Her heart plummets. She doesn’t see him on the boards.
It is another clear day with wisps of white clouds. Occasionally, a cool breeze skitters across her skin. Sliding down to the right side of the bench, she leans back, tilting her head to catch the sun.
The crash of the waves, then the hiss of the water receding is a rhythm that soothes the soul. The tightness in her chest eases and her mind clears.
The boards of the bench creak. She opens her left eye. The bowed, shaggy head looks familiar. She opens her right eye and turns her head. It’s the stranger.
His head bowed, he’s leaning forward with his elbows on the top of his thighs, and his hands clasped.
Em assumes her previous position, grateful that the stranger couldn’t see she was staring. His fingers are long but have callouses.
“Hi again,” greets the stranger.
Startled, she pops upright with both eyes wide open.
He chuckles, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s fine. I lose myself in the sounds of the ocean. It is mesmerizing.”
A disheveled young man with stringy brown hair and sores approaches the stranger. “Hey, Preach, what time is the center opening today?
Preach stretches his arm out, bumping knuckles with the young man, “Kevin. How’s it going? I’ll be opening it at one. There will be two meals today along with some snacks and games.”
Kevin jams his fists into his front jean pockets, “K. I’ll see you later then.” He saunters down the boardwalk and joins a group of other young men.
“Your name is Preach?” Em questions.
“No, it’s actually Noah Dupre’. I am a youth minister here in Atlantic City and the teenagers gave me that nickname.”
She likes his kind, brown eyes. She throws out her hand, “I’m Emerald Jewell. My friends call me Em.”
Her hand feels so small in his large, warm, and calloused hand. Touching his hand sends her heart shaking like a morocco in Hanna’s hand at pre-school.
“Very nice meeting you Em. Are you enjoying your visit to Atlantic City?”
“I always enjoy my time by the ocean. I come down with my girlfriend about once a quarter. She stays in Atlantic City every eight to twelve weeks. My schedule isn’t as flexible, which means I’m unable to travel to AC every time she is here.”
“I love it here, which is why I moved here from Philadelphia. There is something magical about the ocean. I also think I’m to be here to help the youth in this city.”
“You run the youth center? That’s your job?”
Noah laughs, “It’s a big part of my job. I also have the children’s service at a local church along with events for them. I love kids, but with the world in the state it is in, I think they need support. I try to be the support and prepare them for adulthood while introducing many to a spiritual life.”
That must be why his eyes are so gentle, and he’s so relaxed. That is something she needs more of in her life. “That’s admirable.”
“That isn’t why I do it. I do it because He asked me to take this journey.”
“Your parents?”
“I guess you can consider him a parent. He isn’t my earthly parent.”
Clearing her throat, her knees bouncing, “Oh, okay. I guess I’d better go find my girlfriend.”
“It’s okay. I’ll go. I can see I’ve made you uncomfortable. Besides, I need to hand out my bags to the homeless and be sure the kids now we’ll be open today. Take my card. Just in case you ever need me when you’re down here. I’m on the boards almost daily so if you’re out enjoying the sun, keep your eyes out,” Noah says holding a business card.
She takes the card, tucking it in the front pocket of her jeans. “Thanks. I’ll look for you.”
Watching as he strolls down the boardwalk stopping to fist bump the teens and hand out a clear, zip-lock bag filled with a sundry of items to the homeless. What is it about him that pulls her in? His brown eyes seem to always have a twinkle. He is gentle.
“C’mon Em. It is the second time you’ve met him,” she says, giving a quick shake of her head.
