Delilah

by Shelia M. Goss

  Michael counted and a few minutes later Calvin yelled, “Domino.”

  Samson did a little dance move in his chair. “Who’s the man?”

  “Y’all want a chance to redeem yourselves?” Calvin beat on his chest.

  “They can’t handle the dynamic duo,” Samson said.

  Michael pulled out a deck of cards from his pocket. “Spades is my game. Anybody down?”

  Samson looked at Calvin. “Might as well beat them at spades too.”

  “Let’s do this,” Calvin said.

  During the course of the game, several of the men brought up Delilah’s name. Samson’s guilt ate at him. He did his best to refrain from commenting.

  Michael said, “Samson, no disrespect, but if I were a single man, I don’t think I could resist her.”

  “I’m not single; I’m getting married Saturday.” Samson switched from friend mode to pastor mode. “And if you were single, I would have to counsel you against committing fornication.”

  One of the deacons said, “I guess he told you.’”

  The men laughed. The chatter among them went back and forth. Many would be surprised at the openness between Samson and some of the men in his congregation. Although he was their pastor now, he grew up with some of the men, so they were used to being open with him on their views. He didn’t always agree with them, and he had no problem letting them know it, either.

  Samson ended up having a good time at his bachelor party. Delilah didn’t cross his mind again until he was getting ready to leave. Samson approached Calvin and said, “Man, I want to thank you for everything.”

  “That’s why I’m the best man,” Calvin said.

  “Seriously, I was about to run over to your house until you stopped me.”

  “Michelle hasn’t called me, so I’m sure everything is fine.”

  “Julia hasn’t called me either.”

  “I’m headed home. Tomorrow’s another long day. We have the rehearsal dinner. I plan on sleeping late, so don’t call me before ten.”

  “I’ll be tied up in court all day, so I’ll talk to you tomorrow at rehearsal.”

  “Thank you, Lord, for allowing this night to end drama-free,” Samson said out loud, although in the back of his mind he knew at any moment Delilah could say to Julia or his mom something that would change his night. He tried not to think of anything negative as he drove straight home.

  Chapter 17

  Delilah’s face seemed frozen with the fake smile she wore the entire night. As much as she hated to admit it, Julia could have made a good friend under different circumstances. But life handed them different roles to play, and unknowingly, Julia was her enemy. She’s the one who had Samson’s heart, and she was the one he would vow to love until death.

  Julia read a card that Kelly had given her from Samson. The women were oohing and ahhing at the sweet words written on it. Tears formed in the corners of Delilah’s eyes at the thought of losing Samson forever.

  “It is touching isn’t it,” Elaine said sarcastically to Delilah.

  Lord, I’m trying to be good, but if this heifer says one more word to me, I’m going to snatch that low-grade yaki hair off her head. Delilah tried to ignore Elaine and continued to watch Julia open her presents.

  Julia held Delilah’s gift in her hands. “Who’s this from?” she asked as she removed the pretty pink ribbon from the pink Victoria’s Secret box.

  Michelle read the card. “It’s from Delilah.”

  Delilah smiled. Julia removed the pink tissue paper and held up the black and red laced lingerie. A few women said, “Sexy. I like it.”

  “Women should pick out their own lingerie,” Dorothy said, not once taking her eyes off Delilah.

  “Ms. Dorothy, this is a bridal party,” Michelle said. “I know when Calvin and I got married, I got some of the cutest lingerie, stuff I wouldn’t dare buy for myself but was glad I got.”

  “Me too. Michael never knows what I’ll be wearing when he comes home at night,” Michael’s wife said.

  “I don’t know a man who can resist a woman who wears something like that,” Delilah said.

  “Listen to her, honey, ’cause you know she has a lot of experience with men,” Kelly said.

  If Kelly wasn’t Samson’s mother, Delilah would have walked up to her and slapped the taste out of her mouth, but she kept quiet. The rest of the gift-opening occurred without any snide remarks. Julia stood up afterward and said, “I want to thank you all for coming and for the wonderful gifts. I’m overjoyed right now.”

