None of the jabs penetrated.
Nehemiah’s enemies tried to distract him and discourage him with taunts and jeers, but he refused to let them disturb his work.
Jim forged ahead. He’d never felt stronger or more assured in his life. With the Lord’s guidance, he had set his own course, and he would sail it.
He might sail alone, but he’d sail.
34
Mary did up the side zipper of her dark blue gabardine dress. The sooner she and Yvette left the apartment for their shopping trip, the better. When Jim came to pick up Quintessa for lunch, Mary had managed to be busy cleaning the bathroom, and she wanted to be away whenever they returned.
Jim hadn’t even asked about Mary, just spirited Quintessa away.
Her zipper snagged on her slip, and her thoughts snagged on the truth. She worked to free both. Hadn’t she done everything possible to discourage conversation with Jim the past two weeks? Why should she be surprised when he no longer sought her out? Wasn’t that best in the long run?
Yes, it was. She sighed and closed the zipper.
The front door opened.
Oh bother. Mary had taken too long to get ready.
But only one set of footsteps entered the apartment, feminine heels clicking on the polished wood. The bedroom door opened, and Quintessa came in, her cheeks pink from the cold.
“Back so soon?” Mary asked.
Quintessa crossed to her dresser. “He shipped out.”
“Oh.” Mary’s chest contracted. Into danger again, with things heating up on both coasts. And she never said good-bye.Lord, keep him safe.
Quintessa unpinned her hat. “You should have warned me how the men act when they ship out. I had no idea.”
Mary opened her jewelry box and pushed around the earrings, a silver blur. “Oh?”
“All the men hounding him to kiss me. But I guess you know all about that.” She let out a short laugh, tight around the edges.
Every muscle in Mary’s body froze. Why had Jim told her? And what could she say that wouldn’t make Jim look bad—or hurt Quintessa’s feelings? Even the truth sounded suspect, but what else did she have?
She sorted through the earrings, all in silver, for a matching pair. “Just a friendly kiss. I couldn’t stand how the men harassed him. I just wanted to end it. It didn’t mean anything to him.”
Silence from Quintessa.
Time to be brave, so she put on her blandest expression and turned around. “You have nothing to worry about.”
Quintessa eyed her up and down, pressed her fingertips to her forehead, and her mouth smiled. Only her mouth. “Strange to think my best friend and I have been kissed by the same man.”
That bland expression took more work than any smile. Jim had kissed Quintessa. She hadn’t needed to grab him and kiss him. He’d done it himself and eagerly, no doubt, and in only two weeks together. Not six months. Why had Mary deluded herself?
Quintessa’s mouth twitched, and she sat on her bed. “I don’t have any reason to be jealous, do I?”
The poor thing. Hugh had cheated on her, abandoned her, and broken her heart. Why wouldn’t she fear betrayal?
“Oh, honey.” Mary dashed over, sat on the bed beside her, and took her hand. “I’d never do anything to hurt you. You’re my dearest friend in all the world. I owe you so much. Your friendship is more important to me than any man. Don’t you know that?”
Her face buckled, and she covered her eyes with her hand. “I’m sorry. I know that. I know you’d never hurt me. I’m still too sensitive after whathedid to me.”
“I understand. I don’t blame you. But no, honey, I’m happy for you and Jim. He’s adored you for as long as I can remember, and I’m thrilled you’ve discovered each other after all these years. You deserve each other.” If her mouth said it often enough, someday her heart would agree.
“Thank you,” Quintessa said in a cramped voice, and she glanced away.
