The Resolution: The first three chapters
A Pulled from the Headlines Read© 2017 All rights reserved. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author, Michelle Lindo-Rice's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Please note, this is an UNEDITED peek at the author's work.
Enjoy the First Three Chapters ofTHE RESOLUTION
ORDER YOUR COPYCh. 1
This is too much for me. I’m not cut out for marriage. I’m done.Geneva Samson sat on her bed and read the words on her Android screen for the tenth time. Her brows furrowed. Who breaks off an engagement via text message? Joshua James, her boyfriend of six years and fiancé of eleven months, did. They were just in church together the day before. Then today, Sunday, he sends her this text. Tears slid down her cheeks and down her neck. She had been waiting for another text message to hit her phone saying he was joking or it was a mistake. But, her phone had been silent.Geneva tossed the device on the bed and stuffed a fist in her mouth to keep from making a sound. She lived alone in her condo but her walls were paper-thin. She didn’t want her neighbors hearing her wailing because Josh had ignored her seven responses and sent her calls to voicemail. He had also changed his social media status to single. Like sugar ants, people were drawn to that juicy news.She bit back a scream. Josh could have at least face her with the news. Tell her to her face he no longer wanted to get married. That Josh didn’t think she was worth a decent conversation hurt. They had been college sweethearts at Ohio State pursuing their Master’s degrees at the College of Education and Human Ecology. Josh had found his niche as a middle school math teacher. Geneva hadn’t settled there. While she worked as an exceptional student educator, she had enrolled in the PhD program to major in Education Leadership. She intended to become a principal of an elementary.Geneva’s best friend, Selena Mills called. “Have you heard from him?” Geneva had forwarded the text message to her when she had received it.She sat up on her bed. “No. He’s not answering my calls.”“That’s real grimy. Joshua James is a punk and I’d better not see his face at church next week.”“I don’t think he’ll be coming to Rock of Hope anytime soon. When my father finds out…” She covered her face. “I don’t want to hear my dad say, I told you so, and how I should’ve listened.”“Do you think it had anything to do with the sermon? Pastor Samson hit the book of James hard yesterday. His message on double-mindedness had me squirming in my seat.”“I don’t know,” she said. Her father had been wary of Josh from they first met. He said something about Joshua didn’t gel with him. Her heart ached at how right her father had been.“Be prepared. You know this is research for his next sermon.”Despite her relationship troubles, Geneva chuckled. Pastor Ernest Samson had been a single parent by choice. Once her mother had passed, he never remarried. Geneva had been a strong-will child. Some of her antics had made it in his sermons, causing much laughter in the congregation. Geneva believed her father could use any situation and turn it into a message. “I can hear him now,” she groaned, running her hands through her hair. Geneva avoided looking in the mirror. She knew her hair had to be a horrible mess. She kept her hair natural; opting to get it straightened bi-weekly at the salon.“Oh please. His little Genny can do no wrong. It’s Josh who should be worried. He must have forgotten your father has boxing gloves for hands.” Geneva laughed. “Only you can make me crack up when I’m supposed to be crying.” She touched her chest and admitted in a low voice, “I’m in so much pain. I can’t believe Josh would do this to me.”“Girl, be for real. You know Josh has been real shady these past weeks. If you asked me, he did you a favor.”Geneva wiped a tear. “I asked him if he was getting cold feet and he waved off my concerns. But he waits until it’s two weeks before our wedding and I’ve paid off for the honeymoon to pull this stunt.” Her chest heaved. “I can’t get my money back. In fact, I just paid up the balances on the wedding cake and banquet hall this morning, and they have a strict no-refund policy.” She clenched her fists. “And, he knew it because I told him last night.”“What a sleaze ball,” Selena said. “You know there are other names I could call him, but I’m saved.”“I can think of some myself, but I’m not apologizing to God because of Josh.”