River's Edge (Hope Rising Book 1) Read online

  “And she’d be right.” Graham winked, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as music played quietly through the radio.

  Ben removed his tie and folded it on his lap. He couldn’t wait to tell Natalie his good news, and thank her for praying. Sure, his new job wasn’t much by the world’s standards. But it was the beginning of a new life for him.

  19

  “Have you been hiding?”

  Natalie glanced up from the urn, and felt her cheeks flame. Ben folded his arms and leaned against the side of the van.

  “Oh, hi, Ben. No, I’ve just been so busy these past few weeks that I haven’t had a chance to come and help each morning. I’ve pulled some extra shifts at work as well. And I’ve also been helping Graham with the clinic because there have been a few sick calls lately.”

  “You must be tired.” A hint of citrus wafted on the breeze as Ben picked up a sachet of sugar and twirled it in his fingers. Natalie tried hard to ignore the fluttering in her stomach at the sight of his damp hair, dark jeans and fitted black pullover.

  “I am tired. Exhausted, really.” She filled a cup with boiling water and added a tea bag before handing it to the next person waiting in line for their morning caffeine fix.

  “Maybe you should ease up on all you’re doing. It sounds like you’re trying to do too much.”

  “Once the festival’s over, I’ll be fine.” She grabbed a cloth and wiped up a splash of milk on the table, pleased by his concern for her.

  “Make sure you look after yourself.”

  With one hand on her hip, Natalie tilted her head and narrowed her eyes.

  “What?” Ben opened his hands laughing, his lopsided grin doing nothing to calm the rampant wings taking flight in her chest.

  “You’re starting to sound like me.”

  “That would be because you’ve taught me well. Oh, by the way, I got the job.”

  “Really?” She gave a little squeal and tossed the cloth aside. Without another thought, she threw her arms around Ben’s neck. His damp hair pressed against her cheek. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. His clean scent surrounded her, filling her senses and turning her insides to mush. His arms felt good around her waist. His body warm against hers.

  The blast of a horn from a passing car interrupted her moment of madness. In a startling moment of clarity, her eyes flickered open. What was wrong with her? Had she really just launched herself at Ben? Clearing her throat, she stepped back and wiped her hands on her jeans. With heat searing her cheeks, she lowered her gaze.

  “I’m so happy for you,” she murmured.

  “Thanks.” Ben grinned. “I just wanted to let you know, seeing as you were praying for me. And constantly giving me pep talks.”

  “Well, prayer works. I’m thrilled for you, Ben. This is wonderful news.” Hoping he’d forgotten about her sudden display of overt affection, she reached out and gave his arm a light squeeze.

  “So, this is your boyfriend, Miss Natalie?” A husky voice spoke broke through the awkwardness descending over them. “Have you been hiding him under our noses all along?” A familiar cackle filled the air. Natalie turned, glancing from Esme to Ben and back again. Seemingly unfazed by her comment, Ben’s eyebrows arched and a loose smile played on his lips.

  “No!” The retort shot out of her mouth followed by a nervous bubble of laughter. Lowering her gaze, she watched a trail of ants carry breadcrumbs across the ground. If only she could join them and disappear into one of their hills in the dirt. Is that what everyone thought? That they were an item?

  It wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it? Now that he’s taking positive steps to turn his life around. No! Leave the poor guy alone. He’s got enough to worry about. Besides, he wouldn’t even be interested.

  “You two do make a lovely couple.” Esme grinned. Her gnarled hands lifted the foam cup to her lips.

  “We’re not a couple,” Natalie quickly replied, turning her back to Ben as she wiped over the urn.

  “Mmm-hmm.” Esme nodded with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.”

  “We’re not ...” Natalie sighed. The older woman’s cackle floated on the breeze as she made her way down the path towards the river.

  Wiping her hands on the apron, Natalie turned to Ben. “Well, that was awkward.” Another nervous giggle escaped her lips. What was wrong with her? Had she suddenly turned into a smitten teenager?

