“Let me go first.”
He catches my wrist as I turn to leave. I look down at where we’re connected, startled by the firmness of his grip. My eyes find his baby blues. They’re brimming with anticipation. Or maybe desperation. “When can we talk?”
I pull on my hand. “Not here. Not now.”
Or ever, if I can help it.
He steps closer, his gaze intense. Focused. “Where? When?”
“I don’t know,” I grit out, tugging against his hold. “Let me go.”
He does, but slowly. Reluctantly.
Eager to make my escape, I poke my head out into the hall. The coast is clear. Relieved, I slip out without looking back.
Chapter 3
Brandon
Myhandsslidedownthe bathroom door as Evie runs away, leaving me high and dry—yet again. My forehead bumps against the wood as I whisper a prayer I’ve uttered at least a thousand times before.Lord, please help me break through to her.
A sharp, accusing voice tells me I deserve this. That what I did was unforgivable.
Closing my eyes, I breathe through my nose as I push the unhelpful thoughts out of my mind. As much as I want to believe that, I know it’s a lie. The only voice I should be listening to is the Lord’s—and His voice convicts, never condemns. His voice comforts, guides, brings clarity and peace of mind.
That other voice makes my heart race. My blood boil. My head swim with confusion and contempt for myself. It’s either my voice or the Enemy’s. I’m not sure which. Maybe a blend of the two. Either way, it’s a convincing voice all the same.
I’m still trying to regulate my breathing and clear my mind long enough to whisper another prayer when I hear Evie’s father shouting. I listen closer, wondering if I should make a move now or wait.
Evie, always one to hold her own, raises her voice right back. “Oh, I forgot. Everything is always my fault, isn’t it?”
“Don’t be such a drama queen.”
Great. They’re arguing. Lord, what do I do? I can’t just hide out here until they’re done. They’ll know I heard every word. But I can’t interrupt, either. That’s even more awkward.
I don’t hear Evie’s response, but her father’s voice rises again. “You were rude to her, Evie. I won’t hear another word. Youwillapologize to her.”
“I’m going to have to interrupt them, aren’t I?” I can’t just stand here and listen to their interpersonal drama. Evie would kill me. I’m skating on thin ice with her as it is.
Well, let’s be honest. I’ve already fallen through the ice. I’m fighting the undertow at this point.
Sighing deeply, I wrench the door open and move down the hall, mentally blocking their voices out to give them some degree of privacy. I keep my eyes on the floor as I round the corner and make my appearance—just in time for Evie to blow up.
“For once in your life, Dad, justleave me alone.”
Richard’s face goes from tan to red in two seconds flat. His chest inflates with air, and his mouth opens as if he’s about to give her a verbal reprimanding—when his gaze suddenly shifts to me. When he spots me dithering in the dining room doorway like a fool, the fight leaves his eyes. “Brandon, son.” He props his hands on his belt. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt.” I jerk a thumb over my shoulder. “I just had to use the restroom before heading out.”
Richard nods and backs up a step. I have to walk between him and Evie to get to the front door, and I feel the scorch of Evie’s disgusted glare as I pass by. They follow me down the hall. Maggie appears in the kitchen doorway along with Francine, Richard’s wife. Everyone looks about as uncomfortable as I feel.
“Thanks for having me,” I say, shrugging my coat on.
The door squeaks as Richard opens it. “Thanks for coming. It was great seeing you.”
“It was my pleasure.” I give Maggie a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, then do the same for Francine. “Thank you for the meal, Maggie. It was delicious.” Finally, I turn to Evie, whose arms are crossed and face is downcast.
When I lean in close, her arms drop limply to her sides, almost like she’s lost feeling in them. She gasps under her breath when my lips make contact with her cheek. “And thankyou, Spitfire,” I whisper into her ear, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know you had more to do with dinner than you let on.”
