“I’m sorry.” Was all she could say to him. She had been misled. However, she should have known better.
“It’s fine.” He dismissed. “We have to get to know each other again.” The hairs on her nape stood up. It was an innocent enough comment, yet it sounded like both a promise and a threat.
Hannah geared the conversation back on track. “I appreciate you wanting to talk to me first. There hasn’t been a lot of that around here. Since my dad stepped down from the board, their leadership has been doing more dictating than consulting.”
“To be honest, that is one of the things I wanted to discuss with you. That needs to change. If we are to be the pastors, I won’t have it be in name only.” Oh, Hannah liked the sound of that.
“Okay.” She said cautiously.
Samuel nodded. “We need to be a united front. I have your back and you have mine. The board is there to lend support to the leaders, not to lead. Is that something you can be on board with?”
Absolutely! It was what Hannah had believed all along. She had tried to get Jeremiah on board, but it didn’t seem to be something that was important to him. He obviously had more pressing matters to attend to. While she liked the idea of them being a united front, how did she know if their interests would align? She didn’t want to be judgy. However, the two of them lived very different lives. Everything about him screamed ‘progressive’. While her beliefs aligned with a more traditional school of thought.
“I can see the wheels turning in your head. We don’t have to figure out what our differences are right now. We just have to agree to be a united front. Whatever differences we encounter, we work them out between the two of us in private.”
Hannah thought about the words. It would be nice to have a partner to work with. “It sounds like a solid plan.”
Samuel hit her with all his dazzling pearly whites. She couldn’t hold back the gasp before it escaped. “Excellent. Then I will take the position and work with you.”
For the first time in a while, hope blossomed in her heart. This could really work. In a few weeks she could return to her job, with a partner who wanted to work with her. Besides, if she said no, and Samuel walked away, Brother White’s next choice may not be so easy to work with. This was good. “I’m on board. I think this will work for everyone.”
“Then I will happily sign on the dotted line. I’m looking forward to working with you.” It was Hannah’s turn to gift him with a smile. It was a genuine one too. Not her professional one.
They spoke for a while about their vision. They were both very much aligned with community outreach. Also helping the youth. They understood the importance of fostering leadership in the next generation. After all, they had a place to foster their gifts and talents. Little Shepherd’s Summer Camp had done that for them. It had been instrumental in Hannah’s life, and Samuel’s even if he had taken a detour.
“We should probably call them back in. Brother White is most certainly out there having kittens.”
Samuel didn’t miss a beat, as he got up and headed towards the door. “He should see someone about that. Maybe invest in a litter box or something.”
Laughter bubbled up in her and escaped ringing out in the room before she could control it. By the time the door was opened, she barely had it under control. Alvin White was the first member to enter and eyed her suspiciously.
Once everyone was seated again. Samuel inclined his head to Hannah. Effectively giving her the floor. Her gaze landed on Brother White, and he didn’t look happy at all. Too bad. A change was in the air.Deal with it.The man had told her that on many occasions.
“Pastor Cho and I look forward to leading and serving this flock together. We are both confident we can do a lot of good not only for them but for the community.”
The members of the board expressed their delight at the announcement. It didn’t go without notice that one member didn’t seem to be as enthusiastic as the rest. He lacklusterly dismissed the meeting.
Samuel immediately leaned over and invited her to lunch. “Let’s continue our discussion and come up with a game plan.” She agreed.
“I have to go to the office. Well, our office and grab my purse. Would you like to see it? Or has it already been shown to you?”
“No, lead the way.”
“Anna.” Her sister called as they stepped out of the conference room.
“Hey Lisabeth.” She greeted her sister, giving her a hug. “What are you doing here?
“I came to take Nigel to lunch.” Her sister announced, looping her hands with his. “Want to come?”
“No, it’s okay.”
“I don’t want you having lunch alone. We don’t mind.” Lisabeth was sweet and always looking after her. Especially in the last few months. Her sister and Nigel deserved their time alone as a couple.
“She’s not having lunch alone…” Samuel stepped forward, so he stood beside her, “…we’ll be having lunch together.”
Lisabeth finally seemed to realise he was there. She squealed. “Samuel!” Letting go of Nigel’s arm she launched herself at Samuel.
“Hey PB.” He greeted, hugging her back. Her sister and Samuel had always gotten along like a house on fire. He gave her the nickname because, as a kid, her sister had been obsessed with peanut butter. She was always sneaking peanut butter and crackers. Why Lisabeth thought it was a secret she would never know. The girl always smelled like peanut butter. Hence the nickname. Samuel once remarked he thought of her like a little sister.
