by Donya Fenner
“I knew it! You little hussy, you gave it up. So much for waiting for Prince Charming,” Yvette teased.
“It wasn’t like that and he was Prince Charming.”
“Ashley, where would a man like that put a passion mark?”
“A lady never tells,” Ashley walked into her bathroom and began filling the spa tub. Yvette followed her.
“Well, how was it?”
“You’re nosy. Wait, what did you do last night?”
Yvette shook her head. “A freak never tells.”
“Well, even though Niles was wonderful, I repented and won’t let myself go there again,” Ashley turned the water off.
“We all fall short, huh?”
Ashley turned around swiftly. “Are you quoting scripture now?”
The ringing cell phone in Yvette’s hand sounded. Ashley watched as her cousin looked at the number and rolled her eyes before selecting the decline button.
“Now back to you, don’t even judge me, you little sinner. Hurry up and get dressed. I don’t want to miss breakfast before the divorce retreat’s first seminar. We only have four days to be here. Let’s make day two count.”
“Right, I’ll be right out. Who was that calling?”
“Who else? Dax, it’s always Dax,” Yvette said before leaving Ashley’s room.
Ashley shook her head. She didn’t want to listen to her cousin giving her the third degree, she wanted to soak in the tub. Sliding into the warm bath, she rested her back against the inside of the tub. Thoughts of Niles invaded her mind as she remembered the feel of his touch, the smell of his cologne, and his passionate whispers in her ears.
***
Ashley felt like she had been in workshops all day. She’d learned great healing techniques, how to go from wife to single woman, embracing new life, being financially independent and more. She couldn’t wait until they had their all-white party on the beach. Even though there were a lot of seminars taking place, she couldn’t help but think of Niles and the way he held her the night before. Where was he? He hadn’t left his number on her nightstand. She had to face the fact that last night might have been the last she would see of him. He would be her Prince Charming in thought, and she would cherish the night and move on to complete her healing.
After lunch, Ashley and Yvette arrived late to the last seminar of the day. They entered the full room and took a seat in the back just as the session began.
“Welcome to our spiritual healing session of the day. I’m Vickie Heart, your hostess. Let’s get healing. First, our special guest is here with us all the way from Los Angeles, California. He has appeared on countless television shows. He has written several best-selling books that have helped millions of people heal after divorce, breakups, heartbreaks, you name it. The tools he uses to heal are all from biblical principles. Please help me welcome Doctor, Minister, Pastor, you name it, he is. Niles Parker.”
Even as Ashley’s mouth dropped open and her eyes widened, the audience applauded. Ashley could feel Yvette’s eyes on her.
“You’re sleeping with a pastor now, Ashley? You better hope he is single or divorced. You are going straight to hell for this one, cousin,” Yvette sat up straight in her seat.
Ashley wanted to hide under the table. She was so nervous she began to sweat.
“Oh, Jesus, I swear… Oh, Lord, I don’t mean swear. I-I didn’t know. No more pre-marital sex, Lord. I promise,” Ashley said.
Yvette shook her head. “It’s always the good girls.”
“Shut up!” Ashley blurted out, and a few attendees at surrounding tables turned in her direction.
Niles walked up to the lectern wearing a lavender button-down long sleeve shirt, a printed gold, blue and lavender tie with a caramel vest and pants to match.
“I’m a little jealous. He’s fine, Ash.” Yvette whispered. One of the women in front of them turned and nodded. “He is fine. Lord have mercy.”
Ashley felt uncomfortable and wanted to run out of the room but figured she was too grown to do what she would have done in high school. She watched Niles set up his teaching material and books. When he recognized her sitting in the back of the room, he smiled and dropped his head.
“Good afternoon, everyone, I’m Niles Parker. It’s a real pleasure to be here with you. We in the Bahamas, y’all,” he chuckled.
“Well, those of you who know me know that I used to play professional baseball for the LA Dodgers. You know I married my high school sweetheart right after I signed my contract,” he said.
“What? He’s married? You’re going to hell.” Yvette whispered loudly in Ashley’s ear.
