Arrogance and Assumptions

By Eva Zane

Still unmarried at 29, Elizabeth Beckett is content in her singleness. Working at the Navy Support Site Chapel for the Navy chaplains, of which one is her father, she is kept very busy. As it is, she barely finds enough time to spend with her family and friends, let alone partaking in the many social activities and commitments that regularly come her way. Having lived in Naples, Italy for ten years with her four adult sisters and parents, she is completely settled into their way of life. However, little does she know that is about to change, when new members of her singles group, freshly transferred in, will have a deep profound effect on her, her family and friends. This is especially true for the tall, handsome but surly Chaplain Darby, with whom she needs to learn to work with. As she and others navigate through a sudden barrage of life events, they all learn that nothing is as it seems, and that there is no place for arrogance and assumptions (This is a 21st century American military family version of Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice').

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669851660

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Copyright © 2023 by Eva Zane.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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 any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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.

Rev. date: 12/19/2022

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1First Impressions

Chapter 2Thank God It’s Friday

Chapter 3A Friday Night Dinner

Chapter 4A Pair of Fiery Eyes

Chapter 5Bella Settembre

Chapter 6Bad News

Chapter 7Life is Fragile

Chapter 8Dinner Guest

Chapter 9Monday Morning

Chapter 10Green Eyed Charm

Chapter 11The Date in Question

Chapter 12All in a Friday’s Work

Chapter 13The Little Hints

Chapter 14Clandestine

Chapter 15Campo Del Basso

Chapter 16Hidden Places

Chapter 17Strange Turn of Events

Chapter 18Stories and Surprises

Chapter 19The Ball

Chapter 20Change of Direction

Chapter 21Changes and the Morning After

Chapter 22Just Another Manic Monday

Chapter 23Tuesday Afternoon

Chapter 24Wednesday Night Bible Meeting

Chapter 25Tears, Fears, and Thoughtfulness

Chapter 26The Honor in Hospitality

Chapter 27Frantic Friday

Chapter 28The Outing

Chapter 29Here Comes the Bride

Chapter 30Revelations

Chapter 31Getting Away

Chapter 32To Confront Or Not

Chapter 33A New Life

Chapter 34Messages and Surprises

Chapter 35The Rest of the Story

Chapter 36Super Storm

Chapter 37Misunderstandings

Chapter 38Plains, Trains, Automobiles

Chapter 39Returns and Reaping

Chapter 40Homecoming

Epilogue

1

First Impressions

A thought sometimes maintained by some young, single women, while attending a bible study or other church activities, is that if a single man of their age attends such functions, he must be only there to find a wife. Such was the silent satirical musings of single, 29-year-old Elizabeth Beckett. She sat silently, relaxed on the sofa, people watching, as the group leader, Tony, presented some newcomers to their singles fellowship group. The fellowship group was made for the US military and its allies stationed in the Naples (Napoli), Italy area and or their family members who fit the description of being a single adult. She stifled a giggle as she watched some of the younger women jab one another and whisper as they swooned with coquettish expressions over the man introduced as Chuck Billings as he entered the game room. He was fair in his appearance, a strawberry blonde with a pleasant countenance. She couldn’t tell if he was naturally ruddy in his features or embarrassed by the attention he was receiving. He did, however, manage to nod his head and greet everyone there. No one, not even Elizabeth, appeared to notice that in the shadows of the dimly lit parlor behind him were two others. The excited chatter ended abruptly, as a woman stepped into the game room behind him, with similar but feminine features. Just as Chuck seemed pleasant, and forward, however, she appeared to be somber and standoffish. In fact, she appeared to not want to be there, nodding and greeting everyone with a placid smile.

