On the way back to the inn, she was quiet and kept her eyes straight ahead.
When they pulled into the driveway, Jayce thanked her for lunch.
“You’re welcome.” She tried to smile, but he could tell it was forced.
“Did I, uh . . . say something to upset you?” He’d thought they were simply having a healthy conversation about God, but he must have pushed a button or something.
“Nee, not at all.” She made another attempt at an awkward smile.
Jayce stepped out of the buggy, but before he closed the door, he said, “I enjoyed today.”
“Ya.” She avoided his eyes. “Enjoy your stay.”
He closed the small door when she began to back up Millie. He watched her ride away, wondering what he’d done. Things weren’tthe same, for sure.
Nine
Evelyn had never met a more misguided English person in her life, regarding her way of life. Jayce was incredibly handsome,compassionate, kind . . . and utterly clueless about Amish beliefs and traditions. He’d left Evelyn feeling frustrated, eventhough she had to question why. She was attracted to him physically, but some of the things he said had given her a headache.
As she rode home she pondered why she was upset. She’d been brought up one way, taught what to believe, and she’d never hadsomeone challenge her beliefs or doubt them. Jayce put her on the defense about God, and she shouldn’t have to defend herrelationship. Then why did she expect him to defend his? Was she judging him—doubting his faith? What right did she have todo that? And how had she allowed a handsome English man—whom she’d even kissed—to get under her skin the way he had? Was sheso unconfident about her faith that Jayce had triggered a barrage of doubt she hadn’t even known existed?
By the time she walked into the house, her mood had taken a bad turn, and it must have shown.
“What’s wrong with you?” Lucas was sitting on the couch. He dipped his hand into a bag of chips, his socked feet propped upon the coffee table.
“Nothing.” She scurried past him toward the kitchen. Something was already simmering on the stove.
“How was your outing?” Her mother opened the oven door and slid in a loaf of bread.
“It was okay.” Evelyn picked up a chocolate chip cookie from a platter on the table. She was surprised her brothers hadn’tgobbled them all up.
Her mother turned, leaned against the counter, and wiped her hands on the kitchen towel hanging over her shoulder. “It doesn’tsound like it was okay.”
“It’s just . . .” She wasn’t sure her mother would understand what she was feeling, but it seemed too personal to discusswith anyone else. “You know how we try to stay detached from the Englisch?”
“Do we?” Her mother’s eyes grew openly amused.
“Most of the time,” Evelyn said as she sat at the kitchen table. “And we’ve always been taught to use caution, that those outsideour community might not share our faith. But today, I felt like the one on the outside . . . like Jayce was questioning mei beliefs as much as I was questioning his. And it bothered me that I didn’t have answers for some of his questions. I didn’tknow how to explain in a way he’d understand.”
Her mother pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “I’m surprised you had such a serious conversation with this boy when you barely know each other.”
“Ya, but he doesn’t like the life he’s currently living in Los Angeles. He’s attracted to our way of life, but he has no realunderstanding about it.” She took the last bite of her cookie and chewed on it the way her mind was chewing on Jayce’s comments.
“It’s not your job to minister to him or to defend or explain why we live the way we do.” Her mother sighed. “Although, itwon’t be the last time you’re tempted to give explanations to the Englisch. You wouldn’t believe some of the questions I’ve been asked over the years.” She shook her head. “I once had a complete strangerask me if I knew I was going to hell for not believing in Jesus.”
Evelyn straightened. “What did you say?”
“Ach, it ruffled mei feathers for sure. I wanted to tell her that I believe in Jesus and that I look forward to joining Him someday.” She shrugged.“But instead I smiled, said a silent prayer for her, and kept walking across the Rural King parking lot.” She found Evelyn’sgaze and held it. “Because that is what we are taught to do, not to engage about such subjects. And that’s what you shoulddo in the future and with that boy. Don’t allow yourself to be swept into a conversation about our beliefs.”
“Ach, well, first of all, he’s not a boy. He’s a man, a few years older than me. And I doubt I’ll see him again.” It was true,but saying it aloud stung a little.
“That’s for the best.” Her mother gave a taut nod, then grinned. “Especially since he is a nice-looking fellow.”
Evelyn felt her cheeks turning red. “Ach, he’s nice looking. Just challenging.”
“Oh dear.” Her mother folded her arms across her chest. “Gut looking and challenging. That sounds exactly like someone you’d fall for. Definitely best to avoid him.”
“Why do you say I would fall for someone like that?” Evelyn wasn’t sure if her feelings should be hurt. It felt like it.
“Mei sweet maedel.” She dropped her arms to the table and leaned forward, a sympathizing smile starting at one corner of her mouth. “It’s oneof the many things I love about you, but it’s also the reason you’ve rejected most of the fellows around here. You love agood debate. You thirst for knowledge, and you embrace challenge. You haven’t met your match, the intellect you seem to crave.”
She paused. “Maybe intellect isn’t the correct word. Understanding might be a better description. Telling you and showing you isn’t enough. You long to understand
