Death by Food Truck: 4 Cozy Culinary Mysteries

By Joi Copeland, Cynthia Hickey, Linda Baten Johnson and Teresa Ives Lilly

Food Trucks Can Be Murderously Good
 
Get a taste of murder and mayhem in four cozy mysteries.
 
Birch Tree, Maine, is experiencing a rash of deaths, all mysteriously linked to food trucks that frequent the Birch Point Lake Park. Mey’s noodle truck was her ticket to a new life, until her ex-boyfriend threatens to take it away. Angel’s new donut truck was doing great, until deathly rumors started. Shanice thought she had customer support when taking over her grandpa’s potato truck, until one started complaining. Marisol’s taco truck is a fixture in the park, until linked to a food judge’s death. Could competition between vendors have led to this murder and mayhem?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbour Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781636095950

Book preview

Un-Lucky Noodles ©2023 by Joi Copeland

Dead as Donut ©2023 by Cynthia Hickey

Lethal Spuds ©2023 by Linda Baten Johnson

Taco Tragedy ©2023 by Teresa Ives Lilly

Print ISBN 978–1-63609–594-3

Adobe Digital Edition (.epub) 978–1-63609–595-0

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without written permission of the publisher. Reproduced text may not be used on the World Wide Web.

Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible and from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, and/or events is purely coincidental.

Cover illustration by Begoña Fernández Corbalan

Published by Barbour Books, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com

Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.

Printed in the United States of America.

Table of Contents

Un-lucky Noodles

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Dead as Donut

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Lethal Spuds

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Taco Tragedy

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

UN-LUCKY NOODLES

JOI COPELAND

DEDICATION

To my beautiful, amazing friend, Jaqueline Quirke-DePalatis, for not only being willing to give me insight on the Japanese culture but also for being my friend. I love you so very much, and I praise the good Lord that He had our paths cross thousands of miles from our original homes all the way in Ireland.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Jesus, thank You for allowing me to write.

May You receive all the glory!

Chris, my love, my best friend, what would I do without your support and encouragement? I love you always!

Garrison, Gage, and Gavin, best sons ever!

My fantastic editor, Barbara Hand, thank you for your patience with me as I write these stories. You are amazing, and I cannot do this without you!

CHAPTER ONE

Icouldn’t breathe. I tried to inhale, but I couldn’t catch my breath. My heart plummeted to my feet like when I rode that elevator ride at Disney World. No way was he here. I’d been living in Maine for a solid year with no word from him. I didn’t even tell my own mother where I’d moved. Like she’d care anyway.

The only person who knew where I relocated went with me. Well, she and her husband, Mark McGreggor. Wei was my best friend and co-owner of our food truck, Lucky Noodles. The day Wei betrayed me would be the day Jesus stopped forgiving sinners. Never.

I leaned my body out the window, stretching my neck to get a glimpse of where I thought I saw him. I scanned the lines outside the nine other food trucks on Birch Point Lake and ran my gaze over the people standing by the Crunchy Taco. What was I thinking? Paul Davis never liked tacos. Anytime I suggested Mexican food, he’d glare at me and call me all kinds of names.

By the time I finished scanning the rest of the food trucks, I realized he wasn’t there. I blew air out the side of my mouth, thankful it was just my overactive imagination. Why would Paul come all the way to Maine from Texas? He wouldn’t still be hunting for me … would he?

Hey, Mey. Wei nudged me with her hip. What’s the matter with you?

I grabbed my soda cup and took a long gulp. The carbonation soothed my parched throat. Sweat trickled down my back. Summer in Maine proved to be hot and humid on most days. Not that I minded. Texas had the same weather.

I think I’m imagining things. I shook my head, my long black ponytail swooshing against my bare shoulder.

Since I wasn’t the cook of Lucky Noodles, I opted to wear comfortable clothing. Wei was the mastermind behind the meals. I kept the books, did the purchasing, greeted the guests, and took their orders. Wei made brilliant Japanese food, the best in all of Maine, maybe even the East Coast. Who was I kidding? The world.

