When Love's at Work by Merri Hiatt Page A

looking
for a business-like atmosphere with just a touch of whimsy.”
    “ I can be whimsical,”
Courtney muttered under her breath, still playing with Misha. “At
least the cat loves me.”
    “ Oh, Court,” Purity said,
joining her friend on the floor and showering her with kisses and
hugs. “We love you! We just don’t want you to decorate our places
of work. You can decorate my home any time.”
    “ Yeah, you say that now. I
know how it is. Misha is the only one who understands me,” Courtney
said.
    Meg joined her friends on the floor and they
double-teamed Courtney with I love you’s and hugs and kisses until
they were all laughing and the small tiff was forgotten.
    “ I can’t believe you’re
doing this, Meg,” Purity said with joy in her eyes. “I’m really
proud of you. I know this is scary, and I also know you’ll be
great. You deserve this so much.”
    “ It’s so nice to have
friends I know I can count on.”
    “ When can we see the
place?” Courtney asked.
    “ Any time you want. I’ve
already paid this month’s rent and I’ve got the keys.”
    “ Let’s go see it now,”
Court said.
    “ Yes!” Purity joined
in.
    “ Okay,” Meg stated,
thrilled that her friends were as excited as she was about her new
endeavor. She was finally doing what she had dreamed about for so
long.
    Everyone loaded themselves into Meggie’s car
and headed over to her new office space. Meg was right, it was
perfect. Not too large and not too small. Goldilocks would be
proud.
    There was a space for a receptionist,
although Meg wouldn’t be availing herself of any kind of
secretarial service until she got established. Meg pictured a round
table where she would meet with clients and, of course, she’d need
to purchase a desk for herself. The space also had a small storage
area and restrooms down the hall.
    “ It’s fabulous, Meg!”
Courtney told her friend.
    “ We need to do some kind
of blessing,” Purity said, “of the office and of your new
venture.”
    “ It can’t hurt,” Meg
responded. Purity was always the first to say they should bless
this or pray about that. When their friend, Allison, moved into her
home, which was a serious fixer-upper, Pure had suggested that her
friends come over and write messages of love and wishes for
Allison’s future all over the walls before they were painted. The
party had been great fun. Every time Meg went to Allison’s house,
she was reminded that lying just below the surface of paint were
all the well wishes and blessings of her friends.
    It didn’t take long for the group to make
their way back to Pure’s apartment. The smell of roasting chicken
inflamed their appetites as soon as they walked in the door.
    “ Oh my gosh, I hope that
chicken is done. I could eat the whole thing,” Courtney said,
heading directly for the oven to sneak a peek at the golden brown
bird.
    “ It should be just about
done. What does the timer say?” Pure asked.
    Before Courtney could answer, the buzzer on
the timer went off.
    “ Yea!” Courtney said, her
mouth already salivating.
    “ Let me just check the
temperature with the thermometer real quick,” Purity
commented.
    “ Smells done,” Meg said,
“I’ll get the salad out of the fridge.”
    “ I’ll set the table,”
Courtney joined in.
    There was a flurry of activity as
preparations were made to enjoy their feast. All three women
assumed their regular positions on the living room floor, using the
coffee table as their dining surface.
    They all joined hands and said a prayer of
thanksgiving for the food, Meg’s new business, their new friend,
Misha, and the blessing of their friendship.
    “ Hey, did you hear that
Mrs. Cravens is finally selling her home?” Meg asked.
    “ Oh, is she really?”
Courtney said sadly. “I wish one of her kids would buy it, but
they’re spread out all over the place now.”
    “ Pure, didn’t you say you
were looking to buy a house?” Meg queried.
    “ Yes, but Mrs. Cravens’
house