“That slime isn’t worth it.” She sighed through the line. “Are you sure you can’t get your money back?”Geneva bit her lower lip and massaged her temples. “No. I feel bad knowing my father spent twenty-thousand dollars to give me a dream wedding.” She shook her head. “It will remain a dream.” More tears fell. She used her pajama sleeve to wipe them away.“You should sue that jerk. Make him pay half.” Her heart constricted. “That money was my mother’s legacy. When my father received the payout from the insurance policy, he put away my college money and,” she gulped, “Money for my wedding.” She clutched her stomach. “I feel like I squandered what Mommy had to die and give me. She was a deli worker. My mother’s death made me debt free.”“Oh, no. I had no idea. I’m so sorry,” Selena said.Geneva put a hand to her chest. “I’d give back every dime and be buried under student loans, to have her here with me.”“Oh, honey. If you want my mother, you can have mine.”Geneva gave a little laugh. “Selena, you’re a mess.”“Just lightening the air to keep from going after Josh.”Geneva squeezed her eyes shut. “Oh goodness! I forgot I present my dissertation results tomorrow. How am I supposed to get up in front of a room full of people and talk about the effects of autism and career choice when my heart is breaking?” She had intended to practice her oral presentation tomorrow and have Josh run her through the questions. But here she was, with a broken engagement and broken promises, like a model in a sad love song video. Her shoulders sagged and she curled in a fetal position. “My eyes are puffy and red. They might think I was puffing on something. I think I might have to cancel.”She bit her lip. Geneva had coordinated it so she completed her doctorate before getting married. She would then go on her honeymoon and take off the rest of the school year to move into the role of wife. She had crimped and saved to be able to stay home during her first eight months of marriage. Maybe have a baby…Selena balked at that idea, but Geneva treasured the opportunity. Her plan was that over the summer, if God hadn’t opened her womb, she would pursue educational leadership positions or teach college level. Geneva had everything timed just right. Everything except for Josh’s cowardice. “You can and you will do it. I don’t want to hear any talk of postponing your presentation.” Selena’s tone was firm. “Give yourself five minutes. Five minutes of your tears is more than you should devote crying over that loser. You’ve worked too hard and spent too many nights revising that two hundred-page document to quit now. Pull yourself together.”She clenched her fists. “I can’t.” “Geneva Margaret Samson, I’m on my way to your place. By the time I get there, I had better not see you curled up and feeling sorry for yourself. You’d better put some cucumber on your eyes or use some Visine drops but I had better not see puffy, red eyes. As far as I’m concerned, Josh did you a favor.” “I could’ve done without this favor.” Geneva pulled herself into a sitting position. “I’m not curled up…” Not anymore. Her voice broke.“Be there in fifteen. You hear me? You have fifteen minutes,” she said.Geneva swung one leg off her bed. She rested a hand on the bed and lowered her head. She couldn’t do this. Her nose ran and the tears wouldn’t end.“Make that fourteen minutes and ten seconds.” The line went dead.Ugh. She placed her other leg on the floor. She knew she only had ten minutes with the way Selena drove. Geneva knew it wasn’t wise but she went on social media and went to Josh’s page. She felt her eyes go wide. Josh had changed his picture. He was all hugged up with two young girls at a party. Her private message box overflowed. Geneva closed her eyes and put the phone on the bed, stifling a sob. Here she was crying while he was partying. She lifted a chin. No way. She had to ride her pride through this humiliation. She had enough to last a lifetime. Then she straightened. “Lord, help me stand,” she whispered.Slowly, she made a fist and stood. Geneva wiped her face and took one step forward. She took another step and more until she was at her desk. Geneva picked up one of her mother’s favorite records and put it in the turntable.Gloria Gaynor’s, I will survive, filled the room.Geneva focused on the lyrics. Soon she began to sing along. She sang until she believed. She would survive. One step at a time.
