Free Delilah by Shelia M. Goss Page A

other money.
    She dialed William’s number. He answered on the first ring. “You can come back and get your money. I’m not doing it.”
    â€œOh, you will do it or else the good Rev. will get a package on his wedding night with your personal resume—you know the one where you opened up shop for the highest bidder.”
    â€œYou wouldn’t dare.” Delilah bit her bottom lip.
    â€œTrust me, I would,” William said. “So do we have a deal?”
    She blinked her eyes a few times and shook her head. “I’ll think about it.”
    â€œI’ll take that as an affirmative.” He laughed. “Good day. I have more pressing business to take care of.”
    Delilah paced the floor. She could tell Samson William’s plans. Would that make him trust her more? Would he still go through with the wedding? Probably. So who was she fooling? She gathered up the mail that had accumulated on her desk in the den and started going through it.
    â€œWhat do we have here?” she asked out loud. She removed the gold seal from the opening of the envelope. “I should have opened up my mail sooner,” she said after reading the enclosed invitation.
    Delilah placed the envelope in her purse and went to her closet to find something to wear. She tried on several outfits until she found the perfect one. It was a shimmering red form-fitting, knee-length dress accenting all of her curves. She applied a minimum amount of makeup but lined her lips with ruby red lipstick. She puckered up and looked in the mirror. “Ladies, don’t start the party without me.”
    Delilah stopped by Mall St. Vincent and picked up a last-minute gift for the bride-to-be. She paid extra to have the set of lingerie gift wrapped. She now stood outside on the porch of Michelle’s brick home. Rushing because she was running late, Delilah almost broke her heel on the sidewalk leading up to the house. She rang the doorbell for a second time.
    A young woman whom Delilah didn’t remember seeing before answered. “Are you here for Sister Julia’s bridal party?” the young woman asked.
    â€œI sure am,” Delilah responded.
    â€œI can help you with your gift.” The girl attempted to take the gift from Delilah’s hand.
    Delilah held on tight to her package. “I got it.”
    The girl looked at Delilah strangely but said, “Everybody is in the den.”
    â€œLead the way.”
    Delilah could hear plenty of laughter as she followed the girl. She admired the decor and felt she and Michelle had similar taste. Once they entered, the young woman announced, “We have another guest.”
    Every eye in the room was focused on Delilah and the girl. The room fell silent.
    â€œWhat is she doing here?” Dorothy asked out loud.
    Delilah walked over to where Julia sat and handed her the gift she had been carrying. “This is for you.” Delilah turned in Dorothy’s direction. “And to answer your question, Ms. Dorothy, I’m part of the Pastor’s Aide committee, and this is a Pastor’s Aide-sponsored event, so I’m here.” Delilah twitched her head and smiled before turning around to find an available seat.
    Julia said to Dorothy, “It’s okay.” She looked up in Delilah’s face. “Delilah, thank you for the gift.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” Delilah took a seat and crossed her legs. “Is this a party or what? Why all the frowned up faces?”
    Elaine said, “She’s right. One monkey don’t stop the show.”
    Delilah uncrossed her legs and then crossed them in the other direction. Not once did her smile crack. “Flip Wilson said it could, but that’s a conversation for another day.”
    Kelly intervened, “It’s game time.”
    Delilah said under her breath, “Yes, let the games begin.”

Chapter 16
    Samson was enjoying the bachelor party some of the men