Savage will. I crack a smile. “Thanks, man. I’ve been asking. I don’t always know what he’s trying to say.”
“Same here. We get it eventually, I think, if we keep listenin’. I was just readin’ in Jeremiah. He asked God some’n and it took ten days to hear his answer. Kinda shook me. Jeremiah was doin’ his God-given job to listen and it still took forever. It ain’t always a quick thing.”
You want us to keep pressing in, keep listening. Sounds like you.
“There’s some’n else,” he says.
“Gru and them. Do I let them rip on me or push back?”
“I dunno, man. I think that’s a Holy Spirit call.”
Sounds right.
You want me to trust you. With Kit, my reputation, with everything. Heart, soul, mind, strength.
Alright, let’s do this.
I clap my hands together. “Thanks, Haymitch. I did not want to have this talk, but God sent you to torture it out of me. I appreciate it.”
He laughs. “You really are a next-level dude. I’m so lucky to know you.” He slaps my arm and stands. “I’ll take it all to the grave. Speakin’ o’ secrets, I take it you haven’t shown her yet?”
“Not yet. I don’t want that to be the reason she changes her mind.” Then I’d always wonder if I was enough. No. This apple is falling far from the tree if it kills me. Still, I want every good thing for Kit, even if she rejects me, trashes my heart. I shake the thought away. No use imagining the worst. I’m in this.
“I get it. You gonna give it to her either way?”
“Absolutely.” I’m glad he asked—I don’t want him thinking his help was for nothing. “Where to now? I’ll take you.”
His cane is already unfolded. “Not this time. Thanks, buddy.”
Thanks for dragging me along to what I need. You take good care of me.
I step out of the chapel into the cold air. It’s stark black out here.
You got me through this. Tomorrow too, right?
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Back on the floor,my resolve is tested immediately. Mateo, Ethan, and Noah are in the hallway.
“Jeeves,” Mateo calls out, “when are you gonna let it rest with your embarrassing stalker project?”
My jaw snaps shut.
Can I say something?
I stare him down and walk past them.
“It’s pathetic.”
“Knock it off, Gru,” I try.
Make me like you, Jesus. I don’t want to put up with this punk, but it’s your call.
“Just saying. You’re such a pansy now, groveling over a tease.”
I backtrack to Mateo and get in his face. My fists are clenched, and I hope he sees them. I’m ready to push him, even fight him, if he says something else about her. “You will not speak about Kit like that.”
Mateo flinches, then forces a shaky laugh. “Fine, whatever, man. Relax.”
