Horses (Are Coming!)

By Katie S Watson

For a moment, I though those multicolored nags were gonna land on my lap.

Jerry, laughed Leah Hamilton, theyre part of end-time prophecythe four horses of the Apocalypse.

Never heard of them and have no intention of running into them again. He grinned. Next time, I get to choose the movie.

Leah, part of a group of Messianic Jews and Gentiles studying end-time prophecy, coaxes Jerry into attending a meeting. Jerry looks for an escape route as Ben Wasserman explains Daniels prophecy for the seventy weeks of years. Providence puts an end to Jerrys determination to skip the meetings. A lecture on the Rapture invades his dreams. Unable to reach any of the group the next morning, Jerry is convinced the Rapture came while he slepthes been left behind. A frantic call to God is interrupted by the ringing of his doorbell. Petrified, Jerry wonders if on the other side of the door stand the Antichrists thought police.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781504975896

Katie S Watson

Pastor, Pastor is Katies 8th book. Born Catherine Scott McNeill in Glasgow, Scotland. She was eight years old when she, with her parents, and her siblings immigrated to the United States. She was brought up in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1935, with a summa cum laude. Catherine met and married Gilbert Hinton Watson in 1939. Seven children were born to this union. She turned 100 in 2017. Catherine (Katie S Watson) entered Eastern Michigan University as a 51 year old freshman. She earned a B.S. degree in education and a MS degree in Library Science. She then worked in the Detroit Public School system until retiring with Gilbert to South Carolina. She worked as a homebound teacher for the South Carolina Board of education for several years before she fully retired. She still conducts and teaches a bible study in her home which see leads and prepares lesson handouts. Her books are written in the Christian genre. Gilbert her husband entered a theological seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. Their combined ministry focused on started churches in Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Arizona, Missouri and Michigan. Gilbert passed away in 1992.

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2016 Katie S. Watson. All rights reserved.

PETER FALLS FOR NESSIE

EMMIE ‘n SAM

SPLIT

TREVOR’S TREASURES

DE JA VU

REELING HUBBY BACK HOME

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/07/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5049-7590-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-7589-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016901809

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

REMEMBERING

DEDICATION

WRITTEN WITH THE

FOLLOWING IN MIND…

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

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE

CHAPTER FORTY

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

CHAPTER FORTY TWO

CHAPTER FORTY THREE

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

CHAPTER FORTY SIX

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT

CHAPTER FORTY NINE

CHAPTER FIFTY

CHAPTER FIFTY ONE

CHAPTER FIFTY TWO

CHAPTER FIFTY THREE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

REMEMBERING

63649.png

Rev. Gilbert Hinton Watson

Retired from earth to heaven, 5-13-92

Sorely missed by 5 sons and 2 daughter and Me, Katie.

********

Honey, any whisperings in heaven

That the saints are coming soon.

Activities in the mansions

Like the airing out of rooms?

Any plans for celebrations

Being wafted far and wide,

That Jesus Christ is coming,

Accompanied by His Bride?

Till then I’ll keep on listening;

Keep looking for every sign

That the Rapture is upon us,

Praise God, I’ll not be left behind.

Katie

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to D. Crisler Batson for his untiring search for the HORSES that escaped into the nether land of Internetville. Cris, after hours of searching, found the nags grazing in pastureland not their own. Triumphantly they were returned to my waiting coral; I locked the gate behind them. Without his help HORSES would have been relegated to the waste basket. I was tired of searching. Thanks Cris, for helping me through the morass of computerville.

Katie.

Acknowledgment

63670.png

WRITTEN WITH THE

FOLLOWING IN MIND…

Trevor%2c%20Katie%2c%20T%20C.jpg

Trevor, Katie, T. C

Cara%2c%20Katie%2c%20Brittany%2c%20Katelyn.jpg

Cara, Katie, Brittany, Katelyn

Maureen%2c%20Alex%2c%20Aiden%20%2c%20Drew.jpg

Maureen, Alex, Aiden, Drew

Top%20%20Allison%2c%20Maggie%2c%20Mollie%2c%20Gretchen%2c%20Bobbie%2c%20William.jpg

