A Deal With God: The Power of One (11 page)

How could Leon say no to that?

The next morning Deana and Luke went shopping. Matthew and Mark were back in school and Luke was happy to go anywhere with Deana. First they went to a big country store. She bought a brown velour skirt and vest with lots of tassels. She bought brown cowgirl boots with little tassels.

Then Deana and Luke went to the hardware store. Deana bought a six foot by four foot 1 inch thick piece of plywood. She bought 2 by 4’s and nails to elevate and reinforce the platform.

She drove back to Leon’s and put Luke to bed for his nap. She assembled the mini platform in Leon’s driveway with a hammer and nails she found in the carport. When she was finished, she slid it under Leon’s bed where it would stay hidden until Saturday night.

She went to her computer and burned half an hour of cool dance music onto a disc. She found two killer rap songs she liked, two fast pop songs and two up tempo country songs.

She got rid of the quad braid. Instead, she made eight small braids on both sides of her head, going back to a center part. Later, Leon saw the new hair style and absolutely loved it. She hoped she could keep the momentum going into Saturday night.

Saturday afternoon, before Deana got ready for work, she talked to Tracy on the phone. “Tonight is going to be a blast, I’m so excited.” Deana wanted to get Tracy as pumped as possible for tonight.

“I bought a fifth of Jack Daniels and a fifth of Grey Goose vodka,” Tracy said. “I also bought the ingredients for adult brownies.”

Adult brownies are little chocolate cakes drenched with chocolate liqueur.

“It definitely sounds like a party.” Deana laughed. “I’ll be there just after ten; can you be there by eight?”

“Pretty close,” Tracy replied.

“Matthew, Mark and Luke are pretty easy, I told them they have to behave for you. Just let them watch television or play video games. Put them to bed by ten and when I get there I’ll kiss them good night. We can all party together by the burn pit. After about an hour, if you like Kenny, I’ll take Leon inside and you guys can have some privacy.”

“I might not need an entire hour,” Tracy teased. “I’ll just follow your lead.”

Deana got out of the restaurant just after nine–thirty and hurried home. She took a quick shower and put on the faded denim light blue skirt Leon liked. She put on the new vest with the tassels and the new boots. Later, all she would have to do is change skirts.

She got to Leon’s just after ten. Tracy was there but the boys were all awake. Deana went in and put all the boys to bed. She sent Leon a text. It read:
We are waiting. D.

Leon texted back. It read:
B there in 10. L.

The brownies were almost done baking. Matthew, Mark and Luke were upset they couldn’t have any. Tracy explained they were for Kenny’s birthday. She told them Deana would get them different brownies tomorrow. They cut the one big brownie into four pieces.

“We have to make sure everyone eats their entire brownie,” Tracy joked.

The brownies came out of the oven as Leon and Kenny walked into the door. Tracy looked at Kenny. Kenny looked at Tracy and they gave each other big smiles.

“Please tell me you are hungry,” Deana said. “The boys have been staring these things down all night. If we don’t eat them I’m afraid they will.”

Tracy brought the brownies, plates and utensils to the burn pit. Deana brought the beverages. Leon struck a match and everything lit up. They turned on the radio, laughed and sang. They ate, drank and had a blast.

One hour later, Deana took Leon by the hand and into the bedroom. “Let’s pretend it’s your birthday, too,” Deana teased.

“What I am about to do for you would cost you one hundred and fifty dollars uptown. It is so good I’m not sober right now.”

Deana got Leon a folding chair. She pulled out her hand made platform from under the bed and put it in front of the now seated Leon. She spun around quickly and changed her skirt. She loaded her disk into her computer and put it on the bed. The music started playing. Deana stepped on the platform and she danced. She danced as if everything that mattered was on the line.

For thirty minutes she danced. She put her heart and soul into it. She used a dancers technique at the end that made men want to come back and pay another one hundred and fifty dollars the next night. It is amazing what you can learn to do on the internet. Leon was floored.

Deana did not take her clothes off or do anything improper. She was, however, miles and miles out of her comfort zone. She was a very modest woman. Yet, she had a strong commitment to Leon. There was very little she would not do for him.

Leon and Deana went to bed together. Although they didn’t make love in the biblical sense, Deana showed Leon more love and affection than he’d ever known.

