Chapter Eleven

Eleven

The Sharp Parsonage

“Mom, I'm so excited. Demetrius. I mean Mr. Grace hired me right on the spot and, of course, it won't interfere with my schoolwork.  You know how I feel about coffee and we are finally getting a good coffee house in Paine Harbor! Besides they've got a beautiful piano and he has told me I can play for his customers.” Sarah rambled on in a manner than only a teenage girl can. 

Initially her mother had told her she was too young to work, but hearing her daughter's energy and positive attitude about this opportunity she finally gave in. “You know you have to get your Father's approval?” Greta counseled. 

“My approval for what?” Reverend Axel said as he walked in the room. “What does she want now? Do you know just how expensive it is these days to raise a child? And you… always wanting a new dress, or shoes or one of those i-things.”

“Dad!” Sarah interrupted in teenaged frustration. “I don’t want to spend money, I want to earn money!”

“What is this all about? Greta, why am I always the last to know about anything?”

After hearing from his wife the specifics of what Sarah wanted to do, he said, quite uncharacteristically, “Okay you can do it. You can try it for thirty days. If you keep up your grades and your work here, and your church responsibilities you can stay, but if you don't...” 

“Oh Daddy!” Sarah interrupted, throwing her arms around his neck, “Thank you! I will! I promise! You wait and see! Thank you! May I go tell Demetrius?” 

Granted permission to ride her bike down to Grace Coffee House, she was out the door before they could change their minds.

“Well,” Reverend Axel said with a smile, “she called me 'Daddy'” Greta's eyes were lit with joy. She hadn't seen a positive moment like this in her home in longer than she could remember. “She's a good girl, Axel. I wish the two of you didn't fight so much. It was so nice of you to let her try this, I think she is ready for the challenge,” she said hopefully. 

“Maybe you are right dear. Maybe you are right.” he replied. “It's so hard to let her grow up. What if something bad happens to her? I know I'm overly protective, but I'm just trying to help her, I really am.” 

“Axel, let's go for a walk, I'm pretty sure the rain has stopped. You always like it after the rain. You say you enjoy the smell of the earth.” Greta suggested. 

“Yes, let's. But I'll bring an umbrella, just in case.” he said thoughtfully. While walking together Axel reached over and took his wife's hand in his. She looked up into his face in surprise and smiled. He said, “Maybe we should stop by and see this Grace Coffee House, just to make sure it's okay.”

Grace Coffee House

Demetrius really didn't know what to expect from the people of Paine Harbor. No one had ever attempted to open a specialty coffee house before and he wasn't sure if the community would support it. Since the reporter from the Harbinger News had given him such a nice write up last week, numerous people had stopped by or called expressing interest. “I'm hopeful once people begin to experience really good coffee, they'll develop a taste and appreciation for it and then support my little coffee house,” he had told the reporter.

Upon hearing Demetrius’ quote, Portia Galeener took some offense and was overhead saying to everyone in her diner, “Well, there is absolutely nothing wrong with my coffee! Is there?” This question was met with stony silence from her customers.

He was putting the final touches in preparation for the Grand Opening that was now only days away. He had lovingly created a space of his own which would be used to serve the people and to build community.  More importantly, it would become a prime location for Andi's words to be fulfilled.  Given the uniqueness of the building, Demetrius had been able to maximize the various nooks into what, in his mind's eye, he saw as little chapels where God would be able to offer healing to those who would soon occupy the seats, couches and tables within. While screwing in a bookshelf to the wall, he heard the bells over the front door ring and he looked up in anticipation and was delighted to see Andi entering.

“Andi! I'm back here! Help yourself to a cup, I just brewed a fresh pot,” he encouraged. 

“I think I'll do just that!” she replied. After a brief pause where the sound of coffee being poured could be heard, she said, “I just left Grace Cottage.”

Demetrius straightened up and turned towards her with a serious look on his face. “You did? And how'd that go?” he inquired. 

“They are amazing people, Demetrius. I fell in love with both of them!” she replied with a big smile. “That's good coffee, man. I don't know how you do it!” she said after her first sip. 

“Details. C'mon. I want details,” he demanded. 

“Oh, I'll let them tell you. I suspect they'll be here shortly,” she said with a bit of an impish grin. 

“Oh, man.” Demetrius said in disbelief, “You can't do that to me! You're killing me.”

The door chime rang again. He looked up to see an excited Sarah rush through the doorway. Interrupting everything, Sarah yelled out, “You'll never guess what just happened! My parents said yes to me working here! I can't believe it!” 

