The food came from a high-end restaurant and, despite her anxious stomach, Evangeline ate. Joey chatted about his mega church and how he loved helping people. Hannah seemed enthralled with his storytelling abilities.
Evangeline, not so much.
As Joey droned on and on, her thoughts wandered to Sin. He’d handled the press with poise and power.So much power. His words floated back to her.I know the way you move, the sounds you make. I know what you like, what turns you on.
A tiny sigh escaped her, and Joey stopped talking.
“Itisamazing, isn’t it?” Joey beamed at her. “He was so grateful for my guidance, but it wasn’t me.” Joey pointed upward. “I give Him all the credit.”
“The neighbor upstairs?” Evangeline quipped.
Hannah burst out laughing, but Joey just frowned. “No, the Lord Almighty. This is a townhouse. No one lives upstairs.” He rose. “Speaking of the Lord, I brought you something, Hannah. Be right back.”
“He’s so sweet,” Hannah whispered when Joey left the room.
Joey returned before Evangeline could even open her mouth to object.
“I wanted you to have this.” He set a brochure next to Hannah. “It’s about adoption.”
The hair on the back of Evangeline’s neck prickled. “For Hannah?”
“I thought she might be interested in knowing a little more about the benefits of giving a child a traditional, two-parent upbringing.”
Evangeline wanted to rip that brochure from Hannah’s fingers and tear it into a million fucking pieces. “She’s quite competent and capable of raising her son.”
“Your sister expressed concerns about doing it alone.”
“I’m guessing that’s pretty common amongst first-time moms.” Evangeline stacked the dirty plates and carried them to the sink. She turned around and bumped into Joey.What the…
“Hey, I’m sorry,” Joey crooned as she stepped around him. “I offer counsel to those in need. Didn’t mean to overstep.”
“You’re fine,” Hannah interjected. “I’ll give this a look-through.”
“I love to work out,” Joey continued as if he hadn’t just offended the hell out of Evangeline. “Hannah mentioned you’re new in town, too. I’m looking for a racquetball partner. Do you play?”
“Evangeline’s very athletic,” Hannah piped in.
“You look like you work out,” Joey said. “Let me know if you want to play sometime.”
“Sure,” Evangeline replied, relieved he hadn’t pushed for a date.
After another nauseating hour of listening to Joey tout his many career accomplishments while saving sinners, Evangeline rose from the table. “I’ve got to head out.”
Joey popped up. “I’m sure Hannah is tired. I’ll walk you out.”
“Let’s talk tomorrow about Christmas with Mom,” Evangeline said to Hannah.
“Is there room at her holiday table for one more?” Joey asked.
“I think Charlene is going to need your pastoral counsel this year,” Evangeline said, “and your company during this difficult time.”
“Oh, yeah. Right.”
Hoping to beat Joey out, she shouldered her bag and left, but his long stride had him sidling next to her in seconds.
“I’m sorry if it seems like I’m being pushy,” Joey began. “I just want to be of service to your sister. She’s struggling.”
“Uh-huh.”
