Page 160 of Sire
And he became mine.
Tears fall, and minutes pass while I say every prayer and make every promise. I even call on Dolly, but fear no one’s listening, until someone startles me.
“Ahem.”
I turn, not seeing who I wish was there.
Him.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Rutledge.”
No, it’s Karen, aka. Mrs. Cabot.
“Yes?” I rise, dabbing my eyes with a tissue.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your prayers. I’m sure we share the same ones, for his safe return.”
For once, I nod, agreeing with her.
Awkwardly, she shuffles in her plaid Lilly Pulitzer heels. “I just want to say that… Well, I’ve been praying, too. For himandfor you.”
I blink, not sure if there’s a judgmental back slap coming.
“You’ve been so graceful and strong, the perfect First Lady for this church in his absence. We see you with the children, and at service every day. You’re doing a great job, organizing the nativity play and holiday market in advance. And well…” She twists her lips before they confess, “I misjudged you, and I’m sorry.”
The words he’d say spill from my heart, “Judge not, and you will not be judged. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” I touch her arm. “Thank you, and I accept your apology.”
If I were happy, I’d be inwardly twerking. All triumphant, savage, and classy with Megan Thee Stallion.
But I’m not happy.
I’m barely hanging on.
I let Mrs. Cabot ramble on about the holiday market and what her bible circle has planned. It sounds like pastel plaid Christmas bows are the trend.God, help us.
Finally, I escape her mind-numbing chatter, wishing her a good night.
Walking home through the graveyard by myself doesn’t scare me. My fears are far worse than ghosts.
Usually, Jace escorts me home, but I lied to him and said Grant was doing it tonight.
I just don’t have the heart to look my kings in the eye without spilling my soul.
Why isn’t he calling?
Twice a day, Sire has called. First, from Ukraine, where the signal wasn’t reliable. Then, from Moscow, where we could sometimes do a video chat.
But I missed his call three days ago. One of the preschool kids threw up, and that caused another to do it.The Exorcistwould’ve been proud, and by the time I tried to call him back, he didn’t answer.
His voicemail said his surgery was the next day and now…
Nothing.
Yakov texted with an update, but I don’t trust him. He said Sire is in recovery, but if that were the case, Sire would call me. He’d never go a day without talking to me.
Something’s wrong.
I know it.