When Wei agreed to partner with me, I hit the jackpot. I couldn’t do it without her. My best friend since I was eight years old, Wei knew the good and the bad of my life. The blessings and curses. The ups and downs. Without Wei, I wouldn’t have gone to church and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. That simple action changed the course of my life and drew Wei and me closer together as friends.

Wei’s almost-black eyes filled with concern. What do you think you’re imagining?

I forced a laugh. I thought I saw Paul.

Wei’s face lost its color. Paul Davis?

Do you know any other Paul?

Of course. Paul Newman. Paul McCartney. Paul Bunyan. Wei tapped her nose, a habit that appeared when she was thinking. Paul from the Bible. Pope John Paul. Paul Revere. Paul Rudd, Paul Simon, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Wait. Does he count since his first name isn’t Paul? She waved aside her question. Paul—

Okay, okay! I laughed. I get it. You know, or know of, a lot of Pauls. Yes, Paul Davis. I rolled my eyes. But I guess I’m seeing things.

Wei chuckled along with me. See what happens when you’re snarky with me? She tossed me a cheeky grin then sobered. But seriously. You really think you saw Paul?

I hope not. Dear Lord, don’t let it be so.

Paul Davis, my ex-boyfriend. I held in a shudder. The last person I expected to see on the lake would be Paul. We dated for almost four years, but after I became a Christian, I realized he wasn’t the man for me. I couldn’t take the belittling, the rough way he’d grab my arm in public. Add in the manipulation, the guilt, and the mind games. Yeah, he wasn’t the man for me.

How would he find you? We’ve been so careful. Wei crossed her arms in front of her.

I don’t know. That’s why I think I imagined it.

Mey, I’m not sure about that. My friend frowned. She leaned against the counter and poked her head out the window. Good thing we didn’t have customers yet. She may have scared them away with her scowl.

Why? What do you see? I mimicked her actions.

I don’t see anything. Wei straightened and sighed. But I think we need to be on the alert. I’m going to text Mark, just in case.

Wei whipped her phone out of her pocket. I grabbed it before she found her husband’s name. Don’t do that until we have concrete evidence he’s here.

Wei snatched her phone back. Like what? When he corners you, guilts you into believing you shouldn’t have left him, and verbally assaults you? Wei shook her head. No. I’m not going to stand by and do nothing like I did last time.

My frustration seeped out of me. I’d made too many excuses for Paul when we were dating. Excuses Wei never believed. Not that I wasn’t a good liar. She just saw through the lies to my fear. That was when I became a Christian. Because of Wei and Mark’s unconditional love.

"You didn’t do nothing. You tried talking to me about him for years. I didn’t listen."

Wei sniffed as tears filled her eyes. I hated seeing you with him, Mey. He turned you into something you weren’t. I should’ve done more to get you away from him. If I’d tried harder, you wouldn’t have suffered so much.

It wasn’t your fault. I didn’t listen to your advice. I blinked back tears of my own. God showed me my need for Him through all of that. He also opened my eyes to see how destructive my relationship with Paul had become. I squeezed Wei’s hand.

Please, let me text Mark. Just to let him know.

I rolled my eyes. We both know what he’s going to do. He’s going to come down here and work from that table right there. I pointed to the table not far from our food truck.

You’re the sister he never had. You know how badly he wanted to pummel Paul every time the man spoke to you. Wei fiddled with her phone then typed something I couldn’t see. Please?

I dipped my head in consent. Fine. But I beg you, tell him there’s no need to come down here. He’d get more writing done in his office at home than in today’s hot, humid weather.

I will. I can’t guarantee he’ll listen though. Wei finished typing and tucked her phone into her back pocket. Promise me you’ll stay in here until we can figure out if it’s Paul or not.

I will. I’m not a reckless person by nature. You, of all people, know that.

Wei’s phone buzzed. She took it out and read what, I could only imagine, was a text from Mark. She shook her head, a slight smile lifting her lips. He’s on his way.

I smacked my forehead with the palm of my hand. Oh, good grief.

Listen, Charlie Brown, I warned you. He said he’ll be here in ten minutes and that you’re not to step foot out of this truck.

