The Believer

by Kym Davis Boyles

  Greg laughed. “Are you really going to forfeit your turn? I assure you that it is a word.” He used his fork to pick up another scallop from the dish.

  “Oh, I’m so willing to take that chance,” Evan responded, looking down at the dictionary to find the word. With a satisfying grin spread across his face, Greg stood up from the floor with their champagne glasses in his hands. “Coffee?”

  Evan looked up. “Don’t try and throw me off.”

  “Coffee it is,” Greg said, walking toward the kitchen.

  Evan watched him walk toward the kitchen, bare chested, in his draw sting pajama bottoms. That man is sexy. Lord, looking at him could definitely throw me off. Evan looked back down in the dictionary and focused. There it was; right beneath her index finger tip. Dehisce. It was a word. She groaned silently.

  “You found it yet?” Greg yelled from the kitchen.

  Evan closed the dictionary. “Your turn,” she responded.

  Greg walked back in the room and handed Evan her cup of coffee before he sat down beside her. He looked at the board then over at her. “Learned a new word tonight, didn’t you?” he laughed before leaning in close to kiss her.

  Evan turned her head and rolled her eyes but she couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re just a tad bit smarter than I thought.” They laughed together then sat their coffee cups on top of the table.

  “Game over,” Greg said taking her into his arms.

  “I won,” she said snuggling up to him and closing her eyes. It wasn’t often that they made time like this. She could admit that she missed Gracie immensely who was spending the night with Mimi but being alone with Greg like this reminded her of why she had fallen in love with the man in the first place. He was strong yet gentle and laughing with him was laughing with her best friend.

  “You lost but I love you,” he said kissing her on her temple.

  “I love you back,” she said tightening her hold onto him.

  The doorbell rang. Is that really the doorbell? It startled them both; it was almost 9:45. Evan looked up at Greg. “Are you expecting anyone?”

  “No,” Greg responded as they both sat up. Greg stood up and walked over to the living room window pushing the drapes back ever so slightly to look out. “I don’t recognize the car,” he said, walking to the front door to take a look through the peephole.

  Evan groaned; it seemed that they were always grasping and failing at uninterrupted time alone. “Who is it?” Evan asked in a low voice.

  Greg was walking back into the living room when the bell rang again. “It’s Delilah’s daughter, Cai.”

  Evan remembered that Greg had mentioned praying with Delilah’s daughter a couple of weeks back but she wondered how she knew where they lived and why she’d be at their home unannounced . “Why is she here?”

  Greg shrugged. “I don’t know baby.” Evan fumbled with the blanket, causing the Scrabble board and pieces to turn over as she stood up. Greg stood perplexed. “What do you want to do? We aren’t exactly prepared for company.”

  “Do we have a choice?” Evan asked in a whisper.

  “I don’t know. Are you okay with this?” Greg asked.

  Evan frowned as she flipped on the living room light. “No, I’m not but it doesn’t matter. And why is she out this time of night anyway? I’d think that she’d have a curfew.”

  “Baby, she’s not a child and I can easily tell her that it’s not an appropriate time and I’ll see her at the church tomorrow.”

  The bell rang again as Evan thought about it. He’s a pastor and he will be that 24 hours a day. “No, baby,” she said. “Go get dressed and I’ll let her in.”

  Greg took long fast strides up the stairway while Evan wrapped the large blanket around her body, picked up a few dishes and retrieved game pieces from the floor. The doorbell rang again.

  “Coming!” she yelled toward the door. She stopped, took a deep breath and planted a smile on her face, not wanting the young lady to see her with a scowl. This was the life she’d chosen no matter what. She took a quick look in the mirror and fluffed her curls. Yes, she looked like she had just gotten up from being with her husband. With the blanket wrapped around her, she shuffled to the door and opened it.

  “Hello, I’m Cai; I’m sorry to bother you,” Cai said looking at Evan. “I really am. I tried calling earlier to speak to Pastor Greg about my mom but no one answered.”

  Evan hoped the shock she felt wasn’t displayed on her face as she stood looking at the beautiful woman standing outside of their home. Although Greg never specifically said that Cai was a young girl or teenager, Evan had inadvertently assumed she was one or the other; how wrong she was.

