A (sorta) Southern Serenade (A Romance(ish) Novella Book 2) Page 3

  Kendra looked around to see a handful of people quickly look away.

  Okay. She looked like a heathen lady trying to run from God or something. Close but not quite. She was actually trying to run from their worship leader.

  She had to give it to the guy.

  He could sing. Like, surprising he wasn’t some big name recording artist, sing. And play the guitar. His southern drawl blended with the praise and worship song to create a country music type feel that was inviting and, in any other circumstance, would have been totally up her alley.

  Fine.

  They would stay, but only because it would cause a bigger scene if they left, and then he might see her.

  Dropping her purse onto her chair, she stiffly clapped her hands along with everyone else.

  As the next song started, her muscles started to relax a little, and she allowed herself to sing along. It was one of her favorite songs—all about God’s faithfulness no matter the circumstances. How even though life might not go as planned, God was trustworthy. A fact she was slowly reconciling herself with.

  It wasn’t easy when the world was full of so much crazy. Where was God in all of it?

  But she was slowly realizing that God was the only unchanging thing in the midst of it all, as the song so aptly pointed out.

  As the music ended, the congregation took a seat, and Josh made his way off stage with the rest of the musicians.

  She held her breath until she saw him take a seat on the opposite side of the room.

  Thank you, Lord. Just—yeah. Thank you.

  They could leave immediately after the service and never come back. There were other churches she could try out next week. Granted, she’d be alone since Mari would be back at college.

  But that was totally okay with her.

  Pastor Taylor hopped up on stage and started telling a funny story about one of his kids. He seemed like a super nice guy. Dynamic. Personal. She had a great impression of him when he introduced himself earlier. Almost made her wish she could come back next week. Everything about the church was perfect for her. Not too big, not too small. A few other single women had introduced themselves. A good mix of young and old. Great music. And everyone had been so friendly. She’d probably shaken hands with half the congregation already and had two Sunday dinner invites she’d politely turned down.

  But she couldn’t go to church with a guy who she was very tempted to file a Better Business Bureau claim against. Yesterday, at the prompting of Mari who was insulted for her when she heard the story, she’d given his company a one-star Google review, posted a scathing review on his company’s Facebook page, and had full plans to send a message on the neighborhood page warning other people about the company.

  That would serve him right.

  Tuning back into the message, she glanced at the passage reference shown on the overhead screen, then tapped on her phone to open her Bible app to the scripture in I Corinthians.

  “…what the Bible says. Don’t shoot the messenger, y’all.”

  The crowd laughed at whatever joke the Pastor had just made. Kendra was now kicking herself for spending too much time thinking about Mr. Jerk over there instead of listening.

  “It’s a pretty countercultural concept, isn’t it? The idea of accepting wrongs done to you? How many of you have ever stood up for yourself and swung your red flag of hurt and anger for all to see? Have pointed fingers and shouted to make sure everyone within hearing distance knew exactly who had wronged you and how undeserving you were? We post on Facebook. Blog about it. Tweet about it. Call news stations to air our grievances and ask that they make an example out of someone. It’s hard folks. I get it. We want justice. We don’t want to be doormats for people to step all over. The world tells us to stand up for our rights. The world tells us we deserve fair treatment and should demand it. The world tells us to hate people who cheat us. People who lie. People who hurt us.”

  Kendra slunk down in her chair. How in the world—it was like he knew. She glanced over at Mari who had her Bible open and had underlined verse seven.

  Kendra turned off her phone. She didn’t even care about what verse seven was. She just wanted out of here. Fast. She glanced at her watch. Shouldn’t be much longer now, right?

  “But what does God tell us? He tells us to love our enemies. Yeah. I said it. Your enemies. Jesus even went so far as to say if someone slaps you in the face, turn the other cheek and let him slap the other. If someone steals your shirt, give him your coat too. And going back to the scripture in chapter six of First Corinthians. The world tells us to seek justice. Restitution. But the Bible says—how dare you sue your fellow brother and sister in Christ? Here’s the thing, folks. This isn’t God being mean. In Matthew, Jesus reminds us that we are to strive for holiness as Christ is holy. Showing love to people who do right by us—that’s easy. Even the world does that most of the time. But loving people who are mean to you? Who hurt you? Who deserve what they have coming to them?

  “It’s bold, my friends. Very bold. And it’s what Christ has done for you and I. We were all born sinners. We don’t deserve an ounce of the grace and love He has given us. But He gives it freely if we accept. And loving the people in our lives who don’t deserve it is what Christ expects of us. This isn’t a cultural issue. It’s one of the heart.”

  Kendra glanced around at the others listening, most everyone nodding their heads. A few people giving a quiet amen at the end of each point.

  A few more squirmed in their seats, just like she was trying not to do.

  But—she just couldn’t quite get there. Did God really expect for her to sit back and let people stomp all over her? To just smile and celebrate when people hurt her? That seemed crazy. What about the abused wife? Or the spouse that got cheated on? Or seriously, what if someone literally punched you in the face?

  Were you supposed to just smile and say, dude, thanks for hitting me? Have a great day?

  Uh, yeah. Not happening.

