Free Detour: Destination Abiding Love by JoAnn Carter Page B

clapping.
    Cole leaned close. “What’s the matter? Is this band not to your taste?”
    “Huh?”
    “You were miles away. What’s on your mind?”
    “Where is Clara?”
    He frowned. “She’s with my mother, why?”
    “Shouldn’t you be with them? I mean, I’m sure you have a lot of catching up to do...”
    “It’s OK. I’ll see her later this evening. I had asked you to join me before I even saw her, so here I am.”
    Great, I’m an obligation.
    He held out a container holding two beautiful napoleon pastries. “Look at what I picked up for us at the village bistro.” When she didn’t move to take hers, he nudged her. “Would you like one?”
    Sierra’s heart shattered. Why did he have to be so thoughtful? She realized no matter how hard she had tried not to, somewhere along the line, she’d started to nurse the hope that regardless of the obstacles, they could be more than friends. She knew better! “No thanks.”
    Cole shot her a puzzled glance. “I thought you like these.”
    “I do.” She stood up. “It’s just that I’m not very good company right now. Would you please excuse me?”
    “Are you all right?” He stood up as well. “Can I see you home?”
    “No! No, really...I’ll be fine. You stay and hear the rest of the concert.” She tried to smile, but she knew it came off a bit wobbly. “Enjoy your afternoon.” She left to collect her belongings. Hopefully she’d make it to the car before she totally lost it. One thing was clear: she needed to keep her distance from Cole before she wound up with a broken heart. Trouble was, she feared it may already be too late.
     
    
     
    When the concert ended, Cole drove to his mother’s house thinking about how his initial response to seeing Clara had upset Sierra. He worked through several scenarios to get their tentative friendship back on track.
    Yet, it had been true. Seeing Clara again at first had affected him more than he’d like to admit. She knew how to choose her clothes and do makeup to her advantage. But as soon as she opened her mouth, he could see right through the sultry voice to the act behind it. He had no idea why she decided to come back, but unlike high school, no longer did teenage hormones drive his actions.
    Since that time, he had come to understand the need for friendship before a romantic relationship. And he wanted to be friends with Sierra, who shone with the love of God in her heart. She had no false front, nor did she pretend to be anything other than what she was, a reformed drug addict who found God, and rejoiced in that freedom. Something he was lacking.
    “There you are,” his mother said as she opened the door. “Clara’s in the living room waiting for you.”
    “Mom, why did you invite her here?” He kept his voice low so it wouldn’t carry.
    She gave an unconcerned wave. “I know you get lonely sometimes and like I mentioned to you before, I knew she’d be perfect to help us with the campaign.”
    The evening was catching up to him fast. He felt his irritation grow, but tempered it. “Why do you think I’m lonely?”
    “I can tell, that’s all.”
    His mother was closer to the truth than she realized. Although he kept busy and had lots of friends, sometimes he did get lonely. He wanted to have a wife and children to come home to someday instead of four empty walls. Vivid mental pictures of both Sierra and Clara popped into his mind. Lord, help me be patient and not be tempted to settle for less than who You have planned for me .
    “Clara may be able to help with Dad’s campaigning, but let me choose my own company, OK?”
    With a hollow laugh, she tapped his arm. “Of course. Now come on, she’s waiting for you.”
    He sighed and followed her. “I’m only staying for ten minutes to be polite, and then I’m leaving so she won’t get the wrong impression.”
    Finally, his mother had the good sense not to challenge him.
     
    
     
    Wilma was livid. “Why in the world is Clara