The Resolution

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  Her mouth dropped open. “You can’t speak like that to me.”

  “Why not? We’re grown. Saved and grown.”

  She frowned. When did he get saved? Her baby needed teaching. Good thing she was well versed in the Word.

  He lifted a brow. “Or don’t you read Song of Solomon?”

  “Sometimes.” Geneva knew it was a love song between God and His people. However, the visual images evoked by the Scripture made her blush at times.

  “It’s hard to miss the tension in that read,” Joshua said. “It’s a good combination of the spiritual and physical. Like we will be.”

  He sounded so certain that Geneva could only nod. Joshua’s eyes captivated her. Geneva had never been so aware of herself as a woman. She felt desired and… powerful.

  “I’ll miss you,” she said. The admission poured from her heart.

  “I’m already missing you,” Joshua said.

  Geneva shook her head to clear the sensual haze. She needed to change the conversation. “Earlier you said something about being saved. What made you say that?”

  Joshua squinted. “The Bible says if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved. And I believe, so…”

  She gave him an encouraging smile. “That’s true. But the Bible also says, the devils believe and tremble. And we know there is no hope for the devil. His fate has already been declared from the beginning.”

  Joshua rubbed the bridge of his nose. “That sounds like a contradiction.”

  “There’s no contradiction, but a lack of understanding,” Geneva explained. “Read the book of James. He tells us faith is an action word. You have to show your belief by your works.”

  “I don’t get it. Salvation is free.”

  “Yes, accepting the gift of salvation has to be free. However, if you love God, you’ve got to stand for Him.” She scrunched her nose, thought for a second, then snapped her fingers. “Let’s say a woman told you she loved you, but she didn’t do anything for you, and you got sick but all she said was she loved you.” She leaned forward. “Imagine. You fell and injured yourself, but all she said was she loved you. Would you believe her?”

  “Heck, no. She’s got to show me.” Joshua’s eyes flashed. “Oh, I get it.” His shoulders slumped. “I can’t say I want God in my life and then do the opposite. Is that what you’re saying?”

  Geneva nodded. “You’ve got to show Him you love Him. God is very jealous. He wants all of you.”

  Joshua scooted closer to her. “I want all of you.”

  She fanned herself. “You sure know how to twist my words.”

  He hugged her briefly. “I get it. I get what you’re trying to show me. But if I don’t do the shows, I’ll be breaching my contract. It could cost me millions. It’s easier if I just get through the performances and be done with it after that.”

  “I can’t tell you what to do,” Geneva said, pulling away. “But when you’ve found a treasure, you have to give up all that you have.”

  “I worked hard to get here. I can’t give it up with a snap of my fingers. Why can’t I have God and fame?” His eyes pleaded with her for understanding.

  Geneva placed a finger over his lips. “I’m not saying you can’t have both. It’s all about priorities. You can’t put fame over your faith.” Then she whispered, “Or a female.”

  Joshua opened his mouth, but Geneva shushed his next words, meshing her lips with his. She poured her heart into the kiss, knowing she couldn’t utter how she truly felt.

  After she kissed him, Geneva sent Joshua on his way. She knew Joshua wanted her in his life, but she couldn’t have Joshua if God wasn’t in his life first. Geneva watched his sexy strut as he walked away and hugged her midriff. Each step took him further away from her.

  At the end of the hall, Joshua turned. “Come with me,” he said with a hand outstretched.

  Her heart shouted yes, but Geneva shook her head. “I don’t belong in your world.”

  His hand lowered. “And I can’t be in yours right now.”

  Geneva blinked back tears, wondering if she would ever see him again.

  Ch. 19

  Joshua stuffed his overnight bag with everything but his suit. That he had offered to Anthony, his driver. The young man could put it to good use. He looked around the suite before closing the door behind him. Joshua felt as if he were saying goodbye to Ohio and… to Geneva.

  His heart constricted. Geneva didn’t understand his commitments. He had a job just as she did. Granted, his job had him in provocative positions with different women, but it was all an act. None of it was real.

