Aunt Elizabeth got out the shovel and went to work in the backyard. Grace stood inside watching her aunt through the sliding-glass door. Aunt Elizabeth attacked the ground with fury, turning soil. She didn’t have to ask what had angered her aunt this time. “Only a fool turns down Berkeley for UCLA.” Aunt Elizabeth was so angry she had tears in her eyes. “No matter what I say or do, it always turns out the same.”
“I’ll work hard, Aunt Elizabeth.”
“Oh, I know that.” She had a look of anguish Grace didn’t understand.
She and Patrick didn’t see much of each other that last summer. He didn’t show up at McDonald’s. She wondered if he’d gotten a job. Hurt, Grace tried to put him out of her mind. Aunt Elizabeth didn’t ask or say anything about him.
Grace moved into the university dorm and started working ten hours a week at a coffee shop on campus. She thrived in her classes. She ran into Patrick once. He’d scorned the dorm and rented a small apartment, even knowing he’d blow through all his parents’ savings by the end of the year. He’d been in a hurry, and they hadn’t talked long. A couple months passed, and then he called. He was struggling with grades. She listened. He told her how lonely he was. She was lonely, too. He told her how much he missed being with her. She said they could meet at the library, study together the way they used to in high school. He said they’d get more done if she came to his apartment. She knew that wasn’t a good idea, but he sounded so depressed, she agreed.
They only kissed once that first day. The second time, they managed to study a few hours before they ended up on the couch. The next time, Patrick didn’t want to stop. “I love you so much. I’ve loved you since I walked into McDonald’s and saw you behind the counter. I need you, Grace. Don’t say no.”
Grace thought she loved him, too, but she knew what they were doing was wrong. She could hear a whisper in the back of her mind. This isn’t what I want for you, beloved. Leave this place.
When she tried to get up, Patrick groaned. “You can’t stop now.” He pulled her down beside him. “You can’t turn a guy on like this and not go all the way.” She felt guilty for letting it go so far. How could she say no now? Before she could make up her mind, it was too late. She gasped in pain. Patrick said he was sorry, but didn’t stop. When it was over, he held her. “Let’s get married. We’re old enough. Grace, I can’t make it without you.” Sitting up, he lifted her with him. Drawing her into his lap, he dug his fingers into her hair and kissed her. “Don’t tell your aunt.”
Grace didn’t want to think about what they’d done. She didn’t want to analyze what she was feeling now. A bubble of panic? The feeling she was at a crossroads and about to take another wrong turn?
Grace closed her mind to the convicting voice. I don’t care. He loves me. He said so. And it’s too late anyway. She just wanted to be loved. Was that so wrong? She wrapped her arms around Patrick and kissed him back. “Yes. Let’s get married.” Maybe then everything would be all right.
Patrick’s family was pleased when Patrick called with the news that they’d gone to Las Vegas rather than have a wedding in Fresno. Byron Moore couldn’t have been more supportive. “Elizabeth will say you’re too young, but you saved her a bundle of money.” He laughed. “And I think my son knows his own mind.” The Moores suggested a reception over spring break. Patrick agreed. He hoped they would receive gifts and money.
Grace had to gather courage to call Aunt Elizabeth to share the news of her marriage to Patrick. She held her breath, wondering if her aunt would say something affirming.
Aunt Elizabeth gave a defeated sigh and said, “Why am I not surprised?” before hanging up.
GRACE MET BRIAN at the church on Saturday morning. Half a dozen other adults showed up to chaperone the teen outing at Zuma Beach. Charlie, one of the church deacons, drove the bus while Brian talked with the kids. He’d loaded his iPhone with Christian rock music. The teenage girls sitting behind Grace thought Samuel was adorable. Grace turned sideways on the bus seat so she could hold him while talking with them. One asked if she was the lady who went to Lawry’s with Pastor Brian. Grace admitted she was.
A pretty girl with a pierced eyebrow and a butterfly tattoo on her neck leaned forward. “He’s so cool. Anyone would want to be his girlfriend.”
She wanted to quell any gossip. “Pastor Brian is very nice, and we’re friends. That’s why I came along to help today.”