Delilah missed service last Sunday, but she was determined to be there this week no matter what. She applied her makeup to match her suit. She decided to wear a lilac-colored knee-length suit she had purchased from Dillard’s department store. Keisha had done her hair the day before, so all she had to do was remove her hair net and watch the long, cascading curls fall loosely. She ran her hand over a few loose strands. The first lady wouldn’t be the only one looking good today, she thought.
Keisha had assured her she would be there to perform for the anniversary program. She sure hoped so because she was counting on her to show up and show out. Listening to a local gospel radio station, Delilah eased into a parking place near the front of the church. The parking lot wasn’t as full as it normally was. On days when there were two services, some members would opt not to come to the first morning service.
Delilah didn’t plan on missing any of the services. She waited in her car until she knew it was time for church to start. The usher at the door handed her a program and directed her to sit to her left side. Delilah wanted to sit on the right side, so she moved past him and started walking toward the pew she preferred. She heard the usher call her name, but she ignored him and sat where she wanted to. If the service hadn’t already started, she was sure he would have tried to make her move.
Associate Minister Monroe preached the first service. Afterward, Delilah caught up with Michelle to see if she needed her to do anything. “We got it covered,” Michelle assured her.
“Don’t say I didn’t offer my services,” Delilah said.
“I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who turned them down,” Michelle said before walking away.
There was an hour break before the second service started. Delilah didn’t have a reason to go back home, so she wandered the halls. She passed by Samson’s office a few times. His door was open so she could see a few people going in and out. As soon as he was in the office alone, she slipped inside.
“Happy anniversary, Pastor,” Delilah said.
Samson looked up. He didn’t look too happy to see her. “Delilah, I don’t have time to talk to you today.”
“Now, what kind of greeting is that for one of your diehard supporters?” Delilah stood in front of his desk.
“Julia will be here any minute, so I suggest you save whatever you have to say for later.”
“I don’t get a happy anniversary? It’s been one year this month since I joined Peaceful Rest. Don’t I get some congrats or something?” Delilah asked. She eased her way around his desk.
Samson moved his chair farther from Delilah. “I’m happy that you joined Peaceful Rest, okay?”
“So can I get a hug?” she asked.
Delilah saw the sweat drip from his forehead. She got a tissue and wiped it for him. He grabbed her wrist. “Don’t.”
She dropped the tissue, and it landed in his lap. Delilah’s cell phone rang. Keisha’s special ring tone played. “That’s my friend. We’ll continue this later.”
Delilah left Samson’s office and ran right into Elaine. “Oops, sorry,” Delilah said.
“Ms. Dorothy is looking for you.” Elaine looked like she wanted to say something else, but she didn’t.
“Thanks.” Delilah smiled, turned on her heels, and twisted down the hall.
She found Dorothy talking to another one of the women on the Pastor’s Aide committee.
“Elaine said you were looking for me.”
“Yes, your friend who’s doing the solo is here.” Dorothy handed her a lilac-and-white corsage. “Make sure she puts this on.” Dorothy reached down and got another one. “And this is for you.”
“This is pretty. Thanks.” Delilah was truly surprised by Dorothy’s kind gesture.
She went inside the sanctuary and noticed the seats were filling up. She looked around to see if she could locate Keisha. “Boo,” Keisha said from behind her.
“Girl, don’t sneak up on me like that no more.”
Keisha and Delilah hugged. “We’ll be sitting near the front. Tell our musician what song you’re going to sing, and he’ll do your music so you won’t have to play the piano and sing,” Delilah said as she led her to where the minister of music sat. “Victor, this is my friend Keisha. She’s on to sing a solo today.”
Victor asked in his high-pitched voice, “Do you know what song you want to sing yet or are you just going to let the Spirit move you?”
Keisha responded, “I’ll be singing ‘The Battle Is The Lord’s.’”
“Let me hear you sing the first verse so I can get your key,” Victor said.
Delilah listened to the lyrics of the song Keisha was singing and thought about Samson. She wondered if she was fighting a losing battle concerning him.