Page 68 of Share with Me

So simple.

Well, many things in life were simple. Grandpa Brooks said that humankind had an innate ability to overcomplicate life.

Still, Brinley felt she had much to think about. Much to mull over. She had more questions she’d have to ask Yun on Wednesday.

* * *

“Ican’t believeshe’s here at church,” Ivan said to Matt Garnett after they exited the side door of the sanctuary. When he was standing up there playing in the string quintet, he’d looked all the way across the sanctuary and saw her sitting in the last pew with Aunt Ella.

“You said that many times,” Matt said. “What was Pastor Gonzalez's key verse?”

“John 3:17. Why?”

“Just checking if you were paying attention. Look, I have to run. A few things to do before the evening service. Why don’t you go talk to her?”

“Now?”

“Now, Ivan. Don’t be shy.”

Shy?If he were shy he wouldn’t have kissed Brinley. Twice. “All right. Talk with you later.”

Ivan looked for Grandma Yun in her usual seat with the senior adults—she liked to chat with her buddies—but she wasn’t there. He found her talking with Aunt Ella and Brinley instead. In fact, the entire senior adult section—including Hiram Jacobs—was gabbing with Aunt Ella. Something about the Christmas luncheon the day before. They’d probably be talking about that for weeks and possibly months to come.

Ivan sneaked in behind Brinley and whispered in her ear, “I’m glad you’re here.”

She smiled to him and they both stepped back to give Aunt Ella’s fan club more room.

“Aunt Ella insisted on coming,” Brinley said. “She’s made some new friends, as you can see.”

“I see that. And I see you. I like your outfit.” Red turtleneck and black pants. “Go Dawgs.”

“Your quintet did a great job.”

“Thank you.”

“How did you find time to practice? You must have performances almost every day this holiday season.”

“We start right after Thanksgiving and don’t let up until the first of the year. I rehearse all the time.”

Brinley looked thoughtful. “Yesterday. You lost three hours of rehearsal.”

She was right, but Ivan wasn’t going to admit it. “I gained time with you. Not enough, but I’d rather be with you.”

“Than play violin?”

“I can always practice later.” Ivan had more to say but here came Grandma and Aunt Ella.

“Would you two like to come over to our house for lunch?” Yun asked. “I think we have enough food for everyone.”

“I’m sure we do, Grandma.” He tried not to frown when thinking of the ramifications of Brinley coming over to lunch at their home. He wished they had a proper dining table but the kitchen table was all they had. If he put Brinley in the seat facing the wall, then she wouldn’t be spending the entire time looking in the direction of their old stove and sink.

That’s it.

“Today instead of tomorrow?” Brinley asked.

“We can do both days if you like.” Ivan touched her elbow.

“What are we having for lunch?” Aunt Ella asked before Brinley said anything.

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