Andie, with an ie

By Crys Brunham

Andie had no idea that when her mother left her and her brothers at such a young age, it would have such a profound effect on the rest of their lives—but apparently it did.
Now all grown up, the siblings find their broken little family is closer than ever, with one exception: Andie has found a new life in Jesus, much to the chagrin of her brothers. Struggling to share her newfound beliefs with her brothers, Andie feels trapped between the world she once knew and the new one she’s chosen. She worries if her fumbling new faith will send them further away from the God she knows and loves.
Then, when not one, but two potential male companions enter her life, Andie faces some life-altering questions. How does dating for a new Christian work? How much does age matter in a relationship? Will she ever be able to overcome her aversion to children? And what role does God play in all of it?
Join Andie as she navigates her way through her relationships with God, her brothers, and her love interests, and then as a family crisis brings them all together in the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Word Alive Press
• Release date: Apr 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781486618170

Book preview

Andie, With An Ie

Copyright © 2019 by Crys Brunham

All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

EPUB Version

ISBN: 978-1-4866-1817-0

Word Alive Press

119 De Baets Street Winnipeg, MB R2J 3R9

www.wordalivepress.ca

Cataloguing in Publication information can be obtained from Library and Archives Canada.

For my littles, who aren’t so little anymore.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

About the Author

Steeped Tea

Acknowledgements

Wow, I can’t believe it’s here—my very own book! Now comes the pressure of remembering who helped, who listened, and who encouraged me all these years while I was merely thinking, Hey, I should write a book. I tend to forget things when the pressure is on, so if you helped me or even just talked to me within the last five years, know that I thank you! (And at some point, when I remember that I forgot you, I will kick myself.)

Okay, here we go. I will start with the first and most obvious: My God. Literally, without Him, I am nothing. Finding me in the last couple of years has been both exhausting and freeing, but by the grace of God, I have written this book. Thank You, Jesus.

Next, my husband, Joe. He tirelessly works to provide for me and our kids, so I can be there for them and to do this or whatever other crazy project I decide on that day; some days, there are a lot! I am both sorry and thankful. You are my very best friend. I couldn’t be me without you.

My kids, Rebekah and Benjamen. My littles who aren’t so little anymore. (Well, one of you still is.) I just love you both so much and I am so proud of you as contributing humans to humanity. Even if you don’t change the entire world, you’ve changed my entire world! Go, go grow up. Mommy loves you.

My Mom (Diane Giesbrecht) and my sister (Tamara Dawson), who each read and spell-checked, while simultaneously encouraging me the whole way through, the first draft of this and other stories. It’s good to have teachers in the family; cheerleading teachers are even better.

Angela Sisco, Kelly Jones, and Jordanna Gillespie—my sisters in Christ! You were the first step of sharing my writing outside of family, and what a soft landing for what I thought would be such a big leap! You ladies gave up sleep and time with your own littles to read and then enthusiastically encourage me throughout the rest of this process. If I ever get a big head, it will be because of you three women.

And, last but not least, Jen Jandavs-Hedlin. You remembered me! You extended generosity and grace when it wasn’t expected. I am blessed. Thank you.

Prologue

Hi, Jesus. It’s me, Andie.

So, I know I’m not as bad as some people, not as good for that matter, but I ask You to come into my heart. To change me and transform me, like the pastor said. I ask You to guide me in Your ways and to witness to others, like my brothers, maybe—if they’ll listen. Give me strength, Jesus. This life is no longer mine, Lord, but Yours. Take it. I give it wholeheartedly.

Amen.

P.S. So, um, how do I witness to people?

Chapter One

Barely making a dent in the multitude of empty bottles and glasses that have piled up, I gather as many as I can hold and wander back to the bar. After carefully placing them near the centre of the bar, I sit and lean against the edge, waiting for one of the two barkeeps to help me.

Spinning lazily on the barstool, I can see my table is officially overcrowded. Emery has somehow turned our quiet drink into a near kegger, which is why, despite his invites, I don’t come out with him that often. Especially since I gave my heart to Jesus over two months ago.

But how am I supposed to witness to my brothers if I don’t see them? So here I am, the new little Christian fish that I am, sitting in a bar on a Friday night, trying desperately to bring up God. Needless to say, it hasn’t been going well.

Emery is the younger of my two brothers. We came out tonight, along with our older brother, Sam, for our monthly family time. Every month, we make sure we take time for each other, and tonight was Sam’s turn to choose where we go. I suggested the new Hugh Jackman movie, but Sam chose the bar on twenty-fifth.

Quite the drinker, I see.

Spinning back, expecting to see the overweight Irishman from whom I’ve been ordering drinks all night, I am met by the most incredible smiling brown eyes I’ve ever seen.

"I guess I’m the designated order...er for the evening." I manage to keep my composure as I smile back.

