Free from Guilt

by Pat Simmons

  It wasn’t the first time during the trip that Cameron had tuned out his brothers. But, he did feel like God was giving him a second chance with Gabrielle. Closing his eyes, Cameron began to brainstorm how he was going to take advantage of the opportunity and win Gabrielle over—once and for all.

  Crossing over the Mississippi River into Missouri, Cameron began his countdown for Gabrielle’s arrival as soon as he saw the Gateway Arch. Although it was a popular St. Louis tourist attraction, it also served as a beacon to natives that they had made it home.

  Without a second thought, he texted her and offered to fly back to Boston and help Gabrielle pack and drive. She thanked him but declined because Drexel had already committed.

  Cameron cursed under his breath. He wondered how much trouble he was going to have with the judge. The next time he saw Gabrielle’s brother, he planned to nip any misunderstandings in the bud.

  Days later, the first week on campus, it seemed as if Cameron had endless meetings with the dean and provost. Next, he took a careful walk through the twenty-eight-hundred square foot house he practically hand-picked online from Boston. When he inquired about the age, he was impressed to learn it was built during World War II.

  After his St. Louis family checked it out and thought it was a smart investment, Cameron made an offer that was ten-thousand dollars less than the four-hundred-thousand-dollar asking price. The seller accepted and now he was officially signing the contract, so he could move in immediately.

  Although most of the family lived in historic neighborhoods in North County and St. Charles, he opted for city living. As a teenager growing up, Cameron was always amazed at the architecture of the enormous houses in the Central West End.

  Plus, his commute to the campus by car was only minutes. Outdoor cafes littered street corners, reminding him of the East Coast. And he could appreciate Forest Park’s scenery while jogging along one of its trails.

  In Boston, he limited himself to the confines of a condo. But now, as the department chair of the school of engineering, Cameron planned to spare no expense. He wanted to look the part, knowing that he could surely deliver.

  Although it was mid-June and he had the entire summer to review the curriculum, procedures, and accreditations for the upcoming semester, he didn’t waste any time getting up to speed on his responsibilities. Refusing to be bogged down when Gabrielle came was of upmost importance.

  The weeks dwindled down to days, and now Gabrielle was hours away. On Friday evening, Cameron was relaxing in Ace’s lower level family room, watching a baseball game. Lauren was sitting contently in her father’s lap.

  Staring at the screen, he couldn’t concentrate. All he saw was Gabrielle’s shapely face and the lips that teased him the night he took her home.

  “Tomorrow’s the day, huh?” Ace asked.

  “Yes, eighteen long hours away. Sixteen, if I was driving,” Cameron answered, annoyed by his cousin’s interruption.

  “I know you avoid talking about Jesus. But, cuz, take it from me. You can’t say you love the Lord and your actions are contrary. If you want her, you’ve got to make some changes.”

  “I believe like Gabrielle and you all believe. None of us are perfect. I repent, I’m forgiven, and I move on.”

  “Parke taught me that striving for perfection begins in the heart and that dictates our actions.”

  Cameron cringed. Parke again. He was sure his brother was trying to make him look bad because he wasn’t a regular churchgoer.

  “Ace, I know the Scriptures better than you. At the moment, church is closed, so please stop with the sermon.” Cameron didn’t feel like constantly rehashing this same conversation with his family. Not even for Gabrielle did he plan to go to a prayer altar and relinquish more of his free will.

  “Suit yourself. You can run, but no man can hide from God. Believe me, I know.” Ace then turned his attention toward his beautiful little daughter. She had a ready smile for anybody willing to play with her. When Talise came down the stairs, Ace immediately ogled his wife. Lauren reached for her mother.

  “Gabrielle will be here tomorrow,” Talise gushed, as she took the baby from her husband.

  Cameron nodded. “And I plan to win her over by any means necessary.”

  “Uh-oh.” Talise moaned. “My girl better look out because you Jamiesons are unstoppable when your minds are locked on a target.”

  “Yep,” Ace agreed. “There was no way I was willing to let you get away, and I needed God’s help on it.”

