“That’s wonderful,” Mrs. Chen said. “I have a student in mind who I think would really benefit from dance.”
“And Roan,” Walter said, “we were hoping you’d do the same with the gym. Physical training, teaching discipline and self-respect through fitness.”
Roan nodded slowly. “Yeah. I can do that.”
Reese’s stomach tightened. Did this mean she would have to work side by side with Roan?
She glanced at Grace, who was looking remarkably innocent.
“Here’s what I’m thinking,” Grace said. “We start with four kids. Mrs. Chen, you mentioned you had some in mind?”
“I do.” Mrs. Chen pulled out her own notes. “I’d want to talk to them individually first, make sure they’re interested.”
“Tell us about them,” Pastor David said.
Mrs. Chen took a breath. “Well, there’s Cody Mercer. Sixteen, in foster care after his mother died and his father couldn’t handle it. He’s angry, acting out, but, underneath it, he’s just grieving.”
Roan went very still. Reese noticed his knuckles whiten slightly on his fork.
“Emma Pritchard,” Mrs. Chen continued. “Fifteen, parents are going through a nasty divorce. She was once a straight-A student, but her grades have declined. I’m worried about her mental health.”
Reese’s heart clenched. She knew the pressure to be perfect while everything crumbled.
“Marcus Jenkins,” Mrs. Chen said quietly. “Fourteen, mother has an opioid addiction. I’m not supposed to know this but she disappeared a few months back. He’s essentially homeless, couch-surfing with friends. Sweetest kid you’ll ever meet. Henever complains or causes problems, but I don’t think he’s getting enough to eat. And I don’t know how much longer I can keep him out of the foster care system.”
“Oh my,” Grace whispered, pressing a hand to her chest.
“And Julia Smith. Seventeen. Five months pregnant. Parents kicked her out. She’s living with her grandmother who has limited income. Smart girl, with plans for college, but that’s all out the window now.”
“What about the father?” Pastor David asked.
“She won’t say who it is, other than he doesn’t live here,” Mrs. Chen said.
The table was silent for a moment.
“I think starting small is a good idea,” Pastor David agreed.
“And we’ll need mentors,” Walter said, looking around the table. “Grace and I will both be involved, obviously. Pastor David, I imagine you’ll provide support as needed?”
“Of course. That’s what I’m called to do,” Pastor David said.
“I can help with activities, transportation, logistics,” Kris said. “Whatever’s needed. My wife can help us too.”
“That’s perfect,” Grace said. Then she looked at Reese and Roan. “I’m hoping you’ll both be willing to mentor these kids. Especially Cody. He needs both of you.”
Reese’s head snapped up. “Both of us?”
“He needs a male figure, obviously,” Grace said. “Someone who understands that kind of loss. But he also needs to learn discipline and emotional regulation. That’s where you’d come in, Reese. Between the two of you, you could provide different perspectives.”
Roan was looking at her now. She could feel his gaze, even though she was staring at her plate.
“What do you think?” Walter asked.
What did she think? Was Grace trying to put them together? Hoping to spark a long snuffed-out flame? Regardless, this was a kid who needed help. If she could be a part of it, she would.
Reese nodded. “If you think we can help him, then yes. I’m willing to try.”
“Roan?” Grace asked.
