Belinda waved to Portia, who gave her a small nod. She had arrived early to church that following Saturday to ensure they would have seats just a few rows behind Sydney. Portia approached, still wearing her sunglasses. Belinda smirked. Somebody had been out partying the night before.
“Glad you made it. For a minute there, I thought you’d reneged on our plan.”
“No, I just had a hard time getting up this morning,” Portia answered in a muffled voice.
Belinda poked her in the ribs. “Look who just walked in.”
Both women eyed the six-foot-four man as he strolled over to where Sydney sat.
“I guess we’ve been replaced,” Portia said, as her eyes took in all Nathaniel was showing.
Belinda had to agree Nathaniel was fine. He was dressed in a beige suit with a gold-colored shirt and coordinated tie. She had to give it to him. He knew how to put himself together.
“He’s finger-licking good. I’ll give him that,” Belinda said.
Portia’s eyes were wide. “I can’t believe you just said that. We’re in church, and you’re engaged.”
“Yes, I know where I am, and I’m not about to lie in church. That man is fine and that’s the truth. And, I’m engaged, not blind. Now, he’s nothing close to my Lance, but he’s up there.” Belinda tilted her head toward the podium where Lance stood. He was officiating the services today.
Dressed in a dark blue suit and baby blue shirt, Lance looked good. Eyeing him, Belinda debated the perks of going to the justice of the peace. No, she couldn’t. Her father would have her head. He wanted to walk his only child down the aisle and Belinda wanted the fairytale. Which reminded her, she leaned over to Portia. “You have any updates for me?”
Portia glared. “Don’t you know who you’re dealing with?”
Sydney turned around and crooked her finger at them. There were two empty spots next to her. Portia jumped to her feet.
After a brief hesitation, Belinda followed.
The three women exchanged hugs.
“Sydney, you’re glowing. Your tummy is finally showing.” Belinda pressed her hand against Sydney’s growing abdomen.
Portia scrunched her nose. “Turn to the side.”
Sydney blushed under their attention.
“You’re beautiful,” Nathaniel said.
He sounded a little too intimate for Belinda’s liking.
Portia leaned in and whispered. “You see what I mean? Look how fine I look in this black dress, but he’s gushing over Sydney.”
Sydney spoke up. “Belinda, I don’t think you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nathaniel.”
Belinda smiled, “Pleased to meet you.” She made her voice extra sexy to annoy Portia.
“Sydney didn’t tell me she had a model for a friend,” he said. Belinda hid a smile. Nathaniel was a flirt.
In her tiger print dress and matching pumps, Belinda struck a pose. “Well, I try.”
“Belinda’s engaged to Dr. Lance Forbes. He’s the one who is going to lead the service,” Sydney explained.
Belinda glanced at Portia. Sydney was making sure Nathaniel knew Belinda wasn’t available. As soon as the music started for the service to begin, Belinda made sure to sit next to Sydney to keep Nathaniel from reclaiming the seat next to her.
Portia took her cue and sat on the other side of Sydney, so Nathaniel ended up sitting next to her. His face looked drawn like he was disappointed.
Belinda’s cell vibrated. She read a text from Portia.
Don’t be so obvious.
Whatever. Belinda texted back. She was too content to let Portia intimidate her. Her fingers flew across the keyboard.
I’m not afraid of you.
“Put away the cell phone,” Sydney whispered.
Lance called the service to order and Belinda placed her phone in her bag. He was born to lead God’s people. There was no doubt about it. She adjusted her clothes before stealing a glance at Sydney. Sydney looked every inch like the First Lady with her mustard-colored Tahari suit, black shoes and hat. Belinda mimicked how Sydney sat. She needed to buy some hats and shoes if she were going to snag that title one day.
After the worship service, Noah gave the word. “Today, I want to talk about trusting God through adversity. As believers, we have to be ready to handle whatever curve balls come our way. We have to be like Job and be ready to stand and trust God, even if we are being slain. My question today is, can God give you a recommendation? Can He count on you?”
“Is he for real?” Sydney muttered under her breath.
Belinda could feel her friend’s body shaking. She knew how Sydney felt. Noah’s words were in direct contrast to what he practiced at home.
“I don’t believe this.” Sydney attracted the attention of a few parishioners seated in proximity.
Belinda grabbed Sydney’s hand and squeezed. Sydney glanced her way. Belinda whispered, “You have an audience.”
Sydney nodded and stilled her movements. She schooled her expression to one that bespoke keen interest as Noah continued in the Word.
“Let’s look at a key scripture reference. Romans 8:28 should be our mantra. It says, ‘And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, and who are called according to His purpose.’ ”
From his position on the podium, Lance shouted a hearty, “Hallelujah!”
Several others followed his lead. Sydney, on the other hand, looked upward. “God, are you hearing this? Lightning is about to strike and thunder is about to roll.”
“Sydney,” Belinda warned. “You’ve got to behave. Talk to him at home.”
Noah said, “As I stand here to give the word, I confess I’m preaching to myself today. I’m just the vessel God decided to use this morning. I’m going to ask my wife to join me for a moment.”
Sydney huffed. “I’m not going anywhere,” she mumbled, though she kept a serene smile on her face and made a motion that he should carry on.
Noah’s blue eyes beckoned to his wife with outstretched hands. It was clear he intended to remain that way until she joined him.
Her stubbornness kicked in. Sydney remained seated.