“God, thank You for Kenzie’s willingness to serve You. Bless her. Amen.”
“Amen,” everyone echoed, and the group surrounding the prayer bench stepped back.
Kenzie rose, her tearstained cheeks glowing pink, and sent a shy smile around the circle of faces. “Thank you.”
Brother Kraft put his arm around her again and beamed at the congregation. “Everyone, keep this young lady in your prayers. She has quite a journey ahead of her, and God hasn’t put all the pieces in place yet.” He turned his warm smile on Kenzie, giving a little nod. “But when He calls, He also equips, and we trust He’ll make the way, yes?”
Kenzie smiled through tears. “Yes.”
Jase remembered being so sure. He wanted it again. Show up, God. Show up for Kenzie. He gulped. And show up for me.
Lori
Brother Kraft had Kenzie remain at the front and invited people to come up and give her a “holy hug” before leaving. Lori gave Kenzie a tight, lengthy squeeze and whispered, “We’re doing lunch, right?” At Kenzie’s nod, she exited through the sanctuary’s side door and walked around to the foyer.
Jase was already there, holding the front door open with his hip and shaking hands with folks as they left. Lori hung back, half of her wanting to approach him and the other half afraid to go. But why the fear? They’d enjoyed how many meals as a trio of friends? Today didn’t need to be different. But somehow, underneath, it was, and she hated it.
At a break in the line, she forced her feet to carry her forward, and she touched Jase’s elbow. “Hey. Kenz and me are going to a pizza bar for lunch. Wanna come?”
Relief seemed to flood his features. He nodded, the movement exuberant. “I do. Thanks, Lori.”
She gave a quick smile and darted off, her heart pounding in happiness. Their friendship must not be demolished if he wanted to continue their Sunday noon get-togethers. Especially knowing she’d be without Kenzie’s company soon, maintaining her relationship with Jase mattered. She didn’t want to lose both of her best friends.
Lori followed the routine that had become second nature over the past couple of weeks. She locked the back door, turned off all but the emergency lights, and made sure no one had left a faucet running in the kitchen or bathrooms. She returned to the front doors as Brother and Sister Kraft escorted Kenzie from the sanctuary.
Sister Kraft bounced a grin over Jase, Lori, and Kenzie. “I’ve got a roast, potatoes, and carrots in the oven. Brother James and his wife are joining us, but there’s plenty if you’d like to come, too.”
Jase looked at Lori, and Lori looked at Kenzie. Kenzie looked back, uncertainty etched in her features.
Sister Kraft laughed. “All right, it’s clear you three have other plans and don’t want to hurt an old lady’s feelings. Go—enjoy your time together.” She slipped her hand through the bend of Brother Kraft’s elbow, and the two left.
Lori caught hold of Kenzie’s arm the same way, then sent a hesitant smile at Jase. “Wanna ride with us?”
“Sounds perfect.”
His answer filled her with happiness.
“And today’s lunch is on me.” His green-blue gaze met Lori’s eyes and held. “No arguments. I owe you.”
He didn’t owe her anything, but she chose to accept his offer. She gave Kenzie’s arm a little tug. “Let’s go.”
* * *
—
Lori’s mouth watered at the aroma of pepperoni, sausage, and onion rising from the pies lined up on the buffet counter, and it took every bit of self-control she possessed to leave the pizza slices behind. But she couldn’t deny a feeling of pride as she settled in a booth next to Kenzie with a healthy salad in hand.
Jase slid in across from Lori and offered a brief prayer. Then they ate. Without talking, except for requests for salt or Parmesan or saying excuse me for bumping elbows or knees. Jase returned to the bar for seconds, and Lori slumped against the booth’s padded back. She breathed out a long sigh.
Kenzie sent her a sidelong look. “Are you mad at me?”
Lori zipped her attention to her friend. “No! Why would you think that?”
Kenzie shrugged, fiddling with her fork. “You’re so quiet.”
Lori cringed. “It’s not because of you, Kenz. Jase and me had a…I don’t know what to call it…weird Friday, and I think we aren’t sure where to go now.”
Kenzie put her hand on Lori’s arm. “Don’t blow it.”
Lori scrunched her brow. “Don’t blow what? My friendship with Jase? That’s not all