A River Bend

By Douglas Knight

Josh Crockett, a psychologist accepts an invitation from his best friend Paul Palato to return to his hometown to teach teens of the concept of his newly published book. The head deacon of the church where Josh is to teach seems to dislike everything Josh does during his visit, especially his close association with rich and wordly Marcy James wi

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: May 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647533649

Douglas Knight

Doug Knight dreamed of publishing a novel since a fourth grade teacher put the idea in his head. Now, after three successful careers which includes teaching writing as one of them, Doug has published three novels. Doug Knight loves to write, read and tell stories. He also loves all kinds of music, several sports, watching old movies and dancing with his wife, Melissa. Doug is also grateful for a God who has helped him thrive in abundance of joy though experiencing life's hard challenges.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The radio explodes with female voices, accompanied by a driving, rhythmic bass and percussion that supports the whine of vibrating guitar strings. The one … who gives his life … shall live it … for the life is the Light blazing out of the darkness. In the background, undetected, is the soft harmony of tires and pavement calculating the highway miles.

Josh Crockett guides his much-used Jeep down a somewhat familiar highway that twelve years ago marked his trek in the opposite direction to Eastern Carolina University. Passing recognizable landmarks, Josh recalls riding a team bus to and from basketball games, heading out after school with the sun high above, energized with anticipation for the game, and returning into the darkness, exhausted by competitive endeavor.

The sunlight on the horizon ahead begins to lose its fire as it settles in for the evening. Josh feels the effects of a twelve-hour drive from his current home in Corona, Florida, to his hometown of Melo, Indiana, on this mid-July day. He notices a big red barn resting on the edge of a cornfield, and he knows he is close to his exit and the object of this trip home after so many years.

This sight throws him into a state of reminiscence of a bus ride home and a conversation with his dad, who took many trips on the bus with the team. Being a close friend of the coach, Pastor Crockett acted as an unofficial chaplain for the team. On this occasion, Pastor Crockett was discussing Josh’s educational future.

I’ve decided to take the basketball scholarship to Eastern Carolina, Dad, Josh recalls blurting out to his father. Uncle Dale will be close if I get homesick, and I can attend their church every weekend.

His dad put in his two cents. Well, I was hoping you’d consider a Christian college, but if you’ve prayed about it and are certain this will be pleasing to God, I won’t stand in your way.

Josh recalls his intentional silence, because he did not want to lie to his father. He had not prayed about this. He was not sure it would please God, but he wanted to play basketball for a well-known university in hopes of having a chance for a professional basketball career. These were his plans.

Now, Josh sees that a bright orange separates the graying sky from the darkening earth on the horizon ahead. A tall green sign asserts the next exit leads to Melo and Melo Community College. There was no Melo Community College twelve years ago.

Josh exits to the right, onto an off-ramp to an interstate spur named after a former Indiana senator. This same off-ramp used to lead to a simple two-lane highway between Melo and Rocky Falls. Four lanes now connect the two cities. What used to be an intersection between a simple truck-stop restaurant and pastures now leads to two huge gas stations and a supermarket. The gas stations, with diesel fuel and unleaded gas prices displayed on billboard-sized signs, lay catty-corner to each other, one on the east side of the off-ramp and the other on the northwest corner, across the four-lane highway. The supermarket gleams brightly, with its title emblazoned on a plastic and metal twenty-foot-high tower that begins to glow as the sun sets.

Josh heads west to Melo. Nothing looks familiar. Twelve years has altered this landscape from pastoral to ultra-gaudy. Motels, gas stations, and restaurants dot the landscape and bid for travelers. Signs large enough to drive under shed a kind of man-made light that only illumines itself. Josh is disappointed.

A mile or two west on this superhighway, a sign asserts the Marshal Drive exit is next. Josh cannot remember a Marshal Drive from his time in Melo. As he approaches the exit, a bright yellow artificial glow emanates from the horizon. It comes from the neon and florescent lighting. All along the stretch of dual-lane expressway that tunnels under the senator’s interstate spur are multiple restaurants, motels, and shopping centers. Twelve years ago, this landscape was much simpler.

