As I finish my muffin, I realize I need to get to the church. I still cant believe Im going to a churchof my own free willto meet with a priest. I guess I really am desperate to get Tina back. Getting back in the car, I leave the parking lot and drive toward the church. A half hour later, I pull into the packed church parking lot and look for something that looks like a rectory. Theres a house along the back edge of the parking lot with a sign out front: St. James Catholic Church Rectory. That must be it. I easily find a parking spot, since its further away from the church itself, and walk up to the door. I knock and am greeted by a woman whom I assume is Susan.

Are you Bette, she asks warmly. She invites me in with the wave of her hand. Father Andy is expecting you. He should be along in a little while.

Thank you, I tell her as I sit in the chair she waves to.

Would you like some tea while you wait? This woman is very gracious.like a grandmother or somethingbut she looks like she cant be any older than thirty-five.

No, thank youIm fine, I answer. Do you live here?

No silly she says in a matter-of-fact tone. Only the priests live here. She must think Im an idiot for not knowing that. Too bad I dont know a whole lot about the Catholic lifestyle. I wonder what she would say if I told her who I amand that Im here to speak with Father Andy about getting my wife back after I slept with another woman.

Bette, Father Andy bursts through the door, a bit winded, Im sorry it took longer than I anticipated.

Its okay, I stand to greet him; Susan was being a very nice hostess.

Susan, thank you, he tells her before turning to me. Why dont we step into my office? He puts his hand on my back and guides me toward a door. As we walk through he closes it and offers me a chair. Have a seat. After he takes a seat behind the large mahogany desk he stares at me for what seems like eternity. Does he think Im just going to start? What am I supposed to say? He knows more about this stuffthis counseling stuff than I do. I didnt even like going to see Dan Foxworthy. You seemed upset this morning on the phone. Tell me whats wrong, he finally breaks the silence. What happened this morning that made you pick up the phone and call me in a frenzy? He leans back bringing his hands up to his face as if in prayerhe touches his index fingers to his lips and looks straight into my eyes.