No sooner had the group finished greeting her, when a man of similar demeanor stepped into the room, his towering frame barely clearing the top of the door. A hush fell over the room. For his nature seemed foreboding despite the kind of features you would see amongst the Hollywood jet set. Tony introduced the surly, man whose thin lips pressed firmly together. In turn, he barely responded with so much as an essence of a smile which seemed to draw extra attention to his squared jawline, giving him a no-nonsense appearance. His deep hazel eyes, set widely apart, rested above high cheek bones, flanking a straight classical nose. He did not look up as he followed the female companion to the newly provided empty chairs. Elizabeth typically did not look at men that she considered too handsome for their own good, so she did not stare at the seemingly unpleasant guy.

However, she was surprised to see the pleasant new stranger choose the only seat next to her older sister, Janie Marie, who smiled politely as she removed her purse that was sitting on that chair. Janie was only a year older than her and had also remained unmarried. She was a fair featured, with light auburn hair and wide sky-blue colored eyes. In Elizabeth’s biased mind, her quieter sister was perfect, with grace, beauty and gentleness. Yet, with such blessings bestowed on her, she didn’t act self-righteous or arrogant. Instead, she was gentle spoken and very modest. Now, she watched as the two red heads struck up conversation with one another. She noticed that this Chuck seemed to be genuinely into what her sister was saying, his eyes intently watching her as she spoke.

She also noticed that the other two seemed to not be enjoying themselves. They both sat across the room occupying the two new chairs that Tony had reeled in from his office. And both seemed to be scowling. Neither engaged in conversation with anyone including each other, nor did they appear to be interested in their surroundings. Tony had introduced them both as Will and Caroline. So she was of the understanding that they came as a couple and were there as a courtesy to their friend Chuck. After they completed more of their Bible study, prayer requests and prayers were spoken, Maria, Tony’s wife called them into the dining room for their dinner. As she was heading into the other room, she could hear Chuck speak quietly to his friend, Will.

Come on, Darby, mingle, won’t you? I have been having a wonderful time. And here you sit moping. He then motioned with a nod of his head toward Janie. I have been having a great time talking to the lady over there. Her name is Janie, and she is quite charming. I think I could fall in love. Then nodding toward Elizabeth I believe that is her younger sister over there. You might actually take a liking to her. You should stop being a social wet blanket and actually talk to someone. That is your job, after all.

The handsome, yet, put out looking man briefly stole a glance over at the beautiful long-haired brunette, and found her almond shaped mahogany-colored eyes framed with naturally long lashes deeply disturbing. She looked over at him and, seemingly alarmed, he swiftly looked back at his bubbly friend.

I am happy for you, Billings. But you do tend to give your heart rather quickly. The dour looking man responded tersely. But I am not here for that. Furthermore, my job does not require me to be here. I came because you poked and prodded your sister and I to do so. His friend’s chipper mood was not altered by his crassness, as if he were quite used to it. Yes, the woman you pointed out seems tolerable, I suppose. However, there is nothing that should tempt me to want to go over there. I find nothing enticing about her. Not to mention the real reason I am here seems to have gotten lost in the fracas. He didn’t know why he said what he did, nor did he understand why he glanced back at her. But her did. And the look in her eyes was not what he expected. As she looked away, there seemed to be a twinkle in her eyes, a hint of amusement.

A statement like that may have ruined the evening for most any woman who may have overheard such a statement, but not Elizabeth. She was barely able to stifle her giggle as she hurried the rest of the way into the Ridge’s huge dining room, to catch up with her friend Carli Lucas, where she wasted no time sharing her humorous piece of information.

Will Darby looked up across the room, at the two women laughing and stealing glances over at him. For the first time he realized that she may have overhead him, and the look on his face was utter mortification. But he also found it quite odd that she found what he had said amusing. He was not used to that. He was used to having the sometimes socially awkward things he said construed as rude, so he’d typically get a cold stare with an abrupt dismissal. But, no, never had something he said ever been taken in such humor. It wasn’t too unusual that sometimes he found himself left out of the interaction of a group, so he ate quietly.

