Jack Killborne: (picture of the new tile installed at the center)
Jack Killborne: looks great. Do u like the color?
I can’texplain it, but tears burn my eyes. I tilt my head back to stop them and collect myself.
“Everything okay?” asks Blake.
“Oh, yeah!” I slip my phone into my pocket. “Just been a little stressed lately with promoting my new book, and we added a Bible study that I am supposed to lead. It’s a lot of preparation. My schedule is crazy.”
He nods, but there is something about the look. I wonder if he knows I am lying.
“Would you like to pray about it?”
I smile. What a perfect thing to say.
He sits beside me and takes my hand. Together, we close our eyes as he speaks.
“Lord, please help Morgan through this tumultuous time. She is under a great deal of stress.” He lowers his voice, and the tone shifts from performative to sincere. “And help unburden her heart from what brought tears to her eyes. In Jesus name, amen.”
“Amen,” I repeat.
When I open my eyes, I can’t look at him. He pats the top of my hand and stands.
“I am a fan of yours, Morgan. You are one of the reasons I took this job. I have no doubt you will overcome any challenge, and that God will always provide the right tools and people to help you along the way.”
“Thank you,” I reply, and clutch my chest.
“Anytime.” He winks coolly, then wanders away.
I am impressed.Very impressed.
Sunday evening service arrives and I eagerly attend Blake’s first event. He nails it. He’s a natural.
Afterward, we meet and greet with the fellowship.
It’s a mix of people of all ages. Some want autographs, others just want to meet the new pastor.
Someone asks for a picture of us and we pose together.
I whisper to him, “Congratulations. They love you.”
“I am blessed.”
“We are.”
The hairs on the back of my neck prickle. Something is wrong. I look over on instinct and meet laser blue eyes staring back at me.
Oh my gosh!
Jack slouches in a seat among the empty rows, several paces away. His expression is cold and intense.
“I’ll be back,” I tell Blake.
Before he can respond, I slip away.
“Hey, Jack,” I say, my voice uneasy. I can hardly breathe.
He rises and towers over me. He’s dressed in slacks and a collared shirt. He looks handsome.