Ch. 2
“Congratulations, Dr. Samson,” Selena said, pulling her in for a hug. “I’m glad I could listen in. You were amazing. I was quite impressed.”Geneva squeezed her friend tight. They rocked back and forth in their embrace. Hearing her professors introduce her as Dr. Samson had made all her late night studies and midnight papers worth it. Her eyes had misted but she held it together as she shook hands and took pictures. “Thanks for taking the day off to support me, Selena, and for practicing with me last night. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”“Are you kidding? I had to be here. I’m glad I’m not sitting behind that dreary desk.”The women laughed and broke apart. “Yeah, right. You know you love going into that courtroom as the youngest Latina judge in our county.”Selena snapped her fingers. “And you know it. And, by the way, it’s the youngest Latina judge in the state. Okay.” The wind blew the hat off her head. Selena ran to get it and pushed it down. “It’s so cold out here. I wish I had worn my gloves.”They sauntered toward their vehicles. They were parked side by side. Selena pressed the start button. Her car should be warm and toasty in a couple minutes. Geneva pulled her wool coat close. “It has to be close to zero degrees. I bet we’re going to have snow.”“I hope not.” Selena moaned. “I haven’t gone shopping for boots yet.”Geneva rolled her eyes. “You have at least ten pairs in your closet. It’s a good thing we wear the same shoe size. I’ve saved so much money because of you.”Selena gave her a playful slap. Then shivered. “What I wouldn’t give to be in Jamaica right now.”“Me too.” Geneva blew into her hands.“What do you mean, me too?” Selena put her hands on her hips. “You have a paid trip to Jamaica.”Geneva raised a brow. “And?”“Do you need me to spell it out?” Selena asked. Then she wagged a finger. “I know you. I know you thought about it.”She touched her chin. “I did, but it’s the honeymoon suite. I’ll look pitiful curled up in there all by myself.”“So? Call them and change rooms.” Selena pointed to her head. “You’ve got to change your mindset. Consider that vacation your reward for earning your dissertation. You go, girl. You did it.” Selena broke into a praise jig and then sang, “Dr. Samson in full effect.”Geneva giggled. “Your age is showing. I don’t know who says that anymore.”Her neck swung back and forth. “I do.” She broke into the Prep and sang, “Geneva in full effect.”“You taking it way back doing the Prep,” Geneva said, mimicking her. They did a broke-down version of the Kid-N-Play, another dance move from the nineties, before they cracked up laughing. “I love you, girl,” Geneva said. “It’s only with you I get this silly.”“That’s what best friends are for.” Selena gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’d better get to the courthouse. My bailiff friend might be worried about me.” She unlocked her door and jumped inside.“Leave those young men alone, Selena.”“Jennifer Lopez and Demi Moore have nothing on me.” With a wave, she pulled off.
Ch. 3
Geneva entered her Camry and started the car. She shivered and turned up the heat. While the car warmed up, Geneva rested her head on the steering wheel and prayed. “Lord, I thank You for seeing me through. I couldn’t have done this without You. Thank You for bringing everything back to my memory. Thank You for helping me rise above.”She set her music to Kirk Franklin and sang on her way home. Geneva was determined to praise her pain away. The more she sang, the less she thought of he-whose-name-shall-not-be-called.Geneva pulled into the drive-through to get herself a breakfast burrito and hash browns. Her stomach had been in knots and she hadn’t eaten. She had a bad case of the nerves and couldn’t risk throwing up in the middle of her presentation.She squinted. There was a brown Durango, two cars ahead. Her heart slammed into her chest. That was Josh’s car. She slipped on her sunglasses and prayed he wouldn’t look through his rearview. But in case he did, Geneva turned up the praise. She rocked out to, “You’re an Overcomer.” If he spotted her, she wanted him seeing her having a good time without him.Geneva kept singing until she forgot about Josh ahead of her. When she received her order, she gave the cashier a genuine smile. Geneva snacked on the fries and drove to the church. She needed to share her good news in person.She parked next to her father’s car and finished her meal. She didn’t want the usual lecture on healthy eating. Then she scurried inside, bracing herself against the wind. The temperature had dropped several degrees. Her feet were freezing in her pumps. She rubbed her hands. Tonight she was pulling out her boots.Once inside, Geneva headed to her father’s office. She plopped her coat over a chair.