Page 12 of Before the Night Falls

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Olivia soaked in the preacher’s words, hungry to hear what he had to say. Appropriately, his sermon was about not living in fear. That was a lesson she had to put into practice over and over again each day.

After the service ended, Tyson put his hand on her back to lead her outside. They didn’t get away without a few people stopping Tyson to chat about their week. He talked to everyone as if he were one of them and not a successful multi-millionaire.

When they climbed inside Tyson’s truck, Olivia realized just how refreshing the service had been.

“What a great church,” she told him. “Thanks for letting me come with you.”

“Of course. Any time.”

The truth of the matter was that even though she’d become a Christian, she often felt like someone who didn’t know how to swim yet but was thrown into the deep water anyway.

For the moment, she didn’t feel quite as alone.

“Want to grab a bite to eat on the way home?” Tyson’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

“I thought you’d never ask.” She sighed. “I’ve fantasized about what I want to eat on my cheat day all week.”

“In that case, where would you like to go?”

“Wherever I can get a burger. With cheese. And bacon.” She was already salivating.

“As you wish.”

If only food would solve her problems . . .

But if she could conquer her bad eating habits, maybe she could conquer her trauma also.

Thankfully, this meal was allowed.

* * *

A few minutes later, Tyson pulled up to a fast-food restaurant. Olivia couldn’t wait to get her meal.

Inside, he ordered a grilled chicken sandwich on a multi-grain bun, no mayo with a baked potato on the side and water to drink. Olivia ordered the Burger Blast, the biggest one on the menu, along with a large fry and soda.

Tyson didn’t say anything, but she would guess he didn’t approve.

They sat down across from each other at a corner booth. Olivia didn’t waste any time after they prayed over their food. She dug into her burger, savoring every bite as if it were her last. In reality, it would be her last—for a week.

As they ate, they made general conversation about the area, what there was to do, even the weather. She found out Tyson had moved to Charlotte four years ago. On a whim, he decided to write a book about the connection he’d found between the body, soul, and mind. He never thought it would take off like it did.

She listened, marveling at how down-to-earth he was.

When she finished her burger, she looked at Tyson and grinned.

“See, I feel fine,” she said. “A little overstuffed, but fine.”

“If you say so.” Tyson raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Ready to go? I should get you home before the effects of that meal kick in.”

“Sure.” Olivia finished every remaining drop of her soda before Tyson could grab the cup along with the other trash and toss it away.

As they stepped out the door and into the parking lot, a loud screech cut through the air.

Olivia looked up.

A beat-up blue sedan accelerated around the corner.

She froze as she realized the vehicle was headed straight toward her.