Finally, Caroline, who was also feeling a bit left out tried to begin a conversation with him. He nodded in pretense of listening. Caroline was Chuck, his best friend’s sister, whom he had known practically his whole life. None the less, he found her to be uninteresting, as she always seemed to have an air of superiority in the way she carried herself. One of her other traits he found distasteful was that she liked to gossip.

After a night of good, clean fun, the group dismantled. The four Beckett sisters stayed to help Maria and Tony clean up. Then, once everything was in order, and even the bunch of Ridge children (six to be exact) were tucked into bed and prayers said for the night, Janie, Elizabeth, Mary, and Kaitlyn rode their family’s old van back home twenty miles off through the Neapolitan countryside to another suburb of Napoli set within the Phlegrean Fields. Elizabeth sat shotgun, as her sister Janie drove along the dark SS7. She stared at her sister, waiting for her to speak about the handsome, but friendly stranger who engaged her sister’s attention for most of the evening. But, as usual, Janie Marie stared into the headlight illumined blackness of the road ahead, and would not speak in front of her other sisters. Instead, they sang loudly with the Christian contemporary CD that Kaitlyn had borrowed from their youngest sister Lydiana, who was not with them.

After the gals retired to their individual rooms, and it was quiet for the evening, Elizabeth grabbed two cans of diet soda from the fridge and made her way quietly to Janie’s room. Janie, expecting her sister to show up, quietly let her in. She turned up the power of their huge floor fan to drown out their conversation, as they spoke to one another in a low voice, not realizing that the fan did no such thing. Thankfully, everyone else was asleep in the house.

Sooooo? Elizabeth’s sparkling mahogany eyes searched her sister’s robin egg blues.

Instantly knowing what her younger sister was implying, Janie responded. I don’t know, Bitsie. She sighed and stared back with bridled hope in her eyes. Bitsie was the pet name she had for her younger sister, Elizabeth. He seems so nice. He is such a gentleman. Did you know he is actually five years older than me? He just got stationed here only a little while ago. He works over on the main base.

What does he do? Elizabeth asked, prodding her sister. She doubted, seriously, that her sister would have violated long standing etiquette, enough to ask him. She was sure he would have had to offer that information to her himself.

I don’t know exactly, Bitsie. She answered, sheepishly. I didn’t ask him. There was a pause. I think he works over at the medical clinic.

Hmmmm... Elizabeth responded. She was not familiar with the manpower on the other base as she worked on the support base for the chaplains at the Chapel, one of them being their own father. However, she was surprised that Janie hadn’t seen him earlier. And you hadn’t seen him before? But then again, she realized that her sister worked at the College Campus office and was somewhat secluded during the day. You’ll have to keep a better eye out for him, now. She directed her older sister, playfully, with a twinkle in her eye.

The two women giggled, hugging one another, while bidding the other good night. Elizabeth went on to her own room. Janie quickly fell asleep as if nothing new had happened. Elizabeth, on the other hand, laid awake, staring up into the dark, with a strange sense of anticipation. She didn’t know what, but she could feel that something was about to change in their lives. She couldn’t tell for sure if it had something to do with Janie, or something else. Nevertheless, she had had plenty of experience to heed such a feeling.

2

Thank God It’s Friday

Having just finished sending off a text message on her cell phone, Mrs. Elle Beckett simultaneously picked up her spatula, and the iron skillet to serve her five hungry daughters that had gathered around the kitchen table. Having five very different children, with different needs, she learned, long ago the necessity of multitasking. She believed that her matronly duties, though they were adults, were that she still had to hurry and get them fed and out the door.

There was a 12-year difference between her oldest, Janie, and her youngest, Lydiana. Lydz, as her family and friends were prone to calling her, was finishing up her senior year at the DOD (Department of Defense) High School which was located on the Support Site. Elizabeth, going in that direction would give her a ride. Janie, who was the oldest, worked at the College Campus Office and thus was able to give her middle daughter, Mary, who was 25, a ride to the base’s smaller library, where she worked as the head librarian. Kaitlyn, her second to the youngest, was the only one who would be staying home today, as she had college exams to study for.

