Delilah
Page 3
“That’s the problem now. Nobody ever wants to talk about things.” Dorothy pointed at one of the other women in the room who had on a very short skirt. “Dear, what you have on would be inappropriate for church. God is not pleased with you showing all of that.” She moved her hands up and down from her waist to her lower body.
The other women remained quiet. Delilah refused to sit and be insulted because of her style of dress. “Just because you’ve let your body go doesn’t mean the rest of us have to hide behind long, ugly dresses.”
Dorothy put one of her hands on her hip. “I will not be insulted by the likes of you.”
Delilah stood up but remained in front of her chair. “I was taught to respect my elders, but you have to give respect to get it. I think I better leave before we both say some things we’ll regret later.”
“Yes, you better because I might be old, but I haven’t forgotten how to throw down.”
Michelle jumped up and intervened. “Ms. Dorothy, this is so not like you.” Michelle wrapped her arm around Dorothy’s shoulders and glanced in Delilah’s direction. “Delilah, I think you leaving now would be a great idea.”
Delilah reached down and grabbed her purse. She had to pass Dorothy to get to the front door. “Let that be the last time you disrespect me. Elder or not, I have no problem kicking your behind.” Delilah heard the women murmuring as she strutted out the door.
Chapter 6
Samson said a silent prayer before leaving his office to head to the sanctuary. “Samson, we need to talk,” his mom said before he could reach the entryway to the sanctuary.
He turned around to face her. “Mom, is it life-threatening?” he asked, noticing the worried look on her face.
“No, but—” she said.
“Then it can wait until after church. Love you.” He kissed her on the cheek.
The soloist’s voice rang out the words, “So I’ll just say thank you, Lord…I won’t complain,” while the other ministers in the pulpit stood up and greeted Samson as he made his way to the center seat. There was not an empty seat in the church as people of all ages began to feel the Holy Spirit. As the song ended, Samson made his way to the podium. The music continued to play as Samson sang the words, “So I’ll just say thank you, Lord…I won’t complain.”
He paused and said, “You know, sometimes you just have to say, ‘Thank you, Lord.’ When your husband won’t act right, say, ‘Thank you, Lord.’” Shouts were heard throughout the sanctuary. “When your wife won’t act right, say, ‘Thank you, Lord.’ When the kids won’t act right,” the people in the congregation shouted along with him, “Thank you, Lord.’
“Don’t let that fire stop burning; we’re just getting started. Ushers, I’ll let you take over from here,” Samson said as he backed away from the podium and took his seat.
Assistant Pastor Michael Monroe whispered in his ear, “We took up $5,000 in Sunday School this morning.”
Samson wasn’t concerned about the money. He knew that as long as he preached the Word, the people would come, and he trusted that God would take care of all of the church’s needs. Money was the last thing on his mind as he mentally prepared for his sermon. The choir sang an A and B selection, getting the members spiritually ready to receive the Word. The pianist sang the hymn “Amazing Grace.”
Samson, with his mind on delivering God’s Word to His people, eased his way to the podium. “Turn your Bibles to the fourth chapter of James. Let’s read verses one through three together. I’m going to use the New Living Translation.”
The congregation stood and read along with him. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”
Samson asked, “Do you sometimes wonder why it seems God isn’t answering your prayers?”
“Yes,” could be heard throughout the congregation.
“Well, ask yourselves, Where is God in my prayers? How does He fit in? Are we asking for things just to satisfy our earthly needs, or is what we’re asking for going to help uplift or build the Kingdom of God? Don’t go getting quiet on me now.”
Samson read more scriptures out of that chapter and said, “Thank God for His mercy because He knows what we’re going to pray for before we utter a word.”
Forty-five minutes later, Samson stepped out of the pulpit, and with his cordless microphone, walked back and forth in front of the first pews for the altar call. “God gave His only begotten Son so that none of us will perish. Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. Don’t wait until next Sunday because today is all you have. Come now and be saved.”
Several people—men and women—accepted the invitation and walked down to the altar. Souls were saved, and the saints rejoiced. Samson and his associate ministers fellowshipped with the members after service. Samson smiled as he thought about the souls that had been saved. The smile on his face turned to a frown when Delilah, dressed in a hot pink suit, bypassed some of the other ministers to get to him.
“Pastor Judges, I really enjoyed your sermon today,” she said, extending her hand.
Samson knew if he didn’t shake her hand, it would draw attention. “Sister Delilah, I’m just God’s vessel.” He plastered on a fake smile and shook her hand. Delilah gripped his hand, and he had to pull it several times before she released it.
Before walking away, Delilah moved closer and whispered, “We need to talk.”
“We have nothing else to talk about,” he said.
“I think we do,” she insisted.
Samson watched Delilah walk away. He felt someone tugging on his sleeve then turned around. “Julia, dear. I was wondering if you were here.” He gave her a hug.
“I was running late, so I sat in the back.” Not once did Julia stop looking in the direction Delilah had walked. “I see your fan club is in full effect.”
