The Certainty of Deception (21 page)

I stepped back toward the bed, leaving McKenzie sitting on the dresser.  My knees hit the mattress, preventing any further retreat.  I swayed back and forth, crossing my arms then uncrossing them.  The idea of me in a church was almost as blasphemies as someone using the Lord’s name in vain, which I did frequently.  “You don’t want me to go to church with you.”

“Of course I do!” she exclaimed, hopping off the dresser.  “It’ll allow me to spend some more time with you before you leave, and I know my family would love to have a chance to say goodbye.”

Before I leave. 
My heart sank.  She had no intention of joining me in Boston.  She might as well have said no, but I couldn’t let that happen.  If I was going to have to endure my father and Olivia at the same time and in the same place, I needed her by my side.  She was my only saving grace. 

A plan quickly formulated in my mind.  I could work this church angle to my benefit.  I smirked, “I’ll go on one condition.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, her brow raising in a mocking manner.  “What’s that, counselor?”

“I’ll go to church with
you
if you join
me
in Boston.”

Her arms dropped to her side and the excitement drained from her face.  “I said let me think about it, Andy.  Please,” she pleaded.  She clasped her hands together and batted her eyes.

I slapped my hand over my face, rubbing it up and down.  There was no way I could refuse that pathetic look on her face.  “Fine.  Fine,” I groaned.  “I’ll let you think about it.”

“And…”

“I’ll go to church with you,” I droned.  She squealed, clapping her hands and bouncing up and down.  “I can’t believe I’m agreeing to do this.”

“You’ll love it.  I promise.”  McKenzie threw her arms around my neck, kissing me.

I laughed, pulling her into a hug.  Even though all the other walls had crumbled, there was that one she was still holding on to.  Hopefully by me going to church, she’d see how serious I was and accept my invitation to Boston.

“That remains to be seen.” 

“Bring Jared and Gavin with you, okay?” 

I pecked her lips, smiling at the thought of them with me.  Misery does love company, and if I had to endure church, it didn’t hurt to have my fellow companions suffer through it with me.  “You can count on it.” 

McKenzie wore a smile that made my heart hurt.  It was the first time I’d really seen her smile since I’d arrived.  This smile was that of an angel. 
My
angel.

“Perfect.  Now, really, I have to go.  I’m surprised my parents haven’t put out an APB on me.”

I cupped her face in my hands, kissing her once more.  “One last thing before I let you leave.” 

I sidestepped around McKenzie making my way to the dresser.  There sat the warped
Tiffany & Co
box.  I opened it, and withdrew the jewelry container.  The outer layer had managed to protect the jewelry box on the inside.  The rainwater never reached it.  The case squeaked as I cracked it open and removed the diamond necklace from the soft, satin cushion.  The necklace dangled from my fingers, as I turned to McKenzie.  A tear rolled down her cheek, but her smile told me she was happy.

McKenzie swiped her hand across her face and approached me.  She turned around, moving her ponytail to the side.  I slipped the necklace around her neck, clasping it closed.  It fell back into place, landing softly at the valley of her throat.  “Perfect,” I breathed.

She took the charm between her fingertips, tilting her head to look at it.  “Right where it belongs,” she mused.

Moments later, she was gone and I was hustling to get ready for church.  Jared and Gavin both seemed intrigued by the idea of us attending service, and both were bound and determined to find out what happened last night.  When I told Gavin that McKenzie knew the truth, I could sense he was both worried and relieved by that bit of information.  Jared didn’t pry.  He seemed content knowing that things were on the mend.

Dressed, pressed, and ready for church, we packed our luggage in the back of the rental, and checked out of the hotel.  Amarillo was behind us and now we were off to face the next leg of this trip - Boston.  All that was left was for me to do was to convince McKenzie to join me.  I was a master closer.  If anyone could talk her into going to Boston, it would be me.  At least I hoped so.

“Welcome to First Family Church,” an older woman greeted us, thrusting a pamphlet into my hand.  Her gray hair was ratted into a massive bun that filled the circumference of her scalp.  She wore a floral dress with white stockings and sandals; bottle cap glasses dangled from the end of her nose.  She smiled and revealed she had more lipstick on her teeth than her lips. 

“Thank you,” I replied, my eyes darting around, searching for McKenzie and her family.  They’d asked us to meet them at the church since
certain
people were running late due to the previous evening’s festivities.  I knew what was being insinuated.  Apparently, no secrets could be kept between the Evans’, and they all seemed well aware of the fact that McKenzie and I’d spent the night together.  If only they knew what had really transpired between us.

From the corner of my eye, I caught someone waving frantically.  I turned to find McKenzie rushing toward me.  “Andy!” she called out.  A huge smile lighted her beautiful face.  Returning her smile, I waved back.

She was a vision in her Sunday best.  A navy blue dress with capped sleeves.  The skirt flared just above her knee.  The bodice hugged her breasts perfectly.  If I recalled correctly, women referred to that as an empire waist, but who am I to determine women’s fashion.  All I knew was it gave me a great view of her legs and outlined her boobs for me to ogle throughout the service.  God certainly was good. 

