Jayce stared at her. “How is it that you can be so wise with only an eighth-grade education? Because”—he set down his secondpiece of pizza—“I’ve been to therapists with nearly a decade of education, who charge hundreds of dollars per hour, and theyhaven’t made as much sense as you have in the past ten minutes.”
“Then pay up,” she said around a mouthful of food. Then she smiled, and Jayce actually laughed. He was somehow lighter around her, as if all the burdens he carried like lead on his shoulders had lost their heaviness.
“I could just stay here, you know. Nothing is keeping me in California.” It was true. He’d distanced himself from most ofhis friends who were living a lifestyle that wasn’t attractive to him anymore.
“Ya, you could stay here. Just make sure you do it for the right reasons.” She put her hand over her heart. “You have to fixthis just as much as your physical surroundings.”
“I don’t know how to do that. My relationship with my father weighs me down more than anything. It seems like physical distancefrom him would help heal what’s inside.” He was finally ready to tell her what had happened.
“Usually my dad takes every available opportunity to embarrass or humiliate me in front of people. This trip, it’s been thecrew and actors. But today we weren’t around anyone when he laid into me about not getting on the boat. They needed an extraset of arms to hold some lights above the deepest part of the water. They were a person short. He used words I’m not goingto repeat, but it was the most demeaning he’d ever been to me, even since I was a kid.”
He wasn’t about to retell the conversation in its entirety. His father had used words that would really offend Evelyn, probablysome she’d never heard before, and he certainly didn’t want to have to explain the meaning. “And despite everything, I pray.I pray all the time. I believe in the power of prayer, but I’m wondering when God is going to give me a little direction abouthow to change my life. I’m not sure just moving out of my dad’s place is going to do it.” He shook his head.
* * *
Evelyn knew it was not her responsibility to minister to others, but Jayce’s undeniable pain screamed for answers. Answersshe couldn’t give him.
“God answers our prayers in ways we can’t foresee, in His time frame. I wish I could tell you what to do, or even say somethingto make you feel better. But it’s your journey, Jayce.” She gently tugged on her ear. “Listen for the voice of Gott. Sometimes His words are subtle, but the more time you spend in tune with Him, the easier it becomes to hear His wisdom.”
Without realizing it she was ministering to Jayce, but the words weren’t her own. God had led her into this man’s life fora reason. They had little hope of ever being more than friends, no matter how attracted they were to each other. But Evelynhad small stepping-stones on the path that was Jayce’s journey. She wasn’t going to abandon the trail.
“I am really going to try to do that.” He reached for a third slice of pizza.
“On a positive note, you never seem to lose your appetite, no matter your situation or mood.” She laughed.
“Ha-ha.” He smiled. “I figure I’d better fill up in case Rose gets turned loose in the kitchen again. It’s like a race forme, Lizzie, or Esther to get to the kitchen before Rose starts a meal.”
“I spent some time with her today before you returned to the inn. I think she fancies you.” She playfully batted her eyesat him, just to see his reaction.
“She can fancy me—” A flash of humor crossed his face. “That’s a cute word, by the way. She can fancy me all she wants. She’s not my type.” He looked up at the ceiling. “Lord, forgive me.” Locking eyes with Evelyn, he said,“She never shuts up. I mean, never.”
“She does talk a lot, but she’ll find her mate.” Relief that she shouldn’t have felt washed over Evelyn.
“Probably someone who never says a word or barely talks.” He flinched. “I didn’t intend for that to sound mean. She’s justnot my type. You’re my type.” His eyes widened, as did hers. “Oh wow. I can’t believe I just said that. I mean, it’s true, but wow.” He shookhis head. “Sorry. I guess it’s because that awkward kiss still dances around in my mind.”
Evelyn covered her face with her hands. “I’ll never understand how I let that happen.” She giggled. “I’m surprised you everwanted to see me again.”
“Are you kidding? I’m still waiting for a chance to perfect it, when we’re both willing participants.”
She wadded up her napkin and threw it at him before looking around to make sure no one saw.
Surprisingly, he caught it with one hand. “You know what?”
She waited, her heart pounding at the thought of kissing him properly. “I would do anything to be able to get in that boatMonday and prove to my father I’m not half the words he called me, just because some enclosed places freak me out.” His faceturned red. “I’d do anything to just step into one of those boats like it was no big deal.”
“If you want to do it, do it for yourself.” She paused. “I could go with you as a practice run, if you want. I have a friend who is a guide there. Hardly anyone goes on the morning tours, and I’m sure I could convince him to take us by ourselves. And I’d be with you. Maybe you wouldn’t feel all that pressure with your father around and the entire crew. But, Jayce . . . if you aren’t comfortable with the idea, please don’t hesitate