Samson chuckled. “Now, Julia, don’t even start.”
She held out her hand, showcasing her three carat diamond engagement ring. “Some of these women forget who is wearing your ring.”
Before Samson could respond, other members walked up to him. Julia stood in the background until he greeted the rest of his church members. “See, that didn’t take too long, now did it?” Samson asked as he led them to his office.
Samson was startled to see his mom in his office when he opened the door. Standing next to her was Dorothy. “There you are. Baby, we need to talk about one of your members,” Kelly turned and said.
Before Samson could respond, Dorothy blurted out, “That Delilah girl. She had the nerve to threaten me at the last Pastor’s Aide meeting. Something needs to be done about her.”
Samson removed his black robe and hung it up as he listened to Dorothy recount the events of their meeting. Samson took a few deep breaths in an attempt to remain calm as he thought about the best way to handle the situation.
Julia stood in the corner with her arms crossed. She said, “I never did like that woman.”
“Ms. Dorothy, I’m sure Delilah didn’t go off on you for no reason,” Samson said.
Kelly was appalled at her son’s comment. “I can’t believe you’re taking up for that woman. Dorothy is like an aunt to you, and here you are siding with Delilah.”
“Mama, I’m not taking sides. As pastor, I have to look at things objectively,” Samson explained.
“This is Dorothy we’re talking about, a woman you’ve known your entire life.”
“Forget it, Kelly. I can handle Ms. Jezebel.” The sweat was popping off Dorothy’s forehead as she talked.
“Ladies, there’s no need to do any name-calling. I’ll talk to Delilah and see if she can apologize.”
“She’s right,” Kelly said. “She might as well start now.”
Samson had to think quickly. He didn’t want Julia anywhere near Delilah. “You’re busy with last-minute wedding details. I’m not trying to put more responsibilities on you.”
Julia walked up to Samson and gave him a tight hug. “Dear, I’ll take on this responsibility with great pleasure.”
Before Samson could protest, Julia was out the door. The satisfied look on the faces of his mom and Dorothy made him wonder if he was worrying for nothing. He prayed Delilah wouldn’t tell Julia about their indiscretions.
Chapter 7
Delilah’s house was located in the Eden Garden neighborhood, not too far from the church. Delilah hadn’t been home long enough to change clothes when her doorbell rang. She looked out the peephole and chuckled. Delilah opened the door. “Well hello there,” she said.
“No need for pleasantries,” Julia responded.
Delilah started to say, “In that case, we can hold this conversation on the porch,” but instead she said, “Come in and have a seat.”
She wanted Julia to see that she too was living large. No, she didn’t have the big house, but her home was filled with nice furniture, and Black art covered the walls. Each room was color coordinated to fit a certain theme. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked as she took a seat across from Julia.
“No. I doubt if I’ll be here that long.”
“Whatever.” Delilah turned and looked Julia directly in the eyes. “So why are you here?” Delilah watched Julia squirm in her seat. Not too cocky now are you?
“Ms. Dorothy told Pastor Judges about your altercation.”
“First of all, if you’re going to come to me with some mess, get your story straight.”
“All I know is what she told Pastor Judges.”
“Did Samson send you over here?”
“As the future first lady, it will be my job to diffuse situations like this, so I wanted to squash this before it got out of hand.”
“There’s nothing to squash. We had a meeting. She said a few things I didn’t like, and I said a few things she didn’t like. End of story.”
“Well, Ms. Dorothy said you attacked her.”
Delilah didn’t allow Julia to finish. “Ms. Dorothy is a bitter old woman who y’all let get away with talking to folks crazy. I respect my elders, but when she questioned how I dressed, that was it for me.”
Julia cleared her throat after looking Delilah up and down. “You have to admit, you do dress provocatively.”
Delilah stood up. She pressed her hands down on her knee-length skirt. “Am I to be ashamed of the body that God blessed me with? Unlike you, I don’t have a problem flaunting my body.”
“You can choose to wear something else.”
Delilah laughed. “Julia, if I wore a sack, your man, the good reverend, would still notice the body hidden underneath it, so stop hating.”
Julia turned beet red. “You have no shame do you?”
“I haven’t done anything.”
“God is not the author of confusion.”
Delilah placed her hand on her hip. “Are you calling me a devil?”
“I’m just saying you could have handled that situation with Ms. Dorothy better.”
“Maybe so, but I didn’t grow up at Peaceful Rest and will not let her or you disrespect me.”
Julia stood up. “I should have known coming over here wouldn’t do any good.”
“Then why did you come?” Delilah asked.
“Let’s drop it. It’s probably best that you resign from the Pastor’s Aide committee,” Julia said before walking toward the door.
“Ohhh. Now I see what this is about. You don’t care about Ms. Dorothy; you’re just concerned about Samson.” Delilah, with a pout on her lips, said, “Until Samson kicks me off the committee, regardless of what you or Ms. Dorothy want, I will remain on the Pastor’s Aide committee. Now if there’s nothing else, I have things to do.”
