Finding Beth - Chapter Three

Beth sat staring out the window as she munched on her chicken burrito. Ruminating over the day's events, she could hardly believe she had been in Kansas City just this morning. Catching her rescuer’s reflection in the window, she turned to smile at him.


“Hi,” she said.

"Hey, there. I never did introduce myself. I'm Adam Blythe. Mind if I join you?"

Beth gestured for him to sit and said, "Not at all. It's nice to meet you, Adam. I'm Beth Gallagher.”

"Thanks. It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. So, what brings you to Paducah?”

Wariness swirled in the pit of her stomach.

He must have read it in her face as he nodded toward the parking lot and said, “I noticed your Missouri tags.”

Still a little uncertain, she said, "Oh. I’m just passing through. How about you?"

"Actually, I’m from Tennessee,” he said. “I'm just visiting a college buddy. His dad had knee surgery, so I took a couple weeks of vacation to lend a hand on the farm.”

“You’re using your vacation to work? On a farm?”

Adam shrugged as if it were no big deal. “My buddy needed help, I needed time away…it worked out for both of us.”

Beth raised an eyebrow in amazement. Kyle would never give up precious vacation hours to help someone - especially if it meant physical labor.

“Well, that’s good.” Overcome with curiosity, she asked, “So, if you work while on vacation, what do you do for work?”

Adam hesitated as though deciding how best to answer her question. “I help manage the family business. Nothing spectacular. What about you?”

“Nothing nearly as glamorous as running a family business. I’m just a lowly bank teller.”

Suddenly, she threw her hands up and looked at him wide-eyed. “Oops! I forgot. We’re not supposed to call ourselves bank tellers anymore. We’re CSR’s – Customer Service Representatives.”

Adam let out a hearty laugh over her dramatics and said, “Well, now. That sounds pretty important.”

“Yeah!” Beth rolled her eyes and shook her head as she laughed. It felt good.

Smiling at her, he said, “Actually, it really is an important job. I wish our “CSR’s” were a little more people friendly. They act like they’re too good to wait on anybody just because they’re employed by a bank.”

“Yep. I know the type. Have to work with them.” Beth smiled and shook her head.

They shared in small talk for several more minutes while finishing their supper. Adam seemed like a genuinely nice guy. His dark blue eyes were lucid - a sign of a man with a good conscience her father would say. But, how could she be sure? She had been certain about Kyle at one time, too.

As doubts niggled their way into her mind, an uncomfortable tightness formed in her chest. Get a grip, Elizabeth. If he were out to hurt you, he would have done it by now. She forced herself to shake off the doubts and then he pointed to her ring.

"I'm surprised your fiancé let you out of his sight," Adam said just before he took a bite.

Too startled to hear the teasing in his voice, Beth gave him a questioning look. "Is that a typical male attitude?"

Adam’s chewing slowed as he studied her. Swallowing, he shrugged and said, "It's normal for a guy to be protective.”

Still pensive, Beth stared down at her empty burrito wrapper.

"Hey. You ok?" Adam's voice spoke low and gentle.

Glancing at him, she saw real concern etched in his face. A picture of her brother flashed through her mind, sending a shaft of pain through her heart. She turned and squinted out the window as waves of emotion poured through her.

Trying to shake off Josh’s image, she said, "I don't know." Her voice sounded far away…lost…even to her own ears.

Quiet for a moment, Adam cleared his throat and said, “You think it’s more than just protectiveness?”

Hearing concern in his voice, Beth turned to study him. Sensing he was genuine, she shrugged and gave him a weak smile.

"I don’t know. I guess…I’m not sure I even know who he is anymore. He… I heard…. There’s this girl…” She winced. “I need to go,” she said and started gathering her trash.

Adam collected his mess, too. They emptied their trays into the trash bin and walked outside.

"So. Are you headed for the Smokies?"

Beth paused on the sidewalk, looked up at him and grinned. "So what else has God told you about me?"

Adam chuckled and shrugged. "Most people passing through here are either headed to Nashville or the Smokies. I just took a guess."

Taking note that he smiled rather than flinched whenever she mentioned God, Beth shook her head and laughed. “Well, you guessed right.”

"I have connections in Pigeon Forge if you’re interested in staying there.” He took out a business card and scribbled a note on it. "Here. Take this card. Give it to Jerry Taylor at the Pigeon Forge Land Company. He maintains cabins and cottages in the mountains. His wife is a real sweetheart. They can fix you up in a little cottage just outside of town. It’s only a hundred dollars per week or twenty-five a night - cheaper than a hotel and a lot homier. I think it would be just the thing for you.”

Feeling a little uncertain, but interested in the price tag, she said, "Oh. Okay. Thanks.” She took the card and slipped it into her purse.

”No problem.” Clearing his throat, he said, “This is going to sound a little strange, but…”

Beth’s shoulders stiffened with tension as she braced herself. Studying him, she tried to determine if he had any ill intentions.

“…well, I’m a bit worried about you traveling alone.” Hands in his back pockets, he shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. “Forgive me if you think I’m meddling and being forward, but I’d like to give you my number. You know…just in case… I, uh…I hate the thought of you sitting on the side of the road again.”

Feeling a measure of relief, Beth giggled and said, “You’re as bad as my friend, Tiffany - worrying about me and my gas gauge.”

“Well. You did mention you have a habit of running out of gas.” His dimpled grin was sheepish and her heart melted. She couldn’t help but like and trust the man at least a little.

“Okay, okay. You’re right. And I have to admit, it would be nice to have a local helpline since Tiffany isn’t here to rescue me from myself.” Beth plugged his number into her phone and before she thought better of it, gave him hers, as well. Climbing into the car, she rolled her window down and put the key into the ignition.

Leaning both hands on the door, Adam said, "Be safe, okay? I'll be praying for you." His eyes and voice emanated warmth and sincerity, and Beth felt her remaining reservations about Adam melt away.

Josh’s loving face flashed through her mind again and she wondered. Where were you two years ago, Adam Blythe? Swallowing hard, she looked away to blink back the moisture filling her eyes.

"Call if you need anything?"

Turning to look at him, Beth searched his face for any sign of duplicity. Finding none, she nodded, turned the ignition over and in all seriousness said, "I'll do that."

"Good. If you don’t call me soon, though, I'll be calling to check on you. Otherwise, I’ll probably worry." He smiled and backed away. "Bye, now."

Returning his smile, she said goodbye and backed out. One last look in the rearview mirror told her that Adam stood on the sidewalk, hands in his pockets, watching her leave. Loneliness crept over her. Lord, thank you for sending Adam and for keeping me safe… and please bless Adam.