A Major Hurdle

By Patricia Sims

A Major Hurdle is about the challenges that deals with a second chance at love which is overshadowed by mysterious circumstances that threatens to destroy Catherine Adams and the new love she has found with Philip Cagney. Only their faith in God will help them to withstand the difficulties and overcome.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781728343938

Patricia Sims

Patricia Sims is a retired educator and her love for writing has allowed to enter a world of fiction that she has envisioned since her childhood. She as a BS Degree in Business Education with further studies is computer applications. She is married to a minister, Johnny Sims, who is supportive of her endeavors and she is a songwriter/singer and she and her husband released their first gospel CD in January 2019, entitled, “In The Name.

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© 2020 Patricia Sims. All rights reserved.

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  02/03/2020

ISBN: 978-1-7283-4394-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-4393-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020901356

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

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

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

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CHAPTER 1

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C ATHERINE ADAMS SAW very little of the scenic countryside as she followed the familiar landmarks enroute to Hillcrest College. All she could think of was how she was going to get through the next two days with her sanity intact. Why did she let Teresa talk her into coming to the college for Career Day? She could have managed Career Day, but she had been asked to speak on The Pitfalls of Starting a Small Business. Her oldest daughter had somehow disclosed the fact that her mother had previously owned a business to her instructor, Dr. Cagney, who was also a member of the steering committee for Career Day. In fact, several parents had been asked to speak during the event. She was comfortable speaking to students on the high school level, but speaking to students on the college level was out of her league and she almost backed out in a moment of panic but could not establish a legitimate excuse. Something seemingly, wanted her to take this trip and there was no turning back. She did her best to will her heart to beat normally as she tried to rein her emotions in check.

The last thing she wanted to do was speak to a group of strangers about her life with Sam. The bitter pain in the pit of her stomach refused to go away. It had been eighteen months now and events leading to his death were still very vivid in her mind. It should have been her and not Sam. He was too young to be taken away just when they were getting their bearings with the family and the business. A lone tear slowly crept down her cheek. Sam had always reminded her that tears were a handicap and would not change anything. Crying was useless at this point. She had to do what had to be done. Sam could not help her now, no one could. Never had she felt so alone, and she knew the children sometimes felt the loss just as profoundly. There was no time for tears. She had to be strong for herself and the children, and that was the one reason she had consented to come to the college.

Teresa seemed so excited when she asked Catherine to come and there was no way she could refuse. Penny and Corey were staying with Aunt Jeannie for the weekend. She hoped the eight and six-year old were not too much for Aunt Jeannie.

As she arrived on campus, she glanced at the directions Teresa had given as the location for the Career Day activities. She easily navigated the campus and found the building but what she did not find was Teresa. After carefully parking the car, she slowly looked around the parking lot hoping that she would locate Teresa’s vehicle but soon realized the vehicle was nowhere to be found.

Where is that girl? She asked herself aloud.

Teresa had promised faithfully to meet her at four-thirty p.m. sharp to give her an opportunity to preview the auditorium. It was four-forty by her watch and Teresa was no where in sight. She hoped they had not gotten their signals crossed which sometimes happened with Teresa.

The expansive building seemed accessible and she hoped Teresa might be waiting just inside. As she made her way to the top of the steps, she was met by a man who appeared to be in his early forties, a very handsome man, to be exact, who was the perfect representation of the opposite sex.

Mrs. Adams? He asked.

Yes, I’m Catherine Adams.

She stood frozen as she stared into eyes she felt she had known all her life—eyes that momentarily warmed her cold and empty soul.

The stranger smiled as he extended his hand.

I’m Professor Cagney. Teresa asked me to wait here for you, escort you to the auditorium, and, also direct you to the Visitors’ Dorm. She was very specific with her instructions in the order given.

Yep, that sounds like my daughter. She said.

Teresa volunteered to work on the hospitality committee and there has been a mix-up with the caterer. She called a few minutes ago and asked me to meet you and explain her dilemma. She is very sorry that she could not be here instead, and I hope you don’t mind if I fill in for her? He said.

No, not at all and I am very pleased to meet you. She said, as she shook hands with Dr. Cagney.

Teresa has mentioned your class many times and she particularly enjoys your methods of teaching. Maybe you will allow me to pick your brain to energize my classroom as well?

Thank you. Although you may find that my brain is somewhat not geared to high school students. I admire anyone who is able to connect with students who are not on the college level.

He smiled. If you will come with me, I will be happy to show you around.

As Catherine walked in step with Dr. Cagney, she thought to herself, Some woman is extremely lucky!

Catherine was impressed with the size of the room. It was not too large which meant the crowd would not be very large. Thank goodness for that. The podium was a speaker’s dream and she could not have ordered one to fit the bill more perfectly. As she looked around the room, she was unaware that she too, was being observed.

Professor Cagney could not believe that anyone Catherine’s age could have a daughter in college. She appeared to be no more than thirty-three or thirty-four years of age with a slender five foot, eight inch frame. She seemed unaware of the beautiful picture she painted before him and he liked everything in his view except her eyes. Her eyes looked sad and she appeared all alone—the way he sometimes felt since he lost his wife over two years ago. Julia had given him so much joy…

Catherine’s voice brought his mind back to the present and the matter at hand.