  Except for the religious reference, Cameron confirmed her words with a wide grin. Moments later, the couple went upstairs and walked their guest to the front door.

  Before saying goodbye, he made one last declaration. “Make no doubt about it, Gabrielle is a marked woman.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Drexel was about to beat a dead horse until it came alive again, as far as Gabrielle was concerned. Cameron’s name had come up countless times during the one-thousand-mile trip to St. Louis. Every time she received a text from Cameron, Drexel would pick up where he left off after the last text. It was an endless cycle.

  “At first, I was all for your relocation, but since Cameron has manipulated his presence into your life, I have mixed feelings about this move. Yes, I want you close to me, but as far away from that Jamieson guy as possible.”

  Gabrielle listened quietly.

  “Why are you subjecting yourself to a man who, obviously to the naked eye, has carnal intentions toward you?” Drexel asked from behind the wheel of the U-Haul with her Chevy Malibu hitched to it.

  This was day two on the road. Cameron had offered to return to Boston and help her drive back. Two things for sure, the conversation would be better and Drexel would be livid. Good thing they were only four hours away from the city she would now call home for as long as she decided to stay. Or, perhaps, until Drexel forced her to consider moving again.

  In the end, it would be God’s will. Any other woman would have told her sibling to back off and mind his own business. Gabrielle glanced out the window as she gathered her thoughts. She couldn’t dismiss Drexel’s concern. He would always be her voice of reason until she heard God’s voice.

  Common sense told her to cease all communication with Cameron, but Jesus’ presence reminded her that He wouldn’t let her fall. Honestly, she liked having someone to talk to throughout the day or sometimes at night. When Cameron called constantly, it let her know how often he thought about her. And she liked that.

  “I somehow feel that I’ve met my match with him, Drex. He’s never tried to seduce me, and that has definitely garnered my respect.” Forget about the kiss. Don’t think about the kiss, she kept telling herself.

  “He could be biding his time. That’s what charmers do, Sis.”

  “Have you forgotten that I’ve been approached by men of different ages, nationalities, and religions? Regardless of their status, I’ve handled myself accordingly. I think you and God would be pleased.” She paused and crossed her arms, after turning the tables on him. “Besides, it’s not like any of those female attorneys, court clerks, or other judges haven’t tried to seduce you. How many times have you been forced not to undress them with your eyes and mind?”

  Drexel bobbed his head. “That happens all the time, but you know I’m a praying man. Not only do I not want to tarnish my professional reputation, but that goes for my spiritual garment all the more. For me, sin is not an option. It’s not easy, and I do call on the power of the Holy Ghost to look away.”

  Her brother’s words weren’t judgmental, but filled with empathy. “The only thing I ask is that you pray for me. I know this is a trial, but I don’t have to run away from my feelings to win.”

  He grunted and accelerated his speed. Moments later, he mumbled, “If you don’t have the power to walk away, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

  “James 4:7,” Gabrielle identified immediately. “That entire passage keeps me rooted. It reminded me to consult with
God and ask Him to reveal my purpose in this situation. Several times, God has told me to stand firm and see His salvation. The Holy Ghost keeps reminding me to walk upright before Him. That message came again recently.”

  Drexel was thoughtful and didn’t comment right away. “Who am I to go against the Wonderful Counselor? If Jesus has helped me throughout my thirty-seven years, then He can help you too, Sis.”

  Satisfied with his response, Gabrielle yawned and closed her eyes. Sometime later, she didn’t even realize that her brother had stopped and gassed up until he was climbing back into her car and clicking his seat belt.

  Through blurred vision, she frowned at him. He laughed. “It happens every time. A road trip knocks you out. You know you’re not much company when you’re snoring, right?”

  “I do not snore!” Sulking, Gabrielle scooted down in her seat. At least, she hoped she hadn’t in Cameron’s car.

  “And close your mouth too,” he added, entering back onto the highway.

  Punching Drexel in his arm, Gabrielle could feel his muscle tense. “Don’t hurt your hand,” he teased.

  “Right. I’ll call Talise to let her know we’re close.” She tapped her friend’s number and waited for an answer. “Hi. We’re about forty-five minutes away.”

