Delilah (3 page)

Delilah laughed all the way to her car. She got a rise out of watching Samson squirm around Miss Goody Two Shoes. She couldn't wait to burst Julia's bubble when she walked away with her man and the status of first lady. Samson wanted to play games with her emotions; she would show him how to play. Delilah thought about the video of her and Samson together. She wouldn't give it to William, but she sure would use it to get what she wanted from Samson.

Two hours later, Delilah sat across from several other church members as they all discussed what the Pastor's Aide committee would be doing for their pastor's upcoming wedding.

Dorothy Neely, the president of the Pastor's Aide committee, said, “Julia says she doesn't need our help, but I feel we should be doing something. What do y'all think about helping out at the reception?”

Dorothy was the oldest member on the committee. She went to school with Samson's mother and never let the other committee members forget it.

As far as Delilah was concerned, there would be no wedding. She leaned back in her chair and waited to see what the other eleven members had to say.

With arms adorned in big, red bangle bracelets, Michelle Thompson spoke first. “Ms. Dorothy, it is their wedding, so I think we should honor Julia's wishes.” Some of the other members, including Delilah, nodded in agreement.

“Nonsense,” Dorothy responded. “I say we take a vote. All in favor of not doing anything at the reception raise your hand.”

Six hands went up. Dorothy smiled, but her smile soon faded when Delilah's hand went up, making the number seven and sealing the majority. Dorothy huffed. “Well, we can at least take up a special collection so we can get them a nice gift.”

Delilah uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. “No disrespect, Ms. Dorothy. I don't know about y'all, but I'm on a budget.” Delilah looked around the room. “I can't afford to buy them an individual gift and then donate money for another gift.”

Michelle jumped into the conversation. “I say, let's chip in for one huge gift and then sign our names to the card.”

“I've already gotten them something, so I'll pass,” Delilah responded.

Lora Stampley, who was about the same age as Dorothy, said, “Dorothy, why don't we just all get individual gifts?”

Dorothy rolled her eyes and ignored her. She looked around the room and said, “All in agreement with one big gift instead of doing individual gifts raise your hand.”

Several of the other women had bought their gifts already too. Those who hadn't raised their hands. Dorothy said, “You ladies can still sign your name to the card.”

Lora whispered in Delilah's ear, “I can't stand her sometimes.”

Delilah couldn't help but chuckle. She was glad to learn she wasn't the only one who had her fill of Dorothy. Delilah smiled as they continued to discuss other upcoming church events. The only reason she joined the Pastor's Aide committee was so that she could get closer to Samson. She used being part of the committee as an excuse to see him one-on-one in his office. She was sure Elaine could see past that, but Delilah didn't care. She watched the other women in the room, and besides Ms. Dorothy and Michelle, who was happily married to a prominent Shreveport attorney, she had a feeling most of the other women were on the committee for the same reason she was. They could step back because as soon as she got rid of Julia, Samson was all hers.

Delilah heard her name being called a few times before snapping back into reality. “Just ignore Dorothy,” Lora said.

Too late. Dorothy had Delilah's full attention. “You ladies need to start setting an example for the young women of the church. How are we to tell them how to be modest if we're dressed any kind of way?”

Delilah rolled her eyes. “I dress for me, not everybody else,” Delilah said.

“Don't think I'm singling you out,” Dorothy said.

“It sure sounds like it. I don't see you saying anything to anyone else in the room.”

All eyes were on Delilah. “Ms. Dorothy, why don't we table this discussion for another time?” Michelle asked as she pulled the top of her blouse closer together, covering her cleavage.

“That's the problem now. Nobody ever wants to talk about things.” Dorothy pointed at one of the other women in the room who had on a very short skirt. “Dear, what you have on would be inappropriate for church. God is not pleased with you showing all of that.” She moved her hands up and down from her waist to her lower body.

The other women remained quiet. Delilah refused to sit and be insulted because of her style of dress. “Just because you've let your body go doesn't mean the rest of us have to hide behind long, ugly dresses.”

Dorothy put one of her hands on her hip. “I will not be insulted by the likes of you.”

Delilah stood up but remained in front of her chair. “I was taught to respect my elders, but you have to give respect to get it. I think I better leave before we both say some things we'll regret later.”

“Yes, you better because I might be old, but I haven't forgotten how to throw down.”

Michelle jumped up and intervened. “Ms. Dorothy, this is so not like you.” Michelle wrapped her arm around Dorothy's shoulders and glanced in Delilah's direction. “Delilah, I think you leaving now would be a great idea.”

Delilah reached down and grabbed her purse. She had to pass Dorothy to get to the front door. “Let that be the last time you disrespect me. Elder or not, I have no problem kicking your behind.” Delilah heard the women murmuring as she strutted out the door.

Samson said a silent prayer before leaving his office to head to the sanctuary. “Samson, we need to talk,” his mom said before he could reach the entryway to the sanctuary.

