Love Starts with Elle(25)
It must seem like the world is ending, but wait and see what God will do. He must have something wonderful in mind.
Listen to me talk, the baby in God. Yet I’ve learned so much about trust and faith living in Barcelona. God has enabled me to do a job for which I had no training or qualifications. When I see my reflection in the mirror, it is the only part of me that looks and feels the same. If you’d have told me a well of confidence dwelt under the soil of my soul, I’d have never believed you.
The leap of faith I took to come here showed me who He created me to be.
I’m so convinced, even on the hardest days, He loves me, He’s for me, and is intimately acquainted with every detail of my life.
I look forward to what God has for you, Elle. I know, I sound like I’m speaking Christianese. But can I help it all the good truths of God got labeled? He does love you. He does have good for you. I believe it.
In your dad’s e-mail, he indicated it was Jeremiah’s doing, but I believe it was God’s. Don’t be mad at me for saying it. If we were sitting with you in Luther’s or the Frogmore Café, I’d say this to your face, I’m that sure.
I’m praying for you. If Jeremiah is yours, he’ll return. And you’ll welcome him. If he’s not, you wouldn’t want to be married to him. Trust God, Elle. After all, He IS love.
Since this new development, I changed my trip home to be later in the summer. There’s so much going on here. Please consider coming to Barcelona for a visit. I’d love it and you can go to the beach every day, relax, read, pray, whatever. Paint. Elle, there’s so many wonderful scenes and places to inspire you.
Mitch is coming next week. I really miss him. I don’t know how much longer we can wait to be together. We’re praying about what’s next for us.
I love you, my dear friend. You’re a jewel in my heart.
Always, Caroline
Elle wiped the tears from the edge of her jaw. I love you too, Caroline.
Julianne burst into the studio without a knock or “Woo-hoo, are you decent?” Elle was dozing on the futon, her pajama bottoms twisted and a sock on one foot. So far, her decision to venture out had ended at the computer.
“You look like crap.”
Elle opened one eye. Julianne hovered over her, hands on her narrow waist. “Don’t let the door slam on your way out.”
“Get up.” She tugged on Elle’s arm. “We’re going out to eat, get something greasy and fattening.” Julianne picked a pair of jeans and a top off the floor, sniffing them. “Are these clean?”
“Being as I’ve only worn what I have on for the last week, I’d say yes.”
“Good. Get in the shower.” Julianne tossed the clothes to the futon. “Don’t you have a closet in here? A chest of drawers?”
“No, I wasn’t planning on being here that long. Jules, I don’t want to go out”—Elle managed to sit up—“where people know. Did you see Dad ran an ad? In the paper? People will frown and bend their heads together, whispering, ‘Poor Elle, couldn’t hold on to her man.’”
“Who cares? You need to get out of this place, Elle. It smells and I’m concerned for you health. Besides, Rio wants to see you.”
Elle arched her brow. “Really? Where is she?”
“Down in the yard with Tracey-Love. She’s a sweet girl.” Julianne peered out the window. “I saw him without a shirt.” She glanced at Elle with an arched brow. “Somebody visits the gym.”
“Don’t arch your brows at me. If you like him, go for it. I think he’s divorced or something.”
“Are you going to let him stay in the cottage now that you’re not moving?” Julianne waved Elle’s jeans in her face. “Into the shower. Go.”
Her feet hit the floor in a slow start. The earlier rumble in her stomach had morphed into hunger pangs. “He paid his rent in advance. And I don’t know why I should mess up his life because of mine. If he was alone, maybe, but I can’t do it to Tracey-Love.” Elle stood without moving, clutching her jeans to her chest. “Besides, I have no visible means of support. Might as well have my mortgage covered until I figure where to open a new gallery. Oh, Jules, Angela Dooley is in my prime spot.”
“You shouldn’t have sold.”
“She said after the fact. Not helping, Jules.”
Julianne placed her hands on Elle’s shoulder and turned her toward the small bathroom. “You can always stay at Mama and Daddy’s, have the upstairs all to yourself.”
Elle peeked over her shoulder. “And you don’t live there because . . .”
“All right, it was just an idea. If I lived there, you know Mama would take over Rio. What about living with Sara Beth? She and Parker have that large spare room.”
“It’s for Parker’s mother when she comes. Besides, it smells like menthol and moth balls.”
Instead of walking for the shower, Elle sat on the futon, her legs feeling weak.
Julianne sat next to her. “Does it hurt real bad?”
“Only when I’m awake. Thankfully, that hasn’t been much lately.” She collapsed against Julianne. “The pain comes and goes. The night Jer called things off, this giant peace came over me. I’ve been searching for that same security ever since, asking God to help me.” But on days like today, when she was tired and weak, it was hard. “C-can you pray for me, Julianne?”