Josh decides to take the exit somewhat out of curiosity and somewhat because this is about where Broadway used to be. Broadway is—or was—a main north/south thoroughfare through Melo and the road Josh thinks he would take to get to the church, which was to be his first stop when he reached Melo.

Josh descends onto Marshal Drive, realizing if he needed anything, he could buy it here and have myriad choices. These shops bear the names of nationally known stores often located together in malls and mini-malls, beside widely known restaurant and motel chains. Everything is huge and bright. In the mix, huge florescent-lighted fields expose rows and rows of vehicles. Traffic systematically pours in and out of these concrete auto pastures. The bank’s branches, which conveniently rest in the midst of this super-commercialization, are also named after nationwide corporate financial institutions. The local flavor is still apparent in a couple of car dealerships, whose cars graze in the midst of the bright lights and concrete.

Josh travels south and soon realizes this expressway and its setting have replaced Broadway as the main north/south road for Melo. The commercial establishments have swallowed up the woods and pastures. They have even leveled grassy knolls that once protected homes now hidden in the shadows of these superstores. Signs tell the names of familiar roads that twelve years earlier were synonymous with peaceful country drives but now produce traffic from fields of commerce.

Marshal Drive rolls Josh and now hundreds of other drivers and passengers through midtown Melo. High-rise buildings exist that did not exist twelve years ago. Some of these tall stacks of concrete and glass are the homes of financial offices that begot the bank branches already passed and others like them scattered throughout the area. Others house multiple apartments. Billboards advertise commercial establishments, like restaurants and sports bars, in town only blocks away.

Marshal Drive takes Josh to the south side of town. If he did not know better, though, Josh could think he had only circled back to the north. Malls, restaurants, theaters, car dealerships, bank branches, motels, supermarkets, and filling stations dominate the scenery. These commercial enterprises conceal the factories, subdivisions, schools, and apartment complexes. Also nestled into the landscape off the Marshal path are churches. Numerous churches represent multiple denominations and sects. Near the edge of the spurious glow of the signs and streetlights appears an exit for Woodlawn. Not too far from the off-ramp exit and east along Woodlawn is Woodlawn Community Church. The Woodlawn Community Church is one of those churches nestled into the landscape and is Josh’s planned first stop in Melo.

A left turn into the parking lot of Woodlawn Community Church is like a left turn into the past. Twelve years have affected this church very little. Four dusk-to-dawn lights delicately light the lot. Six cars cluster near the sidewalk path to the front of the church. Josh has planned a meeting with Pastor Ikerd but wonders what the presence of the other cars represents. Maybe a small group is meeting for a Bible study. Josh parks the car, climbs out, and walks the familiar path to the entrance of the church. The sunset is a deep purple as evening covers Melo.

A giving life gives light… The CD fades with the shutting down of the engine, and Josh exits the Jeep and heads to the church entrance.

Josh enters the foyer of the church. A simple pastoral landscape hangs on the wall to Josh’s right. A bulletin board dotted with yellowing missionary letters adorns the left wall. At the other end of the foyer, a huge, smiling cartoon frog made from laminated poster board points down the stairs to the right. This way to Bible Forest is on the frog’s chest. Beside the frog, almost obscured by it, a manufactured sign indicates the church offices. Straight ahead, at the other end of the foyer, a corridor opens up next to the church offices sign. Another corridor is to the right, just beyond the pastoral painting. A manufactured sign dubs this corridor Restrooms. Josh takes a right before deciding to go straight ahead.

In another part of the church, several church leaders are meeting in the conference room next to the pastor’s study. The church leaders present consist of the deacons—Desmond Niemeier, the head deacon; Henson Parkes; Lewis Perisia; Anderson Sadowski; Lon Perez; and Paul Palato—and Pastor Ikerd, the pastor of the church. They are meeting to discuss the details of Joshua Crockett’s visit to Woodlawn Community Church. The meeting, as usual, opened with Pastor Ikerd asking a deacon, this time Henson Parkes, to pray.

With the meeting properly blessed, Pastor Ikerd begins, When did you last talk with Josh Crockett?

He contacted me about an hour ago and said he had passed Huntston near the fifty-five-mile marker, says Paul Palato, Josh’s best friend through high school and the deacon who invited Josh. That’s when I called you.

