The Pastor's Woman

by Jacquelin Thomas

  Maybe tomorrow would bring better news.

  It was her prayer.

  Pearl was still in a funky mood the next day when she woke up.

  Wade called her shortly after 10:00 a.m. “I left a message for you to call me back last night,” he told her as soon as she picked up the phone.

  “Good morning to you, too.”

  “I apologize. Good morning, Pearl.”

  She wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries, so she asked, “What did you need?”

  “Are you available for lunch around noon?”

  Pearl opened her mouth in surprise. Wade was asking her out on a date. A real date. Her heart sang with delight.

  “Pearl,” he prompted, “did you hear me?”

  “Yeah. Sure.”

  “Perfect. Let’s meet at Stonewood Grille.”

  She was still in shock. Pearl couldn’t believe Wade had asked her out. Just the thought brought out a tiny smile. “I’ll be there.”

  “I look forward to seeing you then.”

  They hung up.

  It had been a struggle for Pearl to keep her feelings for Wade hidden, but now she didn’t have to. They would be dating.

  Humming, Pearl felt blissfully happy hours later as she strolled out of the apartment, on her way to meet Wade.

  Chapter 10

  Wade spied Pearl the moment she walked through the doors of Stonewood Grille. She saw him and waved, then made her way over to join him.

  He stood up as she approached. “Thanks for meeting me, Pearl.”

  She sat down into the chair he’d pulled out for her. When he was seated, she said, “Wade, I have to admit that after our conversation the other night, I’m not totally surprised to be here. We’ve come a long way in a really short time.”

  He was confused by her statement. “I felt we needed to talk.”

  She was watching him intently. “You’re right. We do.”

  Wade had a strong feeling that they weren’t talking about the same thing. He decided to make his intentions clear. “Pearl, the reason I asked you here is to discuss the upcoming fashion show.”

  She hesitated, blinking with bafflement. “Excuse me?”

  “I thought we could discuss the upcoming fashion show. I realize that you’ve worked hard on it, but—”

  Pearl interrupted him, saying, “You invited me here to discuss the fashion show? Why didn’t you just say that on the telephone?”

  She looked irritated, so Wade said, “I’m not sure I understand why you’re upset.” Then it hit him. She thought this was a date.

  Wade cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to mislead you in any way.”

  “You really have a high opinion of yourself,” she huffed. “Don’t you? You just automatically assume this is about you.” Pearl stopped her tirade when the waiter appeared.

  Wade was grateful for the temporary reprieve, but he couldn’t help feeling bad when he caught a glimpse of sadness in Pearl’s eyes.

  Wade hadn’t meant to embarrass her or cause her pain.

  She had never been more humiliated.

  Lashing out to hide her embarrassment, she snapped, “Let’s just get this over with. I assume there must be a problem with the fashion show.” Her lips thinned with irritation. “What’s wrong now?”

  “I thought maybe we should discuss what’s considered appropriate for the show since it is a church event.”

  “Are you kidding me?” she blurted. “I picked every single piece of clothing out myself.”

  “Pearl, I’m feeling this tension between us,” Wade began. “Let’s just forget the fashion show for the time being. I think we should talk about whatever is bothering you.”

  Pearl shot a commanding look at him. “I’m fine, Pastor.”

  “Are you sure?”

  They stared at each other across a sudden ringing silence.

  Pearl nodded. “Look, Pastor, I’ve been coordinating this fashion show for the past four years, and nobody has ever complained…except you.” She hadn’t meant to sound so snappish but she wasn’t in a very good mood right now.

  “The clothes arrived yesterday,” Wade announced after a tense moment. “Why don’t we go over to the church after lunch to make sure you have everything? This designer is a close friend of yours, I understand.”

  She nodded. “Sienne and I went to high school together.”

  When their food arrived, Pearl found she didn’t have much of an appetite. She pushed her fish from side to side with her fork.

  “Something wrong with your food?”

