She said yes. Geneva Samson had gone Live to tell him she accepted his offer.
Joshua’s heart warmed. He pressed the play button to listen to her voice. Her voice sounded like honey. Her voice is like honey, soothing my soul…
He pressed play again.
Geneva licked her lips. His stomach tightened. Oh, why did she do that for thousands to see?
“Hi, Joshua.” Her soft voice sounded hesitant.
He paused and then replayed her greeting. She had called him Joshua. Not JJ-LUV, but Joshua. “That’s what’s up.” He pressed play.
“Hi, Joshua. This is Geneva Samson. I’m honored you volunteered. If your offer isn’t a prank, I’d love to take you up on it.” She lowered her eyes and then faced the camera. Joshua liked the challenge in her eyes. “See you Saturday.” She brushed her hair out of her face and signed off.
He found himself smiling. Joshua didn’t understand how Geneva’s simple movements enthralled him. He had never felt an emotional connection on this level, especially toward someone he had never met.
He had to meet her.
Joshua closed his laptop.
Saturday was two days away, but it seemed too far. Their social media conversation had created a buzz. The press would be outside her church from dawn Saturday morning until he arrived. Joshua stood. He could avoid the fuss if he went to see her today. He knew where she worked. If he met her outside the school, it would give them private time together.
Joshua looked at his watch. Flights from Atlanta to Columbus, Ohio were only one hour long. He rushed to shower and get dressed. Joshua’s heart raced. He couldn’t wait to meet Geneva in person.
Joshua took the first available flight to Ohio, flying first class. He kept his cap low and hid behind a pair of huge sunglasses. He stowed his weekend bag under the seat after pulling out his Bible. Joshua had stuffed it in his bag at the last minute. If he was going to stay for church that Saturday, he had to go packing.
Geneva had posted, Jeremiah 29:11, I am hopeful to her social media page. He wanted to know what the verse said. He used the thumb index to locate the scripture.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Joshua repeated it twice. What this meant to him was that God has good thoughts for all His people. His eyes narrowed. But what was the expected end? The end of the world? He shook his head. “I’ll ask her about it.”
He put the Bible away and doodled on a napkin. Lyrics teased at him. Like sleet, the words wouldn’t settle to form into something viable. He needed to get Club Five their song. Joshua hoped the words would fall like snow when met Geneva in person.
Once he arrived in Ohio, Joshua sent a quick text to Sean and Mongoose letting them know he was off the grid.
Sean replied. You in Ohio?
Joshua stopped to answer, causing a passenger to bump into him. He apologized and pushed his cap lower. She gave him the middle finger and kept moving.
Yes. Came early.
I knew it. Good luck.
Joshua grinned at the fist pump Emojis. His stomach grumbled. Joshua hailed a cab.
“Where to?” the twenty-something driver said.
“Take me to Thurman’s Café.”
He loved their Thurmandelphia Subs, made with beef and lamb. Joshua usually got his sub with everything but the mushrooms. His mouth watered in anticipation.
The cabbie pulled up in front.
“Keep the meter running,” Joshua said before hopping out. “Do you want anything?”
The cabbie’s eyes widened. “Uhm. Yes, get me a burger and a coke.”
Joshua went and ordered their meal to go. Once he returned, Joshua handed the driver his takeout. “I’m staying at the Westin.”
“Thank you,” the cabbie said, pulling off the curb. “You know, you’re nothing like the magazines say. You’re pretty cool.”
Joshua smiled. “I didn’t know you recognized me.”
“I’ve driven quite a few celebrities in my time,” the cabbie said. “I know when they want to be incognito. Just go around like a regular person.”
Joshua chuckled. “Make sure you give me your card. I could use a driver the next few days.”
The cabbie’s head bobbed, and he handed a card to Joshua. “I’m discreet, and I have a luxury vehicle. I can take you where you need to go in style.”
Joshua looked at the card before pocketing it. “That’s great, Anthony. I’ll need you in about three hours.” He yawned. “I have to get a nap, and then I’ll be ready to go.”
Anthony grinned. “I think I know where you’re going. A certain lady is going to be very surprised.”
Joshua nodded. “I hope so.”