Samuel didn’t give a second thought to where he was. He forcefully pushed the door open. The man was looming over Hannah’s desk. “Get away from my wife.”
“I’m fine, Love. Mr. White was just leaving.” She informed him as she stood.
“Good, I’ll walk him out.”
After giving Hannah a quick kiss, he placed the takeout on her desk.
“Let’s go.” He pointed to the door as he spoke to the older man. Alvin White looked between the two of them and decided it was in his best interest to leave. He did so with Samuel on his heels. He followed him to his car.
“I want to be clear about something. You will respect her as your pastor or my wife! I don’t care which. But I promise, you’re going to give her the respect she’s due.”
The man waved a dismissive hand in his direction. Samuel counted slowly to five. Then reminded himself the man was an elder. Despite not respecting White, he was brought up not to raise his hand to an elder.
“Make that the last time you address my wife directly.” Samuel didn’t raise his voice; however, he ate up the space between them.
“I’m normally an excellent judge of character. I was mistaken about you. You have a job because of me. Where is your loyalty?”
Hadn’t Samuel just reminded himself he shouldn’t do White bodily harm? “My loyalty? Is with my wife. Where it belongs. I’m done talking to you. It’s been two strikes and you’re out!”
The man had the audacity to look at Samuel like he was a mere annoyance. “It’s three strikes, young man.”
“Not when you come for my wife. Find a hobby to enjoy during your retirement.”
ChapterThirteen
HANNAH
Any respect Hannah had for Alvin White evaporated. She couldn’t believe he had spoken to her in that manner. Samuel had been furious.“The next administrative meeting, I’ll be moving to have Alvin White not only relieved from his position as the head of the board but removed all together.”
“And I’ll be supporting your motion.”It was time. She had allowed that man to get away with too much. The manner in which he had spoken to her was the last straw.
They were days away from starting to Co-pastor. It was time things changed. Samuel had been correct. A more symbiotic relationship between the board and leadership was needed. Once Mr. White was replaced, things would improve.
In the meantime, she had other things to think about. Like making her husband’s dinner. This was going to be the first time. Hannah was a little nervous.“Stop stressing about dinner. I’m sure I will love it.”Samuel had assured her before she left for the grocery store.
Lisabeth was on the phone with her while she did the shopping for dinner. Her sister’s voice flowed in her earbud. When she left home, she was certain she was going to make him the Reuben Casserole. As Hannah spoke with her sister, she wasn’t sure it was the best choice. “I thought you liked it when I made it?”
“Babes, that was Nigel, and I would be a bad sister if I didn’t point out that man will eat anything.”
“What was it about it you didn’t like?”
“I wasn’t feeling what happened to the sauerkraut and Russian dressing when it baked.” Mimicking a popular social media personality, Lisabeth said. “My stomach is bubbling.”
“It made you sick?” Hannah stopped pushing her cart in the middle of the aisle.
“Nah, I’m just playing. I just wasn’t a fan of the taste. So, make something else. I like my new brother. Especially the way he has been making you glow. Don’t punish him. Reward him.”
“And to think I gave you my baby doll when we were little.” Hannah groused.
“I appreciate it, which is another reason why I'm telling you, don't make the Rueben casserole.” She loved her sister she really did but sometimes Lisabeth begged to have hands put on her.
“Fine. Which casserole do you suggest I make?” Hannah left the condiment aisle leaving behind the sauerkraut.
Her sister was quiet for a moment. “Um, the chicken broccoli stuffing casserole.”
That wasn’t a bad idea, it was very easy to make. It would require her to grab broccoli. Her sister wasn't there to see her grab the pre-cut florets. So she didn't get made fun of. Hannah headed to the hot food section. “Do you think I should jazz things up with Tuscany or Bold BBQ chicken?”
“Oh, you out to impress tonight. Go Tuscany.” Hannah took a minute to inspect the chickens before selecting the perfect one. “I need to head back to the other end of the store to grab some cream of broccoli. That’s what gives it?—”