He should be arriving anytime, Lewis Perisia calculates.

Desmond Niemeier whispers to Anderson Sadowski, causing the eavesdropping Henson Parkes to chuckle.

Is there anyone here who has not read Josh Crockett’s book yet? Paul asks after a moment of awkward quietness.

I finished it a week ago but have returned to some parts that, after some contemplation, I could not explain if someone asked me, Henson admits.

"Well, soon the author of Living Faith will appear," Paul remarks.

I think someone’s here, Lon Perez says.

It could be Josh, Paul adds, getting up to leave the room. I’ll go check.

Desmond Niemeier and Henson Parkes stand. Desmond follows Paul to the doorway of the conference room and out to the foyer. He stops short of entering the foyer as Paul goes to the restroom. Desmond listens a while and then returns to the conference room to assure the others.

Josh is washing his hands when the restroom door opens. Josh is glad to finally see Paul, again. Paul’s blondish-brown hair is cut short, and his hairline is receding. He looks more filled out than in his high school years but still maintains an athletic build.

We thought we heard someone come in, Paul begins, as the two old friends look each other up and down, smiling. They clasp right hands and then embrace.

It has been several years since they have been here together. After high school, Josh went to Eastern Carolina and Paul went to Indiana University, but they corresponded regularly. They continued their correspondence when Josh took a job in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the hospital, and Paul took a job with a law firm in Indianapolis. They met in Indianapolis several times to watch a Pacers game and a couple times for an NCAA tournament and, of course, when Paul married, Josh was there as best man. Later, Josh left North Carolina to accept a job as youth counselor at his dad’s church in Corona, Florida. Paul visited Josh there and enjoyed the beach and sunshine. Paul moved back to Melo three years ago to do contract law, and the communication between the two continued.

Man, it’s great to see you, Paul, Josh says, slapping Paul’s shoulder.

I’m glad you accepted my invitation, Josh, Paul states with excitement. I’m looking forward to working with you again.

Paul and Josh leave the restroom and Paul guides Josh back to the conference room.

I didn’t come to see you, Josh asserts. I’ve come to see that lovely wife of yours. How’s Amy doing?

Paul stops which, of course, causes Josh to stop and turn facing Paul.

She’s fine, and she’s looking forward to seeing you. Paul smiles. She also has an announcement for you.

A special announcement? Josh inquires, and Paul nods affirmatively. She’s expecting?

I’m not saying anymore and spoil her surprise, Paul defends throwing up one hand indicating no more discussion.

Oh, Paul, that’s great. Josh puts his arm around his friend.

Now, you’ve got to pretend not to know, Josh, Paul continues. She wanted to tell you herself.

I can handle that, Josh boasts.

The two renew their trek toward the conference room.

Do you have any announcements for us? Paul prods.

Look, pal, don’t get that started, Josh backs up. I think you just bring up my lack of companionship to rub your good fortune in my nose. Some of us are not as blessed as you, Paul Palato.

Oh, I almost forgot why I’m here. The deacons are ready to meet you and to talk with you, Josh, Paul informs his friend. Are you ready to join us? You can meet the deacons.

Josh, who is blindly following Paul, suddenly remembers why he was to meet Paul at the church. Josh is agreeable, and the two friends head to the conference room.

"Gentlemen, I bring you Josh Crockett, author of Living Faith, Paul heralds as they enter the room. Josh, I believe you know Pastor Ikerd."

Yes, my dad always speaks favorably of you, and we certainly enjoyed your visit to Corona last spring, Josh says as he greets Pastor Ikerd.

These are our deacons, Josh, Pastor Ikerd says. This is Lon Perez. Next to him are Henson Parkes and then our head deacon, Desmond Niemeier. Over here we have Lewis Perisia and Anderson Sadowski. Of course, you know Paul.

It’s nice to meet you all, Josh says cordially.

Lewis politely asks Josh about the trip. Henson inquires whether the town has changed much since he last visited. Josh joking replies that he thought he made a wrong turn off the interstate because things have changed so much. He adds that the church has not changed, though.

An awkward silence follows before Anderson Sadowski introduces the business-like discussion.

