The Resolution

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  Through her spirit.

  He’d asked a million questions about God.

  Geneva realized the verse about the Holy Spirit bringing things back to her remembrance was true. Because He was bailing her out with answers every time. Geneva didn’t know if it was Joshua’s insatiable curiosity about God or his thoughtfulness, but she needed a Joshua fix every day.

  This made her question her feelings about his namesake. Josh who?

  Geneva’s recovery after being dumped by her love of three years had been quick. Unless… It had never been love. She knew the volcanic emotions she felt in Joshua’s presence couldn’t compare to the sizzle she had felt for Josh.

  Geneva hadn’t been prepared for such a potent reaction, but from their first date, her heart, her mind, and everything above and below were in tune with Joshua, a man she had just met. His considerate nature also reeled her closer to him.

  Joshua gave. Geneva had no idea JJ-LUV was involved in so many charitable projects in the U.S. and Africa. His voice had held pride when he showed her pictures of children in Panama wearing shoes for the first time.

  “There’s nothing like that feeling,” he had said. “I wish I could do more, but the money only goes so far.”

  “You’re doing your part,” she said, patting his hand. “All you can do is pray for God to reach where you can’t go.”

  Joshua touched her cheek. “You know the right words to say.”

  Geneva recalled how his touch heated her skin. She had wanted to lean into his hand and kiss his wrist, but Geneva had given herself a mental shake, and said, “It’s easy when it’s the truth.” She prayed Joshua wouldn’t hear how her heart raced like a cheetah.

  Then Joshua had bent his head toward hers.

  Geneva had licked her lips, her eyes half-closed. She had been positioned for a kiss, but Joshua stepped back. Geneva had pushed aside her disappointment. How could she want him to kiss her when she had been engaged less than a week ago?

  Thinking about it now, she frowned. Maybe Joshua had felt it was too soon as well. She shrugged, deciding not to dwell on it. Let things flow, she had reminded herself.

  Geneva danced during the worship hour, and Joshua impressed her with a few moves of his own. While they worshipped, more people entered, including a lot of young men.

  After the praise session, her father stepped up to the podium. He scanned the crowd before resting his eyes on the man next to her. Geneva tensed. She could never be sure of what her father would say.

  “I see we’re squeezed tighter than sardines this morning,” Pastor Samson said. He cocked his head Joshua’s way. “I’d like to think God brought you here, but I suppose it’s because of our special visitor this morning.”

  A few chuckled.

  Pastor Samson projected his voice. “But I know God works in mysterious ways and that you were meant to be here today. I’d like to talk about the compassionate nature of God. The Bible says He is a High Priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities.”

  Geneva peeked at Joshua. He was listening keenly to the message.

  “God cares if we are hungry, if we’re sick, if we’re in pain, and if we’re lonely. He knows some of what we go through, we can’t bear ourselves, so He told us to cast every care—every burden, every disappointment, every reason for sorrow or grief—cast it upon Him. He’s big enough and man enough to handle it every time.”

  Geneva clapped her hands. Her father was under heavy anointing as he spoke today. She glanced over at Joshua and was glad to see he appeared engrossed in the word.

  Her father continued. “To the world, you might appear okay. They might think you have it all, but God is concerned with how you feel on the inside. Too many people are walking around smiling when on the inside they’re hurting. They’re lonely, wondering, ‘Why me?’ But God says to tell you, He hears you. He’s ready to be your Friend above all friends.”

  Her father preached for awhile, ministering deep into their hearts and then gestured for the congregation to stand. Some made their way up to the altar. Joshua stood in place with his head bowed in worship. Geneva saw a young woman in distress at the altar. She followed the direction of the Holy Spirit and went to pray with her.

  “God will ease your burden,” Geneva said to her. “Give it all to Him.”

  The young woman fell to the floor and cried. Geneva allowed her to pour out before God, but kept a hand on her shoulder. When they finished praying, she hugged the young woman, took her name and number and promised to remain in touch.

  Geneva meandered her way through the crowd toward Joshua. He opened his arms. When Geneva went into his embrace, her heart smiled. It was as if she was home. Fear filled her that she could feel so connected to someone she had known a total of three days.

