Soup Kitchen

Daniel's hand lingered on Amanda's shoulder after he fastened the clasp of an elegant necklace with a teardrop pendant of 18-carat gold. It enhanced the square bodice of the simple, black satin dress she wore, which ended above her knees. The shoulder straps were thick enough to offer a support of modesty to her cleavage without taking anything away from its sensuality. "You look beautiful, Amanda."

Amanda cringed. At Daniel's request, she had gotten her hair styled at one of the better salons in Bersek and it was now a tight bun towards the top of her crown. To take away from the severity, her bangs had been parted at the center and hung down in ringlets on the sides of her face. Her makeup was of soft browns and emphasized the green in her eyes. Instead of lipstick, she chose a clear gloss which made her lips look fuller and gave them a shine. She looked away from her reflection as Daniel kissed her cheek. She felt like a farce and even clownish, yet she couldn't argue Daniel's logic that if she looked pretty and helpless, it may help get a donor for Sanford. She smirked at the absurdity. "If you say so."

"You ready?"

She shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"

"I'm just trying to help, Amanda."

Her voice was flat. "You've already said that. Anyway, let's get this over with."

When they got to Michelle's father's estate, Amanda was surprised to see a line of cars parked along the street for almost an entire block. "I thought you said it was a small gathering."

"That's what I thought too." His look of surprise held the weight of truth in his words. If he had known there would be more than seven guests, Amanda would not have come.

"Please don't leave me in there," she whispered.

Her quiet plea made him hold her close. "I won't."

Daniel got out and almost wondered if Brian hadn't told him there would be many people to set him up. He was glad Amanda looked like she did and hoped she would use it to her advantage in the next few hours even though he knew the discomfort she was feeling was as bad as if he were choking her. He walked around the vehicle and opened her door. The fear was palpable as she took his hand and allowed him to help her out of the passenger seat's security. This wasn't like the hospital, where she could lose herself around the patients or run errands that held some level of purpose. Here she would be on display and looked over to see if she was worthy enough to be a part of the environment.

"Are you alright," Daniel asked as he took her shawl and draped it carefully over her shoulders. She shuddered as the blood drained from her face. To find purchase, she envisioned the book she was reading and held fast to the image. It allowed her to breathe. "Just remember, Sanford needs some donors."

Amanda's nod was stiff as he led her up the sidewalk and inside a gateway made up of black iron rods which reminded her of the ornate lances carried by knights during Medieval Times. Daniel almost wondered if he would have to carry Amanda the rest of the way as he pulled her through the gate and up the cobblestone driveway and stifled a laugh as he pictured the dramatic entrance. The thickness of her heels clunked against the polished stones the rest of the way and she paused behind Daniel when he walked up to the front steps and rang the bell.

The door opened and bathed Daniel with lively music and the type of lilting laughter that could only be caused by idle conversation. He glanced back at Amanda with a raised eyebrow as if to ask, 'Are you coming?' She hugged her shawl tighter around her shoulders and wondered why she had agreed to wear such a dress and followed him inside.

"There you are," Michelle almost cooed. Amanda stood back as the other woman leaned towards her husband in anticipation of a kiss on the cheek. Above the reek of her perfume, she could smell the sick stench of intoxication. Amanda clamped her mouth shut and wondered if Michelle had fallen into a vat of whiskey before the party. It was enough to make her gag.

"Amanda, are you all right?"

Michelle's eyes became narrow as they raked over Daniel's wife. It was obvious she expected the woman to be draped in her normal, dowdy attire. Amanda's smile was tight as she relinquished her hold on her shawl and handed it to the waiting butler. "Yes. How have you been, Michelle?"

Michelle's laughter was as fake as the Sweet and Low Amanda put in her coffee. "Fabulous. I love your dress."

Amanda heard a note of jealousy in her voice and straightened. She felt almost smug. "Daniel picked it out for me."