  Amusement danced in Ben’s eyes. He moved to the front of the table and picked up a cup of coffee, adding a dash of milk to the dark liquid.

  “Esme loves to tease. She’s always good for a laugh.” Pausing, he took a sip, holding Natalie’s gaze over the top of the cup. “It wouldn’t be such a bad thing though, would it?” Quirking an eyebrow, he turned and walked away to join a group of friends standing beneath the Moreton Bay fig.

  “I … er …” Natalie clutched the cloth in her hands, her mouth hanging open as she eyed his back. What? Had he really just said that?

  “All set for tomorrow?”

  She glanced up as Kevin and Sarah arrived at the table, their presence was a welcome distraction from the cryptic comment Ben had left her to mull over. Did he mean what she thought he meant? Had she even heard him right?

  “Um, I think so. Just some last minute things to do today, and then I’ll be good to go. I’m really looking forward to it.”

  “Me too,” Sarah replied. Her blonde hair was swept up beneath a pink woollen beanie. She wore a matching scarf over a black jumper, and silver hoops dangled from her ears.

  “These guys are all pretty excited.” Adjusting the glasses on his nose, Kevin motioned one hand around the various groups gathered for breakfast. “I’ve been chatting to some of them, and they really look forward to this every year. I can’t wait to be involved.”

  “It should be a great day,” Natalie replied, leaning a hip against the back of the van. The excitement in the air was tangible as the breakfast crowd mingled around the park. Their smiles were wider. Their laughter louder. Even those who kept to themselves had started to come out of their shells a little more. “It will be good to help break down the stigma for them and bring the community together.”

  Her thoughts drifted to her colleagues at work who’d scoffed at Smiley. They were but a small percentage of the population, but no doubt there were others who viewed the homeless in a similar light.

  A few more people arrived, carrying their paper bags full of food. Sarah stepped around the table to help Natalie serve tea and coffee, while Kevin chatted to those waiting in line and invited them to the festival if they weren’t already going.

  When the last cup had been served, Sarah wiped her hands on a cloth and linked an arm through Kevin’s. “See you this afternoon for set up?”

  “Yes, I’ll be here. I’m really looking forward to it.” Natalie smiled wistfully, watching the younger couple walk across the park towards their car, their heads close together as they shared conversation. Oh, to know that level of intimacy with someone who really understood her.

  Shaking her head, Natalie pushed aside all fanciful thoughts of romance and began tidying up. She had no time to entertain thoughts of what once was, or what could be when there was a community festival to prepare for.

  20

  Overcast skies heralded Saturday’s arrival. Pulling on a light blue jumper paired with jeans and brown leather ankle boots, Natalie grabbed her jacket and cap and headed out of her apartment.

  Draping her satchel over her shoulder, she walked along the familiar city blocks, across the bridge - where the river was already alive with rowing crews and ferries - and down to the park.

  Eyeing the ominous grey clouds hovering over the city, she prayed the rain would hold off until after the Winter Wonder Festival. With so much effort having gone into the planning of the event, and the buzz of excitement amongst the breakfast crowd, she hoped the weather wouldn’t be a deterrent.

  Music blasted from speakers near a makes
hift stage set up on the lawn in front of the river. A row of tents housed tables ready for market stalls where members of the community could sell their wares. The smell of popcorn, grilled hamburgers and fairy floss wafted on the air. Colourful flags fluttered in the breeze, and a large blue and white sign - with Winter Wonder Festival printed in black letters - arched across the entrance to the park. Natalie waved to Graham and Sue and a few other members of church as she made her way across the park towards the food vans parked by the road.

  A coffee van was parked next to another one preparing potato slinkies. A local grill selling hamburgers and wings was setting up their table and chalkboards with prices. Natalie unlocked her allocated van, the Hope Street breakfast van, tossed her satchel behind the seat, and pulled out the side awning. After preparing a table with a tablecloth and brightly coloured bunting, she created a welcoming display with the brownies, muffins, cookies, and slices.

