Touched by Angels (Angels Everywhere #3)(27)

Brynn glanced at her watch. She enjoyed visiting with Father Grady, but the older priest liked to talk and she didn’t have time that afternoon.

Father Grady’s eyes followed hers. “Do you have an appointment?”

“I have to stop off at Roberto Alcantara’s this afternoon and pick up my car.”

“I know Roberto well,” Father Grady said, and motioned for her to precede him out of the church. “He’s a fine young man.” He paused to glance her way, and it seemed to Brynn that the priest was looking for her to elaborate. She didn’t.

“Emilio’s in my class.”

“Ah, yes, Emilio. Roberto’s done his best to keep his brother out of trouble. There haven’t been problems with Emilio, have there?”

“No, no,” Brynn was quick to tell him.

Father Grady’s face relaxed.

Brynn lowered her gaze. It wasn’t Emilio she’d clashed with, but Roberto. “I’m afraid Roberto doesn’t think much of me.”

Father Grady opened the door to the rectory. “I’m sure you’re mistaken.”

Brynn followed him inside. She preferred not to tell him about their brief confrontation. It rankled still. Roberto Alcantara had been both rude and unreasonable. But more than that, he’d been wrong.

“I’m not sure I have time for tea,” she reiterated when she realized that Father Grady fully intended for her to stay and chat anyway.

“Nonsense.” He escorted Brynn into the parlor and left her while he went in search of Mrs. Houghton, the elderly housekeeper who cared for Father Grady and the bishop when he was in residence.

Father Grady returned shortly with a tray and two cups. “I was hoping you’d be able to stop over this afternoon,” he said as he set the tray on the coffee table. He handed Brynn a delicate china cup and took one himself before sitting across from her on the velvet settee. “The church is sponsoring a dance this Friday evening for the youth group.”

Brynn had seen the posters. “I’ve heard several of the kids mention it.”

“We generally have a good turnout.”

Brynn was sure that was true.

“I was wondering,” Father Grady said, studying her above the china cup, “if you’d agree to be one of the chaperones.”

The request took Brynn by surprise, although in retrospect she supposed it shouldn’t.

“The children are quite fond of you,” he added as if he felt flattering her would be necessary. “Modesto Diaz mentioned your name the other day. He said . . .” Father Grady paused, and his eyes sparkled with humor.

“Yes?” Brynn prodded.

“Well, Modesto did say you were a little weird, but that he liked you anyway.”

Brynn was sure her students didn’t quite know what to make of her teaching methods.

“I realize it’s an imposition asking you at this late date,” Father Grady continued. “I’d consider it a personal favor if you could come.”

“I’ll be happy to chaperone the dance,” Brynn murmured.

“Now,” Father Grady said, and set down his teacup. “Tell me what happened between you and Roberto Alcantara.”

“It’s nothing,” she said, preferring to make light of their differences. “Actually Roberto’s been most helpful. My car broke down and he’s fixing it for me.”

Father Grady said nothing.

“I was on my way to pick it up now.”

“Roberto’s been through some difficult times,” the priest told her. “I’m not at liberty to tell you all the circumstances, but . . .”

“Oh, please, no. I wouldn’t want you to break a confidence. It’s nothing, really.”

“If Roberto offended you . . .”

“He didn’t. We had a difference of opinion.”

Father Grady seemed relieved. “I’m glad to hear that. If you do find him disagreeable, all I ask is that you give him a bit of slack. He’s a good man. I’d vouch for him any day.”

“I’m sure what you say is true.” Brynn stood and set the teacup back on the tray. “Now I really must be going.”

Father Grady escorted her to the front door. “I’ll see you Friday evening, then, around seven?”

Brynn nodded. “I’ll be here.”

The priest’s eyes brightened with a smile. “Thank you, Brynn, I promise you won’t regret this.”

Brynn briskly walked the few blocks to Roberto Alcantara’s garage. Earlier that afternoon, Emilio had personally delivered the message that her car was ready for her. The youth made sure the entire class heard him, as though the two of them had a personal business arrangement. Brynn had been forced to conceal her irritation.

As the afternoon progressed, she discovered she wasn’t looking forward to another encounter with Emilio’s older brother. The man was way off base. It was impossible to reason with anyone who regarded education as a waste of time. The fact that he’d actually urged his younger brother to drop out of school was nothing short of criminal.

“Yo, Miss Cassidy.” Emilio, Modesto, and a few more of the boys from her class drove past her slowly and waved.

Brynn returned the gesture automatically. It wasn’t until they’d turned the corner that she realized the boys were joyriding in her car.