  “Hello,” Evan said. “I’m Evan, Pastor Greg’s wife.”

  “I know and I apologize for coming over like this but when I didn’t get an answer, I looked up your address.”

  The woman didn’t kick the door down but she might as well have. “Please come in,” Evan said, stepping aside and moving the blanket on the floor out of Cai’s way. “Pastor Greg will be right down.” Evan shut the door and tightened the blanket around her body feeling naked and awkward as she steered Cai into the living room.

  “First Lady, I apologize for interrupting your night,” Cai said, looking around the living room.

  Evan looked at the woman with her beautiful long hair pulled away from her face and smiled. “It’s okay,” Evan said, walking around and blowing out the candles strewn out across the room. “Make yourself comfortable.”

  “No, I can’t stay. It’s Delilah. I was wondering if Pastor Greg could come and check on her. She’s locked in her room and she won’t eat.”

  “Oh?” Evan said, with a concerned look on her face. “When did it start? Does she need a doctor?”

  “No, I think her heart hurts more than any other part of her body. That’s why I was hoping that Pastor Greg could come over.”

  Evan raised an eyebrow. “Tonight?”

  Cai nodded. “If it’s okay, I’m worried about her.”

  Evan glared at Cai then looked at the clock. It didn’t matter what time it was if the Lord had work for them to do. “I’m going to run upstairs and put on some clothes and I’ll be right back. Pastor Greg should be down shortly.”

  Cai put her hand out as if to stop Evan. “I know me showing up is already an inconvenience and I know you have a little one so please don’t—”

  “No inconvenience,” Evan interrupted her, walking up the stairs. If Greg is going anywhere with this woman, it won’t be alone.

  Cai stood looking around their home. It was very nice; not exquisite but beautifully decorated, modern and cozy. She liked it; the First Lady had great taste. I noticed that me and the First Lady definitely like more and more of the same things. It was funny how the First Lady was trying to still portray her sophistication to Cai even when it was obvious that she and the pastor were getting it on.

  It was a bold move coming over to their home but no one would ever accuse her of not going after what she wanted. Besides, Delilah was having a rough time with Devon’s death, although to get Delilah not to eat would be a miracle. Still, Delilah’s incessant crying and mumbling about Devon provided Cai the perfect opportunity to call on the pastor. Cai looked over the wall of family photos while she waited.

  Greg and the First Lady were an attractive couple; their wedding photos easily enviable. But nothing was perfect, no matter how it appeared, and she didn’t care what God he preached about. Hearing footsteps coming down the stairs, Cai moved swiftly back to where she was standing. Pastor Greg and Evan both walked into the living room.

  “Hello Cai, is Delilah okay?” Greg asked. “Evan told me that you wanted me to go check on her.”

  Cai stood motionless looking at the pastor who was clad in jeans and a plain white t-shirt that fit well, just enough to show the muscular definition of his chest and stomach. She tried not to stare. Cai shook her head. “I don’t know. I think that she might be having a nervous breakdown.”
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  Greg looked concerned. “She may need to see a doctor, Cai.”

  “I don’t think so.” Cai shook her head. “Pastor, it’s deeper than that.”

  “Okay,” Greg looked over at Evan. “Let me grab my jacket and my keys. We’ll follow Cai over to her house.” Evan nodded in agreement as she reached for her jacket from the coat rack.

  Cai followed Evan toward the door. “I appreciate everything, First Lady. Again, I’m sorry to come over like this but I didn’t know where else to go.”

  “It’s okay, really it is,” Evan said. “Greg and I are more than happy to do whatever we can for your mother.”

  Evan’s cell phone rang, causing her eyes to open wide. Greg walked back into the living room with Evan’s cell phone.

  “Baby, it’s Mimi.”

  Chapter 43

  Delilah shooed Cai’s hand away as Cai attempted to tightened her blanket while Delilah lay in bed. “Stop that now!” Delilah fussed at Cai. “I’m fine. I can’t believe that you took the pastor away from his wife to come over here this time of night.” She looked over at Greg. “Please tell the First Lady how sorry I am.”

