“Or that God hates him.” Willow nodded. “He’s told me that before.”
“But I think George is shifting his beliefs. Apparently it started with Simon and Garfunkel and—”
“What?”
He waved a hand. “Never mind. But, trust me, Willow, George has been going through some pretty major changes lately. He’s definitely on a significant spiritual journey.”
“That’s wonderful. I’ve been concerned for him.” Despite being glad to hear this, Willow still felt bewildered. What did Hal expect her to do? And what if he was wrong about George’s feelings toward her?
“It’s a relief to hear you’ve been such a good friend to George. I was very uneasy about bringing this up to you. But I prayed about it and felt God gave me a green light.”
“To be honest, George and I haven’t had much opportunity to talk these past couple of weeks. Something always interrupts.” She wasn’t ready to admit that most of their recent conversations had been derailed by silly misunderstandings.
“One reason I wanted to talk to you about this is because I feel a little bit guilty.”
“Guilty?”
“Well, I may have said something dumb to George yesterday. We met for coffee and George was speaking so fondly of you. I rather flippantly told him that he should tell you how he feels. It seemed a good idea at the time. I usually encourage people to be up front with their feelings. But then I saw George in church today and, well, he looked so vulnerable. I got to thinking ... What if he decided to take my advice and you rejected him? How hurt would he be? I really wished I’d kept my advice to myself.”
“What makes you so sure I’d reject him?”
His brows arched hopefully. “You wouldn’t?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged and looked away. “And shouldn’t that be between George and me? But I do promise you this, Hal, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him. Not intentionally. More than anything, I’ve tried to be his friend. I value his friendship. I genuinely like him.”
He reached over to grasp her hand. “Oh, Willow, I should’ve known you’d handle this just right. Even if I didn’t have the sense to keep my big mouth shut.” He slowly stood. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
“Thank you for giving me this little heads-up.” She chuckled as she stood.
“You sound amused.”
“I guess I am. And here’s a confession—I think I started courting Mr. Emerson months ago. But I haven’t been doing a very good job of it. I eventually gave up.”
He laughed. “You know what I think, Willow?” He grew more serious. “I think you’re not the only one courting Mr. Emerson.”
She waved a hand. “Believe me, I know all about that. Women seem to line up for that funny guy.”
“No, that’s not what I mean.” His eyes twinkled. “I think God’s been courting him too.”
George was perplexed.
On Sunday evening, after the Tour of Homes concluded, Willow stopped by to give him a short list of people who’d expressed interest in buying his grandparents’ house. But that wasn’t why he felt confused, or why he was pacing back and forth in his living room while Willow waited for his answer.
It was because of Willow’s suggested new plan. She wanted the two of them to host a thank-you party on Monday night. It was, she said, to show appreciation to everyone who’d helped on his house. It wasn’t that he didn’t feel grateful, but he did feel concerned. Was this gathering just an excusefor Willow to spend more time with Cliff Grant? If so, he wanted no part of it. No part at all!
He replayed the awkward conversation he’d had with Cliff after Willow had abandoned them the other night. Cliff had insinuated that Willow was his new girlfriend. The braggart had gone on about what a fine woman she was and how he’d been looking for an independent partner with her own business and bank account ... expressing weariness of those “weak gold diggers” who attached themselves to him, only to sue him for alimony when it turned sour. George had listened with impatient dismay.
“I don’t know,” George cautiously told Willow. “You want to do this tomorrow? That’s so soon. You just finished the Tour of Homes. Aren’t you worn out?”
“It’s just that I’d like to have this get-together while the house is still intact and looking so pretty. I’m keeping the gallery closed until Wednesday. That gives me Tuesday to get all the art moved back. I asked Betty and Donna to wait until Tuesday as well, so it’s Monday or not at all.”
“A party is such a lot of work ... and on such short notice.”
“Not for me. The house is already set. I’ll keep it simple and handle all the arrangements—and I’ll cover for food and drinks.”
“Even so.” He frowned, struggling for a good excuse. “I just don’t understand why you needmeat the party, Willow. I’m not very social and—”
“All you have to do is show up, George. Just smile at folks and express your gratitude. You have no idea how many people helped you with that project.” Now she began listingnames—both of people who had been hired to help as well as many who’d simply volunteered.
