Church Folk - Michele Andrea Bowen [33]
"Thank you, Mrs. Thomas," Essie said politely, puzzled that she would get such a warm reception. She had no way of knowing that Coral Thomas felt halfway responsible, since she had prayed so hard about it, for Essie meeting Theophilus.
"I've been hearing all about you from Susie James," Coral replied. "And the way I understand things, there a real goodlookin' Memphis preacher who been callin' you lately to get himself a little in-spi-ra-tion for his sermons."
Essie's mouth fell open, and she stared at Lee Allie, who suddenly became interested in the contents of her purse. Clearly her mother had been telling Essie's business at church, and it had now, humiliatingly, spread all the way to Memphis. But before she could scold Lee Allie, Coral said playfully, "What's wrong, Miss Essie? Don't you think you got what it takes to give yo' man some inspiration?"
Essie fumed, but saw she wouldn't get much satisfaction when her own mother and godmother, Mrs. Neese, slapped palms and laughed at Coral's remark. Coral Thomas's good humor and outspokenness were engaging—just as long as you weren't her target. Now Coral beckoned them all into the house.
"Y 'all come on in, set your things down, and go and get washed up so we can eat this breakfast I been workin' on all morning. My D.S. will catch up with us at church this afternoon. He's working today, but, Booker, he said to tell you he taking you out a little later on."
Uncle Booker started grinning. Rev. James had promised that when Booker got to Memphis, he'd have his old pal D.S. take him to the dog track. Rev. James disapproved of gambling, but he knew that their shared passion for it would unite his two favorite friends. But he warned Booker that D.S. always attended church before going to the track, for he hated to gamble on "an empty stomach"—without giving honor to the Lord first. That was a philosophy Booker could understand and respect.
Coral finished setting the table and motioned for them all to come sit down and eat. As soon as everybody was at the table, mouths watering at the sight of that ham in redeye gravy, grits, scrambled eggs, fried apples, biscuits, homemade sorghum molasses, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and coffee, the doorbell rang. Coral, who had just sat down, hopped up and went to answer the door. She came back and said, "Well, Essie, that man you been inspiring just arrived and looks kind of hungry to me."
Theophilus came in with a warm smile on his face and carrying a large bouquet of fresh flowers.
"Rev. Simmons," Lee Allie said, "I can't begin to tell you how glad we are to see you this morning. Ain't that right, Essie?"
Essie kept quiet, trying to act like he wasn't anybody special, but Theophilus didn't seem to mind. He handed the flowers to Coral Thomas, saying, "Glad to see all of you, too"—while looking straight at Essie.
"This is a nice surprise, Theophilus," she finally said, as calmly as she could. All those phone conversations couldn't prepare her for her overwhelming emotions at seeing him. He was looking so good in his pale blue jersey-knit sports shirt, sharply creased navy blue slacks, and that straw hat cocked up on his head.
"Theophilus, sit down and rest your hat."
Handing his hat to Coral Thomas, he sat down right next to Essie. Coral hung up the hat, then returned, saying, "Theophilus, bless the table."
Theophilus reached out for Essie's and Coral's hands, and, as everybody bowed their heads, prayed: "Dearest Lord, we are grateful for this morning. A beautiful morning with your saints sitting 'round this table. A bounteous table filled with your precious gifts from the earth. Bless this food and the hands that prepared it. Bless this meal and those who will partake of it. And thank You, for we know that so many are not so blessed as we are to have such a feast before them. In the name of your precious son, Jesus, we thank You, Lord. Amen."
"Whew," Essie said as she pulled her hand out of his. "For a minute there, I thought you were going to break out into a sermon."
Coral looked at her and thought, "That poor