassed. Even though it had been her grandmother’s idea for her to stop by, she’d been part of the business world for a long time. She knew that no one appreciated anyone who stopped by out of the blue. “If he’s busy, maybe I could leave a note?”
“What’s your name again?”
“Beth. Beth Schrock,” she said slowly. Because she was pretty sure the receptionist was messing with her.
“You’re one of Sylvia Schrock’s grandchildren, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I met Jonny.” Finally, she seemed to thaw and looked a whole lot more approachable. “My cousin bought a bicycle from him. He’s nice.”
Beth smiled at her. “Jonny sure is.” He was easily the most outgoing of the four of them. Everyone liked her younger brother.
“Have a seat and I’ll go tell Junior that you are here to say hello.” Just before she reached a glass door, she paused. “It might be a minute.”
“I understand. I’ll be fine right here.”
The girl smiled at her before she opened the door and walked inside.
Leaving Beth completely alone—and with plenty of time to worry, berate herself, and overthink things.
She hoped the woman returned soon.