Page 24 of Whispered Southern Secrets

James holds his Coke up and says, “Yeah because ole’ homeboy turned the water into wine.”

“He did. He provided that wine at a wedding.”

“The OG of BYOB. Or I guess he was BYOW.”

I’m not even sure how to address that. Moving forward. “As I was saying, this is up for dispute. When someone says they’re a Christian you can’t put them in a box. There’s a vast number of different sub denominations. The religion of Christianity is a wide umbrella. Orthodox and Protestants. It keeps breaking down to little groups.”

“Because nobody can agree if Jesus drank wine? But it says it in the Bible.”

“If only it were that simple.” I smile. I love that he’s asking questions. “Some argue the wine was different then.”

“Better? Stronger? I bet he did have the good stuff.”

“They say nobody reads the same book. I don’t even read the Bible the same way each time. Depends on what I’m going through. I’ll read same verse but then interpret it a different way. Or I’ll hear how someone else reads it. Then I might go with their point of view or disagree.”

James’s nod is full of enthusiasm. “Those interpretations are a dangerous game. One time my uncle and this woman got in a huge fight over some text messages. He said she was getting an attitude but she said she was happy. He told her that exclamations are used for yelling.”

“Perfect example. That’s why, in my opinion, the only requirement for being a good Christian is believing in Christ. It’s the only thing all Christians agree on. I believe He did want us to love everyone and take care of people. To go back to your other question, I give rides because that’s something easy I can do to ensure God’s people are safe and taken care of. If I can prevent one drunken car accident, why wouldn’t I? I don’t give them any sermons on fire and brimstone, because the Lord knows they’re drinking. I’ll do my part in helping, and I’ll let Jesus do His part on forgiveness.”

James smiles and there’s that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “But it sounds like Jesus liked to party.”

“He very well may have. One church might tell you that’s blasphemous but another might agree wholeheartedly.”

“You’re pretty cool, Preacher Man.”

“Right back atcha.”

It’speaceful outside so I decide to go for a walk. I take my time enjoying the cool weather and the solitude. There’s a few people sitting out on their porches. Some kids are laughing as they climb a giant tree. Magnolia Grove doesn’t seem like the kind of place where anyone would be left out or neglected. James had seemed genuinely shocked and touched by the fact I’d miss him and wanted him to stay. It bothered me. Nobody should ever feel that way, especially a fifteen-year-old kid. Small towns are good about taking care of their own, but it’s possibly someone could slip through the cracks. I’m more positive than before that I’m exactly where I need to be. It’s still disheartening. I only hope that by the time James leaves, maybe I’ve made somewhat of a positive impact on him.

It's not like I’ll never see him again…right? I stop in my tracks. I’ll be sure to get his new address. Even though his community service has been completed, and he is moving, there’s no reason I can’t keep in touch. I set a reminder in my phone to get a care package together for him. He’ll be starting a new school, new friends, and in a way it’s a fresh start. Might be exactly what he needs. Even if it means I’ll miss him.

A familiar little beagle pup comes charging toward me. “Well hey there, Johnny Cash.” I reach down and pick him up. He licks my cheek. “My first name is John too. Did you know that?” The puppy squirms and licks me across my face. I look over his soft little head and make eye contact with Honey. “What’s that look for?”

“At least someone is getting some action.” She crosses her arms. “I never imagined I’d be jealous of a dog.”

I lower my voice and in a playful tone say, “Because he’s getting all the lovins’?”

“Because it’s acceptable when he barks at people, but when I do it I’m rude.”

My lips twitch at her dry tone. I try to focus on the squirming puppy and not the way her eyes are burning on me. There’s a light draft blowing on the exposed skin where my shirt is riding up. Her eyes are zeroing in on the small sliver of skin. A part of me is itching to tease her and ask if she’s enjoying the sneak peek.

“Nice to know that doing the Lord’s work is keeping him in shape,” I hear her mumble under her breath.

“What’s wrong?” I furrow my brows in mock concern at her. I make a show of looking over my shoulder and then back to her.

Her innocent tone is adorable. “What are you talking about?”

“Your eyes are kind of bugged out. I was worried you saw something.”

Oh, she saw something. I’m simply curious if she’ll admit that seeing my exposed abs has her eyes about to pop out of her head like a cartoon character. Should I tell her I feel objectified?

“You know what,” she tries to change the subject, “Cash and I were about to go for a walk. Looks like that’s what you’re up to. Mind if we join you?”

As we walk along the quiet street I tell her all about James. It’s nice to be able to unload all of this with another person so freely. Share my concerns, dreams, and fears.

“What if I get attached to every kid that comes through?” I ask her.

“You probably will. Which is what’s going to make you amazing at this job. You care J.D.”

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