Dorothy had done her best to keep Delilah out of the loop when it came to the duties of the Pastor’s Aide committee for the pre-anniversary celebration they were having for Samson on Friday night. Fortunately for Delilah, not everybody on the committee had a personal vendetta against her. In fact, one of the other older women, Lora Stampley, didn’t like the way Dorothy always wanted to have the final word on things.
“I’ll see you at six,” Lora said.
“Six?” Delilah asked.
“Yes, I thought somebody told you. Plus it was in the church bulletin.”
“Ms. Lora, thank you for letting me know the time changed,” Delilah said. She hadn’t paid attention to the date change in the church bulletin, so she was glad Lora called her.
“No problem, dear. I’ll see you there,” Lora said before disconnecting the call.
The dinner for the pre-anniversary celebration had been moved up to six o’clock, so that meant Delilah had only thirty minutes to get ready. It seemed everyone else had been notified of this but her. Fortunately, she already had her clothes picked out. Delilah would show them. Since Dorothy and her buddies wanted to be ugly, she would arrive only in time for the dinner to start. She had planned on helping with decorations and anything else. See, God didn’t like ugly, and as Ms. Shadows used to say, He wasn’t too keen on cute either.
Satisfied she was dressed to impress, Delilah drove to the Holiday Inn, the place where the dinner was being held. She recognized church members in the parking lot.
Everybody wore their Sunday best on this Friday night. Some people greeted Delilah, while others turned their noses up. She never could understand church folks. Some of their attitudes were enough to turn away someone, but fortunately for her, she was secure.
She bypassed the long line and went to the registration desk. Two women from Pastor’s Aide were checking people in. “Do y’all need some help?” Delilah asked.
One of the women looked up. The expression on her face let Delilah know she was surprised to see her. “No, uh, we got it covered,” she stuttered.
“Fine. Then I’ll just go on in.”
There was assigned seating. The Pastor’s Aide committee and their guests were supposed to sit near the pastor and other ministers. She hoped there was enough room for everyone because she was headed to take a seat at the table. She would not be without a seat.
Delilah reached the table and sat down. She had a good view of the front podium. “I see you made it,” Dorothy said.
Delilah turned to look in her direction. “No thanks to you.”
“I meant to call you, but I got busy.” Dorothy’s hands were full of programs.
“Sister Dorothy, no need to lie.”
“I can’t believe you’re calling me a liar right here in my face.” She took one of the programs and fanned.
“Would you rather me talk behind your back?”
Michelle, with Calvin by her side, walked up. “Ladies, everything all right here?”
All eyes were on Delilah. Delilah looked at Dorothy. “It’s fine as far as I’m concerned.”
“Dear, can you help me pass out these programs?” Dorothy turned and asked Michelle.
Michelle followed behind Dorothy. Calvin sat at the end of the table. “Don’t let Ms. Dorothy get under your skin.”
Delilah retrieved her compact mirror from her purse. “I’ve confronted worse.”
Calvin said, “Luther, told me about your date.”
“Don’t get me started on your trifling brother-in-law.” Delilah checked her reflection in the mirror and snapped it shut.
“I did tell him he was the one in the wrong.”
Delilah and Calvin talked about Luther. Calvin confessed, “It was Michelle’s idea. I should have used my better judgment and stayed out of it. Luther’s not relationship material.”
“You can say that again.”
Most of the tables in the room were getting filled up. Delilah coughed a few times. “Calvin, make sure no one gets my seat. I’m going to go see if I can find a water fountain.”
Delilah’s cough didn’t subside until she drank some water. She detoured to the restroom before returning to the banquet area. When she entered the bathroom, she came face-to-face with Julia, who stood in front of the mirror adjusting her lime green skirt.
Delilah stood and watched her for a few seconds before Julia looked up. Neither said a word. Delilah walked in and retrieved a tissue from the box on the sink’s counter. She turned the water on, and it spurted out, splashing on Julia. “Sorry,” Delilah said.
“Yeah right,” Julia responded.
“Excuse me?” Delilah didn’t like Julia’s attitude.
“You heard me right the first time.”
Delilah was steps away from reaching over and popping Peaceful Rest’s first lady in the face, but the door opening saved her from making a step in Julia’s direction. Both she and Julia turned to see who was entering.
The unknown woman went into a bathroom stall. Delilah looked directly at Julia. “Is there something you want to say to me?” Delilah asked
Julia seemed to retreat. “I have nothing to say to you.”
“Then good luck with that water spot.” Delilah turned and walked out of the bathroom.