Page 31 of Love Story
Andi was quiet.
Bailey had committed herself, so she continued. “I’m just saying... I don’t know what’s gotten into Cody the last few years. I really don’t. But I’ll never forget sitting across from him years ago, the last time we walked around Lake Monroe.” Bailey could see him still. The depth of emotion in his eyes. “When he told me he was in love with you, I knew something immediately.”
They’d been over this. But Andi must’ve wanted to hear it again. “What did you know?”
Bailey smiled. At least Andi was listening. “I knew he’d never been more in love in all his life.” She hesitated. “Because never in all the years when Cody and I were friends did he ever look at me that way.”
Andi seemed to let that sink in. “Really?”
“Yes. With me... Cody was in love with an idea. An ideal. He thought I was this perfect girl and that if we dated, he could erase his past and be this perfect guy.” Bailey understood this now. The complicated history between Cody Coleman and her. “But he was wrong about all of it. I wasn’t perfect. And he couldn’t be perfect, either.” She paused. “He must’ve known that deep down. Because he never felt good about himself around me. Only God could give him the sort of fresh start he needed during those years. Not me.”
“Wow.” Andi seemed encouraged. “I’ve never heard you say it like that before.”
“I’ve had time to give it some thought.” Bailey stood again. With all her heart she believed Cody was still in love with Andi. Not that Bailey had talked to Cody. But because she knew him that well. “Anyway... maybe answer his call next time.” Her voice was kind. Not pushy. “Okay?”
“Maybe.” Andi’s voice was soft. “Hey, I need to run. The food truck’s here with more water bottles. It’s so weird how everything everywhere is flooded, but one of the greatest needs for people is water. Water to drink, water to shower in. Water to wash their clothes.”
Bailey hadn’t thought about that. “Where are you now?”
“In the...” The connection grew fuzzy and Andi’s voice cut out. “I’m still working the flood in the Gulf States. The storms keep coming. It’s so bad here, Bailey.”
“That’s awful.” The pictures on the news looked devastating. “Are there people living in tents?”
“So many.” Andi hesitated. “Every shelter is full. And we’re short on funds. Praying for people to help us out. The news hasn’t shown anywhere near how bad it is.”
Her statement wasn’t meant to be a request for money. Bailey knew Andi better than that. But it was the first time she’d considered donating to the organization. Bailey and Brandon already gave to Compassion International and several ministries in their own community and internationally.
But what about the organization Andi worked for?
The group was always first on the ground when disaster struck. Bailey tucked the thought away. They wrapped up the call and Bailey knew she had to talk to Brandon about helping with Andi’s relief efforts.
Bailey couldn’t make Andi give Cody Coleman another chance. Couldn’t make her friend’s life easier or make the hurt go away. Couldn’t help her know what to do with this Caleb guy.
But Bailey and Brandon could at least do this. And she could pray for Andi. That despite every kind of hurt she felt she would do something that might seem impossible.
Respond the next time Cody reached out.
10
School would be out for the summer soon, and Cody had a decision to make. He had found a private boarding school on a ranch in Montana for teens with emotional disorders. Anxiety issues, abandonment. Struggles with anger and abuse. Maybe notPTSDexactly. But still Cody could relate.
A few days ago, he sent an email to the school’s headmaster, explaining his credentials and asking if they had a teaching and coaching position open. This morning he heard back from the man. His words had played in Cody’s mind all day.
Cody walked through the door of his townhome just as Riley rushed up to him, tail wagging. “Hey, boy.” He stooped down and patted the dog’s furry head. “You missed me? Is that what you say?”
Riley stayed with him as he moved into the kitchen and started the coffeemaker. Then, like he’d done a dozen times since he’d printed the email, Cody pulled the folded piece of paper from his pocket and read it one more time.
Dear Mr. Coleman,
Yes, I’ve heard of you. I read about your story inSports Illustrateda few years back. I was impressed, but more with your character. We do have a position open and I would love to meet with you at your soonest convenience to discuss whether this might be a fit for you.
The man had included his personal cell phone at the bottom of the message. Cody folded up the paper again and slipped it back into his pocket. He took a chair at his kitchen table and stared at the wall, at a Bible verse that had hung there since he moved in.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” —Jeremiah 29:11
Cody believed God had good plans for him. The question was whether moving to Montana was part of those plans.
“It would force me to forget about Andi.” He looked down at Riley. “Right, boy?”