  “It’s alright Ms. Delilah,” Greg assured her. “She was actually coming with me when we received a phone call about Gracie. She was running a fever.”

  Delilah’s eyes grew wide, “Your baby has a fever and you’re here with me?” Delilah dropped her head. “You gots to go; ain’t nothing wrong with me that you can fix.”

  “I really don’t mind, Ms. Delilah.”

  “Well, I do,” Delilah shook her head, refusing to budge. “Cai should have never went and got you.”

  Greg sighed. “Ms. Delilah, Cai was just concerned about you.” He sat in the worn brown fabric chair next to Delilah’s bed. Delilah wasn’t hearing it. “If I’d known that she was gonna go running to find you at your house, I woulda just ate the soup earlier,” Delilah said, looking at the empty soup bowl on the nightstand. “I don’t believe that Tim killed my baby. That chief ain’t telling the truth. They got the wrong boy.”

  “Ms. Delilah, I haven’t spoken to the chief about it but I hear that they have evidence and a confession.”

  Delilah shook her head. “It ain’t true pastor. It just ain't.” Greg nodded, looking away from her. It was too painful to look her in her eyes. “Go on home to your wife and I’m sorry Cai came and got you.”

  “I’m glad that she did. You need to eat regularly.” Greg stood up. “I do feel better knowing that everything is alright.”

  Delilah looked at Greg and smiled. “Thank you for praying with me,” Delilah said, then looked at Cai. “I told that child of mine that I just needed to rest and talk to the Father. You know that I’m not going to miss too many meals.”

  Cai folded her arms. “Momma, I was worried about you.”

  Delilah ignored her. “Pastor Greg, I want you to go home to your beautiful First Lady and apologize to her for me and my child, please?”

  Greg smiled and leaned in and gave Delilah a hug. “God bless you, Ms. Delilah. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  Ms. Delilah adjusted her red head scarf and waved goodbye to Greg as he walked out of her bedroom and into the living room. Greg mouthed a thank you to the Father that Delilah was alright although his heart went out to her. The healing wouldn’t be easy; he knew. Greg pulled out his cell phone to call Evan. She answered it on the first ring as if she’d been waiting to hear from him.

  “Hey baby, how’s Gracie?” Greg asked standing in the middle of Delilah’s living room and anxious to get back home.

  “She’s fine. She’s teething so that’s why she had the slight fever. You know Mimi, she’s just nervous but she gave her Tylenol so she’s fine now. How’s Ms. Delilah?”

  “There’s really no quick cure for a broken heart but I prayed and read some scripture to her. She did want me to apologize to you for leaving you since there’s nothing technically wrong with her.”

  Evan chuckled. “She’s so sweet. I’m just happy to hear that all is well. Are you on your way home?”

  “Yes, I am,” Greg answered eager to get back to his wife. “I’ll be there in a little bit.”

  “Good, I love you,” Evan said. “Be safe.”

  “I love you too,” Greg said ending the call.

  Cai walked into the living room as Greg was placing his cell phone in his pocket. “Is your little girl okay?”

  “She’s fine, she’s teething. Thank you for asking. Well, I’m going to get going but I’ll check on your mom tomorrow.”

  Cai nodded, standing before him with her hands in her pockets. “I guess I look pretty stupid coming to get you like I did.”

  Greg shook his head. “Not at all; I’m glad you did. It showed that you were concerned.” He walked toward the front door. “We hope to see you on Sunday?”

  Cai smiled and stared at him. “Maybe,” she answered.

  “Our doors are always open. Good night,” Greg said, opening the door.

  “Pastor Greg,” Cai called out. Greg turned around. Cai extended her arms out to him and embraced him. “Thank you so much.” Cai’s abrupt embrace took Greg by surprise. As she released him, her hand slid down to the pockets of his jacket, catching her fingernail.

  “Oh,” Cai said surprised. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t snag it; I’m clumsy like that.”

  Feeling uncomfortable with the close proximity in which she stood to him; Greg stepped back. “No harm done.”

  “Thank you again,” Cai said.

