Page 26 of Whispered Southern Secrets

When I open my door, Mimi and Pepaw jump back and look everywhere but at me. “Were you two ease dropping?”

“Certainly not.” Mimi still won’t meet my eyes.

There’s no point in arguing with them. “I’m going to sleep in the spare bedroom. He fell asleep.”

“Want me to wake him up?” Pepaw asks.

“No,” Mimi and I both hiss.

“No man should be sleeping in her bed,” Pepaw tells Mimi.

Mimi crosses her arms. “It’s not like she’s in there with him.”

“Y’all. It’s late. Let’s go to bed.” Pepaw eases down to the floor. “What are you doin’?”

“Making sure he doesn’t have a fall from grace.”

“Oh really, Millard,” Mimi admonishes.

“Pepaw.” I strive for patience. “I’m too exhausted to try anything. He’s not moving either.”

“It doesn’t take much to catch a second wind, baby doll. Preacher or not, he’s still a man.”

I can’t help but giggle. This whole situation is a little bizarre. My chest is filled with warmth as I lean down and hug my pepaw. “Get off the floor. Please. I promise I’ll lock my door.”

“Well…” He hesitates but finally allows me to help him stand. “Okay.”

Mimi grumbles. “You old fool. Gonna get down there and then not be able to get back up. Actin’ like those ain’t two grown adults.”

“It’s still my house,” he quips.

“Our house.”

“Our house, and still my granddaughter. I don’t care how old she is.”

“Our granddaughter,” Mimi demands.

I shake my head as I follow them down the hall to the spare bedroom. Mimi goes about fluffing the pillow and pulling the covers loose for me. Pepaw checks the windows, not sure for what, I guess to double check that they’re locked. They both kiss me goodnight on the forehead before stepping out. My eyelids are heavy as I settle under the covers. Right before they close there’s a light tap on the door.

If that’s J.D. my pepaw is going to murder him. “Hello?”

“It’s me, baby doll.”

“Come in,” I groan.

Pepaw opens the door. It’s too dark to see but he’s carrying something. He shuffles over to me and places something on the nightstand. “There’s some mace.”

“Pepaw.” I can’t help but laugh.

Little does he know that the good minister has already sampled this forbidden fruit. Probably best to keep it that way. Otherwise Pepaw might help him sleep…permanently.

Unfortunately,today is a Sunday. J.D. hurries out of the house apologizing and thanking us. And wouldn’t you know,there’s witnesses for when he dashes out of my grandparents’ house. His truck had already been spotted anyway as staying there overnight. Then him leaving in the early hours in a rush.

We enter the church on Sunday to people openly staring. Shamelessly whispering while keeping their eyes locked on me. My grandparents get asked more than once if they were home last night. J.D. doesn’t help in this morning’s sermon but he does sing in the choir. I’m sure he can feel all the eyes on him as well. When Brother Johnny asks for prayer requests, he does speak up and asks for James’s name to be added. I’m reminded of how heavy this is weighing on him.

The service ends and before I can escape, Mrs. Lamshire blocks my path. She’s always such a ray of sunshine.

“I’ll be praying for you,” Mrs. Lamshire tells me as she turns her nose up to the air.

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