"Really," she said looking at him. "I guess I'll have to see if Brian can find me a similar one."

Daniel shifted uncomfortably at her sultry tone. "Tell him to look in Macy's."

As if he knew he was being mentioned, Brian walked up behind Michelle and put a hand on her shoulder. "Danny. It's about time you showed up."

"I thought this was supposed to be dinner."

Brian shrugged and looked at Michelle for help. "You know Daddy," she smiled. "It's more of a political gathering."

"Who's here?"

Michelle threw up her hands as if to say, 'Who isn't?'

She excused herself as one of her friends waved to her and did not bother to ask Amanda if she wanted to join them. Daniel and Brian exchanged a few words as she listened in silence. It was unnerving how Brian kept looking at her as if he had never seen her before. She moved closer to Daniel and was grateful to feel his arm go around her. "Daniel was telling me Sanford lost another donor."

"Unfortunately. It's getting harder to accommodate and more people are being dropped off on the grounds during the night and found roaming in the morning. There – "

Daniel cleared his throat. "So who is here?"

Brian signaled a circling waiter so Amanda and Daniel could get a beverage. "A few mayors and local congressmen. Some CEOs from big corporations like Eton Storage and the lawyer hopefuls. The usual."

Amanda took a sip of wine. "Is Pastor Richmond here?"

"Yes," Brian said nodding in the direction of where the older man stood next to Michelle's father who was laughing. "Mayor Bradford has been at his side since he arrived."

Daniel frowned. "I wonder what's going on."

Brian downed the rest of his scotch, put it on the tray, and grabbed another glass. "Maybe he's trying to find God. Either way, I'm glad I'm not the one putting up with his bullshit."

The waiter cleared his throat. Brian made a gesture of dismissal. "I thought he went to church regularly," Daniel mused.

Brian rolled his eyes, "That doesn't mean anything. Right now everyone is concerned with the way crime seems to be rising in Bersek. It seems as though those in the poor section are breaking into the homes of their wealthy neighbors. Pastor Richmond has offered to open a soup kitchen in the church basement so those who are struggling can get a free meal every night if they want. He thinks it will cut back on the robberies and keep the jail cells free."

"It makes sense," Amanda said, thankful something other than sports was being discussed. "It's a good idea. When does he want to do this?"

"It depends on if he can."

Daniel nodded knowingly. "So Mayor Bradford is trying to help him out by finding donors. I wonder if something could be worked out with the pastor, say a garden the more coherent patients at Sanford could take care of and harvest then give to the church to help with meals. Then maybe Amanda might be able to get things like a couple of extra beds or some equipment."

"It's worth a shot," Brian agreed. His attention was drawn back to Amanda who was busy finishing her drink.

"What else is there besides wine?"

Brian signaled the waiter back over. He put the finished stemware on the tray and handed Amanda a highball of Johnny Walker and ginger ale over ice. Daniel scanned the room to see if there was anyone else he knew. "I guess dinner is out."

"There are a couple of tables in the dining room if you want something to eat," Brian told him as Mayor Bradford spotted them and headed over. "Amanda," he smiled. "You look lovely. How have you been?"

Her words spewed forth in clipped sentences. In minute detail she explained her worries about Sanford. Much of it was news to Daniel, who was taken off guard and unaware of what she had been holding in. Mayor Bradford listened to her concerns with feigned sympathy, which did not go unnoticed by Daniel. "I'm sure something – "

"Pardon me, Mayor Bradford," Daniel said after Amanda paused to get her breath. "I heard Pastor Richmond is looking to start a soup kitchen because the crime rate is going up in Bersek."

Bradford eyed his son-in-law. "Yes."

"Maybe Pastor Richmond and Amanda could work together and make it easier to get some of the contributions they need." He went on to explain the rough idea they had just been discussing concerning the garden and exchange of produce for possible things at Sanford.

"It's not a bad idea," the mayor agreed. "Come, Amanda, let's go talk it over with David."