Later on, Leon went to check on Kenny and Tracy. They had a great time. As Kenny was leaving, he told Leon it was his best birthday ever. Kenny walked Tracy to her car and got her number.

As February approached, Deana looked at the calendar and got upset. Valentine’s Day would be on a Thursday this year. I usually don’t even get to see Leon at all on Thursdays, Deana thought to herself sadly. She had no idea how this was going to play out. One of the few Valentine’s Days she actually had a boyfriend and they both had to work.

“Do you think Leon will take me out Tuesday night instead?” Deana asked Delores as they prepared their stations. “Valentine’s Day is on a Thursday this year. We both work and Leon is short on money. I might be getting only a card.”

“You never know with men,” Delores warned. “Sometimes they surprise you with something wonderful, sometimes they brutally disappoint you.”

“You’ve known Leon a long time,” Deana stated. “I really want your opinion on this.”

“Expect the unexpected,” Delores predicted. “I know it’s a clich�, and probably not what you want to hear, but it’s the best I can do.”

It was Saturday afternoon, five days before Valentine’s Day. Deana and Leon were in the living room together watching television. Deana tried dropping hints.

“It’s going to be an interesting week coming up, Leon,” Deana stated. “I think they have some day coming up where if you have someone real special in your life, you kind of celebrate it, I forget what they call it, but I think it’s Thursday this year.”

“Aw man,” Leon said. “Thursday is the worst day of the week. We usually don’t even see each other. Maybe next year it will be a better day of the week and I’ll have a little more money.”

Deana was crushed, but did not say a word. They went to church on Sunday; they spent most of Monday and Tuesday evenings together. There was no mention of Valentine’s Day.

After work Wednesday night, Deana was home alone and feeling vulnerable. She had no real family. Her friends were distant. What if Leon was just using her as a cook, companion and babysitting service. Maybe his feelings for her were not that deep.

Early the next afternoon Leon called Mr. Vito at the restaurant. “I know it will be busy at the restaurant tonight,” Leon told Mr. Vito. “But if there is any way you could let Deana off just half an hour early tonight, say maybe 9:30, I’d really appreciate it. I want to pick her up and do something special for her.”

“I have to ask Peggy and Delores first,” Mr. Vito replied. “If they are all right with Deana leaving early, it’s all right with me. I’ll call you back at five.”

Mr. Vito called Leon back later and okayed his request after talking to his other two waitresses.

At 9:30pm, Leon walked in with a bouquet of red roses and a little heart shaped box of chocolates. Deana, who by this time had been feeling very melancholy, was ecstatic. She jumped into Leon’s arms and started to cry.

Deana had her arms around the flowers and chocolate and Leon had his arms around her as they walked to his truck. They drove to the clearing by the lake she liked so much.

The radio played their favorite songs. Deana’s shoulders were wrapped tightly in Leon’s blanket and Leon’s arms. At first they kissed with Deana sitting next to Leon. As things warmed up, Deana spun on top of Leon’s lap. They were waist to waist, chest to chest. It was their most intimate, longest kiss ever.

Deana sucked on Leon’s ear lobe and then circled his outer ear with her tongue. “I am so ready to take this to the next level Leon,” Deana proclaimed. “Saturday afternoon, when I’m down off of this cloud, we need to talk.”

She kissed Leon again. This time it was more than just passion. It was lust, desire, and two people falling in love.

CHAPTER 10
THE PROPOSAL

It was Saturday, February 16th, 2013. Deana was over early so she could make the boys their favorite chocolate chip pancakes. Matthew, Mark and Luke liked whipped cream on theirs. Leon preferred syrup. Deana knew food was a great way to put Leon in a good mood. Today was the day Deana and Leon would have their most important talk ever.

Deana cleaned up after breakfast and helped Matthew and Mark with their studies. When they were finished the boys played video games. Deana went into the living room to be with Leon. Leon was watching college basketball. When Deana walked into the living room he turned down the volume. He knew she had something to say, he just wasn’t completely sure what.

“As we’ve discussed before,” Deana started, “one of the reasons I moved to Dothan is because it’s close to Atlanta and Dr. Rodriguez, a very respected internist practices there. One of my physicians in Tampa, Dr. James, set me up with Dr. Rodriguez. Two weeks from Monday, I go for my final check–up to make sure I’m completely recovered from my accident. I’ll be checked and tested head to toe.”