(Top) Allison, Maggie, Mollie, Gretchen, Bobbie, William

Gentry%2c%20Greyson%2c%20Gaia%2c%20Katie.jpg

Gentry, Greyson, Gaia, Katie

Grayson%2c%20Cameron%2c%20Hamilton%2c%20Katie.jpg

Grayson, Cameron, Hamilton, Katie

Jennifer%2cKatie%2c%20Sarah%2c%20Baby%20Moira.jpg

Jennifer,Katie, Sarah, Baby Moira

Sawyer%2c%20Hannah%2c%20Hallie.jpg

Sawyer, Hannah, Hallie

Ocean.jpg

Ocean

Kamryn%2c%20Natalie.jpg

Kamryn, Natalie

Lauren%2c%20Grayson%2c%20Katie%2c%20Cameron.jpg

Lauren, Grayson, Hamilton, Katie, Michelle, Cameron

Katie%2c%20Hamilton%20at%20teh%20guitar.jpg

Katie, Hamilton at the guitar

Katie%2c%20Cameron%20at%20the%20keyboard.jpg

Katie, Cameron at the keyboard

Mark%20and%20Katie.jpg

Mark and Katie

Maureen%20plays%2c%20Silent%20Night.jpg

Maureen plays, Silent Night

Aiden%2c%20Katie%2c%20Thomas%2c%20Maureen.jpg

Aiden, Katie, Thomas, Maureen

Katie%20telling%20stories%20to%20Gentry%20and%20Giah.jpg

Katie telling stories to Gentry, Greyson, Gaia

Moira%20Hamilton%20youngest%20great%20grandchild.jpg

Moira Hamilton youngest great grandchild

CHAPTER ONE

O my God, open Your eyes and see our desolations…. Dan. 9:18

‘W hat’d you think of the movie?’ she asked, sliding into the passenger’s seat. He closed the car door, after rescuing her scarf from being caught in the door. He was in the driver’s seat, starting the engine before answering her.

"I don’t know…kinda weird…wasn’t what I thought it’d be. The guy who wrote it, musta been on some kind of mind bending drug to come up with such scary stuff. But the choreography was great; especially those four galloping multi-colored horses. Thought at one time they were going to land in our laps.’

Cinema ambience lingered in the car. Something about movie house magic that transformed Jerry Rosen into the macho hero; winning the fair maiden. But the blond chick beside him sent no amour, amour vibes his way. He fidgeted, backed the car out of the yellow lines, straightened the wheels and drove out of the parking lot, heading in the direction Denny’s restaurant.

How long had he known her? Let’s see; this was their second date. They met in Raleigh at a tax seminar, where attendees strove to get a handle on new tax codes dumped on businesses by ambitious Washington, D.C. Pied Pipers. Things in the business world were harried. Government, instead of cutting excessive red tape…doled out thicker tape and more of it. Jerry was there representing Rosen Medical Prosthetic Devices. Leah Hamilton was representing a tax consultant firm she worked for. During speaker breaks, Jerry had chatted her up; found out she was from Charlotte, North Carolina, the burg he hailed from. Geography in harmony, led to further contacts when the seminar ended. A fly was buzzing round the proverbial ointment; she was Gentile…he was Jew. Persistent phone calls finally merited the first date.

She was looking serious and frowning. ‘Penny for your thoughts; a dollar if they’re about me,’ he winked at her mischievously. Leah laughed. ‘I didn’t know my face was registering my thoughts; but no, they weren’t about you. Sorry.’ She grinned at him…his heart flipped.

‘Care to tell me what caused that lovely face to screw up into a frown.’

She shrugged. ‘I was wondering how much you knew about the End time. If you haven’t studied prophecy, I can see why that movie confused you.’

Jerry shrugged. ‘Prophecy’s not a subject I lust after.’ He grinned when he saw her shake her head. ‘Hey, our rabbi never mentions it. Isn’t it more like a Gentile New Testament passion?’

‘Goodness Jerry, no. The Old Testament is replete with prophecies, most of which have come to pass.’

‘Well, I think the guy who wrote that play musta been ingesting something you don’t buy over the counter. Take those crazy horse’s being responsible for all that blood and guts stuff. You’d have to be living in la la land to come up with that kinda imagination.’

They followed their waiter to a booth cleared of diners and food detritus. The waiter left them examining menus; he returned with rolls and ice water for their glasses. He stood like a sentinel, pen hovering over his notepad. ‘Leah, you ready, or shall I order so the cook will have something to do.’ The sentinel stifled a laugh. ‘You order, Jerry; I’m still deciding.’

‘I’ll have that delicious display of a club sandwich,’ he pointed to a picture on the menu, ‘and a side order of cottage fries…and coffee.’ He handed the waiter his menu.

