Back to Me by Wanda B. Campbell

“Of course not. I don’t have a Latin girlfriend, or one of any other nationality, for that matter. I am totally single.”
    Although the declaration surprised her, Paige was relieved to know he wasn’t attached. “Are you serious?”
    â€œIf I had a girlfriend, do you think I’d spend my day with you?” His smile let her know he was only joking. “I do have an engagement tonight with an African American and Latin beauty. My six-year-old niece is preforming in her school’s play, and I promised I’d be there.”
    â€œThat’s great.” His sense of family touched her, but at the same time she didn’t want him to leave. “Have fun.” She retrieved her briefcase to conceal the emptiness that threatened to overwhelm her once again.
    After Paige turned off the lights and locked her office door, Sergio-Xavier followed her, with the picnic basket in hand, down the hallway once again and outside to the parking lot.
    â€œWhat are you doing tomorrow?” he asked after dumping the trash in the large receptacle. “That was a stupid question. Of course you’re going to church. What I meant to ask was, would you like to attend service with me?”
    â€œDo you actually attend a service, or do you watch a telecast?” she teased.
    â€œYou’re laughing, but I know you’re serious. Why don’t you join me and see? With your distorted view of the Word, you need all the church you can get. You should get daily downloads on your smartphone.”
    Paige wanted to return the insult but couldn’t think of anything, because she was actually receiving daily downloads already on her phone. “Maybe next time. I have to sing with praise and worship at the eight a.m. service.”
    â€œThat’s perfect. I attend the eleven o’clock service.”
    â€œWell, I . . .” She struggled to find an excuse. “I volunteer for the second service as well. And I go out with the home care ministry, and then there’s the night service.”
    â€œYou don’t have to attend every service to be saved. Besides, you’ll hear a solid Word at my church.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a card. “Here’s the address. I’ll be waiting for you outside at ten forty-five.” He stuffed the card into her hand and then walked toward her car. She followed. “Now get inside,” he ordered after taking her keys and unlocking the door.
    Paige obeyed, but not without a protest. “Just how do you know I’ll be there?”
    He smirked. “That’s easy. You’re nosy, and you can’t wait to judge if my relationship with the Lord is as strong as yours.” The huffing and puffing that followed didn’t move him. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He closed the car door and walked away.
    Paige glared at him through the rearview mirror, but she didn’t say anything. Once again Sergio-Xavier had read her like a book. She would show up tomorrow, and then she’d gloat.
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    Two hours later, as Paige settled into her quiet bedroom, depression visited her once again. Her parents had each other. Kevin and Tyson had a wife and a child to keep them company. Even the nosy prayer warriors had friends. Paige had nothing but an old, faded image.
    Just as she reached for the light on the nightstand, her cell phone alerted her of a text message. After wiping away tears, she read the message and then laughed out loud. Sergio-Xavier had sent her the photos he’d taken of her earlier, while devouring lunch.
    Even with greasy lips your face is beautiful, was the message attached to the photo of her eating a fried chicken wing.
    Dr. Simone will definitely see me tomorrow, she thought before she turned out the light and laughed herself to sleep.

Chapter 12
    Paige didn’t need the address of the church. She’d passed by True Worship Ministries on numerous occasions while