Thank you, Dr. Cagney, for taking time to allow me to see this room. I feel much better about tomorrow. It always calms my nerves somewhat to see the area where I am to speak. I am sure that may sound silly to you, and I sincerely hope I have not taken too much of your time.

Dr. Cagney smiled. It was my pleasure, and no, that is by no means a silly notion. I’m glad you and the other parents of my students consented to speak to the group. This is something we have never done before here at the college. It is going to be an interesting day for the students and the parents as well. Is there anything else I can do for you while we’re here?

No. You’ve been very helpful. I think I’ll just make my way to the Visitors’ Dorm now. Thank you again for your assistance. She said.

Dusk was falling as they reached the entrance to the building and Dr. Cagney insisted on walking Catherine to her car. She was extremely glad for his company in the nearly deserted parking lot.

As Dr. Cagney walked Catherine to her car, he gave her details on the events to take place before and after her presentation. It all seemed so perfectly planned.

Mrs. Adams, have you had dinner? There is an Italian Restaurant a short distance from here and the food is excellent. Would you like to have dinner… with me?

Thank you, Dr. Cagney. I haven’t had dinner, but I would not want to keep you from your family. I am sure I can find my way around. Besides, Teresa will probably come over soon as she is finished with her obligations.

I am sorry to disappoint you again, but Teresa is on the committee that is responsible for preparing the refreshments for tomorrow. Teresa will be busy for several hours. And to answer the first statement, I don’t have a family. In fact, I eat alone most of the time. Won’t you please reconsider?

Yes! Replied Catherine. I don’t have the will power to refuse your kind offer a second time. It was quite a long drive and to be truthful, I am famished.

Why don’t we get you settled in your room? You can leave a note for Teresa in case the committee finishes earlier than expected. He looked at his watch. It’s six o’clock now. We should return around eight or eight-thirty.

The restaurant was everything Dr. Cagney said it would be. The food was delicious and after dessert she was content to just sit and listen to the music. It had been so long… She could not remember when she had enjoyed herself more.

Catherine and Dr. Cagney discussed the woes of the teaching profession. Their takes on the differences in the students on the high school and college levels were interesting and she found the conversation stimulating.Before the evening was over, they were on a first name basis. She thought to herself how well the name, Phillip, suited Dr. Cagney.

Phillip told Catherine he had been a widower for almost two years. She in turn told him of Sam’s violent death and how she had struggled with her grief and tried to help the children adjust to the loss of their father. She had felt at times things would never get better, but time seemingly always has a way of diminishing grief and pain.

The band for the night was very good and Dr. Cagney asked her if she would like to dance. She reluctantly agreed, and this was the first time she had been in the arms of another man since Sam’s death. The song was a slow song and she enjoyed the way he held her—not too tight but firmly enough to make her aware that he was a member of the opposite sex. Things began to get a little more complicated after the dance.

The drive back to campus was filled with silence, each lost in thought about what could have been. Catherine thanked Philip for the delicious meal.

It was my pleasure. He said.

Their goodnights were brief, both aware of a closeness that they were not ready to acknowledge.

Teresa came over around ten o’clock and was almost asleep on her feet but satisfied that everything was under control. She was pleased that Dr. Cagney had taken such good care of her mother. The joy on her daughter’s face made the trip worthwhile and Catherine was glad that she had not backed out after all. Mother and daughter had quite a bit to talk about, but it would have to wait until a later time. Teresa was bone tired and Catherine urged her to get some sleep before the big day. After such an eventful day, Catherine soon fell sleep as well. The last thing she remembered was how proud she was of her oldest daughter. Sam would have been proud, too,

Philip knew the exact moment Catherine walked into the assembly room. He sensed her presence and turned, and there she stood hesitating near the doorway. She looked stunning in a dark blue suit with a pale blue blouse. Matching pumps added two inches to her height. He appreciated her taste in clothes which gave her already slender figure more curves. He could not remember when he had last been appreciative of a woman’s charms. Meeting Catherine Adams appeared to have awakened him from a long, deep sleep.

He walked over to greet Catherine and to introduce her to the other program participants. She seemed slightly nervous but hid it well with her natural poise and gentle ways. He noticed the thumbs up sign that Teresa gave her mother and realized they were very close.

Dr. Morgan, Chairperson for Career Day, motioned for the audience to calm down and for the participants to take their places. The program began promptly at 9:00 and by 10:50 Catherine, who was the last participant, had been introduced.

She began her presentation with a quotation the audience enjoyed and then proceeded with the topic she had been assigned. It was apparent after the first few minutes this would not be an ordinary presentation. Catherine was competent in her deliverance, her material was faultless, and her diction was as clear as a bell. It was evident she had given much research and careful organization to the material. She even alluded to some of the things the other participants had covered and very professionally tied it in with the material she had prepared. Philip was extremely impressed.

A very smart lady— He said to himself.

The audience gave a hearty round of applause after Catherine’s presentation and the program ended shortly thereafter. During the reception, she was the center of attention and Philip was content to observe her from a distance. She was handling herself well as she interacted with the students. He could tell from her actions that she was a great mother, and a caring teacher who seem to enjoy her profession. Teresa never left her mother’s side.