Sarah let out a joy-filled scream and did a little happy dance across the concrete floor while Demetrius and Andi looked on with pleasure. She went on to say, “They gave me thirty days to prove I can handle this plus my other responsibilities, but I'll show them! I can do this! I'm so excited!” 

Andi replied, “That's pretty obvious to both of us! Pour yourself a cup and lets talk about it.”

For the next 45 minutes the three of them enthusiastically talked about final plans for the Grand Opening along with what Demetrius expected of Sarah in her work. While they were talking, he was giving Sarah tips on how to pull a proper shot of espresso to get the maximum flavor from the bean. 

The chime above the door rang again announcing the arrival of Oliver and Sandy. Introductions were quickly made between the Grace's and Sarah. Demetrius said to them, “So, you’ve met Andi, have you?” 

“Indeed we have,” Sandy met eyes with Andi and laughingly replied. “Indeed, we have.” 

“And...” Demetrius pried while Sarah looked on in a somewhat confused manner. “What happened?” 

The couple looked at one another with silly grins on their faces, and finally after some non-verbal marital communication, Oliver opened his mouth and began to speak.  “Demetrius, that's a loaded question you are asking, and you haven't even offered us coffee yet. What kind of host are you?” he said teasingly. 

Demetrius immediately rectified his error pouring steaming cups of coffee for Oliver and Sandy.

Oliver continued. “First of all, we now understand why we are here in Paine Harbor. I think you've known for some time, but we get it now. We are here to bring grace. I think your Coffee House has a lot to do with that becoming realized, but it's only the beginning. I've been thinking about the interviews I am conducting and I'm coming to see the manner in which I operate will impact lives in substantial ways. 

Sandy interrupted and chimed in, “I am going to be here in the Coffee House a great deal and I'm looking forward to becoming friends with the people of Paine Harbor.”

“But,” Oliver said regaining control of the conversation, at least temporarily, “there is one other minor detail of which you are not aware, my brother.” Pausing in his delivery just to spite his brother, he smiled and continued: “You are going to be Uncle Demetrius.”

It was at that moment when joyful pandemonium broke out at Grace Coffee House. Demetrius jumped to his feet and said, rather loudly, “I'm going to be Uncle Demetrius! Are you are pregnant? Oh wait, of course you are! Wow! When did that happen? No! That's not what I meant. When is the baby due? Look at you, you are a skinny little thing, are you sure?” 

“Demetrius, there is one other thing you should probably know about.” Sandy said with a mysterious flair. “I may be a skinny little thing right now, but that isn't going to last because I'm going to get huge. I'm carrying triplets.” 

“Huh? What did you just say? Did you say 'triplets'? As in three babies?” he asked in utter shock.

Oliver replied. “Uh-huh. That's right. Three little Graces. Manny, Moe and Jack. The Three Stooges. Uno, dos, tres. Bases loaded. We had a three-for-one coupon.” The shock on Demetrius' face was hysterical. Everyone in the room could tell he didn't know what to do with himself, numerous times he opened his mouth as if to say something, and closed it again without uttering a word. But he kept counting on his fingers to three, shaking his head in amazement. “Baby brother, God has given us three kids and each of them is going to be a testimony to His grace. Watch and see.” Oliver declared.

For not being officially opened yet, Grace Coffee House was a busy place. At that moment the door rang again and Reverend Axel and Greta walked in rather timidly. 

“Uh,” Reverend Axel said, “Is it okay if we come in?” Sarah looked up in fear they'd changed their minds. 

“Dad, Mom, why are you here? You didn't change your minds did you?” she asked with some concern. 

“No, honey, we just wanted to meet the people you are going to be working with and basically just check the place out,” her father replied honestly. A relieved Sarah began making introductions.

A chill came over Grace Coffee House because of the uncertainty Reverend Sharp brought with him. It seemed everyone was suddenly anxious about what might occur next. Andi felt the cooling, and warmly spoke up, “Reverend and Mrs. Sharp, what a pleasure it is to see you. I'm so glad you came by. Welcome! My name is Andi and please allow me the privilege of introducing you to the owner of Grace Coffee House, Demetrius Grace and his brother and sister in law, Oliver and Sandy Grace.” 

“It's nice to meet all of you. Thank you,” Reverend Sharp said with a degree of surprise.