Elizabeth, that was your dad texting me. Elizabeth looked up from her breakfast, to listen to what her mom was about to say. He, said that Chaplain Gates would like you to show the new chaplain around today, and bring him to the places he needs to go. He, himself, has a great deal of last-minute checking out to do before he and his family fly out on the SPACE-A tomorrow. Elizabeth nodded.

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The countryside surrounding Naples and its suburbs glistened with golden sunrise, as Elizabeth drove to the Support Site, known as Gricignano as it was more apt to be called. It was a 22-mile drive, mostly highway miles. The highway, however, was not a normal highway. This highway was built, in some places, on the historical Appian Way. Every time, she drove on it, Elizabeth marveled at the history that casually lay on display. It was also known as the Autostrada, where the average speed on it seemed to be 80 miles per hour according to the motorists that used it, though it was not the posted speed.

As they drove to the gate which entered the base, the man in blue digital fatigues, waiting at the gate, checked their IDs and saluted them on in. The school and the chapel were practically across the street from one another, so Elizabeth did not waste time dropping her sister off at the school. And it mattered not to Lydiana, as no sooner, did the car stop moving, she was out, hollering at one of her friends. Lydiana was the social butterfly, who lived for the moment. For her, it was all about her friends and the latest fads. Elizabeth just shook her head as she walked up to the Chaplains office. She would not let it, bother her the way it bothered their mother.

Her mother lacked peace over her youngest sister’s oppositional defiance which seemed to primarily target her. So, feeling frustrated and inferior as a parent, she gave up homeschooling her altogether. And, instead, enrolled her in the DOD (Department of Defense) school for the remainder of her high school years. DOD schools were public schools that were provided for the dependent children of the military families stationed abroad. In the case of Lydiana, her mother was finally able to avoid hours of lecturing over life’s simplest of issues. She had hoped this phase of her daughter’s would eventually end. But that didn’t appear to happen. So, in the long run, it was her her mother mainly saved herself some piece of mind.

Elizabeth was still pondering this, as she walked into the Chaplain’s office. The young sailor behind the first desk, caught her attention, as he greeted her. Good morning Ms. Beckett! She smiled and returned his greeting, remembering to be equally professional. Good morning, Petty Officer Rodriguez! However, she knew him outside of chapel as George.

The new Commander has already left to finish checking in, Ma’am. Petty Officer Rodriguez informed her. I think you were going to take him around today.

Is he returning today? She asked him, still confused as to what she was expected to do, and wondering why the man did not wait. It wasn’t as if she was late.

It’s Friday so he will probably take the rest of the day off and be here Monday.

She nodded, proceeding straight to her desk, as she still had bulletins that needed printing, and folding. She was grateful that she did not have to show the new chaplain around after all. The truth be known, she was shy, and it took a great deal of mental energy to push past that little quirk of hers. The mundane of Friday’s assignment was welcomed by her. She could practically do it without much thought. Not to mention, she may be getting out of there, at a decent time this afternoon, which would allow her to still make some social plans. Not, of course, that she had any. However, the chapels adult fellowship group had a knack of coming up with last minute successful plans since the invention of the text message. A simple text would go out from someone wanting to meet at a local restaurant, suggested activity, or even at the Ridge’s house for a game night. Friendships were forged beyond the bible study and were treasured.

Just as she and Petty Officer Rodriguez were glancing over the office one last time, making sure everything was tidy and turned off, the phone began its two long beeps. He walked over and answered it, as it would have not been right to not answer a call that came in during official working hours. However, it was unusual for this time on a Friday afternoon. Naval Support Site Chaplain’s office…Petty Officer Rodriguez is speaking. How may I help you Sir or Ma’am? This is an unsecured line. Elizabeth could not hear the party on the other line, however the young sailor, was responding with an occasional Yes, Sir! or No, Sir. Then he concluded that he would let her know. Thank you, Sir. Goodbye, and have a good weekend.

