“Yeah.”

“Buckle up, baby. We’re about to take off.”

Chapter 6

“Welcome to Pilgrim’s Rest.” Jeremy shook Reverend Harwood’s hand.

I was so proud that not only had Jeremy decided to come to church, but this morning, we’d sat in the front pew of the church as Pilgrim’s Rest welcomed their new pastor.

And at the end of service, Jeremy and I had stood in line with the other parishioners to greet Reverend Harwood and now, finally it was our turn to give him our good wishes.

“You’re Jeremy Williams,” Pastor Harwood said before he pulled Jeremy into one of those brotherman hugs. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and I’d love for us to get together this week, maybe have lunch one day.”

“Well, this week may be a little difficult. We’re graduating on Saturday.” Jeremy turned to me. “This is my girlfriend, Ginger Allen. She’s graduating from Xavier and I’ll be graduating from Dillard.”

All of the Reverend’s attention was on me now. “Wow, you’re a beautiful young woman. Something about hazel eyes on a woman always makes me smile.” He took my hand into his. “I guess, I should say congratulations to both of you.”

He held onto my hand as he held my gaze and up close, this man was even finer. It was more than his resemblance to Martin Luther King, Jr. He oozed charisma. This man was going to be good for Pilgrim’s Rest, but he was going to be trouble, too.

“Thank you,” Jeremy and I said together, then, I gently tugged my hand from his grasp. It was almost like he didn’t have any plans to let me go.

Reverend Harwood cleared his throat. “Well, then after you graduate, maybe we can all get together next Sunday. Everyone has told me how valuable you’ve been here at Pilgrim’s Rest and I’m hoping you’ll be staying in New Orleans. Our church can use someone youthful and on fire for the Lord as I’m told you are.”

“We’ll see.” Jeremy glanced over his shoulder. “I don’t want to hold up the line anymore,” he told the pastor.

“Let’s connect this week,” he said to Jeremy, but he kept his eyes on me.

Jeremy waved without making a commitment and then, he led me away. Holding hands as we entered the parking lot, I kissed Jeremy’s cheek.

“I’m so proud of you.”

“Why? Because I didn’t give him an elbow to the eye for taking my position?”

I laughed. “That’s one reason. But I know how you felt about this.”

“Key word: felt. What you said last night made a lot of sense. I’ve moved on. I’ve got to start thinking about doing my own thing.”

I smiled, though my thoughts were that if I’d talked Jeremy into accepting this decision, I just might be able to convince him to choose a different career path altogether. When we slid into the car, I asked, “So, where are we going now?”