Page 19 of Solomon’s Temple

My head fell back against the recliner. I knew they weren't going to stop until I told them everything.

“I met him at the fundraiser at Northwest Care. I think him and his parents go to Ma Lu’s church, because Pastor Daniels was there. Anyway, we only talked briefly and exchanged numbers. That’s why I called Phire to help me get ready. I'll explain why later.

“Then he was at the club that night. He owns a security company and was there to protect Kema P. and her husband. I didn't expect to see him there, but when he saw me dancing for my regulars, he snatched me up, saying he didn't like seeing me dancing or whatnot.

“I then told him I ain't the woman for you, but then he shows up to my day job with flowers, asking me to lunch. I accepted, we talked, and even after I told him it’d be our last date, he still wants to pursue me. I'm probably not going to go out with him again, though.”

“Why not?” Toni asked.

“Because we are not on the same page. He wants a holy wife, and I'm far from being holy.”

“Well, what's wrong with being holy? It's time you get out of that club, Beanie. I hate that y'all are working in that place.”

“Who’s going to help you with your co-pays and surgeries if we don't?” Toni asked.

“Don't start that mess. I done told y’all I'm not getting no surgery. The medicine is helping enough. I eat better and do water aerobics. I don't need y’all overextending yourselves for me. If the good Lord calls me home, then neither one of y’all gon’ be able to stop what He has planned.”

I hated when she talked like that. It sent a pang through my heart that I couldn't accept. I'd already lost my mom. I’d probably jump off the bridge if I lost her too.

“I hate when you say things like that, Ma Lula,” I confessed.

“I'm speaking the truth, baby. You know I don't sugarcoat anything when it comes to life and the lessons it gives. One thing you gotta know is that you are not the author or the finisher of this life. I gave y’all the tools you need to live without me when it's time.

“Don't refuse love if it's pure and genuine. If that man still wants to date you, even after knowing how you are and what you do, then he must see something in you that's drawing you to him. What's his name?”

“Solomon.”

“Solomon Matthews?”

“I guess. I never asked his last name.”

“I’m sure it's him. He only came to the church a handful of times, so I know who he is. Very respectful and donates a lot of money to the church. His parents are a little nosy, but they are good people, from what I know. Go out with him, Beanie. I know you're guarded, but you’re going to need someone when you can no longer use me as a crutch.”

“I don't use you as a crutch. What's wrong with showing up for you when you showed up for me when I needed you?” I asked.

“I don't need no favors, baby. I did what I did because I love you. Me and my daughter may not have had the best relationship, but I loved her dearly. I didn't care what I had to do to find you; I made sure I never gave up.

“I lost my baby, and I'll never get to tell her how much I loved her, even when she was a stubborn mule. But you are my second chance. It's why I pour so much into you, because I never want you to feel the void I felt of losing her.

“Y’all are my babies, and I'll always encourage you all to be the greatest at whatever you choose to do. Stripping included,” she said, rolling her eyes.

I smirked a little and shook my head. “I don't get naked, Ma Lula. I just give them illusions.”

“And that's why that boy keep sniffin’ up yo’ tail. He want to see the real thing, not a dream!”

Toni and Sapphire laughed while I put my face in my hands to hide my amusement. I would never tell her that his tacky ass had already seen the real thing. If he didn't help pay my credit card bills and my car note, I would have tossed his ass to the curb a long time ago.

“She ain't wrong.” Sapphire laughed.

“So what you gon’ do, Sis? You giving Pastor Mike Jr. a chance or nah?” Toni queried, smiling at me.

I stuck my middle finger up at her. “If he knows what's good for him, he’d stay away from me. I’ll have him praying for the pu—I mean, praying for me to let him loose.”

The three of us laughed while Ma Lula shook her head. “Careful. He may be the one to have you praying to the heavens.”

As if he’d heard us talking about him, my phone rang as his number danced across the screen.

“Speak of the angel,” I said, standing and walking out of the room. I could hear them telling me not to leave, but I refused to let them embarrass me in the background.