Page 31 of Dreaming About Forever

“Gideon Reynolds let a cow loose on the football field,” Jordan said. “It could have been worse.”

“Whose side are you on?” his mother shrieked.

Jordan held up his hands in surrender. “Just saying. Clint’s senior prank was pretty harmless.”

Their mother narrowed her eyes at Jordan and Clint. “The ladies at the church will speak up if the information is important. We’ll just explain that Alicia is here for some R and R, and to keep it quiet.”

“It sounds like fun,” Alicia said.

Wait. What did she say?

“I still don’t think it’s a good idea,” Jordan added.

“Do you think she should just hide out here all month? There are tons of Christmas events going on, and she should be a part of it,” his mom said. “You’re gonna love it here.”

Alicia smiled back at his mom. “I’m sure I will.”

It looked like Jordan would be hanging out with the church ladies for the evening.

12

ALICIA

Alicia stared at the church as they pulled into the parking lot. It was small and simple with a big white cross on the top, stretching into the dark sky.

“I can’t wait for you to meet everyone,” Vicci said.

Jordan shifted into park and looked over his shoulder. “Please make sure they know not to spread the word.”

Vicci unbuckled her seatbelt. “Stop being a worrywart. And relax a little bit. I doubt Alicia will be in any danger from the ladies tonight.”

Jordan killed the engine and stepped out of the truck. Alicia reached for the door handle, but her attention was drawn to the cross again. She’d never been in a church before. Her parents hadn’t been religious, preferring to worship money and popularity. They were the only things that mattered in the Carver family.

It wasn’t even Sunday, and the Taylors were planning to spend their time at church. She’d never given much thought to what Christians actually did at church. She thought it was a once-a-week thing.

The door opened, and Jordan offered his hand. She’d meant to get her own door, but the nervousness stirring in her middle had her frozen.

“Are you okay?” Jordan asked low, probably so his mom wouldn’t hear.

Alicia put on a smile and took his hand. “Of course. I’m fine. Just taking it all in.”

“This way.” Vicci waved as she led them toward a small door on the side of the church.

Alicia had performed in front of thousands of people and showcased herself for peoples’ opinions and scrutiny. Being the center of attention wasn’t anything new. Why were her hands sweating at the thought of meeting a few women?

The small door opened to a large room with fluorescent lighting. Folding tables were pushed against one wall, and the center of the room was dominated by an enormous sleigh. Paper was spread over the floor, and a few paint cans were dotted around it.

A woman in her mid-fifties with her light-blonde hair pulled up into a claw clip spotted them first. “Vicci! I thought we decided on crimson.” The woman stopped when she realized Vicci had others with her. “Oh! Who is this? Jordan, is that you?”

Jordan tensed beside Alicia. “It’s me, Mrs. Reynolds.”

“Well, look at you! It’s been too long. And call me Connie. You’re plenty old enough.” Connie opened her arms and walked straight toward Jordan, wrapping him in a motherly hug. “We missed you like crazy.”

“I missed you too,” Jordan said before clearing his throat. “I’m actually working right now.”

“He’s a bodyguard now, Connie. He works for Alicia Carver,” Vicci said as she wrapped her arms around one of Alicia’s. “The famous singer.”

Connie’s eyes widened, taking Alicia in from her head to her toes. “Well, that sounds like fun! I’ve seen you on those music award shows. My friend’s daughter went to one of your concerts once. She said it was the best show she’d ever seen.”

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