“You broke up with Cal, didn’t you?” Brandi asked as she and Ashley stood in my foyer later that night.
“I don’t show for Bible study, and that’s your conclusion?” Though my puffy eyes and red nose were probably pretty huge clues. I clutched a crumpled tissue. “And people call me the detective. Good guess, girls.” I managed a shaky laugh.
They each hugged me.
“Come on in,” I said.
None of us said a word as we filed into my living room and took our usual spots on my sectional sofa. Why did we always sit in the same places?
“What happened?” Ashley asked.
I gave them a brief summary of Cal’s refusal to share what was going on in his life. “Plus, he doesn’t whistle anymore.” I stuffed my hands in the front pocket of my Colts hoodie. “I know that sounds crazy, but—”
“It doesn’t,” Ashley said.
“Not at all,” Brandi whispered.
“You’ve sensed something’s been off for a while, haven’t you?” I asked.
Brandi nodded, her curls bouncing. “I’ve been praying that God’s will would be done, but I was always cheering for your relationship. I know how much you like Cal.”
“Same here, hon.”
“Breaking up was the right choice. I feel at peace for the first time in several weeks.”
Why had I ignored my uncertainty? Probably because I wanted my own way instead of what God wanted. Pretty typical human response.
Brandi scooted closer. “I’d hate to give you false hope, but just because you’ve ended things with Cal doesn’t mean God’s done with this story. It could be the timing is wrong, and things have to get worse before they get better.”
I nodded. A time to tear down, and a time to rebuild.
Part of me hoped this was the case, and that Cal could resolve whatever was troubling him and be able to move forward.
“Right,” Ashley said. “God might have stuff he wants to do in your lives individually.”
“Or I’m supposed to be single forever.” I sniffed. I’d been see-sawing between optimism and pessimism all evening.
Brandi smiled. “Maybe. But I don’t think either one of us was going to add that possibility right at this moment.”
Ashley shook her head. “No way.”
“I appreciate that.”
“You’ll be fine.” Ashley put her arm around me. “You’ve got us.”
“Absolutely,” Brandi said.
Though my heart ached, I felt hopeful about my future. I had my friends. Family. My health. My canine sidekick, Gus. A job I loved. Music.
And a God who’d already proven himself faithful during difficult times.
Yeah—I’d be way better than fine.
Don’t miss Georgia’s next adventure! Stay in touch by subscribing to my email newsletter and get the latest on all my new releases and other fun updates. Click here to sign up.
As a thank you for subscribing, you’ll gain access to Deadly Homestead: A Georgia Rae Winston Mini-Mystery and Other Short Stories.
If you enjoyed Deadly Heritage, I’d be very grateful if you’d leave a short review to help me spread the word about my novels.
About the Author
Marissa Shrock is a survivor of many awkward blind dates and many years of teaching middle school. Both provide excellent inspiration for her fictional yarns.
Since childhood, she’s loved to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist.
Marissa enjoys playing golf, building elaborate LEGO creations, and traveling to new places. Her home is in Indiana, where she’s surrounded by corn and soybean fields. Visit her at www.marissashrock.com.
Also by Marissa Shrock
Emancipation Warriors Series
The First Principle
The Liberation
The Pursuit
The Agitator: A Novella
Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series
Deadly Harvest
Deadly Holiday
Deadly Heritage
Acknowledgments
Editing by A Little Red Ink
Cover Art by Seedlings Design Studio
Marketing Copy by JR2 Marketing & Advertising
Cimelia Press Logo by Race Point
Beta Readers: Mary Shrock, Brad Shrock, Katie Briggs, and Julie Woodall
Deadly Heritage Page 19
