Page 43 of Organized Chaos

Sarah covered her mouth with one hand to hide the chuckle.

Brian regained his balance and put a hand over his heart. “Whew. That about got me.” He gathered up the cord.

Phillip glanced her way, his lips curved upward.

She rolled her eyes dramatically.

Tim stood and headed back to the buffet. Margo angled her head from Sarah to Phillip. When Sarah didn’t move, Margo pitched a low whisper in Sarah’s direction. She shook her head and focused on Brian.

“Did you all know that men are supposed to make coffee?” Brian wiggled his eyebrows. “It says it right there in the Bible. He brews.”

The crowd groaned, Sarah right along with them. She’d heard that joke a hundred times.

Brian cupped a hand around his ear and leaned toward the crowd. “What’s that? Oh, you didn’t like that one. I’m sorry.” He turned around and headed to the back of the stage. “I’m sorry. Let me grab a cup of coffee…and my note cards and we’ll see if there’s something better.”

Phillip propped his elbow on the table and settled his chin in his hand. Seconds later, his head nodded forward. He snapped upright and blinked.

Poor guy. She’d not noticed it at first, but he looked exhausted. She elbowed Margo. “What’s wrong with Phillip?”

“Introvert.” Margo wiggled a finger at the crowd. “He’s been peopling for days. He’s drained and needs a recharge. We thought this would help.”

Oh, right. Phillip was an introvert. Gatherings like this excited and rejuvenated her. With a quick glance around, Sarah made her way to Tim’s seat. “Do you want to leave?”

Phillip tipped his head closer to hers and whispered back. “Do you?”

“I’d rather not watch you fall off your chair in the middle of a comedy performance. People might think you’re part of the act.” She took his hand and held it between both of hers.

He hid a yawn in his shoulder. “I’m fine. I can stay. It’s you we should be worried about.” The minute the words left him, he wagged his head side to side. “No. Sorry. That sounded rude. I didn’t mean to insult you like I did on the podcast.”

“It’s fine.” She laced her fingers with his. This was what she’d missed. “I’m sorry I freaked out over your podcast. It wasn’t that bad. Just a sore subject.” One she should explain to him. Once she’d gone back and listened to the podcast again, she knew she’d overreacted.

Phillip let out another jaw-cracking yawn. Sarah pulled him from his seat and led him to the lobby where he blinked sleepily at the bright lights. He stumbled over his own feet, knocking into her and sending her sideways. She hit a wall and stopped. Phillip kept going until he reached the end of Sarah’s reach. She pulled him back to an upright position.

His weight tugged her a step forward and she slung an arm around his waist. “You know, most people who saw you like this would think you’d been at a bar, not a Christian comedy show.”

“I’m drunk on exhaustion.” He straightened to his full height.

Sarah chuckled and they walked hip to hip out into the cold night air. Stars winked overhead, bright dots that reminded her of God’s great power and existence. “I feel like a character from The Wizard of Oz. You remember that moment when they’re all skipping down the yellow brick road?”

“Not sure I can skip right now.” Phillip leaned into her. “We could stand at the back and watch the rest of the show. Being on my feet should keep me awake.”

“Are you really that tired?”

He made a vague motion with his hand. “It’s not a physical tired. I’m okay. And we both know you love laughing.”

“I love making you laugh. Even if it means I fall down a lot.” She nudged him with her hip and they both giggled as they headed back into the room.

They found a spot near the buffet tables and put their backs to the wall.

“I’m glad you’re here.” Phillip whispered into her ear. “When I saw you sitting there…” His breath hitched ever so slightly.

Sarah leaned her head on his shoulder. “We’ll talk about it later, okay? Let’s enjoy the show.”

They laughed together as the comedian worked through his skit. Sarah appreciated the dry humor and bumbling klutziness. It was cute in a wholesome way.

Phillip’s shoulder against hers gave her something to lean into, a sturdy support that she’d never really thought she might need. His head rested against the wall, laughter dancing in his eyes. “I never knew how much I needed to laugh.”

Sarah clapped along with the rest of the crowd as the comedian wrapped up the show and bowed. “I used to want to do stand up comedy.” Sarah angled a look at Phillip. “I have the falling down part going for me.”

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