Elizabeth looked inquisitively with one eyebrow cocked at the young sailor, as he replaced the land line phone back on its receiver. That was Commander Darby. He wanted to apologize for not returning to the office, this afternoon. He had hoped that his guide was not inconvenienced because of waiting all day. But he had a great deal of personal affairs to get in order. The name sounded familiar, in her head. Darby, Darby, Darby… She thought to herself. She could not place it. Just then her phone’s text message alert grabbed her attention. Bidding Petty Officer Rodriquez a good night and good weekend with his family, she swiftly excused herself. Since he had a family, he would not be part of the activities of the group, despite that it was ran by a married couple. Looking down she read….

Game nite at Ridges...bring snack, and 2-liter drink. It was sent by Janie.

So that was that. They would be getting together at Tony and Maria’s house again, tonight. Get-togethers at the Ridges were always fun. She silently thought to herself.

Traffic leaving the base area was heavy on the autostrada. But it wasn’t just the traffic coming from the base that was crazy, as it was the end of the work week for many of the locals as well. The late afternoon sun, though it was over the Mediterranean, seemed somewhat hazy, thus not giving the sea it’s normal sparkling luster. She was grateful when her little Fiat drove into the driveway, as she was ready for a nap.

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The two oldest stood in front of the antique dresser and mirror putting their make up on, as well as fixing their long locks. Elizabeth playfully toyed with the subtle, thin lines that were beginning to form around her mouth. She was 29, and had some signs of aging, but she truly did not care. While she was making funny faces at herself and her sister, Janie broke the silence.

Bitsie? She paused. Then spoke again. Bitsie, aren’t you afraid that we might be old maids? Aren’t you afraid that we will never find anyone, and have to live the rest of our life as spinsters?

The makeup light reflected and danced off Elizabeth’s dark orbs, as she formed a thin wide smile, making her wrinkles appear as charming as ever. Not in the least bit, Sis. She continued. I would rather wait for, and marry Mr. Right, then live my life tethered to Mr. Wrong. She paused, took a breath and continued. If we remain single it will be because the world has no men that are to be our match. We are pretty unique. We should not change ourselves just to find a partner. She noticed there was a sad and soulful look in Janie’s sky-blue eyes. Why do you ask?"

Jane was more than eighteen months her senior, and at 31, she wondered if she was wasting her prime living under her parents’ roof. Slightly more than a decade earlier, the economy turned bad in the States, however, their dad had just come up with a set of chaplain orders to Naples, Italy. It seemed beneficial for all of them to go as a family as they were still considered dependents at the ages of 20, and 19. They could be a help to their mom, who had various health problems due to having Lupus, while attending college there, and still take advantage of traveling abroad. Thus, that is what they did. Still, here they were 10 years older wondering if they made the right decision.

Not only that but they were no longer considered dependents. And although the Navy was willing to move them back to the States, the Navy was not willing to continue to relocate their entire large family every so many years for orders, due to the expense involved. So, their dad, gave up promotions just so that he could just stay in the Naples area, and thus keep his family intact.

Sometimes, I start to wonder if we are missing our chance to find the right one, because we are here living with Mom and Dad, instead of living in the States. Maybe we have overstayed our welcome here. Janie spoke sincerely but softly so no one would overhear. They did not want their mother to catch wind of this conversation. For they thought it might hurt her.

Dear heart, you shouldn’t think that way. The folks needed our help, and we were able to do so. Elizabeth comforted her sister with an arm around her shoulder. I know it is a topic that we both struggle with. And we have received many positives out of this choice of our parents, and ourselves. But they have made it clear to us that they have desired our continual company and seem to be grateful for the help we do provide.

But Dad had stayed here because our presence in the family made it too expensive to move our large family around for the Navy.

Dad is a man of God, not a politician. He is happy here in Bella Napoli. We all are. Aren’t you?

