Paige Rewritten (31 page)

Wednesday passes in a blur of e-mails, phone calls, and clients hugging me once they hear the news of me leaving. “Oh no, this is terrible!” one hopeful adoptive mom says.

I smile. “I'll be back to visit,” I say all placating. I'm sure I'll have thoughts of coming back to visit at least.

I run home after work and change into jeans, a white eyelet top that feels summery, and a pair of ballet flats before heading back out the door to the church. I pull in right as Tyler does across the parking lot.

“Hey,” he says, walking up to my car, pocketing his keys.

“Long time no see.” I climb out, holding the single person's contribution to church potlucks. Chips and Oreos.

“How was work, T-minus eight days?” He grins. “Oh, don't let me forget. I've got something for you in my car. I'll give it to you afterward.”

I nod and then shrug an answer to his question. “Long. I know why people dread the two weeks of notice now.”

He wraps an arm around my shoulders. “You'll make it.”

We walk inside and there are already a ton of kids and parents in the fellowship hall, laughing, talking, goofing around on guitars, playing board games. Cheyenne is manning an espresso machine that I've never seen before and is serving up all kinds of frothy drinks while Justin stands beside her, refilling cookie trays.

Rick waves me over. “Meet Garinda.” He points to the machine.

Cheyenne groans. “
Glinda
, Rick. Glinda. As in the popular one from
Wicked
.”

“I have no knowledge of this,” Rick says.

“It's a musical retelling of
The
Wizard of Oz
.” She sprays a healthy helping of whipped cream on top of what looks like a caramel macchiato. She nods to me. “I named her that because Glinda is popular, and I feel like this baby will be too.”

“Good idea. I think you're right,” I say right as Rick goes, “Oh, no, we are
not
naming my new youth expense after a musical!”

I grin at Rick, have Cheyenne make me a cinnamon latte, and then start socializing. Rick plays a Pixar movie and after it's over, everyone starts talking again, pulling out card decks and strapping back on the guitars.

It's an end-of-school fiesta.

I grin at one of the girls I was talking to and happen to glance up at the doorway. And that's when I see him.

Luke. Standing there, looking forlornly at me. He waves sadly and I nod to the girl. “Hey, I'll catch up with you in just a minute.” I walk over to Luke. “Are you not going to come inside?”

He shakes his head. “I'm not staying long. I just got off work and I haven't eaten yet.”

“There's plenty of food here,” I say, pointing. I look at him, at his dark-chocolate eyes, his ever-perfect hair, his designer clothes, and suddenly feel very compassionate toward him.

Proof, I guess, that God is really doing a work in my stubborn, stubborn heart.

I keep both hands on my cinnamon latte refill that is nearly gone but smile a friendly smile at him. “Stay, Luke. You might make some friends.”

He looks in the room, glances around at the food, the drinks, the games, and then back at me. “Maybe …” he hedges. He clears his throat, eyes tortured. “Paige … I …” He sighs and shakes his head. “Look, could you please just step outside with me? Just for a minute. I just need to … talk and I don't want to do it here.” He talks quietly, people are coming in and out, kids are bumping into us, jostling my empty cup.

I can see why he wouldn't want to have a heart-to-heart right now.

I bite my lip and then nod slowly.
God, keep me civil, if not forgiving.
I toss my paper cup in one of the trash cans. Tyler catches my eye from inside the room and I try to wave sign language at him.
I'm going outside!
I mouth in his direction. He nods and holds up two fingers at me.

Peace?

I nod confusedly and then follow Luke's wide back out into the fresh air. The humidity is high but the night is nice. It's cooled a little bit and a very small breeze is blowing, causing little pieces of my hair to fly up and tickle my face.

Luke stops by my car, standing on the sidewalk, looking at the hood of the car, hands tucked in his pockets, face pensive. I stop a foot or so away, not sure what to do with my hands, so I weave them together so I'll stop fidgeting.

“So, look, I'm sorry,” he says finally in one breath. “I shouldn't have said what I said that morning in your apartment. I meant it, but I shouldn't have said it.” His face twists and he looks like someone who has been told that he just ran over his best friend's dog.

Pity is creeping up my spine and wrapping around my chest. I nod and take a deep breath. “It's okay, Luke.” I make sure he looks me in the eyes before I say the rest. “It's okay. I forgive you.” I swallow. “For all of it.” He knows that I don't just mean these last few weeks.

I mean it, too. The next breath I take is healing, cleansing.

Fresh and clean.

He looks at me, brown eyes wide, and the next thing I know, he's got me wrapped up in his arms, tucking me close to his chest, whispering in my ear, “Thank you, Paige. Thank you, thank you,” he says, voice full. He slides his arms just a smidge, moving me back far enough to see his face.

Then he kisses my cheek, one hand tucking my hair behind my ear, the other arm snugly around my waist. I just gape up at him, shaking my head, pulling out of his reach. “What are you ——?”

Right then I see him. A dark figure, turning back to his truck, a bouquet of flowers dangling from one hand as he climbs inside.

It's Tyler.

About the Author

E
rynn Mangum is married to her best friend, Jon. They have one adorable toddler here on earth and one precious baby in heaven. Erynn loves to spend time with her family and friends, particularly if there is coffee and chocolate involved. She's the author of the L
AUREN
H
OLBROOK,
M
AYA
D
AVIS,
and P
AIGE
A
LDER
series. Learn more at www.erynnmangum.com.