Tangled Reverence: Preacher's Kid by Darie McCoy & Preacher's Kid

Author:Darie McCoy & Preacher's Kid [McCoy, Darie & Kid, Preacher's]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SIP (Swirl Interracial Publications)
Published: 2024-05-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Atarah didn’t break any speed limits to reach the church, but she still made it there within twenty minutes. Absently greeting one of the board members on her way inside, she worked to calm the thundering of her heart. Despite Iva telling her about Adina leaving her husband, it was a shock to her system for her sister to show up at Harmony Haven.

It hadn’t occurred to her what she’d do if she was to ever be face-to-face with her immediate family again. She’d resolved herself to living the remainder of her days without them. Now, she wasn’t certain if this was an opportunity for herself or something else. Like Adina using her, since no one would believe Atarah would be the person her older sister would turn to in time of need.

Taking a calming breath, Atarah pushed open the door to the waiting area outside her office. The moment she stepped over the threshold her gaze landed on Adina. Dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers with her thick hair gathered into a high ponytail, her sister looked like she was ready for a day of going thrifting then craft fair shopping.

Adina popped up from the chair like it was on fire. Her steps faltered after only making two without Atarah moving closer to her. Neither of them said anything—not even a stiff formal greeting.

Norma finally broke the silence. “Hello, Pastor Lauder.”

Breaking eye contact with her sister, Atarah turned her gaze onto her secretary. Pulling up a smile, she attempted to put her at ease.

“Good morning, Norma. I hope your day has been going well.”

Although she looked confused about Atarah’s general greeting, and lack of one to her guest, Norma responded with the usual pleasantries about her morning answering calls and going through the assignments she’d been given.

“Atarah.” Adina’s voice was soft. Tentative. “Atarah, can I speak with you please?”

Once again turning her attention to her sister, Atarah knew she couldn’t continue to use Norma as a shield. Extending her arm, she pointed toward the door to her office.

“In my office.”

With a nod to Norma, Atarah opened the door, then waited until Adina was inside before closing it behind her. Walking around her desk, she pulled out the rolling chair. Pointing to the tufted seats opposite the desk, she invited Adina to sit.

Her sister’s hands were clasped together with her fingers gripping so hard her knuckles were several shades lighter than the toasted brown of the rest of her skin. As they had in the waiting area, neither of them spoke.

It was a tad spiteful, but Atarah refused to break the ice. She’d tried that many times over the years. Stopping once it became clear her sister didn’t want to be her sister any longer.

Ultimately, Adina broke the silence. “I’m sorry, Rah-rah.”

Closing her eyes against the onslaught of emotions in addition to the memories evoked with the utterance of the nickname only Adina and Iva had ever called her, Atarah fought to keep her emotions in check. When her eyelids lifted, Adina was staring at her.

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