Nodding, he wipes down a glass with the black towel on his shoulder before filling it with tap beer and sliding it to an older gentleman sitting at the bar. As long as you don’t get stuck paying, right?

I nod.

So, what can I get ya?

His head has been completely shaven bald, but I can still see the faint shadow of a hairline. Is he just starting to go bald, or is it a fashion statement? Either way, it’s working for him. His straight nose is a bit big, but it seems to fit his masculine features. Dark eyebrows frame his dark chocolate eyes with long jet-black lashes and just a touch of crow’s feet at the corners. Lord have mercy!

My stomach does a little flip-flop. I realize I’m supposed to answer and haven’t yet.

All right, do you have a pen? He frowns and shakes his head.

You might have to write this down. It’s quite a bit.

Tapping the side of his head, he smiles again. Internal hard drive. You say it. I’ll remember it.

Okay, ready? I smile as he nods. One martini, one Long Island iced tea, two screwdrivers, one blue zen, a classic rye and coke, and three taps.

And a partridge in a pear tree! he sings, grabbing glasses off the overhead glass rack.

You sure you’ve got it? He stops and just gives me a look. Okay. Okay, I laugh, holding my hands up. You’ve got it.

Spinning and twirling bottles, he quickly fulfills my order without breaking a sweat. I, on the other hand, need to take two trips to bring it all back to the table.

Thanks, I smile, sliding the last three huge glasses of beer together and wrapping my fingers around them.

Not a problem, he winks. It’s what they pay me the big bucks for.

As I head back to the table, my mind is already working overtime trying to figure out 1) whether that wink was flirting; and 2) what I need to do to get back to the bar to find out.

Andie. Sam’s uninvited date, Kathy, scrunches up her nose. She pushes her martini glass across the table towards me. I wanted a vodka martini with an olive. This is a gin martini with an onion. Would you mind? She smiles, shrugs, and looks from side to side. I’m kind of trapped in here or I’d go.

No, babe, Andie’s not a waitress, Sam says as he tries to grab the drink back. I’ll go.

Not a problem, Sam, I quickly reply. I probably ordered wrong anyway. I smile from Kathy to Sam. I’ll go.

But— Sam looks at me skeptically, but I just smile back. Normally, I wouldn’t be so accommodating, but tonight I smile as I pick up the drink. Happily heading back, I try not to skip or run to the bar.

I sit down on an open stool as the barkeep helps other customers. Catching my eye, he holds up his index finger telling me one minute. Watching him pour drinks and take orders, I attempt to avert my eyes before he sees when he glances over, but I’m caught almost every time, and he smiles and winks smugly. Definitely flirting.

Having to give up on playing coy, I decide to take full advantage of him being at the far end of the bar and check out all his assets. His green Army-style button up shirt pulls slightly over solid-looking shoulders and pecks. Dark-wash blue jeans over black biker boots. Chunky silver rings on both hands, including the wedding finger—I’ll have to look closer at that one. Black wristbands and a thick chain necklace complete his almost biker look. Definitely trouble, and definitely dead sexy. Is sexy okay with Jesus? Before I can think of an answer, he’s back.

Back so soon? he smiles, walking over and patting the bar.

Oh Jesus, look what You made! You are a creative God. Thank You. Thank You.

Quite the party over there, I see. He looks over my shoulder as laughter erupts from my loud table. Following his gaze, I turn just as Sam grabs one of the guys beside him and licks his face.

Nice, he laughs as I turn back to face him. So, what can I get for you now?

Yeah, sorry, I think I ordered wrong. This is a...

Gin martini, he smiles, taking the drink from me.

Yes, and...

She wants it vodka?

You bet.

Well, I’ll fix that for ya, he smiles, sliding the glass towards him. Pouring it out, he grabs another glass and fills it with a different clear liquid. He tops it off with an olive and it nearly spills over as he places the drink in front of me.

There you are. Should be what she’s looking for.

Thanks, I smile, carefully picking up the funnel-shaped glass.

Tipping his head, he smiles strangely as I turn around to leave. So, you’re really not going to say anything?

About what? I ask, slowly turning back.

About messing up your order? His eyes twinkle playfully.

I’m letting you off the hook, I smile back. Just this once, though.

Oh, he laughs. Okay, thanks.

Just don’t let it happen again, I say as I tip my head so I’m looking up at him sternly.

Covering his heart, he shakes his head solemnly. Never again, he whispers before breaking into a heartwarming smile.

The whole way back to the table, I can feel his eyes on me, and I pray I don’t trip and make a fool of myself. I end up standing as my brothers fight over the drinks. Emery downs one of the two huge mugs of beer I’d just brought back and grabs at another one. Sam pushes him and steals the mug back. He splashes most of it all over the table, sending Emery into a fit of loud profanity to the point that security comes over and tells him to cut it out or get out. He chooses to sit down and shut up.

