Page 10 of Whispered Southern Secrets

Over the courseof several weeks I keep running into J.D. It doesn’t help that my best friend, Olivia, keeps inviting him to things. She threw me this amazing surprise party—but he was there. Worse. He had to be the nice guy and give anyone who had too much to drink a ride home. Okay, of course he had to be the nice guy he’s the minister! Doesn’t mean I had to like it. What was he even doing at a party? Can preachers party? He was social, but didn’t drink anything. Only gave rides to those who’d consumed alcohol. Plus he brought Landon Crawford with him. He’s been helping Landon, who is also ex-military, and Olivia’s ex-boyfriend. I think he’s also trying to help mend those relationships and Landon’s brother’s issues. Which is all wonderful and noble, but it puts us crossing paths, and it keeps me on edge because I never know when I’ll see him.

Of course I see him every Sunday, but I’m prepared for that. Him and his dad alternate on sermons or sometimes divide the service between them. He really does an amazing job with delivering the word. He makes every sermon so relatable. Then when he sings. His singing is a religious experience all on its own.

I’m unsure how I’m supposed to behave around him. We pretend nothing happened. It was three years ago, but every night when I close my eyes I return to moment. Sometimes I catch myself day dreaming about him. He’s a minister now and I’ve already been married and divorced before turning twenty-five. Which I don’t regret. I gave my heart to someone who didn’t deserve it, but I took it back and got the hell out of there. It was a hard lesson but I know now to be more careful. I’ll hold itwith more care. Unfortunately, it only comes alive now when a certain minister is around.

Chapter Five

John David

When I wasn’t helping Mama with music for services, writing sermons with Dad, studying scripture and the history surrounding the time, I focused my energy on the people of Magnolia Grove. My father was right, and his advice has been paying off. By helping the people and getting more involved within the community, it helps me build bridges. If someone needs help, I am there. I’m the Batman of Magnolia Grove. Okay, maybe not Batman. I’m no Bruce Wayne with all the expensive high-tech toys. I was… Iamthe Captain America of Magnolia Grove.

I’ve painted fences. Delivered groceries. I lend a hand to businesses when they are shorthanded. I’m the designated driver on the weekends, no judgment, I just want people to get home safely. I mended my relationship with Landon and helped him communicate with Olivia. That might’ve benefited me some. By pushing those two back together it also put me in a position to be around Honey Beaumont.

My greatest temptation. The only part of my previous life I want to dive back into. One more night of sin. I knew that by becoming a preacher it wasn’t going to wipe away all my desires.I might’ve washed my sins away but like any other person I still have to deal with the urge to sin day after day. I get angry. I get jealous. I get greedy—like when I grabbed too many cookies the other day. More than anything, I still face desire and lust every time I see Honey. Every time I close my eyes I relive that night.

I didn’t go and become a monk. I can still date. I’m allowed to marry. The problem is I don’t know if I can date Honey. I’d like to do it right. We date, marriage, and then family. Would she even want to date me? Everyone in town is going to be watching us. There’s also the question if Honey would want to be the pastor’s wife and start a family in Magnolia Grove. I’m not sure if this is where she plans to lay down her roots.

I shake my head and laugh. I’ve lost my mind. When she visited as a kid in the summer we never talked. The only time I interacted with her was when we shared one night together and I didn’t even know who she was. Now I’m sitting here mapping out our future together. Meanwhile Honey avoids me at every turn. She’s still attracted to me. I can see it when our eyes lock. The connection is there. I know it is, even though I wish it wasn’t.

Chewing on my straw, I think about what I should do next. There’s a cool breeze as I sit outside at the River’s End. It’s the middle of the day so they’re not busy. I’m sitting here enjoying my view of the river and eating the best burger when I hear Sheriff Parker and Anthony Harrison’s voices.

“The kids aren’t bad. They’re misguided,” the sheriff tells Anthony.

Anthony takes a seat at one of the vacant tables. “Magnolia Grove is small. There’s not enough in the budget to offer an enticing paycheck.”

I pick up my glass of Coke and walk over. “Mind if I join you gentleman?”

“Sure, preacher man. Have a sit,” Anthony offers.

“I apologize for ease dropping but I heard y’all might be needin’ some help.”

Sheriff Parker releases a heavy sigh. “We need help in the juvenile department. Magnolia Grove needs a juvenile officer. But the pay wouldn’t be great. I doubt anyone is going to want the position.”

“Me.”

They both turn to stare at me. “You?”

“Yeah. I’ve been wanting to find a way to help, get involved, and that’s kind of my job already. I have military training, studied a little bit of psychology, and I’m willing to do whatever else it is I need to do. And as far as payment, I have my pension so I’m okay with low pay.”

This is what I need. I’m ecstatic at the idea of helping these teens turn their lives around. I could make a real difference. These kids are coming to a fork in the road that could determine the rest of their lives, and I could help guide the on the right course. Not only spiritually, but for their lives while in this world.

“Brother Johnny David,” Sheriff Parker begins.

“J.D.,” Anthony says at the same time.

They turn to one another and the sheriff holds his hand out for Anthony to continue. “I don’t want you to get your hopes up. This is a lot of time for little pay. You need to know what you’re getting into. Court dates. One headache after another. And a lot of feelings of defeat and heartache for these kids and the system. Late night phone calls. Early mornings.”

My lips twitch. “Sounds a lot like pastoral work.”

I’ve been juggling workingat the court house and the church for the last three weeks. It’s been more rewarding than I could’ve ever imagined. But the most amazing news came when Landon called to ask me to officiate his wedding. It’ll be my first wedding. One, I’m honored that someone actually wanted me to do the service and not my dad. Two, I can’t help but be a little emotional that I was there as these two rekindled their relationship. Now I’ll be joining them together in front of their loved ones and God. And third I bet Honey is going to be part of the wedding party—or at the very least she’ll be there in attendance.

I decide to take my lunch break at Mimi’s Gasoline Grove. The bell above the door rings as I step inside. This is the only gas station I’ve ever been inside that didn’t smell like a gas station. It’s a mix of lavender, mint, and fried catfish. My eyes search out Honey.

She comes from the back and calls out a cheerful “Hello.” That beautiful cheerful smile falters when her honey colored eyes find me standing in the doorway.

Like the nervous idiot that I am, I hold my hand up and wave. “Hi—Hello—Hidey.” A tortured laugh escapes me and I decide it’d be best if I didn’t make eye contact with her. I look around the store for anything to latch onto.

“Well, hi, hello, hidey to you, too. Should we throw in a howdy? It feels like that should be thrown in there.”

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