Who’s going to wipe the tables when the customers are done eating? You can’t. You’ll be cooking or cleaning up in here. I wagged my finger at her. And I’m not Charlie Brown.

Wei giggled and tossed her apron over her short black hair and tied it around her waist. Keep talking like Charlie Brown, and that’s what I’ll call you.

I glared at her and pointed to the back of the truck. Shouldn’t you be doing food prep or something?

Just promise you won’t leave the truck until Mark gets here, or I’m going to have to tackle you and tie you up. Wei wiggled her eyebrows. Wouldn’t want to make a scene, not after the successful year we’ve had.

Like you could tackle me. I rose to my full height of a whopping five foot four, fists planted firmly on my hips, and tried to look as menacing as possible. Fake bravado. Pure and simple. Because Wei not only had me by four inches, but she also had more muscular arms. She and Mark exercised every morning for over an hour, and her body proved it.

I’m not even going to dignify that with a response. Wei turned her back on me and began preparing for the lunch rush we were sure to get.

I straightened up the counter and hollered over my shoulder, You did respond, by the way, so your comment is null and void.

Wei snickered in return but opted not to say anything further. I chuckled and turned on the local Christian radio station. Nothing helped lift my spirit like some TobyMac or MercyMe. Okay, if I’m honest with myself, I wanted a distraction, because if I did see Paul Davis, my nice and safe life would disappear like a vapor.

I wasn’t a pessimistic person by nature. On the contrary. I was overly optimistic, some said. But for the first five months after I left Texas to get away from Paul, I was always looking over my shoulder. Anytime I heard a noise, I imagined him hiding in the bushes or breaking into my house, which was situated behind Wei and Mark’s. I never thought I’d date someone for so long who stripped away all of my self-worth. I guess it made sense, though, since my mom started when I was young.

The first customer of the day sauntered up to the window. Hey, Mey. How’s it going?

Hiya, Devon. I’m good. Not really a lie. Aside from my slight scare, I really was good. How are you?

Great. Can’t wait to eat some of Wei’s noodles.

I wrote Devon’s order on a pad of paper, connected it to a clip on a metal slider, and pushed it down to Wei. She plucked it off and started up the fryer.

You know the drill, Dev. He handed me his card with a nod. I slid it into the machine, pulled off the paper, and handed the card and receipt to the fifty-year-old man who’d fallen in love with Wei’s cooking the day we opened.

I don’t even remember what I ate for lunch before you gals came to Maine. A slow smile slid across Devon’s tanned face.

I’m sure you chose another one of these fine food trucks. I’m just glad you stick with us now. I tossed him a wink and a grin.

If you were twenty years older, Mey, I’d scoop you up and marry you.

I giggled at our regular line of teasing. Oh, come on. You know I’m not the chef of this truck. If Wei were single and twenty years older, you’d marry her and leave me behind. Wei handed me Devon’s order.

Nah. I come for the food, but I stay for the company. He winked back at me, tossed a five-dollar bill in our tip jar, and strolled away.

I laughed. The perfect way to start my day. Then I saw Mark setting up his laptop on the table just outside the window of Lucky Noodles. Mark must have felt the burning glare I sent his way, because his gaze rose and met mine, narrowing in the process. A slight shake of his head, meant only for me to see, told me what I already knew. He wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

I broke eye contact and yelled over my shoulder, Wei, my bodyguard’s here. Can you put together his favorite meal?

Wei’s laugh drifted out of our truck and must have landed on Mark, based on the slight lift of his lips. You bet. Coming right up.

While I loved Mark and Wei, they could be overbearing at times. Like when we first moved to Maine, and they wouldn’t let me sleep in my house by myself. They stayed with me for over two weeks. When I couldn’t handle the closeness any longer, I sent them home. Which was only twenty paces away.

Again, if I’m honest, I didn’t mind them staying with me for the first week. I was like a skittish puppy, always worried someone was out to get me. Maybe I let my guard down over the last year. I got comfortable and stopped looking over my shoulder. I expected Paul to finally let me go. I hadn’t heard from him in months. Of course, it helped that I changed my phone number and moved out of the state.

