Page 20 of Solomon’s Temple

“Hello?” I answered while stepping outside on the porch.

“Good afternoon, Beauty. How’s your day going?”

“It’s . . . going. How's yours?”

“It has actually been smooth. Got a new contract in, this quarter's numbers are looking good, and I get to hear your beautiful voice. I'd say it’s been a beautiful day.”

I smiled. “It's an early day for you. Aren't you supposed to be at church?”

He chuckled. “I don't go to church.”

“How does that work if you're trying to live right? Don't you have to get the word from the man of God?”

“I listen virtually every Sunday morning. I don't need a building to hear the word, mamas. My home is my synagogue.”

A smile spread across my face, and I bit my bottom lip. “I like when you call me mamas. Say it again.” I purred.

“Yo, chill.”

“Why? You should want to please the woman you're pursuing, no?”

“There are many other ways to please, baby. I see you're trying to make me backslide.”

“No, just make my back slide against the wall while you fu⁠—”

“Temple, please,” he groaned, cutting me off.

I laughed. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop, but I told you this may not be what you want.”

“Let me be the judge of that. Your dirty talk won't scare me away that easily. Once I lock you down, I'm going to make you back up everything you say.”

“Keep praying on it. We’ll see if God favors you enough to be the one to take me off the market.”

“I want to take you out on a real date.”

“Where?”

“It’s a surprise. Just tell me if you're down to ride or not.”

I looked out into the distance, deep in thought. Ma Lula’s words about needing someone when I could no longer have her anymore sat with me. The only thing I was skeptical about was if Solomon would be the person I needed.

“You're not going to stop, are you?”

“I already told you I'm not. I know deep down you're really feeling me, but you want to make me work for it. As I stated before, I'm up for the challenge.”

I sighed. “Fine. What day and time should I be ready?”

“Tomorrow at noon. We have a little ways to go, so we need to get an early start.”

“Wait. I have to work tomorrow, and what do you mean a ways to go?”

“No questions, and don't worry about work. It'll be handled. All I want you to do is agree, sit back, and put your trust in your future husband. Can you do that?”

“If I get fired, I'm gon’ make you wish you never met me.”

He laughed. “Your threats don't scare me. Be ready tomorrow at noon. Enjoy the rest of your day, my love.”

“Yeah, . . . you too.”