by Pat Simmons
Jet wondered if Rossi was soaking in the message.
“There shouldn’t be a competition among the saints to be first, but our hearts should be in tune with God so that we can go back and get that last runner and finish the race together. In the body of Christ, the Bible tells us to humble ourselves. If you don’t humble yourself, God will do it for you, and it might not be pretty. In other words, practice humility.”
Where the congregation was usually energized, standing on their feet, or shouting hallelujah, today the atmosphere was still. Maybe everyone was doing their self-examination like her. The process was slow, but Jet felt she was changing her attitude, but was it enough to be considered humble? He continued to preach, citing other scriptures and examples for almost an hour.
Closing his Bible, Pastor Brown asked the congregation to stand. “Do you want to be chosen today? This is your moment, for God is calling you to repent of your sins. Tell God how sorry you are. I don’t have a prayer for you to repeat, because it needs to come from deep within, then God saves you. Complete your salvation with the baptism in water in Jesus’ name, and the Lord promises to baptize you with fire of the Holy Ghost, and He will speak to you through other tongues as evidence.”
Jet closed her eyes and prayed, hoping that Layla would want more than simply going to church every Sunday as they had begun to do in Nashville.
“Hey,” Layla said, nudging her, “despite the drama, I’m impressed with Octavia and Karyn’s sweet spirits, and I’ve seen how you have changed. I want to tackle my problems in a spiritual way, not just on the surface.” She scooted Jet out of the way and glided down the aisle toward the altar. Less than thirty minutes later, she was being baptized in Jesus’ name.
“My dear sister, upon the confession of your faith and the confidence we have in the mighty Word of God, concerning His death, burial, and Grand Resurrection, we now baptize you in the name of Jesus for the remission of your sins for there is no other name under heaven by which man can be saved. Amen,” the minister proclaimed from his spot in the pool as Rossi looked on from his seat in the pulpit. Layla and other candidates were submerged and came out of the water new creatures.
Unfortunately, their celebration had to be cut short because of Layla’s flight. She pouted. “I so wanted those ladies to pray for me to receive the Holy Ghost like on the day of Pentecost.”
Rossi joined them in the sanctuary, evidently overhearing her friend’s comment. “If your soul is hungry, God will fill it. Some saints have testified, God woke them from their sleep and filled them with the Holy Ghost, so we’ll keep praying for you that the power will descend on you.”
Layla nodded. “Thank you, and I’ll keep praying for you.”
Jet acted like she accidently bumped her as a hint to quit talking. Their prayers were said in secret, so that God would reward them openly. Slowly, her friend got the hint.
After she and Layla said their tearful goodbye at the airport, Rossi suggested they go bike riding.
They rode for hours, stopping to admire historic sites, sample ice cream from street vendors, or just to relax on park benches like at the moment. She faced Rossi. “The sermon was refreshing today, and to see my best friend want God’s complete salvation was heartwarming. Reality check…”
She opened the door for Rossi to share his thoughts on the sermon, but he didn’t. Opening her hand, she waited for him to take it. She didn’t look at him. “Minister Rossi.”
He chuckled. “Sister Jesetta.”
“I thought we could talk about anything.”
“We can—always.”
Jet exhaled and turned to him again. “About you and Levi—”
“Except that.” He seemed to grit his teeth.
“But the sermon today—”
Rossi held up his hand and shook his head. “I’m still doing my reality check.” He stood and helped her to her feet. “Come on. Let’s go another mile.”
She didn’t hide her disappointment or argue. There had to be a Plan B, and she would contact Karyn to help her work out the details.
Chapter 22
“Well, this is it,” Rossi told his reflection as he lined his mustache and beard. His heart remained heavy after the sermon he heard, but the decision had been made. There was nothing sinful about parting ways. As chief financial officer of Tolliver Real Estate and Development Company, Rossi knew he and Levi had earned enough money over the years to buy the other out. Would Levi do it, or would he have a counter offer to sell the company?