“How did you do?” Pastor Samson asked.She spread her hands and grinned. “You’re now looking at Dr. Geneva Samson.”He clapped his hands and came from around his desk to give her a hug. She enjoyed the warmth of wool sweater. “Congratulations, Doctor. I’m so proud. I wish Maggie was here to see you.”Geneva smiled. “I’ve decided to go on my honeymoon.”His brows rose to his forehead. “Without a husband?”She looked at her feet. “That’s too much money to waste. I plan on calling the resort and having them downgrade my room.”“I’d come with you but you know we have our convention coming up.”She nodded. “Selena can’t come, either. She had already put in for her cruise in March and the other judges are going on their family vacations.” She shrugged. “The resort is all inclusive and there are daily excursions. But I plan to relax, sleep late and read on the beach.”Pastor Samson’s chest puffed. “You’re a survivor just like Maggie. She would’ve done the same thing.” He gestured to the phone. “Why don’t you call them now? Your reservations are only a couple weeks away so if you’re going to make changes, do it now.”Geneva went over to his computer and pulled up her travel information. She used the landline to call the Iberia Resort. One of her teacher friends had stayed there during her trip to Montego Bay, and had highly recommended the five-star establishment. Her father leaned against the door jam and folded his hands.“Welcome to the Iberia Resort. How may I direct your call?”“I’m calling to change my reservation.” Geneva supplied her travel information. “I had the honeymoon suite booked and I wanted to change rooms and possibly get a refund on the difference?” “Let me see what we can do.” He spoke and moved so fast she wasn’t able to answer. Geneva tapped her fingers on the desk to the tune of the hold music. She cupped the phone. “I’m waiting to see.”“I’ve got a meeting,” her father said. He grabbed a notebook and threw her a kiss.“Ma’am? Unfortunately, we were not able to offer you a refund, as the package was non-refundable. Also, because we are hosting a destination wedding that weekend, we are full to capacity. But I have great news. I was able to book you into another suite. It features two master bedrooms and shared dining. I hope this is a better solution?” Disappointing news sounded pleasant with that lilting accent. She scrunched her nose. “I’ll take it.” “Okay, Ms. Samson, you’re all set. We look forward to your visit to the beautiful Montego Bay and trust you will enjoy your stay at the Iberia Resort. May I help you with anything else?” “Uh, yes, I will be there,” she said, though she hadn’t processed everything he saidShe touched her chest. She was going to an island she’d never been before. Alone. The reality was daunting. Geneva’s heart raced. She had traveled abroad before but with the singles group from her church. She’d been to Rome and London but this was supposed to have been her honeymoon. Her shoulders sagged. The thought of being in a two-bedroom suite by herself depressed her.Geneva toyed with her dress shirt collar. “Lord, I know I’m not alone, but I would prefer to take this trip with another human.” She printed out her vacation information. When it was finished, Geneva held the stack in her hand. She reviewed the documents. Joshua’s plane ticket had printed with hers. His name was below hers in everything. She snorted. “I wish I knew another Joshua James, caused I’d take him with me.” She chuckled. That joke slowly morphed in a consideration.Geneva tilted her head. Why couldn’t she take another Joshua James with her? What if there was someone in her county with the same name? She shook her head. Why was she even dwelling on that insane idea? Except…It might not be that farfetched. Joshua James was a common name, like Bob Smith. Geneva rushed over to the computer. She tapped in his name and her town in the search bar. Her mouth dropped. There were three in her county. She leaned back in the chair and looked up at the ceiling. What if one of them was crazy enough to take her up on her offer?She squinted. How would she reach them? Her eyes widened. She had the best marketing tool at her fingertips.Social media.She grinned.
