3. Priest

She trusts me.

She may be wary of me — of all men — but she isn't afraid of me. That's refreshing; most people are. I've been told I have a presence that makes men quake in their shoes, and women fall at my feet. Not that I'm trying to do any of that with her. I want to help her. I know she's lying when she says she has a place to stay. She looks rougher than she looked last time.

Her hair is a little disheveled, her clothes rumpled and I could just be imagining it, but she looks paler and there are dark circles under her eyes. Like she hasn't slept properly in a while.

The idea tugs deep within my chest.

"You did?"

"Yeah. Though, I'm sorry to say I lost my faith along the way."

"We all have at some point in time," I tell her. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."

Who is this girl? What is her story?

I don't know what, but unspeakable things happened to her. Things that have made her, by choice, homeless.

There goes my instincts, kicking in again, or as Stella would call it — my inner woo woo. It's not like I can control it. I just get feelings about people, and nine times out of ten, I'm right.

With Isabella, though, she's a closed book. Or at least she thinks she is.

It took a lot to come back here after she ran. I realize she must be desperate. And I don"t like that idea. I also don't like the comment that she thought I was accosting her.

Have other men done that before?

Anger boils in my blood at such a thought. That someone would take advantage of her or worse… try to force her.

I grip the chair tightly as I try to hold onto more anger at the idea that someone could hurt her. She's so small. Frail. I'd be guessing, but she's in her early twenties.

I clear my throat. "Are you safe tonight? No lies."

She looks down, something she does an awful lot, and I see the resolve in her eyes. "I… I'm working on it."

"I'll give my friend a call. She's great, and Stella can drop you there afterwards. It's a women's refuge, and it's run by great people. It's safe." I hold my hands up, palms facing her. "No strings attached. No funny business. I'm here to help Dan while he's away. Like I said before, he's my friend."

A few awkward moments of silence hang between us.

"If Dan trusts you, then I'm sure what you're saying is true." Her voice is merely a whisper, and I wonder what the fuck happened to this pretty, shadow of a girl that can't even look me in the eye.

Was she always like this? Did she ever have anyone care about her? Why is she here?

So many questions, and so little answers.

I remind myself to message Dan later and ask him what he knows.

"Well, good. Think about what I said." I thumb behind me, toward Stella again. "It's really no trouble, and it's cold out."

You don't have to be a genius to realize that she's been sleeping rough, and that makes me want to help her all the more. It isn't safe out there.

I have a sister. Hope. And while I may not see her very often, the idea that she'd ever be in a situation like this makes my blood run cold.

She nods, biting on her lip nervously. I can't say I understand, because I'm not a woman or in the position she's in, but I mean it when I want to see her off the streets.

At least at Elm she'll be safe, until she can figure things out.

"I… I appreciate it," she says.

"It's no trouble."

I wonder if she'll run away again, or come and help clean up.I'd like her to meet Luna and Stella; they're good girls and they may even be able to help her more than I can.

"How did you like the stew?" I lift my chin. She's made it through a huge bowl and I know she's hungry.

"It was delicious."

"There's plenty more, and bread too. Feel free to have seconds, I know I will after I finish up."

She isn't the type of girl to take more than her fair share, but we make a lot of food here, and nothing goes to waste.

She smiles for the first time and it's glorious. She has nice teeth; which is weird of me to notice, but I can't help it. Her face changes when she smiles and my heart skips a beat.

Her eyes… they're a pretty shade of blue. Though her hair is covered by her hood, I know she has dark hair.

"Okay, thanks."

She looks like she could do with a decent meal or ten. I know by looking at her she's not on drugs. I also know it isn't alcohol. I feel as if she's running away. My instincts tell me as such, and they haven't let me down yet.

Maybe an abusive ex. Or family. Or both.

What did they do to her?

And why can't I stop thinking about her?

"I'll see you around." I push off the chair and make my way back to the kitchen, stopping to talk to several people on the way back.

"Trust you to commandeer all the pretty girls," Manny tsks. "Who is she?"

I shrug. "Don't know much about her. Her name is Bella."

"I've seen her here a few times. She keeps to herself and never speaks." He slaps me on the back. "Looked like you got more than two words out of her, though."

"I was just lettin' her know about Quarter Elm. I get the feelin' she's got nowhere to go and she's savin' face. For what reason, I don't know."

Manny glances over. "Come to think of it, she looks kinda familiar… Though, I don't know where I've seen her, aside from here."

I glance back over my shoulder. My tension eases when I see she's taking my advice and having another bowl. I don't like the idea of anyone going hungry.

A knot forms in my stomach and I have to look away.

"It's the eyes," I say out of nowhere, earning me a look from Manny. "The windows to the soul."

"That must be it," he muses. "Well, long as she's safe and off the street. Cryin' shame."

"Tell me about it."

I'm not gonna lie and say all of the homeless we have here are saints. We get drunk and disorderly patrons sometimes, but for the most part people toe the line and behave. They're not all homeless; some are just in need or doing it tough. And some come for the food because it's the best in New Orleans, and they leave a huge donation. All walks of life are encouraged if it's for the right reasons.

