Finding Him (Him Series Book 2)

24-Trouble

Izabelle

Hunter's faith was like salt in my soul and I enthusiastically searched for God trying to quench my thirst for Him.

I wanted more.

I read the story about the woman at the well and made my way through all four gospels. Something stirred within me. I felt like a puzzle that had been dumped on the floor, and slowly all the pieces were snapping into place.

For the first time ever, I understood I could not save or redeem myself. Jesus was the only one who could.

Jesus.

Everything in life was about Jesus.

He'd given me a new perspective, and for the first time ever I felt as if I could handle whatever was thrown at me as long as I had God with me. As much as I'd miss Hunter, I knew I couldn't stay in Lucy's room any longer. My packed bag didn't upset me as much as I thought it would. God would be pleased, and Hunter and I would still be together.

Kyle was released from the hospital, and I was moving in with him tomorrow. I'd hoped to spend my last evening at Hunter's with him but he was called in to work.

Katie asked me meet her at Shooters, and Ava asked to join us. I felt like a terrible friend for not wanting her to come, but after the last disaster I wasn't looking for a repeat performance.

Ava needed a friend, and I couldn't let her down. But an hour after we'd arrived at Shooters, she was already drunk and stumbling to the table with three more shots.

My hand flew out, blocking the colorful plastic shot cups and she scowled. "Izabelle!"

"You're not going to drink those, are you?"

"You want one?" Ava asked, glassy-eyed.

"No. You should slow down," I suggested, trying to keep my tone casual and not preachy.

"Here," she said handing me a cup of something frozen. "Relax. It's virgin."

Glancing down at the frothy, bubble-gum pink drink I hesitated. "Why don't you drink it?"

Rolling her eyes, she made a sound that was half-snort, half-laugh. "Chill, Mom. I need a grown-up drink."

Inhaling smoky, alcohol polluted air, I rubbed my aching head. "You're going to get sick."

"I'm just having fun. What's your problem?" she snapped.

I was tired and just wanted to go home. Sighing, I took a sip of the sweet drink. It was good. Really good. I took another drink. "I'm worried about you."

"I've got a lot going on, Izabelle. I thought you understood. Kyle is the love of my life, and he's never going to forgive me for sleeping with Cade."

"Ava," I said gently. "If it doesn't work out with you and my brother, you'll be ok."

She turned on me, her eyes flashing angrily. "What do you mean if it doesn't work out? Do you know something you're not telling me?"

I prayed for the right words. "He told you it was over. Maybe it's time you accepted that," I said as gently as I could.

Ava looked as if I'd slapped her. "I thought you were my friend."

"I am your friend."

"Then tell me the truth. Is Kyle seeing someone else?"

The ache in my head magnified. I took another drink. "Yes."

She cried out, sweeping her arm across the table and knocking the shots over me. I jumped up as the alcohol seeped through my blouse, chilling my skin.