Perfect.
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Enjoy the First Three Chapters ofTHE RESOLUTION
ORDER YOUR COPYCh. 1This is too much for me. I’m not cut out for marriage. I’m done.Geneva Samson sat on her bed and read the words on her Android screen for the tenth time. Her brows furrowed. Who breaks off an engagement via text message? Joshua James, her boyfriend of six years and fiancé of eleven months, did. They were just in church together the day before. Then today, Sunday, he sends her this text. Tears slid down her cheeks and down her neck. She had been waiting for another text message to hit her phone saying he was joking or it was a mistake. But, her phone had been silent.Geneva tossed the device on the bed and stuffed a fist in her mouth to keep from making a sound. She lived alone in her condo but her walls were paper-thin. She didn’t want her neighbors hearing her wailing because Josh had ignored her seven responses and sent her calls to voicemail. He had also changed his social media status to single. Like sugar ants, people were drawn to that juicy news.She bit back a scream. Josh could have at least face her with the news. Tell her to her face he no longer wanted to get married. That Josh didn’t think she was worth a decent conversation hurt. They had been college sweethearts at Ohio State pursuing their Master’s degrees at the College of Education and Human Ecology. Josh had found his niche as a middle school math teacher. Geneva hadn’t settled there. While she worked as an exceptional student educator, she had enrolled in the PhD program to major in Education Leadership. She intended to become a principal of an elementary.Geneva’s best friend, Selena Mills called. “Have you heard from him?” Geneva had forwarded the text message to her when she had received it.She sat up on her bed. “No. He’s not answering my calls.”“That’s real grimy. Joshua James is a punk and I’d better not see his face at church next week.”“I don’t think he’ll be coming to Rock of Hope anytime soon. When my father finds out…” She covered her face. “I don’t want to hear my dad say, I told you so, and how I should’ve listened.”“Do you think it had anything to do with the sermon? Pastor Samson hit the book of James hard yesterday. His message on double-mindedness had me squirming in my seat.”“I don’t know,” she said. Her father had been wary of Josh from they first met. He said something about Joshua didn’t gel with him. Her heart ached at how right her father had been.“Be prepared. You know this is research for his next sermon.”Despite her relationship troubles, Geneva chuckled. Pastor Ernest Samson had been a single parent by choice. Once her mother had passed, he never remarried. Geneva had been a strong-will child. Some of her antics had made it in his sermons, causing much laughter in the congregation. Geneva believed her father could use any situation and turn it into a message. “I can hear him now,” she groaned, running her hands through her hair. Geneva avoided looking in the mirror. She knew her hair had to be a horrible mess. She kept her hair natural; opting to get it straightened bi-weekly at the salon.“Oh please. His little Genny can do no wrong. It’s Josh who should be worried. He must have forgotten your father has boxing gloves for hands.” Geneva laughed. “Only you can make me crack up when I’m supposed to be crying.” She touched her chest and admitted in a low voice, “I’m in so much pain. I can’t believe Josh would do this to me.”“Girl, be for real. You know Josh has been real shady these past weeks. If you asked me, he did you a favor.”Geneva wiped a tear. “I asked him if he was getting cold feet and he waved off my concerns. But he waits until it’s two weeks before our wedding and I’ve paid off for the honeymoon to pull this stunt.” Her chest heaved. “I can’t get my money back. In fact, I just paid up the balances on the wedding cake and banquet hall this morning, and they have a strict no-refund policy.” She clenched her fists. “And, he knew it because I told him last night.”“What a sleaze ball,” Selena said. “You know there are other names I could call him, but I’m saved.”“I can think of some myself, but I’m not apologizing to God because of Josh.”