“For this opportunity?”
“No, Camille. I prayed for him to die. For Jim to be out of our lives forever. To be completely rid of him. I can’t help but wonder if all those prayers had something to do with the situation I find myself in now.”
She frowned. “I don’t think that’s how it works. From what I know of God, he’s in the business of restoration. But I don’t think you’re entirely wrong. I do think it might have a little something to do with your situation. Or more accurately, the opportunity you’ve been given.”
Foster groaned. “The opportunity to give up my organ to a man who doesn’t deserve it?”
“The opportunity to give your forgiveness to a man who doesn’t deserve it.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Should we talk about it?” Josh held the door to Curly Joe’s open for Edie to pass through.
The smell of coffee beans enveloped them, bitter and inviting all at the same time. Edie was usually an iced coffee sort of gal, but with the dreary weather, a hot cup was definitely in order and this rich aroma surrounded her like the promise of a warm hug.
“The kiss?”
She’d said that too loudly. She recognized that blunder the instant Cal’s head turned to look over his shoulder, clearly catching onto the buzzword. He stood from the table he’d been saving for them, face expressionless.
“No,” Josh said quietly under a breath. He pressed a hand low to Edie’s back and nudged her toward an open seat at the table. “The fact that Morgan thinks we should swap the fruit tarts for macarons.”
“I agree with Morgan. The macarons are easier to eat. More like finger foods,” Cal interjected.
Okay, so it looked like they were all going to ignore the fact that Edie had just brought up that she and Josh had kissed. It wasn’t like this was the time, nor the place, for that discussion,anyway. But the statement hung around them, heavier than the clouds outside full of rain.
She couldn’t do this. Keep her feelings for each man hidden.
And she wasn’t sure how much longer she could be around them both without that truth spilling out.
“I ordered you a white mocha, Edie.” Cal’s eyes connected with hers. “I hope that’s okay.”
“That’s perfect.”
Josh hadn’t taken his seat yet, so he hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to go place my order. I’ll be right back.”
Cal just gave a curt nod, then brought his attention back to Edie. “I talked to Damien from that youth art program at the rec center I’d proposed as a charity. He had a really good idea I wanted to run by you. He suggested we actually have a section at the gala dedicated to youth, showcasing a half dozen pieces of artwork that could also be up for sale. I really like the idea but wasn’t sure if it fit into the scope of the evening.”
“No, that’s really great, actually. The only issue is that it’s a twenty-one and over event, so they wouldn’t be able to attend.”
“I don’t think that was the intent. Just to have their artwork there. Honestly, I’ve seen some of the stuff these kids produce. It’s hard to tell it apart from some of my own work. They’re pretty incredible.”
Cal was renowned in the area as a highly successful painter. Edie doubted the kids’ skill levels were anywhere near his, but she loved the fire in his eyes and excitement in his voice when he talked about the future of the industry and the youth that would be coming up the artistic ranks.
“I love the idea. Let’s fill Josh in when he gets back.”
Cal’s lips pressed together. He looked like he was about to say something. Finally, he gave in. “Is there anything you want to fillmein on?”
She knew exactly what he referred to. And no, she didn’t want to fill him in. But should she? Was she obligated to? They weren’t dating, weren’t in any sort of real or committed relationship. So why did it feel like she was keeping something from him?
Right then, a barista shouted Josh’s order, pulling both Cal and Edie’s focus toward the bar.
“There’s nothing to tell,” Edie said as Josh returned to their table, drink in hand, fading smile on his face.
“Everything good?”
“Yeah, man,” Cal said grumpily. “Everything’s good.”
They spent the next hour ironing out details for the gala and Edie spent that time drifting between the conversation at hand and the one she was currently having in her head. The voices that told her this was wrong, to have feelings for two men simultaneously.
