Eldon Parkhurst stood at the fringes of the crowd at the reception, enjoying watching the other guests interact. At least that's what he was trying to tell himself. He may have been glancing at the crowd, but mostly he was watching Sheila Tomlinson, the young woman who was catering the reception.
Sheila had once been a student of his. He thought she was lovely then and, in his opinion, she was even lovelier now. He wondered if she was married. As he watched the young woman and thought about her, he chided himself. He knew he was being foolish. Sheila was probably married, and even if she wasn't, she certainly wouldn't have any interest in an old man like him.
Just the same, Eldon kept watching Sheila, trying to work up the courage to go over and talk with her. Sheila was wearing an ankle-length flower print dress that had a loose skirt and long sleeves. The top was unbuttoned quite far, exposing a lot of smooth skin, and displaying a little bit of the lacy white garment Sheila wore under it. She wore her soft brown curly hair in the same fluffy style she had in high school. Eldon sighed softly. "She's so pretty!" he thought.
Sheila went about her business, unaware of her former teacher's adoring observation. She stood behind the food table, laying out the last of the food carefully. She knew she could leave once the food was gone, but she hated to. Even though she wasn't part of the group of guests, she'd been enjoying herself visiting with former teachers and friends she knew from school. And, since her husband was off at the races, if she went home, she'd be alone.
Eldon finally worked up the courage to approach the young woman. He made his way through the crowd, to the food table. Sheila was bent over, arranging some dishes, and didn't seem to notice him. "Hello, Sheila," he said.
Sheila looked up and smiled. "Hi," she said. "How are you, Mr. Parkhurst? I...I heard about your wife. I...I'm so sorry."
"Thank you," Eldon said. "You look like you're really busy. By the way, the food is excellent."
"Thank you," Sheila replied. She looked at her former teacher. She'd always liked Mr. Parkhurst. He'd been one of her favorite teachers. In fact, had he not pushed her so hard to maintain good study habits, she might never have decided to try starting her business.
"I...I hope you don't think I'm being forward," Eldon said hopefully, "but would you care to dance?"
Sheila looked around, then looked at him, smiling. "I'd love to," she replied. It had been so long since she'd danced. Her husband wasn't in the least bit interested in dancing.
Eldon's heart leaped. "Wonderful," he said.
They walked out onto the dance floor and Sheila moved into Eldon's arms. He couldn't get over how wonderful it felt to have the slim young woman dancing with him. "How did you manage to get in the catering business?" he asked.
"I...I like to cook and all, and I like dealing with people," Sheila said. "This seemed like a good way to include all those things. Ray...my husband, he's not too thrilled about it, but..."
Eldon was disappointed to hear she was married. "Did you marry someone from Jamestown?" he asked.
Sheila smiled at him and nodded. "Ray Richardson," she said.
Eldon remembered the young man. He had been a bit of a problem in school. It disappointed him that Sheila was married to someone like that. "Do you have any children?" he asked.
Sheila shook her head. "Ray...he says we aren't ready for them yet." Dancing with Mr. Parkhurst was far more enjoyable than she expected it to be. It felt nice being in his arms.
The music stopped and they walked off the dance floor.
"Thank you, Sheila," Eldon said. "That was lovely."
"You're welcome," Sheila replied. "I...I liked it, too. I...I guess I ought to get going. Mrs. Tate said some of her friends are going to clean up, so I don't really have to stick around. All I have to do is load some of my stuff in my car."
"Is Ray expecting you?" Eldon asked. He found himself not wanting her to leave.
Sheila shook her head and her expression grew sad. "He...he's not home," she said softly. "He...he went to the stock car races with some buddies of his."
Eldon saw the sadness in her eyes and had a powerful urge to take her in his arms. It bothered him that she seemed to be unhappy. He put his hand on her shoulder. "You know, you don't have to leave," he said softly. "The band's only taking a break, they'll be back soon."
Sheila looked at him and smiled. "Maybe I'll stay a little while longer," she said. She was surprised by the smile that appeared on Mr. Parkhurst's face when she said she'd stay. It made her feel a little funny inside, and she didn't understand why.
The band did come back and Sheila and Eldon danced every slow number. Sheila was confused by the reaction she had to having her former teacher's arms around her. It felt good, very good! She found herself not wanting the reception to end. The last thing she wanted was to go home to her empty house. When she was in Mr. Parkhurst's arms she felt protected and special. As they danced, she looked into his eyes. He had nice eyes, caring eyes. She was glad she'd decided to stay.
"Thank you for talking me into staying," Sheila said. Impulsively, she kissed Mr. Parkhurst, intending it to be a friendly kiss. She wasn't prepared for what happened, when her former teacher's lips met hers. Kissing him felt better than kissing her husband ever had! Feelings she didn't expect coursed through her.
Eldon, too, was surprised by the emotions evoked in him by Sheila's kiss. He tightened his embrace, pulling her closer against him.
Sheila leaned back and looked at up at Mr. Parkhurst. She wasn't sure why she was feeling the way she did and it frightened her. "I...I guess I really ought to...to get going," she stammered.
"You said you had things you needed to take with you, do you need some help?" Eldon asked. His body was in complete chaos. All he'd hoped for was a chance to have one dance with her and he'd had far more than that. All of a sudden, he found that he didn't want to be away from her!
"I'm...I'm not sure," Sheila replied. "I suppose I could use a hand." Actually, she really did need help.
"I have to thank Heidi and let her know I'm leaving," Eldon said, "Where is the stuff you need help with?"
"It's in the kitchen," Sheila said. "And my van's out by the garage."
Eldon thanked Heidi and Tim for inviting him, told them what a wonderful ceremony it had been and that he'd really enjoyed the reception, then he helped Sheila load her things in her van.
"Ah...I...I hate to do this," he said once the things were loaded, "but the person I came with left. Do you think you could give me a ride home?"
Sheila smiled and shook her head. "I don't mind," she said, "If you don't mind if I stop at my place, first. I sure could use a hand getting this stuff into my garage."
"No, I don't mind," Eldon said. "Seems to me like that's a fair trade, isn't it?" And it would also prolong the time he'd get to spend with her, which he didn't mind at all.