“That slime isn’t worth it.” She sighed through the line. “Are you sure you can’t get your money back?”Geneva bit her lower lip and massaged her temples. “No. I feel bad knowing my father spent twenty-thousand dollars to give me a dream wedding.” She shook her head. “It will remain a dream.” More tears fell. She used her pajama sleeve to wipe them away.“You should sue that jerk. Make him pay half.” Her heart constricted. “That money was my mother’s legacy. When my father received the payout from the insurance policy, he put away my college money and,” she gulped, “Money for my wedding.” She clutched her stomach. “I feel like I squandered what Mommy had to die and give me. She was a deli worker. My mother’s death made me debt free.”“Oh, no. I had no idea. I’m so sorry,” Selena said.Geneva put a hand to her chest. “I’d give back every dime and be buried under student loans, to have her here with me.”“Oh, honey. If you want my mother, you can have mine.”Geneva gave a little laugh. “Selena, you’re a mess.”“Just lightening the air to keep from going after Josh.”Geneva squeezed her eyes shut. “Oh goodness! I forgot I present my dissertation results tomorrow. How am I supposed to get up in front of a room full of people and talk about the effects of autism and career choice when my heart is breaking?” She had intended to practice her oral presentation tomorrow and have Josh run her through the questions. But here she was, with a broken engagement and broken promises, like a model in a sad love song video. Her shoulders sagged and she curled in a fetal position. “My eyes are puffy and red. They might think I was puffing on something. I think I might have to cancel.”She bit her lip. Geneva had coordinated it so she completed her doctorate before getting married. She would then go on her honeymoon and take off the rest of the school year to move into the role of wife. She had crimped and saved to be able to stay home during her first eight months of marriage. Maybe have a baby…Selena balked at that idea, but Geneva treasured the opportunity. Her plan was that over the summer, if God hadn’t opened her womb, she would pursue educational leadership positions or teach college level. Geneva had everything timed just right. Everything except for Josh’s cowardice. “You can and you will do it. I don’t want to hear any talk of postponing your presentation.” Selena’s tone was firm. “Give yourself five minutes. Five minutes of your tears is more than you should devote crying over that loser. You’ve worked too hard and spent too many nights revising that two hundred-page document to quit now. Pull yourself together.”She clenched her fists. “I can’t.” “Geneva Margaret Samson, I’m on my way to your place. By the time I get there, I had better not see you curled up and feeling sorry for yourself. You’d better put some cucumber on your eyes or use some Visine drops but I had better not see puffy, red eyes. As far as I’m concerned, Josh did you a favor.” “I could’ve done without this favor.” Geneva pulled herself into a sitting position. “I’m not curled up…” Not anymore. Her voice broke.“Be there in fifteen. You hear me? You have fifteen minutes,” she said.Geneva swung one leg off her bed. She rested a hand on the bed and lowered her head. She couldn’t do this. Her nose ran and the tears wouldn’t end.“Make that fourteen minutes and ten seconds.” The line went dead.Ugh. She placed her other leg on the floor. She knew she only had ten minutes with the way Selena drove. Geneva knew it wasn’t wise but she went on social media and went to Josh’s page. She felt her eyes go wide. Josh had changed his picture. He was all hugged up with two young girls at a party. Her private message box overflowed. Geneva closed her eyes and put the phone on the bed, stifling a sob. Here she was crying while he was partying. She lifted a chin. No way. She had to ride her pride through this humiliation. She had enough to last a lifetime. Then she straightened. “Lord, help me stand,” she whispered.Slowly, she made a fist and stood. Geneva wiped her face and took one step forward. She took another step and more until she was at her desk. Geneva picked up one of her mother’s favorite records and put it in the turntable.Gloria Gaynor’s, I will survive, filled the room.Geneva focused on the lyrics. Soon she began to sing along. She sang until she believed. She would survive. One step at a time.
