Delilah

by Shelia M. Goss

  “No, baby. I’m talking about the bill. You ordered about fifteen dollars worth of stuff.”

  “Uh, you got me confused with some of those other women. Delilah doesn’t pay for anything when she goes out with a man. So call one of your other chicks. Do whatever you have to do, but the meal is on you, boo.” Delilah pushed her chair away from the table and left.

  “You can’t leave me with the bill,” Luther yelled.

  “I just did,” Delilah said, as she walked away.

  Luther could be heard shouting out obscenities. Delilah increased her pace as she walked to her car. She slid down into her seat as Luther walked past. Once he was out of clear view, she cut out of the parking lot.

  Delilah was pulling out on Youree Drive when she received a phone call from Keisha. Delilah immediately recounted what occurred at lunch.

  “Girl, you and these men,” Keisha said.

  “It’s not like you have any better luck.”

  “But we’re not talking about me right now. We’re talking about you.” Keisha laughed.

  Delilah laughed as well. “It was funny. You should have seen the expression on his face. Pretty boy got stuck with the check.” Delilah’s phone beeped. She glanced at the screen. “Girl, that’s him now. He must be crazy if he thinks I’m taking his calls after the stunt he just pulled.”

  “You need to answer it because I’m curious to know what he has to say for himself.”

  “Hold on.” Delilah clicked over. “Hello.”

  “You know you wrong,” Luther said.

  “Baby boy, I don’t know what kind of women you’re used to dating, but I’m old school. When a man invites a woman out, he pays. End of story.”

  “I had to use some of my rent money to pay for that meal. You owe me eighteen dollars and fifty-seven cents.”

  “Did Calvin put you up to this? Tell him the joke stopped being funny a long time ago.”

  “Calvin? What’s he got to do with this? I’m talking about you. You owe me some money.”

  “Get it from your brother-in-law; he’s the big-shot lawyer. Now please forget my number and don’t call me no more.” Delilah clicked back over to her other line. “Girl, that fool got issues. What got me is he had it down to the penny.”

  Delilah soon ended her call with Keisha. She thought about Samson. Her attempt to forget him and move on didn’t work. Luther was not the man to help her get over Samson. She walked into Trusts Enterprise.

  “Look who graced us with her presence,” the main receptionist said.

  “Hi, Ms. Piggee,” Delilah said with a smile on her face. She laughed inside because the receptionist lived up to her name literally. She was the company’s busybody, yet people always told her their business. A couple of times Delilah even found herself confessing some things of her own to the fifty-something-year-old woman.

  “Mr. Trusts got you working a special assignment, I hear. So what have you been up to?”

  Delilah looked at her watch. It was after two. “It’s coming along, but I’ve run into a few obstacles.”

  “Well, he’s not here, if you came to see him. He’s out of the office meeting with some contractors about plans for the new shopping center.”

  “Oh, that’s fine. I came to get something out of my desk,” Delilah lied. She really did want to see William. Her purse held a cashier’s check for all the money he had given her. After going home the night before and praying, she realized bringing Samson down would not benefit her any. He was too nice of a man and didn’t deserve it. Besides, Delilah wanted to make a last-ditch effort to get back in God’s good graces. William would have to get his property another way. She would not be a pawn in his game.

  Delilah left Trusts Enterprise and made it to her four o’clock appointment with Samson just in the nick of time.

  “What are you doing here?” Elaine asked Delilah.

  Delilah looked at her watch. “I have an appointment with Pastor Judges.”

  Elaine thumbed through her planner. “I don’t see it here.”

  “Well, you need to check with him because I’m not going anywhere until I see the pastor.” Delilah sat down in the chair and crossed her legs.

  “Look, your shenanigans might work with men, but they don’t have any effect on me.”

  Delilah shifted in her seat. “Elaine, you don’t like me, and I don’t like you, and that’s fine because I’m not here to see you. So unless you’re telling me Samson’s ready to see me, I suggest you don’t say anything else to me.” Delilah emphasized the word “me” each time she said it.

  Elaine stood up behind her desk. “Let me get the pastor so you can get out of my space.”

  Delilah was tired of the catfighting between her and Elaine. “Yes, please do. You’re a secretary, so do your job.”

  Elaine blurted out, “Lord Jesus, please stop me from saying something to this heathen in my office.”

  Delilah was steaming inside. It took every ounce of patience for her not to get up and snatch the two-week-old weave out of Elaine’s head. She counted to ten inside of her hand and patted her shoe on the floor while twitching in her seat. She was on a mission to get back not only in God’s good graces, but in Samson’s as well. She would not get distracted by the likes of Elaine.

  Chapter 32

  “Man, let me go,” Samson said to Calvin, who was on the other end of the phone. “I hear some commotion going on outside my office.”

  Elaine burst through the door. “Delilah says she has an appointment with you, but I know the heifer is lying.”

  “Now, Elaine, that’s not a nice thing to say.”

  “You need to come out here and tell her to leave because I’m tired of looking at her face.”

  “Send her on in,” Samson said.

  Elaine looked at him and shifted her head. “But she doesn’t have an appointment.”