  After New Year’s Day, Joshua would be free of his contract and free to worship God as he pleased. It was only a few days, yet it seemed as if that was too long for her. He had asked her to come with him, and she had turned him down. Joshua would have paid her back whatever she had lost on the trip to Jamaica. Triple even. But no, his “world” wasn’t good enough.

  “God, what did she expect me to do?”

  The press waited for him outside. Joshua bit back a groan. He was in no mood to be courteous. Joshua slid on his sunglasses and walked briskly to the waiting Navigator. Anthony held the rear door open.

  “Where are you going, JJ-LUV?”

  “Did you dump her, too?”

  “Is the vacation off?”

  Anthony closed the door, shielding him from the nosy questions. He jumped inside the SUV, set Joshua’s overnight bag on the floor, and hung the garment bag.

  “Thanks for the suit,” Anthony said.

  “I figured you could use it, and we’re both the same size.”

  “That’s what’s up. Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” Anthony cleared his throat. “Thanks for your other big gift. I’m starting school January 6th .”

  Joshua held up a hand. “Keep it between us please. I have a bad rep to maintain.”

  Anthony chuckled. “You’re nothing like I thought you would be. I was ready for the spoiled celebrity with unusual demands, but you’re so normal. I’m so glad God brought you in my path. I’ve been praying for a miracle and He sent me you. Working for you has been the best for me money-wise, but I’ve come to value you as a person.”

  “You’re cool people, too,” Joshua said. He brushed off his jeans. “I don’t know about God using me. Look at my lifestyle.”

  “The man wears the clothes, not the other way around.”

  “I appreciate that,” Joshua said.

  “Besides I know you won’t be about that life much longer.”

  Joshua leaned forward. “Why you say that?”

  “I know I try to be inconspicuous, but I do have eyes. I saw how you and Geneva were snuggled together. I saw how you giggled like teenagers. You had a light on your face whenever she was around. It was sweet to see.”

  “Dang, I sound like whipped potatoes.”

  “Yeah, real smooth,” Anthony said, with a chuckle. “But you’re one of the realest people I’ve ever met.”

  Joshua groaned. “If I were keeping it real, I’d be going to Jamaica with Geneva.”

  His cell rang.

  “What’s up, Brandon?”

  “I’m calling to make sure you’re on your way to Vegas.”

  “I’m en route to the airport as we speak.”

  “Good. Listen, I know you’re set on doing your own thing, but I want to run something by you when I see you.”

  “I’m not interested.”

  “It’s a movie role with Joshua T. James as the lead.”

  Joshua straightened. “What kind of film?”

  “A drama. You’d play a famous singer whose daughter has an incurable disease.”

  “That sounds great.” Joshua fist-pumped the air. “I’d love to see the script.”

  “And I’d love you to re-sign with Platinum. It will be a win-win situation. We’ll talk more when you get here.”

  “For sure. See you in Vegas,” Joshua said, ending the call. He tapped Anthony on the shoulder. “Press down on
the gas a little.”

  Anthony accelerated. Joshua leaned back and smiled. Hearing that news made leaving Ohio much easier. Geneva flashed across his mind. His smile waned. She was a special woman, special enough to marry, but she had made it clear she wouldn’t be in his world. He knew his love hadn’t disappeared at those words. Just thinking about her had his heart flipping like a gymnast.

  Joshua rubbed his chin. Geneva eased his loneliness. She was his missing puzzle piece, but he could find that again, couldn’t he? Fame, however, was fleeting. Soon, JJ-LUV would be a has-been. But Joshua T. James, the actor, could have his chance at forever.

  He would be a fool not to take it, and Joshua didn’t get where he was by being a fool. But if he were being wise, why was his heart protesting? Why, as he boarded the plane did he feel as if he had made the worst decision of his life?

  Ch. 20

  Today was supposed to be her wedding day. Sunday, December 26. She was scheduled to depart to Jamaica early Monday morning.

  Geneva walked down the empty aisle of her church. She stopped halfway, closed her eyes and pictured the church filled with guests. She wore her wedding dress, and she walked with her daddy toward… Joshua.

