“I see you made it,” she said.
“Thanks again for the ticket,” Wade said as he glanced around the restaurant. “VIP Section B. Great seat. I was in the nosebleed section last time I was here. Why don’t you let me pay you?”
“You don’t have to do that. It didn’t cost me a thing. Opal’s boyfriend is part owner of the Chargers.” Pearl looked around for Paige and Amber, who had conveniently disappeared, leaving her alone with the very man who seemed to dominate her thoughts lately.
“I should’ve asked you this earlier. Whose side are you on?” Pearl asked. “Chicago or Detroit?”
“For the record, I’m a Detroit Chargers fan.”
“Good answer,” Paige responded from behind them. “We’re about to grab something to eat. Why don’t you join us, Pastor?”
“You’re sure?”
“What are you doing?” Pearl whispered to her cousin between stiff lips.
“Just being friendly.”
She sent her cousin a sharp glare, sparking laughter from Amber.
Pearl managed to keep her expression blank while dining with Wade. She was acutely aware of Amber and Paige watching their exchanges. She was determined not to give them any insight into her feelings where this man was concerned.
Wade insisted on paying for dinner. “It’s the least I can do,” he said. “I really appreciate the chance to watch the game with all of you.”
“Being down where all the action is doesn’t hurt,” Amber stated.
Pearl sent her a sharp look.
Half an hour before the game was scheduled to begin, they left the restaurant and walked down to their seats.
“You look excited,” Wade said.
“I am.” She smiled. “I love basketball.”
Her attention turned to the game when the announcer started talking.
It wasn’t long before Pearl was on her feet, yelling, “That was an offensive foul, ref.”
Turning toward Wade, she asked him, “Did you just see that?”
He nodded and said, “I wasn’t aware that you knew so much about the game. Do you play?”
“No. I just enjoy watching.” Her eyes darted back to the court. “C’mon, Lyman,” she yelled. “Two points.”
When he missed the basket, Pearl groaned. “That was a brick. Man, our shooting sucks tonight.”
She glanced over at Wade, who sat there quietly. “Are you having a good time?”
“The best,” he replied with a smile, his eyes never leaving her.
“You have a beautiful smile,” Pearl blurted. “You really should show it more often.”
“You have no problem speaking your mind. Do you?”
“Not at all. Life’s way too short to play games. I don’t know about you, Wade, but I intend to make the best of mine.”
“I like your attitude.”
“That’s all?” Pearl asked with a smile. “After all this time, all I get is you like my attitude?”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Pearl, I like you. Every inch of you.”
“Same here.”
After her confession, Pearl returned her focus to the basketball game. It was almost over.
She stole a peek at Wade and smiled.
Wade had never met a woman as passionate about basketball as Pearl.
The Chargers tied the score with twenty seconds left in the game and called a time-out. Pearl and Paige both were yelling for their team.
“We need a Hail Mary,” Paige stated.
“We need to get the ball back,” Pearl responded with a grunt.
Amber leaned forward to say, “Pastor, I hope they haven’t given you a headache like the one they’ve given me. I don’t know why they have to do all that screaming. It’s so unladylike.”
“I’m fine,” he replied. “They’re sports fans. Just like the thousands sitting all around us.”
“Maybe it’s because I’m sitting beside them, but they sound a whole lot louder than everybody else.”
Wade noticed a young man come to their section. Without saying anything, he passed a note to Amber and walked away.
After reading it, Amber stood up. “I’ll be back.”
The crowd screamed when the game resumed. As if they’d heard Pearl, the Chargers stole the ball, came down court and scored, sending Pearl and Paige into a frenzy. He chuckled, watching how animated they’d become, jumping up and down, flailing their arms and laughing.
Pearl stopped long enough to ask, “Why are you just sitting there? We just won the game.” She reached down, taking him by the hand. “C’mon, get up and act like you’re happy the Chargers won.”
Wade loved the freedom Pearl exhibited and wondered what life must be like for her. He’d never been the type of person to just let go like that.
Pearl glanced around. “Where’s Amber?”
Her cousin’s eyes searched the surrounding area, then she pointed. “She’s over there talking to Dashuan,” Paige responded.
“He sent someone over here with a message earlier,” Wade told them.
Pearl frowned. “Amber should’ve just ignored him.” She sat down in disgust.
“Are you okay?” Wade asked Pearl after a moment. He could tell from her expression that she was upset.
“I just don’t like that guy. He’s bad news and I don’t want him anywhere near my sister.”
Lately Dashuan Kennedy had been in the news quite a bit. Wade knew of his drug problem, his run-ins with teammates and his quick temper.
He didn’t really know Amber well at all but Wade prayed she would be wise and listen to her sister and Paige. From what he’d seen of D’marcus Armstrong and Luther Biggens, they would see that no harm came to Amber.
“Your sister will be fine. She’s just talking to the guy.”
“I don’t want her even doing that. Wade, you don’t know my little sister. She’s a big flirt but she doesn’t deserve to be hurt. I’m telling you, Dashuan Kennedy is nothing but bad news.”
