Pearl reluctantly tore her eyes away his muscular body. She didn’t want Wade to catch her staring so hungrily at him.
He moved about the living room, looked at the various photographs strewn about.
“Are these your parents?” Wade inquired.
“Yeah. They took that picture on their fifth wedding anniversary. I’ve always loved that picture. The way they’re looking at each other—that’s what I want. When a man looks at me that way, I’ll know he’s the one.”
“What do you suppose he’s thinking?”
“The man I’m destined to spend the rest of my life with…he’ll know.”
His gaze was as soft as a caress. “You and your sisters are very close,” Wade observed aloud.
“All you ever really have is family,” she murmured in response.
Wade was silent.
“Hey, you still with me?” Pearl prompted.
He glanced over at her and smiled, but she didn’t miss the troubled expression that was on his face just seconds earlier. “We should get going. Are you ready to leave?”
Pearl nodded. “I just need to get my coat. I have to tell you I’m really looking forward to seeing this play. I’ve heard some wonderful reviews.”
When they stepped onto the street, Wade reached over and took Pearl by the hand.
“I don’t want you to slip and fall,” he explained. “There was a light snowfall—enough for it to ice over.”
“You just wanted to hold my hand. Admit it.” The idea sent Pearl’s spirits soaring.
Wade laughed. “Get in the car.”
Throughout the play, something kept pulling Wade’s attention to Pearl.
He couldn’t keep from peering at her during the play. He reveled in her nearness. His body ached for her but he vowed to keep his desires under control. He had to practice what he preached no matter how much she tempted him.
It was easier to maintain his beliefs when he wasn’t seeing anyone, but with a woman as beautiful and as fine as Pearl, it was going to be a struggle. Wade felt heat radiating from his loins and shifted in his chair.
“God give me strength,” he prayed.
Pearl leaned over and whispered, “Did you say something?”
He couldn’t miss the soft floral scent as she pressed closer. “No. Just enjoying the play.”
She gave him one of her winning smiles before returning her attention to the stage.
At the end of the play, Wade stated, “Madea is an interesting character.”
“I love her.” Pearl wrapped her fuchsia-and-teal-colored scarf around her neck. “She loves her family. We have a couple of Madeas in my family. I think you met one of them—Aunt Becca.”
He remembered Becca Lockhart clearly. “She was the one who kept calling me Wayne.”
Pearl laughed. “Aunt Becca’s no joke though. She has no problem using the gun she carries in that purse. Even the gangbangers don’t mess with her.”
Wade didn’t comment. He sat there enjoying Pearl’s closeness. Deep down, he was at war. His mind told him to resist Pearl, but his body refused. The web of attraction building between them could no longer be ignored.
“You’re getting quiet on me again,” Pearl said, “Is something wrong?”
“No. I was just thinking about something.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“It’s not important.”
She didn’t comment further. They followed the crowd through the exit doors.
Wade drove Pearl back to the apartment and parked the car. They sat inside, talking.
“I had a good time, Wade. Thanks for taking me to the play.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” He paused for a moment before saying, “Pearl, like I told you earlier, it’s been a while since I’ve been involved with anyone. I’m not into casual relationships. I want you to know that.”
“Neither am I,” Pearl responded.
“I am looking for a woman I can settle down with,” Wade announced. “While I’m not rushing it, I do want to get married one day and have a family.”
She seemed to be peering at him intently. “I appreciate your honesty.”
“I know that you want to sing professionally and I think you should go after your dreams.”
“But…”
“But what?” Wade asked.
“I thought there was a but coming.” Grabbing her purse, Pearl stated, “Well, it’s getting late. I’d better go inside.” Pearl reached over, squeezing Wade’s hand. “I really had a nice time with you tonight.”
“I’d like to see you again, Pearl.”
“I’d really like that, too.” She shot him a megawatt smile that had him thinking all kinds of things.
Wade couldn’t get those thoughts out of his mind, even after he’d gotten home.
He was slowly losing his perspective where she was concerned. The more he tried to fight his feelings for her, the more they seemed to intensify.
Tonight, he’d practically told her that he was looking to be in a serious relationship. Wade wouldn’t be surprised if she never wanted to see him again. He’d probably scared her off.
He considered calling her and trying to explain, but decided against it. At the rate he was going, Wade worried that he’d blurt out a proposal.
Wade had never felt so connected to anyone the way he did with Pearl. But why Pearl? They were as different as night and day, yet they shared so much in common. It made absolutely no sense to him, but Wade knew that he felt incomplete whenever they weren’t together.
Wade felt happier than he’d been in a long time, but the fact that he and his mother weren’t on speaking terms put a damper on that happiness. It was almost Thanksgiving—a time when families came together.
He often wondered how his mother survived the holidays. Wade knew she missed his dad and brother, but what about him? Did she miss him, too?
He felt the familiar urge to call her, but resisted. His mother hated him and Wade couldn’t take the rejection anymore. Like his guilt, it was a wound that would never heal.
After Wade dropped her off, Pearl didn’t go up to her apartment. Instead she drove over to Opal’s.
