Page 37 (1/2)

A few ot to her feet When she turned and saw hirabbed her heart

"Sorry," he said "That was such a beautiful ie, I couldn’t look away I didn’t know you prayed"

She took a breath to steady herself "You never asked"

"I never did," he adht up in the church?"

"Now and then" She shrugged

"Any special denorae when Jesus said, ‘Inhotel in heaven It meant there were lots of different ways to worship We dropped into different churches for the occasional ser And you weren’t confused?"

"We were never at one long enough for confusion to settle in," she said

"So, this wasn’t a special occasion?" he asked

"Noah, I’ve spent so urative--I usually pray in the shower My graht me that--if you pray naked, you don’t try so hard to hide things from God She said, the Old Testament aside, God is our friend He had a real short fuse in the Old Testaion happens over the back fence with a good friend than anywhere else, so poo on your seven years of seree with that What else? I live for her sayings"

"I’ after you spent all night having wild rinned "--that I know of"

He lifted her chin and looked into her beautiful brown eyes "Why do you look so rested? I’ht"

"I feel fine Finer than I’ve felt in a hundred years I’ot her office open Then I’ for forgiveness? For trappingthank-you, for everything For ood years, forout And for you, but don’t let it go to your head Graether, but she was always grateful And happy"

"Ellie, I wasn’t sure you even believed, much less practiced"

She shook her head "Noah, everyone prays in a foxhole I’ve been in one foxhole or another for the past nine years I don’t even count growing up poor--I just count since Jason died Gras would be as they should be I just can’t figure out why they shouldn’t be easier"

He gave her a little kiss "Did you ever hear the story about the , and a little chaste kissing, Ellie’s next stop was Brie’s office Brie was incensed by what she heard on Ellie’s answering machine tape

I know you did this, you bitch, and you’re not going to get aith it

What are you talking about, Arnie?

Child Welfare Services paid a visit, while I was at work! Asking a lot of questions, talking to the kids without me present Got the staff all worked up and curious I know you--you told those little bastards what to say! But it’s not going to work!

I don’t know anything about this Maybe it was so to pay for this, and pay big I hate you, you skanky bitch, and I’ the kids because you’re just a low-life slut was hard? Wait! I’ warmed up!

Brie had to take a couple of deep breaths before she could even respond And then she said, "I’ to file a motion at once We have to revisit the custody issue now, in light of his refusal to let you visit or talk to your children, and his threats, one of which is recorded Be warned, this will require a court appearance If the judge doesn’t dis where all parties can be present The scumball will have a chance to defend himself and level his own accusations So, tell ainst you that we should be prepared for?"

Ellie felt the heat rise to her cheeks She had told Brie the entire story, including her work as a stripper, all in confidence "I don’t think so"

Brie took a breath "Just lay it onbad checks? Missing deadlines to return the kids? Using drugs or getting drunk? Anything you can think of?"

Ellie sed Her voice was very s"