“All you can really do is pray for her. She’s going to do whatever she wants. She’s a grown woman.”
“Wade, I know you’re right. It’s just that with my sisters…we’re all we got. We have to look out for one another.”
Her words brought back a tragic memory that stabbed at his heart, causing a flash of pain.
“Wade, you okay?”
He nodded. Rising to his feet, Wade said, “Thank you again for the ticket. I really enjoyed myself.”
“I’m glad you came.” Pearl broke into a smile. “I hope we didn’t embarrass you by all of our cheering and carrying on.”
Wade laughed. “You didn’t,” he assured her.
“Think you’ll come back to another game? We get tickets all the time. I’m sure I can get one for you.”
He nodded. “And I’m clear that it’s not a date.”
Laughing, Pearl stood up. “I guess we’re going to head out, too.”
Paige followed them as they walked toward the nearest exit door.
“I’m going to meet up with Lyman,” Paige announced. “I’ll meet you at the car.”
“Make sure Amber is with you,” Pearl instructed. “She came with us and she’s leaving with us.”
She was fiercely protective of her sister, Wade noted. He admired that quality in Pearl although he hated the fact that it was something he sorely lacked all those years ago. He never should have allowed his brother to join the Chicago Kings.
Wade forced his mind back to the present, forcing the bile of regret back down his throat.
Pearl had just gotten into her apartment when the telephone rang. It was Wade.
“I wanted to make sure you and Paige made it home safely. I also wanted to say thanks once again. I really enjoyed myself tonight.”
“So did I.” Pearl couldn’t help but smile.
“I know it’s late but I felt like I should call.”
“Not a problem. I planned on staying up to start on James Patterson’s new novel as soon as I get in
to bed.”
“I won’t keep you, then. Have a good night, Pearl.”
“Wade, do you have to go right now?” She wasn’t ready to end their conversation.
“No, I was just going to find something to watch on television.”
Closing her bedroom door, Pearl climbed into the middle of her bed. “I like talking to you,” she told Wade. “Don’t think I don’t notice that I always seem to be the one sharing. Why don’t you ever talk about yourself? Like when did you get the call to the ministry?”
“I realized I wanted to preach shortly before my nineteenth birthday. I was in my room one day in the middle of praying over a situation and then it just hit me. I knew what I was called to do.”
“So you enrolled into the seminary?”
“Yes. Once I accepted the call on my heart, there was nothing else for me to do but to put it in action. That’s what I did. The rest is history, I guess.”
“Do you have any regrets?”
“About the ministry?”
“Yeah. Do you regret being a pastor?”
“No. Not at all. Every phase of my life, good and bad, has led me to this place. I am committed to my calling.”
“I know that,” Pearl murmured. “I can see that for myself. I think it’s admirable. I feel the same way when it comes to my singing.”
“How’s that going?”
“I’m still waiting for that one call—the one that will offer me a recording contract. I want my music to be heard all over the world. This is my ministry. I know it, Wade. I’m just waiting on God, but I’m ready.”
“You are a gifted singer. I know the kids at church love you.”
“I love them, too. They’re faced with so much and they need positive role models. I love working with them.”
“What happens when you strike it big and get everything you want? Are you planning on resigning as youth-choir director?”
“I’m not just going to up and abandon my babies, Wade. I don’t intend to resign, but until I actually get a contract, I don’t know what will happen. I’m not doing anything without prayer, I’ll tell you that.”
“I hope I’m not being too personal, but why aren’t you in a relationship with someone?”
“How do you know I’m not?” Pearl replied.
“Are you?”
“No. I’m waiting for God to send me my guy on a lightning bolt. What about you? Why are you still single?”
“I believe you said it was because I was a stuffed shirt.”
She laughed. “You’ve grown on me.”
“I can say the same about you.”
Pearl broke into a grin.
“You’re smiling,” Wade stated.
“How do you know?”
“I can feel it radiating through the phone.”
“Wow, you sure know how to flatter a girl. More, more, more.”
Pearl loved making Wade laugh. He was too young to be so serious all the time. Life was meant to be enjoyed.
She stifled a yawn and glanced over at the clock. She and Wade had been on the phone for a while.
“I’m sure you want to get your beauty rest. I’ll let you go.”
“Okay. Have a good night, Wade.”
When she hung up, Pearl danced around the room singing, “He likes me…he likes me….”
Chapter 9
Pearl felt her eyes fill with water as she stared at the two manila envelopes with her name on them, having spotted them on her bed from the very first moment she walked into her room after work.
Rejection letters.
She knew that’s what they were because she could feel her demo tapes inside and the labels were written in her familiar scrawl. How she dreaded them. Pearl could never fully prepare her heart for rejection.
Maybe I should go back to college and finishup my degree. Lord knows I’m never going to be a singer. Pearl glanced up toward the heavens. “Okay, God, I get it. I’m never going to get a record deal,” she whispered. “I give up.”
As soon as the words slipped through her lips, Pearl knew she didn’t really mean them. Singing was in her blood; she couldn’t quit if she tried. Had anyone even bothered to listen to her songs?
