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Thirty minutes later, I found myself doing something I hadn't done in a long time—driving to church. I wasn't looking for absolution or salvation. I wasn’t sure if I was trying to dirty her up or have her bring light into my world. But I was seeking Grace, literally and maybe even a little figuratively.
She might not be thrilled to see me, but if Grace Hart could push my rules, I was going to push hers.
10
Grace
"Don't you look lovely, Faith! You always do, though." Disapproving steel grey eyes landed on me. “Grace.”
"Have a nice day, Mrs. DelPino." I smiled tightly and narrowly missed being hit by her large purse as she swung around to talk to someone else.
My oldest sister tucked her hand under my arm, and guided me toward the back of the sanctuary, nodding and smiling and doling out greetings and compliments as if they were penny candy.
"Just keep smiling, Grace," she muttered the mantra under her breath. "Glad to see you're feeling better, Mr. Carson!" she called out and waved to an elderly gentleman who I swear blushed with Faith's attention.
"I am," I snipped, then grimaced as her fingers tightened. I pasted on a smile I hoped looked sincere.
Honestly, I used to look forward to coming to church. It was an important part of me. I relished knowing that I shared in traditions that were ancient. I even liked hearing my dad's message that was always entertaining, as well as moving and thought-provoking. But that was before. Now, I felt like I was the center of attention; like I should be offered as a sacrificial lamb upon the altar to pay for my sins. Actually, not even mine, but someone else’s.
"Incoming," Faith warned, then broke out into her most charming smile. "Mrs. Wordsworth! I'm glad to see you looking as fit as ever. How is your grandson, Will? He has so much energy. I don't know how you deal with his... activities." I almost snorted at her description; Will's activities were the kind that often had him in trouble with the police.
Faith's arm tightened around mine, and I coughed to cover my laugh and doubled my effort to smile. Without waiting for an answer, she continued to gush. "Did you know Grace is raising money for the new teen center downtown? Why, I think it's a wonderful cause to help give those children something constructive to do instead of finding trouble! Maybe you'd be interested in a making a donation? I'm sure if you looked into it, you'd find it near and dear to your interests, too. Not to mention, Adam is talking it up in his circles, also."
Her voice dripped with enough honey to form a cavity. Faith was much like our father that way. They were masters of bringing up an uncomfortable topic but saying it so kindly that you almost missed that it was a reminder of your shortcomings, or in this case, those of a family member. Seriously, acting must run in the family. I don't know why everyone was surprised when Laurel landed a big role.
"I'd be happy to share some information with you," I responded, trying to match Faith's tone.
Mrs. Wordsworth sniffed. "I'll be sure to look into it." She nodded her head and walked past us.
Not even a bit ashamed, I clung to my big sister as she forged our way to the outer doors. She wielded kind words like a machete, clearing our path until we were past the crowd.
"You're amazing," I told her. "If it weren't for you, I'd still be in there defending what I ate for dinner last night."
Faith giggled. "Glad to help. I know it's been hard for you here. Feel free to use me as a bodyguard anytime."
I laughed, and then she joined in. The idea of Faith being physical toward anyone was crazy. She was the gentlest, sweetest person I knew, other than our mother. People loved her, even the BAG ladies. In their estimate, she was flawless. She always dressed in stylish but conservative clothing, her makeup was flawless but minimal, her cooking and sewing talents were second to none, and probably most important to them, she didn't work outside of the home. She was the perfect complement to her husband who was an assistant district attorney with bigger goals in mind.
Our lighthearted moment was interrupted when two other men joined us. One was Adam, Faith's husband. He’d never been easy or fun to be around, but I always figured it was because he was so serious. I was more concerned with how Faith's smile seemed more forced than it had seconds ago. I was even less enthusiastic when he was followed by his wannabe lapdog, Alton Butkus.
His face lit up when he saw us. I half expected to see him drool with his enthusiasm.
"Hi, Grace!" He immediately left Adam to stand next to me.
I moved a step back. "Hi, Alton."
Faith smiled sympathetically. Unlike earlier, there wasn't much she could do to save me this time. We paused near the door to greet my dad. The men shook his hand and waited while Faith and I each planted a kiss on his cheek which made him beam.
"How are my girls?"
"Good," we responded at the same time.
"You'll both be at dinner tonight?" The question was directed to the two of us, but his focus was on me. He was frowning, and his forehead puckered, a sign he was concerned I was still angry with him. He hated when any of us were at odds with each other, especially him.
"I'll be there, Daddy." I smiled and squeezed his arm to let him know I no longer held any resentment over last weekend's wedding and dinner debacle.
His broad shoulders relaxed. "Good. I love you, girls."
"We love you, too, Daddy," we chorused again.