  “Good. I’ve been praying for safe travel. I’m so excited, I could cry. You were such a blessing to me in Boston, and now I can return the favor.”

  “You owe me nothing, girl. I’m a card-carrying godmother of a beautiful little girl. And I’ve got a new job,” Gabrielle said proudly. “I would say I’m blessed and expecting more blessings to come my way. That is, as long as I pray the devil out of the way,” she added, unable to hold back a big smile.

  “That sounds like a Scripture in there somewhere.”

  “It is. I’ll share it with you later. But first, is the plan still for Drex and me to meet you at your house, eat something, and then you’ll show me to my new place?”

  “Yes. I still don’t see what the rush is. You could have stayed with us.”

  “Ha! And be scorched by the sizzle between you and Ace? Nah.” She laughed as Talise joined her.

  Theirs wasn’t the ideal love story Gabrielle would have created, with Talise getting pregnant outside of marriage. But Ace and Talise’s happy ending would make Cinderella weep tears of joy. The couple had repented of the lifestyle they once lived. God washed them clean and filled them with power to live right.

  Gabrielle turned to her brother. “Talise has prepared a light snack for us, so we’re going there and then heading to the apartment.”

  He squinted at the GPS and nodded. Gabrielle resumed their conversation until Lauren began to cry in the background.

  “See you in a few.” The two friends disconnected.

  Continuing westbound on I-70, they spotted the Arch, crossing the bridge over the mighty Mississippi River into downtown. Minutes later, Drexel pointed out the area where he and Gabrielle had eaten at Crown Candy when she was there for the renewal ceremony.

  “Well, at least when I come to visit, I know where I can get a good meal,” he joked, knowing Gabrielle loved to cook when she had company. Gabrielle familiarized herself with the sights until they pulled up in front of Talise’s home.

  With Lauren in her arms, Talise stepped outside to greet them. She was all smiles. Once Drexel parked and helped Gabrielle from the car, she hurried to her friend’s outstretched arms. In a loose group hug, Gabrielle squeezed the baby and Talise.

  “I’m so glad you brought Gabrielle. Otherwise, I would have worried about her,” Talise said to Drexel before ushering them into the house.

  “I’m still worried about her.” He smiled at Talise and gave Gabrielle a pointed stare.

  She ignored him as she kicked off her shoes in the foyer—a habit she had developed whenever she spotted light-colored carpet—and then made a beeline for the restroom. After freshening up, Gabrielle walked into the dining room to discover Talise’s light snack was actually enough food for a hearty meal.

  “Drexel, please do the honors of saying the blessing,” Talise asked, as Lauren became impatient to eat.

  “Heavenly Father, in the Name of Jesus, we thank You for this meal and fellowship. Thank You for Your grace and the blood that You shed on the cross for us. Please sanctify our food and help us to be a blessing to those who have not.” He paused. “Jesus, rebuke the adversary and the wolf in sheep’s clothing and the devil …”

  Gabrielle nudged him.

  Opening his eyes, he feigned innocence. “I’m just covering all the bases, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

  Talise eyed Drexel then smirked at Gabrielle who was rolling her eyes.

  “Brothers,” she griped.

  “I wish I had one.”

  “You can have him.” Gabrielle tilted her head toward Drexel, who was already stacking his plate with pasta salad and beef smokies.

  In a hurry to get to her apartment, Gabrielle didn’t want to linger after they ate. She was pleased when Ace arrived. He had come home early from work. After kissing his wife, he shook Drexel’s hand and hugged Gabrielle. Taking their baby, Ace assumed his fatherly duties while Talise grabbed the car keys to show Gabrielle her new place.

  Alone in the car with Drexel, this time Gabrielle lit into him about embarrassing her in front of Talise. “I’m offended that you have no confidence in my salvation around Cameron. Why don’t you just lay down your Dupree law the next time you see him.”

  “Not a problem. When I see him, I’ll be sure to make that my first order of business.”