She took off her uniform and changed into a pair of gray sweats. Then, she tossed the envelopes on her dresser and climbed into her bed.
Maybe I’ll feel better after my nap, she decided. Pearl truly believed that life always looked better after a nice long nap.
She woke up forty-five minutes later when her sister came by for an unannounced visit.
“Pearl, what’s wrong?” Amber asked as soon as she walked into the apartment. “You look terrible.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“You know what I mean. You look sad. The drapes are all shut. Did something happen?”
“I just received two rejection letters.” Sighing in resignation, Pearl uttered, “I don’t know, Amber. Maybe I should just give up this dream.”
“Why are you saying that? Are those the only rejection letters you’ve received?”
Pearl nodded. “So far. The others will probably pour in over the next few days. Nobody wants my music.”
“Don’t you start being so negative. Pearl, you’re always the one telling me to never give up on my dreams, that if God gives you a vision, he gives provision. You can’t let this stop you.”
Tossing her hair over her shoulders, Amber continued. “I have an idea. Let’s go out for an evening of pampering. We’ll have facials, manicures and pedicures. My treat.”
“That’s your answer to everything, isn’t it?”
“Well, you think taking a nap is the answer to life’s problems.”
“I think we’re both wrong.”
Amber chuckled. “Or we could both be right. C’mon, Pearl. Go do something to that hair of yours and let’s get out of here.”
Puzzled, Pearl glanced in the mirror. “What’s wrong with my hair?”
“It’s all over your head. Pull it back or get a perm.”
“This is my ‘all is not well in my world’ look. I think it fits my mood perfectly.”
“It’s your mood that we’re trying to change,” Amber reminded her. “Remember?”
“I’ll tell you what will make me feel a whole lot better.”
“What?”
“You staying away from Dashuan Kennedy.”
Tossing her honey-blond tresses over her shoulders, Amber replied, “Pearl, don’t start. I don’t know why you don’t like him. He’s such a sweetheart.”
“Do you ever watch the news?”
“I don’t want to do this with you,” Amber began. “Pearl, you’re my sister and I love you dearly, but I really need you to back off.”
“Amber, I don’t want you to get hurt.”
She quickly waved aside Pearl’s concern. “I’m not. I’m just hanging out with Dashuan. I want to get to know him better. If he’s as much of a bad boy as everybody is making him out to be, I’ll see it for myself.”
“You can read the newspaper for that, Amber,” responded Pearl. “Why put yourself through the drama?”
“I like him.”
“You’re just in lust,” Pearl responded sharply. “That’s all that is, Amber.”
“How would you know, Miss ‘I’m Saving Myself for Marriage’?”
Pearl met her sister’s gaze straight on. “You should be doing the same thing, little sister.”
“Save the sermon for Sunday. Let’s go pamper ourselves, Pearl. You deserve it and so do I.”
“You’re just determined to be hardheaded,” Pearl complained.
Looping her arm through her sister’s, Amber responded, “I know. I love you, too.”
“Pastor called,” Paige announced as soon as Pearl walked through the front door later that evening. “He wants you to call him back.”
Hanging up her coat in the hall closet, Pearl inquired, “Did he say what he wanted?”
“Nope. Just that he needed you to call him back as soon as
possible.”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Looks like you and Pastor must be getting pretty close.”
“You’re so far off the mark,” Pearl uttered. “Anyway I’ll give him a call tomorrow. I’ve just had a calming green-tea facial, been wrapped in seaweed, had a massage, a manicure and pedicure. All of which did nothing to make me feel much better. Today’s not been real kind to me and I just don’t feel like talking to anyone, including Wade.”
“You received a rejection letter today.”
“Two,” Pearl corrected.
“Don’t let it get you down.”
“That’s easy for you to say.” Pearl sighed. “I just want this so badly.” Her misery was so acute, it was physical pain. “I don’t know if I can take any more rejection.”
“If you want this as badly as you say you do, Pearl, you’ll take these and more. Reaching your dreams isn’t always an easy road to travel. But you can’t give up.”
She gave a tiny smile. “I hear you, Paige. Most days I believe what you’re saying. Today…I don’t know. Today is just a hard one.”
“I’ll make you some chamomile tea. Not even a fancy spa can relax you like a cup of hot tea.”
Pearl walked over to her cousin and hugged her. “Thanks for the pep talk. I appreciate it.”
“I believe in you, Pearl. Don’t ever give up on your dreams.”
Pearl had just gotten into her pajamas when Paige brought the cup of hot tea into her bedroom.
Pearl sipped it while reading a passage of scripture from her Bible. She leaned back against the stack of pillows and sighed. Maybe I’m asking for too much, she silently considered.
In her heart, Pearl didn’t really believe that, but the way things were going she didn’t know what to think.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is sing. Lord, I know you gave me this voice for a reason. You gave me this dream for a reason. I’m waiting….”
Pearl yawned as she reread the passage of scripture. She could feel the tea working its magic through her system.
She closed her Bible, said a short prayer and crawled under the down comforter. Pearl closed her eyes and waited on sleep to overtake her. She was ready to get this day over with.
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