Page 40 of Still Afraid

“She called me yesterday too.”

“You’d think she’d know you’re taken.”

He shrugged and shook his head. “Do I eat it? You want it?”

“I can’t eat greasy food. You should just eat it. I’d hate for food to go to waste.”

“I’ll call Chloe. It feels weird to accept this.”

“That’s a good idea.”

Josh headed back to his office. He was about to eat his lunch anyway and had been looking forward to his turkey sandwich. Not that he didn’t love Chick-fil-A.

Setting the bag on his desk, he dropped into his chair and dialed Chloe. How did he explain this? Thankfully, Chloe wasn’t the jealous type, but she was so shaken from the storm and break-ins he was concerned she’d worry about it more than she should.

She answered with joy filling her voice. “Hey, you!”

“Hey, babe. Did you sleep well?”

“I did. At least one unpleasant dream, but I went back to sleep quickly, then slept like a dog.”

“Not a baby or a log?”

“Nope, babies and logs don’t sleep long and peacefully.”

He chuckled. “Sounds like you’re in a good mood.”

“I am. I hear hesitancy in your voice though. What’s wrong?”

“Remember how Breana called me yesterday?”

“Yyyeeesss.” Each letter stretched.

“She sent me lunch via delivery today.”

“What?” Confusion, not aggravation, colored her tone.

“I don’t get it. What’s her angle?”

“Who knows. I suppose food is harmless enough. I don’t know why she didn’t get the message when you talked to her yesterday.”

“I’m guessing she’s the kind of person who, once she’s set her mind on something, pushes on without listening to the other side.”

“Probably. Let me at her, and I’ll give her a piece of my mind and tell her to back off my man.” Chloe burst out laughing before Josh could even reply, so he joined her.

“To clarify, you’re saying you don’t care if I eat the food?”

“If you don’t, I’m coming to get it. Wouldn’t she love that?” Chloe’s laughter continued.

He opened the bag to actually see what was inside. His favorite, nuggets and fries. “Too bad, it’s not your preferred strips. I guess I have to eat it.”

“Oh well, I’ll survive. Actually, maybe I’ll have Gabe get us lunch—it’s not like I have much for us to eat here.”

“Perfect. Love you.”

“Love you too.” They hung up, and he removed the food from the bag. Before eating, he bowed his head and prayed for the meal, and prayed for Breana too. That she would realize the reality of the situation, back off, and find her hope in Jesus.

Tuesday had been dragging on. Despite getting another night of solid sleep, Chloe was feeling weary after having to be at a closing at eight this morning. She then met the couple she was showing houses to at eleven, and now it was four, and they were on house number … what was it, ten?