the bases as the music blared.
“Look at Fred Bird gettin’ down,” Heather said. The team mascot had been major entertainment. “He’s hilarious.”
They lingered in the celebration a few minutes more, then filed out and up the stairs with the rest.
“So what’d you think of your first major league baseball game?”
“Way more fun than I thought it’d be.” She took a sip of the Mountain Dew left in her cup. “There’s so much energy in the stadium, it’s hard not to get into it.”
“Didn’t hurt that we had primo seats either. I didn’t realize we’d be so close.”
Logan guided her through the throng, past the concession stands and wastebaskets overflowing with empty popcorn tubs and hot dog wrappers, until they found the exit doors closest to where they’d parked.
“And thanks again for the shirt,” she said as Logan held the door. She’d changed in the bathroom and stuffed the one she’d had on into her purse.
“You’re welcome. Had to get you in the spirit.”
They strolled down Broadway, the late afternoon sun following overhead.
Logan gazed over at her. “So . . . just curious . . . why’d you want to make sure this wasn’t styled as a date?”
“Remember in Indy we prayed about God’s plan for me? And you said pay attention to the ways God might respond, how He might lead me?”
“I remember.”
“Well, I started reading John, like you suggested, and . . . it may sound weird, but I feel like I’m actually spending time with Jesus. And the more I know about Him, the more I want to know.” She shrugged. “So I’m thinking that’s the plan right now. Not music or romantic involvement with a man. Just hanging with Jesus.”
A smile lit his face. “I am so excited for you,” he said.
“Why?”
“I can see that fresh wonder in your eyes. There’s nothing like being rocked by Jesus. And you never know what He’ll do or where He’ll take you. So get ready for the ride.”
She turned that over in her mind. She’d been thinking she might need to get used to the idea of staying at the dentist’s office the rest of her life . . . which wasn’t so bad. But what if something totally new and unexpected unfolded? “Whatever’s in store,” she said, “I just want Jesus with me.”
“That’s a given,” Logan said. He poked out his lip. “But what about your bro?”
Heather chuckled, her heart lighter than she could ever remember. “I hope Jesus brings you along too.”
eighteen
THEY SAT TIGHT IN THE BOOTH TUESDAY NIGHT, DANA, Phyllis, and Cyd on one side, Stephanie and Kelli on the other. Cyd didn’t know how the arrangement worked itself that way, but she was sure it had the effect Dana wanted. She could practically ignore Cyd from her position.
So far there’d been light banter about the Maggiano’s menu, but with orders placed and the server gone, they were set to focus on one another and the news Kelli waited to share.
“Quick housekeeping question,” Phyllis said. “Last couple of DF gatherings have been over a meal, which is great, but when’s our next real meeting? I miss the Bible study.”
“You’re right,” Cyd said. “We’ve gotten off track. I miss it too.”
Dana lifted her water glass. “I figured you didn’t have time for two Bible studies, so DF was on hold.”
Cyd glanced over at her. “I always have time for DF. We should plan the next meeting before we leave.”
“Great,” Phyllis said. “Okay, I cannot wait another second. What’s the news?”
Kelli sat up, looking into their faces. “I told Brian I’d work with him on his new album, helping to write as well as singing.”
Phyllis stared. “You just said that so calmly, like it’s no big deal. You’re going to be on the next Alien album?” Phyllis practically screamed it, albeit with an inside voice. “Cole will absolutely flip.”
“Kelli, this is way bigger than the Monica opportunity,” Dana said. “Talk about answered prayer. And I’m so excited you’ll be singing. I love your voice.”
“Thank you, but like I told Brian, I’ve got a lot of reservations. If it looks like we can’t work together, I’m bowing out.”
“Wait . . .” Phyllis frowned as she broke off a piece of bread. “A little over a week ago you couldn’t stand to look at Brian. How did things change?”
“Well . . .” Kelli was obviously measuring her response. “I was upset with him about something in the past, but a series of circumstances made me see he deserved forgiveness like everybody