Page 34 of Deep Tide

“Are you worried about talking to her parents?” Leyla asked.

“No, it’s not that. I already talked to them.”

“You did?”

“They asked me to read a scripture during the service. I’m not sure I should, though.”

“Is that why you don’t want to go?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged. “Probably.”

Leyla kept working, waiting for an explanation.

“The thing is, I’m not really religious,” Siena said. “I don’t know why they asked me to do it.”

“Do they have a scripture in mind for you to read, or do they want you to pick something?”

“It’s something from Corinthians.” Siena sighed. “But I don’t know. I haven’t been to church since my grandfather’s funeral. That was years ago.”

Leyla peeled the last shrimp and dropped it into the bowl.

“What would you do?” Siena darted a glance at her.

“You want my honest opinion? I think you should do it.”

Siena looked pained.

“I think you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

“Even if I haven’t set foot inside a church in forever?”

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is that it will bring comfort to Amelia’s family.”

Tears welled in Siena’s eyes.

“What if I get up there and lose it? I’ll ruin the whole thing.”

“You won’t lose it. And even if you did, that wouldn’t ruin anything. You’ll be surrounded by people who loved Amelia, and everyone understands.”

Siena nodded stiffly. “You’re right. I know.” She took a deep breath. “Amelia would want me to. It means a lot to her mom. I know I should feel honored that they asked me, and I do and all, I’m just being selfish.”

“You aren’t selfish.” Leyla reached over and squeezed her hand. “And you’ll do fine. I know you will.”

Siena finished the last shrimp and looked around. “Well. I guess I’d better get going.”

“Don’t you want to stay till it’s ready? I’ve got way more than I need here.”

She was making the gumbo for Miranda’s sister and her fiancé, who had stayed on the island to house sit and take care of Miranda and Joel’s dog while they were on their honeymoon.

“Thanks, but I’ve been gone all day. I need to get home.” Siena washed her hands. “Thanks for talking.”

“Of course.” Leyla handed her a dish towel.

“Sorry to just show up and crash your evening.”

“You didn’t,” Leyla said, walking her to the door.

“I’ll handle the special tomorrow. What is it again?”

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