The confession expels from my throat like shame-vomit. I’ve known Eugene my entire life, but still, I haven’t admittedthat truth to even myself. To be depressed when I have everything feels selfish. Like I am spitting on God’s gifts.
“I didn’t mean that,” I assure, my tone filled with desperation.
There is a long pause on the phone.
Finally, I whisper, “Eugene?”
“I shouldn’t tell you this...” He draws in a deep breath. “There is a hurricane clean-up. A three-day event this weekend by Tybee Island. Lots of damage. Jack will be there to stack up community service hours. The lawyers track that to make sure he is following the plea deal. They gave an update at our last board meeting.”
My heart thrums in my chest as thoughts swirl violently.
“You think I should go?” I squeak.
“I didn’t say that!” he replies hastily. “But if you happened to volunteer, perhaps that would put a smile on your face. I miss seeing it.”
I have no idea why he is taking a risk and telling me this, and frankly, I am just grateful.
When the call ends, I look at Ingrid. Now I am the one wearing a wicked smile.
“God just called and answered my prayers.”
I arrive as the sun peeks over the ocean waters. Tybee Island is a mix of residential and public areas. It’s a casual family beach near Savannah.
The line at registration is long. I get a yellow vest and swag bag filled with snacks and basic gloves to prevent blisters. There is plenty of trash, debris, and fallen trees to clean up after the last hurricane.
I am on a mission today, sleeves rolled up, loose ponytail, overalls, and a ball cap on. Although I wear my makeup, I look more like an unremarkable volunteer rather than a famous Christian influencer.
There’s one problem: hundreds of people are here. I may miss Jack. I think fast.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” I say to one of the ladies at registration. “Has Jack Killborne checked in? We are supposed to... volunteer together.”
She flips through her clipboard of names. “K’s, Kenneth. Kinder, Killborne. Here we are. Group sixty. They’re meeting by the lighthouse. I’ll add you to the group’s roster.”
“Oh, thank you so much!” I giddily head that way.
Soon, I weave through the hordes of people and come upon my new group. It takes me seconds to find him sitting on concrete, back against the lighthouse, eating a breakfast sandwich. The orange sunlight bathes his face. Handsome as ever.
I sneak over to him, stand between his outstretched legs and look down.
“Hey, Jack,” I say, chipper.
He freezes mid-bite, and slowly, his gaze drags up my body to my face. When our eyes meet, he stares, wide-eyed.
His mouth is full, so I fill the silence.
“Looks like we’ll be working together all weekend.” I give a cheeky smile.
He coughs and swallows his food. “Fuck no, we’re not.”
I drop to my bottom and cross my legs, facing him. “It’s so good to see you, Jack.”
“Are you crazy?” he snarls and hurries to his feet, but I follow. He searches around, probably looking for whoever is in charge. “Nope. This ain’t happening.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t be a problem. Nobody knows I’m here. By the way, I am sure lots of women have told you this, but I was incredibly impressed by you and-”
“Oh for fuck sakes, Morgan. Don’t start.”
I beam up at him, unfettered. “Your command of the Bible is truly inspirational.”