Mark’s order came up. I grabbed his soda and took him his meal. You didn’t have to come. And you’re not going to be able to see a thing with the sun glaring on your laptop.

Mark rolled his eyes. That’s why I brought my sunglasses. After I eat, I’ll put them on and get some work done. I’m not leaving until the truck is closed up for the day.

Mark, that’s hours away. You can’t stay here that long.

A growl escaped Mark’s lips. I can, and I will. I’m not taking any chances, and neither should you.

I’m not. I don’t know if who I saw was even Paul. Maybe it was his doppelgänger. You know we all have one somewhere in the world. I pasted on a smile I didn’t feel.

Mey. My name came out more of a sigh. Please. Don’t. I’m here to stay. It’s for your own good and safety.

Fine, I conceded. But know I’m not happy about it.

Really? Mark put his sunglasses on. I couldn’t tell.

I punched Mark in the arm and then scurried back to the food truck as a few people gathered around the window.

I helped a dozen or so more customers, taking orders, making change, running credit cards, and chatting with them all, of course. Some were our regulars. Some were brand-new to our food truck. Probably tourists, since Birch Point Lake had a lot to offer in the summer.

Eight hours later, sweat dripping down the sides of my face, I locked up the cash register, the day’s proceeds tucked away in my purse. The kitchen portion of the truck all cleaned and in shipshape, Wei left the stifling heat of the truck to enjoy the breeze outside with her husband.

I studied my friends as they sat across from each other, holding hands, staring into one another’s eyes. They were the cutest couple I’d ever known and the most sickening. Truthfully, I hoped to find that kind of love one day. In the meantime, I had Lucky Noodles to keep me busy. And several good books to take my mind off the loneliness that often plagued me at home.

I knelt behind the counter, making sure we were all prepared for tomorrow’s lunch and dinner. Some days we were ahead of the game. Others, not so much. Today just so happened to be the former. My heart soared at how well we’d done today.

With a thankful heart, I jumped up and looked into a pair of eyes I had hoped never to see again.

CHAPTER TWO

Mey Hirano, Paul gushed, as if I were a long-lost friend and not the verbal punching bag he used me for. You’re pretty good at hiding."

I swallowed my fear, though it felt ready to erupt like Mount St. Helens. I let my gaze slide to the now-empty table.

Paul followed the direction of my eyes. Oh, you’re looking for your watchdogs? he snarled. They left you here all alone.

I knew he was lying. Mark and Wei probably left to put his laptop in the car. They wouldn’t leave me by myself. My dearest friends in all the world had my back. They’d show up soon enough. I just had to distance myself from the man standing in front of my food truck.

Come on out, sugar, so we can talk. Paul’s ocean-blue eyes held no warmth.

I doubted his sincerity. I knew deep down he was going to try and convince me to go back to Texas with him. I tried leaving him one other time, but he was such a smooth talker. He listened to everything I said about how he made me feel, and he promised to change. For some reason, I believed him.

I’m not leaving this truck.

Danger lurked in his eyes. If you don’t come out, I’ll come in and trash everything you’ve worked so hard for.

How? I have the door locked. Taunting him wasn’t a great idea, but I had to keep myself away from him.

I was no match for his five-foot-eleven body-builder’s physique. If he really wanted to, he could find a way to break down the door.

Paul reached through the window and grabbed my wrist. For one so large, he had amazing reflexes. I should have known what to expect from him.

I tightened my jaw against the pain shooting through my arm. You’re hurting me.

Paul’s hold lessened. That wasn’t my intention. His smooth voice softened. Please come out.

A teenage couple walked past the food truck, people I didn’t recognize. They cast a curious look our way.

Paul tossed them one of his most charming smiles, the one that won me over to begin with. Just admiring my girl’s lovely hand.

They snickered and hurried away. I wanted to shout out to them. But what could they possibly do? And would they believe me anyway?

Fine, I growled.

I pulled the rope to the metal blockade, closing the truck up, and moved toward the door. Do I really want to go out there? He can’t really force his way in here, can he? My thoughts raced.