  “No, it’s fine.”

  He was still watching her, concern evident in his eyes.

  “Wade, I’m sorry for snapping at you. It was wrong.”

  “You’re obviously upset. I’m sorry if I—”

  Pearl held up a hand to stop him. “It’s nothing.”

  After lunch she followed Wade over to the church in her car, silently chiding herself for her behavior. She was so ashamed of acting like a spurned woman. But she’d had enough rejection already.

  Barbara did a double take when she saw her walk in with Wade.

  “Pearl, what are you doing here?” she asked. “I thought choir practice was held in the evenings.”

  Pearl refused to let Barbara upset her further. Pearl released a deep cleansing breath, then explained, “I’m just here to check on the stuff for the fashion show.”

  She stood up. “I’ll help you. There are some pretty pieces in there. I can’t wait for Marnie to see them. They’re just her style.”

  Barbara was still trying to bait her into an argument, but Pearl wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction.

  Wade unlocked the door across the hall from his office and pushed the door open.

  Pearl walked in. “I need to do an inventory to make sure I have everything.”

  “Need any help?”

  “I’m sure Sister Barbara has enough to do. I can manage.”

  “I was talking about me. I don’t mind helping you for a little while.”

  Wade’s offer surprised Pearl. “You want to help me with inventory? Why?”

  “You have a lot of stuff here. I thought you could use the help.”

  “If you’re sure you want to do this,” Pearl stated with a slight shrug. “You don’t have to, but I appreciate the help.”

  “Let’s get started,” he suggested.

  Picking up a dress on a hanger, Pearl fingered the silken material.

  Sienne was a gifted designer who’d worked for Jean Paul Gaultier until recently striking out with her own designs. Her clothing was beautiful and very well made. Pearl was truly happy for her friend’s success, but she also felt a wave of disappointment.

  Lord, what do I have to do? All I’ve ever wanted to do was sing for Your glory. Why can’t I catch a break?

  Wade held up a halter top. “This is what I’m talking about. It’s a—”

  “I know what it is,” Pearl snapped. “And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. I wear them all the time.”

  He shot her a penetrating look.

  “I can’t believe you’re such a prude. Wade, it’s a shirt.”

  “It’s half a shirt the way I see it,” he countered.

  “It’s all in how you wear it. You don’t know a thing about fashion. I mean, look at you,” she fussed. “You don’t wear anything that isn’t blue, black or brown. If you’re feeling a little wild, you might throw in some gray. How boring is that, Wade? This fashion show is about taking risks. You wouldn’t know a thing about that.”

  Wade eyed her. “Pearl, I know something is going on with you. What’s with the bad mood?” he asked. “Does this have to do with lunch?”

  She sank down in a nearby chair. “No, Wade. This doesn’t have anything to do with lunch. This has everything to do with the fact that you have absolutely no trust in me.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I know what I’m doing, Wade!”

  “I’m s
ure you know quite a bit about fashion. As you stated, I don’t keep up with the latest trends, but I know my outdated fashion sense has nothing to do with the real reason you’re upset. Pearl, will you please talk to me?”

  “I’m starting to feel like I’m wasting my time with the music,” she blurted. After a brief pause, she continued. “I got two rejection letters yesterday, Wade.”

  “I’m sorry,” he offered. “But, Pearl, this is your dream. You can’t walk away from this.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want to quit, but how long can I keep dreaming?”

  Wade checked his watch. “I have a meeting in half an hour.” He looked over at her. “Pearl, do you have any plans tonight?”

  “More talk on the fashion show?”

  He shook his head. “No, this is strictly social. I have tickets to see Tyler Perry’s new play. Would you like to go with me?”

  She considered his offer a moment. “Wade, you don’t have to do this. I’m a big girl.”

  “This is not out of pity. Pearl, I’d really like you to go with me. It’s been on my mind for a few days but I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it. I know I’m not your favorite person.”

