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Pamela plastered a fake smile on her face. “Thanks for coming, Faith,” she said, leaning down and embracing Faith. Faith couldn’t help but freeze up. “I want you to be one of my bridesmaids. You’ll have to cover up those burns of course. We want the wedding pictures to be perfect.”
Faith sucked in a wounded breath. She didn’t even have the wherewithal to respond. With a nod of her head she turned on her heel and quickly walked away, exiting the patio area and making her back toward the front of the house. If she could fly away from here she would. Dealing with Pamela was an exercise in futility. She was as mean as a snake and twice as cruel. She was stupid for putting up with it! There was no way she was going to subject herself to the agony of being Pamela’s bridesmaid. Somehow she would find a way to wiggle out of it. Hot tears splashed on to her cheeks. At this moment she missed her parents so much it felt like a stabbing pain all over her body.
“Faith!” She heard her name being called from behind her. Within seconds she felt a gentle touch on her arm. Without even turning around, Faith knew it was Micah.
She turned toward him, her heart sinking at the idea of Micah seeing her tears.
“Are you all right? You walked out of the party so abruptly. And it looks like you’re crying.” He reached out and wiped a tear away from her cheek.
“I’m fine,” she said in a brisk tone. She didn’t want Micah’s pity.
“Did something happen with Pamela?” he asked.
“No, of course not,” she said. For so long now she’d been covering for the animosity Pamela exhibited toward her. It was second nature to her.
“I don’t believe you,” Micah said, his tone curt. “I was watching the two of you. Pamela said something to upset you.”
“What does it matter?” Faith asked, her tone sharp. “Pamela has always been the Queen Bee and she always will be. It’s her world and I’m just living in it.”
Micah’s eyes widened. Faith gulped. Had she gone too far? She didn’t want Micah to view her as a jealous hag.
“I’m sorry,” she said, sighing. “I’m just tired.”
“It’s okay to be honest about your feelings, Faith. To be honest, Pamela and I aren’t close.” He wrinkled his nose. “And I doubt we ever will be.”
Faith felt her eyes nearly pop out of her head. Everyone always loved Pamela. But not Micah? “You’re not? But she’s marrying your best friend.”
“I know,” Micah said, quirking his mouth. “I was kind of hoping he would call things off.” The corners of his mouth twitched with merriment, which made Faith grin. Two minutes ago she’d been reduced to tears by her cousin and now she was laughing thanks to Micah.
“Are you serious or kidding?” she asked, wanting to make sure he wasn’t just being humorous about her cousin.
“Let’s just say I don’t think they’re right for each other.” Micah’s face turned solemn. “But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t repeat that to Pamela…or Rafferty for that matter. I’ve been trying to be supportive of Rafferty.”
Faith made a face. “You don’t have to worry about me repeating anything. We’re not close. To be honest,” she admitted, “I’m not sure why I’m even here tonight. I haven’t seen Pamela for months.”
Micah shook his head. “Well thanks for coming tonight, Faith. It was great to meet you.”
She couldn’t help but grin. “Thanks for having me. I enjoyed myself. Goodnight.”
“Night.” The single word spoken by Micah washed over her as she stepped into her car, turned on the headlights and revved the engine. Micah stood a few feet away from her car and waved to her as she drove away. It was a sweet gesture that left Faith with a heartwarming feeling about Micah. Most men who looked like him were the furthest thing from sweet.
There she went again judging people based on her own perceptions. She really needed to stop it. Judge not lest ye be judged.
As she drove home Faith thought about the last few hours. Pamela was a lucky woman. Her fiancé was clearly enamored of her. Rafferty seemed to worship the very ground she walked on. How many nights had she prayed for God to bring her someone who would love her unconditionally? A man who would stick by her side come what may.
Lord, whoever you have in mind for me, please let him love me with all my flaws and imperfections. Allow him to see my heart first and foremost. Let him love me the way You do. Let him rejoice in the way You made me. And please don’t wait too long to send him my way. It’s getting a little lonely out here.
**
“Thanks for sticking around to help me clean up, Shayla.” Micah looked around his kitchen. It was almost spotless thanks to a slew of Donahue helpers. He’d sent everyone else home a little while ago. Shayla was spending the night in his guest room rather than driving all the way to her place. The roads leading to his house were twisted and winding. He didn’t want to have to worry about his baby sister getting into an accident on her way home.
“Micah. Can I ask you a question?” Shayla asked as she rinsed out a glass in the sink.
“That depends,” Micah said. He reached out and tweaked Shayla’s nose. “Your questions are usually super nosy. And the answer is no. I’m not dating anyone at the moment. And no, I don’t want to date any of your friends.”
Shayla rolled her eyes. “Wrong on both counts.” She bit her lip. “I wanted to ask you something about Pamela. You don’t like her very much, do you?”
Micah locked gazes with Shayla. It wasn’t his habit to lie to her, but he didn’t want to let on about his negative feelings about Pamela. He really didn’t want Rafferty to ever figure out how deep his feelings ran. “She’s all right,” he said. “Honestly, I don’t even know her very well.”
