Page 6 of Judas

Paul, forgetting all about the morning’s woes, morphed into public servant mode as he greeted everyone willing to acknowledge his presence as he walked across the room toward them. Waving and shaking hands like he was on the actual campaign trail, Judas was surprised Paul didn’t track down a baby or two to kiss. Finally, reaching the table, he took the seat next to Chet.

“Good to see you, old man,” Chet drawled as he shook Paul’s hand.

Paul mocked a scowl at his partner as unfolded the white napkin, placing it in his lap.

“What did I miss, folks?” he asked loudly to their small group.

Eliza did her best to hold in her eye roll at her father’s entrance as Chet gave her a look of amused approval. Judas saw the camaraderie between them and Paul had absolutely no clue. It made him smile.

“We’ve only just exchanged pleasantries, Paul,” Chet explained, clapping Paul on the back, “You haven’t missed anything yet, you old coot.”

Paul scowled for real this time, “Now, I just don’t know why you always have to call me that. I’m only two years your senior, I’ll have you recall.”

Chet laughed as Paul relented, play-punching Chet in the shoulder.

“You met my new security man, I see,” Paul boomed.

“I did. Seems like a strong capable man to keep you safe out there on the campaign,” Chet replied.

Judas smiled in response, nodding in Chet’s direction as a way of thanks for the endorsement and acceptance. He still wasn’t sure at any given moment how Paul actually felt about him, but Eliza’s warm smile in his direction was enough.

“I was just about to tell Eliza Neveah’s exciting news,” Chet said, turning his attention back to her.

“Neveah is Chet’s daughter,” Eliza explained to Judas, “She’s kind of like my little sister.”

The pride in Eliza’s voice when talking about this new name was evident. Judas realized there was a lot of love around the table even if Paul hadn’t.

Chet paused for dramatic effect, “She got her acceptance letter to the University of Texas at Austin!”

Eliza squealed with joy and clapped her hands. Judas was delighted to watch her in a moment of true pure happiness and smiled brightly alongside her.

“Hmph,” Paul grumbled, “We’ll throw the real party when she gets her letter for Texas Christian University.”

Chet shook his head, “No, no. This was her first choice. This was the one we were waiting for.”

“You see, Dad,” Eliza purred. “Some of us want an education, not indoctrination.”

Paul waved off his daughter’s words and seemed entirely uninterested in the current conversation as it didn’t revolve around himself. He pulled a vibrating cell phone from his pocket. Waving everyone off, Paul rose from the table mid-conversation, “Sorry folks, I’ve gotta take this.”

Eliza glared at him as he walked away from the table.

Chet leaned toward Judas meeting his gaze, “I have known that man for most of my life. I know he is rough around the edges and a lot of times an absolute fool, but he does have somegood in there. I promise. After all, he raised her.” Chet gestured toward Eliza.

“Yes,” Judas agreed, “I can’t imagine a more poised, intelligent, beautiful testament to that than Miss Eliza.”

Before the words had even fully left his mouth, Judas regretted them. Not their sentiment, just that he’d spoken them out loud. Eliza turned toward him, their gazes locking. The immense tension that passed between them in the moment was so thick you could slice it with the steak knife gripped in her hand.

She was momentarily frozen. She thought she’d been imagining the feeling his eyes gave her every time he looked at her, but right now she thought she'd been right all along. Maybe there really was a spark between them. The idea caused red heat to spread across her features and she wanted to hide under the tablecloth so no one could see it, but it was too late. Both Eliza and Judas felt Chet’s gaze move between them as he laced his fingers on the table and leaned back in his chair.

“Well, isn’t that interesting,” he stated quietly, bringing Eliza and Judas back to reality.

Eliza cleared her throat, “About Austin, yes! So exciting and wonderful!”

Chet gave them both a look that said‘I saw that’but allowed them the courtesy of moving on.

“Uh-huh… Anyway, yeah. She’s over the moon excited to follow in your footsteps, Eliza.”

She beamed, before asking about the rest of the kids. The table quickly filled with conversation as they reminisced while Judas took it all in. He was surprised to hear that Chet and his wife, Reba, share five children. All of them boys, except the youngest, Neveah, who was seventeen. Their oldest was the same age as Eliza and had grown up side by side with her. Through listening to their stories it seemed they’d always had a close relationship, Eliza and this oldest son. His name was Davy and Judas hadalready decided he didn’t like him. He had no reason, he just didn’t.

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