  “She does. I just forgot to tell you when I saw you this morning.”

  “I’ve told you to let me make your appointments. That’s how you get double booked.”

  “No one else is scheduled for four, right?” Samson looked up at Elaine from his desk.

  “No, but still, why am I here if you’re going to make your own appointments?”

  Elaine was making a big deal out of nothing. All of the women in Samson’s life were tripping with him. He needed a vacation from everyone, including his wife. Julia was giving him the cold shoulder, and when he’d called her earlier she barely had ten words to say to him. Samson tuned Elaine out. When he saw her mouth stop moving, he said, “You’re the best and I don’t know what I would do without you.” Although he was saying it to appease her, he really did mean it. She was a great assistant.

  “As long as you don’t forget it, we’re cool. I’ll send her in.”

  Less than a minute later, Delilah walked into Samson’s office. “You need to get better help.”

  “Don’t start,” Samson said.

  Delilah shut the door and took a seat. Samson hit the intercom button on his phone. “Elaine, hold all my calls unless it’s an emergency.”

  Samson watched Delilah primp in her handheld mirror. To him, she looked flawless. Delilah placed the mirror in her purse. “I read those scriptures you gave me.”

  “Good. What message did you take away from reading them?”

  She crossed and re-crossed her legs. Samson shifted in his seat. Every time she moved, her thin skirt would creep up a little more exposing her thighs. “In order for me to move forward, I need to forgive the people who did me wrong.”

  “Do you think you can do that?”

  “I’m trying.”

  “Delilah, you have to do more than try. You have to make a conscious effort to forgive those people.”

  Delilah folded her arms and rocked from side to side as she opened up and told Samson about what happened at some of the foster homes. “I was a helpless little girl, and they took advantage of me. No one came to my rescue. No one.”

  Tears flowed down De
lilah’s face. Samson retrieved several tissues from the box on his desk and handed them to her. His heart tugged as he listened to Delilah recount her childhood trauma. It angered him inside to know that her innocence was stolen from her by people who were supposed to protect her. He got up from his seat and walked to where she sat and patted her on the back.

  “Let it out. Crying is good for the soul. God’s going to wipe those tears away.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so emotional.” Delilah sniffled.

  “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. I hate that you had to endure all of this by yourself.”

  Delilah placed one of her hands on top of his. She squeezed it. She stood up, and they were now face-to-face. Samson could not get over the sadness in Delilah’s eyes. He was drawn to her. The magnetic pull forced their lips to lock. The moan seeping through Delilah’s mouth brought Samson back to the moment. He pushed her away. “I’m so sorry.”

  “We just got caught up in the moment,” Delilah said.

  “You don’t deserve this. I’m under stress and then hearing your story. Lord, help me,” Samson cried out. He walked to the window and turned his back toward Delilah.

  She followed him over to the window and wrapped her arms around his waist. He could feel her chest on his back. This time he didn’t push her away. He had to find a way to let Delilah down easily. With everything she had gone through, he didn’t want to cause her any more pain. He gently moved away. He took Delilah’s hand in his.

  “Delilah, you’re a beautiful young lady,” he said. “You deserve the best. Unfortunately, I’m a married man, so any plans you had for me—for us—get over them.”

  Delilah took his hand and placed it on her chest. “My heart beats only for you.”

  He jerked his hand away. “These feelings you have for me, redirect them. You’re part of the singles’ ministry, right?”

  “Yes,” Delilah responded.

  “I want you to become more active in it. You’ll meet available godly men.”

  And get out of my hair, Samson thought.

  Elaine called him on the intercom. “Your wife’s on the phone.”

  “I need to take this call. I’ll be right back.” Samson needed to take a breather. He left Delilah in his office and went out in the lobby to talk with Julia.

  Elaine must have told Julia about Delilah being in his office because she had a foul mood that evening. Being married caused him many restless nights. On days like today, he wished he had remained single.

  Chapter 33

  Delilah hated feeling vulnerable. She touched her lips, the same lips Samson had kissed. He initiated the kiss, and she would treasure those few seconds they seemed to be in sync with each other.

  She should have been the one to leave his office so he could have a private conversation with his wife, but he rushed out of there so fast, she knew the kiss must have gotten to him too.

  The door remained closed. Delilah wasn’t trying to snoop but her eyes glanced at the paper on Samson’s desk and the word Viagra caught her attention. Should I? Shouldn’t I? She glanced back at the door to see if Samson was returning. Since he wasn’t, she leaned down and picked up the paper. It had detailed information about the drug Viagra. “Wow. He needs medicine to get it up for his wife.” Delilah felt bad for Julia because he didn’t seem to have a problem with her.

  Delilah’s cell phone rang, and she scrambled to locate it. The missed call was from William. She called him back. “Do you have anything for me?”

  “I’m at his office now,” she whispered. Her eyes remained glued to the door. She couldn’t chance Samson walking in and overhearing their conversation.

  “I met with my investors earlier today, and they are eager to move forward with this project. His property is the only thing standing in the way of me finalizing my plans.”

  “I stopped by the office to give you a cashier’s check. I don’t think I can go through with it.”

