when did this happen?

Tonight was the first meeting of the book group I signed up for. As I've said they meet the second Thur of the month, and Thur is also a Messengers' rehearsal night. Since my mom was going to rehearsal anyway she gave me a ride to the group (they're only 4 blocks from each other). After it was over I was going to walk to the church and she would then also give me a ride home.

At the end of rehearsal Lotis, the director, walks up and whispers to me that the next time I want to come I have to get permission from Dave's wife, Renee. Oh, excuse me, I didn't know Renee was in charge of who can and cannot come to rehearsals. I thought for sure that Lotis is the director but maybe something changed in the few months I've been gone. (Again, how do you convey sarcasm in writing?)

Now I can understand that I should get Renee's consent if there's a meeting or get together at their house. I can understand her not wanting me hanging around Dave period. But I didn't go to the church to be around Dave, I was getting a ride from my mom after rehearsal. I shouldn't have to get permission from Renee when she has no jurisdiction over Messengers, she has no final say of who can be there and who can't. It goes back to Lotis not wanting to rock the boat, not wanting to endanger her precious ministry. She doesn't want to upset anyone that she thinks is vital to the Messengers' group. I'm just one person, but there are currently (now including the sound person) five members of Dave's family involved with Messengers, six if you count Renee who cooks many of the Fri night after rehearsal meals for the group. What do they want me to do, wait outside the building and then hide so there's no chance of Dave seeing me? Gimme a break.

Like I said before, sacrifice the one to save the many.

My dad suggested that the next time I go (next month after group) that I should bring a book and just wait in the hallway. That way no one can say anything, they can't tell me I can't be in the church building. Dad said if they made a stink about it he'd take the issue before the church elders. Tempting. I can't wait to share this new tidbit with Doc Sig.

But honestly, when I saw Dave at rehearsal, I'll admit there was a pang, but it was more about the group camaraderie I'm missing because of an overgrown misunderstanding. All this hoopla has made him so not worth the effort. I'm pretty much over Dave in that way. It's too bad they don't see it.

Renee,
I know what I did was wrong. I invaded Dave's personal space, I stomped on your territory, how many times do I have to say I'm sorry? You need to get over yourself. I have.