Samson sighed when Delilah left instead of standing in the receiving line like some of the other patrons. He pretended not to see her wave at him. He smiled at his wife who was going to make a good first lady. They attempted to thank everyone personally as they made their way through the line.
Calvin and Michelle walked up to the couple. “I guess we’ll be seeing a Samson Junior running around here in about nine months,” Calvin said.
Julia’s smile vanished. Michelle said, “Calvin, you need to shut up sometimes.”
Samson attempted to diffuse the situation. “Man, give us some time to ourselves. We have plenty of time for kids. Right, baby?” He placed his arm around Julia and pulled her to him.
“Right,” she responded. Her smile seemed forced.
Samson and Julia retreated to his office. He removed his robe. “That went well, don’t you think?” he asked as he hung up his robe.
“I guess.” Julia walked to the window. People could be seen talking and getting into their cars.
Samson walked up behind her. “Service was good. Michael’s doing an outstanding job. I won’t be surprised if someone doesn’t call him to pastor his own church soon.”
“Why didn’t you wave back at her?” Julia asked.
Samson pretended not to know the identity of “her.” “Baby, I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.”
“You didn’t see Delilah when she waved at you?”
“No,” he lied.
Julia rolled her eyes and turned away. “I thought after we married, I wouldn’t have to worry about her. Man, was I wrong.”
“You’re the only one fixated on her. I told you there wasn’t and never will be anything going on between Delilah and me.”
Julia turned and faced Samson. “That’s what your mouth says, but your body says something totally different.”
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. “Come in,” Samson yelled.
“There goes my favorite couple,” Kelly said as she entered. She hugged the newlyweds.
“Ms. Kelly,” Julia stated.
“It’s Mom now,” Kelly corrected her. “Will I be seeing y’all for dinner?”
“Mom, I think we’ll pass on dinner today. Samson and I want more alone time.”
“Oh, I get it.” Kelly winked her right eye. “Julia, call me so we can catch up later this week.”
“I took a short leave of absence from my job, so we’ll talk later,” Julia responded. As soon as Kelly was out of the door, Julia said, “Samson, I’m supposed to be this happy, glowing bride, but look at me.”
“Baby, we can get through this. Tonight. Watch.”
Julia laughed. “I heard that for an entire week. I waited two years.” She held up two fingers. “Two years to marry the man of my dreams, and he couldn’t get it up. Do you know how that makes me feel?”
Samson started to reach for her but stopped when she wrapped her arms around herself. “I’m sorry. I prayed and…” his words trailed off.
“And what, Samson? You prayed to God that you would be able to perform for your wife? This is embarrassing.”
“Nobody has to know but us.”
Julia rolled her eyes. “Come on. Let’s go. I don’t want to talk to anyone else.”
Samson followed Julia out of his office. Julia plastered on a fake smile while they greeted a few people who were hanging around the church as they made it to their car. Her smile left her face as soon as they were seated behind the tinted windows of Samson’s SUV. Julia looked out the window the entire trip home. Samson, left with his own thoughts, felt bad. They had been married a week and one day, but due to his impotence, they had not consummated their marriage.
The silence between them remained after they got home. Samson spoke first and asked, “What do you want for dinner?”
“Whatever you want. I’m going to take a nap. Just wake me up when you get back from wherever you decide to go.”
Samson tried to be understanding about Julia’s frustrations, but she didn’t have to be so cold toward him. He changed into a pair of jeans and a button-down starched shirt. He thumbed through the flyers from different dining spots he had in his kitchen drawer. He decided to drive to the other side of town and get some barbeque from Uncle Buck’s.
“Isn’t that your pastor?” he heard someone say from behind him as he stood in line at Uncle Buck’s and placed his order.
“Hey, Pastor,” Delilah said.
Samson bit his bottom lip. He turned around and greeted Delilah and the woman with vibrant red hair.
Delilah said, “This is my best friend Keisha.”
“I’ve heard so much about you,” Keisha took the liberty of saying.
“All good I hope,” he responded.
Keisha looked at Delilah and smiled. “Where’s your bride?” Delilah asked.
Samson had no business talking to Delilah, but he answered, “At home taking a nap.” The line was getting longer behind them. “Ladies, I’ll let you place your orders. Looks like we’re holding up the line.”
Samson took a seat in the back corner as he waited on his food. He pulled out his cell phone and started playing a game. “I’m surprised she let you out of her sights,” Delilah said as she slipped in the chair at his table. Keisha sat at another table.
“We’re married, not in bondage.”
“Mmhmm. So how was the Bahamas? Or did you stay in the room the whole week and not get a chance to take in the sights?” Delilah’s perfume filled his nostrils to the point of being overpowering.
“My relationship is not up for discussion,” Samson said.
“Sort of testy. You would think that after a week of consummating your marriage, you wouldn’t be so tense.” Delilah seemed to be teasing him.
“Pastor Judges, your order is ready,” the cashier yelled over the noise.
Samson slid out from his chair. His leg grazed against Delilah’s thigh as he tried to get by her. “See you.”
He grabbed his food and sped home. Julia was still sleeping when he arrived. He woke her up and, although she still was a little reserved with him, they talked as they ate dinner. Afterward, they cuddled and watched a couple of movies.
Later that night, back in the bedroom, Samson disappointed Julia again. Frustrated, Julia turned her back to Samson. When he reached for her, she moved closer to the edge of her side of the bed. Samson couldn’t believe how things were turning out. He closed his eyes and thoughts of seeing Delilah earlier that day filled his head. He felt his body begin to respond to the thoughts. He screamed internally, Noooo. Was his body was trying to tell him something again?