Janie nodded. Bitsie was always so confident and sure of herself and her beliefs. She always knew what to say to make her feel better. She was the kind of woman who knew where she had been, why she had been, where she is at, not to mention, where she was going. She wished she had her sister’s kind of confidence and self-esteem.

As for Mr. Right? When God wants us to find Mr. Right, we will. Not all people wish to marry. And I am convinced that the only reason, I will ever consent to marriage is if I love the man, and I know he loves me. Only the truest form of love can persuade me to make such a binding commitment. If God has no one for me, I am content to be single. Alone does not mean lonely. I will be that classy, flashy and fun spinster aunt. They both laughed.

With that the ladies stood up together, turned the blow dryer, flat iron, and curling iron off so as not to overburden the house’s electrical supply. Making their way down the green marble stairway, they noticed that there was no one waiting for them. It turned out that it would be just the two of them this evening, as Mary was at her normal place- a little alcove nook beneath the stairway- reading, Kaitlyn had an assignment due at midnight, and Lydz was chatting on her phone, making plans with her friends.

Mom and Dad were throwing down against each other on one of the family’s favorite RPGs. So as not to interrupt them, they gave them each a peck on the head and slipped quietly out the door. On the other side of the metal door, they looked at each other and let out a hearty laugh. They couldn’t remember when the last time, they, the two oldest sisters, had been out without the others. You mean we can be adults?

3

A Friday Night Dinner

As Janie drove through the narrow streets of Napoli, Elizabeth stared out the window. The traffic was bumper to bumper, causing the drive to the Ridges to be slightly longer than normal. The night was busy and brightly lit. Various odors mingled in the air in this European city. There was the aroma wafting from different Ristorante’s, bars, and pastry shops mixing with the smell of diesel exhaust, cigarette smoke, high-end Italian cologne, the smell of fashionable Italian leather and so many other aromas that drifted through the immediate atmosphere. Here, people spoke to one another passionately, often expressing themselves with the use of their hands. The plaza was filled with folks of all ages enjoying one another’s company, simply living, eating, and breathing. Elizabeth found herself wanting to run out into the piazza, grab herself a gelato, and just sit and immerse herself in it all. She was jarred back to her senses, however, when all of Napoli’s automobiles began blasting their horns in unison, joined with loud cheering. Forza Napoli!!! The gals took this to mean that the Neapolitan football (soccer) team had scored a huge win. Janie blasted the horn of the silver minivan, and they both shouted Forza Napoli!!!, then they looked at each other and laughed heartily. At this moment they were so glad to be here, and the heaviness from the evenings earlier conversation dissolved. They were still giggling when they merged onto the SS7. It would not be long now, before they reached their destination, as Janie pushed down on the gas pedal.

As they pulled into the Ridge’s parco, an Italian gated neighborhood, they noticed they were the first ones to arrive. Grabbing the chips and soft drinks they headed up to the front door. The Ridge’s home was a four-story town home villa, with the first floor being above ground level above the garage which was at ground level and perhaps a full-story lower. They could hear the lively Ridge children playing inside, as they rang the doorbell. They were startled when Tony answered the door so quickly but couldn’t help but laugh when he greeted them with one of the four-year-old twins tucked under each of his arms in a football hold. Come on in. He beckoned. Maria is in the kitchen. And I have to get these two pirates settled down into bed. Then he spoke to the two round-faced boys, who were called Tommy and Timmy. Say good night to Miss Janie and Miss Elizabeth Their little voices echoed Night Miss Janie, Night Miss Elizabeth…. and trailed as their dad whisked them up the marble steps to get them ready for bed.

Italian kitchens were often closed off by themselves with their own exit and balcony. This was primarily done to isolate the heat from the kitchen from the rest of the house in the warmer seasons. Because of the lack of air conditioning in so many of the local homes, the kitchens would get hot. The door to the balcony, however, allowed for some cool air to get in as well as for people to go out and get fresh air. The balcony was a normal feature for Italian homes, and usually there were more than just one. With it still being late summer, and the kitchen being on the west end of the house, along with Maria cooking, it was hot still hot tonight.