Demetrius stood up, shook hands with both Sharp's and said, “This is my new coffee house. Do you remember when we met on the sidewalk a few weeks ago? It's come a long ways since that day. Our Grand Opening is only three days away! But, pardon my rudeness, let me get you both something to drink. Mrs. Sharp, would you like a latte? And Reverend, I'm taking you for a black coffee man, am I right?”  

Greta Sharp shyly spoke up, “Well, I don't think I've ever had a latte, but why not? I'm game!” 

Once the drinks were made and distributed, the adults sat down in one of the 'chapels' and began to talk. “Reverend, how long have you been in Paine Harbor?” asked Oliver.

“Oh my. I'm guessing it's been nearly 20 years. I was quite a bit younger when I came to the island. In fact, it's where I met Mrs. Sharp.”

Andi spoke up. “That is wonderful. God has blessed you with a wonderful daughter. She is a gifted musician and when she plays, her face lights up in joy. Do you play Mrs. Sharp?” 

“A little.” she replied demurely. “Mostly hymns and church anthems.” 

“I'd love to hear you play sometime.” Andi encouraged. “I bet that's where Sarah got her knack for the piano.” 

Reverend Sharp interrupted, “Well, that's not why we are here today.” Turning to Demetrius, he said, “Mr. Grace, what are your expectations of Sarah if she works here?” 

“It's pretty straight forward, I expect her to run the place,” Demetrius teased, but suddenly realized his mistake in doing so and quickly corrected himself. “I'm sorry, I was just kidding. My mistake. Seriously, she'll help with the counter, taking orders, busing tables, basic customer service, and if she desires, I'd like to train her to be a barista.” Reverend Sharp looked confused. “Oh, I'm sorry, that's coffee house talk for the person who makes the coffee drinks. I was trained by a national champion barista and I'd like to pass that on to Sarah.”

Reverend Sharp shook his head in approval. “You know her schooling, family and church responsibilities must come first, right? If she starts to fall down in those areas, I'm afraid she won't be able to work here any longer,” he warned sternly. 

“Absolutely, sir. I'm in full agreement and you can count on me to regularly be asking her about her responsibilities. I'm on your side, Reverend Sharp,” Demetrius said with sobriety.

“Those are words I don't hear often,” Reverend Sharp said in appreciation. “Thank you for your support Mr. Grace. One other question, do you serve alcohol here?”

“Oh no, sir. Strictly coffee and soft drinks.”

Turning to Sarah, he called her over to join them. “Sarah, I want you to know that I approve of these people and this place. I believe that you have been given a great opportunity here. Are you up for it?” he asked. She assured him of her desire to do well in her work, and he seemed satisfied.

Andi piped in, “Now that we've accomplished that, I'd still love to hear Mrs. Sharp play the piano?” 

Greta's eyes lit up and she walked over to the piano, all the while looking to her husband for approval. He nodded his affirmation and she sat down. After playing a few riffs to get comfortable, she began to play an old Welsh revivalist hymn. Andi stepped to her side and sang along.

“Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Loving-kindness as the flood,

When the Prince of life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above.
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.”

Before long, Reverend Sharp was harmonizing with Andi and a hush fell over Grace Coffee House. Greta’s face ran with tears as she played and Sandy began to quietly pray healing over the lives of the Sharp family. Sarah stood in the nearby kitchen in a state of disbelief, aware that something important was happening, but not fully sure if she could trust it. The intensity of the moment was made stronger when Reverend Sharp lovingly put his hands on his wife's shoulders as she continued to play. 

As the song came to its natural conclusion, Sarah walked over and sat on the piano bench next to her mother. “Let's play together, Mom. How about this...” Sarah said as she began to play 'How Great Thou Art.' It didn't take but a moment for Greta to join in and soon all those gathered at Grace Coffee House broke out in worship and song together. The ancient hymn shifted into a jazz interpretive version of a more modern hymn about the holiness of God that Sarah was teaching everyone in the spontaneity of the moment. When it all came to a conclusion, all were in awe at what had just occurred.

Demetrius quietly said, “This is my vision for Grace Coffee House - a place of healing, holiness and praise - and it has started here today, hasn't it?” No one could say much, but all were in full agreement. “Would anyone like another coffee?” he continued. And with that they laughed.

An uncharacteristically quiet Sandy suddenly spoke up addressing the Sharp family. “I've got my iPhone, may I take a photo of the three of you at the piano? I'll email it to everyone to remember this day!” 

This family portrait would soon be enlarged and would take a place of honor on the mantle in the Sharp parsonage. Years later Sarah would speak of this day as the day God began to heal her family.