Bad Habits: A Dark Anthology - Yolanda Olson Page 0,38

up. Sister Abigail was pleased with me, even complimenting me on my choice of dinner. Everyone was full and in good spirits, no nasty looks or refusals of food. Sister Hazel scarfed down at least five pieces of pizza. Sister Diane was content, no longer the same creature who threw daggers at me at every turn.

All in all, it was a good night.

After mass, we all talked about the schedule for tomorrow. We’d have a booth set up downtown on Main Street and would work in shifts. The whole town was involved, businesses and other faiths that provided services for the people of Treverstone. The weather was discussed—no rain, no heatwave, practically perfect—and the transportation—offered rides from a few parishioners. And by the time we were done discussing, we were at our rooms.

Goodnights were said. Bathroom time was evenly rotated. And the whole time as I watched and listened, I was shaking my head in disbelief. Trevorstone Parish had been completely transformed.

I was pleased.

Chapter Seven

“We’d love to have you at Trevorstone Parish!” Sister Diane said to the couple I was serving lemonade to. “Early mass on Sunday starts at eight, and late mass at noon. Oh, and help yourselves to these cookies! I made them just this morning.”

I smiled to myself hearing her wax so sweetly about Father Kent’s parish. It had been a fine day so far, and I was surprised how much I was enjoying sharing it with her. She was no Hannah, far from it, but I liked her. I always told Solomon that people would be way more pleasant if they just allowed themselves to be, well, themselves.

Speaking of, my ears picked out his voice from the crowd, and I quickly finished up with the couple in front of me so that I could go meet up with him.

I told Sister Diane that I’d be right back, then wiped my hands on my apron and made my way over a few booths down to where Solomon was holding court with the town sheriff and the mayor.

“—should bring in some more people,” the mayor was saying. “It’s good for the town, I say. And between you and me,” he leaned forward, lowering his voice in a conspiring manner, “I wouldn’t mind Pastor Jacob’s flock to move on out, if you know what I mean. Them Baptists scare me.”

The sheriff coughed and rubbed the back of his neck. Father Kent pretended to be interested in his shoes, but I could see his eyes smiling with humor.

“Ah, Sister,” the mayor said now, noticing me standing there. “I was just telling Father Kent here that we’re very happy to have you in Trevorstone. I’m Mayor Bradshaw. This here is Sheriff Thomas.” He put out his hand but looked undecided on that type of greeting toward a nun. He smiled coyly and slid his hand back into his pocket instead.

“Thank you, Mayor Bradshaw,” I offered. “Actually, I’m from New Weather. I just came here to volunteer for a few weeks while they get settled here, then I must get back to the city.”

“Oh? That’s a mighty fine drive, Sister. That’s too bad you can’t stay.” He frowned and was about to say more but Solomon spoke instead.

“I’m trying to convince her to stay, Mayor. She’s been a marvelous help with the parish.” His lips twitched and his eyes did that sparkle thing that drove me crazy.

I pursed my lips, then smiled sweetly, none the wiser. “Well, we’ll see.”

“We’ll be glad to have a new face in the community, for sure, Sister,” said the sheriff kindly, totally oblivious to the heated glances Father Kent and I shared.

After a bit more chit chat on their part, I heard my name being called behind me and gave my goodbyes to the men, then went back to the booth, where I spent the next three hours counting down the seconds until I could be alone with Solomon.

Tonight, he had said.

Was I nervous? Absolutely. And I didn’t even want to think about when I’d have to leave Trevorstone. It was going to break my heart. Every time the thought came sneaking up on me, I’d push it away. Solomon had promised that I’d have my questions answered, so I was going to wait. Then I’d find a way to stay and never leave.

We’d left the majority of our things in bins back at the booth in town, so there wasn’t much to unload now that we were back at the parish. On the way, Sister Hazel