He turned around to face her. “Mom, is it life-threatening?” he asked, noticing the worried look on her face.

“No, but—” she said.

“Then it can wait until after church. Love you.” He kissed her on the cheek.

The soloist's voice rang out the words, “So I'll just say thank you, Lord…I won't complain,” while the other ministers in the pulpit stood up and greeted Samson as he made his way to the center seat. There was not an empty seat in the church as people of all ages began to feel the Holy Spirit. As the song ended, Samson made his way to the podium. The music continued to play as Samson sang the words, “So I'll just say thank you, Lord…I won't complain.”

He paused and said, “You know, sometimes you just have to say, ‘Thank you, Lord.' When your husband won't act right, say, ‘Thank you, Lord.'” Shouts were heard throughout the sanctuary. “When your wife won't act right, say, ‘Thank you, Lord.' When the kids won't act right,” the people in the congregation shouted along with him, “Thank you, Lord.'

“Don't let that fire stop burning; we're just getting started. Ushers, I'll let you take over from here,” Samson said as he backed away from the podium and took his seat.

Assistant Pastor Michael Monroe whispered in his ear, “We took up $5,000 in Sunday School this morning.”

Samson wasn't concerned about the money. He knew that as long as he preached the Word, the people would come, and he trusted that God would take care of all of the church's needs. Money was the last thing on his mind as he mentally prepared for his sermon. The choir sang an A and B selection, getting the members spiritually ready to receive the Word. The pianist sang the hymn “Amazing Grace.”

Samson, with his mind on delivering God's Word to His people, eased his way to the podium. “Turn your Bibles to the fourth chapter of James. Let's read verses one through three together. I'm going to use the New Living Translation.”

The congregation stood and read along with him. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don't they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can't get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

Samson asked, “Do you sometimes wonder why it seems God isn't answering your prayers?”

“Yes,” could be heard throughout the congregation.

“Well, ask yourselves, Where is God in my prayers? How does He fit in? Are we asking for things just to satisfy our earthly needs, or is what we're asking for going to help uplift or build the Kingdom of God? Don't go getting quiet on me now.”

Samson read more scriptures out of that chapter and said, “Thank God for His mercy because He knows what we're going to pray for before we utter a word.”

Forty-five minutes later, Samson stepped out of the pulpit, and with his cordless microphone, walked back and forth in front of the first pews for the altar call. “God gave His only begotten Son so that none of us will perish. Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. Don't wait until next Sunday because today is all you have. Come now and be saved.”

Several people—men and women—accepted the invitation and walked down to the altar. Souls were saved, and the saints rejoiced. Samson and his associate ministers fellowshipped with the members after service. Samson smiled as he thought about the souls that had been saved. The smile on his face turned to a frown when Delilah, dressed in a hot pink suit, bypassed some of the other ministers to get to him.

“Pastor Judges, I really enjoyed your sermon today,” she said, extending her hand.

Samson knew if he didn't shake her hand, it would draw attention. “Sister Delilah, I'm just God's vessel.” He plastered on a fake smile and shook her hand. Delilah gripped his hand, and he had to pull it several times before she released it.

Before walking away, Delilah moved closer and whispered, “We need to talk.”

“We have nothing else to talk about,” he said.

“I think we do,” she insisted.

Samson watched Delilah walk away. He felt someone tugging on his sleeve then turned around. “Julia, dear. I was wondering if you were here.” He gave her a hug.

“I was running late, so I sat in the back.” Not once did Julia stop looking in the direction Delilah had walked. “I see your fan club is in full effect.”

Samson chuckled. “Now, Julia, don't even start.”

She held out her hand, showcasing her three carat diamond engagement ring. “Some of these women forget who is wearing your ring.”

Before Samson could respond, other members walked up to him. Julia stood in the background until he greeted the rest of his church members. “See, that didn't take too long, now did it?” Samson asked as he led them to his office.

Samson was startled to see his mom in his office when he opened the door. Standing next to her was Dorothy. “There you are. Baby, we need to talk about one of your members,” Kelly turned and said.

Before Samson could respond, Dorothy blurted out, “That Delilah girl. She had the nerve to threaten me at the last Pastor's Aide meeting. Something needs to be done about her.”

Samson removed his black robe and hung it up as he listened to Dorothy recount the events of their meeting. Samson took a few deep breaths in an attempt to remain calm as he thought about the best way to handle the situation.

Julia stood in the corner with her arms crossed. She said, “I never did like that woman.”

“Ms. Dorothy, I'm sure Delilah didn't go off on you for no reason,” Samson said.

Kelly was appalled at her son's comment. “I can't believe you're taking up for that woman. Dorothy is like an aunt to you, and here you are siding with Delilah.”

“Mama, I'm not taking sides. As pastor, I have to look at things objectively,” Samson explained.

