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Chapter Fifty-five
The Struggles of a Good Man
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers [various] temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have
her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
~ James 1:2-4 ~
 ow
that their trip to Atlanta was over, Adam expected things at Villa Rosa to settle
into the same routine as before. But instead of quieting down, the activity at Villa
Rosa only increased. It was nearing late September, and the rainy season would officially
begin sometime next month. Wanting to finish the rooftops and other renovations that
would be open and exposed to the elements, Beppe hired more workers to hasten its
progress. Every day, a large parking lot of cars and trucks would form inside the
gates of Villa Rosa, making the renovation efforts look as impressive as it truly
was. If Adam and Charlie had neighbors, they would have been curious to watch as
the army of workers descended on the estate each day. As it was, their closest neighbor
was a small, run down restaurant in Drywell. The forlorn diner was currently enjoying
a surge of prosperity, for the hungry crew would often go there for a meal and some
air conditioning at lunch time.
While Beppe and Charlie kept track of the calendar and their ambitious work schedules,
Adam busied himself with his music. Then, early one September morning, Charlie made
an unexpected request that could change Adam's plans.
"I know you're really busy with your piano," she ventured, as she tied
the laces on her hiking boots for another day's work, "but Beppe and I were
hoping you might help the new guys that are arriving, today."
"You're bringing in more crew?" Adam asked in surprise, while he
watched Charlie dress from his vantage in bed. He was still in pajamas, and since
his day didn't depend on getting up early, he intended to sleep in this morning.
"I thought you might want to take care of these particular guys,"
explained Charlie, her face betraying a hint of merriment that immediately caught
Adam's curiosity. "They have a lot of work ahead of them."
"Oh?" he raised his eyebrows. "Who's coming?"
"Just some men from a plumbing outfit in Twin Yucca," Charlie furrowed
her brow in feigned concentration. "I can't remember their name, but I think
it was Clark-something-or-other."
"Mike's coming?" Adam grinned broadly. He sat up in bed and quickly searched
the room for his pants. "Is Hiram going to be here, too? Of course he is,"
Adam answered himself, as Charlie handed him his jeans. "I didn't put Hiram
in charge of the family business, for nothing. Mike's too inexperienced for a job
like this, so I expect Hiram will be running the show." Sitting on the edge
of the bed, Adam leaned forward to put on his shoes. Then he felt Charlie apply sunscreen
to the back of his neck. "Say," it suddenly occurred him to ask, "you're
taking a lot for granted, aren't you? I never said I would help."
"Wild horses couldn't keep you away," she smiled, "and you know it!"
"Think you know me that well, do you?" Adam pulled Charlie into his lap.
Laughing, Charlie playfully fought his arms as they encircled her in a loving embrace.
Her laughter quieted, however, as his eyes tenderly searched hers. "What have
you done to me, Charlie?" he whispered in amazement. "I've never been so
happy."
"Do you really mean it, Adam?" Her eyes brightened with pleasure. "You're
not just saying that because I keep you company at night?"
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