  Her eyes flew open. She had to exorcise that man from her heart. He, too, had bailed on her. She sighed. At least Joshua had let her down her face to face. Geneva ran her hand along the wooden bench before taking a seat.

  “I knew I’d find you here.”

  Geneva smiled at that deep voice. “Dad. What are you doing here?”

  Pastor Samson strode down the aisle and came to sit with her. He tilted his head toward the prayer jar. “I came to do some praying. But I had a feeling you’d turn up.”

  She rested her head on his shoulder. “You should be walking me down the aisle today.”

  He patted her arm. “I’m glad you’re not marrying Josh. He didn’t deserve you.”

  “Josh is the last person on my mind. I know that must seem cold, but I…”

  “I understand.” Pastor Samson eyes twinkled. “Do you know the day I met your mother, I knew she would be trouble? She was so impulsive. Maggie spoke her mind. She told me about myself. She stood behind the deli counter and peppered me worse than pepper jack cheese.”

  Geneva chuckled. “Really, Dad? Pepper jack cheese?”

  He shrugged. “Deli humor. I think I had chastised her for moving too slow. As her eyes flashed, all I knew was that I had to ask her out. We fought the first years of our relationship. We fought all the time. But I knew that this was the woman I could argue with forever, even if I never won an argument.” He wiped his eyes. “I told her not to get behind the wheel. We fought about it, but in the end, I’m glad she went. Because Maggie lived. She died doing what she loved.”

  “I’m nowhere near as courageous as Mom.”

  “Yes. You are.” He stroked her cheek. “I see her in you every day.” He looked ahead to the podium. “That’s why I think you should have gone with Joshua to Vegas.”

  Her mouth dropped. “Say what? I can’t watch him jammed up with those women and singing dirty lyrics. I’m sorry, but God wouldn’t want me there.”

  “Genny, sometimes, you have to do what Jesus did. He went to the seaside to get his fisherman. You think he saw the cursing, hot-headed Peter?”

  She shook her head.

  “He saw the man whose message would save three thousand souls.”

  “But what about Jamaica? I can’t see my mother’s money wasted.” Geneva lifted her chin. “I have my trip all planned out already.”

  He rubbed his eyes. “I forget you also have your mother’s stubbornness. I’m only saying I wouldn’t think less of you if you followed your heart to Vegas.”

  Geneva smiled. “Thanks, Daddy. My heart might be in Vegas, but my feet are heading to Jamaica. I owe it to Mom.”

  He pulled her into the crook of his arm. “Make sure you go to Dunn’s River Falls. She spoke about going there. I’m scared of heights, but I would’ve gone with her.”

  “Daddy, you could still go with someone else.”

  His eyes went wide. His horror was comical. “I’m good with me and God. Maggie was all I needed and could handle in this lifetime. Some men only love once.” He gave her a pointed stare. “Women, too. You might have watched the love of your life walk away.”

  Geneva clasped her hands. “I love him. I haven’t spoken to him since he left, and my heart feels like it’s about to split open into tiny, atomic pieces. But I know I can’t be with someone who doesn’t have God as a priority.”

  Pastor nodded with approval. “I understand. The Bible doesn’t mince words when it comes to being unequally yoked. Maggie was more passionate about God than she was about me.” His shoulders shook. “I had no choice but to give my heart to God. I had to be baptized before she would even date me.”

  Geneva’s eyes filled. “I want that. I want a man who is devoted to God because he’ll be devoted to me. God won’t let me settle for less. He moved Josh out of the way. I didn’t think I’d be grateful for getting jilted, but I am. It shows how much God values me. I’ve got to value God enough to put Him above my heart’s desires. I love Joshua, but I love God more.” She pointed to her chest. “I love me more.”

  Her father’s eyes misted. “I’ve never been prouder of you.” He kissed the top of her head. “I thought this would be your response, but I had to see.”

  Her mouth dropped. “So you didn’t mean that you think I should go to Vegas?”

