Chapter 16 #2
It doesn’t seem like people are putting on a performance. They’re showing up as themselves, and that makes it easier for me to breathe.
Ashton waves me over. “Maxie, come here for a second.”
I weave through the crowd until I reach him. Standing beside him is a man that looks to be about the same age as Ashton, who has kind eyes and an easy smile.
“Maxinne, this is Pastor Will,” Ashton says. “Will, this is my little sister.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Will says, extending his hand.
I shake it. “You too.”
His smile widens. “Anyone who can put up with Ashton earns my respect right away.”
A laugh escapes me. “Well, I’ve been putting up with him my whole life.”
“Hey now,” Ashton grumbles.
Will chuckles and lowers his voice slightly. “Don’t let him fool you. He likes to think he keeps us in line.”
“I do keep you in line,” Ashton shoots back, stepping closer now. Zane is a few steps behind him, amusement written all over his face.
“Mm,” Will hums. “That must be why I’ve gained a few gray hairs since you’ve started coming here.”
Zane snorts quietly beside him. The way they joke comes off as respect wrapped in humor. Although I expected the joking, especially from Zane and Ashton, I’m still shocked by it all.
Will turns back to me, his expression softening. “So, how long has it been since you’ve been to church?”
I hesitate, wanting to brush it off and keep things light. But something about this place, about him, makes that feel unnecessary.
“I’m not really sure,” I admit. “It’s been a while.”
His gaze doesn’t shift or harden. He gives me an understanding nod. I swallow, glancing briefly at Ashton before looking back at Will.
“I don’t know how much Ashton has told you, but after my parents divorced, church didn’t really feel like a place for us anymore.”
The words come out quieter than I intend, and I find myself staring down at my hands instead of looking at him.
“There were a lot of opinions. Not many of them were kind,” I add.
“I’m sorry that was your experience,” Will says gently.
“You’re definitely not the only one who’s been treated poorly by the church.
Even Jesus was too. At the end of the day, we’re all humans who make mistakes.
No one here has it all together, including me, and we don’t expect anyone else to either. ”
Before he can say more, Ashton claps his hands once. “Alright, before Pastor starts preaching in the hallway, we’re starting to break off into groups.”
Zane glances at me, bumping his shoulder into mine. “You ready?”
I nod, even though my heart feels like it’s beating in my throat.
“Yeah,” I say. “I think so.”
The room we step into is smaller. A few mismatched chairs form a loose circle, a small wooden table in the center has a Bible resting on top. A lamp in the corner casts a soft glow, making it feel cozy in here.
“Hey, y’all made it.” A woman with a gentle presence about her stands to greet us.
“You must be Maxinne. I’m Penny.”
“Will’s better half,” Ashton adds.
“The better everything,” she corrects without missing a beat.
A few laughs ripple through the room.
Introductions follow quickly after that. There’s Edna, who I find out is Olivia’s next-door neighbor. Grayson, the owner of The Groovy Bean coffee shop. Jessee, who claims to be everyone’s favorite waitress at MJ’s Diner. And Cindy and Ethan, who announce that they’re engaged.
As we settle into our seats, I take the chair in between Zane and Ashton.
“Alright, before we get started, does anyone have any prayer requests?” Penny asks and folds her hands in her lap.
There’s a brief pause.
“Well,” Edna says, crossing her arms, “I’d like to request a prayer for patience.”
“What for?” Zane asks.
She shoots him a look. “For you.”
Laughter breaks through the room as Zane presses a hand to his chest. “I feel personally attacked.”
“You should,” Edna replies without missing a beat. “I’ve been praying for your attitude since the day I first met you.”
I duck my head, a smile slipping free, and I try to hide it behind my hand.
“Now, now,” Penny adds. “Zane has had a lot of growth since then.”
“Wow,” Zane says, looking around the room. “I thought this was supposed to be a safe space.”
“It is,” Grayson chimes in. “Safe for us.”
More laughter ripples through the group.
Penny shakes her head, still smiling. “Alright, before we completely lose control of this group, are there any real requests?”
Cindy glances at Ethan, her fingers curling around his. “We could use some prayer for peace and discernment while planning our wedding. It’s been a lot.”
“Amen to that,” Jessee says. “People show their true colors when you start assigning seating charts.”
“Don’t remind me,” Cindy groans.
Penny nods, making a small note in the journal resting on her knee. “Okay, wedding planning, patience for Edna—”
“For Zane,” Edna corrects.
“For Zane,” Penny amends with a smile.
Her gaze shifts gently around the circle. “Anything else?”
There’s a subtle pull in my gut, like maybe I should say something, and for reasons I can’t explain, I listen.
“Could you say a prayer for our dad, Charlie?” I ask, pointing between Ashton and me.
Everyone’s eyes are on me, and my cheeks heat with embarrassment, even though I have nothing to be embarrassed about. Zane shifts beside me, his arm brushing mine. I glance over, and he’s already looking at me. He holds my gaze as he gives me an encouraging, almost proud-like grin.
Will doesn’t press as he replies, “Absolutely. Let’s pray.”