Free A Sin and a Shame by Victoria Christopher Murray

eyes on Jasmine. “Maybe this once we can do this. Let me meet with Sister Jasmine…alone.”
    His secretary frowned. “Are you sure, Reverend?” she said, her voice filled with warning. “We don’t want any problems.”
    Jasmine made up her mind. Getting rid of Mrs. Whittingham would be her first order of business.
    The reverend nodded. “I’m sure Sister Jasmine won’t give us any problems.”
    “Of course not, Reverend,” Jasmine said and then turned her glance to Mrs. Whittingham. She had to fight to keep her smirk away.
    The church secretary stood, glared at Jasmine once again, and then took her time strolling from the room.
    “You can close the door, Sister Whittingham,” the reverend said.
    Mrs. Whittingham opened her mouth to protest, but then followed the reverend’s instructions. She had barely closed the door when Reverend Bush said, “Sister Jasmine, I am tempted to listen to your story, but I think it would be best if we just got to the point.”
    Jasmine crossed her legs. I knew it, she thought. At least there wouldn’t be any games.
    “Truth be told,” he said, and leaned back in his seat, “I don’t believe the reason you told me you’re here.”
    “Oh, no, Reverend,” she said, loving this exchange. “You can believe me.” She smiled and edged forward. “I have been having…dreams.”
    He paused as he took in her words, their meaning. “Sister Jasmine, the only way I’ve ever known to be is honest. So, let me begin by saying that I recognize all your little tricks.”
    His words pushed her back in her seat.
    He continued, “The call you made this morning—”
    “I explained that. I did what I did because Mrs. Whittingham doesn’t like me.”
    He spoke over her words. “The call you made yesterday.” He held up his hands. “And don’t bother denying it. I called the number you gave to Sister Whittingham when the magazine didn’t call me and I got your voice mail.”
    What was she supposed to say? Think, Jasmine. Think.
    “The times you tried to meet Malik here…” He paused and shook his head. “Sister Jasmine, these kinds of things have to stop. They’re disruptive—not only to me and my work, but to those who work with me.”
    She took a deep breath. “Reverend, you’re right. Maybe I’ve gone about this the wrong way, but the only reason I did all of those things was because there seems to be this hedge around you.”
    He nodded as if he understood.
    “I couldn’t seem to get to you. All I wanted was two minutes with you to ask you to lunch—”
    “You asked me to join you for lunch, Sister Jasmine. You asked me and I declined in the politest way I could.”
    “But you had to say no because there were others around. But now,” she leaned forward again, her calm confidence returning. “It’s just us. We’re both single. We’re both attractive, at least I think you are.” She paused. When he said nothing, she added, “And we both want to get to know one another.”
    He shook his head. “Sister Jasmine. I have to apologize. I don’t know what I did to give you that impression.” He stopped and made his voice stronger. “But I am not interested in going out with you.”
    Her back straightened with indignation.
    “I don’t fraternize with women in my congregation.”
    She exhaled. “Oh, is that the reason? Come on, Reverend.” Then she asked, “May I call you Samuel?”
    “You can call me Reverend Bush.”
    Her smile left her face, but she kept it in her voice. “If the problem is my attending services here, that can be solved. It’s not like I’m a member.” She leaned toward him. “You’ve been honest with me, so let me do the same. I feel the chemistry between us.”
    He glanced at the clock before he looked at her. “I don’t know what you’re feeling, but whatever it is…” He paused. “I’m not feeling it.” He let his words stay in the air before he added, “So, let’s make this clear—no more games, no tricks, no phone