The Price of Trust by Amanda Stephan Page B

teased.
    "Boy, do I have a story for you! There was a couple in this morning, and all they did was fight, fight, fight. It was embarrassing. Most of the guests were eating in the dining room, and everyone could hear what they were saying, they were so loud. Man, I hope Todd and I never fight that way." Kelly laughed, leaning her elbows on the counter.
    "Anyway, on to more important stuff. I was wondering if you would like to go horseback riding tomorrow morning. We would have a picnic in the afternoon, and we could ride all day." Carly was frowning. "Don't you like to ride?" Kelly asked, disappointed. She had hoped their scheme would work.
    "Where?" Carly asked bluntly, crossing her arms. She knew Kelly wouldn't lie.
    "At the Bairds'," she said quietly. "Come on, Carly, please? You'd have fun," she pleaded when Carly shook her head.
    "It's no good, Kelly; I can't go out there when I've been trying so hard to avoid him here. What good would that do?" Carly asked, exasperated.
    "All right. I understand. But you know, the Bible says that we're supposed to bear one another's burdens, and you're not letting anyone else help you with yours." Kelly was just warming up. "Have you even prayed and asked God what he wanted you to do? What if he wants you to stay? Would you? Or would you be too scared? Give God a chance to tell you what he wants, Carly," Kelly ended in a storm. "I've got to get back to work. See you around." She stomped out the door.
    "Kelly! Wait! Kelly!" Carly called, following her. "Kelly! Stop!" Kelly stopped and turned around. She was furious.
    "You know, Carly, you haven't even given God a chance to take care of your needs. You've just kept running and running," she sputtered.
    "Kelly." Carly grabbed her by the shoulders. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you so upset. You're right. I've been running so long that I think that's the only thing I know how to do. I'm sorry. Please don't be angry with me," she pleaded.
    Kelly softened. "Okay. I'm sorry that I yelled at you like that. I usually don't do that."
    Carly smiled and gave Kelly a hug. "Yeah, but you haven't dealt with a stubborn old mule like me."
    "Please say you'll go tomorrow. Please, Carly. Joe's been so miserable and hard to live with," she begged.
    "If I say I'll go, are you going to yell at me like that again?" she joked.
    Kelly smiled. "No, I won't freak out on you again." They laughed and hugged again. All was well.
    "Are you sure he wants me around? I'm not going to be unwelcome, am I?"
    "Of course he wants you around! He's been unbearable! You'll definitely be welcome. I'll pick you up at seven tomorrow, okay? And be sure to bring a jacket."
    "All right, sounds good to me. I'll see you then." Carly walked back to the shop, shivering in the brisk wind. She was excited and scared at the same time. She could hardly wait for today to be over so tomorrow could begin.
    Lord, please forgive me. I haven't asked you lately what your will is for me, and I've made a mess of things again. Please let me know what to do, and help me not to operate on my emotions. Help me to seek your will in all things, and do it. No matter what. She smiled as the peace that passes all understanding enveloped her.
    Just before closing, the short, ugly man came in. Carly was still at peace and felt that nothing this man could do would bother her.
    "The nails are in aisle three," she said automatically.
    He scowled. "What if I wanted something else?"
    "Do you need anything else?" Carly retorted, looking up from the receipts she was tallying.
    He leered at her. "Yeah. I need a hammer now."
    "You'll find those in aisle three as well. Right next to the nails." She stared steadily back at him.
    He dropped his gaze first and went to find the hammer. He came back promptly with a small hammer and set it on the counter.
    "Is that all for you?" Carly asked sarcastically. "Seven fifty-eight please." He paid her, walked to the door, and turned around to glare at her one last time before