It was a short ferry ride to the island, Tom was anxious to see his parish. He was had spent the last three years a church in the big city, till a rich business man and influential man in the church had Tom transferred to this remote outpost for having sex with his trophy wife. Tom wasn't mad that this was happening after a few years of city life in the seminary and preaching in the years after, he was glad for the change. He had read up on the island he was moving to. Tourism was its primary economy from weekend visitors. Most of the money came from men who had made money but cared not for the rich and affluent lifestyle.
With the ferry docking, Tom drove his small car with the rented tow behind trailer, he followed the signs towards the church and parsonage. The streets were narrow. While it was the middle of the week in early May, there were still a few tourists walking around looking at the shops.
Pulling up to the parsonage he was surprised to see a man in his late fifties, leaning against a car, waiting for him. Parking the car, Tom opened the door and stepped out.
"Good afternoon." The man Said.
"Good afternoon, My name is Pastor Tom Nichols." Tom offered his hand.
The man took it, his grip was firm and his hand ruff. "Nice to meet you Pastor, my name is Bill Fulley.'' He said, shaking Tom's hand. "The congregation felt I should meet you and help you move your things in."
"I am grateful for your help, as you can see I don't have much." Tom motioned to the small trailer behind his car.
Bill gave him a warm smile, "We weren't sure how much stuff you would have, some of the older members were concerned since your twenty eight that you would have too much stuff for our small parsonage."
"They have nothing to worry about,' said Tom. "While I did study in the city and preach in one after I became ordained. I grew up in the countryside and have always felt at home with some books and a warm, small, comfortable living space."
"Well I'm glad you'll put their fears at ease, I guess they were weary about such a young preacher joining the island. Pastor Richards, until he passed, he had been here over forty years." Said Bill as they carried the few boxes into the living room.
"I pray their worries will be put to rest." Said Tom as they went to retrieve the last load of boxes.
Bill nodded, "Aye, I'm sure you could do that tomorrow night. The ladies guild is putting together a potluck supper to welcome you. You'll meet everyone on the island then."
"I'll be looking forward to it." Said Tom as they set the boxes down.
Before he left Bill gave Tom the keys to the parsonage, the church Bill said was always unlocked. Tom thanked him for his help, as he went about getting settled. Bill had told him to uncouple the trailer, as he would take it back the next day when he went to the mainland to check on his company. Tom ran a hand through his short dark hair, as he looked at the boxes and tedious job of unpacking.
***
It didn't take long to finish unpacking, Tom knew he would have plenty of time to decide what book and item went where. He was eager to get a look at his new church. It was small and to his liking, Tom stood at the pulpit and looked out. It would do fine, He found the church offices, and the small fellowship hall. He could feel his stomach grumbling, heading back into the parsonage Tom checked the fridge. It was stocked with the basics as was the small pantry. Making a small sandwich, he decided to head into town and pick up a few things for himself.
Stepping outside, Tom ducked back in to grab a coat, a light cool breeze had sprung up in the late afternoon. Zipping it all the way up, Tom decided to hide his identity till the potluck tomorrow night. Though he figured some would find out, as there were not many tourists who stayed during the week. The walk down to the shops was a pleasant one, he was able to get a good look at the island. In the small grocery store, Tom found a few of the things he was looking for, he decided he would ask the lady who was behind the counter if they would be willing to special order the others.
As he placed the items on the counter, Tom was surprised by her beauty. She must be in her mid forties, yet she was in amazing shape, and the shirt she wore amplified her bosom. Her brown hair was cut into a bob which accented her face perfectly. Tom returned her warm smile.
"Hello,' she said, 'did you find everything you were looking for?"
"Most of them.' Tom said, putting the basket in the return stack. "I was wondering if you do special orders for those staying long term."
Her head perked up when he said this. "Are you planning on staying with us for a long time?"
"As long as the people of the island will have me." He replied. "My name is Tom, I've recently moved to your lovely island."
"Hello, Tom. It's nice to meet you," She held out her hand to him. "My name is Mandy."
Taking her hand he shook it, feeling the warmth and smoothness of her slim fingers. "Its nice to meet you too, Mandy."
She finished ringing up his items, reaching under the counter Mandy brought up a pad. "We can't get every special items. They will be delivered twice a month if needed, we set it so two of our supply shipments will have space to bring them. Otherwise Bill, my husband will find it when he goes to the mainland."
"That is nice of him to do that." Said Tom.
Mandy removed the top slip of paper and handed it to Tom. "Orders need to be in by Friday of this week. The shipment will arrive next week."
"Thank you, Mandy." Tom paid for his items and left the shop.
***
