The Color of Hope - By Kim Tate Page 0,10

toward the entrance, chatting. The overhead bell tinkled when Janelle pulled open the door. Stephanie walked in and saw several new faces and many familiar ones.

“I’ve missed y’all!” she exclaimed, moving with wide-open arms from person to person.

She traded a few words with each, then saw Sara Ann. One of the few people born and raised in Hope Springs who’d never left, Sara Ann had worked at the diner for many years. She’d been instrumental in getting Stephanie to fill in for those two weeks, and Stephanie had come to admire her.

“Sara Ann!” Stephanie said. “How’ve you been?”

“Real good! So glad you’re back.” She was bubbly as always, gesturing around her. “So how do you like us on Thursday night?”

Stephanie took it in, nodding. “I like it a lot. We get the place all to ourselves.”

“Yeah, we kinda outgrew Saturday mornings,” Sara Ann said. “Since the diner closes at three, this solution was perfect. Lila is more than happy to let us use it.”

“Except . . .” Janelle looked forlorn. “Coffee and water aren’t the same as pancakes and sausage.”

“True, true.” Sara Ann smiled. “But my mouth is watering for fried fish tomorrow night. I’m excited about the reunion.” She looked at Stephanie. “I always crash it.”

“You’ve probably been to more Sanders family reunions than I have,” Stephanie said. “It’ll be my first one since high school.”

“Wouldn’t be the same without you, Sara Ann,” Janelle said. She added quickly, “Matter of fact, I’m sure I can find some way for you to be on Team Estelle and boost our points.”

“Really, Janelle?” Stephanie’s hand flew to her hip. “I know your little team is on life support, but do you really want to go there with open recruiting? Because, as I recall, there’s a talent show too.” She looked to her left. “And Trina can sing.”

Janelle narrowed her eyes at Stephanie.

Sara Ann had begun waving her hands. “Ladies, we can mingle some more at the end, but let’s take our seats and get started.”

Most of the women had already claimed their seats, purses holding their places. Stephanie, Janelle, Cyd, and Becca headed for an empty table for six just as the bell tinkled again, announcing another comer.

Janelle looked surprised, then popped over to hug the young blond woman and pull her toward their table, where Becca rose to greet her as well.

“Stephanie, Cyd,” Janelle said. “This is Charley—”

“Oh my goodness, I have that.” Stephanie pointed at Charley’s red shirt with ALIEN in big letters on the front and I PETER 2:II in smaller print beneath. “Except mine is black with white digital-looking letters.”

“No way, that was the limited edition one,” Charley said. “I tried to order it from the website, but it was sold out. You must’ve jumped on it early.”

“Actually, I just . . . took one. Alien—Brian—is my brother-in-law.”

“Shut. Up.” Charley grabbed her forearm. “He’s my absolute favorite Christian rapper. Saw him in Charlotte this May with his wife, heard their beautiful testimony.” She paused. “You’re serious, they’re your fam—”

“Ladies . . .”

They glanced up and saw they were the only ones still standing.

“Uh, sorry, Sara Ann,” Stephanie said, and she and Charley quickly sat down.

“You all know we’re not big on formalities around here,” Sara Ann continued, “but we are big on sisterhood”—she grinned—“so like it or not, we ask newcomers to introduce themselves.” She turned to Stephanie’s table. “And all our newcomers are at the same table, though you’re not all new exactly. Tell us your name, where you’re from, and how God led you to Soul Sisters. And, Stephanie, since you’re already in a talkative mood, why don’t you start?”

“Ha. Ha.” Stephanie stood, smiling. “I’m Stephanie London, from St. Louis, moved to Hope Springs today—”

A round of cheers went up.

“—and I was at the very first Soul Sisters, as a server at the diner.” She held up a hand. “Long story. Had to do with spiritual boot camp, God, and Sara Ann twisting my arm, but I survived. Barely.” She grinned and sat down.

Cyd stood next. “I’m Stephanie’s sister, Cyd, from St. Louis, in town for our family reunion. Steph and my cousin Janelle told me about Soul Sisters from the time it started, so I’m excited to finally come and meet everybody.”

Charley stood. “Hey, I’m Charley Willoughby, born and raised in Hope Springs. I came to Soul Sisters back in March and the first part of April. But then . . . well, my fiancé and I broke up, and to be honest, I was