“I’m leaving now.” Trixie darted a brief glance at Elijah before running off the stage, swiping her purse from the front pew and escaping out the side door.
Elijah resisted the urge to rub his temples. The pastor’s appearance had spooked her, and in a big way. Maybe it was for the best. Nope. He really didn’t believe that.
Pastor Gray made his way to him. “I came to pick up my notes for Sunday’s sermon and heard a commotion in here.”
“As I said, the ladder had technical difficulties.”
“I see.” Pastor’s Gray eyes told Elijah he saw much more than he let on. “You’re a good man, Elijah, but you need to be careful.”
Before Elijah could respond, the pastor turned and walked away without another word, leaving Elijah to wander about his warning.
Chapter Ten
“You did what?” Trixie stared at her mom like she’d grown a second head.
“I invited Elijah to share Easter dinner with us.” Her mom squinted her eyes, confusion written on her face. “I didn’t realize it would be a problem.”
“You know we don’t get along.” Even as the words slipped past her mouth, she knew they were flimsy.
“What’s going on? I thought you and Elijah had formed a friendship of sorts?”
“We have, but that doesn’t mean I want him invading our family meal.”Stop now, Trix, before you dig yourself deeper.
“Be gracious, Bebe. He doesn’t have any family to spend the holiday with.”
“Any number of members would be happy to have them at their table.” Goodness, why couldn’t she let it drop?
“Beatrix Ann Graff, what in the world has gotten into you?” Mom put a hand on her hip and gave her the mom look.
Trixie felt as tall as a grasshopper. “I’m sorry. I’m being a brat.”
Mom smiled and held her thumb against her forefinger. “Just a bit.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”
“If it’s that upsetting to you, I can take back the invitation.” Concern etched into Mom’s features. “I don’t want you uncomfortable.”
“No, it’s fine.” She forced a smile to her face. “I wasn’t expecting it, but now I’m prepared.”
“Prepared for what?”
“Nothing.”
Mom shook her head with her brows raised. “You’re not making sense … but as long as you’re good.”
“What time is everyone coming over?”
“Your sisters will be here any time to help get ready, but we won’t eat until this evening at five.”
That gave her the time she needed. “Would it be okay to leave Alice with you while I run an errand?”
“Sure. Where are you going?”
She rocked on her heels. “During the service this morning, I started thinking about Hunter and decided it’s time I go see him.”
“That’s wonderful. Yes, absolutely go see him. Alice is fine here.”
“Thank you.” She wouldn’t feel bad about not being there to help with the prep work because she’d done a lot last night, including making the deviled eggs and layered salad.
