Page 80 of The Friend Game

Luke nods. “Yeah, but as a wise woman once said,” he points a finger at me, “the power sin holds over us is weakened when we bring the sin to light.”

“Wait, me? I said that?” It does sound familiar, and I reallyhavebeen on this confession kick lately. Still, I didn’t say that to Luke, in fact I’m pretty sure I said that to—

“Eloise Helensby came into my office last week to tell me that she was the one who let that frog loose in the sanctuary during chapel earlier this year,” Luke expounds on his statement. “When I asked her what made her decide to come forward, she told me you said that to her class and it stuck with her because of all the guilt she’d been feeling.”

“Oh, poor thing.” My hand—which thankfully has stopped its fluttering— goes to my heart.

“On the contrary, she’s lucky to have an art teacher like you.”

“You mean a substitute art teacher,” I correct.

“For now,” he says.

“I hope so.” My hands go to fidget with my hair. “I honestly won’t blame the board if they vote against me. I did lie, after all. It’s not unreasonable to not want a liar teaching your children.”

“You know,” Luke muses, “when I first felt the call to become a pastor, I was sure there’d been a mistake. That I hadn’t heard God correctly. How could someone with such a sordid thing in their past be called to the role of teaching other Christians? But the more I prayed about it, the more I felt God reminding me through His word that he frequently uses imperfect, messy people. So long as we have willing and repentant hearts—that’s all He really asks. So, even if the board does vote against you, that doesn’t mean God is finished with you. You’ve already shown yourself to have a repentant heart and a willing spirit, now it’s time to see what He has in store for your life. I’m no prophet, but I’m pretty sure it involves dating me,” he adds with a wink and we grin stupidly at each other for a few minutes.

“Have I told you how much I like you?” I finally ask him.

Luke laughs. “We’ve got quite a while before either of us have to leave for work–care to elaborate?”

We settle into an easy conversation until Luke finally has to get off and actually get ready for work. My worries are long gone as I head out to my car and set off for Grace Canyon. Everything is going to be fine.

For once the words feel like a true statement rather than empty words meant to try and comfort myself. I play out new scenarios in my head as Idrive, picking a new favorite what if question: What if this thing between Luke and me lasts forever?

Best what if question ever.

Chapter 32

I’LL ADMIT THE worry does start to creep back in as the day progresses and I still don’t hear from Lexie Stone. But it’s fine, remember? I’ve officially walked through all of the worst case scenarios, so she is no threat to me.

Luke and I had plans to get dinner before the board meeting, but he ends up getting called to the hospital to visit a member of the church in critical condition. Which is of coursefine.

He shoots me a text letting me know he’ll meet me at the board meeting. Jill is coming too and Belinda. So at least I’ll have a support system in place should Lexie try any funny business. Or rather,whenshe tries her funny business. Pretty sure it’s inevitable.

I get to the school fifteen minutes before the meeting is set to start and sit in my car with worship music blasting. I once heard someone say that it’s impossible to worry when you’re praising God, soI’m putting the theory to the test. I’m happy to report that it’s proving true. I’m feeling pumped and ready for this meeting as I step out of my car and head toward the building.

My good feelings only increase when I hear my name a second later and turn to see Brooke and Sydney hurrying toward me.

“Brooke? Sydney?” I exclaim. “I didn’t know you guys were coming.”

“Duh,” Brooke says. “Of course we came. What kind of sister would I be if I didn’t come to your trial?”

“It’s not a trial, Brooke,” Sydney says, elbowing her in the side. “It’s a board meeting where her employment will be voted on.”

“Tomato, tomahto.” Brooke waves off Sydney’s correction then turns back to me. “Are you ready to state your case?”

I nod. “Yes, I think so.”

“You’re a great teacher,” Sydney pipes up. “I’m sure they’ll vote in favor of keeping you on.”

“Thanks, Sydney.” We’ve reached the building now and the three of us file in, Sydney leading the way. The media center where the meeting is being held is already buzzing with people. Are board meetings usually this highly attended? I sort of doubt it. Pretty sure they’re all just here to seeme face off with Lexie.

Brooke disappears to use the bathroom, and I scan the room for Luke, but can’t find him. My heart sinks a little, but I tell it to float back up because I’m sure he’ll be here soon.

“Ah, Hannah, you’re here.” George approaches me with a friendly smile on his face. “I just want you to know that I plan to speak on your behalf tonight.”

“You do?” I say in surprise. I hadn’t realized that was even an option.

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