Chapter 1: Introduction
As Chris was visiting a new Methodist Church, he saw a familiar face in the congregation.
Amber, his former colleague from the engineering firm, sat two rows ahead, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders. She was engrossed in the hymnal, her lips moving silently to the words. He remembered her as a vibrant woman, always ready with a joke or a kind word. But today, she seemed different, almost... meek.
The organ music swelled, signaling the start of the service. Chris took his seat, eyes drawn to Amber. She glanced back, catching his gaze. A soft smile lit up her face, transforming her from merely attractive to stunning.
She mouthed a silent "hello," her cheeks flushing pink. Chris grinned back, giving a small wave. It was good to see a friendly face in this sea of strangers.
The pastor began his sermon, his voice resonating through the sanctuary. Chris tried to focus on the words, but his attention kept drifting towards Amber. She listened intently, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. There was something about her demeanor that tugged at him, a quiet sadness that seemed out of place in this house of worship.
As the service concluded, Chris made his way towards Amber.
She stood up, gathering her things, her eyes darting nervously towards the exit. Before he could reach her, a man approached her from the side, placing a possessive hand on her lower back. Her body language changed instantly - shoulders hunched, head bowed, like a flower wilting under harsh sunlight. Chris recognized the man from the church bulletin as her husband, Brian.
"Brian," Amber said softly, "you remember Chris, don't you? From work?"
Brian turned, extending a hand towards Chris. His grip was firm, bordering on aggressive. "Of course, Chris.
Good to see you again," Brian said, though his tone suggested otherwise. His eyes flicked between Chris and Amber, lingering a tad too long on her. Chris felt an inexplicable urge to step between them, a protective instinct stirring within him.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Chris replied, keeping his voice casual. "We should catch up sometime."
Amber looked up, her eyes meeting Chris's. There was a silent plea in them, a longing for something more than this strained conversation. "I'd like that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Then, louder, "I'll just... I'll just go say hi to the pastor. Excuse me." She slipped away, leaving Chris and Brian standing there.
Brian watched her go, then turned back to Chris. "So, how have you been, Chris? Still playing with your little engines?"
Chris bristled at the condescension but kept his cool. "I'm an engineer, Brian. And yes, I still enjoy my work."
Brian chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. "Right, right.
Engineering," Brian said, his tone dismissive. "Must be fascinating, all those nuts and bolts." He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "You know, Amber used to talk about you all the time when you both worked together. 'Oh, Chris did this,' 'Chris said that.' I started to think you were some sort of genius or something."
Chris raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Really? I didn't realize..." He trailed off, unsure of what to make of this information.
Brian waved a hand, as if brushing away the topic. "Oh, it was nothing.
Just office chatter," Brian said, his gaze shifting past Chris, towards where Amber was chatting with the pastor. "Anyway, we should get going. The kids will be wondering where we are."
Chris nodded, taking the hint. "Sure thing. It was good seeing you both again."
Brian clapped him on the shoulder, a gesture that felt more like a challenge than camaraderie. "Take care, Chris. Don't be a stranger."
As they walked away, Chris couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. There was something off about Brian, a tension that seemed to radiate from him.
Chris watched them leave, Amber walking slightly behind her husband, her head still bowed. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was a dynamic between them that felt... wrong.
He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found Amber's number. He had saved it earlier, after she had sent him a quick text during the service. "Coffee after church?" she had asked, and he had eagerly agreed.
"Hey, it's Chris," he said when she picked up.
"Still on for that coffee?"
There was a pause, and he could hear muffled voices in the background. Then, "Yes, absolutely. Let's meet at The Brew Haven, you remember it, right?"
Chris smiled, remembering the cozy little café near the old library. "I do. See you there in twenty?"
"Make it thirty," she replied, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I need to... wrap things up here first."
Chris understood. "Thirty it is.
See you soon, Amber," Chris said, hanging up before he could change his mind and ask if everything was alright. He knew better than to pry, especially over the phone. Instead, he headed towards the café, his mind racing with questions.