Seth held up his hands. “I’m sure there’s ways to make up for it. I guess Tosha was scared to come home. She believes you’ll think less of her because of this.”
“Of course we do.” Mr. Henderson began stomping about. “She has so many more advantages than we did.” He threw his arm out as he passed his wife, bringing her into the equation. “We live in a good neighborhood. We attend church. She has enough food, clothing, friends. I would have killed for the charmed life she has—and she throws it away.”
Evie lifted a hand, like a student in class. She didn’t wait to be called on before she spoke. “English can be difficult—it’s not an easy subject. But I’d be willing to tutor Tosha. We—” She glanced at Seth. His mind blanked, not having any idea where she was going with this. “—are looking to start a youth group. It would involve tutoring—if needed—and a chance to socialize and do service for the community. It’s been slow in coming, but I’m sure we can use the church kitchen, and I can start as soon as tomorrow night.”
“I’m not sure about using the church.” Seth’s stomach churned with unease. “Maybe we can do it at our house.”
“Nonsense.” Evie batted his concerns away. “The kitchen is perfect. Trust me.”
He bit back his response. It wasn’t like he could tell her the board was against the idea and had blocked him until he had a proposal and a stellar reason why they should move forward. Still, his hackles went up. She should have listened to his concern instead of running over the top of it. It was the guitar all over again.
Mrs. Henderson sat forward. “I can talk to the school tomorrow and see what we can do. Maybe she can take a course online that would count?”
Evie nodded. “They have home-school options. I’m sure there’s a path. Tosha can’t be the first person to be in this situation.”
“You think so?” Tosha asked. It looked like she’d really thought she was the only kid to ever fail English.
Mr. Henderson narrowed his eyes. “Fine. But you are grounded until your grades are up. And I will check them every week. No boys. No football games. Nothing. School is your best friend.”
Tosha chewed her bottom lip. “Can Cassidy come too? She’s not doing well either.”
Seth closed his eyes and shook his head. Cassidy was one of the girls who had come to the picnic. Her family weren’t regulars at church, but he’d hoped they would be. Perhaps this was part of the Lord’s plan to bring them into the fold. He could turn all things for good—even failing grades.
Even so, the unease didn’t disappear. There was a storm coming. Seth just wasn’t sure from what direction.
“I just said no friends.” Mr. Henderson snapped.
Evie smiled easily. “Actually, it will be easier to teach two. They’ll help each other. Will Thursday work, around four?”
Tosha nodded. “I can talk to my counselor during school.”
“And I’ll make sure she has what she needs to fix this,” added Mrs. Henderson, her dark eyes set in determination.
“Fine!” Mr. Henderson threw himself onto the couch, defeated. The stress he’d been through was more than he could bear and had worn him down. “But no boys.”
Tosha nodded solemnly. She looked like she was grateful to get out of there with her cell phone intact.
Seth stood up, and Evie followed quickly. “We’re going to head out. Please call if you need us.” He shook hands all around. Evie hugged both ladies and waved to Jennifer in the corner.
“Thanks for saving me,” Tosha whispered when he said goodbye to her.
Seth grinned. “I’m just the driver.”
She giggled.
He and Evie made their way outside. Mr. Henderson jogged out and stopped them. “I just wanted to ask that we keep this whole thing between us. I’m not the type that wants my family’s issues announced and prayed for over the pulpit, if you know what I mean.”
“Of course.” Seth patted his shoulder.
He and Evie climbed into the car. It was almost midnight. Mr. Henderson went back inside, and the house lights went off at the same time Seth started the engine.
“Looks like they’re headed to bed,” he said.
She nodded. “Good. They need it.” She stretched and yawned. “I need it too. So much for getting my beauty sleep.”
“Like you need beauty sleep,” he replied without thinking.
Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink, and she fiddled with her fingers. “I can’t help but think I’ve failed Tosha.”