  As Natalie worked, she surreptitiously scanned the park hoping to catch a glimpse of Ben. Amid the small group of workers, and other members of Hope Street Church doing last minute preparations, there was no sign of the familiar brown hair or smooth jawline that had occupied most of her thoughts of late. She hoped he was okay.

  After lunch, a youth band from the church took to the stage to open the festival. Their up-tempo beat and rocking guitar riffs drew people in, and by mid-afternoon, the park was bustling with people from all over the community.

  Laughter floated up from the jumping castle at the edge of the park as children bounced and crashed into each other on the inflatable pillow. The petting zoo was also popular, with a line of families queuing to see the farm animals. The lawn in front of the stage was occupied by people listening to the performances. A few people danced in front of the stage.

  Business was constant, and Natalie chatted with those who stopped by. Eyeing the happy faces in the crowd, her heart welled with gratitude at being able to serve the community in such a way. She watched as members of her church wandered through the park, chatting with the homeless and other members of the community. There didn’t seem to be much, or any reservation about having the homeless there, and for that, she was grateful.

  The air was electric with the sounds of laughter and conversation, easy-listening music, and the smell of barbecuing food. Adjusting her cap, Natalie observed a line of people standing near a van she hadn’t noticed earlier. Some of them appeared to be the regulars from breakfast. Others she didn’t recognise at all. Standing on tiptoes, she tried to see above the throng of people wandering by to see what the attraction was.

  “How’s it going, Natalie?” Graham’s booming voice signalled his arrival at her stall.

  “Great!” she beamed. “This is absolutely wonderful. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. You’ve done such a fantastic job.”

  Graham folded his arms and gazed across the park full of colour and life. “Yes, it’s a fantastic turn out. Seems to be more than last year, which is great. Thankfully the rain’s held off for now.” He tilted his head up, scrutinising the grey sky where the threat of rain still hovered.

  “Probably a good thing it wasn’t too sunny, though. The temperature’s perfect.”

  “Indeed.” Graham nodded.

  “Help yourself to something.” Natalie waved her hand across the delectable display of sweet treats. “There’s enough here for everyone.”

  Graham reached for a blueberry muffin. “Thank you, Natalie. You’ve been a big help today.”

  She smiled her thanks. “Oh, what’s going on over there? I didn’t see that van earlier when we were setting up.”

  “Haircuts.”

  Natalie quirked an eyebrow. “Haircuts? I didn’t realise that was part of the line-up.”

  Graham smiled. “It was actually Ben’s idea. He thought offering free haircuts would encourage his friends to come along to the festival.”

  “Really?” Natalie observed the line of people waiting their turn. “That’s incredible.”

  “He hasn’t stopped talking about how a simple haircut boosted his self esteem, and he wanted to offer something to help his friends and others on the street.” Graham spoke softly before walking away to mingle with the crowd.

  Lost for words, Natalie shook her head. What an amazing, selfless man to be giving back to the community - the very same that had embraced him after he’d lost everything.

  In between serving customers, she couldn’t help but glance over at the van where the line of people queuing for haircuts continued to grow. She hadn’t seen Ben all day, and it irked her for some reason. She’d had a ridiculous notion that he would want to help on her stall, or at least come and visit and say hello. She’d spoken to Kevin and Sarah, Graham and Sue, and others from church, but not Ben. Was he ignoring her? Had she scared him away when she threw herself at him?

  As night settled over the park, and the last music act of the day took to the stage, Natalie began tidying up her stall. The lights from the city created a stunning backdrop for the performance as festival goers wandered around, making the most of the final minutes of the event.

  She set the remaining tray of baked goods on the table ready to be given away, and turned to load a few empty containers into the back of the van.

  “How’d you go today?”

  Containers tumbled to the ground as she startled. Kneeling, she glanced up as Ben stepped out of the shadows. “You scared me!”