  Someone punches her, she’s punching back. End of story.

  Her head pounding, she stood back up with the rest of the congregation as the band made their way to the stage while the pastor made his closing arguments. Okay, maybe they weren’t arguments, but all the crazy talk about not suing people put her in a court kind of mind.

  A minute later, the band started to play.

  Now was the time. She grabbed her purse a second time, but still Mari was wrapped up in the music and refused to move.

  The moment the final note was sung, Kendra could stand it no longer. She grabbed Mari by the hand and pulled her back up the aisle as the rest of the church members were just starting to collect their things and talk amongst themselves.

  “Kendra, why are you—”

  “I’m just ready to leave, okay?”

  Mari frowned but thankfully didn’t argue anymore.

  They made it halfway across the mostly empty lobby when out of nowhere, a petite woman with shocking red hair dashed in front of them, the clanging of her bangle bracelets announcing her arrival. She used a hand to smooth her white blouse down over her dress slacks then extended a hand. “I’m so sorry I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself before service. I’m Beverly Buttons, and I’m just so excited that y’all made it today.”

  Mari clutched her Bible in one arm and held out her other to shake the woman’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Buttons. I’m Mari, and this is my Aunt Kendra. I’m just in town for the weekend visiting from college, but my aunt is looking for a new church home.” She looked over at her and smiled. “Isn’t that right, Aunt Kendra?”

  Kendra gritted her teeth and plastered on a smile, willing herself not to look back and praying they could make it out before Josh appeared. “Yes, that’s exactly right. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to meet—”

  “Oh, well that is just fabulous, dear.” Mrs. Buttons was obviously a fan of interrupting, and couldn’t take a hint very well. “We are just delighted that you’re here and would l
ove to see you back next week. Now, I’m the unofficial welcome committee, so I’d love to introduce you around. Do you have a few minutes?”

  “Actually we—”

  “Good, good. Now. I’m a firm believer that the most important thing when you start attending a new church is getting involved. So dear, let’s chat about you so I can find the best people to introduce you to. Do you sing? Dance? Play sports? And are you married?”

  Kendra glanced at the door and back to the sweet-ish Mrs. Buttons who was going to make her lose every ounce of patience in about two seconds. “I really think—”

  Mari slung an arm around Kendra’s shoulders and squeezed. “Aunt Kendra isn’t married, and I’ve never known her to play a sport. But she’s an amazing singer and has done some acting before as well. In fact, she recently moved here from Gatlinburg where her profession was a singer and actress.”

  Mari was getting leftover chicken from Friday night for lunch. That was all there was to it, even if she had to fish it out of the trashcan.

  Mrs. Buttons clasped her hands together. “That’s just perfect. We are always looking for singers to help lead worship. Let me see if I can find--” She lifted onto her tiptoes, adding only a few inches to her barely five-foot frame as she tried to search the now-crowded lobby.

  Kendra had been really trying to work on her language lately—but a few four letter words were very tempting right now. A year ago she probably would have let them out right here and now, Jesus or no Jesus. Instead, she swallowed the temptation and shook her head. “I don’t think leading worship is a great fit for me. I need to—”

  “Oh, there he is! Yoohoo! Josh! Over here!” She waved with both hands high in the air like she was trying to land a plane.

  This was not happening.

  Mari just smiled and winked at her.

  Traitor.

  A familiar voice met her ear as she prayed God would help her disappear right then and there.

  Six

  No one could avoid Mrs. Buttons.

  He’d really, really wanted to when he’d seen her swinging arms and heard his name, especially after he saw who stood beside her. There was no use pretending not to hear, though. She would have just cupped her hands around her mouth like a megaphone and yelled over the crowd.

  She’d done it more than once since he’d been coming to Nashville South Community Church.

  For such a small lady, she sure had a loud voice and knew how to use it.

  Her heart was pure gold, though. She wanted every single person who walked through their doors to feel loved, connected, and valued. And if she had to yell to get it done, so be it.

  The brown-eyed beauty beside her who was looking everywhere but at him seemed to be Beverly’s current victim.

  He could only hope Kendra wouldn’t call him out on his actions from Friday right here in the church lobby.

  “Josh, I’d like you to meet Kendra Meyers and her niece, Mari. Ladies, this here is our resident eligible bachelor and one of our worship leaders, Josh Damen. He owns J’s Landscaping. You might have heard of it?”

  Kendra finally lifted her gaze to meet his. Her brown eyes narrowed, but she kept her face void of emotion. “I’ve seen the truck around.”

  “Oh honey, it isn’t just one truck. Josh’s company is in the big times now. You have, what, a hundred, two hundred trucks now?”

  Not even in his dreams. “More like twenty.” He nodded at the two visitors, the younger of which was glancing at him with a not-very-welcome gleam in her eye. “It’s nice to meet you both. Beverly, can I help you with something?”

  “Why, of course, dear. Ms. Meyers here is a singer, and you know what I always say, the best way to fit right into a new church is to jump in with both feet.”

  This was much, much worse than he’d thought. He’d talked to Beverly about this before. Not all people who claimed to be singers were good singers, and while a joyful noise was music to God’s ears, he’d rather not have the noise part of that equation blasted through the microphones.

