Not for show
She put her arms around his waist; looked toward Oat with a grin, “and what did I tell you the other night? For a man that knows his way around the kitchen, can have anything he wants. She turned her attention back to Oscar, “sweetie do WE have another chair? I could sit in your lap but I don’t think your mother would approve.” She winked at Pam.
“Chet, you stayin’?” Oscar asked.
It was all he could do not to laugh. “Sure, I’ll have a Coke and a smile. But I ate with Bell.”
“I’ll be right back.” He winked at Esther and she winked back. He stopped, staring at her before putting is hands on her waist, pulled her to him and kissed her. He whispered in her ear, “that was not for show.”
It was all Chet could do not to say, ‘atta boy.’ But he kept his mouth shut.
Otis looked at the soup that was on the table. “Same soup as oth’er day?”
“Same soup.”
“I ain’t eaten no reheats.”
“I have found out that’s one of many things O and I have in common, we aren’t too proud,” she put great inflection on the proud; “to eat leftovers.”
Inside Chet was loving it. But he didn’t let it show.
Oscar had brought a plastic chair from the back porch and covered it with a woobie. She almost set in it, “Ess, sit in a regular chair. I insist. This is cold. I will sit here.”
She wrinkled her nose, “as you wish.”
“Ain’t dis sweet?” Otis roared. The mother still hadn’t said a word to either of them. She just glared at Esther.
She finally let her distaste be heard. “Where is your Christmas tree? Where is the nativity that should be in your front yard? You are a Christian or so you say you are.”
Oscar bit is lower lip before speaking. “I have never had a nativity in my front yard and it has been years since I’ve put up a Christmas tree. Nothing new there.”
“It ain’t right.” Pam scolded. “Jesus is cryin’ in heaven you know.”
“I’m sure Jesus doesn’t care if I have a tree or a nativity. He knows the nature of my soul.”
“But how are the people around you supposed to know that you’re a Christian if you do nothing to show it? Everyone in town is talking about you shackin’ up with Babylon.”
“I wish I could say you can look at me and tell. But I’m sure that is covered with a veil of mistrust.” His stomach seized, “no one has said a word to me about Esther.”
Pam stuck her nose up in the air, “you are expected at Christmas dinner. Doris will be there. I want you to get to know her. She’s a good girl. Ten years younger than you. But that’s a good thing. Not too old to bear children.” She glared even harder at Esther.
“You already have five grandchildren. How many do you want?”
“All God sees fit to give me. They are his precious gifts and you ain’t doin’ a thing to receive his gifts. It is a sin to spill your seed on the ground. Think of all the little babies you’re ah killin’.”
If Oscar could have crawled under the table, he would have.
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