Page 28 of The Game She Hates

“No, everything’s smooth sailing. I was wondering if you could do me a favor and secure that low-key seat we talked about.”

“What? You’re here?” Her voice carries a hint of surprise, maybe even happiness.

“Yes, I’m in the parking lot. Red sports car.”

“You are just full of surprises. Okay. I’ll be right out.” The call ends, and moments later, Pearl, dressed in a peach ruffle dress, heads my way. I take a moment to admire her before stepping out of the car.

She is even more beautiful than I remember.

The wind tousles her curled hair, and though she’s trying to maintain a serious expression, I can tell she’s fighting back a smile. It reassures me that this surprise isn’t unwelcome.

She approaches and I get out to greet her with a side hug which is appropriate for being at church. Besides, the last time I held her in my arms at the engagement party, she gladly pulled away and created distance between us as if I’d committed a faux pas.

In the few seconds of closeness, her fruity scent and the hint of vanilla in her hair envelop me.

Her eyes, a lighter shade of green in the sunlight, reflect my own image back at me. Her face still spellbinds me like nothing else I’ve seen before.

“I’ll interpret that smile as a sign of a well-executed surprise, then?” I venture in a low voice, noticing the blush that tints her cheeks.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were planning to come?” she asks, her gaze meeting mine.

“You withdrew your invitation, so I assumed you might try to dissuade me or even skip church yourself.”

A smile tugs at her beautiful lips, but she quickly suppresses it. “I did no such thing. I’d never miss church to avoid you,” she dismisses with a huff.

“So you agree you were avoiding me? I knew it,” I tease, lifting one finger in mock accusation. “Care to explain?”

“You’re going to miss out on the best part of the service.” She quickly grabs my arm and pulls me along to start walking.

We are not holding hands but she still has her arm on my forearm. It takes everything inside me not to touch the small of her back as we walk.

This isn’t the same Pearl I was with a week ago. She could never have been this friendly with me before. I realize our evening phone calls have had a greater impact than I initially thought. She’s slowly allowing me into her circle.

Pearl ushers me inside and she directs me to sit between her and Robyn.

Robyn grins briefly when she sees me, then turns her attention back to the stage, singing along. I half-expected her to engage in some small talk, maybe about last week’s game where I saw her in the VIP section. I had given her a ticket to enjoy the game up close, and she hadn’t stopped thanking me since. Apparently, Coach usually hooked her up with decent seats, but never in the VIP section. I was glad I could do something nice for at least one of them. However, here in church, it’s clear that Robyn isn’t just a hockey fan; she’s also a Christian, like Pearl, who enjoys attending church.

The quaint little church, a far cry from the large ones of my childhood with Aunt Melissa, instantly puts me at ease. The soft, dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere that makes me feel like I might blend into the background for the entire service. Especially since we’re seated in what seems to be the elderly aisle—everyone back here is at least sixty-five.

This must have been Pearl’s idea of a low-key spot. She is so thoughtful.

I wonder if Pearl and Robyn chose this section to accommodate me. Maybe they even passed up sitting with their friends to keep things discreet. It’s hard to miss that the middle and front left rows are where all the young people are sitting.

After the worship service, Kate joins Duke in the front row. Their not-so-subtle display of affection—a quick kiss before she settles beside him—doesn’t go unnoticed.

I don’t know everything about Pearl but it’s clear to me that Duke and she could never have been a good fit.

His words echo in my mind: “I would have faded into the background if I dated her.” The sting of those words still bothers me.

Duke could never appreciate Pearl the way I do—the little things, like her desire to remain unseen and her contentment with being different. It’s something I admire and even long for myself, especially the deep sense of contentment despite everything she’s been through.

I’ve never paid much attention in church before, but the preacher’s words are surprisingly easy to follow. Everything he says is accompanied by a Bible verse, which Pearl diligently notes down in her journal. She hasn’t glanced my way since the sermon began, and neither has Robyn. They are both so focused and intent.

Pearl’s arm keeps brushing against mine, and with each touch, a subtle flutter stirs within me. I doubt she even notices how often it’s happening. Probably not, but these little moments are making this whole church experience even more enjoyable than it already unexpectedly is.

After a truly intriguing message about Jesus and how even his closest disciples often misunderstood his earthly mission—to exemplify living in accordance with God’s will and demonstrate what a profound connection to the Father looks like—I’m left with even more questions and a desire for more.

I’m still sorting through what I just heard when communion begins.

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