“Dirty truck,” JD agrees before he turns to face me. “So imagine you’re driving down the road on the way back from washing your truck, and you see a huge mud puddle in the road. You’re gonna swerve, right, because you want to keep your truck clean?”
He pauses for me to nod. “But let’s say it’s been raining all week, and your truck’s already filthy. What’s the use in dodging the mud, especially when you know it’ll be more fun to drive through it?”
“Yeah.” I purse my lips as I consider the metaphor. “I get it.”
“It’s a lot easier to keep your soul clean than it is to stop yourself from sliding back into the pit when you’re already dirty,” Blake confirms.
“Besides, we can’t overcome sin on our own. Jesus didn’t die on that cross so we could fool ourselves into thinking we’re strong enough to withstand temptation or that He’s not waiting for us to ask for His help,” JD reminds us. “Even the little voice that pops up when we’re in the middle of something we know damned well we shouldn’t be doing isn’t enough, because we’re not meant to do it all on our own. Hewantsus to come to Him.”
I blow out a breath as I consider how badly I’ve been failing at that last part in particular.
Landry grunts. “That’s deep, Golden Boy, especially for you.”
“Nice job,Padre. I think that was your best sermon yet,” Blake confirms, smacking JD on the backside as if he’d just caught a touchdown pass instead.
“I think we’ve given you plenty to think about, right, Doc?” Blake directs the question at me.
“Yeah, thanks,” I say, my mind still reeling. I may not have expected to get this much wisdom from what I’d have considered to be the smoking section, but that’s what I get for counting these guys out, I suppose.
“Partake in the sacraments as often as you can, my guy. You’re gonna need the extra grace,” JD reminds me with a wink. “And in the meantime, if all else fails, you can always try making her jealous.”
saturday
1:45 PM
Claire
Hey, are you still coming over tonight so we can go to the homestead tomorrow?
Rowan
I’m afraid I might not get there until later tonight. I’m sorry.
Can I pick you up in the morning?
Claire
Is everything okay?
Rowan
Yeah, great, it’s just that I got set up at the last second. And you know how these things go … It’s different with every woman. I don’t want to mess up your evening if she ends up taking all night.
Claire
Oh, well … nbd. I’ll just be hanging out. And you know the code if you want to let yourself in after Igo to bed.
Rowan
Thanks, I’ll see you later, then. Wish me luck!
Claire
Yeah, of course, good luck!
So, how’s the date going? Have you picked out your wedding invitations and baby names yet?
Have you kissed her? Are you making out rn?