Mark and Wei had been gone for a while. They were sure to arrive before I even had to say another word to the maniac outside Lucky Noodles.

Mey, Paul said in a singsong tone, but I knew what he really meant. That was what he used to do when his patience ran thin, right before he’d start telling me how weak I was and how much I needed him to protect me.

I inhaled a shaky breath and pushed open the door. Once it was locked, I turned around and found myself staring at Paul’s chest.

Finally. His hand grasped my elbow.

Let me go or I’ll scream. I was not bluffing this time.

Paul must have believed me, because he released me. I stormed away from him and into the open. Just in case he felt the need to start an argument, I wanted to have plenty of witnesses. Even though most of the food trucks were closed, a few people were milling about the area, some even occupying a table or two.

I took the closest table to Lucky Noodles and pointed to the opposite side. You can sit there.

Paul raised an eyebrow but sat down without making a scene. I want to talk. That’s all.

I don’t have anything to say to you. I stretched my neck around his big head to see if there was any sign of my friends. No such luck.

Why’d you leave, baby? Paul snatched my hand before I had a chance to move it.

"I think you know the answer to that. And don’t call me baby." I tried to yank my hand away, but his hold tightened.

I don’t mean to hurt you. You make me do it, you know. Paul’s eyes pleaded for understanding.

I don’t make you do anything. You choose to demean me.

If you only did what I said, I wouldn’t have to. Paul squeezed my hand.

You’re stopping me from working. Now let me go.

He shook his head. Not until I’ve had my say.

I sighed, pushing down the anger bubbling inside the pit of my stomach. I was tired. Tired of running, tired of living in fear, tired of getting beat down. Then say it.

I love you, Mey. I always have. I want to start up our relationship again. Come to Texas with me. We’ll start over. Paul ran his fingers over the back of my hand.

I’m not leaving Maine. This is my home now. I tried to release my hand from his vise-like grip, but he clamped down on my fingers.

I’ve changed. I won’t treat you that way again.

My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my sockets. You just threatened me and forced me to come out here and talk with you. How’s that changing?

It was the only way I could think of to get you to sit here with me. Paul’s face morphed into sadness.

I’ve listened to this before, Paul. As soon as I do something you don’t like, you’ll tell me how dumb and ugly I am, how no man will ever want me. War raged within me. One side battling the words he used to hurl at me, the other clinging to who God says I really am.

Emotions swirled across the man’s face. From guilt to anger to sorrow. I couldn’t tell which one was real, and I didn’t want to have to decide. I wanted this conversation to be over. Where are Mark and Wei? What’s keeping them?

He interrupted my thoughts. Listen, I know I’m not going to change your mind today. Why don’t you go home and pray about it and see if God gives you peace about coming back with me?

Wait. Did he just say pray? What do you know about prayer, Paul?

I’ve had a religious experience, let’s say. I’m like you. A Christian now.

Hairs prickled on the back of my neck. Somehow I didn’t think he was sincere. I shouldn’t be so judgmental, but I found it odd that my abusive ex-boyfriend suddenly became religious less than a year after I did. Not to mention his words had not matched his actions since I set eyes on him ten minutes ago.

I narrowed my eyes at him and yanked with all my might. His fingernails scratched my skin, but I finally got my hand free of his.

I pushed myself up from the table, ready to go look for Mark’s car on my own. I couldn’t sit here a second longer and listen to Paul’s poison.

I don’t have time to talk to you tomorrow. I work.

I know. Paul stood, towering over me. But maybe you can meet me for coffee? I’ll bring your favorite. By the lake.

I’m not meeting you.

You don’t have to come by yourself, Paul rushed on. You can bring your watchdogs…. I mean friends.

If I say yes, will you leave me alone?

Paul nodded. I won’t bother you anymore.

Fine. Tomorrow morning meet me at the lake, no coffee, at eight a.m. I’ll give you fifteen minutes, and that’s it. I turned on my heel, ready to make a grand exit, when he clasped my wrist once again.

You won’t be sorry.

I already am, I replied.

Hey!