  Some of the women went to Julia and hugged her. Delilah remained seated. The doorbell rang. “That must be Calvin. He must have forgotten his key,” Michelle said. She left the area to go answer the door. “Who are you?” Delilah heard Michelle ask.

  A male voice responded, “I’m here for Julia Rivers.”

  “Who is it?” Dorothy asked.

  Delilah wished Dorothy would mind her own business. She sat down and watched everyone’s reaction when a man walked in wearing a pair of tight jeans, a cowboy hat, and no shirt.

  “One time for the rodeo,” someone shouted as the male dancer started putting on a show.

  “Who’s responsible for this?” Dorothy asked Michelle responded, “I don’t know, but I need to thank them because brother man got it going on.”

  “Ladies, this is inappropriate behavior for Christian women. We should not be partaking in this foolishness,” Kelly said.

  The dancer took that opportunity to shake his body in front of Kelly as some of the women stuffed his shorts with dollar bills. Delilah rolled over with laughter when Kelly almost fainted.

  The male dancer collected money as Dorothy and Kelly looked on with disgust. Julia seemed reserved, but she slipped the dancer a few dollars when she didn’t think Kelly was watching her. Delilah even participated in the fun. She should have, since she was paying for the dancer to be there.

  “Ladies, looks like I came in just in time,” Calvin said from the living room entryway. Michael stood beside him.

  The male dancer took that as his cue to leave. He grabbed the money and his clothes. Michelle said to her husband, “Baby, we’re wrapping things up now.”

  “I see,” Calvin said, with a raised eyebrow.

  Delilah grabbed her purse and followed the dancer outside so she could pay him the money she promised.

  “I’ll walk you out,” Michael said to Delilah.

  “Sure, but your wife might get jealous.” Delilah twisted out of the room.

  The male dancer waited near Delilah’s car. “Good job. Here’s your money. Thanks for the entertainment.” She handed him an envelope.

  He moved closer to her. “The party don’t have to stop. We can take it to your place.”

  She pushed him away. “I don’t think so. I’m a Christian woman, and I don’t do dancers.”

  He retreated. “Your loss, baby. I got another show to do anyway. I’m out of here.”

  Delilah threw up two fingers. “Peace.”

  “It figures she would be trying to get with that dancer,” Delilah heard one of the women from Julia’s party say to another.

  She turned around to face them. “Y’all better be glad I’m saved because the old me would have commenced to throw down.” Delilah didn’t wait for a response. She hit the car alarm button and slid into her driver’s seat.

  When driving away, she eased her car as close as she could to the women. They both jumped. Delilah laughed and sped away.

  Chapter 18

  Tensions were flying high the entire day. Samson found himself putting out one fire after another. If it wasn’t one of his church members calling and needing prayer, it was his mother or Julia calling with last-minute wedding changes. Elaine had taken off early to go get her hair done, so he was left answering the phone.

  “Thought you could use some relaxation,” Delilah said as she entered his office carrying a white Styrofoam plate. “I come bearing food.”

  Samson hadn’t eaten al
l day. “You didn’t have to bring me anything.”

  “I figured all the women in your life would be busy getting ready for your big day.” She opened up the plate. It was filled with baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, and corn bread.

  Samson couldn’t resist the food. Delilah sat and watched him as he devoured the food. “This was right on time,” he said as he ate the last bite of greens.

  “I aim to please.”

  “Thank you for behaving yourself at the bridal shower last night.”

  “Samson, I love you. I would not do anything to deliberately hurt you.” Delilah’s eyes twinkled.

  “We can be friends. I won’t be able to talk to you like I talk to you now, but when we see each other, we can be cordial.”

  “I am on your Pastor’s Aide committee, so we’ll still have a lot to discuss.”

  “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. Maybe you should resign from the committee.”

  Delilah looked worried. “Please don’t kick me off the committee. You’ll never find another member more committed to your cause than me,” Delilah pleaded.