  “I seem to be really good at doing that,” Ben chuckled, tucking his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Sorry.”

  “No need to apologise.” Natalie stood, stacking the boxes against the side of the van. “I just need to pay more attention to what’s going on around me. Speaking of which, I’m not completely ignorant. I noticed a van over there earlier.” She lifted her chin towards the now vacant area around the fig tree that she would always associate with Ben and Smiley. “I didn’t realise you were a hairdresser.”

  “I’m not. I’ve got a background in accounting and business, and now I’m a door-greeter. But I’ve never, ever been into hairdressing.” A coy grin played on Ben’s lips.

  “Well, what were you doing, Mr Secretive?”

  “Ha! It’s not such a secret. I asked someone I know to provide free haircuts for our friends on the street as a way of helping them feel a little better about themselves.” He shrugged, as though free haircuts at a community festival were the most common thing in the world.

  Natalie folded her arms, eyeing him in the dim light. “That’s amazing, Ben. That’s such a wonderful, kind thing to do.”

  Another shrug. “Everyone’s helped me so much. I wanted to do something small in return. I was talking to Nate and Tina, the owners of the barber shop, and we’re going to look at offering this service on a regular basis.”

  “Look at you, Mr Entrepreneur. I’m so proud of you.” Natalie’s heart welled with pride. At the same time, a twinge of sadness settled in her chest. Ben was on the up and up with a new job. A new goal. A new life. What would happen next? Would he move onto something else? Move away? She would continue to serve with Graham and Sue, work at the hospital, and be available for whatever God had in store for her. And then what? Perhaps she was too soft and had crossed a line that wasn’t hers to step over.

  21

  A steady orchestra of bangs and booms resonated across the sky as it lit up with an explosion of colour. A collective gasp rose up from the crowd as fireworks in an array of pink, blue, green and gold popped and fizzed into the night.

  Ben glanced at the woman beside him, who stood with her face upturned toward the colourful display, her mouth slightly ajar. Her eyes were alight, reflecting the brilliant colours exploding around them. If ever there was an awe-defining moment, this was it - this woman, in her child-like wonder. Lifting a finger, Ben trailed it over Natalie’s cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She was absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking.

  Her eyes widened as she glanced his way. Ben gave a small smile. Part joy.
Part sorrow. This woman had given him so much. Had shown him how to live again. Had shown him what it meant to be like Christ. The feelings he’d had for Krista seemed a lifetime ago and were nothing like what he felt now.

  He’d spent many hours talking and praying with Graham. Still, the doubts niggled at him. Who was he, and what did he have to offer? He desperately wanted to turn his life around, to make a new start. And he’d taken the first steps in doing so. He also wanted the woman beside him to share that with. He had nothing of worldly value to offer. But he had his heart, and he hoped that was enough.

  A collective gasp arose from the crowd as the kaleidoscope of colour continued to brighten the sky. The bursts of noise from the fireworks were drowned out by the thumping beats of his heart, which he silently willed to slow. This was it. Reaching down between them, he took Natalie’s hand in his own, entwining his fingers with hers. Again, they were like ice. He cast a sideways glance her way. The corner of her mouth twitched as she continued watching the sky. At least she hadn’t pulled away.

  “You’re so cold,” Ben murmured. “Here.” Removing his jacket, he placed it over Natalie’s shoulders, wrapped his arms around her, and drew her against his chest. The smell of her sweet perfume filled his nostrils, and loose strands of hair tickled his chin. Their bodies moulded together perfectly as they stood in silence, watching the colours explode over the park.

  “Oh, look at you two! I knew it!” A raspy chuckle sounded from somewhere nearby. Ben gave Natalie a small squeeze and smiled.

  “Hello, Esme,” he said. “Did you enjoy the festival?”

  “I did,” the older woman replied as she stepped out of the shadows. “And that hair salon was the best idea ever, young man. With my new do, there might be hope for me yet in finding a man.” Fluffing up her new haircut, she winked at Natalie.