Since you ask for no compensation while you’re here, how will you support yourself? Anderson asks.

What I’m doing here is considered a ministry of the church in Corona, Josh informs, They are paying me to help you with your youth.

Have you done something like this before? Henson Parkes inquires.

No, we haven’t, Josh admits. When Paul asked me to visit and teach the book’s concepts to the teens here, I jumped at the chance to revisit Melo and share what I believe.

Another moment of uneasy silence fills the room. Anderson and Henson look to Desmond for direction.

Josh continues, The church sends associate pastors and church members to minister other places all over the world.

Still, no one responds. Josh feels like he hasn’t fully answered Henson’s question.

I came here with my board’s approval, Josh assures the group. They think the personal touch is a good idea. It helps that my family has a strong connection with this church too. Dad pastored the church. I took Christ as Savior in this church.

It doesn’t sound like we have much to lose and have a high potential for gain, Lon Perez, who is usually silent at most board meetings, says. I know Josh’s father and love and respect him. I’ve read Josh’s book, and it is biblically based from a good heart.

Pastor Ikerd asks, Josh, would you briefly summarize the book for us?

"John 10:10, ‘The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy, but I have come to give life and to give it to the full.’ Basically, in the book Living Faith, I discuss what I believe the Bible defines as a full life. Christianity is more than another religion. Through faith in Christ, we begin a relationship with God, who through the work of his Holy Spirit guides us to a realization of our true selves—the God self we are meant to be. This is what I want to share with the teens and get them excited and confident in their true, child-of-God selves."

I want that for our church, Lon Perez states.

Paul puts his arm around Lon. Me, too.

Are there any other questions? Pastor Ikerd asks. No one responds. After a moment of more silence, Pastor Ikerd asks, Josh, would you close this meeting with a prayer?

Wait, Desmond Niemeier blurts, realizing no one else is going to speak out. Josh, do you not believe we are teaching a biblical definition for a fulfilled life to our youth?

You have read the book, Desmond, Paul interjects. We all agreed to read the book before we asked Josh to come.

I apologize, Desmond says, but I did not read the book. I seldom read books of a religious nature, especially when I do not know the author. I trust my pastor, though, and he was in favor, so I support him. It is his church, after all.

Good, Paul says, then we can be dismissed in prayer.

He still hasn’t answered my question, Desmond persists. Didn’t we call for questions?

Josh puts his hand on Paul’s shoulder before Paul can reply, I cannot say for sure what you have or have not taught your youth, Josh says. "I do believe the youth have heard Biblical messages from this pastor and their leaders. Some of those messages and lessons taught principles that, if followed, would produce a fulfilled Christian life. But some people are looking for the dos and don’ts from messages, not abstract principles, especially teens. Living Faith is written for practical people to understand abstract principles about listening to, heeding, and conforming to a new way of life."

Thank you, Josh, replies Pastor Ikerd. Other questions?

Momentary silence is soon broken, I also noticed you did not quote the King James Version of that Scripture. I prefer my teenage daughter to use the King James Version and wish for her to be taught with Scripture using the King James Version, please, Desmond adds.

I will try and honor that request, Josh declares.

"Josh, now would you dismiss the meeting in prayer?" Pastor Ikerd asks, before a discussion about versions of the Bible distracts from the purpose of the meeting.

I would be privileged to do that, but I’m going to pass that privilege to Mr. Perez, if he would accept it, Josh states.

Lon Perez looks a little shocked by the request but quickly bows his head and begins. Amazing Creator, I thank you for the wisdom you have blessed Joshua with and for Paul’s asking his friend to come share his wisdom with our church. Help us to give you the praise and glory for what you’re about to do through us. In Christ’s name, amen.

While most of the other men leave the conference room, Lon Perez moves to Josh’s side and listens as Paul, Josh, and Pastor Ikerd talk of plans.

I have an apartment waiting for me downtown near the river, Josh explains. It’s in the River Bend Apartments on 1400 River Bend Boulevard. I have no idea what it’s like—I only saw a virtual tour of an apartment on the website where I reserved it.

They’re actually decent apartments, though it’s an older building, Paul contributes. You could have found one closer to the church but might have paid a little more for it.

