The Last Riders - First Four Votes Read Online Free PDF

walked to the local diner, which was just across the street. Lily’s friends joined them and they ended up at a large table. Her friends were boisterous, as kids their age usually were, but Lily didn’t mind joining in with her own wicked sense of humor. Beth sat at the opposite end of the table, contently sipping her coffee while watching the shadows in her sister’s eyes disappear into their lovely violet depths. The restaurant around them was packed with people standing around, waiting for a table to empty.
    “Pastor Dean!” Lily waved at their Pastor when he walked into the restaurant. The good-looking Pastor Dean had received many invitations to lunch after the services, but he always declined. Eligible, young and extremely handsome with mahogany hair, the women in the church were always vying for his attention. She was therefore a little surprised when he excused himself from the parishioner he had been talking to and made his way to their table. Beth watched as he greeted Lily and her friends, the respect they had for the man was obvious. It was no wonder that they respected him; he was a very good pastor who made time for his parishioners, including the young ones, when he had begun earning their trust.
    He had taken over for her father two years ago and at first had met resistance from within the church. He was more lenient where her father had been hell and brimstone. Beth didn’t resent the change, though, in fact she was happy that the younger crowd wouldn’t be taught in such a stifling atmosphere.
    “Would you like to join us?” Beth asked when she could get a word in.
    Pastor Dean laughed. “I would.” Pulling a chair out next to Beth, he sat down. “It’ll give me a break from the more stodgy parishioners.”
    “Now, pastor, we don’t want to deprive your flock of your company.” Beth laughed.
    “Please deprive away.” Dean ordered his breakfast from a passing waitress. “Unless you need my advice on your everlasting soul.”
    Beth shuddered. “No, I’m good.”
    Dean laughed again, quickly drawn into a conversation with the others at the table. The youth group was planning a weekend trip to donate their services to rebuild a church that had been destroyed by a tornado, and the kids were talking animatedly about it. It was an enjoyable lunch with at times serious topics.
    As the lunch crowd in the restaurant began to thing out, Beth noticed the table in the corner against the back wall. Razer and two of his buddies sat watching her table.
    “Beth!” Lily drew her attention. “We’re going to the movies and then to Charles’s for dinner. We need to finish a PowerPoint presentation for class tomorrow.”
    “Okay, take the car.” Beth reached into her purse and pulled out her keys.
    “We’ll drop you off first,” Lily protested.
    Beth glanced at her watch. “No, it’s in the opposite direction; you’ll miss the start of the movie. I can walk, it’s not far.” In fact, when their parents had been alive, they used to walk every Sunday, weather permitting.
    “I would offer you a ride, but mine is in the shop,” Dean said, rising. “Ladies, thanks for allowing me to join you. Beth, I’ll stop by one day this week to pick up the boxes for the charity drive. Call and let me know when it’s convenient.” When he picked up the ticket for the table, Beth protested. “Allow me.” With a wink he ignored her and said his goodbyes. All this time, Beth was conscious of Razer’s sharp gaze on her.
    “We better be going,” Lily announced. Lily and her friends got up then Lily walked to her sister and gave her a hug. “I’ll be home by ten.”
    “Finish your project. Don’t worry about the time, but remember you have school in the morning.” Beth smiled at her, mischievously glancing at Charles.
    “I will.” Lily just stared at her. She was wearing a pale lilac dress with lace at the borders. It was soft and flowed to her knees. She looked like a model.
    Beth got a lump in her