Georgia on Her Mind(78)

Steve Albright lit into me when I called to say I would not be taking the Chicago position. Ooh-wee, he was mad. Worst case of the mean-’n-nasties I’ve ever heard. In my honor, I’m sure he consumed a whole packet of Tums.

I apologized profusely, offering to pay for any expenses I had unduly caused Myers-Smith. That he took as an incredible insult and all but hung up on me.

After that episode, I fell on my knees and thanked God for rescuing me from what would have been a bad, bad move.

I left Melbourne with all my loose ends tied and tidy. I stopped by Casper & Company on my way out of town, the back of my Beemer loaded with suitcases and boxes.

Roni jumped to her feet like a frightened cat when I appeared in her office. “Macy.” Her smiling lips quivered.

I walked across her office as if I owned the place and gave her a big hug. “I’m moving back to Georgia.”

She gawked and gaped, but I thanked her for all she’d done for me. And I meant every word. She and Mike were the first to throw the burning match on the wood, hay and stubble of my life and I’ll always be grateful.

Keeping my word, I gifted Jillian with the Gucci boots. She cried and threw her arms around me, promising to take good care of them.

“I know you will, Jillian.”

“Did you hear about Attila and Mike?” she whispered, checking over her shoulder.

“Jillian, stop using that name. I should never have invented it.”

“Please, Macy. Everyone uses it. Anyway, she and Mike—”

I held up my hand. “Don’t want to know.” I hit the front door with Jillian trailing behind me, desperate to gossip. But I refused to hear. What good would it do me?

Drag is settled in New York, and healing. He’s e-mailed a few times and called once. When he joined Tidwell Communications, CNN ran a quick news brief and a head shot. Drag in a suit looking like Brad Pitt. I’ll never forget it.

Mrs. Woodward, at seventy-seven and free from gallbladder attacks, bought a Mustang convertible and joined the Red Hat Society. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, she and three other beauties in purple dresses and red hats pop the top and vroom away.

Finally, but not least, Adriane, Tamara, Lucy and I said goodbye in style the night before I left. The movers had taken the last of my furniture, so the four of us sat cross-legged in the middle of my empty living room, laughing and reminiscing, eating Carraba’s takeout, listening to the echoes of our hearts against barren walls.

“To the Single Saved Sisters,” I said, raising my glass when we quieted down. “Jewels in my heart.”

“To the Single Saved Sisters.”

Then we got all mushy and cried for a while until Adriane reminded us we’d be together in October for her wedding. We brightened for a moment, then cried again.

I waved tootles to Dan Montgomery and Perfect Woman as they pulled away one morning. I’m not sure they even knew I was moving.

In the distance I hear the rumble of Dylan’s bike. He continues to make his intentions known while giving me space to figure out this new chapter of my life.

I watch as he coasts up the driveway and parks. My heart does the hundred-yard dash as he takes the veranda steps in one large leap and strides my way.

He pulls me to him and kisses me. Not a howdy-do or by-your-leave kiss, but a nice manly man’s kiss.

I swoon. Sure as shooting, I swoon. “Hello to you, too,” I whisper when his lips leave mine.

He wraps me up in his arms and I bury my head in his chest and breathe in sandalwood and sage. He strokes my hair. “Hey to you, blue eyes.”

I am so in love.

“Ready?” he asks when he releases me.

“Yep.” I shut the front door and take his hand.

Riding across Beauty with Dylan, my arms around his waist, my cheek pressed against his back, my hair dancing in the wind, I can’t remember why I wanted to run away from this place. Life is funny, isn’t it? Like Dorothy in Oz, I’ve searched for my rainbow out there somewhere when really all I wanted was right here in my own backyard.

I lift my head and laugh. The Lord has given me Beauty for my ashes.





Questions for Discussion




Macy shows up at work on a Monday morning to find out she’s been demoted—over e-mail no less. Is her response Christ-like? How would you respond in a similar situation?

Our society focuses a lot on food as an emotional medication. Macy falls into this trap when she learns about her job situation. What would have been a better comfort?

Macy dated a man who was not a Christian. She let her desperation to be married dictate her heart. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were compromising your faith with a nonbelieving boyfriend? What advice would you give to a person in that situation?

Macy and Lucy have a long-term, special relationship. How can you be a better friend? Friendships must be about giving as much as receiving.

Macy’s career became her idol. She forgot to consult God about her plans. Are there plans in your life that need to be submitted to the counsel of God? Why or why not?

We have three commodities in this life that we can exchange for eternal currency: time, money and words. How does Macy realize she’s not used some of her “currency” wisely? In what situations does she realize she needs to make a change?

Even when we are adult children, the Lord may use our parents to speak His will into our lives. Does this happen to Macy? What is her response? Has this happened to you? How should you respond?