  She’d told him she understood, that she would be more tactful in the future.

  This was not tactful.

  “Now, I know we had our little talk last month,” She not-so-discreetly winked at him. “But Ms. Meyers has done singing professionally in the past, and even some acting. Isn’t that right dear?”

  Her face blanched. “I’m not sure I’d put it that way.”

  Oh great. Just what he thought. She probably couldn’t carry a tune. He needed to stop this train wreck right now. “Ms. Meyers, do you have a few minutes? Maybe you can sing me a few lines.”

  She shook her head so hard her curls slapped him in the face. “No, we have to be going. My brother and—”

  Mari swatted her in the arm. “It’s barely twelve. We’re not meeting them until after one. You have plenty of time. Go on.”

  Kendra gave her niece the same look she’d given Josh when he’d handed her that check two days ago.

  He put a hand on her elbow and gently nudged her away from Beverly and Mari. “It won’t take much of your time. I promise.”

  To his surprise, she walked with him, but a few steps in, her elbow jerked away from his hand.

  Which was fine with him.

  Touching her had not been a good idea, anyway.

  He needed to figure out why she was there. It could not be a coincidence that she just happened to show up to his church two days after the incident. He hadn’t heard a word of the sermon today because his mind had been turning over possibilities.

  Was she following him?

  Did she think she could use the guise of church to convince him to change his mind?

  Or was she just trying to retaliate and make his life miserable?

  Regardless, this needed to stop now. She’d already plastered bad reviews all over social media yesterday. He’d expected that, though.

  Her showing up here?

  Stalkerish. That’s what it was.

  Leading the way to the small room that sat to the side of the sanctuary, he played the part of the gentleman and let her enter first, then closed the door behind them.

  He folded his arms over his chest. “This is pretty pathetic, you know that?”

  Her eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m not an idiot. I saw your reviews online last night. But this? Coming to my church?”

  Her fist clenched into a ball and her eyes narrowed. “Do you mean to tell me—you think I came here on purpose? To exact some sort of revenge?”

  “That’s exactly what I think.” A tiny voice in his head whispered a warning. That he should back up and apologize. He’d been telling himself all weekend that he’d completely overreacted and needed to make it right. But everything changed when he realized her agenda to make his life miserable. “In fact, I have serious doubts that you can even carry a tune. So let’s have it. Give me a few lines of Amazing Grace, Ms. Meyers.”

  She tapped her toe on the carpet, then shook her head. “You know what? You’re not even worth it. I’ll see myself out.” She shoved past him and swung open the door. “Oh!”

  He turned around to see what had stopped her to find—

  Oh no.

  His mother stood in the doorway, glancing from Josh to Kendra, then back to Josh again.

  That familiar matchmaking gleam flicked in her eyes like a wildfire threatening to consume everything in its path.

  Seven

  Kendra took a step back at the sight of an overly excited woman in the doorway, blocking her escape.

  It was the same lady she’d met before service and who’d invited her to dinner.

  She was older, probably mid-to-late fifties if Kendra had to guess by the wrinkles creased at the corners of her eyes. But the woman was trim, wore a fashionable pair of jeans with slightly-out-of-place heels, and a floral blouse that buttoned down the front. A faint scent of lavender tickled Kendra’s nose.

  Reformed Southern chic. That’s what Kendra would call it.
A sort of Southern look mixed with a dose of modern.

  If she were staying at this church, which was a hilarious thought right about now, she would have befriended this woman despite their age difference.

  “I’m Heather Damen, Josh’s mother. Beverly told me I could find you two here.”

  The name registered with sickening clarity. Was this—no. No, it couldn’t be.

  “Mother, Kendra was just leaving.” The lower voice behind her confirmed her worst fears.

  Yes. She was definitely leaving.

  “Nonsense. You haven’t been back here long enough for her to sing a note. I did hear you suggest Amazing Grace, and I think it’s a fabulous option. Do you know the song, Kendra?”

  Oh how she wished she didn’t. Or that she was not opposed to lying. They were in church, though—She sighed. “I—yes I do. But I don’t think this is a great idea.”

  Josh stepped around her and motioned to a nearby chair. “Actually, I think it’s a fabulous idea. Mom and I can listen while you sing your heart out.”

  The jerk.

  He was assuming she was a horrible singer. That by making her sing, he was subjecting her to complete embarrassment.

  She thrust up her chin. “I’m still not sure the worship team is a good spot for me, but I’ll be happy to sing a few lines if you’d like.”

  Josh’s eyebrows raised.

  Mrs. Damen clapped her hands and lowered herself onto a chair, eagerly waiting.

  Turning to face the two, Kendra cleared her throat and closed her eyes, going over the chorus in her head to make sure it was intact.

  Okay, yes.

  She could do this.

  She’d make Josh eat his words, then make a mad dash to the entrance.

  Kendra Meyers had not been lying.

  At least about singing.

  As she hit a high note with professional perfection, his skin tingled. Her voice seemed to wrap itself around the words and embody every emotion in the iconic song.

  With each note sung, all his assumptions about this woman crumbled into ashes.