  “Sorry I kept you waiting,” she said.

  Joshua reassured her. “It’s cool. I was busy as well. I collected about three CDs and four business cards from prospective talents.”

  “Does that happen a lot?”

  He shrugged. “Every day. Everywhere. I can’t use the bathroom without having someone hit me up to listen to a track.”

  “I’m sorry it had to happen here at Rock of Hope.”

  He smiled. “I’m used to it.”

  They exited the church. “Are you hungry? A few of the church mothers get together and do a potluck. There’s so much food that we all leave with to-go boxes.”

  Joshua shook his head. “I have to leave for Atlanta tonight.”

  “Oh.” Her shoulders sagged. “I wasn’t thinking. Of course, you need to get back to your life. I’ll gladly have you come with me on vacation if you’re still interested.”

  He nodded and then grasped her shoulder. “I have a video shoot in Atlanta. We start up at five-thirty a.m.”

  “I understand.” But Geneva didn’t understand why disappointment filled her voice. The man was a celebrity with obligations.

  Joshua used his index finger to lift her chin. “I’ve seen your world. I’d love to show you mine. Come with me.”

  Her heart skipped a beat at his proposal. Any other woman might have screamed with excitement, but not Geneva. She thought of her lesson plans and her pile of laundry at home. They could wait. She smiled. “I’d love to see your world.”

  Ch. 15

  If this was his world, she wanted no part of it.

  Geneva picked her way through JJ-LUV’s entourage. Most were on their cell phones and others rapped lyrics she could never un-hear. She found a couch in the corner and headed to that spot.

  Joshua had been in wardrobe and make-up since three a.m. For the video shoot, he would be dressed as a vampire who needed a “woman’s milk” instead of blood. Geneva had cringed at his description, but had agreed to come watch his performance.

  A group of about ten women arrived. Their attire consisted of black leotards, with the bottoms out, and five-inch, red-bottom shoes. They each had hair down to their waists and long, black nails. They lingered about the space, waiting for makeup.

  One of the women pointed toward her. “Please don’t tell me she’s the main act.” The other women tittered behind their hands and rolled their eyes. Geneva shrank further into the couch.

  Geneva shook her head. “I’m just watching.”

  “Ronisha, you’re next,” one of the makeup artists called out.

  A young woman jiggled her way to the chair. Geneva narrowed her eyes. The woman had a bottom that could be the Pied Piper of men, but her face was another matter. The makeup artist began airbrushing her face. Geneva looked on with much interest. She didn’t believe humans could work miracles until that moment. Within ten minutes, the woman had been transformed into an ethereal beauty.

  Geneva put a hand over her mouth. “Wow.”

  The girl tipped her chin. “Nadia’s one of the best.”

  Geneva nodded. “I see.”

  The rest of the woman were made video-shoot ready. Geneva hoped their future husbands would see them fresh-face
d before popping the question.

  Geneva shook her head. Isabella was rubbing off on her. But it was the truth. Catty. Petty. But still true.

  Then Joshua walked out. She felt her eyes go wide. This was JJ-LUV. His swagger. His strut. His sexiness. His vampire costume fit his frame. There were muscles everywhere. Geneva swallowed. She watched him scan the area until he zoned in on her. She placed a hand over her chest and reminded herself to breathe. He strutted her way, barely glancing at the young women vying for his attention.

  Geneva’s stomach clenched. Joshua’s gaze held heat. The women took a second look her way. Several mouths dropped. Under the spotlight of his gaze, Geneva felt like the most beautiful girl in the world.

  “Hey,” she breathed out. “You look good.” Good enough for me to want a piece of that chocolate bar. Geneva rebuked the thought. She crossed her legs. In seconds, Joshua had transformed the atmosphere. Heat swirled around them, building within her like hot lava.

  “Thanks.” He smiled, slow and wide. “Sorry it took so long.”

  Whew. “It’s all right. It was worth the wait.” When she heard her raspy voice, Geneva touched her throat. “I think I need water.”