When Rossi drove into his parking spot, he stared at the familiar building that had housed their company for seven years before going inside. Minutes later, he strolled into the office to find their attorney waiting in the lobby.
“Has Levi arrived yet?” Rossi asked as the two shook hands.
“I’m here,” his cousin answered, walking up to them.
“Good morning, Rossi, Levi, and Attorney Steele,” their administrative assistant greeted them hesitantly. “The conference room is ready.”
“Thank you, Kelly.” Rossi led the way.
Not another word was spoken until they were gathered at the table, and Daryl opened his folder and slid out the documents. “Before we get started, I have to say I’m surprised at both of your requests—Rossi wanting a buyout, and Levi—” he paused—“selling the business.”
Levi had a poker face, and Rossi did his best to match it.
“As your legal counselor, I advise you rethink your decision.”
There was a knock at the door, then it opened. Karyn appeared. Clearly surprised, Levi stood. “Baby? What are you doing here?”
Amused that his cousin was in trouble, Rossi smirked, then blinked when another surprise walked in behind Karyn. He scrambled to his feet. “Jesetta?”
Stuffing the papers into the folder, Daryl stood and excused himself.
“What’s going on?” Levi beat Rossi in asking.
Karyn smiled, then took the seat Daryl had vacated. Jet sat next to her.
Rossi wondered the same thing as he admired his lady’s beauty, even when she wasn’t smiling, which was now as she glared at him.
“We don’t need Daryl to settle this.” Karyn squinted at her husband. “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?” She tapped her nail on the table, emphasizing every word of 1 Corinthians 6:1. “The saints shall judge the world, so if the world shall be judged by us, surely we are wise enough to settle these small matters.”
Rossi squirmed in his seat. When it came to scriptures, Karyn was a force with which to be reckoned. Karyn read and studied her Word diligently since she had surrendered to Christ in prison.
Folding her arms, Jet lifted her chin. “I know God is the Author of peace, not confusion, so let’s put all of our differences on the table, shall we, Levi?”
“Why are you trying to alienate Rossi and Jet?” Karyn asked her husband.
Jet didn’t give Levi a chance to answer. “This company is my niece’s legacy…and her brother’s. If for no other reason, you should pass it on to them.”
“I know that!” Levi slapped the table.
“Watch it, Mr. Tolliver,” his wife said sweetly, but her expression was stern.
“Jesetta is going to be my wife, so watch your tone,” Rossi threatened, and Jet gave him her own version of a stern rebuke.
“You have the floor, dear brother-in-law. Remember, God is our judge before answering. What do you have against me wanting to find the same happiness you found with Karyn?”
Yes, I want to know that myself. Smirking, Rossi would have given her a high five, but he thought better of it and folded his arms.
Levi exhaled and looked away, it seemed at every object in the room but their faces. Whatever he was about to say was a struggle. “Guilt.”
Their “huhs?” blended in a chorus.
“Why?” Jet asked softly.
His cousin took a deep breath. “When Diane died, we all l
ost so much.” He paused and reached across the table for Karyn’s hand. Her fingers met his halfway. “When this woman came into my life, she took the pain away and gave Dori and me more than I ever thought I would have again.” Karyn’s eyes watered while Jet had a blank expression. “I’d moved on, but you hadn’t. I felt you hated me for that, but truth be told I hated you right back for wanting to take away a happiness I thought I’d never see again.”
“Hate?” Karyn repeated.
Nodding, Levi bowed his head. “The Holy Ghost kept warning me to repent at the same time the devil was cheering me on that you were a threat. It was easier for me to believe the worse. I’m truly sorry, God and Jet.”
The room grew quiet as all eyes were on Jet. “The truth will make you free to see I’m not the enemy.” She squinted. “Let me find my happiness…with whomever I chose.”
That’s my baby! Rossi wanted to shout, but he contained himself.
