Page 10 of To Bring You Back
Why did Gannon have to have such a fantastic voice?
The thought poked a hole in the hull of her composure. She slapped on what she hoped was a passably cheerful expression.
Drew’s smile, dimples and all, answered. His side-parted blond hair was conventional enough to suit his role as pastor, but with boyish flare. When they’d hired him two years ago at the age of twenty-eight, there’d been an increase in single women at services. Someday, a bigger church would take notice of his talent and coax him out of small-town living. How many of those women would keep attending when an old, stooped pastor like their last one replaced him?
But romance wasn’t for Adeline. She’d been on staff as the secretary before they’d hired Drew, and she’d stay years and years after.
A hint of disapproval tinged Drew’s expression. “Not working on a Sunday, I hope.”
“I was supposed to have these notes done before the service. It’s for the music committee.”
Amusement softened his expression. “Which you volunteered for because …”
“I’ve always loved music.” Her voice threatened to catch. Music committee was as close as she’d let herself get to playing again. Because of Fitz. Because of Gannon. And here came the tears again. Good thing Drew hadn’t flicked on the light. “Besides—”
“You like to stay busy.” Drew chuckled as he completed the line she used every time she took on yet another unpaid responsibility. He leaned his shoulder into the doorframe. “Since that’s how you feel, I’m taking the high schoolers hiking along the lakefront this afternoon and need a female chaperone along. Small group, four or five kids. We’re meeting at two in the lot.” He lifted his eyebrows, hopeful.
“I never get tired of the lake.” She threw in another smile for good measure. The hike ought to be a good distraction, and the lake always reminded her of how small she and her problems were.
Drew retreated into the hall. “Leave the office work for another day, okay?”
“Okay.” She pulled her hand back from the mouse. She’d have to linger long enough to shut the computer down again. Hopefully by then the others would leave, allowing an escape free of more questions. But what if, when she made it to the lake, her problems looked as big as they felt right now? She might not even be able to see the water around all the turmoil Gannon had churned up.
4
Bruce would be a hit with the kids, hopefully halving any attention they might pay Adeline on the hike. The dog strolled beside Adeline to the church, rarely getting to the end of his leash until they stepped into the parking lot. There, he hopped and wiggled at the sight of Drew surrounded by over a dozen teens.
Hadn’t he said to expect four or five? Why—
“Addie!” The cry rose from Olivia Cullen.
Bruce’s tail rapped against her leg as a trio of girls charged forward.
Olivia gripped her forearm. “You know Gannon Vaughn? How could you keep that a secret?”
Sophie came up so fast, she bumped into Olivia. “How long have you known him?”
Amy, who hadn’t run, arrived last. “Is one of his songs about you?”
The inundation of questions fed panic in her chest, and her eyes stung with tears. They were supposed to care more about Bruce than about her, and here they were ignoring the dog while they treated her like a celebrity.
And because of what? A relationship with Gannon she never should’ve had.
A whistle cut the commotion.
“Load up.” Drew’s tone struck such a commanding note that the girls trickled from her like a receding wave. He took up station at the van’s side doors. “Squeeze in. Every seat’s going to be full, so get comfy.” Once the kids were in, he shut the door and joined Adeline away from the van.
She released the lip she’d been biting. “You said four or five students.”
“You never said you knew a rock star.” His eyebrows tented with both concern and apologies.
“I don’t.” Gannon hadn’t been a star when they’d known each other, and life would be so much different—so much better—if Awestruck had never caught anyone’s attention in the music industry. For one thing, Fitz would still be alive.
Drew’s touch warmed her elbow. “Are you okay?”
She opened her mouth, but lie? To her pastor?
“Why don’t you sit this one out?”