  Disconcerted, she crossed her arms and looked away. “I wouldn’t say that exactly.”

  “So what about it?”

  “No talk about church, politics or fashion?” Pearl asked. “I want to go out and just have a good time.”

  “I promise none of those subjects will come up tonight.”

  She smiled. “What time should I meet you?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to pick you up.”

  “Like a date?”

  Wade laughed. “This is a date. Isn’t it? It’s been a while for me so I’m a little out of practice.”

  “We don’t even want to go there,” she replied with a chuckle. Pearl gave Wade directions to her house.

  “I’ll pick you up at six,” he told her. “The play starts at seven-thirty.”

  “See you then.” Pearl picked up her purse. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”

  “You do the same,” he responded. “And, Pearl, don’t give up on your dreams. Seek God first and He will give you the desires of your heart according to His riches in glory. Stand on that promise.”

  “Thanks, Wade. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Barbara was standing outside the office when she walked out. Pearl couldn’t resist asking, “Oh, did you need to see Pastor?”

  “No, I, uh, was just checking to see if you needed my help with anything.”

  “Thank you so much for offering, Sister Barbara, but I have everything under control.”

  Pearl wondered how much of their conversation the nosy secretary actually heard. She didn’t want rumors flying all over the church about her and Wade.

  “Pearl, dear, have you met my niece? She’s a doctor, you know.”

  “I met her when I was at the hospital visiting with Paige.”

  “Why don’t you invite my niece for lunch? I’d like for her to get to know you and your sisters.”

  “After the holidays, I’ll try to plan something,” Pearl stated.

  “Don’t forget now.”

  “I won’t,” Pearl responded. Not that you’d ever let me, she added silently. She wondered why Barbara wanted her to hook up with her niece.

  “Have a blessed day,” Barbara called out as Pearl made her way to the door.

  “You, too,” Pearl responded back. She was pretty sure that Barbara had overheard her conversation with Wade. Pearl suddenly understood what her mother meant when she used to say, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

  “Did I just hear her correctly, Pastor?” Barbara queried. “Did Pearl Lockhart say she was seeing you tonight?”

  “That’s correct.” Wade waited for his secretary to comment further. He knew Barbara wouldn’t leave it at that.

  “She’s a nice young lady…” Barbara glanced over her shoulder before adding in a loud whisper, “A little on the wild side, if you ask me. Now, my Marnie…my niece is a little more conservative. That Pearl’s been after you for a while. I knew it the Sunday she strutted in church with that short leather skirt on. Pastor, you did the right thing when you had her legs covered up. Now, my Marnie…she’d never do something like that. She’s not aggressive like that and she definitely don’t go around chasing down no man.”

  “Sister Barbara, thank you for your concern, but it’s not necessary. I’ve spent time with Pearl and I consider her a friend.” Wade hoped that his words would put an end to the conversation. He didn’t want to be rude or hurt Barbara’s feelings.

  “Pastor, I’m not trying to tell you your business…but just be careful. ‘A man that findeth a wife findeth a good thing.’ That’s what the Bible says. You know, Marnie is stopping by shortly. I’ll make sure she comes to say hello to you.”

  Wade wasn’t totally surprised that Marnie hadn’t told her aunt about their conversation. He suspected there was much Barbara didn’t know about her niece.

  Checking his watch, Wade said, “I have a conference call scheduled to start shortly, so please hold all my calls.”

  Barbara strolled through the open door. “I’ll make sure you’re not disturbed, Pastor.”

  That includes Marnie, Wade added silently.

  From what he knew of Barbara, he wouldn’t be a bit surprised if she had Marnie sit and wait for the conference call to end. Wade checked his watch a second time.

  He had enough time to call the florist and have some flowers delivered to Pearl. Wade hoped they would cheer her up. She looked so discouraged over the rejection letters.

  Wade decided on a bouquet of exotic orchids and high-end chocolates. He was confident that she would be pleased by his selections.