My head snapped in the direction of the voice I’d waited to hear since Paul first appeared. Mark, I whispered. Wei was hot on his heels.

Let her go, he growled, fire in his eyes.

Paul dropped my arm as Mark moved between us.

Wei reached me, her chest heaving. I’m so sorry we left you.

I blinked back the sudden tears hindering my eyesight. It’s okay. Let’s go home.

Stay away from her. Mark jabbed a finger in Paul’s chest.

She’s already agreed to meet me tomorrow at the lake. Paul smirked. Then he must have realized I was still watching him and changed his expression to fake fear.

Over my dead body. Mark backed away from Paul.

Let’s go home, you guys. The fight suddenly left my body.

All I wanted to do was go home, curl up under a blanket, put on a romantic comedy, and not think about my life. Already questions were running in my mind faster than I could answer them. How did Paul find me? Who gave away my location when only three of us knew where I was? Why did he come all this way?

It certainly couldn’t be because he really loved me and missed me. And definitely not because he became a Christian and suddenly saw the error of his ways. Neither of those ideas rang true.

Lord, forgive me for doubting You can change someone, but I know Paul. There’s no way he’s serving You now.

Once I was safely tucked in the back of Mark’s car with Wei beside me, the flood let loose. I couldn’t stop the river of tears if my life depended on it. I sobbed and sobbed while my best friend’s comforting arms held me close. Her own tears dropped on my head.

I’m so sorry we weren’t there, she repeated. We went to take the laptop to the car, and a woman asked us if we could jump her car. We kept trying and trying then finally gave up.

I shook my head. It’s okay. You had no idea he was here.

Yes, we did. Mark met my gaze in his rearview mirror. That’s why I came out today, remember? You saw him. He slapped the steering wheel, making me jump. I shouldn’t have left you. I’m so sorry, Mey.

I wiped my face with the back of my hand, the tears still flowing. Listen, you guys, I said between hiccups, it isn’t your fault. By the end of the day, we all thought I was just seeing things.

Silence filled the car. My tears finally subsided, but the fear in my gut was active. We pulled up to our homes, and my stomach started swirling like a tornado. I started to shake, and sweat formed on my hairline. I hopped out of the car just in time to hurl my lunch all over the concrete.

Oh, Mey, Wei whispered, holding my hair back.

I kept heaving, my stomach releasing all of its contents. Was this how intense fear affected people, or did I have the flu all of a sudden? I slowly stood, and Mark handed me a napkin he must have found in his car.

I wiped my mouth and inhaled a shaky breath. I’m fine.

You sure? Mark looked skeptical. Couldn’t say I blamed him.

I nodded. Um, I know I only live twenty feet from you two, but can I sleep at your place?

We wouldn’t have it any other way. Mark spun his keys on his finger. Let’s go grab your things, and then we’ll order pizza for dinner.

Can your stomach handle pizza? Wei asked, walking close to my side.

I’m not sure. After I get my stuff, I’ll let you know.

To be honest, I couldn’t tell what I was feeling. My emotions were all jumbled. Anger, frustration, fear, sadness, confusion. I still couldn’t believe Paul found me. I didn’t know how. I was so careful. I rarely used a credit card or bank card. I paid with cash because it was easier to be unnoticeable that way.

I unlocked the door to my small home. I didn’t even see what was around me. All I wanted to do was collect my clothes and toiletries and escape to Wei’s.

Within five minutes, we were headed to my friends’ house. I took a shower to try and wash away any sign of seeing Paul, covering my ears, trying to force his voice from my head. My teeth chattered, even under the hot water. I just couldn’t shake the fear surrounding me.

Once I was out of the shower and dressed, I started to feel more like myself. And since I gave up my lunch on Mark’s front yard, my stomach growled. Yep, I can definitely eat some pizza.

With the order placed, I sat in the reclining chair, a blanket covering me because Mark liked to keep his house below sixty-five degrees in the summer. My eyelashes practically had icicles dangling from them, but I held my tongue, since they were letting me stay with them.

What did Paul say to you, Mey? Mark leaned forward and folded his hands between his knees.

I repeated our conversation, Paul’s confession of being a Christian,