Redeeming Heart (15 page)

Octavia chuckled. “Listen to my baby sister
giving me love advice. Hope I don’t have to give it back to you
when you’re confused about a guy.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” Olivia laughed and
so did Octavia.

As if the two were brainstorming a business
concept, they went over the pros and cons of going out with James.
“I say give Jimmy three dates to determine if he wants you and God
as a package deal,” Olivia proposed.

Octavia agreed and overlooked her sister
giving James a nickname.

Friday afternoon, Octavia hurried home from
the office to shower and change into something flirty. She chose a
sleeveless flowing mid-calf dress and heeled scandals. Once the
rehearsal was over, she and James would enjoy a late dinner.

When she arrived at church, there was no sign
of James or an unrecognizable car in the parking lot. She waited in
the foyer for a few minutes, peeking out the door. Finally, she
headed to the women’s lounge where her friends were probably
changing.

“’Bout time you got here,” Kai said, hugging
Octavia.

“Don’t mind her,” Deb teased. “You know
patience isn’t Kai’s strong point.”

“I know.” Octavia grinned, then kicked off
her shoes and slipped on socks. Once all three were in their
practice clothes and prayed that God would be pleased, they headed
to the dimmed sanctuary. Someone in the technical booth flashed on
the spotlight.

Octavia did a sweep and didn’t see anyone
sitting in the audience
. Okay, he’ll be here
, she coaxed
herself, rather than becoming annoyed that James wasn’t there.
“This is not about him,” she mumbled to herself and focused on her
task at hand.

After they finished the second routine, she
spied a solo occupant in the back row. Relaxed, she waved and he
waved back. James was late, but he had come. The only other person
who had watched her practice was Landon, and that was by
default.

She blinked the memories away to perform the
third and final number until Deb stopped mid-step and complained,
“We’re off. I think we should go through it one more time.”

Once they were satisfied that the routine was
perfect, Octavia beat them to the dressing room to change. “I have
someone I want you to meet.” She couldn’t wait to introduce James
to Deb and Kai and get their take. His appearance had sparked a
level of anticipation, and she was excited to be swept off her
feet.

“I thought I saw you wave at someone.” Deb
lifted a brow as Octavia checked her appearance. Unfortunately,
when she returned to the auditorium, it was empty. Frowning, she
led them to the foyer.

“Maybe he’s in the men’s room,” Deb said as
her husband pulled up to the entrance and waved before stepping out
the car for his wife. “I’ll meet him next time.”

“Me too,” Kai added. “I’ve got plans.” She
grinned and hurried out the door.

Octavia lingered in the hall, waiting. When
the men’s restroom door opened, Brother Michaels strolled out. “Is
anyone else inside?” she asked.

“Nope. Just me.”

“Thanks.” So where was he? She backtracked to
the entrance, wondering if he was waiting in his car, which would
not make a good impression on her. When she opened the door, James
was walking toward her with a swagger a woman couldn’t help but
admire. Any attitude she had with his disappearing act vanished as
she beheld the fine specimen of God’s handiwork. She had been crazy
not to call him.

“Hi, beautiful.” James smiled. As he stepped
closer, his sex appeal was definitely overpowering, but she
wouldn’t let that distract her. “What are you doing out here? I
thought you’d wait for me in the sanctuary.”

“I’m just getting here.” He handed her a
long-stemmed rose.

Her mouth formed an “o” as she accepted his
token. Someone had definitely waved at her. It wasn’t uncommon for
church members who were there for meetings to pop in the sanctuary
for a prayer, listen to a choir rehearsal or watch a praise team
practice. Octavia was disappointed, knowing that it wasn’t
James.

“I had hoped you could have watched me
rehearse.” She wanted to pout, but didn’t.

“I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.” He
winked then steered her elbow toward a silver Benz.

Octavia gently shook her elbow free. “I’ll
drive.”

“Let me pamper you,” he offered, dropping his
voice.

Was she being petty to think that he missed
that opportunity by being a no-show at her practice? Plus, she took
the possibility of date rape seriously. “You can pamper me once we
get to our destination.” She smiled to ease the blow to his pride
when disappointment flashed on his face. “Where are we going?”

