Page 18 of On Your Knees

I dish him out a slice of apple pie and set it in front of him. “I’ll be back soon.”

I continue my rounds, checking on tables, cashing customers out, and ringing up orders until it slows down enough for me to head home.

True to his word, Father Carmichael stayed put the entire time. Not quite an hour, but close to it. I untie my apron as I say my goodbyes to Daisy.

“Want to walk with me for a bit?” he asks me.

I nod. “Sure.” We fall in step with each other and I ask, “What did you want to talk to me about?”

“I’ve spoken with Huxely, and he’s agreed to promote you to a Greedy Girl and let you work the Delgado meetings.”

I stall, snapping my eyes to his. “Wow, you must really have some pull at the club.”

The smile he gives me can only be described as panty-melting. “Maybe a little.”

“Well, this weekend I’m busy. When’s their next meeting?”

We continue our trek toward the church, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the path.

“Tuesday night. Will you be able to make it?”

I nod. “Sure thing.” I stop and turn to face him, the weight of the upcoming task heavy on my mind. “I’m really nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

He places both hands on my shoulders, bending slightly to look into my eyes. “I’ll be watching from another room thewhole time. All you need to do is give me a signal if you get uncomfortable and I will get you out of there.”

“A signal?”

“Maybe you could scratch your nose or tap your head,” he suggests with a small laugh.

I blink, trying to think of something clear and unmistakable. “Maybe something like this.” I tap the top of my head with two fingers, three times. “Like that.”

“If you do that, I will be in the room faster than you can say Club Greed.”

“Thank you.” I feel a wave of relief knowing Father Carmichael will be close by. “What should I do?” I ask, seeking more guidance.

“For now, don’t try to engage in deep conversation. Focus on gaining their trust. Be someone they wouldn’t mind opening up to.”

I nod again, feeling a bit more confident. “Okay. I guess I can do that. I’ve never danced for anyone before in my life.”

“I’ve arranged for you to be the only Greedy Girl working the meeting, so you might just be busy getting them drinks all night long. I wouldn’t worry about the dancing right away.”

We reach the church grounds, the small playground beside his house looking peaceful in the fading light. We walk through the fallen leaves, their crunching underfoot a soothing sound in the quiet afternoon.

“I can do this,” I tell him, determined to help Father Carmichael with his mission.

“I appreciate it, and if at any time you’re uncomfortable, you let me know and we can call it quits on the whole thing.”

“Okay.” I offer him a soft smile, feeling a mix of gratitude and resolve.

“Will you be at church on Sunday?”

“Yes,” I reply without hesitation. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

He nods, his expression warm and reassuring. “Good. I’ll see you then.”

As we part ways, I glance back at the church, feeling a sense of purpose and a little less alone in this daunting endeavor. Is it crazy to be excited about seeing him on Sunday?

It is, right?

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