I hadn’t performed for an audience since senior year, but I grabbed a taper candle and struck a pose before launching into the first verse of a Les Misérables tune. It didn’t take long to remember how much I’d loved doing this. I finished the verse and chorus and then bowed and replaced the taper amid their hoots and applause.

“You know,” Taylor mused, “we’re looking for someone to sing with the college band at church.” Taylor volunteered with the college ministry and always invited us to come hang out with her little group of freshman girls. “It’s a really fun group of people too. They do all worship songs, but those are really easy to learn. You would be great!”

I squirmed in my seat. “I don’t go to your church, though.”

“That’s all right. We’ll vouch for your character. Seriously, you should think about it.”

“Who else is in it?”

“Let’s see … Kate sings lead a lot, Mike leads the band and plays guitar, Dale’s on drums, Tom’s on bass … ”

“Wow, you mean it’s a real band?”

They all laughed. “As opposed to a fake band?” Joy asked.

I rolled my eyes. “No, as opposed to a … okay, don’t be offended: as opposed to a church band. You know, piano, organ, hymnals.”

“Ahhh. Gotcha,” said Taylor. “No, no hymnals, no organ. I don’t think we even own an organ!” They laughed. “They’re a great band, really. Not quite as good as the band that plays Sunday night but still good.”

“A regular band plays at the service too?”

“Yep.”

Hmm. Curiouser and curiouser. I’d just assumed Christmas had been an exception, a special event with volunteers from the congregation or something. It didn’t seem very churchy to have a band. Their church was sounding less and less like a church every time we talked about it. I conceded in my mind that maybe I should check the place out, just once, just to see what all the fuss was about. I’d met so many people from it through Missy already anyway, and Joy and Taylor were quickly becoming good friends as well, so maybe it wouldn’t be that bad. “What time is the Sunday night service again?”

“Seven.”

“Maybe I’ll come this week.”

“Wow, really? That would be awesome!” Missy said. “Want to meet us there, or want me to pick you up?”

“Um … I’ll meet you there.” I wanted my car for a fast getaway if I decided it was lame, or worse. There are some weird religions out there these days; a girl can’t be too careful.