  “That’s not what I was going to say. I just think you should let Ms. Dorothy or Michelle handle reporting stuff to me from now on.”

  Delilah twisted around in her seat. “You’re afraid to be alone with me, aren’t you?”

  Samson didn’t respond. “Delilah, you know our history.”

  She leaned forward. “I promise to behave as long as you do.” She winked.

  “I dropped by to bring you lunch, but it seems someone else beat me to it,” Julia said, entering the room. She placed the brown paper bag on the nearest table in Samson’s office.

  “Hello to you too, Julia,” Delilah said.

  “Why is it every time I turn around, I find her here?” Julia looked directly at Samson.

  Samson stuttered, “What had happened was, I was working. Delilah decided to drop me off something to eat. That’s it.”

  He stood up and hugged Julia. Her arms remained to her side. Delilah leaned back in her chair with a smug look on her face.

  “Jules—I can call you Jules, can’t I?—there’s no need for you to be jealous. You’re the best woman, remember?” Delilah assured her.

  “I don’t like the sight of this one bit,” Julia said, obviously frustrated from the tone of her voice.

  “Delilah’s been having a hard time lately. She needed some advice,” Samson lied. He looked at Delilah and with his eyes tried to tell her to help back him up.

  Julia placed her arm around his waist. “When we get married, this spiritual counseling needs to cease.”

  Samson knew Julia didn’t care for Delilah, but he was not too fond of the jealous streak his fiancée possessed. His church had more women members than men, and on any given day some would need counseling. He wondered if Julia would have the same possessive spirit with those women. Besides, he only agreed to counsel Delilah so he could keep tabs on her. He felt as long as Delilah got to spend a little time with him, she would be satisfied and wouldn’t resort to ruining his world by revealing their affair. He would not allow Julia to interfere with his plans.

  “Julia, this isn’t open for discussion.” Samson then addressed Delilah. “Delilah, thanks for the lunch. I hope I solved your problem. If you don’t mind, I need to speak with my fiancée alone.”

  Delilah eased out of her chair at a slow pace. “The next time I see you two, you’ll be walking down the aisle.”

  “You’re coming to the wedding?” Julia asked.

  “Of course. I wouldn’t miss seeing my two favorite people tie the knot. Tootles,” Delilah said as she sashayed out the room.

  “I have to pray every night for God to forgive me for the evil thoughts that run through my mind concerning that woman,” Julia said.

  “Baby, you have to get past this. There will be plenty of women who need my spiritual guidance.” Samson moved and sat down behind his desk.

  Julia sat on the corner of his desk. “She just rubs me the wrong way. I used to not have a problem with her, but this crush she has on you seems to be more than just a crush.”

  “She can’t help it. I am kind of cute, don’t you think?” Samson hoped his joking would ease the tension between them. “Forget Delilah, baby. In less than twenty-four hours, you are going to be Mrs. Judges, and I can’t wait.”

  “You still have time to back out, and I won’t be mad at you,” Julia said. Her eyes didn’t reflect the words that came out of her mouth.

  “God has sent me a treasure in you. Julia Rivers, the day I marry you will be the happiest day of my life.” Samson took her hand in his and kissed the back of it.

  “It’s hard to tell when every time I turn around, Delilah is up in your face and you seem oblivious to what she wants. Then again, maybe you enjoy the attention.” Julia jerked her hand away.

  “Julia, don’t be like that.” Samson didn’t attempt to reach for her hand. “Delilah has issues, but you don’t have to worry about me and her.”

  “I don’t trust her.” Julia stood and folded her arms.

  Samson walked up to her and looked her directly in the eyes. “Forget Delilah. The question is, Do you trust me?”

  Julia tilted her head. “Should I?”

  “Of course,” Samson responded.

  “Yes, Samson, I trust you, okay?”

  Without saying a word, Samson wrapped his arms around Julia. She was unable to see the look of relief on Samson’s face.