  “I’ll get you some.”

  Suddenly, his voice blasted through the space and Geneva jumped.

  “It’s my new track.”

  “What’s it called?”

  “A Woman’s Milk.”

  “Oh.” She knew her face reddened.

  “Let me get your water.” Joshua jogged to the back room. He seemed immune to the lights and music, but Geneva’s senses were on high alert.

  The women gyrated and contorted their bodies to the music. The lights dimmed and fog appeared. Golden Liquaz bottles and chocolate lava pools flowed. Gold and cash were strewn about the floor.

  Geneva knew she was sitting in quicksand labeled iniquity. She bit her lip. Just being there made her feel different. She was going down if she didn’t retreat. Children of God couldn’t go just any place.

  She stood. She had to get air. Her heels click-clacked across the bare floor.

  Joshua caught up to her at the door. “Where are you going?”

  She gestured toward the video set. “I can’t be in your world. I’ve fought too hard to get where I am spiritually to stay in here. My mind is heating up, and I’m thinking things I have no right to be thinking.”

  He scanned the set as if trying to see what she saw. Then he shook his head. “This is just a set. It’s not real. JJ-LUV is a persona. It’s not who I am. It’s just show business.”

  “But it’s not to regular folks like me. This looks real. The set, the women, the money. It’s all meant to reel people into what they think is a better life, but the end is death.”

  “I have contract obligations. I’m getting out of all this soon, but in the meantime, I have to do what I’m paid to do.” His eyes narrowed. “You’ve been talking to me nonstop these past days. I thought you were interested in getting to know the real me.”

  “I do, but I’m not going to lose my standards in the process. I’m celibate. I shouldn’t have come here.” Her chest heaved.

  His eyes went wide. “Celibate?” He said the word like it was a juicy apple. His gaze trailed to her lips. His fine body moved closer to hers, drawing heat.

  She placed a hand on his chest. “Yes. There are church girls who keep their vows. I’m proud of it. The next man I sleep with will be my husband. So, don’t get tempted unless you plan on applying for the job.”

  His eyes darkened. “Girl, you’re making me think crazy things.”

  “Welcome to the club. I’ve been thinking dangerous thoughts from the moment I arrived.” She gathered her coat. “Now, go do what you have to do because I’m doing the same. I’ll wait for you at the hotel, and I’ll be listening to some Hezekiah Walker or Donnie McClurkin.”

  “I wish you would stay.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t watch you rub on those women and then,” she put her fingers in quotes, “drink their milk.” Geneva sounded like a jealous housewife. She felt ridiculous. She didn’t have any claims to this man.

  “JJ, we’re ready for you,” the videographer called out. “Time is money.”

  Joshua pleaded with her. “I know how it looks but it’s all pretense. None of it means anything to me.”

  “Then you can stay here with your pretend world. I’m stepping outside to join the real folks.” She shoved her hands in her coat. “I’ll wait for Joshua at the hotel. That’s who I’m interested in knowing. I have no regards for JJ-LUV and what he represents.” She tilted her head. “You’ve been JJ-LUV for two decades. Can you separate the two? Who is the real Joshua James?”

  They called his name again. Joshua held up a hand and then hugged her tight. “I know you don’t think much of me, but you’re the kind of woman a man needs to hold on to forever. And Geneva, I know it’s soon, but I am that man.” His voice dropped. “Be patient. I’m worth the wait.”

  Ch. 16

  “This reminds me of The Bridges of Madison County,” Isabella said, choosing a nail color. She had called Geneva for them to have girl time. The women would get manicures and then catch a flick.

  “Not that movie again. I don’t know how you always manage to bring every relationship back to that film.”

  The Bridges of Madison County highlighted the story of a married woman who fell in love with a photographer after four days. Their love spanned decades. It had garnered Meryl Streep a well-deserved Best Actress Academy Award.

  “I never compared you and Josh to Bridges. But you and Joshua remind me of Clint and Meryl. I’m telling you, I need to get some popcorn and watch how this all pops off.” Isabella chose a brick red nail polish.

