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“I feel like I just walked into a horror film,” she whispered to Jay.
His chest shook with suppressed laughter. “I admit I didn’t expect to see those two connect. Ryan hasn’t cheesed this much since...” He shrugged.
“So, what, they just decided they like each other?” Life was not that easy.
“It’s easy for some people.” Jay met her gaze.
Stared.
Seared into her being.
“Jay,” she breathed out.
“I know, Bebe. We can’t go backward.”
But at the moment, she wanted to. She shook her head. “Why don’t you introduce me?”
“Right.” He rubbed the back of his neck and then grabbed his crutch.
She followed him while examining May. Her friend’s face flushed pink, and her freckles seemed to have deepened to a golden brown. Jay cleared his throat, and May and the therapist whirled around, surprise on both their faces. Had they forgotten they weren’t alone but in a room full of people?
“Hey, Ryan, this is Bebe. Bebe, my friend Ryan.”
“Nice to meet you.” He offered a hand.
“Likewise.” She shook it, glancing at May out of the corner of her eye. Her friend looked down and began picking at some tape on the table. Bebe slid into the seat next to May. “Your cheeks are flaming,” she murmured.
“Shh. Like yours don’t around Jay.”
Touché.Before she could finish her retort, Mrs. Walker and the Reverend walked in. The rest of the committee quickly followed, and introductions were made.
They sat down, and the Reverend folded his hands across his stomach. “I’ve decided not to continue on the committee.” He looked at his wife. “Mrs. Walker pointed out that my time is needed to reflect on this year’s message.”
Thank You, Lord.Bebe didn’t mean it maliciously, but the meetings would be less tense if he didn’t participate. She sent a small smile of gratitude toward Mrs. Walker. The older woman winked in understanding.
“All I ask is that you remember why we’re celebrating. No need to be outrageous.” His last words seemed to be directed toward Jay.
Bebe wanted to lay a hand on Jahleel’s arm, but he sat across from her. His face remained impassive, not a hint ofhis thoughts showing. Did the subtext the Reverend hinted at bother him?Of course it does.Bebe had to remember to be gracious toward Obadiah Walker. Despite his bluster, she’d learned many things from him that had helped her faith. He wasn’t all bad, more like a curmudgeon in those Christmas movies who needed his heart to grow.
“I’ll take over from here, Obadiah.” Mrs. Walker kissed her husband on the cheek and then sat down at the end of the conference table.
For a moment, the Reverend looked lost before finally walking out of the room.
“Okay, gang.” Mrs. Walker clasped her hands together. “I think we should assign projects to everyone to make this more manageable. Hopefully then we won’t have to have weekly meetings unless something important comes up.”
“Makes sense,” May said.
“Good. Barbara Ann, Peyton, and I would like to handle the food. Any objections?”
A chorus ofnos sounded. Who would object to the best cooks preparing refreshments? Bebe hoped Mrs. Walker made more bread pudding.
“Great.” Mrs. Walker beamed. “We need to decorate the town hall. May, are you still good with that?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I can help with that,” Sam offered.
“I don’t mind either,” Ryan said. He smiled at May, who glowed.
