“That’s not what I expected to hear.”
Bobby Ray’s face went hot. He wished he hadn’t answered.
Rush pressed. “What were you doing at the library?”
He just looked at Rush. Let the man think whatever he wanted. He was done talking. Rush asked a few more questions. Bobby Ray didn’t say a word. Rush sighed, stacked papers, and put them in his briefcase. He stood and tapped the door. The guard opened it. “He’s all yours.” Rush walked out, leaving Bobby Ray alone with the guard.
That night, Bobby Ray dreamed of his mother again. He begged her not to leave, but she pushed his hands away and said she’d be back. I always come back, don’t I? Don’t hold on to me, baby. I gotta go to work.
GRACE OVERSLEPT SUNDAY MORNING, and awakened to her cell phone buzzing on the nightstand. Fumbling for it, she saw Shanice’s face on the screen and answered. “What time is it?”
“Where are you? We’re at the café. Are you okay?”
“Fine. I’m still in bed. I was up until three.”
“I didn’t know you had that much stuff to put away.”
“I don’t. I just couldn’t sleep.”
“Grace, honey, we have something to tell you. We wanted to tell you in person. Unfortunately, you didn’t show up.”
She wasn’t sure she could survive another of Shanice’s ideas.
“What is it?”
“You have a date this coming Wednesday, at seven.”
“Are we going to a movie or a Bible study?”
“You and Brian Henley are going to dinner at Lawry’s. Nice, huh?”
Groggy, Grace yawned. “I don’t know any Brian Henley.”
“Well, you will. We signed you onto a Christian mingle site, and when this incredible guy popped up, we responded.”
Grace’s eyes opened. “What? You’d better be kidding.”
“Just listen. He’s a widower, a youth pastor with a master’s, handsome as all get-out, loves kids. He’s perfect for you—”
Wide-awake now, Grace sat up. “I don’t need or want a man, Shanice.”
“It’s too late. The date is made.”
“Then you keep it.”
“He saw your picture. He’ll expect you to show up. He looks like a great guy. It’d be rude to stand him up.”
“Tell me how to contact him and I’ll—”
“Please, Grace. Do it for me.”
Grace knew what was bothering Shanice. “Why are you still feeling guilty? What happened wasn’t your fault. It was mine. I’ve never blamed you, ever.”
“I know, honey, but maybe I’ll feel better if you go on this date.”
“That’s blackmail!”
“Not if it turns out the way we’re all hoping.”
“And if it doesn’t, will you promise never to do this to me again?” She waited, but Shanice wasn’t one to make a promise lightly. “Shanice?”
“You might be interested to know how many gentlemen responded to your profile.”
Grace groaned. “Not really.”
“Okay. Okay. You’re not fully awake. I caught you at a bad time. But you’ll thank us later, I’m sure.”
Grace could hear Ashley in the background talking about how cute Brian Henley was. If he was a Brit, Grace wouldn’t have to worry. She could send Ashley in her place.
The warm waterfall shower felt so good, she lingered. Wash all my sins away, Lord. Cleanse my heart and mind from those memories that taunt me. Wash me whiter than snow. She could have let the water run forever. Grace combed her wet hair and shook it so the soft, natural curls loosened. She still had to make this cottage a home for her and Samuel.
Thankfully, Ruben had put the crib together. She had planned on doing that herself, but he insisted he had the necessary tools and experience. The sheets had tiny red, blue, and yellow airplanes. She set up the Baby Einstein Sea Dreams, hung the Fisher-Price Rainforest mobile, and put the plush lamb that played “Jesus Loves Me” in the corner. Samuel liked blankets with silky edges, and she had bought two, one with blue elephants and the other with yellow-and-orange giraffes. She couldn’t wait to have Samuel all to herself for a few days, no Selah eager to snatch the baby away or tend to his needs.
Oh, Lord, I know I’m being selfish, but Samuel is mine. I want more time with my son, not less. I want to be a good mother, even if I can’t be with him full-time.
The grocery store in Malibu had what she needed, but the prices were outrageous. She’d shop at Walmart or take Ashley’s suggestion to share-shop at Costco. They could split the supplies and the bill and both save money. With all her purchases put away, she opened the door to let in fresh air. Her mind kept buzzing with ideas. She’d need shelving for textbooks. She’d kept every one of them from the classes she had completed, as well as the ones from classes she dropped so she could work full-time to support Patrick. He’d promised she could go back after he graduated.