“As you know,” Deana continued, “I suffered extensive internal injuries. Even some of my female parts were affected. The good news is I expect to get a clean bill of health. Physically, for the first time, I’d be able to be fully intimate with you.”

“The bad news,” Deana explained, “which I hope isn’t too bad, is spiritually I’m not comfortable making love to a man that is not going to be my husband. If I was engaged and had a commitment, I’d feel so much more at ease.”

“Leon, please understand, if you’re not ready to make this big of a commitment, I understand,” Deana concluded. “I’m perfectly happy the way things are. This is the most incredible relationship I’ve ever been in. I just wanted you to know I’m emotionally and soon physically ready to take our relationship to the next level.”

“Are you saying you’ve never been with a man Deana,” Leon asked carefully.

“This is something I never talk about,” Deana replied. “However, I think you deserve an answer. When I was very young and in foster care, my first foster father forced himself on me against my will. I have never voluntarily given myself to anyone. The first and only man I want to give myself to and make love to will be the man that will be my husband.”

Leon looked stunned but remained silent. Deana was mature beyond her years. The fact she’d dealt with so much in childhood shed quite a bit of light on Deana the adult.

Meanwhile, a couple of blocks away at Dothan Christian Church, Pastor Beckmann and church Deacon Simms were having a conversation.

“I’m concerned about our attendance,” Pastor Beckmann said. “Even with the high price of gas people are driving over towards Morrison to go to the new church. I’m told they’re doing some kind of guitar service. Is that what you’re hearing?”

“Yes, Pastor,” Simms said. “These two brothers, Eli and Edwin Jacobson are terrific guitar players. These guitar services are popular all over the country.”

“Do any of our members play guitar?”

“The new girl, Deana, can play. Some days in the early afternoon I see her on her porch playing. She takes care of Leon Samuels’ little boy, Luke. I guess when Luke takes his nap the Murphy girl goes outside to practice so she doesn’t wake him.”

“How good is she? Can she sing?”

“I don’t know,” Simms answered. “She’s a waitress at Vito’s. Why don’t we have Italian for dinner and we can sit in her station and talk to her.”

That night, they paid her a visit at work and requested her as their waitress.

“Miss Murphy we need your help,” Pastor Beckmann began. “Attendance at our church is in decline. We think some of our former members are driving to a new church near Morrison because they like their style of praise and worship music.”

“It’s funny you mention it, Pastor,” Deana said. “Leon and I have discussed this before. My former church in Tampa has amazing music during the service. Good music can really add so much to the worship experience. You should get a couple of good musicians to help Mrs. Jarvis.”

“Actually Deana, we’re thinking of replacing Mrs. Jarvis,” Deacon Simms said. “She doesn’t seem to resonate with the younger members. We’re considering going in a different direction; getting someone younger. Also, everyone has grown tired of organ music.”

“Sir,” Deana said respectfully. “That would break Mrs. Jarvis’ heart. Her music means so much to her. Wouldn’t it be better to help her than replace her?”

Obviously, the two men were not interested in Deana’s opinion, just her talent.

“Deana, what kind of singing voice do you have?” Pastor Beckmann asked.

At that second, Peggy walked by. “Oh my, Pastor Beckmann,” Peggy said. “Are you saying you’ve never heard Deana sing? She has a voice people would drive to listen to. Her singing is amazing.”

“Is this true, Miss Murphy?” Pastor Beckmann asked.

“I’m a good singer, Pastor Beckmann,” Deana replied. “But I’m not that good a guitar player. I definitely can’t do it solo.”

“You’re such a pretty girl, no one will notice,” Deacon Simms said. “We’ll tell Mrs. Jarvis tomorrow will be her last Sunday.”

“I can’t do that, sir,” Deana said, trying to be as respectful as possible.

Saying ‘no’ to the head of your church in rural Georgia could definitely cause problems for Deana. She had to think fast.

“Gentlemen, I think I have a solution that will solve all of our problems. Please don’t talk to Mrs. Jarvis yet. I’m off from work on Monday. Please let me handle this.”