Page 77 of Organized Chaos
“Mia. Over here.”
Reid and Raven were outside of the church door. Despite the weather, Raven was in a green Sunday dress, the waistband of her coat wrapped tightly around her middle. Even Reid dressed up in slacks and a button-down, which made me happy that they put in the effort. Another positive.
“You guys look nice.”
Raven smiled warmly. “Glad you approve. I had no idea what to wear.”
Reid sniggered behind Raven. “She googledappropriate attire for church.”
I shook my head and laughed.
“Shall we?” Reid held open the door for us.
The church interior was a sight to behold and could transport you back in time. It was decorated in ornate colors with pops of gold and white linings. It was Raven’s first time, and I caught her stealthily taking photos of the beautiful surroundings.
The masses had already congregated for service, so we sat in the back row. The wooden bench wasn’t the most comfortable, but it could be worse.
“Mia!” Someone grabbed the back of my shoulders and shook me.
Surprised, Reid and Raven jumped, ready to fight off the perpetrator. I turned to find a friendly face staring back.
“Oh my God, Chris.” Reaching out, I tugged him into a warm hug. It had been months since I last saw him.
Raven cleared her throat at my unusual display of affection. I dismissed her and ended the hug only when I was good and ready.
God, I had missed Chris, along with everyone else at this church. I had been so busy wallowing that I had pulled back from the community. Chris’ smiling face reminded me how much I missed this place and vowed to rectify the situation.
Chris rubbed both of my shoulders in an up and down motion; his handsome face lit up like a starry night. He might as well be the poster child for the all-American good look—blond, blue eyes, tall. No tattoos or messy hair to report, unlike some people I knew. He was clean-shaven and dressed in slacks with a blue button-down shirt and tie.
“It’s been so long. Where have you been?”
“Got a little busy with the holidays and my usual visit to Paris... you know.” Raven cleared her throat again, this time without exercising any subtlety. Rolling my eyes, I addressed her. “Chris, this is my sister, Raven. And you remember my brother, Reid.”
“Hello.” Raven gave him a once over.
Reid was friendlier as he had attended church with me before and had seen Chris in passing. “Hey man, how’s it going?”
Chris leaned forward. “Good. Glad to see the family’s here with Mia.” Then he added in a whisper, so only I’d hear, “And thankfully, no Milo.”
I suppressed the laugh that threatened to break free. Milo and Chris had an interesting first meeting. At that time, Chris and I loathed each other. But over the years, we had become good friends.
I beamed at him. “Why don’t we catch up? It’s been forever.”
“Sure. Do you have plans after church?
“Yes,” Raven answered on my behalf, not bothering to appear friendly. “We have lunch reservations.”
“That’s right, we do. And you should come with us,” I added without missing a beat, directing a pointed look at Raven.
Reid stared quizzically at Raven, undoubtedly surprised by her unfriendly tone. He hadn’t spent months with us in Paris and wasn’t used to this side of her.
“Sounds good. I’ll find you afterward.” Chris waved us goodbye and left to join his family. They sat a few rows behind, dressed in their best Sunday outfits.
“Nice kid,” Reid absentmindedly muttered.
“He is,” I agreed with Reid, though my eyes were locked on Raven. I never understood why she was so paranoid about men.
Raven didn’t utter another word throughout the sermon, but twice I saw her nervous gaze fleet back to Chris. How she could say anything bad about him was beyond me. He was the nicest guy on the planet.