It’s probably close enough, Pastor Ikerd adds. I’ve lived in parsonages next door to the church and found that too often, you get little privacy.

Mr. Crockett, if I may interrupt, Lon Perez says respectfully, breaking into the conversation. Did I hear you say you’re staying in the River Bend Apartments? Is there something I can do to help you get settled?

Josh turns to smile at Lon. You may call me Josh, then he answers, Thanks for the offer, but I traveled very lightly and the apartment is furnished, so I really can’t think of a thing, Josh tells him and then asks, Have you had dinner yet? Josh looks to the other two men. How about you guys? Have you eaten?

Actually, no, but Myrna probably has supper ready and waiting at the house for me, Pastor Ikerd responds.

Amy knew I had a meeting, so she has probably eaten and settled in for the night, Paul says, I could probably grab a quick sandwich.

And you, Mr. Perez? Josh inquires. Would you get a sandwich with us?

I’ll need to call my wife to let her know, and then I would be glad to join you, Lon Perez states.

Where should we enjoy our fellowship? Josh asks. I’m really hungry but anxious to settle into my apartment.

Do you like sub sandwiches? Lon asks There’s a sub shop not far from your apartment building.

That sounds just right, Mr. Perez, Josh asserts.

Lon and Paul pull out cell phones and take a few steps away from Josh for a moment while they check in with their spouses.

"Looks like I’ll be at the Sub Express downtown, Amy. Would you like to join us? Paul speaks into a cell phone. Okay, then. I’ll see you in a while."

Is she meeting us? Josh asks.

No, but she said she’ll see you tomorrow, Paul states. Oh, by the way, can you come for breakfast in the morning?

Do I have a choice? Josh wonders aloud. Sounds like it’s settled.

It is settled, but you could give me a cursory confirmation, Paul jokes.

What time in the morning?

I thought eight-ish would work well, Paul continues.

What about brunch? Would that work into my schedule? Josh teases.

Actually, no. You are also confirming to meet some of the teens at eleven o’clock, Paul reports. They’re coming by for an informal meet-and-greet.

You were always good at scheduling my activities, Josh tells his friend. I guess that’s breakfast and lunch at your house.

Then, it’s all right? Seriously? Paul asks.

Josh slaps his friend on the back. Sure, I want to see Amy, and I’d love to meet some teens.

Lon Perez returns from making his phone call, and the three decide to meet at the Sub Express.

Once they arrive at the restaurant and get their sandwiches, they settle into a booth, where small talk accompanies the first few swallows of sub sandwich, chips, and soft drink. Then Josh begins more serious conversation. Tell me what happened to warrant the meeting of the deacons this evening.

Lon and Paul look to each other for the explanation.

Paul decides to address the question himself. The deacons thought it would be great to meet you before the Sunday services, Paul begins.

That’s probably one of the reasons, Josh agrees, but it seems there is something more.

Why do you think there is something more? Lon asks.

I felt something uneasy coming from some of the deacons, especially Mr. Niemeier, Josh asserts.

I believe Desmond Niemeier suggested the meeting, Paul says. As he mentioned, he doesn’t know much about you. I think he just wanted the chance to do a face to face. When we first discussed the issue and agreed to it, he was gone on business.

Josh takes another bite into difficult conversation. Would you be able to say if he were opposed to my coming here?

I think that’s a question Desmond would need to answer, Paul responds. He has never declared one way or the other to me. Since he was absent when we voted, we do not know how he would have voted.

He was rather quiet, Lon adds. I think he hasn’t decided yet.

That’s true, Paul agrees. If he had an opinion either way, we would have heard it.

He’ll be keeping a close eye on things, Lon says. He’s extremely devoted to the church.

Paul nods his head in affirmation and takes another bite of his sandwich. Which apartment are you staying in? he asks, moving on to more digestible conversation.

I don’t really remember, Josh answers, but I have to stop by the office to pick up the keys.

Won’t the office be closed? Lon asks. Maybe one of us should go with you, just in case there are some problems.

You could stay with me tonight, if you can’t get into your apartment, Paul offers.

I don’t think it will be necessary, but it’s not a bad precautionary measure, Josh replies.

