Tensions were flying high the entire day. Samson found himself putting out one fire after another. If it wasn’t one of his church members calling and needing prayer, it was his mother or Julia calling with last-minute wedding changes. Elaine had taken off early to go get her hair done, so he was left answering the phone.
“Thought you could use some relaxation,” Delilah said as she entered his office carrying a white Styrofoam plate. “I come bearing food.”
Samson hadn’t eaten all day. “You didn’t have to bring me anything.”
“I figured all the women in your life would be busy getting ready for your big day.” She opened up the plate. It was filled with baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, and corn bread.
Samson couldn’t resist the food. Delilah sat and watched him as he devoured the food. “This was right on time,” he said as he ate the last bite of greens.
“I aim to please.”
“Thank you for behaving yourself at the bridal shower last night.”
“Samson, I love you. I would not do anything to deliberately hurt you.” Delilah’s eyes twinkled.
“We can be friends. I won’t be able to talk to you like I talk to you now, but when we see each other, we can be cordial.”
“I am on your Pastor’s Aide committee, so we’ll still have a lot to discuss.”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. Maybe you should resign from the committee.”
Delilah looked worried. “Please don’t kick me off the committee. You’ll never find another member more committed to your cause than me,” Delilah pleaded.
“That’s not what I was going to say. I just think you should let Ms. Dorothy or Michelle handle reporting stuff to me from now on.”
Delilah twisted around in her seat. “You’re afraid to be alone with me, aren’t you?”
Samson didn’t respond. “Delilah, you know our history.”
She leaned forward. “I promise to behave as long as you do.” She winked.
“I dropped by to bring you lunch, but it seems someone else beat me to it,” Julia said, entering the room. She placed the brown paper bag on the nearest table in Samson’s office.
“Hello to you too, Julia,” Delilah said.
“Why is it every time I turn around, I find her here?” Julia looked directly at Samson.
Samson stuttered, “What had happened was, I was working. Delilah decided to drop me off something to eat. That’s it.”
He stood up and hugged Julia. Her arms remained to her side. Delilah leaned back in her chair with a smug look on her face.
“Jules—I can call you Jules, can’t I?—there’s no need for you to be jealous. You’re the best woman, remember?” Delilah assured her.
“I don’t like the sight of this one bit,” Julia said, obviously frustrated from the tone of her voice.
“Delilah’s been having a hard time lately. She needed some advice,” Samson lied. He looked at Delilah and with his eyes tried to tell her to help back him up.
Julia placed her arm around his waist. “When we get married, this spiritual counseling needs to cease.”
Samson knew Julia didn’t care for Delilah, but he was not too fond of the jealous streak his fiancée possessed. His church had more women members than men, and on any given day some would need counseling. He wondered if Julia would have the same possessive spirit with those women. Besides, he only agreed to counsel Delilah so he could keep tabs on her. He felt as long as Delilah got to spend a little time with him, she would be satisfied and wouldn’t resort to ruining his world by revealing their affair. He would not allow Julia to interfere with his plans.
“Julia, this isn’t open for discussion.” Samson then addressed Delilah. “Delilah, thanks for the lunch. I hope I solved your problem. If you don’t mind, I need to speak with my fiancée alone.”
Delilah eased out of her chair at a slow pace. “The next time I see you two, you’ll be walking down the aisle.”
“You’re coming to the wedding?” Julia asked.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss seeing my two favorite people tie the knot. Tootles,” Delilah said as she sashayed out the room.
“I have to pray every night for God to forgive me for the evil thoughts that run through my mind concerning that woman,” Julia said.
“Baby, you have to get past this. There will be plenty of women who need my spiritual guidance.” Samson moved and sat down behind his desk.
Julia sat on the corner of his desk. “She just rubs me the wrong way. I used to not have a problem with her, but this crush she has on you seems to be more than just a crush.”
“She can’t help it. I am kind of cute, don’t you think?” Samson hoped his joking would ease the tension between them. “Forget Delilah, baby. In less than twenty-four hours, you are going to be Mrs. Judges, and I can’t wait.”
“You still have time to back out, and I won’t be mad at you,” Julia said. Her eyes didn’t reflect the words that came out of her mouth.
“God has sent me a treasure in you. Julia Rivers, the day I marry you will be the happiest day of my life.” Samson took her hand in his and kissed the back of it.
“It’s hard to tell when every time I turn around, Delilah is up in your face and you seem oblivious to what she wants. Then again, maybe you enjoy the attention.” Julia jerked her hand away.
“Julia, don’t be like that.” Samson didn’t attempt to reach for her hand. “Delilah has issues, but you don’t have to worry about me and her.”
“I don’t trust her.” Julia stood and folded her arms.
Samson walked up to her and looked her directly in the eyes. “Forget Delilah. The question is, Do you trust me?”
Julia tilted her head. “Should I?”
“Of course,” Samson responded.
“Yes, Samson, I trust you, okay?”
Without saying a word, Samson wrapped his arms around Julia. She was unable to see the look of relief on Samson’s face.