  “No way. You’re not Jesus. No daughter of mine is running to Sin City after an indecisive man.” He took her hand. “But you can pray for Joshua.”

  Geneva tilted her head. “You like him.”

  Pastor rubbed his chin. “He has grit.”

  She raised a brow.

  Her father explained. “While you were at work, Joshua came to see me on several occasions. We studied the Word, but we got a chance to chat man to man.”

  Her eyes bulged. “You never told me you met with him. What did you talk about?”

  “He sought me out. I can’t break the man code, but trust me Joshua survived my interrogation. I had some tough questions and I liked his answers.”

  “Interrogation?” Geneva asked, grabbing on to that choice of words.

  “I had to be sure of his intentions,” Pastor said. “I saw the way he looked at you and I know that look. That’s how I looked at your mother.”

  Geneva blushed, knowing her father spoke the truth. She hadn’t realized her father had seen that. But Joshua hadn’t been bashful with his emotions. Even in church, he had found ways to touch her, to hold her hand. It didn’t matter where they were, once he was in her presence, Joshua had engaged in some sort of PDA. It had thrilled and excited her.

  Her father spoke, breaking into her thoughts. “There are two good examples of Joshua in the Bible. I believe your Joshua will be one for this time. Now the devil won’t let one of his own go easy. But prayers will loose the band of heaven and move the hand of God. You don’t have to run after him. Every night and every morning, you bring that man up before God. Your prayers will travel the distance and do the job.”

  “Hallelujah.”

  He slid to his knees. “I’ll start off by praying with you.”

  Geneva got on her knees beside him. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  Together they prayed. Her father’s voice boomed in the sanctuary. As he prayed an intercessory prayer, Geneva’s heart expanded. How blessed she was to have a praying father. She also prayed. At the end of the prayer, they stood and embraced.

  “I need a man like you for my husband.”

  “Men like me aren’t born, they are made. Fashioned by God.” He touched her chin. “Daddy God’s got it. Joshua will be that man for you.”

  Ch. 21

  “Geneva!”

  Geneva turned toward the voice with a big grin on her face. “Isabella, what are you doing here?’

  Isabella approached, wheeling her carry-on. “I couldn’
t let my girl go to Jamaica without me. Somewhere there’s a lonely but legal cabana boy.”

  “Oh, goodness. I love you.” Geneva hugged her friend. Her body shook as the tears fell. “I can’t tell you the relief I feel not going to Jamaica alone.”

  “You’re worth the price of the ticket,” Isabella said. “At least this time I was camera ready. I can’t believe the press showed up.”

  “I’m glad they couldn’t go past the checkpoint. Having them watch me do the walk of humiliation was torture. But I kept my head high and a smile plastered on my face. Of course, I had Gloria Gaynor blasting in my ear buds.”

  The stewardess began calling the first class passengers and parents with children for boarding. Geneva and Isabella waited a small distance from the throng.

  “Yes, mon, I’m feeling irie. Time to get one love and feel all right.”

  Geneva cracked up. “Leave that Jafakan accent here on U.S. soil.”

  Isabella pulled her straw hat down on her head. “I gonna be jamming with an island boy.”

  “Whatever. Just don’t come back with an extra passenger on that plane.”

  “I’m not bringing a man up here.”

  “I didn’t mean a man,” Geneva said, staring at Isabella’s mid-section.

  “I rebuke that lie.” Isabella patted her belly. She pulled out her boarding pass. “Where are you sitting?”

  “I’m in 8F.”

  “Goody. I lucked out. I’m in 9B. Maybe someone will switch seats so we can sit together.”

  “It doesn’t matter. We’re going to the same place.” Geneva hugged her again. “I’m just grateful you’re coming with me.”

  Once onboard, Isabella sweet-talked a bulky man to exchange seats with her. Geneva stifled her grin watching the man squeeze into the smaller seat.

  “Have you heard from Joshua?” Isabella asked her after they were at thirty thousand feet and she could breathe again. Once the captain lifted the restriction, her seatbelt came off. Isabella suffered from severe claustrophobia.