Count It All Joy by Ashea S. Goldson Page B

helped people with their banking matters. It was like I was inadvertently helping them get their lives in order. On top of that, numbers were like a game to me. Ever since I could remember, I’d play number games in my head, and banking was just an extension of that. I drummed my fingers on my desk, thinking about the money Alex and I had saved in our account. It was not enough for the down payment on a church property we needed or for the house we needed. Nor was it enough to pay off all the bills we had accumulated. It was only a tiny speck in the span of things, a sad representation of my commitment to my work and my family.
    When I got the chance, I pulled Simon to the side and told him that I was really strapped with bills.
    â€œThat’s too bad, Josh. Times are tough these days,” he said.
    I tried to remain optimistic. “They certainly are, but a raise would really help to stabilize my situation.”
    Simon adjusted his reading glasses. “Right, right.”
    He’d been promising me a raise for a while, and it was long overdue. Against my better judgment, I sat in Simon’s office practically pleading my case while he sat back in his chair, thumbing through papers. Finally, he brushed me off by answering a phone call while I was still talking.
    He held the phone away from his ear and whispered. “I’ll get back to you later.”
    It was always the same story. Suddenly, I began to feel agitated, and I couldn’t wait until the workday was over.
    Besides work, Bible study provided just the escape from my problems that I needed.
    Alex, Lilah, and I arrived at Missionary right on time. Alex helped me to straighten my tie, and then gave me a big juicy kiss on the lips before we went in. It made me love her even more.
    After the initial hugs and handshakes from random members, we separated. Alex went to go sing with the praise team while I took Lilah down to the children’s ministry. Sister Sarah greeted us at the door as I signed Lilah in.
    â€œSee ya later, Daddy,” Lilah said.
    â€œSee ya, sweetie,” I replied.
    By this time I could hear the praise team singing “It Ain’t Over” in the sanctuary. I clapped my hands to the beat as I walked upstairs. Just as I reached the top of the stairs and pushed open the door, I came face-to-face with Yvonne Johnson. She wore a short, clingy skirt suit with a plunging neckline and tall, black boots. Same cute, flirty Yvonne.
    â€œHello, Deacon Joshua.” She walked over to me and touched my shoulder.
    I sighed. “Hello, Yvonne.”
    She must’ve noticed that I tensed up at her presence because she smiled and stepped back.
    â€œDon’t worry. It’s hands off for me now.” Yvonne put her hands in the air.
    â€œRight.” I was a little thrown off by her comment.
    â€œNo, really. I never got a chance to apologize for how I acted last year.”
    â€œIt’s not necessary.” I put my hand up, indicating that I wanted her to stop.
    Her curly red hair framed her face. “No, it is necessary. I know better now.”
    â€œI understand,” I said.
    â€œI should’ve respected your relationship with Sister Alex. I knew you two were engaged, but I still ...”
    She was right about that. If she had respected our relationship, Alex and I would’ve never had to confront the jealousy issue along with our many other issues. I was never interested in Yvonne, even though I’ve got to admit the attention from a woman like her was flattering. She should’ve stuck to her own thing, whatever that was, instead of trying to mess up Alex and me. But I was over that now.
    â€œNo, really, it’s okay,” I said, backing away from her.
    â€œIt’s just that I was new here and in a big city like this—you can get real lonely.”
    â€œI get it.”
    â€œI let myself get too carried away.” Yvonne looked down at the floor. “I’m