‘I’ll have a chicken salad sandwich and a small house salad, and Earl Grey tea, please.’ She gave the waiter the menu and a smile.

Jerry winked at her and she laughed. ‘Jerry, someday your winking will get you in trouble.’

‘Wouldn’t mind it getting in trouble with you…if you’d allow me to.’ He grinned suggestively. Leah took a sip of water, ignored his remark. ‘Incidentally Jerry, in case someone should happen to ask you the source of tonight’s film, you might tell them that it comes from the book of Revelation. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus is the author.’

‘No kidding,’ said Jerry showing little interest. ‘Where and when did our man John dream up his nightmare?’

Leah Hamilton wondered if it were worth while trying to explain the film, Jerry seemed to enjoy ridiculing it. She took a sip of coffee and looked across at him.

He held her gaze. ‘Well, I’m waiting for the answer to my 64 thousand dollar question… or don’t you know it?’

Leah began laughing, and shook her head. ‘Jerry, you’re a conundrum. I thought you were just asking out of politeness…wasn’t interested in an answer.’

‘Well I’m not fond of figs, had my share of them in Jerusalem, but I eat them. I like to keep informed on subjects I know nothing about, for the sake of learning.’ He sipped coffee, eyes on her, and waited.

She swallowed coffee along with irritation and began. ‘John was an exile on the Isle of Patmos…because of his faith in Christ. He was probably in his 90’s; time frame, around the end of the first century A.D.’

‘Had a good imagination for a guy in his 90’s, does it say what kinda diet he was on.’ He grinned as she pursed lips in annoyance. ‘Sorry Leah, just pulling your chain; you look so teacherish. What did you say the book’s called?’

‘Revelation. Surely you’ve heard of it!’ she said acidly… ignoring his comment re her looks.

He meditated… nodded. ’Yeah, my mom mentioned that book, it’s in the N.T. right?’ She nodded and noticed his eyes took on a faraway look. Leah felt the atmosphere shift; Jerry was in a state of reminiscence. He had told her his mom had been a Gentile, on their first date, when they ran out of subjects to discuss.

When he finally resurfaced… it was with less perfidy. After a sip of water and a clearing of throat he ventured. ‘Mom insisted that I learn the books of the Bible. I got as far as some in the N.T. but didn’t make it to Revelation before she died. She was interested in prophecy. I know she’d have understood the movie we saw tonight.’ Jerry picked up his cup and waved it to a passing waitress.

‘Leah, tell this ignorant Jew, why Jews should believe anything in the N.T. Those writers were Gentiles?’

She shook her head. ‘John was a Jew; all the writers of the N.T. were Jews, with one exception. There are 27 books in the N.T. 25 were written by Jews; while 2 books (Acts and Luke) by Luke, a Gentile physician.

‘Oh, come on Lee… you got your facts wrong. I know the N.T. writers were Gentiles, that’s why Jews don’t touch that part of the Bible.’ He looked defiantly at her; picked up the bill, examined it, then glanced at her expecting a rebuttal. Leah held her tongue. Arguing with a person dedicated to his position, was a waste of time. Her dad’s favor saying; ‘Convince a man against his will, and he’s of the same opinion still.’ She prayed for wisdom and for the Holy Spirit to move things along.

After paying the bill, he took her arm possessively and escorted her to the car. She slid in. When he had the car running, he looked at her and apologized. ‘Sorry I behaved like a kid in the restaurant; dogmatic to the point of rudeness. My only defense…it’s what I’ve always believed to be true.’

‘I understand, Jerry. But don’t take my word for it. Call your public library, ask the reference librarian who wrote the N.T. They are unbiased.’

His smile was less cocky, his voice less argumentative. After acting like an oaf, he sought for a way to ameliorate the situation. ‘Leah if you haven’t given up on me, tell me what those romping multi-colored nags were all about.’

She sighed, wondering if his interest was genuine, or just a ploy to lengthen their date. She finally said. ‘The horses are harbingers of things to come during the 7 years of Tribulation. John is caught up to heaven where he is given access by God of things that will come upon the earth in the latter days. A sealed book is given by God, to Jesus. As Christ opens each seal, something occurs. The first seal reveals a white horse and rider. The rider has a bow, and a crown is given to him. When Jesus opens the second seal, a red horse appears…the rider is given a great sword to take peace from the earth. The third seal reveals a black horse; its rider holds a pair of balances to measure wheat and barley. When Jesus opens the fourth seal a pale horse emerges, the rider sitting on the pale horse, is Death.’