The evening passes painfully slowly, and I feel stuck between two worlds, my old and my new. Didn’t this used to be more fun? Could my new choice to be in the world and not of it have something to do with it? Could my heart change so quickly that it has made hanging out at bars now seem boring and pointless?

Watching Emery down way too many drinks while Kathy, Sam’s friend, tries to persuade Sam to ditch us and come home with her, I realize the evening is finally winding down. And although bars haven’t been a part of my normal routine since finding my faith two months ago, soon I’ll be heading home all alone, and it will probably be another thirty days before I get out again. That makes me a little sad.

Don’t get me wrong—given the chance to go back, I wouldn’t change my decision to follow Jesus’ plan for my life, but after sharing my decision with my closest girlfriends, I find my newfound faith has left me a little lonelier than I would have thought. So, I cling to these moments with my brothers.

Letting my eyes wander to the bar, I see my new crush leaning casually against the back counter behind the bar. I can’t help but wonder if a bartender could be a Christian. Probably not.

Sam is engulfed in deep conversation with Kathy. Emery has passed the point of inebriation; he’s lying on the bench behind the table. Standing up, I open my mouth to make up some sort of excuse about going to the restroom or getting more drinks when I realize no one seems to notice. So, I just leave. Heading to the bar, Crush sees me and smiles. Pushing off the counter, he meets me at the bar.

More? he laughs. That’s quite the table.

Actually, I run my fingers through my hair, unsure of what to say next, I just thought since I’ve demanded so much of your time tonight, I’d introduce myself while there was a lull in the action.

Fair enough, he smiles. Keith. He reaches across the bar to shake my hand.

Andie. Taking his hand, I feel a tingle at his touch.

A female Andy?

With an ‘ie.’

He nods, dropping his head as his dark eyes look back up at me.

I think my parents expected another boy, I continue.

Rubbing the top of his bald head, he smiles as a drunk-looking girl wearing barely anything at all walks up and orders a drink. Just a sec, he smiles, holding up a finger before helping her. There you go, ma’am, he says, sliding her drink across the bar.

Ma’am?! she sneers, stalking off. Hardly!

Ignoring the woman’s snarky remark, he turns his chocolate eyes back to me. So, another boy, you say?

Yeah, I laugh as the woman continues to mutter profanities. I have two brothers. Turning slightly, I point to my table. The one in the plaid talking to the big-chested brunette is Sam, and the little blonde one is Emery.

And you all came out together, as a family? He raises his eyebrows.

Yeah. Sam usually works late, so it doesn’t happen that often.

Oh. He looks at my table for a moment, then smiles. So then maybe they’d already used up their ‘girl’s names.’

What girl’s names? I smirk. Sam? That’s a boy’s name.

No. But Emery? He raises his eyebrows with a crooked smile. That’s kind of a girly name, isn’t it?

That’s not a girly name! I laugh a little too loudly.

Mouthing, Yes, it is, he scrunches up his face and nods.

I guess it could be, I giggle, and then silently chide myself. Giggling was ditzy and I’m not ditzy...all the time, anyway. But I guess we all have our moments. Well, I think Emery is a unisex name. I tip my head angelically, batting my eyelashes.

Am I flirting? Shame on me. He could be married. And probably not a Christian.

Yeah, but you’re biased. His eyes gleam as he smiles. He’s your brother.

I turn as another customer comes to the bar, and take the opportunity to check out the wedding finger again as he grabs a bottle off the shelf behind him. There is definitely a ring on his finger, but it’s dark so I still can’t tell if it’s anything significant.

Coming back over, he pulls out a stool from behind the bar and sits down across from me. So, ‘Andie with an ie,’ what brings you and your brothers here tonight?

Quiet drinks. And I know how that sounds.

Looking over at my shoulder at my decidedly drunken table, he raises his eyebrows. Well it was supposed to be, anyway, I shrug. My brothers just always seem to draw a crowd."

Ah, he nods, smiling.

What’s this? I ask. Reaching out, I take his wrist, ignoring the instant tingle I get from the touch of his skin. I turn it upward for me to see better—a small black sunburst tattoo. Wow, it’s amazing, I whisper, tracing the dark outline. I’ve always wanted a tattoo, but I’m too chicken.

It’s not the only one I have. His eyes twinkle when I look up from the sunburst. Caught off-guard by his eyes, I can’t help but look back down to the tiny burst.

I love tattoos.

Tattoos? Or the guys who wear them? Keith whispers.

I shrug, quickly letting go of his arm. The guys who have tattoos might be what holds more fascination than the actual tattoo. Where else do you have them?

As he leans in across the bar, I can feel the warmth from his skin radiating off his body. Keeping his eyes locked on mine, a wicked smile crosses his face. I breathe in as he gets closer and a mix of vanilla, eucalyptus, and spearmint fills my senses. I nearly fall right off my chair.

I’d tell you, he says with a raise of his eyebrows, "but then I’d have to kill