Chapter 189: Chapter Twenty-Seven

Jaymeson

I watched Pris leave. I was drowning in worry, as she took steps away from me and toward him.

“Is he bad news?” I asked Evan. “Tell me the truth.”

Evan was silent a minute then shook his head. “I wouldn't say he's bad news. He's just used to getting what he wants.”

“And he wants Pris,” I said dryly.

“It would appear so.” Evan yawned. “But I wouldn't worry. I mean, he just broke up with his last girlfriend. It's not like he's going to want to jump into anything.”

“Is that code for he's going to go slow with Pris?”

“No offense.” Evan held up his hands. “But should you really throw stones in that glass house of yours?”

I ground my teeth together. “I don't screw virgins — or take advantage of them.”

Evan's eyes widened. “So that's what's bothering you?” He burst out laughing. “Wow, do the guys know?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

Evan's smile grew wider. “That you're obsessed with the local pastor's daughter. Wow, that's awesome. You want her but can't have her? How's it feel?

“Don't you have work to do?” Glaring at him, I changed the subject.

“Nope.” He pointed to the boxes. “But you do. So work, bitch. I have some forms to fill out.”

“Great.”

“And Jaymeson?”

I looked up.

“I wouldn't worry too much. It's not like Smith has the same background you do. He doesn't screw girls for sport. If there's anyone you should be worried about, it's yourself.”

Ouch. “What the hell, man?” The guy barely knew me.

He shrugged. “There's nothing worse than wanting something you can't have. It's like waving a red flag in front of a bull.”

“I do possess self-control,” I seethed. “Believe me, I've been doing nothing but exercising that self-control for the past week!”

“My point exactly.” Evan picked up his sword from the floor. “Pretty soon you're going to run out, then what happens?”

My entire body deflated as the breath left my body.

“Right.” He gave a firm nod. “I'll be in back if you need me.”

I smacked the countertop with my palm. I could do it. I had to do it. Because she deserved better, though I wasn't totally convinced better was Smith.

And that someone? Not me.

A scowl pinched my forehead as I started unpacking the boxes. Three hours later, they were emptied, and I was tempted to burn secondhand donations. People really didn't know how to give good stuff.

I grabbed the last empty box and started to pull it apart when I noticed a twenty-dollar bill at the bottom.

Pris must have accidentally dropped it, either that or someone wanted to make a donation to the church.

I explained to Evan that I was taking a break and drove over to the church to drop off the bill. Ridiculous that my heart sank when I didn't notice Pris's car in the parking lot.

With a grunt, I got out of my car and walked briskly through the doors, this time not pausing under the light — you know, just in case it decided to fall on me again.

“Hello?” I called.

I heard talking toward the end of the hall where the office was located. Sighing, I headed in that direction, but stopped when I heard crying.

“No, I understand, pastor.” More sniffling. “It's just, are you sure there's not enough money to fix it?” She stopped talking, her agitated breathing the only sound for a few moments.

When she spoke again, she sounded defeated. “I see. No, but, surely if you tell the church members they'll want to help.” More silence.

“I know times are tough but maybe if you explain—” She let out a heavy sigh. “So where will Pris stay? You can't sell the house in that condition.”

More sniffling followed. “Alright, sir. I'll keep an eye on her until you return. I'll sport my best smile, but know that I don't agree. Not one bit. Nothing wrong with asking for help.

When I was sure the conversation was over, I rounded the corner and walked into the brightly lit office.

“Oh, hello.” The lady smiled, wiping stray tears from underneath her eyes. “Sorry, allergies. How can I help you?”

I gave her a kind smile and approached her desk.

“Oh, my! Thank you, dear. We'll just put it in the offering for this week.” Her smile didn't reach her eyes. She was stressed about the phone call.

I took a seat.

Her eyes narrowed. “Was there something else?”

“How bad is it?” I asked.

“I don't know what you're—”

“The damage to their house,” I interrupted. “How bad?”

She still didn't answer. I looked at her nameplate and smiled. “Stella, you can tell me.”

“Bad,” she blurted. “The poor pastor can't afford to fix it, especially not after flying to the Philippines for mission work, and Pris is talking nonsense about using her college fund.

“And the house is not even livable! They can't live in a house with smoke damage! Why, the entire basement is destroyed, never mind the electrical!

“No insurance?”

“They have flood insurance.” She sniffled. “Not fire insurance.”

“Damn Seaside,” I muttered.

She glared.

“Sorry, er, it slipped.”

“I don't know how they'll manage, though they always do. Well, Seaside is a good community. Our only hope is that people help out, but with the economy the way it is…” She shook her head.

“That girl deserves to go to college. She's worked so hard.”

“She will,” I vowed. “I promise.”

I stood and held out my hand. “This stays between us?”

Stella eyed my hand, then shook it. “Of course, young man.”

“Good.” I smiled. “Thank you, love.”

I could have sworn she melted into her chair as she gave me a giggling wave.

Storming out of the room, I pulled out my cell and dialed Peter's number.

He answered on the third ring.

“What?”

“I need help.”

“Shit. Are you in trouble?”

“I'm in Seaside, what the hell kind of trouble do you think I could get into? Humping a whale?”

“Jaymeson, I don't have time for this. I—”

“Look, I just need one of your assistants to look up the best electrician in Seaside, a good carpenter, and homeowner's insurance that covers everything.”

“Are you buying a house?” His voice was stunned.

“No.” I rolled my eyes. “I'm saving one.”

I hung up and got into my car. Pris didn't have to know it was me — nobody did — to them it would be the community. I knew how much she hated charity, but this way she could go to school.

Not that that wasn't my reality already. Because I was pretty sure Pris already owned a piece of my black heart, and damn if I wanted to take it back.