Take Three Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Once you’re separated, you can grow cold pretty fast. Especially on a college campus.” Then, with one more push of his stick, he moved the once-burning pieces of wood back to the fire. Immediately the flames circled them and they began to burn once more. “We have to stay in the fire, friends. And what better way to do that than by building friendships through Cru.”
    Bailey thought of the cooling pieces of wood, at the way the glow from the fire faded entirely in a matter of seconds. Andiwas like that. She’d come to Indiana University so strong—the daughter of missionaries, after all. But her doubts and curiosity had taken her in all the wrong directions. And toward Taz, which wasn’t a wise direction at all. These days Andi was distant and gone most of the time. When Bailey tried to talk seriously with her, Andi always had a class or a study group to get to. Bailey’s heart hurt for her friend. She should be here now, a part of the retreat.
    She blinked and looked up, and without trying, her eyes found Cody’s again. A memory came to mind, she and her family at Cedar Point in Ohio one summer vacation when she was in middle school. A new roller coaster had just opened, and Bailey and Connor couldn’t wait to try it. They rode it four times that day, and every time they reached the long downhill, for a few thrilling seconds, her heart flew to her throat, and she felt dizzy and free and beyond wonderful.
    The same way she felt now.
    She turned her attention to Daniel again. The roller coaster feeling was gone, but her heart was pounding. God, what’s happening? Cody wasn’t supposed to be here, and now…why these feelings? Don’t let me get distracted, please. Daniel handed out a list of duties for the weekend. Each cabin would be responsible for cooking one meal and for cleaning up after another. Working as a team would be part of the fun, for sure. Daniel asked them to check the schedules, and with the girls gathered around her, Bailey pointed out that they were responsible for tonight’s dinner. No matter how much she wanted to talk to Cody, the conversation would have to wait. Daniel went over the rest of the itinerary, and Bailey was glad to see that he’d included many hours of solitary time, chances when they could get to know each other or take time alone with God.
    “The times with an asterisk are intended as silent times, moments when no one should be talking. Sometimes with God, it’simportant that we listen. Doesn’t matter if you stay close by or find a bluff overlooking the water. Just don’t talk.” He grinned at Bailey and the girls on either side of her. “Of course, that might be harder for some Cru kids than others.”
    “Hey,” Bailey was quick to tease him back, but then she immediately covered her mouth with her hands.
    “See. Talking just comes easier for some of us.”
    Again Cody caught her eye and they shared a quiet laugh. If anyone knew about Bailey’s ability to talk, it was Cody. He’d practically been another brother back when he lived with her family. The laughter faded, and a few guys threw more wood on the fire as Daniel dismissed them and gave out final directions for the night. “Bailey, your group should start dinner.”
    “We’re on it,” Bailey moved with the group toward a canopy covering a series of picnic tables and a camp stove setup. “Best burritos ever, coming up.” She glanced over her shoulder and walked a little slower so Cody could catch up.
    He wore jeans and a soft blue plaid button-down shirt layered over a white T-shirt. Bailey tried not to notice, but there was no denying the fact—he looked so handsome.
    “Hey,” he brushed his elbow against hers as he came alongside her, his voice low. “We’ll talk later.” He nodded toward the camp stove. “You’re busy.”
    “Your mom?” Bailey let the other girls get ahead of them.
    His smile faded. “It’s a long story.”
    “Later.” Again their eyes held. “I’m glad you’re