Ashley closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She began to gather her things. “Yvette, I have to go.”
“You also know that I got divorced two years later because the Lord called me to leave the field and pastor my grandfather and father’s church in Los Angeles,” Niles continued to say.
Ashley stopped gathering her things and settled down.
“My wife at the time signed up to be with a big celebrity baseball star, not a man called to pastor a church. She liked the lights, the glitz, the glam, the fame. I had no idea that accepting my call would cause me to lose my wife. We were unequally yoked. She hated everything about my walk with Christ. She said it was unfair to our vows, so she broke them and went on to marry and have kids with a certain Lakers player that we should not mention in this meeting,” Niles said.
Several people in the audience chuckled.
Ashley felt bad for him. It was unfortunate that his wife left him because he discovered who he was called to be. Was she crazy? A man realizing his purpose and why he was placed on this earth was the most amazing thing ever. Plus, he was good in bed. Ashley tried to shake that thought, but what she experienced with him had never been done to her before. The way he knew her body, it was like they had been together for years. Ashley cringed at the thought of having a one night stand. She talked about girls who did what she did last night. She let Niles have his way with her.
Ashley placed a hand on her chest and took a deep breath. Yvette looked at her. “You’re a mess, woman. I bet he did things to you that you can’t even explain.”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “Yvette, you’re the devil. Do you know that? I can’t believe he is a pastor.”
“Whatever, it took two to commit that act, Miss Lady. Don’t go judging him,” Yvette smirked.
“Ok, that about sums it up. I will be at the table on the right side of the room signing autographs for my latest book, Divorce Retreat. Ashley Hernandez, I have your copies that I promised to get to you last night. I’ll get them to you afterward,” Niles said.
Ashley’s heart dropped into the pit of her stomach when he addressed her in front of everybody.
“Oh, yeah, this is going to be interesting,” Yvette laughed.
***
Ashley sat beside her cousin watching Niles sign his last book. After he finished, he looked at Ashley and beckoned her to him. Yvette stood and walked over to him.
“Yes?” Yvette said.
Niles looked confused. “I was trying to get Ashley’s attention.
“That’s a mighty powerful hand you got there. I thought you were beckoning me. Lord, these men of yours are getting hotter and hotter. I might have to attend church. Get me a church boy. Ashley, girl, I’ll be waiting in the lobby for you with some kind of drink in my hand. Bye, you two.” Yvette waved as she strutted away.
“Bye, Yvette.” Ashley walked over to Niles at the table. When she reached him, he looked up at her and smiled that familiar smile.
“Hi, Ashley, how are you?”
“I’m well.” Ashley glanced around, “I was looking for you this morning.”
“I had to get ready for the seminar. Hope I didn’t offend you by leaving. You are an amazing woman, Ashley.”
The warmth in his eyes confused her. Feeling nervous and fidgety, she wondered if anyone was suspicious of the two of them. What would she say to him about last nig
ht? He had no problem mentioning it. How was this going to play out? What was next?
“Um… thank you. I had no idea I would run into you here at one of my seminars. Your testimony is really amazing. I pray God will continue to bless everything your hands touch.”
Niles sat back in his chair with the top of his pen at the corner of his mouth. He gazed up at her.
“You’re beautiful. Please don’t get me wrong or think ill of me, but you’re a very passionate woman and I really enjoyed being with you… a lot. Last night was amazing, Ashley. You stirred a passion within me that I didn’t know I had. I know this is awkward, but can I see you tonight?”
Ashley nodded. “I’m available for dinner and don’t forget the all-white party is tonight.”
“Okay, dinner and all-white party it is,” Niles said.
“Yes, only dinner. I normally don’t do what we did last night. I’ve been celibate since my divorce. I guess it was the wine maybe,” Ashley said.
“You didn’t have wine or any type of liquor. And it’s ok, I have been practicing celibacy for years after my divorce as well. Buried myself in my work and ministry.”
“That is amazing.” Ashley lowered her head.
