Ennis was feeling low, and for once, his pain had nothing to do with Jack Twist. Only a week before Mother’s day and Ennis had nothing to give Alma, the mother of his beautiful girls! Ennis watched his wife as she played with their daughters. That Alma was a good mom and she was certainly deserving of something nice for Mother’s Day. Ennis shifted uncomfortably on the living room couch as he racked his brain. He had to come up with a way to surprise his wife, and he had a week in which to do it.
Alma was on Jack Twist’s mind, as well. He remembered the look on her face as she practically squeaked “hello” the one and only time he visited that little apartment over the Laundromat. Jack couldn’t explain it, but his heart ached for the sweet faced Alma Del Mar. She married a good man, but Ennis’ little family had so little. Jack wanted to do something special for her, out of what…concern? Or could it be guilt? After all, Jack was determined to win Ennis back, no matter what. Jack was seated outside in his spacious back yard watching Lureen as she put a few steaks on the grill for supper. He felt very fortunate as he took in the scene. One week until Mother’s Day, and he had everything under control, and Lureen was none the wiser. Reservations were already made for 3 at “The Elegant Farmer” and a tasteful, thin gold bracelet was well hidden. Even little Bobby had a bottle of Chanel No. 5 ready for his mom, after saving his allowance for over a year to purchase the gift. Jack contemplated his life as he watched his family get ready for a luxury dinner. He was not happy by any means, but he was certainly comfortable. He had to find a way to do something for his friend’s wife. She deserved it!
Ennis sat alone during lunch as he had little to say to his boss or his co-workers. He wasn’t afraid of alienating anyone; Ennis had no use for friends at that stage in his life. He was right about to bite into his second PB&J sandwich when Jerry approached with message: Steve, the Foreman, wanted to see him right away. Ennis felt his throat constrict and it wasn’t because of the peanut butter. “Do you know what he wants?” Ennis asked Jerry as he took a swig of milk to wash down the bite of sandwich. “No, he didn’t tell me,” was all Jerry said as he retreated to a bench to finish his own lunch. Ennis rose from his seat and left his wrappers and empty milk carton for later. Thoughts of layoffs and pay cuts invaded his mind as he knocked on Steve’s door, and his knees felt weak. What would he do if he lost some of his pay or was laid off altogether? Life was hard enough on what he was bring in. He couldn't stand the gloomy thoughts and resolved right then and there to stay positive. “Come in,” Steve yelled in answer to Ennis’ knock. Steve got right to the point: “I have to admit that you’re one of the best workers I have, Del Mar,” He began. “I would appreciate it if you kept this under wraps, but I’m giving you a bonus for a job well done.” Ennis couldn’t be certain that he’d heard right, and he was silent. Steve smiled at him and continued: “I have here in this envelope a gift certificate for 4 to the Knife and Fork for whenever you want to use it. This includes dinner, drinks, dessert and can be used starting this Sunday. I also have cash here for you in the amount of $50.00.” Ennis could feel tears threatening to fall. “Well, come get your bonus, man,” Steve laughed. “Enjoy, and remember, not a word of this to anyone. I don’t want to make this a regular thing, especially since I can’t say how much I’ll have from day to day.” “Yessir,” Ennis managed. He gingerly removed the envelope from Steve’s fingers and walked out of his office. Once outside, Ennis almost danced a jig! He smiled as he thought about the nice purse and blouse that he would purchase for his wife with the bonus money. And how about dinner on Mother’s Day at the Knife and Fork? Ennis couldn’t believe his good fortune. He had doubts about the veracity of Steve’s generosity, but refused to question it. After all, God moved in mysterious ways. Meanwhile, Steve reflected back on the conversation he'd had with a man living in Texas, and his own instructions to keep the entire arrangement top secret. That Ennis Del Mar was a lucky man to have such a good friend.