He stopped, stared. This was it!

Maybe it was my striking good looks, I mean, I spent an extra hour on my hair this morning, my charming, magnetic personality, maybe my long, batty eyelashes....

"Uh, excuse me, Ginny, but you have a, um, paper clip in your hair." He reached up to pluck it out. I think I turned a rare shade of red. I’d get Larry back later. I said “Thank you”, and he moved on. Oh, sigh. “Oh, I knew I came by for a reason.” He turned around suddenly, “You told me you are a Christian, right?” Yes, I nodded. Ethan, you have longer eyelashes than I do. How is that? Pay attention, Ginny! “Well, my church has a singles Bible study if you’re interested. We meet every Thursday night at my house. What do you think?” He wanted to invite me?? Lil’ ol’ Ginny Strauss?? WOW!! I felt special!! Was there a light shining on me right now? No, I was glowing, that was it! Ethan Hirsch invited me somewhere! Why is he still standing there? OH, an answer...yeah, that would be good. “I’d love to! Thanks!” Call Guinness, my voice sounded normal! Thank you Lord!!

“Great! Can I pick you up? Say around 7:30? I’ll get directions later.”

“I look forward to it.” I smiled. Hope I didn’t have anything in my teeth.

“Wonderful! Ok, well, then, I’ll talk to ya later!” That huge grin spread across his face. I felt my heart melt within. I was still smiling when Noel appeared out of nowhere.

“Shhh...geesh, could you be a little louder?” Ok, so she was whispering, but still, there were listening ears.

“So, it was...give me the scoop.” She came closer and bent down in front of me.

“Well,” I looked around a second, “OK, he invited me to a singles Bible study!” We both almost squealed, but kept it low.

“That is so exciting!! Man, I wish I were a Christian now!”

“Just to get Ethan?”

“Yeah, why not.”

“Noel, that’s not what Christianity is about. It’s not something you use and discard or use just to get what you want.”

“Oh, I’m only teasing!! Besides, I like being me. I’m sure there’s more to Christianity. It’s ok for people like you.” But I knew deep down inside there was something going on. She was searching for answers, and I needed the wisdom to give them to her.

“Well, just be careful when you tease. And, Christianity is for everyone, not just people like me. This world is filled with people like me seeking the truth, and finding it in other places, people, things, and still feeling empty. Don’t you feel an emptiness inside you, Noel? Don’t you ever feel a part of you is missing?”

“Yeah....sometimes I do.” She seemed to be thinking about something.

She was hurting. Oh, Lord, give me wisdom, I prayed. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s cause I didn’t get any love growing up, ya know?”

Could I ask? “Would you like to come to the Bible study too?? I’m sure Ethan wouldn’t mind.”

She almost seemed as if she were going to say yes, but quickly changed her mind, “Nah, that’s ok, but thanks. Listen, I’m gonna get back to work. I’ll talk to ya later! Keep me posted, ok?”

“Sure!” I said. I watched her walk away, shoulders a bit droopy. Did I hear a sniffle? Oh, Lord, help me reach her. Now, for Larry. He was always putting stuff in my hair. I still hadn’t gotten him back for the time he taped a post-it note to my hair with the words, “Hi my name is Gin and Tonic”. He was claiming he saw something in my hair, and stuck it in there while “taking” that “something” out. I walked around an hour before Noel graciously took it out. He was in big trouble this time!

I checked my reflection one more time in the mirror. How many times would that be now? Four hundred and eighty-nine? Yep, I still looked the same. Same auburn hair, same green eyes, small nose, full lips, and rosy cheeks. Did I put too much blush on? Hey, what’s that piece of hair doing out of place? Get back there!! You know, I always wondered why we talk to inanimate objects. Like they’re going to listen. I mean, like when you drop something, or stub your toe, and you scream at the table that supposedly got in your way, or yell at that thing that dropped. Ok, who was the one walking? You! Who was holding that something? You! Why am I having this argument? Like anyone cares, Ginny. Well, it’s a valid point!! Makes no sense, but we do it anyway! Was that a car?? I looked out the front window and saw headlights down below. A man soon stepped out of the car and headed up the stairs to the upper apartments. Knock. Knock. Oh, that was me. Ok, four hundred ninety.

“Hey, Ginny.” What? No flowers? Oh, this wasn’t a date. Focus, Ginny!

“Ready?”

“Yep! Ready as I’ll ever be.” I grabbed my pocketbook. Four hundred ninety-one.

“You look beautiful. Honest.” That smile!!!

“Why, thank you, Ethan!” He led the way to his car. WOW! Was I impressed. A 1999 Nissan Pathfinder. Black, beige interior, and all the bells and whistles.

“Nice car!” I think I said that a little too enthusiastically.

“Thanks. Bought it last month. It’s a beauty alright.” So, are you, Ethan. Well, handsome. I loved the way his longer pieces of hair fell across his forehead. How his big, brown eyes sparkled when he showed those big white teeth.

I ran my hand over the cloth seats before hopping in. He started up the car and we were on our way. I watched the scenery outside the window fly by. My thoughts raced inside my head.

“So, how long you been a Christian?” Ethan broke the silence. I was thankful for it.

“Since a child. Grew up in a wonderful Christian family.” I turned to look at him. He had a nice profile. Cute dimple in his chin too. I could see it when he turned my way.

“Oh yeah? Same here. Wonderful family I have.”

“Me too. Any brothers or sisters?”

“Two younger sisters and one brother.”

“Wow, big family. I have two older sisters. Both are married with kids.” Wish I was...to Ethan Hirsch. Ginny Hirsch. That has a nice ring to it. OK, how long have you known this guy??

“Penny for your thoughts?” He interrupted me. Always when I’m thinking of him! Then again, I was always thinking about him. Another bad habit of mine.

“Trust me, they’re not worth that much.” We laughed.

We soon pulled up to his house. This man was doing quite well for a thirty-two year old bachelor. Did I just say his age? He’d kill me if he knew. Wait a minute, this was MY story and I can say whatever I want. So there!

He came over to my side and opened the door for me. What a gentleman. Let me add that to my mental list of Ethan’s growing perfections.

“You do quite well for yourself, Mr. Hirsch.”

“Ethan. Mr. Hirsch makes me sound old. Well, I’ve always been a saver. Parents taught me well with that. I’m glad I did, cause I wouldn’t have what I have now.”

“Good for you. I’ve always been a spender. Learned that on my own! I’m glad I did, cause I wouldn’t have what I have now.” I made him laugh again!! I still couldn’t believe these conversational words were coming out of my mouth!!

We both stepped inside and he took my coat then lead me to the left. His living room was nicely decorated.. Simple hunter green decor was all around, including curtains, but it was so nicely put, it just fit the room. It fit Ethan.

“Hmmm, got quite a few messages here.” He hit the play button while I walked around examining the room. So, I was being curious. Nosy a better word? I could hear the messages in the background. Sounded like a few people were canceling. One was sick. The other had to watch the kids, another was too tired, bla bla bla. Everyone had a different excuse.

“Ok, I feel a little stupid and embarrassed.”

I turned to him, “Why’s that?”

“Well, looks like no one is coming tonight. There’s five of us, and not one can come.”

“Why are you embarrassed?”

Was he blushing? How adorable!!! Ok, another added feature.

“Well, I invite you to my house for a Bible study, and we’re the only ones attending. I don’t want you to think, well...”

“Doesn’t the Bible say when two or more are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them? Not one, but two. We’re two...gathered in His name. What’s wrong with that?”

“And why didn’t I get to know you sooner?”