“Yes, especially for a man. But I do get lonely at times and I never walk around in denial as if the intimate part of me doesn’t exist.” Niles reached out and lifted Ashley’s gaze with the tip of his fingers. “I hope you are not someone who finds it hard to admit that you have needs in that area.”
Ashley’s face flushed. “I-I…” was all she managed to say.
“That’s something you can pray about. God created that part of you as well. Allow him to strengthen and keep you. He will help you withstand any temptation. Now, what do you want for dinner?”
Ashley looked at Niles. She wanted him for dinner.
“Lobster, I love lobster.”
Niles stood from the table and winked. “Lobster it is.”
***
Hours later Ashley caught an elevator to meet Niles in the downstairs hotel lobby. As soon as the elevator door closed behind her, the elevator next to her dinged. Several people getting out of the elevator were dressed in all white, Yvette and Michael were among them.
“Hey, Ashley!” Michael said.
“Hey, guys. You look amazing,” Ashley said.
“Yes, girl, got to turn heads at the all-white party tonight,” Yvette said.
“Well, honey, that you are going to do with this little bodycon dress on,” Ashley said.
“Well, you will too. I picked one out for you. You’re not wearing that are you,” Yvette said.
Ashley looked down at her dressy white blouse and high waisted white jeans with her nude wedged sandals to complete the look. “What’s wrong with what I have on?”
Michael laughed at the two women. Ashley gave him a look that choked his laughter midstream, and he looked in the other direction.
“Anyway, I left your dress on your bed. Your little wedged shoes should work with it as well. Thank me later,” Yvette said.
“I’m going to dinner with Niles. I will catch you two horrible people later,” Ashley joked.
“Cool,” Michael said, leading Yvette away from her and out of the hotel lobby’s side entrance.
“Ashley,” Niles said.
Ashley turned in the direction of his voice. He looked nice as usual. His amazing cologne reached her first, but the closer he got to her, his smiled soon followed.
“Hey, handsome,” Ashley said.
Niles reached for her hand, “Shall we?”
She slid her hand into his.
Soft jazz music filled the seafood restaurant muting the sound of people chattering and silverware clinking against dishes. In the distance, Ashley could hear a bottle of champagne being opened.
“Your entrees, Ma’am and Sir,” The waiter placed the tray he was carrying onto a stand and uncapped their meal before placing the food in front of them.
“This smells amazing,” Niles said.
“It sure does.” Ashley looked at her lobster dish and the hefty side of garlic mashed potatoes and melted butter. Centered on the table, a clear vase held one long stem red rose. On each side of the vase were lit tapered white candles.
Niles reached for Ashley’s hand. “I’ll say grace.”
“Yes, go right ahead,” she smiled.
“Lord, we thank you for this amazing time of fellowship. Bless this food to nourish our bodies and not to hinder it or harm it in any way. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ name.”
“Amen,” Ashley added.
“So, Ashley, tell me about your divorce.”
“Wow, well I guess it was going to come up anyway. I was married for a few years to a man who held secrets from me. One of which landed him behind bars.”
“Oh really, what happened?”
Ashley shrugged. “Money laundering and I had no idea. He had a great job, great salary. I guess greed must have set in. I was left with nothing, so I filed for divorce and moved from my very nice life in New York City all the way back to my hometown of Houston, Texas to live with my mother. It was humiliating.”
“That is a lot to go through. Divorce is such an ugly thing. I hate that you had to experience that, but be thankful you have a mother to move back home to and someone who can welcome you back. My mother passed shortly after my baseball contract was signed. She told me not to marry my ex. I should have listened. Mom was what the Bible calls a virtuous woman. Full of wisdom, humble, caring. You name all that was good and I will tell you it was the very essence of her.” Niles’ eyes glossed over as he spoke of his mother.
“Sounds like you had a great mother. Mine is a single, no nonsense kind of mother. She had to be strong, wearing both hats of mom and dad to me, her only child. I’ve never been without my cousin Yvette though. It was her idea to bring me on this trip.” Ashley changed the subject. “It’s nice how you guys named the retreat after your latest book.”