Jerry, intrigued by what he’d heard said, ‘OK, now that I’ve been introduced to the horses, what do they signify?’

‘The WHITE horse represents peace, but the rider is the Antichrist, who comes in peaceably but brings in his wake the RED horse with its sword of war. Following the red horse, the black horse with its scales represents the result of war…famine. Famine ushers in the pale horse, the symbol of death.’

‘This all scheduled to happen, when?’

‘During the 7 years of tribulation; the end of this age.’

Jerry was mulling over what she’d said. ‘Boy, what other goodies lie ahead for this old world. Anything else our friend John dishes out to cheer us up?’

Jerry pulled into her driveway. Leah demurred; should she invite him in and continue the conversation? In spite of some reservations, Leah found Jerry Rosen an attractive man. While the difference in ethnicity could be a problem, the main concern was the difference in their ideologies. Leah firmly believed in following the scripture’s warning: Be not unequally yoked together, she’d been raised on. Just as she was about to invite him in his cell chirped. ‘Yeah, what’s up Dad? Think you need to call your Dr.? OK, I’ll be there in about l5 minutes.’ He rang off, looked at Leah. ‘My Dad’s a bit worried about his ticker. Under a lot of stress these days at work. I’d better go see if there’s something I can do for him. Sure enjoyed your company, Leah. Wish I could’ve heard more about John’s doom and gloom. Maybe some other time?’

‘Sure. But Jerry, I’m going to be away for several weeks in Raleigh; winding up my CPA requirements. We’ll get together when I get back That OK with you?’ She looked at him wishing things were different between them; he was a good looking guy.

‘Yeah, sure, Leah. Anything you say. We’ll get together when the moon comes over the mountain in good old Charleston. Goodnight.’

‘Goodnight Jerry.’ She raised up and kissed his cheek. He turned round. ‘How about anointing the other cheek as well.’ She laughed and kissed his other cheek.

Saul Rosen was a bundle of nerves when Jerry walked in. ‘What set the ticker off, Dad? Something happen at work I didn’t know about?’

‘It’s what I see is going to happen to businesses like ours in the very near future that’s got my ticker doing acrobatics instead of behaving like a 63 year old heart should.’

Jerry raised his eyebrows…’What’re you talking about, Dad?’

‘New directions from big brother came in today. Seems like the insurance we’ve carried on our employees for years, doesn’t meet government standards. We have to add more benefits, that’ll cost the company more, exceed our healthcare budget…and eventually put us in chapter 11. But here’s the irony of it all. If our employees are considered part time workers, the company’s off the healthcare hook; doesn’t have to offer part time workers healthcare, period.’

‘What do they consider working part time?’

‘Employees working 29 hours or less a week. Can you believe that? Where’s concern for the people here? Our employees right now have health insurance that keeps them from panicking…now the government says they have to have more coverage, or none at all; depending on whether the company puts them on a part time base. What egg-head came up with that illogical bilge? It’s control the government’s after. Control people’s healthcare… you control every aspect of their lives; eating, exercising, habits, you name it…the government will direct the way we live. Which is the idea from the start.’

‘What’re we going to do, Dad?’

‘Matt Miller and I’ve been banging ideas together all day figuring a way to keep our people covered; but Jerry, there’s no way our business can afford all these additional health costs we have to offer, if our employees work full time. As much as I hate to tell you son, I’ve already told Annie to get each department head working on employees we can reduce to part time workers. It breaks my heart, son. But in the end, everyone will lose their job if we try to keep up with the new regulations.’

‘Now Dad, it’s not worth getting a heart attack over. We’ll do what we have to do to preserve the company. If that goes…everything goes, including their pensions.’

‘You’re right, you’re right. I hadn’t factored in the pensions…yeah, they’d go up in smoke too.’

CHAPTER TWO

O Daniel, I am come to give you skill and understanding… Dan 9:22

R achel Weiss walked into ROSEN & SON one morning, and walked out…a new hire. A mechanical engineer in skilled prosthesis imagery. She worked with traditional materials, e.g., wood, steel, leather…along with space age materials; titanium, carbon fiber, and plastics. ‘She’s got brains.’ Saul Rosen was ardent in his praise. ‘She doesn’t discount the old ways, can add to them. I like that. Today, everything traditional has to be thrown out with the bath water… ’cause it’s old. Her skills will put our prosthetic department on the map…you’ll see. She’s a good looker to boot. Date her for goodness sake; you’re getting to be a consummate old bachelor.’ Saul wasn’t slow in seeing potential daughter-in-law material in Rachel Weiss.

