Page 17 of Redemption
“You mean flaming the fuel of the gossip wasn’t the actual reason you called? How many points are there to this sermon?” I growl.
“I have two more. Now hush, and let me talk.”
I chuckle, feeling a little of the pressure that’s been on my chest all day start to ease.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“That’s better. Now to the first point. I’ve missed you in church and want to see your face beside me in a pew. I know your schedule is released monthly. Can you ask to be off one Sunday next month and come to church with your dear old mom?” She lays the guilt on thick but doesn’t realize I’ve intentionally asked to be scheduled every Sunday.
“No, Mom. I don’t think I can.”
Her huff crackles through the line.
“And why not?” She asks, and I can imagine her standing with her hands on her hips, just like she did when I would get in trouble as a kid.
“Because God doesn’t want me there, Mom.”
There’s a sharp inhale, and I know I’ve shocked her. But I’m not going to lie to her.
“That’s not true, Son. That’s just not true, and one day, you’ll feel comfortable enough to tell me that story. But I won’t force you until you’re ready. I’ll just keep praying that you see that there isn’t anything you can do to outrun God’s love.”
A deep-rooted ache settles in my chest. I can’t imagine that to be true—not after what I’ve done. But I can’t help but hope that maybe it is.
“Now to the last point,” she says, guiding the conversation to a safer topic, “Your father said there’s a position at the high school opening up.”
“I don’t know if you remember this, but I have a job.”
My dad’s laugh comes through from the other side, and I know my mom’s whacked him with the back of her hand when I hear a faint “ow’’ come from the other line. I bite the inside of my jaw to keep from laughing, but it’s not enough. A small chuckle slips out.
“Keep it up, and you’re next,” my mom threatens. “I know you have a job. This isn’t a full-time position—it’s on the football team, head coach, actually.”
“No.” My answer is sharp, leaving no room for argument. Once upon a time, I would have jumped at the chance to be the head coach, but that time is long past.
“Hayes—“
“The answer is no, Mom.”
“Fine, but you get to be the one that tells the principal. Your dad set up a meeting.”
“Who’s the principal?” I ask, leery of the strange happiness in my mother’s voice.
“Oh, didn’t you know? Lily got the position a couple of weeks ago.”
And there it is, ladies and gentlemen—the sneaky little plan my mother always hides behind her niceties. Lily and I went on a couple of dates when she moved to town at my mother’s insistence. Heaven forbid the woman doesn’t interfere with someone’s business. We both quickly agreed that we weren’t compatible, but it hasn’t stopped us from being friends. We don’t talk every day. However, we’re close enough that I shouldhave known about her job change. At least I would have if I was a normal friend. I’m not much of a friend to anyone anymore, though.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that today was meant to test my patience.
“Fine,” I agree gruffly. “I’ll meet with her, but then that’s it. You won’t mention it again.”
“Yes, yes—of course.” The way she accepts defeat so quickly and easily should have been a warning, but I’ve never been good at looking for those.
Chapter 6
Mallorie Jade
I’ve been sitting in my car in front of the coffee shop for fifteen minutes. Every few minutes, I roll the window down to get a quick whiff of the aroma that is like a drug to my system.
At least ten people have walked by, giving me the side eye, and I’ve had to talk myself out of throwing something at them each time.