Ch. 2
“Congratulations, Dr. Samson,” Selena said, pulling her in for a hug. “I’m glad I could listen in. You were amazing. I was quite impressed.”Geneva squeezed her friend tight. They rocked back and forth in their embrace. Hearing her professors introduce her as Dr. Samson had made all her late night studies and midnight papers worth it. Her eyes had misted but she held it together as she shook hands and took pictures. “Thanks for taking the day off to support me, Selena, and for practicing with me last night. I can’t tell you how much that means to me.”“Are you kidding? I had to be here. I’m glad I’m not sitting behind that dreary desk.”The women laughed and broke apart. “Yeah, right. You know you love going into that courtroom as the youngest Latina judge in our county.”Selena snapped her fingers. “And you know it. And, by the way, it’s the youngest Latina judge in the state. Okay.” The wind blew the hat off her head. Selena ran to get it and pushed it down. “It’s so cold out here. I wish I had worn my gloves.”They sauntered toward their vehicles. They were parked side by side. Selena pressed the start button. Her car should be warm and toasty in a couple minutes. Geneva pulled her wool coat close. “It has to be close to zero degrees. I bet we’re going to have snow.”“I hope not.” Selena moaned. “I haven’t gone shopping for boots yet.”Geneva rolled her eyes. “You have at least ten pairs in your closet. It’s a good thing we wear the same shoe size. I’ve saved so much money because of you.”Selena gave her a playful slap. Then shivered. “What I wouldn’t give to be in Jamaica right now.”“Me too.” Geneva blew into her hands.“What do you mean, me too?” Selena put her hands on her hips. “You have a paid trip to Jamaica.”Geneva raised a brow. “And?”“Do you need me to spell it out?” Selena asked. Then she wagged a finger. “I know you. I know you thought about it.”She touched her chin. “I did, but it’s the honeymoon suite. I’ll look pitiful curled up in there all by myself.”“So? Call them and change rooms.” Selena pointed to her head. “You’ve got to change your mindset. Consider that vacation your reward for earning your dissertation. You go, girl. You did it.” Selena broke into a praise jig and then sang, “Dr. Samson in full effect.”Geneva giggled. “Your age is showing. I don’t know who says that anymore.”Her neck swung back and forth. “I do.” She broke into the Prep and sang, “Geneva in full effect.”“You taking it way back doing the Prep,” Geneva said, mimicking her. They did a broke-down version of the Kid-N-Play, another dance move from the nineties, before they cracked up laughing. “I love you, girl,” Geneva said. “It’s only with you I get this silly.”“That’s what best friends are for.” Selena gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’d better get to the courthouse. My bailiff friend might be worried about me.” She unlocked her door and jumped inside.“Leave those young men alone, Selena.”“Jennifer Lopez and Demi Moore have nothing on me.” With a wave, she pulled off.
Ch. 3
Geneva entered her Camry and started the car. She shivered and turned up the heat. While the car warmed up, Geneva rested her head on the steering wheel and prayed. “Lord, I thank You for seeing me through. I couldn’t have done this without You. Thank You for bringing everything back to my memory. Thank You for helping me rise above.”She set her music to Kirk Franklin and sang on her way home. Geneva was determined to praise her pain away. The more she sang, the less she thought of he-whose-name-shall-not-be-called.Geneva pulled into the drive-through to get herself a breakfast burrito and hash browns. Her stomach had been in knots and she hadn’t eaten. She had a bad case of the nerves and couldn’t risk throwing up in the middle of her presentation.She squinted. There was a brown Durango, two cars ahead. Her heart slammed into her chest. That was Josh’s car. She slipped on her sunglasses and prayed he wouldn’t look through his rearview. But in case he did, Geneva turned up the praise. She rocked out to, “You’re an Overcomer.” If he spotted her, she wanted him seeing her having a good time without him.Geneva kept singing until she forgot about Josh ahead of her. When she received her order, she gave the cashier a genuine smile. Geneva snacked on the fries and drove to the church. She needed to share her good news in person.She parked next to her father’s car and finished her meal. She didn’t want the usual lecture on healthy eating. Then she scurried inside, bracing herself against the wind. The temperature had dropped several degrees. Her feet were freezing in her pumps. She rubbed her hands. Tonight she was pulling out her boots.Once inside, Geneva headed to her father’s office. She plopped her coat over a chair.