  “Either you do, or I will make sure everybody at your church gets personal copies of that video showcasing your talents on the stage and off.”

  Delilah couldn’t have that. Although some of the women at church didn’t like her, there was no way she would be able to face any of them if they found out about her past. They wouldn’t understand that she had changed. Samson’s wife would more than likely be the ringleader. She was no longer the woman William kept throwing in her face. She was Delilah—a queen who happened to fall in love with the wrong king.

  “Your choice. Which is it?” William asked again.

  Delilah gritted her teeth. “I’ll go through with it.”

  “I knew I could count on you. I’ll be in touch.”

  Delilah held the phone. She recalled something she heard Ms. Shadows say once; “Never make a deal with the devil because you’ll always end up on the losing end.”

  All these years later, her words rang true to life. She could see the writing on the wall. She needed to update her resume because her time as a project coordinator at Trusts Enterprise would be ending.

  Samson had been gone for several minutes. She wondered if he was ever coming back. She noticed for the first time a small white bag. She rushed to open it before Samson returned. She held the medicine bottle up and read it. “It’s true. He’s taking Viagra. Oh my goodness.”

  “What are you doing?” Samson asked.

  Busted. She held the medicine bottle behind her back as she turned around and leaned on his desk. “Nothing.”

  Samson walked around her. She scrambled to put the medicine back in the bag. “Were you looking in my bag?”

  “No. It fell, and I picked it up.”

  “A bag doesn’t mysteriously fall on the floor.” Samson sounded perturbed.

  “Well it did. I was looking for a blank sheet of paper. If your desk wasn’t such a mess, it wouldn’t have fallen.”

  “Julia’s expecting me, so we’ll have to cut our session short.”

  “Didn’t you tell her you were counseling someone?”

  “What my wife and I talk about is none of your business, Delilah?”

  “Excuse me. You don’t have to snap my head off.”

  Samson sighed. “I’m sorry. I just have a lot going on. If you want, you can come in Thursday. Stop in with Elaine so she can put it on the calendar.”

  Delilah could tell something was really bothering Samson. She wanted to help him relieve some of the stress. He was a man of God, and it seemed his wife or somebody was causing him unnecessary stress. Since she was part of Pastor’s Aide, it was her duty to make sure her pastor was taken care of.

  She was not going to leave him in the state he was in.” Samson, why don’t you meet me at my place. I’m sure it’s hard to talk around here with Ms. Nosy Body outside and the phones ringing off the hook.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but it’s not a good idea.”

  Delilah walked up to Samson and hugged him tight. His body tensed. She looked into his eyes and said, “Julia’s a lucky woman.”

  “I’m a lucky man.”

  She removed her arms from around him. “That you are. Not too many men get to hug me like that.” Delilah winked and left Samson standing in the middle of the room.

  “Did you get some spiritual healing?” Elaine asked Delilah as she exited Samson’s office.

  Delilah smiled. “I sure did, and I feel greeaaat.”

  Chapter 34

  Delilah had no idea how close Samson had been to taking her up on her offer. It took him almost fifteen minutes to calm Julia down. Elaine would need some talking to because the argument he had with Julia could have been avoided if Elaine hadn’t told her about Delilah being at his office.

  He knew it wasn’t Elaine’s fault that he and Julia were having problems, but she sure added fuel to the already scorching fire. Samson had to think of something soon or he and Julia were not going to make it. He knew his parents would be disappointed, but when he married Julia a little over two weeks ago, he didn’t expect it
to be like this.

  The only person he trusted talking with was Calvin, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell him about the personal issue that stood between him and his wife. He couldn’t chance Calvin telling Michelle. Michelle would tell God knows who. His mom knew, and that was embarrassing enough.

  He grabbed his prescription and headed home. He smelled the aroma of food when he entered the house. “Julia, I’m home,” he yelled.

  “I’m in the kitchen,” she replied.

  He slipped a pill in his pocket and threw the prescription in his briefcase. He headed to the kitchen. When he bent down to kiss his wife, Julia turned her head, so his lips landed on her cheek instead of her lips.

  “What’s for dinner?” he asked.

  “A roast and baked potatoes.” She picked up an oven mitt and opened the stove. The steam from the roast filled the area around the stove.

  “Smells good.”

  “Samson, there’s something I want to discuss with you over dinner.”

  “Sure,” he said as he left to get washed up. He wished she would have just come out and said what she wanted instead of making him wait. That was his biggest pet peeve with women. He made it a point when counseling others to let women know that men preferred one of two things: either come out and tell the man what you want, or don’t say anything and only talk when you’re ready to discuss the issue. Otherwise, it’s a moot point as far as the average man is concerned.

  Silverware hitting the plates was the only noise heard in the dining room. Samson didn’t know what to say to Julia, so he waited for her to initiate the conversation. He bit into the last bite of food on his plate. “I want to quit my job,” Julia blurted out.

  Samson remained quiet. Julia repeated herself. He’d heard her the first time. “Why?” he finally asked.

  “So I can have more time for your ministry. I was thinking there are some things that I can do. There’s an available office at the church, and we can drive in together each day.”

  Samson felt there was more behind her wanting to quit her job. “Baby, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”