Page 2 of Wrecked By You

“It’s no problem. My mom had me also bring some food. She thought you might be hungry after your drive.”

I turned back to find Wendy already hefting another large box out of the truck. “You didn’t have to do that.” Now I felt guilty and overwhelmed again by the miracles the Lord was giving me.

She shut the door and followed me. For a woman who was older than me, she seemed very capable.

I opened the door, put the box down next to me, and held the door open for Wendy.

She came through with a hop in her step. “My mother has a knack for hosting people.” She let out a light laugh. “Even though we are technically renting the place, she sort of looks at it like a responsibility to make sure you’re okay.”

I followed her into the kitchen, unsure of what to say.

She put the box down and proceeded to unload food items onto the counter. “I got you some milk and eggs and cereal and bread. My mother said to plan for some meals. I got some spaghetti and sausage, some hamburger and taco stuff …”

Maybe it was because I was starving, or because I was so alone, or because God was clearly taking care of me, but I couldn’t stop the stinging of tears in my eyes.

Wendy paused and turned to me. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

I burst out crying. “Nothing.”

Her arms wrapped around me. “There, there. It’s just a couple of meals and some basics.”

“Thank you.” That was all I was able to get out between sobs. I sucked in a long breath and tried to get it together.

“It’s okay.” She patted me on the back. “In fact, this is going to make my mom so happy. She called me about an hour ago with directions on gathering up everything. She was adamant that I needed to get out here quick. Which was funny, because I told her we didn’t know when you would arrive. But I guess she did know.”

I cried harder. “I’m sorry for falling apart.”

She gave me a little squeeze. “That’s okay. Don’t you know this place is called Refuge Falls for a reason?”

I was overcome with another wave of tears.

For a long time, she just held me. “It’s okay. Whatever it is, it’s okay. Because you’ve got my mom on your side, and that means you have me on your side too. And we’re some tough girls.” She shrugged. “Not to mention it seems you have God on your side.”

“What?”

“Well, my mom told me that God wanted me to hurry it up … and it looks like He was right.”

I pulled back and wiped my face. “You will truly never know what these acts of kindness mean to me. I hope one day I can repay you and your mother.”

Wendy grinned at me and then shook her head. Her eyes blinked rapidly. “Actually, I think you already have. It’s great to be in the service of God. And you gave both my mother and me that opportunity.”

I didn’t know what to say.

She suddenly checked her watch. “I do have to run. I have to pick up my daughters from school.” She hesitated, then paused and turned back. “But …”

“What’s that?”

She glanced around. “If you’re up for it, while you are staying here, would you be interested in helping us out and painting the inside? I’ll take two hundred dollars off your rent per month.”

That felt like a huge deal. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and moved toward the door. “If you have time.”

“All I have is time.”

She paused with her hand on the door handle. “I’ll bring paint out tomorrow.” She snapped her fingers. “Oh, and I just heard about a job today if you need one.”

It was like she was my personal genie. “Please, tell me.”

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