The is the second part of a three-part story. I found it among my email, sent to me by my brother-in-law Gary. The author is unknown. If you know who he or she is, please tell me. I made minor changes. To read part one, go here.
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. “See, lady. I told you so. Now if you’ll let me go. I didn’t want to come here in the first place.”
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. “Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the
street?”
“Of course I am,” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.”
“And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?” she asked.
“What business is that of yours?”
“I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.”
”Oh.”
The woman smiled again.. “I thought that might make a difference.”
She glanced at the cop who stifled a laugh. “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?”
“No thanks, ma’am. I’m on duty.”
“Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?”
“Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.”
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. “I’ll get your coffee for you right away, officer.”
The officer watched him walk away. “You certainly put him in his place,” he said.
“That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this.”
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest.
“Jack, do you remember me?”
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. “I think so. I mean you do look
familiar.”
“I’m a little older perhaps,” she said. “Maybe I’ve even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry.”
“Ma’am?” the officer said questioningly.
He couldn’t believe that such a magnificently dressed and mannered woman could ever have been hungry.
“I was just out of college,” the woman began. “I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn’t find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February, and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat.”
Jack lit up. “Now I remember,” he said. “I was behind the serving counter. You came in and asked me if you could work something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.”
“I know,” the woman continued. “Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. When I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that you paid and everything would be all right.”
“So you started a business?” Jack asked.
Watch for part three tomorrow. How do you think it’ll end? Have you ever helped someone like this lady? Please leave a comment and encourage your sisters in Christ. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
You Are Beautiful, Lucy
Do you have a burden for single women? How about troubled teens? Are you energized to open your home to others and make them feel welcome? Do you like comforting folks by bringing them meals or sending them cards?
Lori Moore
Jack lit up. “Now I remember,” he said. “I was behind the serving counter. You came in and asked me if you could work to get something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.”
