Free Nobody’s Child (New Life Tabernacle Series Book 1) by LaShonda Bowman Page B

again.
    "Daddy?" Her tone held a ring of warning that made them fear the jig was up.
    Mr. Jones turned around, his hands in his pockets, his eyebrows raised. "Yes?"
    Robin continued to stare at him, her eyebrows furrowed.
    "Daddy, what's that on your face?"
    When she started toward him for a closer look, he swiped his hand over his lips so forcefully, he look like he was trying to pop himself in the mouth. Robin stopped mid-stride and stared at him like he was crazy.
    Makayla was near tears.
    Robin folded her arms. "You two are up to something. Daddy, what did you do?"
    Before he could answer, Makayla grabbed Robin's arm and looked at her watch.
    "Oh my gosh, I need to get home. I didn’t realize how late it was. I got an early day tomorrow."
    Robin raised an eyebrow and searched Makayla's face for evidence of a cover-up. She looked back at her dad and then Makayla again.
    “Uh, huh. Fine, then. Let's get you home."
    Makayla followed Robin, but looked back before walking through the door.
    Mr. Jones wore a gleeful grin and held two thumbs up. He looked like the mouse that had fooled the cat and lived to tell about it.
    Makayla made a mental note.
    This was her best Sunday yet.

Chapter 12
    “ W hy don't you and Mr. Jones go to the same church?"
    The Jaguar navigated near empty streets and Robin and Makayla rode without music. The quiet calm of the moment gave her the courage to ask what she’d been wondering all afternoon.
    "We did. A long time ago.”
    Makayla waited for details, but Robin offered none. She'd only known Robin briefly, but she’d quickly learned her short, vague answers usually meant there was backstory. Makayla just had to maneuver her way into it.
    "He should come back. I'd love to see him every Sunday."
    Robin smiled. "Yeah, me too. But I don’t see that happening.”
    "Why not? We should ask him."
    Robin didn't say anything. Makayla decided she'd have to get the answer some other way. Maybe even from Mr. Jones himself.
    "No,” Robin finally said, thoughtfully. “I’ve considered it before, but…” She sighed. “Well, he used to be the pastor at New Life. The founding pastor, actually. I think it would be uncomfortable for him."
    Makayla's jaw dropped.
    Pastor?
    At New Life Tabernacle?
    Robin wasn't just some church girl who got knocked up. She was a pastor’s kid.
    Makayla did not see that coming.
    Of course, she was eager to know more, but thought it best to tread lightly.
    "Whoa. Why did he leave?"
    Robin's face took on the hardness that usually came when questioned about the past. Makayla had seen it the previous week at the restaurant. First with the nosy sorority sister, then again when Trey asked about transferring schools.
    "You know, just…life." Another moment passed and she added, “Some things went down that affected him deeply and—“
    The shrill sound of Robin’s ringtone blared through the car speakers. She pushed the button on her steering wheel to answer.
    "Hello?"
    “Ms. Jones? Hi! It's Bree, from the Wallace Davis show."
    The girl sounded straight-out-of-graduate-school peppy. A little too peppy.
    "Yes. How are you?"
    Robin's tone was polite, but Makayla got the sense this was a call she wished she'd ignored.
    "I'm wonderful! Sorry to bother you so late on a Sunday, but I just can't seem to reach you during the week."
    One look at Robin’s facial expression explained everything and Makayla quietly snickered.
    She’s been screening your calls, lady…
    “The thing is, I really need to nail down a date for your interview. I see your new book is slated for release just after the holidays and we'd like to have you on before then. You know, to generate some buzz.”
    Robin took a deep breath. "As I mentioned before, Bree, I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of doing the show—“
    "Ms. Jones, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Wallace admires you. Truly. He’s said it numerous times. You're one of the few, quote unquote, Christians , in the public eye he