Hmm, maybe he and I should get back on speaking terms.
  God would probably smite me for even thinking such a thing in his house.  A small chuckle escaped me at the thought.  I caught a glimpse of Jared in my peripheral vision who’d cocked his head in response to my miniscule laugh. 

When Jared walked out of the hotel room wearing a suit, I couldn’t believe my eyes.  We’d all agreed to bring one with us on this trip just in case, so naturally I assumed he had one, but to actually see Jared wear something more than vintage t-shirts and his ratty old ball cap was a sight to behold.  He cleaned up pretty nicely.  Hell, the man even managed to comb his hair, which screamed miracle in itself.

“I’m so glad you guys made it!” McKenzie exclaimed, as she reached the three of us.  She threw her arms around Jared’s neck, knocking him back slightly.  “I’m so sorry for the way I behaved last night.  Can you ever forgive me?”

Jared closed his eyes, wrapping his arms tight around her.  “Of course I forgive you,” he soothed. 

My smile couldn’t be contained.  Things seemed to be right for the first time since we’d arrived in this God forsaken town.  Jared and McKenzie had a friendship that most people only dreamed of having, even though I hated how he harbored feelings for her.

McKenzie pecked his cheek and stepped back from him.  “Thank you.  I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out,” he murmured.  

Cutting her eyes to Gavin, I could see the wheels churning inside that snarky mind of hers.   “Well, look at you, Ghetto Smurf.”  She approached Gavin, warmly embracing him.

“Ghetto Smurf?” he questioned with a furrowed brow, hugging her back.

A mischievous grin appeared, as she reached up and rubbed the rap industry standard beard that Gavin wore with pride.  I about died of laughter when he stepped out of the hotel room sporting his new beard.  It was so bad that I literally asked him if his razor was broke and offered to loan him mine.  The three of us had been lazy about shaving during this trip, that I couldn’t deny, but little did I know, Gavin intended to surprise Morgan with a beard before their wedding.  Bad move.  The woman was going to throw a shit-fit.  Lucky for me, I had front row seats for that upcoming event.

“Blue suit.  New, freakishly thin line of a beard.  All you need now is a gold tooth and you’d be pimpin’.”

People stared at Jared and me as we buckled over in laughter.  We didn’t care.  Our McKenzie was back.

“I don’t look anything like a Smurf,” Gavin groused.

She took his chin between her fingertips, tilting his head slightly.  “You know what, you’re absolutely right.  This isn’t a beard.  You simply forgot to wash your face this morning.  Here, I can help.”  She licked her fingertip and started rubbing his chin.  Tears rolled down my cheeks from laughing so hard.  Jared hung from my shoulder, holding his gut in laughter.

Gavin shooed her away, glaring at Jared and me.  “Shut the fu-”

“Not in the house of God!” McKenzie scolded him before he could finish his sentence.  She patted his cheek and crossed over to me.  Jared stood up straight, still snickering as he nudged Gavin in the arm.

“Hey there, handsome,” McKenzie addressed me in a demure manner.

“Hey yourself, beautiful.”  It felt good to call her that again.  Before she left, that had been my pet name for her. 

“Nice suit.”  She nodded toward my slate gray three piece suit.  I’d considered bringing the suit she’d bought for me, but decided to send it on ahead to Boston.  “Although, you look better in navy.”

“Thanks, and I must agree with you.  Navy and lavender are my colors.” I noted, winking at her. 

“True, but this color brings out the blue of your eyes,” she purred, trailing her fingers under the lapel of my jacket.

“I’m glad you approve.”  I placed a tender kiss to her cheek, mindful of my current location.

McKenzie smiled.  “How ‘bout you show a girl to her seat?”  She linked her arm through mine, guiding me into the auditorium.  And when I say auditorium, I mean it.  This place was massive.  I’d expected stained glass windows and crosses everywhere, but what I found was polished wood, upholstered pews, high-definition monitors hanging from the ceiling, and musical instruments that didn’t date back to the Renaissance.  This felt more like a concert hall than a church. 

I glanced up at the ceiling, half expecting it to cave in or for lightning to strike me.  A sinner like me would surely incur the wrath of God for entering his sacred place.

“You seem nervous,” McKenzie leaned in and whispered as we marched down the center aisle.

“Just waiting for God to smite me,” I jested.

Her head fell against my arm, a tiny smile formed on her lips.  “God’s forgiving, Andy.”

I kissed the top of her head.  She smelled so good; like pomegranates and lemons.  “You’re not about to get all Bible-thumper on me, are you?”

A small chuckle escaped her.  “No.  You should know me better than that.  All I’m saying is, if God can forgive you and if I can forgive you then maybe you should forgive yourself.”

“Maybe,” I mumbled.  We reached the pew where her entire family was seated.  Bill sat against the armrest at the opposite end from where we stood, followed by Lindsey, Glenda, Cody, Justice, and Jackie who held Honor in her arms.  There was just enough room for the four of us to join them. 

Glenda stood up and waved her feeble hand at Gavin.  He laughed, shaking his head.  “My girlfriend beckons me.”

“You do realize I plan on telling Morgan you had an affair with an older woman while you were here,” I gibed.

