LANCE WAS GLAD ADRIENNE STAYED UNTIL THE END, SO HE wouldn’t have to delay what he needed to say. He walked Timmy to the door.
“I love your excitement, Timmy. I hear the wonder of discovery.”
“I didn’t realize faith could be such an intellectual pursuit,” Timmy said. “I was raised in a family of scientists and always thought religious people were hokey. No offense.”
Lance chuckled. “I didn’t grow up in a family of scientists, and I thought they were hokey too.”
Timmy tucked his hands in his pockets. “I really thought science and God lived on opposite poles. But after reading those books you recommended, by scientists . . .” He lapsed into thought for a moment. “I’m seeing what science shows us about God.” He opened the screen door. “I’d better go. I’ve got class in the morning.”
“See you, Timmy.”
Lance left the door ajar as he returned to the living room.
“Hey, Lance,” Adrienne said, “we were wondering if you wanted to catch a movie with us tonight.” She looked at her watch. “Starts at 10:10. Darrin’s meeting us there.”
“I can’t make it,” Lance said. He moved closer to Adrienne. “Can we talk a minute?”
Adrienne got up and joined him in the entryway.
Lance paused, desiring the right tone. “I want to apologize, because I think I must’ve given you the wrong impression.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” she said.
“Maybe I’m mistaken,” Lance said. “But I think you may think there’s an opportunity for us to build something beyond friendship. And that’s not the case.” He added quickly, “But again, if I’m wrong, I’m sorry, and I’ll just be greatly embarrassed.”
Adrienne smiled faintly. “I did think there was some chemistry between us,” she said. “And I debated hard about whether to come tonight, especially after being here so late Monday. But . . .” She sighed. “Now I’m greatly embarrassed.”
“Don’t be,” Lance said. “I just wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings between us.”
“So . . . did I do something to turn you away?” she said. “I thought we enjoyed one another’s company.”
“It’s not that you did anything,” Lance said. “I just don’t want to do anything to hurt Kendra.”
“Kendra? I thought you told me you two weren’t in a relationship.”
“We weren’t at the time you asked,” Lance said. “Things have changed.”
Adrienne hesitated. “Really? I guess that surprises me.”
“Why?”
“Well, given that she’s sick . . .”
Lance wasn’t sure how to respond. “I understand that that matters to some.” He shrugged. “Bottom line is: I love her.”
Adrienne’s eyes widened a little. “I feel bad then,” she said. “I was just talking to Kendra tonight and told her I didn’t know she was sick, but that now I understood why you said things were complicated—”
“I’m sorry. I have to go,” Lance said. “Trey,” he called, “can you see them out, please?”
Lance took the stairs by two, understanding now why Kendra looked the way she did on her way up. Actually, she hadn’t been herself all week. Lance suspected it had to do with Adrienne’s visit Monday, but Kendra hadn’t wanted to talk about it when he asked.
He knocked lightly and, hearing nothing, peered in. The covers were pulled almost over Kendra’s head.
“Kendra,” he whispered.
She usually lay in bed for more than an hour before falling asleep, especially if she’d rested most of the day. But she didn’t budge.
Lance leaned against the doorjamb, sighing, wishing he could clear this up tonight. He knew what would happen. Kendra would wake through the night, keep it steeping in her mind, and by morning, she’d feel that much worse.
This was the last thing she needed before her appointment with Dr. Contee in the morning.