Julia turned around when she got to the door. “Dee—Isn’t that what your friends call you?—Samson and I are getting married next weekend, so if I were you, I would give it up, honey. The best woman has won.”
Delilah gritted her teeth. “You’re the she-devil. Get out of my house now.”
“Gladly,” Julia said.
Delilah slammed the door behind her. The wall shook. Delilah rushed to locate her cordless phone and dialed Samson’s number. “Samson, I need to see you tonight,” she shouted.
“I have plans,” he responded.
“I suggest you break them or your future bride will find out all about us?”
“Delilah, I’m tired of you threatening me with this. Julia’s meeting me for dinner. Afterward, I’m telling her myself. Are you happy now?”
That was not the response she expected to get from Samson. Delilah hung the phone up. She had to think and think fast. Thoughts raced in Delilah’s head as she imagined how Julia would respond once she found out about her and Samson. Delilah was confident there would be no wedding. Samson wouldn’t have to worry because Delilah planned on being there to console him.
“Samson, yes, tell her. That means you’ll be mine sooner than later,” Delilah smiled.
Chapter 8
The palms of Samson’s hands were drenching with sweat. He grabbed another napkin off the dining room table to wipe them. He listened to his mother and Julia go over last-minute wedding details while they ate dinner. He couldn’t wait to get Julia alone so he could find out what happened at Delilah’s. He dreaded telling her about his indiscretion, but Delilah had left him no choice.
“Son, I can’t tell you enough how proud I am of you and this beautiful woman here,” Regis said between bites.
“Thanks, Dad.” Samson hoped Julia would forgive him because between her parents and his, they had spent a lot of money on their upcoming wedding.
“Julia told me about her visit with Delilah,” Kelly said.
Samson saw the looks exchanged between Kelly and his dad.
“We’ll talk about it later,” Julia said to her fiancé.
“Dear, the first thing you need to learn is to never, ever sugarcoat things when you talk to your husband,” Kelly advised. “He’ll appreciate your honesty.” Kelly looked in Regis’ direction. “Won’t he, dear?”
Regis dropped his head. “And son, you’ll learn to never disagree with your wife.”
Samson and Julia looked at each other and laughed. “This will be us in thirty years,” Samson said.
Kelly didn’t seem to find it amusing. Her nose twitched. “Well, Samson you already know how I feel about Delilah.”
“Everybody at this table knows how you feel,” Samson responded.
Kelly ignored Samson and continued to give Julia advice. Their conversation transferred from the dining room table to the den. Samson was relieved when Regis finally took over the conversation.
“These two probably want to spend a little time together before it gets too late,” Regis said.
Kelly smiled. “Oh, I was young once. Julia, why didn’t you stop me? I would have let you two go a long time ago.”
Julia looked at Samson. Samson shrugged his shoulders before Julia spoke. “Mrs. Kelly, I always enjoy our conversations.”
Samson’s parents walked them to the door. Kelly reached out to hug Julia good-bye. “Remember what I said.” Kelly then hugged Samson and whispered in his ear when he bent his head down, “Take care of your mess.”
Samson and Julia exited the house, and less than an hour later, Samson and Julia were sitting on her couch watching a romantic comedy on DVD. Samson couldn’t enjoy the movie or Julia’s company because he dreaded telling her about him and Delilah. He visualized Julia’s reaction to the news in his head several times. He was positive her
response would mimic the woman’s reaction in the movie they were watching. It was enough to change his mind. He would have to figure out another way to deal with Delilah. He couldn’t dare risk losing Julia by telling her about his lack of restraint.
Samson yawned. “I don’t know about you, but I’m getting sleepy, so I better go.”
“You could spend the night,” Julia said in a low and sultry voice.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Samson moved and Julia stood up.
“Why? We’re getting married next week, so why not?”
“We decided to wait until after we’re married, so waiting one more week won’t hurt.”
“I’m a woman, and I have needs.” Julia waved her hands back and forth in the air. “This no sex before marriage was your idea. I’ve been waiting two years to have sex with you. We’re about to get married, so come on. Let’s just do it.” Samson could hear the frustration in her voice.
“I have needs too, but baby, we’ve come this far. We can wait.” Julia had no idea how hard it was for him to resist making love to her. He had never seen her so aggressive with him before.
“I bet you if it was Delilah offering her body to you, you wouldn’t turn it down?”
“This has nothing to do with her and everything to do with us.”
“Prove it.” Julia started kissing him and unbuttoning her blouse.
Samson pushed her off him, almost tripping on her coffee table. “Hold up. I’d better be going before things get out of hand.”
“You don’t have to go,” Julia said as she licked her lips.
“I don’t want to go, but if I don’t, we both might do something we’ll regret tomorrow.” The sweat popped off Samson’s forehead.
“You’re right. I don’t know what came over me. Let me walk you out.” Julia buttoned up her blouse.
“Baby, in one week, we can sleep in each other’s arms every night,” Samson said.