I give Stella the heads up about Bella, and I'm surprised when I see her at the counter a little while later asking if she can help.

She's tiny, the hoodie is miles too big and hangs off her body. Other than being underweight and pale, she doesn't look unhealthy. There are so many addicts, young and old, that it's an anomaly when I come across someone who's clean.

It makes the mystery around her thicken. Maybe she's just down on her luck. It can happen in an instant to anyone. The loss of a job suddenly, or a rental increase. If she has no family, or a bad family, then that could explain things. Still, it's none of my business to pry, nor is it to insert myself into being her white knight. She just needs a lucky break. A chance to get back on her feet. Like I did one time, not that long ago.

If it weren't for Father Dan and Cash, I'm not sure where I'd be. Probably dead somewhere. Or back in prison.

Stella hands her an apron and they begin wiping down the tables as she chats away like they've known each other for years. That's Stella for you. She can talk the ears off a donkey, but it might be a way for Bella to open up and let us help her.

I don't hang around. I've got to help Manny in the kitchen since Shanice came down with the same flu as her co-workers and we're short again this week. I don't get sick very often, so I'm hoping I didn't catch any of their germs.

Me and Manny make light work of the kitchen, making it sparkle as we pour the leftovers into containers for the shelter. Speaking of which, I'll be stopping by in my truck on the way home to deliver what we have left. We have freezers here for when we have more than we need, but for the most part, everything is used.

"Hey Priest, you gonna be long?" Stella calls under the server"s window.

I glance up. I can see Bella is still next to her, though she's not hollering through the little window. She's just standing there waiting for her ride.

Shit. I forgot that I gave Stella a ride here earlier and she doesn't have her car with her.

"Uh, yeah." I give Manny a chin lift. "I'll see you later, you okay to lock up?"

"Not far behind you, big guy," he says.

"Good. See you tomorrow."

"Same place, same channel."

I grab my jacket and walk back into the now empty restaurant. The girls have done a good job of cleaning up, and Luna has already taken off.

"I'm gonna drive," I say, like a schmuck. "I forgot I picked Stell up on the way here." It's aimed at Bella, of course.

"We can stop at Quarter and Elm on the way. I'll get Bella settled in," Stella says, smiling at her new friend.

"That's… awfully kind of you," Bella says. "But it's really not that far."

She's got that look in her eye that she's about to bolt, and I don't want that. I don't want her to be afraid of us.

"Don't be silly." Stella grabs her stuff too, shrugging on her jacket. "I'd be happy to. And it'd make me and Priest feel better to know you're safe tonight, okay?"

Stella squeezes Bella's forearm and to my surprise, Bella smiles at her. I would expect a woman so timid to be afraid, to jolt at her touch even, but she surprises me and does the exact opposite. I mean, it's hard not to warm to Stella. She's about her age, and fun to be around. A little chatty but it's better than being mute. And she's always happy.

"Bye Manny!" Stella calls as we head to the front door.

"Bye Stell Bell!" he hollers back.

I lock the door behind us and head to my truck. I managed to park out front today as I got here earlier than planned. I dump the containers in two large shopping bags in my truck and Stella offers the front seat, but Bella says it's okay and climbs in the back.

I climb in too, starting the engine as I pull my seatbelt on.

"It was a great turnout tonight," I say, trying to start a conversation. I pull out onto the street and head toward the shelter. I already texted Sophie earlier to let her know we'd be coming.

"So good," Stella agrees. "Everyone loved the beef stew, I mean, what's not to love… if you eat meat."

"You don't eat meat?" Bella asks from the backseat.

"Uh, no. I don't eat anything with a face."

Bella chuckles. I look in the rearview mirror at the delightful sound. Her eyes meet mine and she looks away.

"Some people don't have that luxury, Stell," I say.

"I've convinced Manny to make a pumpkin and chickpea curry the day after tomorrow," she tells us proudly. "Bella, you're going to love it. Do you like a little chili?"

"Sure." Bella shrugs.

Stella claps her hands. "Awesome. I've literally perfected this recipe, and Manny and I are friends. I know we're a soup kitchen, but we can't just cater for the masses. I mean, don't knock chickpeas until you've roasted them and put them in a curry. It's to die for."

I glance at Stella and smile. She's hilarious. Fuckin' chickpeas.

"I'll give anything a go once," I say. "We need some fresh ideas. Is there anything you'd like to see on the menu?" I flick my eyes to the rearview mirror and Bella's gaze meets mine again.

"Beggars can't be choosers," she says quietly.

"Yes, but if you had one craving for anything, what would it be?" Stella prods. "For example, if it were up to Priest, we'd be eating pepperoni pizza with pineapple. Who eats pepperoni and pineapple together?"

"Hey, it's not as gross as it sounds." I laugh.

"I used to make a nice fettuccine carbonara," Bella says, and I raise my eyebrows. It shocks me for a second.

