Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
The smile he gives me can only be described as panty-melting. “Maybe a little.”
“Well, this weekend I’m busy. When’s their next meeting?”
We continue our trek toward the church, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the path.
“Tuesday night. Will you be able to make it?”
I nod. “Sure thing.” I stop and turn to face him, the weight of the upcoming task heavy on my mind. “I’m really nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
He places both hands on my shoulders, bending slightly to look into my eyes. “I’ll be watching from another room the whole time. All you need to do is give me a signal if you get uncomfortable and I will get you out of there.”
“A signal?”
“Maybe you could scratch your nose or tap your head,” he suggests with a small laugh.
I blink, trying to think of something clear and unmistakable. “Maybe something like this.” I tap the top of my head with two fingers, three times. “Like that.”
“If you do that, I will be in the room faster than you can say Club Greed.”
“Thank you.” I feel a wave of relief knowing Father Carmichael will be close by. “What should I do?” I ask, seeking more guidance.
“For now, don’t try to engage in deep conversation. Focus on gaining their trust. Be someone they wouldn’t mind opening up to.”
I nod again, feeling a bit more confident. “Okay. I guess I can do that. I’ve never danced for anyone before in my life.”
“I’ve arranged for you to be the only Greedy Girl working the meeting, so you might just be busy getting them drinks all night long. I wouldn’t worry about the dancing right away.”
We reach the church grounds, the small playground beside his house looking peaceful in the fading light. We walk through the fallen leaves, their crunching underfoot a soothing sound in the quiet afternoon.
“I can do this,” I tell him, determined to help Father Carmichael with his mission.
“I appreciate it, and if at any time you’re uncomfortable, you let me know and we can call it quits on the whole thing.”
“Okay.” I offer him a soft smile, feeling a mix of gratitude and resolve.
“Will you be at church on Sunday?”
“Yes,” I reply without hesitation. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
He nods, his expression warm and reassuring. “Good. I’ll see you then.”
As we part ways, I glance back at the church, feeling a sense of purpose and a little less alone in this daunting endeavor. Is it crazy to be excited about seeing him on Sunday?
It is, right?
Chapter 10
Evangelina
“Have fun with Mommy,” Christopher says to Nate as he kisses the top of his head. He hands Nate his little dinosaur backpack and Nate rushes on little feet to where I stand at the edge of the driveway next to my car.
I don’t have the energy to fight with Christopher today. After working until almost two am, and then having the hardest time falling asleep, I’m a bit tired today.
I worried Christopher would find some way to screw up my visitation this weekend. “I’ll see you Sunday at six.” Which is our usual time.
“Actually can we switch in the morning? I have a meeting that’s going to run late, so it’d be easier.”
“I had wanted to take Nate to church with me.”
Christopher moves closer so we’re not shouting across his lawn. He raises a brow. “Church?”
I nod. “Yes, I’ve joined a church and wanted to take Nate.”
Christopher laughs harder now. “You at church? Now this I gotta see.”
I don’t say anything more. I’ve never been the type of person who hates on religion. I believe in good and evil. And Christopher is evil.
I could sit here and fight with him about how the change in time completely cuts into my time with my son, but what’s the use? He’s going to win no matter what I say, so instead I smile. “Sure, the morning’s fine.”
My lawyer once told me to pick my battles. Christopher fights me on everything and he knows exactly how to push my buttons. He’s testing me. Trying my patience. Until one day I snap. Well, I won’t give him that satisfaction. With my new job I’ll be able to get my son sooner rather than later.
“I love you,” I say as I kneel down to give my son a hug. It’s been so long since I’ve had this child in my arms. Tears spring to my eyes as his little arms wrap around my neck.
“I missed you, Mommy.”
“I missed you too.” I stand to my full size. “Ready to go have fun?”
He smiles wide, his green eyes shining up at me. “Yes, I’m ready.”
I help him into the booster in the backseat, and place his dino backpack on the seat beside him. “How was school today?” I ask him, remembering when I used to be the one who picked him up daily from childcare. “You still loving kindergarten?”