The Pastor’s wife

At one point during the afternoon, Marcus waved me over.

“Ethan, come meet someone.”

I walked over, expecting another introduction like the dozen I’d already had that day.

Then I saw her.

She was standing beside Marcus, organizing a stack of supplies. She looked up when we approached, and for a second I forgot what I was about to say.

Marcus smiled.

“Ethan, this is my pastor’s wife, Rachel.”

She extended her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Ethan.”

I took it.

“Nice to meet you too.”

Her smile was warm and completely natural, but I suddenly became very aware of myself. I wondered whether I’d been staring for a second too long.

“So you’re the new guy Marcus was telling me about?” she asked.

“Apparently.”

She laughed softly.

“How are you liking the group?”

“It’s been good. Everyone’s been really welcoming.”

“Good. We’re glad you’re here.”

She let go of my hand and turned back toward the supplies.

I tried to follow the conversation, but my attention kept drifting back to her.

There was nothing particularly unusual about the interaction. She was friendly, confident, and clearly comfortable around everyone there.

That somehow made it harder.

I reminded myself who she was and why I was there.

“Well, I should probably get back to work,” I said.

Rachel smiled.

“Don’t work too hard.”

“I’ll try.”

I walked away and picked up another box.

A few seconds later, I caught myself glancing back.

She was already talking to someone else.

I immediately looked away.

I shook my head and laughed quietly to myself.

I had come to a church outreach event thinking it would be one of the easiest places imaginable to keep my attention where it belonged.

Apparently, I’d been wrong about that.