  Chapter 19

  Delilah dragged herself out of bed Saturday morning. As much as she pretended to be okay with Samson’s upcoming nuptials, she wasn’t. If only she had met him before he got engaged to Julia, both of their lives could be different.

  Keisha would never understand her fascination with Samson. His TV ministry is what saved her life. She wanted what he talked about on the screen week after week. One day she retrieved her grandmother’s Bible from her attic. After wiping off the dust, she started reading chapter after chapter. No matter how long it took, she was determined to read it from beginning to end.

  Her mind marveled at how many times God forgave people in the Bible for doing stupid things. Her personal turning point came one Sunday morning when Samson preached about Rahab. Delilah turned her Bible to the scriptures and read Rahab’s story. She forgot all about her original reason for attending Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church and walked down in front of the altar and joined the church that Sunday.

  She’d never forget the day she decided to give her life to Christ, nor would she forget the man responsible for it. Samson was part of her destiny but, unfortunately, not entirely the way she wanted him to be.

  Delilah peeked at the clock. The wedding would be in three hours. She needed at least an hour to get ready. She wouldn’t be the one getting married, but she could guarantee she would look just as good as the bride, if not better. Over an hour later, Delilah stood in front of the full-length mirror and admired her knee-length, white satin dress trimmed in lace and pearls. Delilah loved her appearance. She placed the matching hat on and adjusted it so the ringlets from her hair wouldn’t fall in her face.

  She located the new pair of shoes she bought from DFW and put them on. The crystal five-inch heels made her legs look even slimmer. She grabbed her designer clutch and set out for Peaceful Rest Missionary Baptist Church.

  Delilah wanted to be early, but it appeared others had the same idea. She circled the parking lot several times to find an available parking place. She admired her face in the rearview mirror and reapplied her lipstick. Satisfied with her looks, she made her way to the church entranceway.

  “Hello, Sister Delilah,” one of the ushers said as he handed her a wedding program.

  “Good afternoon,” she responded.

  She took the wedding program and followed the sound of the music coming from the main sanctuary. She stopped short of the doors to sign the guest book. With the program tucked under her arm, she went inside. The pews we
re embellished with an array of pink and white flowers. Delilah asked, “Which side should friends of the groom sit on?”

  The male usher responded, “The right.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be sitting on the right.” Delilah smiled and walked around him.

  She saw some of the women from Pastor’s Aide sitting on the bride’s side of the church. She waved and found a seat near the front. “Ma’am, we’re going to have to ask you to move to this next pew. This pew is for immediate family only.”

  Delilah pretended not to be embarrassed. “I have to go to the restroom anyway,” she said.

  Instead of going in the direction of the restroom, Delilah headed toward the pastor’s study. The usher directing her to change seats was all the nudge she needed to seek out Samson. She wanted to see if she could talk him out of marrying Julia.

  “Oh, no you don’t,” Calvin said as he jumped in front of her, causing them to collide.

  “Last time I checked we were free to walk the halls.”

  “Samson told me all about you. This is his day, and you, Ms. Delilah, will not spoil it. So turn around.” He used his hands and turned her around in the opposite direction of Samson’s office.

  “But I need to talk to him. It’s important.”

  “He doesn’t have time to talk to you right now. Whatever problem you have, call the office.”

  “Who made you his gatekeeper?”

  “I did, when I took on the role of best man. And as his best man, I feel you’re up to no good. He doesn’t need this type of drama on his wedding day.”

  “This is not right. I should be able to talk to my pastor.”

  “You can, just not today,” Calvin responded.

  No matter how much Delilah protested, Calvin had a response. By now, she was back near the door. He held it open for her. “See you after the wedding,” he smiled.

  She re-entered the sanctuary and located a seat near the aisle. She retrieved her cell phone and sent a few text messages back and forth with Keisha as she waited for the ceremony to begin. She held out hope that Samson had changed his mind since it was thirty minutes past the time the wedding was supposed to start.