Page 53 of Grace

“You can’t be good if you don’t know what you’re doing with a man you gave your bloody pussy to.”

I flinched. “Damn, Beck.”

“Shit,” Corinne breathed. “What’re you over there thinking, Prophetess Peach?”

That question had me leaping in the air to face Peach.

Peach shook her head. “Nothing. It’s just that…” She shook her head again. “I told you there was something between you two at the fundraiser. I knew this wouldn’t be good.”

“For who?” Corinne asked. “For the Cynthia girl? Because Shi-Shi just told us that dick was lethal last night, so we know it’s been good for her.”

“I really don’t know, but for sure, it can’t be good for Jas.” Peach’s eyes were on me.

I switched weight on my hips. “And why the hell not?”

“Because you’re Ashira, Shi-Shi.” She gestured toward me with both hands, her glass clutched in one. “The one who will prevail even to your own detriment. You’re fire and ice, and will continue to burn until the ice melts and, at the same time, stay cold to anything you’re not with. Your will, your resolve, your way.”

“But you’re being one-sided. No one’s perfect, Peach,” I argued.

“True. I don’t know this Jas guy, but I’ve seen him in passing and there’s so much energy behind his eyes. Such an intensity he keeps guarded. It’s weird, but I’ve felt it. But I’ve also felt he knows the Holy Spirit. He’s God-fearing and I haven’t had the chance to think much about why I couldn’t marry the two because…” She shrugged then shook her head with indifference. “I don’t know that man. He’s not a friend or a parishioner. We’ve only talked about books and a pastor we followed in common.”

“Who?” Shizu asked.

“Bishop Ezra Carmichael.”

“That’s the guy you love, Peach?” Corinne asked.

“In a very mentoring type of way,” Peach qualified. “But anyway, this guy, Jas: he’s a bit strange.”

“Like that pastor,” Corinne added then pretended to sip her drink with big eyes. “That sermon you had me watch of him. Good stuff, but he’s weird.”

“And they’re friends,” I added, biting my thumb.

“What?” Corinne asked. “This Jas guy and the pastor.”

Gazing at Peach, I nodded.

“Like…” Peach’s neck twisted. “…he’s met Bishop Carmichael at his church?”

“Like…IFaceTime’d Jas while we were at Becky’s bachelorette party and he was casually kicking it with the pastor. It was horrible, Peach. I made a sexual reference Jas taught me and used profanity because I didn’t know he was with him. In fact, Jas referred to Carmichael as his pastor.” Then I thought. “I met him before then. His wife, too. They’re pretty tight. Like…really tight.”

Peach stared at me for a while. It felt more like a glower. “Ashira, be careful.”

“Why? Because he’s a felon?”

“Fuck!” Becky chirped. “A felon?”

“Wait.” Shizu’s head bounced back. “You didn’t say that.”

“Damn, you got some ‘splaining to do, Lucy!” Corinne spoke over them all.

Peach shook her head. “The felon has more to worry about with you. Seems to me you two are unequally yoked. The things Cynthia shared with me about Jas were that of a focused man on a pilgrimage for Christly things. You’re young, worldly in culture, far more sensitive than you give off, and financially independent. Those elements don’t work well with guys holding conservative views. Especially guys able to veil the force I’m feeling this guy is holding back. He’s probably very loyal and attentive, but also possessive and purposeful. I don’t think that’s a good look for you.”

She could have said more, but it would have been offensive no matter how true. Peach knew me well. Hell, all these girls did. So hearing your shortcomings publicly could be painful, but Peach always used tact when making her points.

Thankfully…

I scoffed, ready to be off the topic. “I’m not looking to marry Jas or anybody.”