"What's in that?" Stella asks.

"Well, you can serve it lots of ways, but I like to keep it simple. Butter, cream, cheese and bacon, which is optional, and I like to add mushrooms."

"I could get on board with that," Stella agrees. "I think we have to bug Manny, unless you'd be happy to cook it for us?" She turns around in her chair and gives Bella an encouraging smile.

"I've never cooked for a large number of people. Only my family, but then again, we are a big family. I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult."

Okay, so I'm learning a little more about her. She has a big family, but where are they now?

"Perfect, I'll text Manny. Maybe we can do it the day after tomorrow?"

I watch the road, waiting for Bella's reply.

"Wait, I didn't mean me. I meant Manny. I could just give him the recipe, though I'm sure he has one of his own or he could just google it. It's not that hard."

"Nonsense. Do you like cooking?"

"I used to."

"Well, then. It's a good excuse to roll up those sleeves, Hells Bells, and show us what we're missing. Manny won't mind, in fact, I'm sure he'd be happy for the help with Shanice now sick." Hells Bells?

"I… I'll think about it." She sounds uncomfortable and I panic that maybe Stella pushed her too far, but then she adds, "It's best served with garlic bread, but my father would disagreed."

"Garlic bread we can do, right, Priest?"

"Of course. I have a delivery to pick up tomorrow from Costco, they're donating a couple of trays. We can pre make it and freeze it ready for when we need it."

"I'm feeling hungry already." Stella claps her hands together. "Declan's gonna come help until the weekend — that"s my fifteen-year-old brother," she adds. "So I'm sure buttering endless amounts of bread will keep him outta trouble for five minutes."

"You know you could run for coordinator of the year," I laugh. "Father Dan will be recruiting you on a more permanent basis if you keep this up."

She shrugs. "I like it. And I don't mind if I have a couple of hours free. Speaking of which, Bella, if you're looking for a little bit of paid work, my boss — and my dad's girlfriend, Indigo — she's always looking to hire."

Okay, that could be stepping over the line. Just a little…

I glance in the rearview mirror and Bella is looking down, wringing her hands. "That's nice of you, Stella, thank you. I'll think about it."

I don't have to be a genius to see the cogs are going in her mind. I know that she's embarrassed about her current state, but she keeps herself well. Her clothes might be a little grubby, but she isn't unkempt, nor does she smell bad. But I can imagine the things going through her head at Stella's unexpected job offer and it tugs at my heart a little. I've always been a sucker for the underdog, and especially the innocent. Sometimes you just don't deserve the hand you're given. I know that only too well.

It's a short drive to the shelter, and I wonder what this girl is going to do with herself after this. There's always the chance that I may never see her again. I don't even think she has a phone. I never see her on a cell; unlike most young people today who live on the damn things. They're a necessary evil, but I truly believe that cell phones are the bane of most people's existence.

I also don't want to make a big deal out of the fact she trusted us enough to give her a ride. Baby steps.

I think Bella is suffering enough with having us help her, and I don't want it to seem like I'm prying. Even if I want to find out her story and why she's in this predicament — especially when she admitted she came from a big family — I know that I need to keep a lid on it. This isn't the way to help people or to get them to open up. It's a great way to push them away and make them run, though. Dread fills me when I think about her wandering this city without a roof over her head, a safe place to sleep and food in her stomach. It makes me feel like I need to do more, and not just for her, but for others in need too. I've been so tied up with all the club drama going on lately that I've let things go by the wayside.

I decide then and there when Dan gets back, I'll talk to him about helping out more.

I hop out of the truck and walk the girls safely to the door.

"I'll get Bella settled in," Stella says as I give her a small smile. "It won't take too long. Bella has my number in case she needs me for anything."

Bella smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes. It hits me that she really doesn't have a phone and we need to get her one, for safety reasons alone. It isn't safe for a woman in her predicament to not have a way of getting help if she needs it. Something about her has just hit me right where it hurts. It's not my job to protect her, but I want to.

"I'll be right here when you're done," I reply. My eyes flick to Bella. She looks down a lot. I don't know why. She has nothing to be ashamed of.

"Goodnight, Priest," she says, her voice faint.

I smile gently. "Goodnight, Bella. I can't wait to try the carbonara."

She nods and follows Stella inside.

I don't know for sure that I'll see her again, but I hope that at least she'll stay here until we can figure something out. She can't live here permanently, even if Sophie can bend the rules for a little while. But at least it's a short-term solution.

Bella deserves better. She should be out enjoying her youth and finishing college or doing something she enjoys, not living rough without a home to go to or family who care about her.

Yet, something about her story is intriguing to me. I have to know what's going on and why.

Even if I should just mind my own business and be glad we got her to the safety of the shelter.

I don't like that she lied to me when she clearly had no place to go tonight. What was she going to do, sleep on a park bench? I shudder at the thought. The streets are no place for a girl like her. And I vow that I'm going to do whatever I can to help her get back on her feet.