“I think it’s interesting that in a matter of weeks Val gets set up on a blind date,thenhe appears at church.”
This is my cue. Fran’s delivering me the perfect opportunity to speak. “I—”
“I don’t care why he’s popping up like Waldo. I’d rathernotfind him in the crowd.”
I bet she doesn’t. Suddenly, courage bolsters me. “I invited him to church.”
Jackie gasps. Isaac slams on the brakes. And Fran squeezes my hand.
“You did what?” Jackie blinks. “When? Why?” She throws her hands in the air. “I don’t understand what is happening.”
“Babe—”
She waves a hand at Isaac. “Shush.” She points a finger at me, fully twisting in her seat to stare me down. “What did you do?”
“Maybe we should talk about this later.” I motion to the valet waiting for us to exit the vehicle.
“I don’t think so. Bathroom. Now.”
“I don’t wanna,” Ollie whines from the back.
“Not you, sweetie. Mommy’s gonna take Auntie Fran and Val.”
He giggles as if the notion of adults needing a bathroom break is absurd. It really is. Part of me wants to yellYou’re not my mom, but that won’t stop this train from derailing.
Jackie stalks toward the restrooms, Fran and I following at a slower pace.
“You’re doing great,” Fran says.
“I think I’m going to puke.”
“Nope. Save that for later.”
“She’s never going to speak to me again.”
“Sure, she will. She always pouts, then forgives.”
“Pretty sure I saw smoke coming out of her ears. That’s not pouting.”
Fran laughs. “I’ve seen worse.” She pulls open the bathroom door, revealing Jackie pacing inside.
Jackie whirls, coming to stand inches from me. “Why did you invite him to church? Was it random? Did you run into him?”
“Maybe stop asking so many questions so Val can speak.” Fran stares pointedly at our big sister.
“Fine.” Jackie glares. “I’m all ears.” She places her hands on her hips.
“Jabari and I have become friends.”
She rears back like I’ve slapped her.
“He needed a friend because of something he’s going through. And the more we talked, the more I got the sense he needs Jesus too. So I invited him to church.” We need to be at the table soon, so the short version will have to suffice.
Jackie just stares at me.
“You okay?” Fran asks.
And the question is enough to snap Jackie out of whatever kind of stupor she’s in. She straightens her spine and stomps right out of the restroom.
