Page 35 of Love Unscripted
Both her parents, in their own ways, had been hustlers. Always selling, always framing, always convincing.
Camille had learned early that survival meant staying visible and valuable. That worth had to be proven, again and again.
~*~*~*~
Aaron nudged Adam with his elbow as they left the lot. “My car or yours?” he asked. They were headed to Frank’s Place.
Adam shrugged. “Your call.”
“Mine,” Aaron said with a grin.
The white Mustang convertible still made him smile even though it was an eight-year-old purchase. He’d come by it at anauction. He’d paid handsomely for it too but it had been well worth it. There were many memories with Scarlette in here but, unlike the Holmby Hills house, there was no chance he would be selling it.
He hopped in easily over the car door while Adam shook his head and slid into the passenger seat via the car door.
“Where’d you come from dressed like that?” Aaron asked, eyeing Adam’s suit.
“Board meeting,” Adam said. “Church leadership. Strategic direction. I had to present.”
“Sounds very corporate.”
“In some ways it is,” Adam said. “Honestly, I think the church is getting too big. Losing sight of what matters.”
Aaron glanced at him. “How so?”
“When I joined, it was simple. Gospel-centered. Now there’s more focus on growth—shorter sermons, shorter prayers, more music, more announcements. Potlucks for this, events for that.”
Aaron nodded slowly. “And what would you change?”
“More evangelism. More Bible teaching. More prayer. Those are non-negotiables for a healthy church.”
“I hope they listen to you.”
Adam smirked. “Why?”
“Because you know what you’re talking about. And they won’t want to lose you.”
“Who says I’m going anywhere?”
Aaron smiled. “I recognize that look.”
“What look?”
“That intense look you get when you’re making up your mind about change.”
Adam grunted.
“So—what do you think of Camille? I forgot to ask you last night.” Aaron asked.
“She’s stunning.”
“That’s obvious. Beyond that.”
Adam considered. “Guarded emotionally. Feels like someone carrying a lot alone.”
Aaron nodded. “I think so too.”
“And what are you going to do about it?”