  Although Drexel’s persona was meant to intimidate, Cameron didn’t come across as a man who feared too much, maybe even God. Gabrielle shivered at his ignorance. She feared going to hell. That was her incentive to walk right before the Lord. Plus, she loved Jesus. If Cameron didn’t get with the program soon, then he would be excluded from hers.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Cameron’s heart pounded wildly in anticipation. Gabrielle was within hugging and kissing distance. One day was a long time to be away from a woman who had blindsided him in less than sixty seconds. Waiting a month seemed unbearable, but knowing she was relocating made it worthwhile.

  Arriving on campus earlier than usual that morning, Cameron immediately prioritized tasks, so he could leave to meet Gabrielle. Of all days, he could barely make it out of his office. Duty called as he got caught up reviewing current policies and making suggestions about implementing new procedures at the university. Adding to his delay, since he was the new kid on the block, everyone wanted to introduce themselves after an alumni luncheon.

  Although he was up for the challenge at work, with Gabrielle, it was questionable. Relying on Talise to keep him informed, he wanted to arrange a surprise meeting at her new apartment. Not long ago, Talise called and informed him that Gabrielle and her brother were parking outside her house.

  Cameron sprang into action. By the time he made it to a flower shop, Talise phoned that they were heading to the apartment. She also cautioned him that Drexel seemed to be on the warpath. That tidbit didn’t faze Cameron.

  Quickly, he paid for the bouquet and sped off toward Gabrielle’s apartment. Fifteen minutes or so later, he cruised through the wrought-iron, unmanned security gates at Willow Estates community complex. To his surprise and relief, he had beaten them.

  Turning off the ignition, Cameron touched the control to lower his window. The warm mid-June breeze was quite welcome before the summer heat roared in. He glanced around the grounds and nodded. His cousins had chosen a picturesque location for Gabrielle. The now flourishing complex didn’t exist when he went away to college more than a decade ago.

  As a matter of fact, it was the site of a deteriorated school near the airport. A crew had razed Berkeley High School and replaced it with an exclusive collection of townhouses, two-bedroom bungalows, and luxury apartment buildings. The landscaping alone was immaculate.

  With Ace’s mother living nearby in one of the bungalo
ws, Gabrielle would know at least one neighbor. Cameron glanced at his watch. There was still no sign of her car and U-Haul truck. Leaning back on the headrest, he closed his eyes and tried to relax. He and Gabrielle had taken baby steps toward a relationship through phone calls and texts while apart. Together again, the possibilities were endless.

  The sound of a truck motor alerted Cameron to open his eyes. He looked around and spotted Gabrielle’s car latched onto the U-Haul truck trailing Talise’s new SUV. Stepping out of his Audi, he slipped on his sunglasses and leaned against the hood of his car. Gabrielle was now on his turf, and he was about to negotiate the rules of engagement.

  Cameron. The last text Gabrielle received from him stated he was busy at the university but couldn’t wait to see her. Her heart fluttered the moment she laid eyes on him. At the same time, Drexel mumbled, “What’s he doing here?”

  He’s here because I’m here and we missed each other, she thought but dared not mention the truth.

  Before Drexel came to a complete stop, Cameron pushed off the hood of his car and began his swagger toward them.

  She had to give it to him. He wore the persona of a brainy professor with a GQ edge in his khakis and dark polo shirt; his build was an object of appreciation. Cameron was still eye-stopping handsome. In his hand was a bunch of flowers that popped with bright colors. She recalled his first flowers the day at the airport.

  Once he realized she wasn’t driving, Cameron walked around to the passenger side, cutting off Drexel from opening her door.

  Gabrielle exhaled as she came face-to-face with Cameron in dark shades. Neither uttered a word. She wondered which of the expressions he was reading across her face: longing, happiness, or uncertainty.

  Accepting his flowers, Gabrielle forgot about Drexel, Talise, and the world. “Thank you,” she responded, wishing he would remove his dark glasses so she could stare into his eyes.

  In a split second, he unbuckled her seat belt and lifted her out of the seat. When Cameron engulfed her in his arms, she clung to him. “God knows I’ve missed you,” he whispered, as Gabrielle inhaled his cologne and was content cherishing the feel of his strength. She could have lingered in his arms longer if it wasn’t for Drexel.