  “It’s okay,” Greg said feeling more uneasy by the minute and unsure if it was obvious. He turned away from her and walked out of the door. “Good night.”

  “Good night,” Cai said, standing at the door.

  Not hearing the door close, Greg turned around as he walked to his truck and saw Cai still standing at the door watching him. He looked a moment before throwing his hand up in a wave and continuing to his truck. A little awkward. It could have been his imagination but the hug seemed too close, too comfortable and too long. Maybe it was all in his head because he wasn’t used to embracing an attractive woman that wasn’t his wife alone at night. Whatever it was, he couldn’t wait to get back to Evan.

  Chapter 44

  An early morning busted pipe had Sundi’s Courage without water for hours, causing Evan to turn away two families with scheduled appointments. But with Greg calling in the same plumber that JMC used for emergencies, the center was back up and running. However, it all caused her to be late for lunch with Nina.

  Closing her car door behind her, Evan struggled to get her high-heeled shoe on as she ran to Nina’s church entrance. She stopped at the glass door, straightened her left earring, running her hand through her curls after seeing her reflection. She didn’t want to meet with the First Ladies with her bad morning written all over her face.

  Evan walked through the door and was greeted by a smiling young woman in a flowing peach dress. “Good afternoon, you must be First Lady Evan Pharell.”

  Evan smiled and nodded. “Yes, I am. I apologize. I’m running a little late,” she said, still feeling that her shoe felt a bit awkward. “Excuse me,” Evan said, removing her heel and taking out a small pebble before placing the shoe back on her foot.

  The young woman smiled. “It’s okay, the First Lady is expecting you. I’ll take you to the dining area.

  Nina’s church was beautiful, slightly smaller than JMC but structurally exquisite and eye catching. Evan heard the ladies before she even entered the dining area that Nina had beautifully decorated with white rose centerpieces and white lace table coverings. Seeing Evan appear at the door, Nina shrieked and ran up to the dining hall door to her.

  “Hi sweetie, how are you?” Nina asked, giving Evan a cheek to cheek kiss.

  “I’m sorry that I’m late. We had a busted pipe at the center and it was a disaster,” Evan said.

  Nina placed her hand on Evan’s arm. “Oh dear, did you get it fixed?”

  “Yes,” Evan answered.
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  “Good; I’m so glad that you’re here.”

  Evan smiled appreciatively as she and Nina walked toward the table where Linda and Kree sat with two other ladies. The ladies stood up from the table when Evan walked in. Linda and Kree gave her hugs while Nina introduced the other two First Ladies that she’d invited.

  “Ladies, thank you for being here,” Nina said, cupping her hands together as Evan and the ladies sat down. “I am in the midst of getting the women's seminar together and I wanted us all to get to know each other, touch base and ask for feedback.”

  The dining room door opened and the same young woman in peach that escorted Evan appeared, stepping to the side as Taylor walked through the door. With an ecstatic look on her face, Nina excitedly threw her hands up when she saw Taylor. “You’re here,” Nina lightly clapped, then turned around to Evan and the First Ladies at the table. “I intended this luncheon to be just for you ladies who are speaking at the seminar but Taylor reminded me of how much experience she has in this area so I graciously accepted her offer to help.”

  Evan maintained her smile upon seeing pageant perfect Taylor who was wearing an above the knee white dress that conveniently matched Nina’s white decor. Evan looked away from Taylor and down at the lace lac white table cloth, wondering why she couldn’t seem to escape this woman. Linda tapped on the table near Evan’s hand to get her attention. “It’s going to be a good lunch,” Linda said with a wink. Evan smiled, embarrassed that she was wearing her feelings for Taylor on her face.

  Taylor’s red stiletto pumps clinked against the laminate flooring as she walked into the dining hall, overtly comfortable with all of the ladies eyes on her. “Hi beautiful ladies, it’s so good to see you again.” She threw up a wave to them as she approached Nina.

  “Thank you for coming,” Nina said, giving Taylor a hug. “We’re just about to say grace before we eat.”

  “Oh good, I’m starved,” Taylor said, walking toward Evan’s side of the table and pulling out the chair beside her.