Amanda gave her husband a look beseeching help when the mayor took her arm and began walking with her over to Richmond. Daniel glared at his friend. "You should have told me it was going to be a party."

For the first time, Daniel got to feel what it was like to be a lapdog and could appreciate Brian's annoyance of being considered a woman's plaything as Mayor Bradford guided Amanda to different groups and gained unwanted attention. For not liking to be around people in large gatherings, Daniel was pleased his wife did very well. She was stern, almost regal as she discussed the idea of working together with Pastor Richmond and how beneficial it could be.

Daniel stood behind, holding Amanda's elbow, and sipped brandy with the same fervent ardor his wife did when they went out to dinner. "Mand, I'm going to get something to eat. Would you like anything?"

Grateful for the distraction she said, "I'll come with you."

The marble flooring shone like polished glass under the bright lights of the crystal chandelier as the pair made their way to the dining room. The atmosphere's laughter tinkled above them, making Daniel look up and note the crystal chimes dangling from the ceiling's centerpiece. His eyelids felt slow and heavy as the drinks he had consumed took effect and knew Amanda wouldn't let him drive home. His voice came out slurred. "Mands, you're going to have to drive tonight"

"I know Daniel."

He heard the sigh in her voice. "I didn't know it was going to be a party."

Amanda stopped and looked at him. A smile pulled at her lips and her eyes held a rare, mischievous glint. "You know I should be the one drunk, right?"

Daniel smiled in kind. "I'll steal a bottle of the good stuff before we leave."

"Please do."

After they got something to eat, Amanda and Daniel spent the rest of the evening with Pastor Richmond so they could talk more about working together. What stood out most to Amanda about the pastor was his genuine concern for what was going on in the city and she admired the way he cared about those in need. She also watched as Mayor Bradford continued to circulate, and held her breath when his eyes seemed to drift in their direction. Now that she had found solace in a nook beside the onyx fireplace which complimented the marble floor, she had no intention of moving. "I'm sorry, Pastor Richmond. You were saying?"

"David, please," he smiled. He plucked a piece of cheese off of the plate in his hand and popped it into his mouth. "I adore Muenster."

Amanda's expression turned thoughtful. "Hmm. Please continue Past – David."

Richmond noticed an awkward blush tint the woman's cheeks at addressing him informally. "I was thinking we could meet sometime next week and go over some things. I think I'll mention something about the plan during the service and ask if anyone has plans to replace their gardening tools, would they be willing to give them to us"

"I'm not too familiar with crops, so I'll look into what can be grown now and indoors since the ground is freezing."

"I as well," the pastor agreed.

At ten o'clock the party began to wind down. People started to leave and those sober enough to remember offered a farewell to the trio by the fireplace. Amanda looked down at the floor as goodbyes were called out in their direction and pretended to study the pattern. Daniel waved back at those departing while Richmond nodded and smiled. It had been a promising evening.

True to his word, Daniel managed to bribe Michelle for a bottle of Hennessy as they were leaving. The cold air bit his cheeks and felt sharp when he took a breath. Although he felt revived, he put his keys in Amanda's palm and followed her to the car. "This is the second time you've been drunk this week," Amanda said as she pulled away from the curb.

"Are you keeping track, Amanda?"

Her lips pursed as she chewed over her thoughts. "No. I'm wondering what's bothering you. You seem to drink more when it has something to do with Robert."

Daniel clasped his hand in front of his mouth and stifled a burp. "Not tonight, Mand. Although he was at the clinic the day Brian and I went out. Tonight threw me. I wasn't expecting Bradford to show you off the way he did."

He reached over and turned off the heater. Amanda heard the slight whir of the power window being opened and hoped Daniel would make it home without getting sick. Although she didn't say anything, she was concerned and hoped it wouldn't become a pattern. She fixed her gaze on the road and they drove the rest of the way home in silence.