It`s time for Tuesday Tales.
Today we have an excerpt from Dump and Chase, Watkins Glen Gladiators #3, an M/M hockey romance, releasing October 2, 2023.
Please do bear in mind that these snippets are unedited so please be kind if you find any mistakes.
This story may have gay erotic scenes, strong social issues addressed and mature language. If those things offend now is the time to move onto another Tuesday Tales blog. Thanks for stopping by!
“Pastor Gabe!” Faith’s boisterous shout stalled all activity for a moment. Even the men on the roof using nail guns paused. I startled as the woman was right behind me now. Spinning, filthy soccer ball clutched to my chest, I looked down at the tiny woman with the foghorn voice. Her short brown hair was covered with sawdust. A common look here today it seemed.
“Yes, Faith, I’m sorry. I got waylaid with a dozen things. What seems to be the problem again?”
“Nails. The hardware store overcharged us. Would you please call them and inform them of the oversight?” She placed a crumpled invoice in my hand. “Also, Tom Pickford is having trouble with his gout again and won’t be able to attend services tomorrow. Can you add him to the list of homebound?”
“Yes, of course. Pastor Dawson is leaving for a conference tomorrow after services so I’ll be doing the run alone. Please tell Tom when you speak to him that I may be running later than usual. Are you sure you’re okay with Cliff being at your house all afternoon and possibly into the evening?”
“Of course,” she replied then smiled up at me, her cheeks red and round as apples. “The boys are two peas in a pod. Have you ever thought of hiring a secretary to help with some of the administrative duties that the Lord seems to dump on you?”
She was an astute woman who spent a good deal of her free time at the church. It was incredibly kind of her to substitute the head deacon’s name with the Lord’s. I had the greatest respect for Carl Dawson, both as a man and as the leader of this tiny but busy congregation. But he had grown quite slack since I’d come on as his assistant. The finance committee had been gracious enough to work my salary into the budget to aid the older head pastor. That was also something I had to thank Henri Gaudino for, my very job, for most small churches simply could not afford two pastors. All of our funds came from the congregation or donations, Gaudino Vineyards being the largest benefactor since Henri’s father had become a member back in the seventies. Which was why when Henri asked me to come to his home overlooking the lake even though I had duties after services that would see me returning home well after dark, I went. We simply could not make the man angry. Or afford a secretary.
“As lovely as that would be the budget simply isn’t plump enough for a secretary. I don’t mind the paperwork. It’s part of my job.” That was mostly true. Sometimes I loathed it. But, I had known what I was signing on for when I applied for the position. “Thank you for being so kind.”
“Oh please, that’s what neighbors do. Now call Timmy Kramer over at Kramer Building Yard about those nails. Maybe they can give us a box for free.” She shooshed me along, turning her attention and her forceful voice, to calling out for more help in the kitchen setting up for the lunch break.
©Copyright V.L. Locey 2023
Great scene.
You’ve captured the forceful, kind-hearted women to like to run churches with their overbearing demeanor and generous hearts perfectly. Nicely setting up the scene and the situation. Looking forward to more.
She’s a dynamo and one of those jewels that keep things going. Great interactions!
“…the tiny woman with the foghorn voice…”
I LOVE THAT!! A perfect and descriptive phrase.
Faith reminds me of a lot of people I know. I love the look into the pastor’s backstory and why he is there. Great job!
I quite like this lady. Great characterization.