Read Online The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer Allee - Free Book Online Page B

council had no say over what she did with the theatre, she wanted them to know she was serious about the project. Most of the people in the room were business owners themselves and members of the chamber of commerce. As a new business owner in the community, this was Maura's first chance to win them over.
    She’d gone over her presentation again and again and felt confident it was sound. But now, with the members of thecouncil looking at her, waiting for her to convince them that she was capable, even worthy, of the undertaking, she began to doubt herself. Was she ready for this? Would any of them even care about her project?
    “I can’t wait to hear what you’ve got in mind.” Lainie's eager, positive statement broke through Maura's haze.
    She looked at the youth leader and gave her a grateful smile. “I’m glad you’re excited, because the youth group will play a big part in this.”
    Maura passed out the information packets she’d put together before the meeting and began to review her plans for the theatre. As she spoke, her own excitement took over, disengaging the tentacles of fear and doubt that tried to choke off her confidence. Finally, she wrapped up the details of all the work that needed to be done to the building. Now came the tough part.
    “When it came time to decide what type of joint event we should hold at the theatre, the answer seemed obvious,” she said, trying to sound as upbeat as possible. “I’d like to put on a Christmas Gala to be held the Saturday before Christmas.”
    There was a smattering of murmurs around the table. Tom Anderson, the high school principal and Faith's Sunday school superintendent, raised a finger and spoke. “We’ve always held the Sunday school Christmas program at the church on the Sunday before Christmas. Frankly, it's tradition, and I don’t think anyone would like to see us change that.”
    “I agree,” Maura said. “I don’t want to do anything to interfere with the Sunday school program. I’m talking about something completely different. This would be a combination of songs and drama extending beyond the members of Sunday school. More like a revue.”
    “And who all's going to be in this revue?” Oren asked.
    Maura turned to Lainie. “That's where the youth group comes in. I’ll bet there's a lot of untapped talent there. Also,we’ll let the community know, and see who comes forward. There will be more than enough people who want to get on stage, trust me.”
    Oren scowled, his eyebrows coming together to form a bushy V between his eyes. “Trust is something you must earn, Mrs. Shepherd . I think I speak for the entire council when I say that it will take more than talk and a bunch of pretty charts to earn our trust.” He pushed the folder away from him with one finger. “When I see you back this up with action, I might begin to trust you.”
    He may as well have spit at her. If she had any doubts about the council's feelings for her, Oren had made them perfectly clear. Not only did they mistrust her, but they didn’t expect her to follow through with her promises. When she hurt Nick, she hurt the congregation as well. When she walked out on her marriage, the council took it as a personal betrayal. The only way to earn their trust was to prove she meant what she said, no matter what.
    The uncomfortable silence was broken by Lainie, once again coming to the rescue. “You can count on the youth group, Maura. And not just to be in the Gala. I’ve been hoping to find a good service project to get them involved in. We’ll help with the renovations too.”
    “That brings up another very important point.” Oren leaned forward in his chair, elbows on the table. “While the restoration of the theatre will certainly benefit the community, the church is in no position to allocate any finances to this project. Is that understood?”
    Maura wanted to reply that not only had she not asked for their help, but she wouldn’t take it, even if they