“Oh, I know.  But if you do, I’ll make sure to tell McKenzie about the time you lost your swim trunks in the pool at Skyler McGillis’ birthday party,” Gavin countered.

“Now that’s a story I want to hear,” McKenzie noted.  Her brows
rose with intrigue.  “Don’t tell me.  It was back when you were six years old.  I bet you were adorable.”

“Try more like sixteen,” Gavin supplied.

“Fine!” I raised my hand as if to dismiss him.  “I won’t say a word.”

“That’s what
I thought.”  Gavin stepped around McKenzie and me, clumsily sliding through the pathway until he reached Glenda.  He gave her a hug and shook hands with Bill before taking a seat beside her.  Two days earlier, that old woman frightened him to death.  Now, she was a valued friend.  It’s amazing how a little time and persistence can change a person’s mind.  Maybe I’d have the same luck with persuading McKenzie to join me in Boston.

“I think I’ll join them,” Jared announced, as he followed Gavin, sitting between Lindsey and Glenda.  Everyone on the row seemed delighted to see us and had no qualms in shifting down to accommodate the new seating arrangements.  

“Shall we?” McKenzie extended her hand out to the open spot next to Jackie.  My body tensed at the sight of the baby.  McKenzie felt my apprehension and took my hand, giving it a squeeze.  “We can sit somewhere else if it would make you feel more comfortable.”

I took a deep breath and released it through my nose.  If I expected McKenzie to stop running, then I needed to as well.  “We can sit here.” 

“Are you sure?  I don’t mind.”

I smiled, placing my hand on the small of her
back; I extended my other out toward the vacant seat.  McKenzie shifted between the pews, sitting down next to her cousin.  I slid in beside her, anticipating a panic attack to come on.  Sweat trickled down my back, and my fingers started that numbing twinge I’d get as a warning sign, but suddenly it all stopped.  McKenzie slipped her hand into mine and whispered calmly in my ear, “It’s all going to be okay.  If you need to leave, we’ll leave.  No questions asked.  I’m just happy to have the man I love at my side today.”

Every ounce of tension in me dissipated.  My nervousness was gone.  I squeezed her hand, and pressed a quick kiss to her temple.  “Thank you.  I’m going to be fine,” I breathed against her skin.  “I love you, too.”

A tender smile brightened McKenzie’s face, as she leaned into my side.  I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, holding her close to me. 

Jackie leaned forward, pressing the baby to her chest.  “Good to see you, Drew.”

“You too,” I replied, giving her a smile.  She sat back, rocking the baby in her arms, wearing a serene expression.

A warm buzz of conversation drifted around the auditorium.  There was
electricity in the air that reminded me of a rock concert or football game.  People were excited to be together.  Friend with friend.  Family with family.  I examined the room, recognizing a few people from the festival here and there. 

My gazed settled on a brawny blond sitting in a row of pews catty cornered from us.  Gage leaned into the woman sitting next him.  She was fairly young with straight, brown hair that hung over her shoulder.  From a distance, I couldn’t quite make out her features, but from what I could tell she was relatively attractive.  I even recalled McKenzie speaking with her at the festival.  They were positioned very similar to how McKenzie and I sat.  His arm draped along the back of the pew behind her.  She leaned into the curve of his side, gazing up at him with adoration.  My mouth dropped to my lap.  I patted McKenzie on the hand.  “Who’s that?” I pointed to the woman with Gage.

McKenzie shifted forward, looking in the direction that I pointed.  “Oh, that’s Blair.”

“They seem rather cozy.”

“Well, they should.  They’re dating,” McKenzie stated.  Her tone was nonchalant, as if this was information I should’ve already known.

“He’s dating someone?  I thought he was after you.”

McKenzie’s head shook slowly, as she gave me an incredulous look.  “I tried to tell you the other night, but you wouldn’t listen.  There’s nothing between us except for the past.  We’re friends.  That’s all.”

“But what was with the Incredible Hulk act he always performed in my presence, and the way he tried to get friendly with you at dinner the other night.”

“Andy, he was trying to protect me from getting hurt again.  He thought if he flirted with me, you’d think we were together and back off.  I about killed him when he told me of his plan.”  Dropping her head, she stared at her fingers while she drummed them together.

A bemused smile bloomed across my face.  This woman truly was bewitching.  A siren to men.  Every man wanted to rescue her, even if she didn’t need it.  “I see.  So, I guess those two are serious?”

“Yeah.  You’re not mad are you?”

“That gorilla over there made me go into a jealous rage more than once this weekend.  Nah.  Not all.”

McKenzie leaned in, her lips lightly brushing against my ear as she whispered, “My Neanderthal.”

Music started, cutting off our conversation.  I found myself even more surprised that not only did this place feel like a concert hall, but it sounded more like a rock concert than
church.  A group of vocalists began singing songs of praise and worship.  They sounded nothing like the hymns I was familiar with.  They were catchy tunes that hopped with life.  The congregation stood up, clapping and singing along.  I got carried away with the excitement of the service, almost forgetting I was in church, until the minister appeared and asked us all to be seated.