Nobody’s Child (New Life Tabernacle Series Book 1) Read Free Page B

thing Makayla knew, her behind got warm. When she pushed herself up off the seat, Robin laughed.
    "What the—“ Makayla stopped herself a fraction of a second before she said something completely ungodly.
    "Seat warmers."
    "More like bun toasters," Makayla said, settling back in.
    Once she got over the initial shock, it was wonderful. She ran her hand along the glossy walnut veneer of the car door. The closest she’d ever come to seeing a car like Robin’s was in commercials on TV. The seats had a diamond pattern stitched into the impossibly soft leather and were cushier than any chair she’d ever sat in.
    "This is nice. Your husband must love you for real.”
    Robin laughed again. "No husband. But thank you."
    "Divorced?"
    Robin raised an eyebrow, but the corners of her lips also pulled up in amusement. "Nope. I'm what they used to call an 'old maid.’”
    As in never married? That made no sense. Why would a woman that looked like her be single? Makayla always figured that was one of the reasons she left her. Wasn't it easier to get a good man if you didn’t already have kids in tow? And speaking of kids… Did that mean she didn't have any?
    “Don't you want to get married? Have kids?"
    Makayla stiffened. She hadn’t intended every question that ran through her mind to spill out her mouth.
    The amused smile disappeared and Robin tugged at her seatbelt. Exhaling deeply, she pushed a button on the dashboard, lowering the heat.
    "I wanted to warm you up, not cook you. You getting too hot?"
    "I'm fine."
    "Just let me know."
    They rode in silence for a few blocks. Makayla scolded herself. First, she lied about being in school, then she immediately proceeded to get in the woman’s business. She wanted to know more about her, but that wasn't going to happen by making her uncomfortable. She waited until they stopped at a red light to try to smooth things over.
    "I'm sorry, Sister Jones. I didn't mean to offend you."
    "Oh, baby, you didn't offend me. And call me Robin."
    "Robin? Oh, okay." Makayla paused, choosing her words carefully. "I could’ve sworn I heard someone call you Carrie…"
    Robin looked at Makayla. The car behind them honked when the light turned green. She stepped off the break.
    "Who… Who said that?" she asked, staring at the road.
    Makayla pretended to think on it. "Umm... I don't remember exactly. It was when I first got here. I still didn't know who was who. I could be wrong." Makayla shrugged and laughed it off. "I thought someone had said your name was Caroline or something like that. Maybe they were talking about someone else.”
    Makayla saw Robin swallow hard.
    "No, that's my name. My middle name, anyway. But I go by my first name…" Her voice trailed off.
    Makayla saw she’d struck a nerve. She was still pushing too hard. She’d mess everything up if she didn’t stop being so reckless.
    "Wow. First I get all in your business, then I get your name wrong. Just kick me out at the curb. I deserve it." She tried to laugh, hoping it didn’t sound as fake to Robin’s ears as it did to her own.
    Robin chuckled, the dark clouds lifting. "Girl, you better get your little paws off that door handle. I'm not dropping you at any curb except the one in front of your house!"
    Makayla knew by the familiar neighborhood surroundings, that would be soon. She’d already learned more about her mother than she knew when she woke up that morning, but it wasn't enough.
    Somehow, within the space of a few hours, Robin had become the drug and Makayla, the addict. She needed more. But since every time she opened her mouth, she stuck her foot in it, she was afraid to talk. However, the closer they got to her street, the more her need for information outweighed her fear.
    “Sister Jones—“
    Robin gave her a sideways glance.
    "Robin… Is it all right if I ask… What do you do? Your job, I mean?"
    "Well, I practiced as a therapist for quite a few years. But now I speak, write, and consult as a life