“I disagree. I think they’ll jump at the chance to see the place where you work.”
More silence.
“Well,” she said, “I won’t keep you.”
He stood. “I’m really sorry, Finley.”
Her chest rose and fell. “I believe you.”
“Good, because it’s true.”
“You’re forgiven.” She studied him. “I wish you could internalize just how forgiven you are.”
She was talking about God now. “Why would He forgive me?”
“Luke. Your faithlessness doesn’t affect God’s faithfulness atall. Not at all. He is faithful. Always. That’s part of His character. You believed in Him when you were young. Which means, when you ask for forgiveness, He forgives you. Period.”
“I haven’t done anything for Him.”
“None of the love He has for you is conditional. It doesn’t hinge on your actions or my actions. Andthank Godfor that. You’re loved by Him. And you’re forgiven.”
No way could he deal with a spiritual intervention right now.
He left her office. At this moment, to continue breathing, he only needed one person’s forgiveness.
Hers.
That night, Ben and Akira reclined in the back of a truck bed in preparation to watch a drive-in movie.
“I’m glad this isn’t romantic at all,” Akira said.
Ben looked across at her and grinned. When he was with Akira, he often caught himself smiling. When they were apart, he looked forward to the next time he’d see her. Their personalities clicked effortlessly. She was funny and self-deprecating. He never had to guess what she was thinking or feeling because she was always quick to tell him.
“These thousands of stars glittering in the heavens.” She swung a hand toward the sky. “These cozy blankets you brought. This delicious hot chocolate I brought.” She lifted her travel mug. “Your face. I’m not finding any of that in the least bit romantic, which is a real relief, seeing as how we’re merely friends.”
“A great relief,” he said wryly.
“Whew.”
They saw each other a few times a week at Furry Tails, and they’d started hanging out once or twice a week in addition to that. They texted daily. He’d learned she had a thing for bonsai trees, mechanical pencils, andGilmore Girlreruns. She also hada knack for sending him funny GIFs and memes right when he needed something to brighten his day.
The previews hadn’t started, so there was nothing to distract him from looking at her graceful, lively face. His eyes traced the slopes of her cheeks, the firm curve of her chin. “The popcorn isn’t great,” he pointed out. “It’s kind of stale and too salty. So that further detracts from the romantic atmosphere.”
“I’d agree with you, if there was such a thing as not-good popcorn.”
“Exhibit A.” He tapped the rim of the popcorn tub.
“No matter what, it’s crunchy kernels popped in oil, then sprinkled with salt. So—still good.”
“In that case, you can have my share.”
“I wouldn’t hear of it. Then I’d gain ten pounds, and you’d become even more fit. If you were any more fit, I might feel romantic feelings.”
He huffed with amusement. “My current body leaves something to be desired?”
“Somuch to be desired. And thank goodness for it. Your dad bod is my safety net.”
“Uh-huh.” He was in the same shape now that he’d been in back in college when he’d played baseball.