“Yes, it has a ring to it. I’ve attended singles retreats, marriage retreats, but I had never heard of a divorce retreat. I thought about ways to help people cope after losing their marriages. Give them my testimony and bring on some other coaches who specialize in the area of healing from divorce. We found some of the world’s greatest for our first retreat. I’m glad you could attend.” Niles smiled.
“Being here has helped me to really dig deep and let go of my failed marriage and trust God with this new beginning he’s given to me. Before this trip, I was stuck, lost even. I just went with the routine of a life I had not known walking by faith daily. I felt like my identity was stripped from me, my pride, goals…” Ashley looked down.
“I know the feeling. That’s exactly how I felt when God called me into ministry. I grew up in church. My grandfather preached when I was smaller until he got sick and passed the church to my dad, who had been the assistant pastor. I never thought God would call me. It was hard giving up baseball and my wife. But I knew God had called me. I lost things, but when he restored me, he replaced it with something better. My ministry has influenced people all over the world. My church, my books, my seminars… I made the right choice.”
“You made the only choice. God is so amazing, he’s a redeemer. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have him. I don’t even want to imagine such a thing.”
Niles filled Ashley’s glass with wine from the bottle that sat on the table.
“Thanks,” Ashley said.
“What do you plan on doing when you get back to Houston, Ashley?”
“Work, get back into the flow of things.”
“Where do you work?”
“I’m a consultant for a private bank in Houston.”
“Are you dating?”
Ashley choked on the sip of wine she was drinking.
“No, I haven’t dated in a while. I did go on a blind date once and it was the worst. The dating scene has changed. I prefer to give my dating life to God in prayer. He has to do a better job than I�
��ve been doing. What about you?”
“I’m on a date right now,” Niles teased.
Ashley felt warm, she didn’t know if it was the wine or the charmer that sat before her. Maybe both!
“Any dates before me?”
“I had one serious relationship after my divorce. I met her through a minister friend of mine. He failed to tell me that she used to be an old flame of his. She still had feelings for him and that ended that relationship. I’ve taken a few women out to dinner and movies after that but nothing serious.”
Ashley suddenly felt shy. She was really enjoying Niles’ company but also felt overwhelmed with how much she longed for more from him. “My lobster was great. How about yours?” She winced. Way to go with making the conversation awkward, Ashley.
Niles smiled, his eyes warm. “It was great. We better get the check and head to the all-white party. I hope you brought your dancing shoes.”
Ashley was grateful Niles didn’t comment on her disrupting their conversation. She looked down at her outfit. “Oh, I have to go change.”
“You look amazing just the way you are. In fact, I’m kind of jealous of your jeans. Pretty tight hold they have on you.” Niles leaned in closer. “You have great legs by the way.”
Ashley beamed.
On the crowded beach, a live band played the sounds of the legendary groups Earth, Wind, And Fire and Frankie Beverly and Maze. Some smooth jazz sounds by Kenny G were mixed in as well. Ashley had no room for dancing shoes; she danced barefoot on the beach’s white sand. She hadn’t felt this free in years. Niles was an amazing dancer, but Ashley managed to keep up with him. Ashley spotted Yvette dancing with Michael having a good time as well. Yvette danced her way over to Ashley. The cousins laughed. No one had a worry in the world, even the stars twinkling in the night sky seemed to hold a rhythm of their own.
Chapter 5
Morning came too soon after dancing the night away with the handsome and charming Niles Parker. Ashley awoke in her suite, lying across her bed fully dressed in her white dress blouse and high waisted jeans. The fresh scent of salty sea air drifted in from the open patio doors. Ashley got out of bed and walked over to the opened patio doors. She stood out on the balcony letting the morning sun touch her skin. Eyes closed, she bathed in the sun’s light. Someone played Caribbean music from their room and the sound reached Ashley until she herself was swaying like the sheer curtains billowing in the ocean’s breeze. As Ashley danced on the patio, she could hear the door to her suite close behind someone. Ashley walked back into the room to see Yvette.