Leaning forward, she continued, “You’re right. I did struggle when you met Karyn, but after a reality check, I realized it was your life, and I would have to accept your decision. When I learned about her past that made me crazy. ” Her voice shook, and Karyn released Levi’s hand and squeezed Jet’s. “I connected her killing her son to the person who killed my sister. That was hard to process.”
The sadness in her eyes tugged at Rossi, and he wanted to get up and wrap his arms around her.
Let her be, God whispered.
“The Lord helped me to understand that everyone has a past, and unless we all take the same road to salvation—repenting and the baptism in water and spirit—none of us would be saved.” She patted her chest, and her eyes watered, then she choked out, “I wanted God to save me. Karyn and I—mostly me—are working on a friendship. It’s slow, but I’m trying.”
Shaking his head, it was clear Levi was tortured. “I’m so sorry, Jet. I would welcome you as a Tolliver.” Levi’s eyes seemed to plead with Jet’s.
Karyn cleared her throat. “So, if Jet and I can work together, so can you and Rossi. Enough of this buyout or selling the company business.” She stood and grabbed her purse. “That is all, gentlemen.”
Jet was right behind Karyn. He and Levi would talk later, but at the moment, they were eager to follow the ladies out of the room. Reaching for Jet’s hand, Rossi squeezed it. “So does this mean you’re going to marry me?” He grinned and gave her his killer dimples.
“I’m not marrying you.” She wasn’t smiling.
“B–But you just said,” he stuttered, staring at the woman he loved. He was speechless as he replayed “I’m not marrying you” in his head. He opened his mouth and finally “Why?” came out.
She planted her fist on her curvy hip, and Rossi dared to look elsewhere but in her fiery eyes. “If you think I’m going to marry you just because you asked, you have another thing coming. I’m not marrying a man who can’t romance me and win my heart…”
Whew. That’s all. He exhaled and grabbed her around her waist, startling her. He had enough of her nonsense, so he kissed her. Pulling back too soon, he watched as her lids fluttered before she opened them. He also blinked. Did he just lose control? Lord, help me. Her lips were off limits, and he had yielded to temptation, but it wouldn’t happen again.
Dazed, Jet straightened her shoulders and walked away. Levi hooped and cackled. He bent over laughing so hard that Rossi sneered at him.
“Good luck, cuz, because that woman is going to get her way.” Slapping Rossi on his back was like old times.
“Don’t I know,” Rossi mumbled as he walked back to his office. Behind closed doors, he looked up and whispered, “Lord, thank You for reconciliation.”
Sitting behind his desk, Rossi nodded with a smirk. So his Jesetta wanted romance. “And romance you shall have.”
***
Word traveled fast in the family about what almost happened. Rossi’s mother called. She and his father were on the speakerphone. Rossi chided himself for his actions. “I’m sorry for disappointing you both and God. Levi and I have already apologized to our staff who were worried about what would happen to their jobs if we sold the company.”
“Stop beating yourself up, son. Karyn and Jet interceded for their men,” his mother said softly.
“Yeah. She made me proud while I’m sure I disappointed her.” Rossi rested his elbow on his desk in his office, a place he hadn’t bothered coming to for almost a week. How ridiculous.
“But she’s the real deal,” his father said. “Any woman who is willing to pray until something happens is the one most cherished. Prayer is the answer to all discord, problems, and other disruptions. We need praying partners in our lives.”
“Amen,” his mother added. “Now, we’ll let you return to running your business—personal and the otherwise.”
Chapter 23
Jet meant what she said. She didn’t want a man to take her love for granted, even if he was the dark-skinned, deep dimpled, and sculpted Rossi Tolliver IV. She had watched how Levi wooed Karyn and how her sister Diane’s eyes had sparkled when her soon-to-be husband was near. If Rossi wanted her, then he was going to have to work for her heart. She smiled, knowing the man already had it, but he didn’t have to know that. “We were fierce!” Karyn pumped her hand in the air, and Jet met it with a high five as she cleared the door to the salon. The plan was to meet Octavia there and give her the update then to take Dori to the park before Jet started work the next day.