“How did you do?” Pastor Samson asked.She spread her hands and grinned. “You’re now looking at Dr. Geneva Samson.”He clapped his hands and came from around his desk to give her a hug. She enjoyed the warmth of wool sweater. “Congratulations, Doctor. I’m so proud. I wish Maggie was here to see you.”Geneva smiled. “I’ve decided to go on my honeymoon.”His brows rose to his forehead. “Without a husband?”She looked at her feet. “That’s too much money to waste. I plan on calling the resort and having them downgrade my room.”“I’d come with you but you know we have our convention coming up.”She nodded. “Selena can’t come, either. She had already put in for her cruise in March and the other judges are going on their family vacations.” She shrugged. “The resort is all inclusive and there are daily excursions. But I plan to relax, sleep late and read on the beach.”Pastor Samson’s chest puffed. “You’re a survivor just like Maggie. She would’ve done the same thing.” He gestured to the phone. “Why don’t you call them now? Your reservations are only a couple weeks away so if you’re going to make changes, do it now.”Geneva went over to his computer and pulled up her travel information. She used the landline to call the Iberia Resort. One of her teacher friends had stayed there during her trip to Montego Bay, and had highly recommended the five-star establishment. Her father leaned against the door jam and folded his hands.“Welcome to the Iberia Resort. How may I direct your call?”“I’m calling to change my reservation.” Geneva supplied her travel information. “I had the honeymoon suite booked and I wanted to change rooms and possibly get a refund on the difference?” “Let me see what we can do.” He spoke and moved so fast she wasn’t able to answer. Geneva tapped her fingers on the desk to the tune of the hold music. She cupped the phone. “I’m waiting to see.”“I’ve got a meeting,” her father said. He grabbed a notebook and threw her a kiss.“Ma’am? Unfortunately, we were not able to offer you a refund, as the package was non-refundable. Also, because we are hosting a destination wedding that weekend, we are full to capacity. But I have great news. I was able to book you into another suite. It features two master bedrooms and shared dining. I hope this is a better solution?” Disappointing news sounded pleasant with that lilting accent. She scrunched her nose. “I’ll take it.” “Okay, Ms. Samson, you’re all set. We look forward to your visit to the beautiful Montego Bay and trust you will enjoy your stay at the Iberia Resort. May I help you with anything else?” “Uh, yes, I will be there,” she said, though she hadn’t processed everything he saidShe touched her chest. She was going to an island she’d never been before. Alone. The reality was daunting. Geneva’s heart raced. She had traveled abroad before but with the singles group from her church. She’d been to Rome and London but this was supposed to have been her honeymoon. Her shoulders sagged. The thought of being in a two-bedroom suite by herself depressed her.Geneva toyed with her dress shirt collar. “Lord, I know I’m not alone, but I would prefer to take this trip with another human.” She printed out her vacation information. When it was finished, Geneva held the stack in her hand. She reviewed the documents. Joshua’s plane ticket had printed with hers. His name was below hers in everything. She snorted. “I wish I knew another Joshua James, caused I’d take him with me.” She chuckled. That joke slowly morphed in a consideration.Geneva tilted her head. Why couldn’t she take another Joshua James with her? What if there was someone in her county with the same name? She shook her head. Why was she even dwelling on that insane idea? Except…It might not be that farfetched. Joshua James was a common name, like Bob Smith. Geneva rushed over to the computer. She tapped in his name and her town in the search bar. Her mouth dropped. There were three in her county. She leaned back in the chair and looked up at the ceiling. What if one of them was crazy enough to take her up on her offer?She squinted. How would she reach them? Her eyes widened. She had the best marketing tool at her fingertips.Social media.She grinned.
Perfect.
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