Page 105 of Faking the Shot

“The man inside called you do-gooders.”

“And what’s wrong with that? I’d much rather be known for doing good, even if I do it imperfectly, than be known for the alternative.”

“Like that man inside,” Diana murmured.

“I didn’t mean for that—oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Ainsley, I don’t know what has happened, but I sense there is a lot more to this story,” Glenda said kindly. “How about we leave here and find somewhere quiet, where we can pray?”

She nodded. Got inside the van. Barely noticed Diana’s hand on hers as Glenda drove to the church.

“We can go inside if you like,” Glenda offered.

“Here’s fine.” The van felt safe. A cocoon. She didn’t want anyone else to recognize her. She’d already done enough damage today.

“Is there anything in particular you want us to pray about for you?”

Nothing in particular, because everything felt wrong right now. “I don’t want to have hurt your ministry. Or…”

“Or what?” Diana asked.

“Or… get in the way. That’s what I do. Like at the White Night gala. It became about me and Zac, instead of focusing on the charity like the coverage should have been. And now if that picture gets posted I’ll be mocked and so will the ministry and—”

“God has got this, Ainsley,” Glenda said. “None of this has taken Him by surprise.”

Then why hadn’t He done something to stop it?

Those words kept floating around her mind as Glenda and the others held her hand, touched her back, and prayed for God to have His way. With the dancers they’d visited today, with Ainsley that God would keep her safe and give her peace, even for Ainsley’s career and fans.

She felt her nose run, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand, sure she looked a mess. But the love surrounding her here meant she didn’t care about her face. Not too much, anyway.

“And Lord, we know that You know all of Ainsley’s past hurts and pain. Thank You that You are the Divine Healer. Heal her, and use her for Your plans. Amen.”

“Amen,” she whispered.

“Ainsley.” Glenda only continued once Ainsley met her gaze. “God can redeem the broken pieces of our lives. Put your faith in Him.”

“I’m trying.”

Glenda nodded. “Just remember, He doesn’t expect His followers to be perfect. Just willing. So keep looking to Him.”

She nodded, but the small measure of composure she’d scraped together was threatening to crumble. Diana seemed to recognize this, and didn’t speak.

By the time she reached Diana’s place she was exhausted. She didn’t want to exit the car. She couldn’t be Aunty Ainsley right now. She had nothing, not even a smile. She couldn’t pretend. They sat in the car, and Ainsley kept her eyes closed.

“Who was that man?” Diana eventually asked.

She knew she’d be asked. “That was Baden Daniels. An ex. He was an actor.”

“He doesn’t like you.”

“When my agent found out what he’d done, she made sure he didn’t get work for years.”

“What did he do?” Diana’s voice was a whisper.

Ainsley breathed in slowly, released it even more slowly. “I was young, it was my first real paying role, and he was one of the more established actors on the set. He made me think he cared, and I,” she swallowed, “and I…”

Diana’s hand grasped hers. “He took advantage of you.”

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