  “Pearl,” he whispered, “I may not know fashion, but I do know flowers and chocolate.”

  Chapter 11

  Their first date.

  She and Wade were actually going on a real date. Pearl exhaled a long sigh of contentment. She couldn’t wait for tonight. She had all kinds of hopes and expectations for the evening.

  The doorbell sounded, breaking into her thoughts.

  When she opened the door, she was met by a delivery man holding a gorgeous display of orchids and a gift-wrapped package.

  “Miss Pearl Lockhart?”

  Her body stiffened in shock. “These are for me?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  She took the items from him and handed him a few dollars she had in her pocket.

  Who had sent her flowers? They had to be from Paige or her sisters, she decided. Probably to cheer her up.

  She gasped when she saw Wade had sent them. Pearl’s eyes grew wet as she read the note of encouragement.

  This is why I’m falling for him.

  Shaking her head, Pearl whispered, “What am I doing? I can’t think about Wade like this. He’s the pastor of my church. He’s stuffy. It just wouldn’t work out. I don’t see how it can.”

  She burst into laughter suddenly. “I can’t believe I’m talking to myself. I’m losing my mind.” Pearl knew she needed to stop making excuses for why a relationship between her and Wade wouldn’t work. She cared for the man and was going on a date with him in a few hours.

  Pearl glanced over at the flowers and the box of chocolates she’d unwrapped. Clearly, Wade felt something for her, as well. But even without all that, she could tell he was attracted to her. She only had to look into those expressive eyes of his.

  Wade didn’t wear his feelings on his sleeve the way she did, but Pearl could catch glimpses from time to time whenever he let his guard down, which wasn’t often. There were times she felt as if Wade wanted to open up to her, but for whatever reason couldn’t.

  “There’s nothing you can’t share with me,” she whispered. “I just need you to trust me. Trust me with your heart.”

  Pearl repeated the words. “Trust me…trust me with your heart.” She ran into the library, straight
to her keyboard.

  She began playing, adding the lyrics to a song that had been floating around in her head for the past couple of days. “Trust me with your heart….”

  She didn’t stop until hours later when the phone rang. It was Paige calling to let her know that she’d arrived safely in Atlanta. She’d gone to spend a few days with Lyman.

  “So what are you doing tonight besides watching the game?” Paige asked.

  “I won’t be home,” Pearl responded. “I’m taping it to watch when I get back. I’m going to see Tyler Perry’s new play.”

  “You going alone?”

  “No,” Pearl answered, “I’m going with Wade.”

  Paige gasped in surprise, prompting Pearl to burst into laughter.

  “I told you,” Paige managed to say, “you and Pastor have a thing for each other.”

  “It’s one date.”

  “Pearl, be honest with me. You really like him. Don’t you?”

  “Yeah,” she confessed. “It’s something about him. Wade is nothing like any man I’ve ever dated.” Pearl chuckled before adding, “That’s a good thing.”

  “I think you guys make a cute couple. I hope it works out between you two.”

  “I’m not looking that far ahead,” Pearl responded. “After tonight, Wade or I could decide we don’t want anything other than friendship.”

  “Somehow, I seriously doubt that,” Paige uttered. “You’d have to be blind not to see the chemistry between you and Pastor.”

  “Really? Is it that obvious?”

  “Why do you think we’ve been trying to push you two together, Pearl?”

  “Still, I’m not going to get my hopes up.” Pearl glanced over at the clock. “Girl, I need to get off this phone. I need to get ready for my date.”

  “Have fun, Pearl. Call me tomorrow and give me all the details.”

  Two hours later, Wade rang the doorbell, exactly on time.

  “You look beautiful,” he said when she let him in.

  “You don’t look too shabby, either.” Pearl pointed to the multicolored sweater he wore. “I can’t believe you’re wearing something other than black, blue or brown.” Her mouth broadened in approval. “I’m proud of you.”