The Drip, a novel by Michael Gullo
“Hi. I’m Emma. Why you sittin’ alone in the middle?”
“I’m Stefanie. It’s my first time here and I didn’t know who sits where.”
“Oh we ain’t so formal’s all that. What a pretty dress!”
“Thank you. These hand written recipe cards here say I sat in a good cook’s seat.”
“Oh, darlin. That’s the midweek meal options. We take turns, and not ever one knows the recipes.”
“This church is gorgeous. That cast iron wood stove looks like it was installed with the building.”
“We restored that year before last. How’d you find us?”
“We bought some land right up the street, and I was drawn here the second I saw it.”
“And you came down soon’s you got a place up there to live?”
“No, I’ve been planning to come all month, but we still live in Hardin Valley.”
“So you drove an hour just to come meet us, you got no plans after?”
“We do Mamaw’s every other Sunday, but this is the off week – who are all them?”
“That’s Mamaw Mernie and my little girl Bernice and that’s Larry – Quit staring all you and come over here. This is Stefanie. She just bought Trail Holler, and she’s building her home up there.”
“Welcome, ma’am, I’m Bernice.”
“You’re a grown woman, Bernice, and I’m more likely go dress shopping with you than earn ma’am.”
“Welcome, Stefanie.”
“Well, hug her neck, Bernice. Don’t be formal.”
“I’m the Song Leader, Larry. Welcome.”
“That’s an awesome hug, Larry. No ma’am about it.”
“No, ma’am.”
“The quiet one back there is Mamaw Mernie.”
“My Mamaw is Mernie too, Myrtle!”
“Welcome, Stefanie. We’ll be so proud to be with you - and your Myrtle - any time you like.”
“Mamaw’s here now. She passed last year.”
“And you all still meet every other Sunday at her house for dinner?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Everyone - my aren’t you loud this morning - everyone I’d like to start off today’s service with an introduction. Let’s welcome Stefanie, Bernie tells me her name means the walls around a city to protect the congregation. Welcome, Stefanie.”