I’m out here. She called to them. They went through the kitchen and just as they were peering through the door to step out, their eyes grew wide with excitement. Maria had been frying the tantalizing miniature egg rolls and had placed those finished in paper towel ladened platter, which she immediately covered when she added more. The smell wafted up and tickled their nostrils making them wonder if they could wait until everyone was ready to eat. Would you each like to try one?

Oh no, we couldn’t. They both chimed together. Maria searched their face and realized that their words didn’t match the look on their face. You sure? You did come early. Go ahead.

No, no, thank you. Janie politely said. How can we help you?

Well, we need to get everything on the table. You will find everything is made, it’s just in the fridge Maria motioned to the fridge, so thankful that the Beckett ladies were there to help her. However, this did not surprise her concerning them. It was their way to offer help without being asked. Then she spoke to Elizabeth. We are going to go with the good dressy paper dishes and plastic silverware. Chaplain Darby is coming this evening. She informed them in a tongue in cheek sort of way. At that information, Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. Seeing her inquisitive response, Maria continued. Yeah, we decided to throw a small party so that the group could get acquainted with him. How did your day go with him today?

It didn’t. He was still checking in and getting situated finding his place.

Oh my! Okay.

Just then the doorbell rang. Tony was upstairs with the children, Maria was cooking, and Janie was setting the table. That left Elizabeth to be the one to answer their door. She went up to the door, and pulled on it, unprepared for what was on the other side. A tall muscular man almost as tall as the door frame with dark hazel eyes seemed startled to see it was her. His eyes were like saucers for a moment, and then his face relaxed and he nodded. Hello, Miss Beckett.

She, on the other hand, struggled to find her voice as if someone had just frightened it out of her. Hello? She remembered his name as Will, and he was the friend of Janie’s friend. However, she did not feel familiar with him enough to call him by his first name. But she couldn’t, for the life of her, remember his last name. Just then, Tony came barreling down the stairs..

Chaplain Darby! He shouted in his most masculine voice, extending his right hand to shake the chaplain’s hand. Glad you could make it. Come on in!

Elizabeth was still somewhat dumbfounded as she watched the two men move on into the sitting room. Darby. Now she remembered. Of course, she remembered now, Tony had introduced him last night as being Will Darby when he introduced him to the group. She just couldn’t make the connection earlier today when she heard, Petty Officer Rodriguez mention him. She was pretty sure that there was no mention of him being a chaplain last night. She quietly walked back into the dining room and made sure that there were plenty of plates, napkins, and silverware, as well as chairs. Which of course there weren’t enough, so they would have to grab seats wherever they could.

I see, or should I say heard that Naples scored a win tonight. She could hear Chaplain Darby in the other room making small talk with Tony.

Tony nodded. Oh, I didn’t hear it over here. But we had been busy getting things ready and putting the ‘miniatures to bed. Tony called the children his and Maria’s miniatures. Elizabeth had always found that cute and original. He continued. They are having a good year so far."

Who? The Miniatures? The chaplain replied. Elizabeth wasn’t sure if he understood what Tony had just said.

Tony laughed it off. Noooo. Napoli. Then he explained. The ‘miniatures’ belong to Maria and me. We have 6 of them from ages one through seven. We have two sets of twins; a set of four-year-old boys, and a set of 7-year-old girls, a one-year-old fiery red head, and a 2-year-old boy.

Elizabeth found herself surprised that the big man laughed heartily for a moment as he shook his wavy military regulated golden cropped head. Wow! He exclaimed. My hats off to you two- especially to your wife.

As Elizabeth focused on what she was doing, the sound of their discussion trailed off in the distance. She ceased paying attention to the men as they spoke, as she was too shy to engage anyways. But more importantly, the task at hand needed to be done to perfection as she did not want to embarrass Maria at all. She did, however, quietly muse over the simple fact that the man who said she did nothing for him was the very man that she would soon be working with regularly.