I don’t know about precautionary measure, but I think it’d be fun to see the apartment, Lon admits. We could help you unload your car, too.

Josh sits back in the booth and eyes the two men suspiciously. I think you guys are up to something. Why would you want to see an apartment? We’re guys; we don’t care about apartments.

Yeah, maybe as married guys we want to live the bachelor life vicariously through you, Paul jokes. We don’t want you messing that up.

Oh, well, in that case, let’s not delay, Josh agrees with a grin.

The three men head out to the River Bend apartments—the lawyer in his sporty vehicle, the contractor in his dual-cab truck, and the itinerate preacher in his Jeep.

It is late, by weary traveler estimations, but the nightlife crowd is just beginning its Friday night rituals. Downtown traffic has picked up while the three ate their sub sandwiches, so maneuverability is more of a challenge than it was thirty minutes ago. Upon reaching the apartment complex, they all manage to find parking spaces in the parking garage and then help Josh carry his few suitcases and bags to the entrance of the building.

The office is easy to find. Inside is a young man with broad shoulders who looks to be an older teen. As they enter the office, the young man stands and looks down at the three—he easily towers over them. Josh decides that the office is probably well guarded with this massive young man inside.

How can I help you guys tonight? The teen giant’s voice matches his figure as it booms like thunder with the question.

My name is Josh Crockett. I have an apartment reserved for me.

Josh Crockett … Josh Crockett … The teen rubs his chin with his huge right hand. That name’s familiar. Did you play ball at Perry High once?

Surprised by the question, Josh responds awkwardly, Well, yes, I did, but that was a long time ago. How did you know?

Oh, I play basketball for Perry myself, and our coach has mentioned you.

Josh is still stunned. Who is your coach?

Yeah, you know him, Josh, Paul chimes in. It’s Bill Curry—he played guard for South High about the same time we played.

Coach Curry says you still hold the school, city, and conference career-scoring record and the school’s one game-scoring record of forty-eight points, the big teen reports.

Josh chuckled. I must say I’m rather flattered by all this, but right now I’m interested in settling into my apartment.

Don’t be flattered, the teen tells him, because you’re looking at the guy who’s gonna replace you in the record books!

Then you better give me the privilege of your name if it will be replacing mine, Josh says good-naturedly.

The big guy smiles and extends his right hand. I’m Alan Fischer."

Josh accepts Alan Fischer’s hand. Nice to meet you, Alan Fischer. Is the team pretty strong this year?

Oh, yes, sir, Alan assures Josh. He turns and keys up Josh’s name in the computer as he tells him, We were city, conference, sectional, and regional champs last year.

That’s some accomplishments, Josh admits. Looking to do even better this year, I suppose.

Yes, sir. We return everyone but one player from last year’s team, and he wasn’t a starter. There’s enthusiasm in Alan’s voice as he pulls out a metal box from the file drawer and rummages around until he finds two keys to Josh’s apartment. He walks back to the computer and makes a few quick keystrokes that awaken the printer behind him. He pulls out a rental agreement and hands it to Josh. You need to read over that, and if you have no questions—Alan slaps a pen down on the counter—sign it on the last page.

There is a quiet pause as Josh reads the agreement and then signs it. Is there anything else? Josh asks as he hands the agreement and pen back to Alan.

I think that does it, Alan says. You’ll be in apartment 205 on the second floor. Straight ahead and to the right at the front of the building.

Thanks, Alan. Josh starts to leave but then turns and says, I’d like to talk more with you about the season sometime soon.

No problem, Mr. Crockett. Anytime, Alan Fischer replies.

The three start out of the door, but stop to let another tall teen enter the office. This teen seems even taller than Alan but thinner and probably younger. He dashes in as if he hasn’t noticed the older men.

Parker, Alan says, this man in the blue shirt that you nearly knocked over is Josh Crockett, Perry High’s best scorer next to me. Alan turns to Josh. This is my younger brother, Parker Fischer.

Parker turns and shakes Josh’s hand. Nice to meet you, Mr. Crockett, but my older brother exaggerates a lot when it comes to his own basketball.

Nice to meet you, too, Parker, Josh states. You part of the team too?