Her sister was dressed for bed. “I’m sorry for coming over so late but I really need to talk to someone.” The words just rushed out of Pearl’s mouth.
She followed her sister into her family room and told her about her date.
“We have such a good time when we’re together. I really like him, Opal. I’m just not sure we should be dating.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t think it’s going to work out.”
But it didn’t change the fact that she was falling in love with Wade.
Pearl put a hand to her face. “Opal, what am I going to do? I’m not willing to give up my dream. Not even for Wade. I can’t be June Cleaver. That’s just not me.”
“I’ve never known you to just walk away without a fight,” Opal stated. “If you truly care for Wade, then you have to give the relationship a chance.”
“And get my heart broken?”
“How can you be so sure that’s the end result?”
Mixed feelings surged through Pearl. “Because I’m not cut out to be the first lady of a church. Opal, I’m a singer and if I get a recording contract, Wade is not going to be able to handle my long hours in studios, months on tour. He wants someone who’s more of a homebody like him.”
“Why don’t you let Pastor make that decision? He knows better than anyone what type of woman he wants to spend his life with.”
“I have to end it,” Pearl decided. “Before either of us gets hurt.”
Opal shook her head sadly. “So you’re going to just give up without a fight? Just like that, huh?”
Shrugging, Pearl muttered, “I don’t know what else to do.”
“Yes, you do,” Opal countered. “Follow your heart.”
When her sister started yawning, Pearl’s eyes darted to the clock on the wall. “It’s late.�
� She rose to her feet. “Go on back to bed. I’ll give you a call in the morning.”
“Think about what I’ve said, Pearl.”
“I will,” she promised.
Fifteen minutes later, Pearl was home in her apartment. She readied for bed, but she was still awake after an hour of soul-searching. She eventually gave up and climbed out of bed, leaving the room.
In the dimly lit apartment, Pearl slowly made her way to the library.
She turned on the lights and sat down at her keyboard. When she couldn’t sleep, she always came here to play. Music always had a way of soothing her spirit.
Tears in her eyes, Pearl played until she couldn’t control her sobbing. She mourned what could never be.
She and Wade had no chance of a future together.
Chapter 12
Wade tried to shake his thoughts of Pearl out of his head but was failing miserably. His growing feelings for her wouldn’t go away.
I care for her.
Despite his feelings, Wade had some doubts. He believed Pearl had strong feelings for him, as well, but could a relationship between them really work?
She wanted a recording contract. He needed a woman by his side in leadership of Lakeview Baptist Church in addition to being his wife and one day mother of his children.
Could he fully support her dreams while he put his own on hold when it came to marriage and family? Wade didn’t have the answer to that question.
Only time would tell.
But could they just go back to being Pastor and Youth-Choir Director after crossing that invisible line?
In Wade’s heart, he wanted more from Pearl.
Much more.
He and Pearl would take it one day at a time. They would enjoy every single moment of the time they had together, instead of dwelling on the future. If they truly cared for one another, nothing was impossible.
Still, he couldn’t forget the uneasy expression on Pearl’s face the night before when he spoke of his intentions. Wade needed to be sure of how she felt about him. There was a lot they needed to sort out.
He picked up the phone and dialed her cell phone.
When he heard the call being transferred to voice mail, Wade hung up. He made a mental note to try calling her later in the day.
A few minutes later, he heard voices outside his office.
Wade got up to see what was going on. He hadn’t expected anyone to be there since tomorrow was Thanksgiving. He discovered Pearl a few doors down with her models. She was running around with a clipboard in hand, checking on this and that, wearing the signature smile on her face that never dimmed.
Wade loved hearing her bubbly laugh and the way she interacted with the other members, young and old. She had a good heart and a very nurturing spirit.
She smiled when she saw him walking toward her.
“Barbara said it was okay for me to use the banquet room for practice this afternoon. We’re not going to be here long, Pastor. I just wanted to do a quick run-through before the fashion show on Saturday.”
“No problem.” Wade resisted the urge to stay and linger around her. He didn’t want to create any speculation surrounding his relationship with Pearl. When the time was right, they would let everyone know.
Reluctantly, he returned to his office. But he was so distracted he couldn’t get any work done.
Pearl suddenly appeared in the doorway. “Just wanted to let you know that we’re leaving.”
“Do you have a minute?”
“Sure.” She walked into the office and sat down in one of the visitor chairs facing him, her thin fingers tensed in her lap.
“Are you busy tonight?”
“Wade, I think we need to talk.”
There was a pensive shimmer in the shadow of Pearl’s eyes, prompting him to inquire, “About what?”
“What’s going on between us? I mean, what are we doing?”
His smile was genuine. “We’re dating.”
“I guess the more appropriate question is why are we dating?”
Her question set alarm bells ringing. Wade began wondering if he’d misread her actions. “I assumed we were attracted to one another.”
“We are,” Pearl confirmed. “I’m very attracted to you, Wade. I just worry that we’re not headed in the same direction. You know how much I love singing. That’s what I want to do. I want a record deal. I know that you want someone who will be the first lady of Lakeview. I’m not sure I’d qualify.”
