Ruthless by Shelia M. Goss Page A

in common.”
    â€œYou don’t know him to not like him.”
    â€œSis, I don’t have to spend years with someone to know I don’t like them. There’s no law that says we have to like each other, anyway.”
    â€œYou put me in an awkward position.”
    â€œI didn’t ask to come here. You invited me. If me being here is causing problems with your husband, don’t blame me.” Delilah didn’t flinch.
    Sheba rolled her eyes. “I just wished you hadn’t answered the phone. I was going to tell him eventually.”
    â€œI’m feeling much better, so I can get my stuff and go if you like.”
    Sheba felt torn. She didn’t want to anger her husband, but she didn’t want Delilah to leave, either. “No. Uriah’s miles away. He should be happy you’re here with me so I won’t have to be in this big old house all by myself.”
    â€œExactly. I don’t know why he’s tripping.”
    Sheba’s phone rang. “It’s Uriah,” she said out loud to Delilah. She sat on her bed, in between the bags, and answered the phone.
    â€œYou went behind my back and moved your sister in, anyway. How could you defy me like that, Sheba?” Uriah asked.
    â€œI’ll let you have your privacy,” Delilah said as she left Sheba alone to deal with Uriah’s wrath.
    â€œCalm down. It’s no big deal. At least I’m not home alone. Be glad about that,” Sheba reasoned.
    â€œI don’t trust her, and you shouldn’t, either.”
    â€œBaby, don’t get me started on trust. I trusted you to do what was right for us, but you haven’t. You’re there and I’m here.”
    â€œSheba, I don’t know what your problem is, but you need to get it together. I’m dealing with enough stress. I shouldn’t have to worry about my wife.”
    â€œWorry about your wife? You act like I’m out there whoring around. Delilah’s my sister, and it’s not my fault you have a problem with her,” Sheba yelled.
    â€œI want that woman out of my house,” Uriah snapped.
    â€œAre you coming home?” Sheba asked.
    â€œI’ll be home in four months.”
    â€œThen, she’s staying as long as she needs to.” Sheba hung up the phone.
    She looked up into the face of Delilah, who was standing in the middle of the doorway, with a sneer on her face.

Chapter 20
    David sat at the table with Nathan and Jonathan and enjoyed a dinner with two old college friends. With them, he could be himself. No one was trying to impress him, hoping he would do something for them. He didn’t get to hang with Nathan as much as he liked.
    The occasion saddened David, however, because this could well be the last time he saw Jonathan alive. His friend’s normally two-hundred-pound frame was now a mere one hundred and twenty-five pounds. He admired Jonathan for the strength he showed, despite knowing that the cancer had spread to all his vital organs.
    â€œDavid, thank you, brother, for singing for me today,” Jonathan said.
    â€œAnything for you.”
    â€œI wanted to see my two old buddies before I left this side.”
    Nathan said, “This is a time to rejoice. You’re going home to be with our Father.”
    David smiled, although he felt like crying. “Yes, to your home going. Save a place for me.”
    They each held up their glass and toasted.
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    Two days later, while in between meetings, Nathan called David on his private number. “He’s gone, David. Jonathan’s gone.”
    David ended the call as tears flowed down his face. He called Trisha. “Cancel my calls for the next few hours.”
    He got on his knees at the foot of his desk and prayed fervently. “Lord, please take this pain away. I know Jonathan is in a better place, because he’s now in your presence. He’s left behind a wife and two children. Lord, be with them and