‘Leave it, Dad, leave it. I’ll get round to it.’

‘Yeah,’ countered Saul. ‘When she’s too old to give me grandkids.’

Jerry had asked Rachel out occasionally, but so far the dates lacked that certain chemistry, hard to manufacture. He thought of Leah on these dates. Tonight, he was taking Rachel to the opera. His love for classical music put him in a mood for romance. Maybe something would happen to change the downward spiral their relationship was taking. When he picked Rachel up, his eyes went orbit. In evening togs she was stunning in her off the shoulder white and black chiffon dress that shimmered when she walked. Rachel had the male population drooling as she swayed by. Her black hair piled on top of her head, added elegant sophistication. Her jet jewelry added panache to her outfit. Yeah, thought Jerry…he wouldn’t be ashamed to have this doll hanging on his arm tonight or any other night. What’d taken him so long to really look her over? The gossamer stole of silver and mist he draped over her shoulders… added whipped cream to an already luscious cupcake.

For that matter of fact, Jerry Rosen, age 29, 6'2", didn’t look so bad himself. He should have bought a new tie for his tux, but what the heck, the lighting was usually on the dim side…he’d get by. Music lovers were filling the auditorium nicely. The place was humming with anticipation. At Saul’s insistence, Jerry had gone all out and bought seats in one of the few boxes still hanging on the auditorium walls. His opera glasses were in his jacket pocket; Rachel’s, in a gold and black case. Smarmy.

Seated in their cubicle, small talk re the plant was replaced by looking for people they knew… via opera glasses.

Rachel pointed out several friends; Jerry nodded.

Looking at incomers on the ground floor, he all but stopped breathing. Was it…was it…? Yeah…it was…Leah Hamilton, a tall blond guy escorting her to their seats…third row from the front, middle section. The guy was acting proprietarily. Jerry growled. Rachel looked at him. ‘Anything wrong?’ ‘Nah, just thought I saw some jerk I can’t stand.’ ‘Oh,’ said Rachel elliptically, ‘you’ll see plenty undesirables at these events.’ She turned back to her own perusal of patrons of the arts.

If he’d been alone, Jerry Rosen would’ve been out the door. You have a date, he reminded himself. Rachel was seated to his right…her chair a little ahead of his. He could see her clearly… she had to turn to see him. A plus for Jerry, she couldn’t see his opera glasses trained on Leah. Leah Hamilton was still under his skin…big time. His former happy mood was in the tank; keeping a happy face for Rachel, was going to be a chore.

A hush descended like cotton batten, wrapping the audience in an ambience of delicious bondage. Lights dimmed, mood music simpered timidly; the show was on! The beautiful diva, her handsome leading man… accompanied by the orchestra… molded the mood of the house like a sculptor molding clay to his liking. Ecstasy. Dismay. Indignation! From hopelessness to reckless deliverance the aria toyed with patrons’ emotions. The house cried ENOUGH, but held out for more. Jerry lost much of self in the unforgettable opera. Music sooths the savage breast…so they say. It made its mark on Jerry Rosen…for a while.

INTERMISSION: highlight of such events. Legs stretched to get out kinks; necks stretched. Women looked at other women’s gowns and coiffeurs. Men ogled every good looking woman… comparing the babes hanging on other men’s arms, with what was hanging on theirs. A harmless ritual where every nobody is a somebody… standing, strolling, in crowded lobbies among glitter and gauze. Patrons meeting, greeting, complimenting; façade, façade, façade; innocuous, pretentious, egos expanding importantly; all actors at the OPERA. Opportunities to enjoy mindless charades seldom come our way.

With glasses of bubbly in hand, Jerry returned to Rachel, who stood chatting with a girlfriend. ‘Thanks, Jer.’ Rachel introduced him with alacrity. ‘Sue, this is Jerry Rosen. I work for his dad…’giggle, giggle. Jerry on display looked like a bored manikin.

‘Jerry! How nice to see you!’

He knew her voice before turning to face Leah Hamilton. ‘Well, hi Leah. Long time, no see. You look great!’

‘Thanks. This is my friend Dr. Fred Stokes. Fred, this is Jerry Rosen, an old friend.’ The men nodded and shook hands.

So he was an old friend, Jerry thought sourly. Big deal!

