The dark clouds looming ominously over Detroit, the thirty-four-degree temperature and thirty-five-mile-per-hour winds matched Pearl Lockhartâs mood perfectly as she merged her Ford Explorer onto I-75 north on her way to Lakeview Baptist Church.
She left fifteen minutes early because she wanted to have a few words with the pastor. Just who did Wade Kendrick think he was, telling her that she should wear her dresses a little longer? What nerve!
The man had only been installed a few months ago as pastor of the church she grew up in, and now he was suddenly an authority on fashion.
Her sisters had invited Pastor Wade Kendrick to attend their annual family reunion last month and he seemed nice enoughâuntil he made a chauvinistic comment regarding the roles of women in a Christian household, igniting a heated debate between him and Pearl.
He had a lot of nerve criticizing the way she dressed. God didnât care about the clothes people wore to church. He looked at the heart and not the garments. It wasnât as if she were walking into church dressed like a hoochie. Her skirts normally reached just above the knee. For goodnessâ sake, she was only twenty-five years old.
Pearl pulled her SUV into the church parking lot that sat on the corner of Monroe Street.
She climbed out a few minutes later, braving the November chill. Pearl pulled together the folds of her ankle-length leather coat and walked briskly toward the entrance of the church. She loved the city of her birth, but during this time of year, she developed a love-hate relationship with the Michigan weather.
Pearl moved easily but impatiently through the wooden double doors of Lakeview Baptist Church. âGood morning,â she said to one of the deacons standing outside the sanctuary. Removing her coat, she headed down the hallway to the administrative offices.
She was relieved that none of her sisters had arrived yet, especially Ruby or Opal. They would try to talk her out of her plan, but Pearl had never been one to back down from a fight.
When she neared Wadeâs office, Pearl slowed her pace. The door was slightly ajar, allowing her to peek inside.
He was there, his bald head gleaming as he concentrated on the papers on his mahogany desk. Pearl had to admit that Wade was a handsome man with dark brown eyes and nice full lips. Even that secret expression sheâd glimpsed from time to time made him sexy.
Sheâd heard through the church grapevine that he was only twenty-eight years old, despite his somber mood and old-fashioned attitude.
She knocked softly to get his attention.
Without waiting for a response, Pearl pushed the door open all the way and struck a pose. âSo what do you think of this outfit, Pastor? Does it meet with your approval?â
Wade Kendrick eyed the petite woman standing in the doorway of his office wearing a black leather skirt that was cut a good two inches above the knee revealing shapely, well-toned legs.
His left eyebrow rose up a fraction. Until today Wade couldnât ever recall seeing Pearl Lockhart wearing something so short.
She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze straight on.
Despite the rebellious spirit she was currently exhibiting, he couldnât deny that she looked beautiful with her sandy brown hair styled in twists and her clear mocha complexion free of makeup.
What he liked about Pearl was that she always wore a smile, although the one on her face right now was born of pure defiance. She was obviously upset about the conversation theyâd had last Sunday regarding her clothes.
The only reason heâd said anything to Pearl in the first place was because heâd overheard some of the teen boys discussing her legs and saying she was the finest woman at Lakeview. Wade hoped to avoid further distractions but he certainly hadnât meant to offend Pearl, the youth-choir director.
âPastor Kendrick,â she began, âI donât think you should worry about what Iâm wearing. God doesnât look at the clothes a person wears. He looks at the heart.â
âMiss Lockhart, the Bible speaks about modest clothing,â Wade stated calmly. âScripture tells us that a woman who dresses immodestly causes men to think unholy thoughts. It draws their attention to the outward body, rather than to the inner heart. Just read the third chapter of First Peter.â
Wade was not about to be drawn into another debate with her and prayed his response had put an end to the discussion. Pushing away from his desk, he stood up, saying, âItâs almost time for service to start. We can continue this conversation after church if youâd like.â
Pearl opened her mouth, then shut it.
A muscle flicked angrily at her jaw. Pearl glared at him before storming out of the office and disappearing down the hallway.