“This is Dorothy we're talking about, a woman you've known your entire life.”

“Forget it, Kelly. I can handle Ms. Jezebel.” The sweat was popping off Dorothy's forehead as she talked.

“Ladies, there's no need to do any name-calling. I'll talk to Delilah and see if she can apologize.”

Julia said, “No, you're not going to do anything. I'll talk to Delilah. If I'm going to be first lady, it'll be my duty to talk to the women of the church when issues arise.”

“She's right,” Kelly said. “She might as well start now.”

Samson had to think quickly. He didn't want Julia anywhere near Delilah. “You're busy with last-minute wedding details. I'm not trying to put more responsibilities on you.”

Julia walked up to Samson and gave him a tight hug. “Dear, I'll take on this responsibility with great pleasure.”

Before Samson could protest, Julia was out the door. The satisfied look on the faces of his mom and Dorothy made him wonder if he was worrying for nothing. He prayed Delilah wouldn't tell Julia about their indiscretions.

Delilah's house was located in the Eden Garden neighborhood, not too far from the church. Delilah hadn't been home long enough to change clothes when her doorbell rang. She looked out the peephole and chuckled. Delilah opened the door. “Well hello there,” she said.

“No need for pleasantries,” Julia responded.

Delilah started to say, “In that case, we can hold this conversation on the porch,” but instead she said, “Come in and have a seat.”

She wanted Julia to see that she too was living large. No, she didn't have the big house, but her home was filled with nice furniture, and Black art covered the walls. Each room was color coordinated to fit a certain theme. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked as she took a seat across from Julia.

“No. I doubt if I'll be here that long.”

“Whatever.” Delilah turned and looked Julia directly in the eyes. “So why are you here?” Delilah watched Julia squirm in her seat.
Not too cocky now are you?

“Ms. Dorothy told Pastor Judges about your altercation.”

“First of all, if you're going to come to me with some mess, get your story straight.”

“All I know is what she told Pastor Judges.”

“Did Samson send you over here?”

“As the future first lady, it will be my job to diffuse situations like this, so I wanted to squash this before it got out of hand.”

“There's nothing to squash. We had a meeting. She said a few things I didn't like, and I said a few things she didn't like. End of story.”

“Well, Ms. Dorothy said you attacked her.”

Delilah didn't allow Julia to finish. “Ms. Dorothy is a bitter old woman who y'all let get away with talking to folks crazy. I respect my elders, but when she questioned how I dressed, that was it for me.”

Julia cleared her throat after looking Delilah up and down. “You have to admit, you do dress provocatively.”

Delilah stood up. She pressed her hands down on her knee-length skirt. “Am I to be ashamed of the body that God blessed me with? Unlike you, I don't have a problem flaunting my body.”

“You can choose to wear something else.”

Delilah laughed. “Julia, if I wore a sack, your man, the good reverend, would still notice the body hidden underneath it, so stop hating.”

Julia turned beet red. “You have no shame do you?”

“I haven't done anything.”

“God is not the author of confusion.”

Delilah placed her hand on her hip. “Are you calling me a devil?”

“I'm just saying you could have handled that situation with Ms. Dorothy better.”

“Maybe so, but I didn't grow up at Peaceful Rest and will not let her or you disrespect me.”

Julia stood up. “I should have known coming over here wouldn't do any good.”

“Then why did you come?” Delilah asked.

“Let's drop it. It's probably best that you resign from the Pastor's Aide committee,” Julia said before walking toward the door.

“Ohhh. Now I see what this is about. You don't care about Ms. Dorothy; you're just concerned about Samson.” Delilah, with a pout on her lips, said, “Until Samson kicks me off the committee, regardless of what you or Ms. Dorothy want, I will remain on the Pastor's Aide committee. Now if there's nothing else, I have things to do.”

Julia turned around when she got to the door. “Dee—Isn't that what your friends call you?—Samson and I are getting married next weekend, so if I were you, I would give it up, honey. The best woman has won.”

Delilah gritted her teeth. “You're the she-devil. Get out of my house now.”

“Gladly,” Julia said.

Delilah slammed the door behind her. The wall shook. Delilah rushed to locate her cordless phone and dialed Samson's number. “Samson, I need to see you tonight,” she shouted.

“I have plans,” he responded.

“I suggest you break them or your future bride will find out all about us?”

“Delilah, I'm tired of you threatening me with this. Julia's meeting me for dinner. Afterward, I'm telling her myself. Are you happy now?”

That was not the response she expected to get from Samson. Delilah hung the phone up. She had to think and think fast. Thoughts raced in Delilah's head as she imagined how Julia would respond once she found out about her and Samson. Delilah was confident there would be no wedding. Samson wouldn't have to worry because Delilah planned on being there to console him.

“Samson, yes, tell her. That means you'll be mine sooner than later,” Delilah smiled.