Page 10 of For I Have Sinned

Stanley Publishing never took on indie authors; only those who inquired about our publishing company as a first choice. I always thought it was bullshit that she didn’t care for indie authors, but I never brought it up. It would have been a fight, and I was already having a hard time keeping my head above water with Monica.

“Give me your number.” Catherine pulls her phone from her purse. “I can text you after our meeting.”

I rattle off my number and watch as she types it into her contacts. “Thank you, Catherine. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course! Us girls need to stick together.” She flashes me a wink, and then her agent calls her name. “I’ve gotta go, but I’ll be in touch!”

I say goodbye and watch her leave before I find my way to the parking garage. I set the box in the backseat, shut the door and then climb into the drivers seat.

Letting out a long breath, the realization hits me that I’ll have to tell my parents I got fired—just another thing for them to be disappointed over. I’ll hold off on telling them because maybe once I let them know I’m no longer going to church, I might not see them anymore, and then they wouldn’t have to know I lost my job.

As I sit there, staring ahead at the car parked in front of me, my eyes grow tired as the exhaustion sets in. It’s only nine-thirty in the morning, and I never got to have my coffee, seeing as I was in such a rush.

Putting my car in drive, I leave the parking garage for the last time and head to the nearest coffee shop, Brew Haven, which happens to be my favorite and is locally owned by the sweetest couple.

It has always been my favorite place to get coffee because not only is the coffee delicious, but they also donate half of their earnings to the animal shelter a few blocks away.

When I enter the shop, I step into the line of people waiting to place their orders. As I wait for my turn, I send off a text to the group chat.

Me

Finally got fired today. Who wants to drown my sorrows with me?

Their response is almost immediate.

Vince

That bitch! Want me to come up there and fight her for you?

Amelia

Ugh, I’m so sorry, Celine! If you want, I can sneak into her house and give her a forehead tattoo that says ‘cunt’ in all caps.

I giggle to myself at their responses.

Me

As much as I would love that, both of those are crimes, and my heart couldn’t take it if both of you got sent to jail.

I’m getting coffee now, and then I’m going to head home. Bring the biggest bottle of wine you can find!

They both tell me they will text when they are done with work. I place my phone back in my purse and step forward as the next person in line approaches. The menu hanging behind the counter is written in chalk, so I have to squint to read it and figure out what I want.

“Celine?” A male voice grabs my attention, and when I turn around, I’m shocked at who I see.

“Father Alexander?”

Chapter 4

Celine

“What are you doing here?” I ask him, my eyes wander down to his priestly attire.

“Grabbing a coffee.” He gestures kindly for me to move forward in the line.

When I turn to look, the person in front of me is finished and steps out of the way. Approaching the counter, I place my order with the woman. “Can I get an iced latte with strawberry cold foam?”

“Sure can! Are you two together?” The barista asks, her eyes flicking to the man behind me.