Page 92 of Robbin’ the Rich

“So that’s it. You’re done?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m done with the church.”

The silence that followed felt final.

My father only glared at me.

The silence was interrupted surprisingly by my younger brother. “Well, it looks like our reservation is in fifteen minutes, if we don’t want to miss it….”

“Let’s go,” I said, ready to get out of there.

By the time we arrived at the restaurant, I was emotionally exhausted enough that I would have happily traded places with the turkey.

As we crossed the parking lot, my mother slipped her arm through mine. Anyone watching would have assumed we were a close family enjoying a holiday meal together. My mother had always been good at appearances. She could smile through almost anything if there was an audience.

"One favor," she said quietly.

I already knew what was coming. "What?"

"We don't need to continue this discussion tonight."

I glanced at her. She kept her eyes forward. "There are some families from the church meeting us for dinner. I'd appreciate it if we could act like everything is normal for a few hours."

"It's Thanksgiving, Mom. I’m leaving the church, not the family."

Relief flickered across her face. "Thank you."

The restaurant was crowded with families celebrating the holiday, the scent of roasted turkey and fresh bread hanging heavily in the air. We were led to a large private dining area in the back where several tables had been pushed together. The Hendersons had already arrived, and I spent the next ten minutes shaking hands, making polite conversation, and answering questions about teaching.

Normally I enjoyed talking about my students. Tonight my responses felt automatic. I smiled when appropriate, and laughed when expected. The entire thing felt oddly detached, as though I were watching myself participate from somewhere outside my body.

Eventually everyone settled into their seats. I found myself across from my younger brother and the three empty chairs remained at the far end of the table.

"Susan and Dave should be here with their daughter any minute," one of the Hendersons said.

My father nodded. "Good. I've been wanting to introduce our families for a while."

I barely registered the comment. I slipped my phone out of my pocket and looked at that last message between me and Robin. I might have to buy a pie on the way there, but if I survived this day, I could survive anything.

I put my phone back into my pocket before scooting my chair and excusing myself. I made my way to the restroom to get a little bit of air. I’d pretended for years to be who they wanted me to be, but I was finding it harder today.

After that conversation all I wanted to do was talk to Robin. I was going to tell her. She deserved to know and I deserved to live the life I genuinely wanted. The first step was already done.

When I came back from the restroom, I found the other seats at the table had been filled. I made my way back to my table and sat down.

“Micah, let me introduce you to the Sherwoods.”

Surely not, there was no way.

As I raised my head to see the family across from me my heart fell to the floor.

There sitting directly across from me was a face I would recognize anywhere.

Robin.

Her mouth fell open and all the blood whooshed to my head.

This was not good.