“Longhorn Steakhouse?” He waited for her
approval.

“Then I guess I’ll see you there.”

James fell in step with her. “I’ll walk you
to your car.”

Half an hour later, they had arrived and were
shown to a booth. James was all smiles and compliments—so many that
Octavia blushed more than once.

Their waitress introduced herself and advised
them of the special. James ordered white wine with his lamb chops
while she chose a crab dish and water.

James frowned. “If you don’t want a glass of
wine, would you prefer a margarita?”

“Water is fine. If I want anything stronger,
I’ll order a Sprite.”

“Very well.” The woman gathered their menus
and left.

“You don’t drink?” James leaned closer. “Not
even a little?” He used his thumb and a finger as a demonstration.
“Jesus drank wine.”

Octavia refrained from rolling her eyes. She
would be a rich woman if she passed the collection plate every time
someone said that to her. “I appreciate a man who knows his Bible.
I’m sure you know the scriptures that warn against being drunk.
Since I don’t know my tolerance level, I’m good with following
Christ’s examples with living holy—”

“Whoa.” He held up his hands. “I didn’t mean
to offend you, and if drinking around you does that, then I’ll
order water, too.”

She smiled. “Thank you, but the only way I
will learn the real you is to know about the convictions you live
by.” She rested an elbow on the table so she could cradle her chin
in her hand.

Chuckling, James relaxed in his seat. “My
convictions are simple: be positive, treat people fairly and go
after what I want.” He wiggled his brow, then linked his hands
together.

“What about God and church?”

“I believe in God, and I have nothing against
church unless the preaching goes over an hour and a half.” He
paused. “Tell me about Miss Octavia Winston.”

“I love God and want Him to lead my thoughts
and actions throughout my life.”

“But does that mean you can’t have a life
outside of church?” he asked.

“I’m not married, which means I stay busy
with church and work.” She shrugged.

He leaned closer and whispered, “I can’t
believe a man hasn’t asked you.”

“I didn’t say that.” Her puppy love in high
school didn’t count and her first boyfriend in college had
retracted the proposal seconds after uttering it, stating he was
teasing. “I haven’t met the right one to say yes.”

James sat straighter. “That’s about to
change.”

Octavia didn’t want to encourage James, but
her spirit shouted,
Then show me
.

***

Sunday after church, Landon offered to treat Rossi
to a buffet with money in his wallet.

“And I’m man enough to let you,” Rossi joked.
Once they were in Rossi’s SUV, he gave a side glance. “You all
right, bro? That was a powerful sermon today.”

Landon was taking one day at a time. He had
lost so much that he was learning to appreciate what little he had
gained. He didn’t know if he would ever be on top again. That would
be Jesus’ call.

“Yeah.” Landon nodded. “My soul needed to be
reminded to press toward the mark, but sometimes it’s hard not to
look back, especially when a child’s mother is holding my
grandparents’ visitation rights to my children hostage. I’m going
to have to make a trip home.”

“When?”

“Soon. Brittani is getting married, and
there’s rumor that the fiancée will adopt the twins. I need to save
a little more money first.”

“I can lend you airfare,” Rossi stated as if
it were nothing.

Smiling, Landon shook his head as he watched
the passing scenery. “You’ve done enough for me, man. My
grandfather offered, too, but I can do this.”

“Well, whenever you go, I’m going with
you.”

Landon whipped his head around and stared at
Rossi. “You’re what? You don’t have to do that?”

“That’s what friends are for. If you kicked
up as much dirt back home as you say, you’re going to need a
friend. Just let me know when.”

“I don’t deserve this kind of friendship.”
Landon choked, then swallowed.

“We have no idea what we deserve, but God
gives it to us fairly anyway. He is no respecter of persons.
Remember Matthew 5:45. Hey, did you get a chance to see Octavia
practice?”

