“I do,” he said seriously, holding my gaze.
“There was a house fire. That’s how my eyes became…well, like they are now. My family didn’t survive,” I paused, looking away.Fuck me, I’m fucking this all up.
“And you didn’t have any other family or friends to go to?”
I shook my head, staring down at the tabletop. “I’ve just been bouncing between friends and shelters since July.”
I flinched when his hands landed on top of mine and he squeezed. My stomach flipped with uneasiness, and I forced myself not to peel my hands away. I glanced back up to meet his gaze and gave him a small smile.
This was my shot. My chance to feed him my sob-story, the one they’d sworn would give me an invitation to the church.
“I miss them. I miss having a family that guides me and supports me. I just feel so lost…” I looked away, chewing on my lip.Fuck, did that sound rehearsed?I internally cringed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to overshare.”
“No, please. Don’t apologize. I’m glad you shared that with me. I think maybe I can help you. Our church community is strong and like one big family. I really feel like you might fit in there. Are you…are you a Christian, Olivia?”
I shook my head, “Well, I was never baptized but I believe there is a God. My parents just didn’t take us to church very often.”
He gave me a smile that made his eyes light up.
“Our church meets on Wednesday nights for a family supper of sorts. My brother and his wife are hosting me this week. You should come and check it out. I think you would really enjoy being around a welcoming church family.”
I licked my lips in thought, and he squeezed my hands again. This was too fucking easy. Was God finally giving me a reprieve?
“Okay, um, if you’re sure I won’t be intruding.”
“Definitely not,” he said with conviction. “You will be most welcome.”
I nodded. “I’ll have to figure out how to get there. Could you write down the address?”
“No need, Olivia. I’ll pick you up at four. Here,” he paused to grab a card from his wallet in his back pocket. “Just in case youneed to reach me. That’s my personal cell on the bottom. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.”
I tried to hide my smile and nodded. He released my other hand and took both trays to put them in the oven.
With his back to me, I shook out my hands and quickly wiped them on my pants.
“Um, Theo?”
“Yes?” He asked, turning around expectantly.
“What’s the dress code? I want to make a good impression.”
He smiled, quickly scanning me from head to toe.
“Come as you are. It’s casual.”
I nodded and thanked him for the invitation. Ms. Agrip suddenly entered with Reverend Kit and his wife.
“There you are, Theodore. What are you doing back here?” Kit Walsh’s voice was level as he flicked his gaze between me and his son.
“There was a mishap with the catering, and Olivia and I volunteered to help finish some food prep while staff sorted out the problem.”
“I see,” he said, clearing his throat and smiling. “That’s very generous of you, son. Ms. Agrip, my wife would be happy to step in for my son here and assist you in whatever capacity you need.”
“Yes, of course. Olivia, was it?”
I nodded at Mrs. Walsh as she walked past me and shooed Theo away.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Olivia.”