I will be this year. I was just a freshman last year, but I hope to make varsity this year.

I’ve been rather rude, Josh confesses. I’d like you to meet part of my team. This is Lon Perez and Paul Palato.

The two huge brothers nod politely to Lon and Paul.

Paul was my teammate on the Perry team when I played, Josh explains. He was our super sixth man, who would come in and rally us and get the momentum going our way. And by the way, we won state two years in a row. Josh salutes the brothers as he heads out the door to the elevator.

A legend in his own time, Paul jokes as they wait for the elevator. Lon, don’t you feel the aura?

If you’re talking of the aura of jealousy, then the answer would be yes, Lon admits.

Jealousy? What jealousy? Why would the super sub be jealous of the legend? Paul continues to tease. Josh appears unaffected by the banter.

The elevator door opens, and Josh holds up his hand. Legends first and then subordinates, lease, Josh announces breezily as he steps on to the elevator..

Lon bends at the waist and waves Josh into the elevator. Paul bows his head and presses his palms together, prayer-like, in front of his forehead.

You may enter now, my humble servants, Josh intones.

On the second floor, the elevator doors open to reveal a hallway that is brightly lit and cheerfully decorated.

I’m just now realizing that this apartment building is pleasant, Josh acknowledges.

It is clean and contemporary, Lon observes as the three head down the corridor to Josh’s apartment.

Josh unlocks the door and opens it to a casually comfortable living room.

Very nice, Paul says. How much are you paying for this?

I’m not paying what it looks like I’m paying, Josh says. I had no idea it would be this nice.

Where do you want your bags, Josh? Lon asks.

Put them anywhere, Josh remarks as he heads to the kitchen area adjacent to the living room. Paul moves straight ahead and flings open the bedroom door. Lon sets the bags down where he is standing in the neatly furnished living room.

The kitchen light exposes soft beige walls with burgundy cabinets and beige Formica countertops. The sink, stove, and refrigerator are stainless steel. A small country-blue table with matching blue wooden chairs trimmed in beige rests in the center of the room. The beige, burgundy, and blue-checkered tile floor glistens in the light of the recessed lighting fixtures above.

You should see the bedroom, Josh, Paul calls out.

The kitchen’s nice too, Josh announces. The apartment looked nice on the Internet. Josh stops mid-sentence and sighs appreciatively. This is going to sound corny and maybe a little weird, Josh says after a moment, but I think it appropriate to thank God for this apartment and dedicate it to Him.

Sure, Josh, Paul agrees, but he does feel awkward—and then somewhat ashamed of the awkwardness. Lon smiles and nods.

Josh prays a simple prayer of thanksgiving and dedication and then says, I’m really eager to get started squaring things away here.

Let’s go unload the rest of your stuff, Paul suggests.

Then we’ll leave you to organize and settle in, Lon adds.

The trio exits the apartment and returns to the elevator. Parker is coming out of the office as the elevator deposits Josh and his companions. As Paul passes Parker, he invites him to join them in unloading Josh’s Jeep. Parker agrees and shouts his intentions through the doorway of the office. Alan waves in acknowledgment.

In a few moments, the four return, carrying boxes that they take to Josh’s apartment.

Thanks, guys, Josh tells them when the boxes are deposited in his apartment. "I’ll get to work putting everything away.

Look, Josh, Paul says, unless there’s stuff in here that you don’t want us to see, the work will go faster if we stay and help.

Thanks, but I don’t want to keep you from whatever else you prefer to do, Josh says. You’ve done enough.

When the others insist they have no other plans, Josh gratefully accepts their help. The foursome manage to empty the boxes and find a suitable spot for everything in less than an hour.

While Paul places the last box in the closet, and Parker ties the last trash bag and places it by the door, Josh prepares glasses with ice for his guests. Then he emerges from the kitchen and serves them sodas from a six-pack he bought at a convenience store along the trip.

Don’t feel like you need to stay, but I’d feel better if you sat a while and relaxed after helping me get settled, Josh tells them.

You know, that sounds real good right now, Lon says as he finds a comfortable spot on the blue leather sofa.

Josh hands Lon a glass and a can of soda. I’m afraid this is all I have, he says and then offers