Lauren
Sunday lunch at Asa and Lyric’s house had become a tradition over the last few years. Friends came if they could, and everyone was welcome. Lauren was just as comfortable in Lyric’s kitchen as her own at this point.
Lauren grabbed potholders, pulled a sheet of rolls out of the oven, and placed them on the counter. Lyric secured her dark hair into a high ponytail as she slid behind Lauren toward a crying baby Nora.
“I’m really considering cutting my hair short. All she wants to do is pull on it when she nurses.”
“You’d look adorable with short hair,” Bella said as she bounced baby Ariana in her arms. “I’ve been thinking of doing the same thing.”
Asa walked in still wearing the collared shirt and khakis he’d worn to church. “Sorry I’m late.” He pressed a kiss to Lyric’s temple. “What can I do?”
Lyric patted his shoulder, already stepping aroundhim. “Can you grab the slaw out of the fridge? Don’t wait on me. I have to feed Nora.”
Asa took hold of Lyric’s arm, gently tugging her back to him. “Can I give her a bottle so you can eat?”
“I’m okay. She’ll fall right asleep after she eats.” She reached around Asa and grabbed a warm roll. “This will hold me over.”
Lauren turned to Asa as she moved the rolls to a wooden bowl. “How was the deacons’ meeting?”
Asa pulled the slaw out of the fridge and moved it to the center of the table that was already covered in platters of food. “Good. Thankfully, it was short. I’m starving.”
Lauren passed him the rolls and wiped her hands on a dish towel. “I’m going to let the others know lunch is ready.”
Sunday was always Lauren’s favorite day of the week, but it was also the busiest with Sunday School before the worship service in the morning and lunch with her friends after. Hopefully, she’d get a chance to talk to Travis about a job for Zach.
When everyone was seated around Asa and Lyric’s kitchen table, Travis prayed over the food and bowls were passed around as everyone filled their plates.
Asa and Lyric’s teenage son, Jacob, didn’t look up from his mound of food as he asked, “Who’s that guy you were with at Grady’s, Miss Lauren?”
Lovely. It had taken all of five seconds for the subject to turn to Zach.
Lauren ladled a spoonful of mashed potatoes ontoher plate. “He’s staying in my rental house and helping me with some repairs and remodeling.”
Asa pointed a fork at his son. “You’re not allowed to hang out with him unless another adult we trust is around.”
“He’s not dangerous,” Lauren said, lowering her spoon as her defenses rose.
“Could have fooled me,” Travis said.
Well, that wasn’t the way she’d wanted to kick things off. “Yes, he’s done some bad things, but I’m hoping he’s changing.”
“Hopes and reality aren’t always the same,” Asa said.
So Asa wasn’t on her side either. Without Lyric around, Lauren was on her own. “He’s been helping a lot, and he hasn’t caused any trouble.”
“Yet. It’s only been a few days,” Asa pointed out.
Bella patted baby Ariana’s back as she rested her head on Bella’s shoulder. “Why are you doing this?” She held up her hand. “I’m not attacking you. I’m curious. Why are you helping him after what he did?”
That was the question of the week. Sure, he was helping her in a way she hadn’t expected, but her original plan had fallen through.
“I need a laborer, and he needs a place to live.” It sounded more hollow every time she said it.
Asa put down his fork and propped his elbows on the table, clasping his hands together. “I know you’re still looking for Anthony.”
And now it was time for the other topic she’dhoped to avoid. Her friends were the best, but they’d never understood her need to find Anthony.
“Yeah. You’ve known that all this time. In fact, I called the police department this week for an update on his case.”
