Page 38 of Not Until I Found You

“I’d like to,” I interrupt. “Please.”

She hesitates for a moment, contemplating whether or not to let me help, before she steps back and says, “Okay. Thank you.”

Felix Grady is behind the counter and is also one of the biggest gossips in all of Covewood. His wide eyes are darting between me and the aisle Lily must still be in. I level him with a look that I hope will shut down his questions before they leave his mouth.

It seems to work, because he quickly turns to Maxinne. “Hi there. I haven’t seen you around before. Are you visiting?”

Maxinne seems to relax a little at his question. “Yeah. I’m here for the summer, helping out my family.”

“Oh yeah? Who’s your family?”

“Ashton and Charlie—” She doesn’t even have to say their last name before Felix’s face brightens in recognition.

“Your Charlie’s daughter? No kidding. I haven’t seen him in a while. How’s he doing? I heard about his stroke a few months back. It was terrible news.”

I wish he would hurry this up, because every cell in my body is buzzing, begging me to make my escape from this store, to put as much possible space between Lily and me. I suck in a breath of air, feeling as if the walls are starting to close in on me.

Maxinne’s shoulders slump, the reminder of her dad’s stroke holding some weight to it. “He’s…okay. His therapy sessions have been going well. He’s hanging in there and definitely doesn’t like needing my help.”

Felix chuckles, clearly unaware of my mounting panic. “That sounds about right. He’s always been a stubborn one. Tell Charlie I said hi when you see him next.”

“I will.” She gives him a nod.

Felix finishes ringing up our things, sliding the bags across the counter with a cheerful, “All set!”

I take my card from him, already feeling the pressure coil tighter in my chest. “Let’s get going,” I mutter.

I don’t wait for Maxinne to respond as I lightly guide her toward the door. Once we’re outside, I unlock my truck and open the door for her, forcing myself to focus on this single task. I keep my gaze on the ground, not wanting to see the pity or concern in her expression, and wait until she’s slid into the seat before I rush around to the driver’s side. I pause for a moment, sucking in a few deep breaths as I try to gather myself.

Finally, I climb into the driver’s seat and dare a glance at Maxinne after the door shuts behind me. She watches me quietly, eyes wide in curiosity, tinged with a subtle uncertainty that makes me ashamed of how I must be acting.

“Are you okay?” she asks in a gentle voice.

I want to lie to her, to tell her that everything’s fine, but with the way she’s looking at me, her brown eyes searching mine with a patience I don’t deserve, it has me choosing honesty. I answer with a shake of my head.

A hand lands softly on my bicep, her fingers press gently into the fabric of my t-shirt sleeve, and this one simple touch seems to anchor me. I inhale a deep breath, my eyes tracing over her face. It’s impossible to look away from her with the way the sunlight shines against her cheekbones.

“Do you want to pray?” she asks tenderly.

I blink, caught off guard by her question. “What?”

“I know I’m not the best person to offer with how back and forth my faith has been lately, but I thought maybe it’s something you might need?” There’s a hint of embarrassment in her tone.

I nod, a few small, shaky movements. “Yeah…yeah. I could use some prayers right now.”

Without overthinking, I reach for her hand, letting mine cover it. Her eyes widen in surprise, like she wasn’t expecting this, but I want her involved. The weight of her hand presses reassurance into me, helping to ground my racing thoughts. I gesture for Maxinne to bow her head with me. She hesitates for a second, brows knitting in brief uncertainty, then slowly leans in. I wait until she’s ready before lowering my own head and beginning the prayer.

“God, help me calm my racing heart and mind. I’m uncertain of the emotions overwhelming me right now, but I know during moments like this, I can lean on you. Please bring me peace and reassurance of your plan and will for my life. For I know your way is always best, help me to trust in that. It’s in your name that I pray, Amen.”

I keep my head bowed and eyes closed for a second until my pulse steadies and my breathing evens out. The presence of Maxinne’s hand in mine makes everything seem okay, even if only for this moment. When I finally open my eyes and look at her, she’s studying me.

“It’s that easy?” she asks softly.

“Is what easy?”

“Prayer. Talking to God like that?”

I nod. “Yeah. You just talk to Him like an old friend, because that’s exactly who He is.”