Page 190 of Sing with Me

“Before my brother moved there, I’ve been to Athens several times. However, even though my brother lives there for now, I don’t go there much.” She pointed to the screen on the dashboard, to the route that would take them to Interstate 85 and Highway 316. “It says that we’ll be there in one hour and sixteen minutes if we take that route, give and take.”

If she were at Emmeline’s parents home in Roswell, she would take the northern route on Interstate 85 through the small towns of Braselton and Jefferson. However, if she were coming directly from the airport, she’d drive on Interstate 20 and go through Walnut Grove and Monroe.

“Then we can talk more on the way.” Diehl put the car in reverse and backed out of the restaurant parking lot.

Skye nodded. She felt tired from a long week, and that tea she drank at the barbecue place was a little light on the caffeine. She didn’t want to fall asleep while Diehl was driving though. He wasn’t her chauffeur. This was a road trip.

“I guess this car only looks old—I mean, classic—from the outside?” Skye asked. “You have GPS in here. I gather it’s not the original.”

“Not in 1964.”

“Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a vehicle this old—oh wait. Brinley drove us around in Ivan’s old 1946 Chevy truck once. It belonged to his grandpa.”

Skye’s phone buzzed. She checked. Frowned. “Excuse me. I have to answer this text. Chef Joseph cannot find the saffron and vanilla beans I bought for him last week.”

Diehl nodded.

Skye texted quickly so that she could get off the phone. “I could turn it off.”

“No. You might have emergencies.”

“I hope not. I’m too tired to put out fires tonight.” Skye chuckled.

“Tired? I’m sorry. Was dinner too long?”

Skye touched his arm. “Why are you apologizing again?”

“I don’t want to be blamed for anything.”

“Why would I blame you for a long week of cooking in the sun, judging dishes in the sun? That was all me and none of you,” Skye said. “I admit I’m worn out and could use a vacation, but I can’t afford to unless I sell my shares to Saffron and hire more chefs for STL.”

“Don’t burn out like I did.” Diehl drove through light traffic—because rush hour was over. “Anything I can do?”

“Pray that God will give me wisdom to say no to too many things.” Skye leaned back.

“That’s a good prayer for me too. What else can we pray about?”

Skye was impressed at Diehl’s personal spiritual growth. “Maybe I should write them down to remind us.”

“Good idea. Send me a copy of it.”

“Okay.” Skye swiped her phone. “Wisdom for us about decisions at work. Other prayers? How’s Elisa doing psychologically?”

“Pastor Gonzalez called Midtown Chapel, and they sent over a grief counselor for both Elisa and Ethan. That way, Elisa won’t feel singled out.”

“That’s good. Did she finish those meetings you were talking about?”

“The sessions at CAC?”

“Yeah. I’m not familiar with it much, and keep forgetting it’s called the Child Advocacy Center. But it does make sense. When is that over?”

“Tomorrow at one o’clock. They will record everything so that Detective Jeong can have a video copy for his investigation on St. Simon’s.”

“Makes sense. Then they don’t have to interview her multiple times.”

“Exactly.”

“What questions do they ask her?” Skye was curious.

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