The Ex Files by Victoria Christopher Murray Read Free Book Online Page B

frowned.
    “There may be wedding bells in our future.”
    “Really?” she said, sitting across from her niece. “So he’s going to leave his wife?”
    “He’d have to if we’re getting married, right?”
    “Don’t get smart with me…Chiquita.”
    Asia’s eyes widened. She hated when her aunt called her by her given name. Her aunt Beverly was the only one who did—everyone else called her Asia, the name she’d been legally known as since she was nineteen.
    “I’m just looking out for you because I love you,” Pastor Ford continued.
    Asia sighed. “I know that.”
    “So, act like you know, Chiquita.” Pastor Ford paused, pensive for a moment. “I’m thinking…there’s something I want you to do for me.” When Asia looked at her, she continued, “Come to my office on Thursday at seven.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I asked you to.”
    It took a moment, but Asia nodded. There wasn’t much she wouldn’t do for her aunt. “Okay.” She shrugged as if it were no big deal.
    “Now, go grab Angel and get washed up. We have a whole lotta eatin’ to do.”
    Before Asia could scoot past, Pastor Ford stopped her and cupped her cheeks inside her hands. “I love you.”
    Asia nodded.
    “And I pray for you all the time.”
    She nodded again and then turned toward the family room. She needed her aunt’s prayers—hoped that they could make Bobby do right by her. If not, she knew there was no limit to what she was willing to do to keep the man she loved.

Chapter Ten
    S HERIDAN
    Sheridan kissed her fingers, then blew a kiss to Brock before he stepped into the terminal. She’d miss him, but the memory of their fantastic weekend would carry her through the seven days he’d be gone.
    They’d never left his home after she arrived on Saturday, ordering in pizza for lunch, and Chinese for dinner. Their hours had been filled with playing competitive games of Scrabble, watching DVDs that they’d already seen, and then just resting quietly in the living room as Sheridan laid her head on Brock’s lap and skimmed through magazines while he read The Covenant .
    The sun had set many hours before when Brock had lit the fireplace, and they settled in front of the blaze sipping grape cider. She’d fallen asleep right there, on the floor, wrapped in his arms. They’d only awakened on Sunday when Tori called on her cell phone to say that the Nelsons would have her home by noon.
    Sunday had been as leisurely as Saturday. This time, the hours were spent at her home, with Tori, the three of them chomping on popcorn and watching PG-13 movies.
    “Are you sure you don’t mind this?” she’d whispered as she snuggled close to Brock on the couch, while Tori sat on the floor.
    “Are you kidding?” he’d said. “This is the life I want.”
    She’d kissed him good night around seven and then picked him up for the drive to the airport this morning.
    Now, as she swerved into the church’s parking lot, her thoughts turned from Brock to Pastor Ford. They’d arranged this meeting through voice-mail messages, but her pastor hadn’t given any indication of what she wanted. It had to be important for her to set this early-morning meeting on Monday, her day off.
    Inside, the church was before-nine quiet. Sheridan stepped through the sanctuary and, as she approached the pastor’s office, she heard the light tap of computer keys.
    “Hey, Etta-Marie.”
    Pastor Ford’s assistant looked up. “Pastor’s waiting for you. She’s got bagels and juice. Do you want some coffee?”
    “No, thanks,” she said, thinking about the caramel macchiato she’d get as soon as she left this meeting.
    “Good morning.” Pastor Ford hugged Sheridan when she stepped inside. The pastor looked into Sheridan’s eyes, lost her smile. “Are you all right?”
    Oh, no, Sheridan thought. Seventy-two hours had gone by since she’d sinned with Brock, but still, she looked away. “I’m fine.”
    “I didn’t see you in church yesterday.”
    Sheridan