Looking up, she caught Janie staring at her. It was like she was trying to transmit a question telepathically. Her eyes darted from Chaplain Darby to the door, then back to Chaplain Darby then to the door again. It donned on Bitsie at that moment what her sister was trying to say. Where is his friend?

Just then the doorbell rang, placing a glimmer of hope in Janie’s blue eyes. Despite expecting it, she found herself feeling giddy to discover that the cheerfully disposed tall lanky man had just stepped through the door. And upon greeting Tony who had opened the door with a boisterous Howdy!!! Come on in!! Meeting Tony with an equally energetic response, he then peered across the room into the dining room in search of a pair of enamoring blue eyes set in a stunningly gorgeous face framed with flowing golden auburn locks. His eyes locking with hers, he smiled and walked straight over to her. This of course, startled her and made her blush.

Not only did Elizabeth find delight in silently observing this, but she also found herself feeling a pang of sadness as she watched the sober and unsmiling sister of Chuck Billings come in practically unnoticed as everyone else seemed to be immersed in conversation, as they poured into the Ridges front room. Tony had left the door unlocked and was off talking to some of the other men of the group. Just as Elizabeth made a move to go over and start conversation with the excluded woman, Caroline went and sat down next to Chaplain Darby who seemed to not notice. He, himself, seemed to be in an intense conversations with one of the other members, Andy Collins, a missionary from the states who lived out in the economy. As a self-avowed human behavior watcher, she couldn’t help but notice that the Chaplain seemed to be getting more and more agitated. Just then he looked up to see her watching him. He walked off from the conversation, and out the front door and onto the front balcony. At which point, Mr. Collins made eye contact with her, lifting his can of soda, he gave her a wink. Not responding with even so much as a smile she turned and headed back to the dining room. It had been told to her by many, that they felt Andy Collins had a thing for her. Not wanting to encourage such a union, she pretended to not notice.

Having seen the whole strange event, Carli Lucas was curious to know Elizabeth’s take of the exchange between the Chaplain and the missionary. Strange don’t you think? She continued. What do you think that was all about? Elizabeth, not really knowing either of the gentlemen, wouldn’t even venture on what their exchange was all about. She looked back at her friend and shrugged with a smile.

Once it became apparent that all who were coming, were present, Tony deferred the before meal prayer to Chaplain Darby, who prayed for God’s blessing upon the tantalizing vittles, the fellowship of the evening, and everyone’s safe travel back to their homes. The turnout for the singles group was surprisingly huge, considering it was last minute on a Friday night. Stainless steel warming plates containing Maria’s mouthwatering supper were organized in the center of the dining room table along with delicious sides that others had brought. There was enough for everyone to dish up and then find a place to sit.

Taking tiny bites to make the delectable morsels of the tiny spring rolls last longer, Elizabeth sat alone saying nothing. Instead, she listened in on and tried to follow three different conversations at once. There was Andy Collins talking to Tony about one of the commanding officers they both knew. She noted it was basically Andy doing the talking and Tony listening with an uncomfortable look to his face and stance. Then there was the two red heads, Janie and Chuck who seemed to be hitting it off, talking about many different subjects, and finding so much in common. But the one conversation that she found the most intriguing was the one between Chaplain Darby and Caroline Billings. It was in this conversation that she found out that Caroline was serving as an Officer-In- Charge (OIC) at one of the smaller commands on the base at Capodichino. She assumed then that Caroline and Chuck must have gotten sibling duty, which is when a family member requests to be assigned with their other sibling who is also an active-duty member.

She was still engrossed in thought about this when she heard something that almost made her angry. I can’t believe how many here are dependents and not active duty. Caroline said, her tone seemed sly and calculated. But that wasn’t what made Elizabeth angry. Instead, it was the chaplain’s barely audible response. "Can you blame them? They have a sweet deal if they stay here and live