I bit my lip as tears smarted. How could a woman who was practically a stranger take the time to pray for me? That made no sense, but then again, I’d seen Chris do the same thing.
Erykah
I appreciate that.
Piper
Can I call you? Is that okay, or are you busy doctoring?
A chuckle escaped before I even recognized the sound. When was the last time I’d genuinely laughed at something?
Erykah
Yes, please.
The phone immediately rang.
“Hello?” I winced. Okay, so maybe answering the phone like I didn’t know who it was wasn’t the smartest thing to do.But that’s what people who grew up before caller ID do.
“Hey, Erykah. Hope it’s okay to call. I know some people don’t like talking on the phone.”
Pretty much, but I was willing to try. “No, it’s fine. I’m on my lunch break.”
“How’s house hunting?”
“Terrible.” I let out a groan. “Nothing fits right. It’s either too far away from my work or in an awful school district. Meanwhile, Cheyenne hasn’t started kindergarten, and I don’t know if that means I’ll have to homeschool her after all or hold her back a year.” Though Colorado didn’t mandate kindergarten attendance, I still felt like I was restricting her by keeping her from going. But Ellynn was homeschooling her, so there wasn’t a vast difference, other than the fact I wasn’t actively teaching her anything. At least she learned about animals when at work with Chris.
“Why don’t you call a school in Chris’s school district and see if there’s a time limit on enrolling her? That might make your decision easier.”
“I had the same thought. I’m not sure why I haven’t yet.” I scribbled a reminder on a sticky note—that way I wouldn’t procrastinate any longer.
“Also, I’d love to talk to you about God sometime ... if you want, that is.”
“Actually, that would be lovely.” Should I tell her I’d prayed the salvation prayer? My face heated up. Would she think a simple prayer in my office inadequate? “Do you pray like you’re talking to a friend like Chris does?” Maybe I could ease into the conversation.
Piper laughed. “More like whine like I’m talking to a parent. I love that you’ve seen Chris pray. He seems like he’s pretty secretive. Not like in a bad way, just that he doesn’t let others get to know him very well.”
I had that thought before as well, but now that I did know him better, I realized he was being protective of all parties involved when he finally did share. What did it mean that he’d shared things with me he hadn’t with his other friends?
“Can I ask...” I bit my lip. Maybe I better not.
“Ask anything. Go ahead.”
“How long have you known Chris?”
“A couple of years. Why?” Piper paused. “Are you ...interestedin him?” Her voice held a girlish quality, as if she were holding back her glee.
I don’t know why that amused me, but it did. When I allowed myself to think of Chris like that, I wanted to act like a teenager myself.
“Define interest.” I played innocent. Who knew if this conversation would circle back to him.
“Look, whatever you tell me stays with me. Just because I’ve known Chris longer doesn’t mean I’ll go running to him. That’s not how I work, nor does Nevaeh, if you choose to invite her into our conversations.”
“How can a perfect stranger want to meet me?” I asked. I thought Chris mentioning Nevaeh was just a nicety, but hearing Piper say it made me think otherwise.
“We don’t have a lot of friends, so we covet true friendships. Plus, she and I have been praying Chris meets the right woman. I actually mentioned you back when we went to a gala for the Derby. But I had no contact information for you. Imagine my surprise when I found out you were the woman Chris was flying to Kentucky with.”
Piper had thought I’d be a good fit for him? I had so many questions, but no clue what to actually ask.