  Geneva rolled her eyes. “Are you forgetting that Clint and Meryl didn’t end up together?”

  Isabella touched her heart. “But the love. It was deep. It was pure. I cry every time I watch it. I keep wishing she would open the door.”

  “I don’t think what Joshua and I are experiencing is anything like Clint and Meryl.”

  “The man has been here in Ohio for almost two weeks and hasn’t gone home. He’s been wining and dining you nonstop. Every free moment you have, he’s with you. Your living room is filled with orchids all because you told him those were your favorite flowers. If I didn’t put my foot down, he’d be with you tonight.”

  “It’s overwhelming, but wonderful.” She walked toward the nail designs to see what she would put on her toes. She kept her fingernails clear or neutral, but she always hooked up her feet.

  Isabella smiled. “You deserve it. When you called me crying from Atlanta, I was worried you wouldn’t give him a chance.”

  “Yeah, well, I wasn’t going to, but I had to after he said those words.”

  “Be patient, I’m worth the wait,” Isabella said dreamily. “That’s stuff for fairytales. And like Clint said, it only happens once in a lifetime.”

  Geneva decided on butterflies and pointed them out to the nail technician. Soon, the women had their feet in the bubbling water. The nail techs were finishing up with other customers while they soaked.

  “So, do you think he’s worth the wait?” Isabella asked.

  Geneva bit her lip. “I like him, but I don’t know. His lifestyle is so different from mine.”

  “You can change your lifestyle. I’m asking about the man. The character underneath the façade.”

  “He has potential. He’s intelligent and has business savvy. Based on his investments, Joshua won’t have to worry about money for the rest of his life. It’s his soul that has me concerned.”

  “Haven’t you been praying and studying with him?” Isabella asked.

  She nodded. “Every day, we meditate on the word. Joshua is truly hungry to learn about God. But learning about God and knowing God are two different things. He’s a chameleon. Joshua moves between both worlds too easily.”

  “Keep praying. God didn’t bring him into your life by acciden
t. I believe that.”

  Geneva nodded. “I agree. When I watched the live video, I saw the loneliness in his eyes. That’s what drew me to him. Joshua says he was drawn to me as well. We can talk, we can laugh, and besides the photo shoot, everything has been… easy.”

  “Nothing is wrong with easy. When a puzzle piece fits, it fits. Don’t be alarmed because you’re not struggling. Love doesn’t have to be a struggle.”

  Geneva’s body jerked. “Love? Whoa. It’s too soon to use that word.”

  Isabella tilted her head. “Why do you say that?”

  “Because no one falls in love in two weeks.”

  “Do you hate him?” Isabella asked. She had that stubborn jut to her jaw that Geneva recognized. Isabella wasn’t giving up until she had made her point.

  Geneva shook her head.

  “Then you love him.”

  Geneva rolled her eyes. “That reasoning doesn’t make any sense. It’s not that simple.”

  “It is,” she said, slapping her fist in her hand. “People are the ones that make love complicated. Why does God love us? No one can answer that or even understand why. He just does.”

  Geneva folded her arms. “I believe in lust at first sight, but I don’t believe in love.” She lived upright during the day, but at night, Joshua filled her dreams. Some nights, she had to toss the covers to cool her body down.

  Isabella continued. “You’re God’s child. He loved you before you were conceived. So, I believe in love at first sight. I think God opened you and Joshua’s hearts to each other from across the distance. Both of your feelings for each other started online.”

  Two nail techs came over and began scrubbing their feet.

  Geneva shook her head. “You’re a romantic. Logically, it doesn’t happen like that.”

  “How do you explain Isaac falling for Rebecca at first sight? That’s what the Bible says, and it’s truth.”

  “Yes, that happened. I believe it. But that was back in the olden days. Love takes time to develop. It has to be nurtured to grow.”

  “Love like that is not just for the past. The devil’s telling people that lie. The struggle isn’t the love. I think individual situations impede love. And, yes, you’re right. It has to be nurtured. You have to feed it, but at the root of it all, it’s still love.” She pursed her lips. “Maybe Pastor needs to put me on the podium next week.”