Page 27 of The Prettiest Outlaw

“Where’s the stuff at, lil bit? Let’s start taking it in.”

* * *

“The fact that you baked so many extra cookies was clutch,” Ravyn told me as the two of us sat down at a table that had been vacated by children once the parents came to get them.

“Girl.” Had the table not been covered in icing and cookie crumbs, I would’ve rested my head on it. I was exhausted.

“Those literal crumb snatchers were wild as hell…heck.” She pulled a face. “Who knew church kids were so dang-on rude? They were like, ‘my cookie broke, Miss. I’mma need another one.’ Not a please or a thank you in sight.”

“I don’t think that’s church. I think it’s the generation they’re being raised in.”

Ms. Russo and Nico joined us at the table, followed by the pastor.

“How do you feel?” Those were the first words out of Pastor Sharpe’s mouth.

“Tired,” I admitted with a small smile. “But also happy. The kids seemed to have a really good time.”

“The parents just picked up their children five minutes ago, and I was stopped twenty-five times on my way down here. Nothing but accolades for you and your team.”

“Thank you. I’m so glad it was a success.” A thought occurred to me. “Oh yeah, I have a special gift for you and your wife, Pastor. I hope you all can eat cookies.”

I walked over to my belongings on the far side of the room and returned carrying a festively decorated gift box.

“I made you and the first lady a special batch—butter cookies, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, and white chocolate macadamia nut.” I held out the box.

“We definitely eat cookies. Thank you, Sister Outlaw.”

“You’re welcome. Pastor, this is my best friend, Ravyn. Ravyn, this is Pastor Sharpe.”

Ravyn gave him a small wave. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too. Thank you for helping Sister Outlaw out today and for pouring into Faith in Harvest’s children. Please know that you have an open invitation to come visit us again.”

“Thank you.”

Pastor Sharpe and Nico’s mom left the room. Once they were out of sight, I did a little two-step praise dance.

“Wow. I didn’t think I would enjoy that as much as I did.” I bounced around on my tiptoes before giving Ravyn a huge hug. “Thank you for helping me.”

“You’re welcome.” She squeezed me back. “You did good, boo.”

I gave Nico a hug.

“You did your thing, lil bit.”

“Thank you.” I was all smiles. “I’m starving. We should go get something to eat.”

Ravyn peeked down at her watch. “I can’t. My sister’s having a Galentine’s thing today. I told her that I had plans, but you know how pushy Reagan can be. I promised her I would come by as soon as I finished up here.”

I checked my phone. It was after 9:00 p.m. “It’s still going on?”

“It’s at some club she and all her friends frequent. It’s probably just getting started.” She checked her watch again. “Let me go. I’m not trying to hear her mouth.”

She said goodbye to Nico, and we waved her off.

“Oh, well.” I shrugged. “I guess I’ll stop and get something before I head home.”

Nico gave me a strange face. “It’s your day. Well…your night. You had your first successful event as a business owner. My mother got some pictures. The church photographer got some pictures. I already cleared it with the pastor, so you can post the pictures on your website, and?—”

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