Turning to Rachel he introduced her to Leah and her date, Dr. Fred Stokes. ‘This is Rachel Weiss, works with us at the lab,’ he added lamely. Rachel smiled and recited the obligatory ‘nice to meet you,’ verbiage. She was not pleased at Jerry’s clinical introduction. So she was just a work buddy? Hmm.

‘How’re things going’ Leah,’ he asked, not knowing what else to say.

‘Great. I finished my CPA exams.’

‘Congratulations…How’d you do with ’em?’

‘Not as well as I’d have liked; but I’m through. Glad it’s over.’

‘Yeah, I’ll bet.’

The four stood looking lost for something to say and were relieved when the lights began to dim. ‘Time to get back to our seats,’ said Jerry unnecessarily, taking Rachel’s left elbow proprietarily. ‘Good seeing you again, Leah. Glad I met you, Dr. Stokes. A PhD. or a Md.?’

‘A pediatrician,’ Fred Stokes said amicably.

Back in their seats Rachel turned to him. ‘What was that all about, Jerry, never saw you so uptight and tongue-tied. That gal mean something to you? Did you use to date her? Wouldn’t make your dad happy; she’s Gentile.’

‘Leave it, Rachel. We dated a few times; the religion thing came up. End of story, OK?’

‘Sure. If you say so,’ said Rachel with a sniff.

**********

‘Want to go someplace and have a bite to eat?’

‘Yeah, I’d like that. ’ Rachel was all smiles.

They made their way through the exiting crowd to the parking garage near the auditorium and to his BMW. Jerry was trying not to spoil the evening for her. ‘Any particular place you’d like to go to Rachel?’

‘No, any place that serves decent kosher food is OK with me.’

The valet took Jerry’s Beemer; a waiter ushered them to a booth sporting candles and crystal. Ambience for romance…but amour wasn’t on the menu, that night.

It was an upscale restaurant, he’d dined there before. A chef dominated the kitchen rather than frozen food lockers at the ready. Kosher food was available. Jerry wasn’t a stickler for Jewish dietary laws…but to please his date, went along and ordered kosher food.

‘I’m Sam,’ said a tall, sullen looking young man, lacking animation. ‘I’ll be your waiter this evening.’ His enthusiasm reminded Jerry of the character Lurch in the Adams Family sitcom. He handed them menus and the wine list. Sam looked bored; stood shifting from one foot to the other. Jerry shook his head at the wine list. ‘Coffee for me…I’m driving.’ The waiter smiled condescendingly. Rachel demurred momentarily… ‘Coffee, decaf.’

Sam was back with coffees and a basket of hot rolls hidden under white linen. He stood exuding indifference. ‘I’ll have a small salmon steak; steamed vegetables…’ Rachel finally ordered. ‘I’ll have a rib eye, baked potato…side dish of cinnamon apples,’ said Jerry, reaching for her menu and giving them both to Sam.

‘Be sure you tell the chief we’re eating kosher,’ shouted Rachel…as the waiter turned from them.

Jerry was piqued. Hadn’t he already indicated their kosher preference to the waiter?

‘He’s a friendly jerk,’ commented Jerry, nodding at Sam’s retreating back…diverting his angst away from Rachel, irked that she’d announced to the diners they were eating kosher. Big deal!

Rachel looked over at him and raised her eyebrows. He had the notion she was measuring him with the same yardstick he’d just measured Sam. ‘Probably had some lousy customers tonight,’ she mused, taking a sip from her crystal water glass…lifting her eyebrows at Jerry.

This meal is going to be a long, long, gastronomic fiasco if I’m not careful, thought Jerry. He excused himself and made for the gents. Returning with self in check, determined to avoid any faux pas he asked irrelevantly, if she’d enjoyed the opera.

‘I loved the leading man,’ gushed Rachel rapturously. ‘So handsome…what a voice. Boy how women wished men were that chivalrous today.’

Jerry gulped down resentment with a huge swallow of water and choked. He coughed uncontrollably. Tears streamed from his eyes; customers looked; some with sympathy, some with disgust at such gaucheness in a posh restaurant. His coughing finally eased… esophagus relaxed and he was able to gasp air and swallow with ease. He didn’t look at Rachel. He was furious with her dig at the 21st century male’s insensitivity where women were concerned. Chivalry a thing of the past!!! How about helping a guy find his role in a woman’s world today. Put that on for size, babe. He, Jerry Rosen, was willing to be CHIVALROUS… OPEN DOORs…proffer seats; things inherent in nature’s prescription