Cherished - By Kim Cash Tate Page 0,12
building was thick with people. “Excuse me, where are the ministry booths set up?” he asked a passerby.
The guy pointed. “Make a left and you’ll see them down that hallway.”
“Thanks.”
Brian saw many church ministries represented, but one line stretched the farthest, filled mostly with young men. That’s the one Brian headed toward, and he spied Cedric at the front, engaged in conversation. He hung back a minute, debating whether to get in line or wait to the side.
“Brian Howard? What’s up, man?”
Brian turned to his right. “Lindell?” He was at Living Word, too? “Good to see you!”
They gripped hands and hugged.
“I thought I was seeing things,” Lindell said. “It’s been, what— five, six years?”
“Seven.” Brian knew exactly. “High school graduation.”
“That’s right.” Lindell nodded. “So what you been up to? Let’s see, you were headed to Emory, right?”
“Good memory,” Brian said.
“And you were a science geek like me, so let me guess. You ended up majoring in biochem.”
Brian’s eyes widened. “Yeah! That’s wild.”
“So what are you doing with it?” Lindell asked.
“Actually, I’m in the doctoral program at Wash U—”
“Awesome.”
“—but I’m at a crossroads. Long story. So what about you? You must be done with your residency by now. Did you stick with internal medicine?”
Lindell nodded. “Joined a practice off of Ballas Road, and it’s really been a blessing—”
“Flash from the past.” Cedric had come up from behind and slapped hands with Brian. “I saw y’all over here and couldn’t believe my eyes. What’s happening, Brian? You at Living Word?”
“I’m new here. But I love it already.” Brian felt a tinge of hope. Cedric and Lindell didn’t seem to harbor ill feelings toward him. Maybe Kelli had kept the details of their breakup private. “That ministry you’re starting sounds awesome.”
“You should come,” Cedric said. “You must be about at the top of our target age group. We’re looking for ways to connect with these guys. If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them.”
“All right,” Brian said. “I’ll check it out.”
“I’d better get back,” Cedric said, taking a step toward the booth, “but it was good to see you, Brian. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
“Cedric,” Brian said, his heart in his throat, “can I ask the two of you a quick question first?”
“Sure.”
“I’ve tried to get in touch with Kelli a couple of times over the years. Could you give me her number, maybe even her e-mail?” He was suddenly nervous, imagining their response. After the way you hurt our sister, you must be crazy.
Lindell had a funny look on his face. “Dude, you just missed her.”
Brian stared.
“She’s here now,” Cedric added. “Just moved back. She’s staying with my wife and me, and she came to church with us this morning.”
Brian was stunned. Didn’t know what to say or think. He was almost glad he missed her. Whenever he imagined getting in touch, it was by phone or e-mail. Could he bear seeing her face-to-face?
He searched for his next words. “Wow . . . could you give me her cell number or maybe your landline . . . if you have one.”
“How about this?” Cedric said. He pulled his phone from his belt clip. “Why don’t you give me your number, and I’ll pass it to her.” He started typing Brian’s name into his contacts.
“Sounds good.” What else could he say?
Brian’s heart dragged all the way to his car. So close . . . and yet so far. Kelli would never call him. And once she found out he was at Living Word, she probably wouldn’t return.
“EMERGENCY SESSION OF DAUGHTERS’ FELLOWSHIP IS now called to order.” Stephanie tapped the distressed oak table lightly with the butt of a butter knife.
A couple of butterflies twirled in Kelli’s stomach. Her first DF meeting, and it was an “emergency session”—on her behalf.
“Cyd, can you pray?” Stephanie asked.
Cyd nodded and scooted her chair in. They were seated in the round, so she grabbed the hands closest to hers—Kelli’s and Dana’s—and the others followed suit. “Lord, I don’t even know what this is about,” she said, lifting her voice a hair above the chatter, “but You know. I pray You will lead our discussion and accomplish Your purposes. As always, we want nothing but Your will, in Jesus’ name.”
“Okay,” Stephanie said, jumping right in, “I wanted us to get together because—wait.” She whipped her head around as their server passed. “Ma’am, excuse me,” she called, “we really need to order.”
“Be right there,” the woman said, hustling past. She’d told them that twice already.
Stephanie looked at