Page 82 of Gideon

“I understand perfectly.”

“Good,” Peters said. “Then we’re done here.”

Chapter 21

Gideon knockedon Nikki’s door, and Beth answered.

“Oh, hi Gideon. Nikki’s down at the church.”

“I should have checked there first. She did say there had been a lot of meetings.”

“She’s been a busy little bee. Barely enough time to do her own work. But I think you might catch her on her own right now.”

“Thanks, I’ll head that way.”

“Everything okay with you? You look…sad.”

“I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“I saw your dad today.”

“Nikki told me you were visiting him. That means a lot. Thank you.”

“I brought him a meal. Looks like he’s doing okay.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I like to.”

“I haven’t seen much of him in the last few days. Thanks for thinking of him.”

“My pleasure. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will, thanks.”

Gideon gave Beth what was supposed to be a quick hug but let it linger. He could barely remember his own mom. He wondered if this was what it felt like to hug one.

“You sure you’re okay?” Beth said.

He pulled back. “I’ll be okay. Life’s hard sometimes.”

“Yes. It certainly is.”

“I don’t remember there being flowers here,” Gideon said as he walked up to the church. Nikki was pulling weeds.

“There weren’t,” she said, tossing a lump into a pile beside her. “But I thought it would brighten the place up.”

“Isn’t it your mom who’s the green thumb?”

“She’s the one who’s looking after the flowers. I pull the weeds.” She stood and dusted her pants off. “Come inside.”

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“I don’t mind being interrupted. Especially from that, and I need a drink.”

He followed her into the front pew where she had a water bottle. “You want a drink?” She pointed to a water cooler toward the back of the room.

“That’s new.”

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