The Persistent Heart

De: Marianne Dora Rose

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Paula Freda, writing as Marianne Dora Rose, presents The Persistent Heart, a Christian inspirational Romance. Can a young woman, beautiful within, save the soul of the man she secretly loves, who long since strayed from the Good Lord's fold, and is on the path to perdition? Though Intelligent, a bank data entry clerk, what chance does she stand with only her prayers and the strength of her faith? Excerpt: "I guarantee you, that within ten years I'll be our department's president!" David's tone brooked no argument. His friend and co-worker laughed. "I'm sure the score of hopefuls in line ahead of you, would beg to differ." The elevator door opened on the fifth floor housing the cafeteria, and Debby entered, chin-length mousy brown hair sidling across her cheeks as she bent her head and raised her wrist to read the time on her watch. She was unaware that a smidgen of ketchup hung to the corner of her mouth. She'd lost track of time and gone over her 45 minutes alloted for lunch. No time to clean up in the rest room, only a quick swipe of her napkin across her lips and a hurried run to the elevators to return to the tenth floor and her cubicle and computer.David's voice from behind froze her into place. "Ben, I assure you those hopefuls won't stand a chance. I have them beat by education, seniority, and a well-kept list of any and all mistakes, no matter how small or pardonable."Ben raised an eyebrow. "No Mercy, no quarter given," he said without surprise. "You'll mow down anyone who gets in your way.""Anyone?" Debbie asked.Both men started, becoming aware of her."No matter who you hurt?" Debby asked.David's ego demanded he answer, without noticing who was asking, except for the female voice. "Yes," he replied, "no matter whose or how many toes I'll need to step on."He waited for a rebuttal, an argument, but none came. The silence made him look at the speaker. She looked familiar, but he wasn't certain from where. Not surprising. She wasn't much to look at. No one he'd want to remember. Except perhaps for her eyes. Mousy brown like her hair. He felt the urge to laugh. Those nondescript eyes were gazing at him with compassion. He was tempted to ask who she was, but the elevator came to a halt and the doors to the tenth floor opened. She hurried out."Hey," Ben nudged him. "We getting out?""Yes, yes, of course," David said, stepping off the elevator. It was their floor as well. "Silly female," he muttered. "Who is she, do you know?"Ben shook his head. "No idea. But the tenth floor is your department. You're the manager. I did notice she headed in the direction of the typing pool.""You still call it that?" David asked."Old habits die hard," he said."No wonder you're still Assistant Manager," David scoffed. But his tone held no contempt, rather familiarity. Ben was not an achiever. He liked his job, it paid well, and he was content. He was a conscientious worker. And most important, trustworthy. He liked Ben. The man wasn't afraid to speak his mind, but he never condemned or judged. He'd originally been a Psychologist, but midway his career, he'd left the practice, choosing randomly to work as a bank employee in the Management department as his Assistant. Ben hoped to retire in a few years. David sighed. He'd miss him. And there were very few people he knew, if any, who warranted that feeling. Especially when he would need to choose a new assistant.David guffawed at a ridiculous thought that passed through his mind. Maybe he ought to choose that silly imp in the elevator with the compassionate gaze to replace Ben when he retired.