Free Walk a Straight Line by Michelle Lindo-Rice Page B

wear them. She touched her neck . . . And these were his mother’s pearls.
    â€œBabe, will you sing for us, tonight?” Terence called from the shower.
    Colleen’s mind screamed. No! “Yes, hon, if that’s what you want,” Colleen answered, but on the inside, she burned with resentment. He knew she hated singing in front of people. She’d told him countless times. She stuffed her feet into her shoes and grabbed her coat. Why’d he even bother asking? It’s not like she really had a choice. He’d only make her feel guilty if she didn’t.
    Later that night, as they stood by the door and greeted the parishioners leaving the church, Colleen welcomed the fact that she and Terence made a striking couple. Everyone praised her on her solo and Terence on his inspiring message. Colleen plastered a grin on her face, shook hands, and greeted people—most of whose names she had not yet memorized. Faces blurred before her, but she put up a good front, trying to project the image of a good pastor’s wife.
    An older woman came up to Terence to speak to him in private. From the corner of her eye, Colleen saw Terence step over to the side to listen to her. Not knowing what else to do, Colleen just stood there, waiting, with a stupid smile planted firmly on her lips. She felt a pang of loneliness hit her at the sight of a group of women, about her age, talking and laughing. She hoped to make friends but didn’t join them. She wished Gina were here. Gina never had a problem making friends.
    â€œHello, again,” a deep voice resonated right in front of her.
    Colleen jerked in surprise. She had been so caught up in her reverie that she had not realized that someone had approached. “Oh my goodness!” She clutched her throat and heat seared her cheeks. Colleen sought to retrieve his name. She’d met him before. She knew it. God rescued her. Aha! “I didn’t see you standing there, Brother Felix. I’m sorry.”
    â€œThat’s all right,” Brother Felix replied with a laugh. “I enjoyed your song earlier.”
    â€œWhy, thank you,” Colleen said, basking in his praise. He was a handsome man, and it felt good to be on the receiving end of his compliment.
    â€œHello, Brother Felix,” Terence addressed the man, though he was a little distance away. Colleen heard his stilted voice as he asked, “Haven’t seen you in a while. How are you?”
    â€œFine, fine, and yeah, I do need to come more often,” Brother Felix answered, but his eyes were still on Colleen.
    Colleen didn’t know what to do, so she looked away to focus on her hands. Terence walked over and took her hands and gripped them hard. Ow! Colleen naturally bit her lip to keep from uttering a sharp cry. She glanced at Terence, trying to figure out what was going on. Terence had a stoic look on his face and did not glance her way.
    Does he realize that he’s hurting me? Colleen twisted her fingers in his to give him a subtle hint to loosen his hold. But Terence squeezed even harder than before. Pain shot through her crunched fingers. Colleen looked at Felix and saw his eyes pinned on her. His concerned frown and burrowed brows made her act fast. Colleen forced a smile onto her face until Felix’s facial expression relaxed.
    â€œSee you around,” he said and quickly departed.
    As soon as they got home that night, Colleen challenged Terence. “Why were you squeezing my hand so hard?” she yelled.
    â€œBecause.” That was Terence’s quiet reply.
    â€œBecause? You hurt me!” Colleen accused angrily.
    â€œWell, I was trying to squash your flirtation with Felix James,” Terence stated, matter-of-factly. His eerily calm tone gave Colleen chills up her spine. But she was dealing with an alpha male and wouldn’t back down. “Flirting?” Colleen huffed. “Are you serious right now? I wasn’t flirting! He just said