Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 73425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 294(@250wpm)___ 245(@300wpm)
I reach Andi’s apartment door, and it’s unlocked as the sound of voices wafts out. Most people are already there, milling about, talking and laughing. The snacks are laid out on the table, along with some fizzy drinks. I get a bowl to pour my bag of pretzels in and place it next to the others.
I take a seat between two of the other members. They all have their Bibles out, so I open mine to the same page. It sits in my lap, but we’re not really reading them right now. Nights typically start with light gossip, and then we share a verse or two before going back to chatting. It’s a nice dynamic and right now, there are conversations coming from every direction. I pick up bits and pieces from them, smiling wholeheartedly. Maybe I can try and wiggle my way into one.
“Oh my god, did you hear that they might be getting a rec center for the church?” asks Sharona. “I overheard Pastor Jason on the phone and it sounded like he was making plans for one. It’s crazy!”
Another girl titters.
“Did you see the shirt Pastor Jordan had on? Oh my god, his shoulders are so broad, and he must work out like a fiend. I mean he has to know how good he looks, wearing clothes like that.”
“What about those jeans?” asks Amy in a rapturous voice. “I almost fainted when he stepped out onto the stage.”
“I know,” giggles another girl, Moira. “Talk about hard and long.”
I blush. Oh my god, it seems that everyone here has a huge crush on our pastors, not that I blame them. After all, Jason and Jordan are like rockstars, with the good looks and charismatic personalities. Besides, they’re men of god, so how could it get any better?
We continue chattering even as the conversation moves away from our gorgeous pastors.
“You’re quiet,” remarks Sharona to me.
I nod.
“Um, no it’s nothing. Just thinking,” I manage with a smile. “How about some pretzels? They’re good.”
Quickly, I get up and make my way to the snack table again. Some weeks I’ll contribute with one or two gossipy tidbits, but this week really threw me for a loop. Any juicy details I have are a little too private to share with this crowd.
Suddenly, the intercom by Andi’s front door buzzes. She walks over and presses the button to let in whoever it is. The rest of us pay no mind, and ignore the knock on the door. It’s just someone coming late, although who it could be, I have no idea. Most of the girls are already here, so maybe we’re getting someone new today.
Andi opens the door with a smile, and then she yelps, eyes wide. But Andi isn’t in any danger; the reason she freaked is because Pastors Jason and Jordan are here in the flesh.
What?
My heart skips a beat because they look so gorgeous, dressed in jeans and button down shirts. Their clean scent drifts into the apartment, and the girls go silent, their jaws dropping to the floor. But why are they here?
“Hey, ladies. We thought this week would be a good one to stop in and see how things are going,” says Jordan with a movie-star smile. “Mind if we join you?”
This isn’t atypical of them because they’ve been known to visit us on occasion. There are various small groups that have formed since the Village Church took root, and Jason and Jordan make the rounds, going to different meetings every once in a while.
But still, this is the women’s bible study. Why would they come to this one, today of all days? I’m sure they know this is my social group. Oh my god, is this part of some kind of weird plan? What kind of weird plan could it be though? Maybe it’s not even about me. They could have just come to check-in.
But something is telling me that’s not what’s going on.
“Of course! Come in, Pastors!” Andi replies excitedly. She moves everyone aside, so the men can step inside. They move into the apartment like conquering gods, and a gaggle of girls immediately surrounds them in a scrum. I wonder if they ever get annoyed by all the attention, or if they’re used to it.
It’s a little embarrassing to be honest because the girls are going absolutely wild. A few of them are whispering back and forth with one another, but most of them are just staring at Jason and Jordan in awe.
“You girls can get right back to your bible study. We don’t want to be too disruptive,” grins Jason.
“You’re not disruptive,” Ada giggles. “It’s a treat having you here.”
Of course, Ada’s right. Jordan and Jason aren’t disruptive on purpose. I mean, at this point, they must have some idea of their effect on a room. Their mere presence has thrown a wrench in the evening, and now all the girls are going to be focused on the men, and not the good book.