“Pearl, we have no way of knowing what the future holds. Let’s just take this time to get to know each other. As I stated the other night, I’m not in a hurry to get married. I have some things in my own life that have to be worked out.”
Frowning, she asked, “You don’t have a wife hidden off somewhere, do you?”
“No. Nothing like that.”
“I don’t want to hurt you or be hurt.”
“I’d never deliberately hurt you, Pearl. We’ll take it one day at a time.”
Pearl wavered. She stirred uneasily in the chair.
“I care a great deal about you,” Wade stated. “I really want to explore a relationship with you.”
“I want the same thing. Really, I do.”
“You’ve asked me to trust you…well, I need you to trust me in this.”
“I can do that.”
Wade stood up. “I’m done here.” He looked over at Pearl asking, “Have you eaten?”
“Nope. I’m starved. Didn’t have breakfast this morning.”
“Have lunch with me?”
Pearl seemed more like herself—more relaxed. “Can I pick the place?”
He nodded. “Sure.”
“I’m driving,” she told him when they walked out of the building. “We’ll come back here for your car.”
“Hot dogs?” Wade inquired when Pearl parked in the parking lot of Charlie’s Coney Dog Empire. “You want a hot dog?”
“Coney dog,” Pearl corrected. “You’ve got to try a Coney dog, Wade. This is probably my favorite food.
“You work at one of the most expensive restaurants in Detroit and this is what you like to eat?”
“Just wait until you taste one,” Pearl responded.
Wade followed her into the restaurant and up to the counter. Turning to him, she asked, “Do you trust me?”
His arms encircled her. “Yes.”
She ordered, “Four with everything. Grill the onions please.”
They sat down on a couple of empty stools at the counter.
“Best seats in the house,” Pearl explained with a chuckle.
“If you’re ever in Chicago, you should try our hot dogs.”
“What’s so special about them?”
Wade grinned. “They’re delicious.”
“What’s on a Chicago hot dog? Mustard and ketchup?”
“No ketchup,” Wade responded. “Our buns aren’t plain like these—our hot dogs are beef and served on poppy-seed buns. We top them with mustard, onions, a pickle spear, tomato slices and you can’t forget the celery salt.”
“Celery salt? Sounds interesting, I’ll admit. I’ll have to try one.”
Their orders were placed in front of them.
Pearl took a bite of her Coney dog after Wade blessed the food. “I don’t think your Chicago dogs will come anywhere close to these.”
Wade wiped his mouth with his napkin. “This really isn’t bad.” He took another bite.
“I told you that you’d like them. They’re addictive. I have to have a Coney dog at least once a week. Paige calls them heart attacks on a bun.” She chuckled. “But they’re so worth the risk as far as I’m concerned.
“Do you miss Chicago?” Pearl asked between bites.
Wade shook his head. “Not really. I liked Gary much better, to tell the truth. And I love Detroit. At least as much of it as I’ve seen.”
“Wade, do you have plans for Thanksgiving?”
He shook his head. “I’ll probably go by Uncle Harold’s house.”
>
“Why don’t you consider having dinner with my family? We really have a good time when we get together. You saw us at the reunion.”
“Is your aunt Becca coming?”
Pearl nodded. “She’ll be there.”
He laughed. “What will you tell your family if I show up with you?”
“Well, if we’re going to be dating, there’s no reason to keep it a secret. We might as well make the announcement over dinner. Goes great with turkey, don’t you think?”
He cracked up with laughter. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“I have a few ideas but you’ll have to wait until we’re married.” Pearl glanced over at him. “I’m not trying to rush things, just so you know.”
“Relax,” Wade advised. “I can’t believe I’m telling you, of all people, to relax.”
“I can’t, either.” Pearl took another bite, chewing slowly.
“We’re still on for tonight, right? Say around five?”
She nodded. “I enjoy spending time with you.”
Wade reached over and cupped her face in his hand, holding it gently. “I feel the same way.”
“So what do you have planned for tonight?”
He gave a slight shrug. “I thought we could take in a movie, but I’m open to suggestions.”
“A movie sounds good,” Pearl responded. “We can even rent one and watch it at my apartment.”
“Will Paige mind my being there?”
“She’s in Atlanta. She’ll be home later tonight.”
When they finished their lunch, Pearl drove Wade back to the church.
He leaned toward her, his lips brushed against hers. “Thanks for lunch. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Enjoy the rest of your day.”
His eyes met her gaze for a moment, then his mouth covered hers hungrily.
Wade pulled away, his calm shattered.
“Bring those sexy lips of yours for tonight when we’re alone,” Pearl said. Flashing him a smile, she added, “I’ll be sure to put on plenty of lip balm. You’re a great kisser.”
Shaking his head, Wade uttered, “What am I going to do with you?”
“If I told you, you’d have to marry me.”
Pearl changed her outfit five times. She eyed her reflection in the mirror, frowning. “I don’t want to wear this. It’s too sexy. I don’t want to start fires I can’t put out.”
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