“Yep.” His heart pounded. “She has a way of
stirring my soul just watching her move to the music that worshiped
God. Of course, I sneaked out before she knew it was me. It was
perfect timing because the bus was coming as soon as I made it to
the corner.” He missed her—no, he was falling for her. Could this
be love, this soon? Was this the reason why he felt he was dying a
slow agonizing death each day that went by with seeing her?

Bowing his head, Landon rubbed his forehead
and exhaled.

Rossi frowned. “You all right?”

“Probably not. I think I’m in love with
Octavia.” He swallowed hard labeling his emotions. “And there’s
absolutely nothing I can do about it. What kind of man tells a
woman he loves her, but has nothing to offer to win her
affections?”

“As, a friend,” Rossi paused and checked the
rearview mirror before making a turn, “man up, bro. Stop your woe
is me and go after your woman, but I stand by what I say about
hurting her. Don’t do it.”

Landon nodded. Maybe Rossi was right. It was
time to get back in the game. This time he planned to chase the
right woman for the right reason—love.

James pulled out all the stops: flowers waiting on
Octavia’s desk Monday morning after a weekend of a movie, museum
and church on Sunday.

Now, James was treating her to a mid-week
dinner date. “So how was your day?” James asked after Octavia led
them in grace over their food. His smile was engaging.

“Actually, I had a great day. God turned a
decision around for one of my clients to get the home they wanted.
The seller had a change of heart and dropped the price twelve
thousand dollars when she learned the couple were first-time
buyers.”

James chewed, then frowned. “But dropping the
sales price will affect your commission, won’t it?” When she
nodded, he rested his fork beside his plate. “How are you making
any money?”

“I have other sources of revenue. Banks
request broker price opinions or BPOs, where I do drive-bys and
take pictures of the property, determine if the houses look lived
in, then give an opinion of the value of the property,” Octavia
explained as he listened patiently minus a smile. “Plus,
organizations pay me to conduct seminars, and I pick up business
from those workshops.”

Shaking his head, James frowned. “You’re
piecing together an income.”

“James, it’s not always about the money.”

“It’s always about the money. If you were
more selective in where you network, you could double or triple
your income.” He picked up his fork and was about to shove mixed
vegetables in his mouth, but paused. “Follow the money. Work
smarter, not harder.”

There wasn’t enough money in the world to buy
genuine happiness. She looked him in the eyes. “I’m more than a
real estate agent or realtor; I’m a Realtist. Our philosophy is to
give back.”

He pushed back from the table and held up his
hands in surrender. “I don’t want to fight. I’m just looking out
for you.”

“I appreciate that, but I’ve never missed a
house or car payment.”

He smiled. “You need a vacation. How about
you let me pamper you for a long weekend in Jamaica? You can get
away from the stress and just enjoy yourself.”

“James, I’m not sleeping with you—”

“I didn’t ask you to,” he said too smugly. “I
can book two rooms, and we can spend time together during the day
and sleep in separate rooms.”

Did he think she was compromisable? Was that
even a word? “Hold it right there.” She pushed back her food. “You
don’t get me, do you? I have a good reputation, and going on a
get-away with a man who is not my husband isn’t a good reflection
of holiness. I’m serious about my salvation.” She gathered her
purse and admitted defeat. She didn’t feel a connection with James
and it didn’t make sense to force a relationship where there was no
chemistry. “Unless you have Jesus, I don’t expect you to
understand, but I’m not the one for you.” She stood despite his
protest and walked out of the restaurant to her car.

She went home and cried. Why couldn’t a man
see her worth? James was looking out for her financial interests,
but what about her spiritual interests? Landon flashed in her mind.
Had he been just an arrogant, charming man, wining and dining and
beguiling silly women as the scripture said? How did she go from
James to Landon?

Evidently, James was as stubborn as her,
because he didn’t try to change her mind. For the next weeks, she
stayed focused on selling houses. Terri knew better than to say
James’s name. Olivia, on the other hand, suddenly found time to
hound Octavia about Landon until Octavia called Rossi to check on
him.

“Praise the Lord, Minister Rossi,” she said
when he answered the phone. They exchanged pleasantries before she
stated the purpose of her call.