Dori dropped her dolls and made a beeline toward her. Jet knelt and received her hug as Little Levi ran toward her too. Once her niece stepped back, Little Levi waited his turn. She trapped him against her chest. Although she had never mistreated him, this time she felt an unexplainable sense of connection. “Hey, stranger. How did it go?”
She looked up, and Octavia was standing nearby. Instead of the natural wild style Jet had seen her rock from time to time, Octavia had her hair straightened, curled, and styled. She was gorgeous.
After releasing Little Levi, Jet stood, and the two embraced.
“It went well. You should have seen the look of shock when Karyn and I walked in like drill sergeants. Thanks for directing me to the passage on fasting and praying. Now, I know what to do when I face something unbearable. I see the benefits of adding fasts to my prayer life. Although Layla couldn’t hang all three days, one out of three ain’t bad.” They chuckled. “But…” she paused. Maybe she should keep these thoughts to herself. As they strolled to the seating area, Little Levi trailed them while Dori went back to painting her dolls’ nails.
“Go ahead,” Octavia encouraged.
“Honestly, I was surprised by Rossi’s behavior—a minister acting that way. He knew how his cousin was.” She looked to Karyn. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Karyn grinned and told her son to go play.
Octavia was quiet as she seemed to ponder an answer. “Maybe this whole misunderstanding had nothing to do with Levi and Rossi.”
Frowning, Jet squinted. “What do you mean? I walked in on them in the midst of a verbal duel.”
“Maybe this was about your spiritual growth.”
“Are you saying those men set me up?”
Octavia shook her head, causing her hair to bounce from side to side. “I think the Lord set you up. You had a problem with Karyn initially. That seemed to be your stumbling block. Not that she was your enemy, but what better way to draw people together than prayer? Because of your love for Rossi and hers for Levi, you two—basically, you—were willing to put aside your differences to mend their relationship.” She smiled. “That’s love.”
Jet thought about it. “You really think God did that?”
“Yep. God will use any situation or anybody to help us grow. You, me, and Karyn are soul sisters.”
“He got me.” Jet chuckled. “The Lord pulled a fast one over on me, but I ain’t mad at Him.”
They exchanged another round of high fives before Karyn stood. “Is there any service you need while you’r
e here?”
“I could really use a real manicure,” Jet whispered.
“Done, but my daughter is going to want to give you a pedicure. She’s been practicing on me and Buttercup.”
Jet laughed and nodded. “I have the perfect pair of pumps to wear just in case.”
***
Thursday morning, a wakeup call from Rossi stirred Jet before her alarm clock. “I just wanted to tell the love of my life good morning and to be blessed on the new job.”
“Aww.” She scooted up in bed. “Thank you. I’m a little nervous and excited.”
“I also want to tell you thank you for sticking by my side, despite my stubbornness.”
“My pleasure. For once, I wasn’t the drama queen.” They shared a laugh and scripture before saying goodbye.
First days on a new job were overrated, Jet thought as she parked her car. She would have to adjust to a new environment, personalities, and responsibilities. What was she thinking going from major corporations to a small business, even though it was taunted as the headquarters? The what-ifs began to burden her as she pushed the elevator button to the third floor.
The receptionist greeted her with a grin as she held a big bouquet of flowers. Jet immediately felt foolish for her doubts.
“Welcome, and these are for you,” Shannon said and showed her to her new office where a smaller arrangement was the centerpiece on her desk.
The woman chuckled. “Those are from us.” She pointed to the daisies. “And these are from someone with good taste. I’ll bring your paperwork in a minute.” She winked and backed out of the office, closing the door.
After sniffing the flowers, Jet read the card: Congratulations on your new journey. Remember I’m in the passenger seat, and God is steering your career. Have a great day. Love, Your Rossi.