Page 33 of Betrayed

“I like that idea. And I haven’t forgotten … I just can’t right now.”

“Go to bed. There’ll be another time.”

AJ told Zara good night and got ready for bed, but cautiously entered her bedroom, checking her closet and under her bed. She was acting paranoid, but someone was sending those creepy texts, and she didn’t trust they weren’t from Daryl. And more than anything, she didn’t trust Daryl not to take extreme measures to get what he wanted.

At church the next morning, Logan sat in a chair in the center of the row halfway down the middle section. He set his Bible over two chairs to save a spot for Will and Zara.

Will came in and handed Logan his Bible. “You survived being in the same room as AJ last night. Good job, friend.”

Logan shook his head and winced.

“You okay?” Will took his seat.

“A headache, no big deal.”

“You’ve been having those a lot lately.”

Logan shrugged. He wasn’t about to tell his friend the headaches were a result of his increased whiskey consumption. The more he saw AJ, the more he wanted to drink. It was the easiest way to not have to think about all he had lost.

The band came on the stage, and the guys stood as the music started. As the worship leader welcomed everyone, Zara slipped in next to Will and gave him a hug. She waved at Logan.

He returned the gesture with a smile.

AJ joined Zara. Logan tried to keep his smile but looked away in case it faltered. He shouldn’t be rude, even if he wished she wasn’t here. For years, they’d managed to avoid each other, even while still attending the same church. He knew she went to first service, so why was she at second today?

She had the freedom to come to whichever service she wanted. It only made sense that she’d go with her roommate, but … he growled internally.

He’d sing and ignore her. He’d be fine. At least he tried to tell himself he would be. But he wasn’t.

After worship, the pastor got up and started his sermon. Logan opened his Bible and followed along as the pastor taught out of the book of 1 John. He talked about how if we claim to love God but hate a brother or sister we are liars and murderers.

Logan was antsy. When would the service be over?

But when the pastor said, “Loving means forgiving,” Logan could barely stay in his seat.

He closed his Bible. It was over and done; did forgiveness really matter now?

He bided his time by thinking about that kid who had set Amelia and Caleb’s trash can on fire. She had gotten him to crack and reveal his friend’s identity. The two of them had been charged with a misdemeanor and released to their parents pending the hearing. The kid never did admit to going anywhere near Logan’s house, so he didn’t tell them what he was doing there. It would remain a mystery for now.

During the last song, Logan felt the Holy Spirit trying to nudge him. I just can’t. I don’t know how, and frankly, I don’t know that I want to.

He didn’t want to deny the Holy Spirit. But it felt easier to ignore Him for now. Let’s deal with it later. He should pray for a softened heart, but that would require more of him than he could give up right now.

When the pastor bade them all a good week, Logan turned to Will and Zara and said, “I’ll see you guys later.”

Logan darted away as fast as possible, which was a snail’s pace as everyone slowly exited their seats.

Amelia and Caleb stopped him and chatted for a few minutes. At least it wasn’t AJ. When they were done talking, Logan glanced over his shoulder. No sign of AJ.

He breathed a little easier. Walking out the front door, he considered what he should do this afternoon. It was too early to start drinking, though tempting. He didn’t want to become an alcoholic, but where was that line anyway? He wasn’t there yet. Surely, not.

AJ stood in the shadow of a tree close to the church. Miles stopped and said hi to her.

Logan halted and contemplated turning back into the church, but he felt frozen in place. How’d he missed Miles inside? If only Logan hadn’t seen AJ.

She didn’t engage, so Miles went and got in his rental car parked nearby.

Logan should go back inside. Surely she’d leave soon. No, he should walk by and let it be.