Joy Comes in the Morning by Ashea S. Goldson Read Free Book Online Page A

believe Ms. Arlene is selling the center.”
    Given the mood she was in, I didn’t dare mention that I had seen Derek earlier. Besides, knowing the way she dealt her player card, she probably wouldn’t care anyway. “Well it won’t be so bad if you can buy the center. Anything can happen in six months.” I circled the couch.
    â€œWhatever. That’s easy for you to say. You’ve already got your job and a husband to support you.”
    â€œOh, come on, don’t give me that. You could’ve gone to college. That was your choice. And all you’ve ever wanted to do is what you’re doing now, so . . . My job is dead end, and you know I don’t really like it. And as for the husband part, well, I haven’t walked down the aisle yet.”
    â€œWhat’s that supposed to mean? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were scared or something.”
    I turned away from Taylor so she couldn’t read me. “Don’t be silly. I’m just saying . . . I’m not married yet.”
    â€œMmm. I’m just sayin’ . . .”
    â€œOh, don’t give me that look of yours. I’m going to marry Joshua. And you’re going to own your own fitness center.
    â€œWhatever you say.” Taylor leaned over to open a bottle of nail polish. Ironically, I pictured Taylor dressed in her most appealing workout gear, commanding a large fitness staff. Yet, for some reason, I couldn’t picture me making it to the altar. I saw myself in a white gown, and I even saw Joshua waiting, but in my dream, I never made it. Something always happened, but I never made it to say, “I do.”
    â€œI’m serious.” I went on with the fantasy. “You’ve got resources. You’ll do a business plan, get a loan, and maybe even get an investor.”
    Taylor’s eyes grew wide. “I knew that college education of yours would pay off one day.”
    â€œHa-ha. You’ll be in business before you know it. So you see, it’s not so bad.” I stood up.
    Taylor put her foot up on the couch and stuffed cotton between her toes. Then she slowly began to run the brush across her toenails. “All I know is that by the time Ms. Arlene has her retirement party in November, The Push It Fitness Center had better be all mine.”
    â€œWell, I believe you’re just the woman to make it happen.”
    â€œI ain’t gonna let that heifer, Shayla McConnell, get it.” Taylor shook her fist in the air.
    â€œI can’t believe that Shayla is still antagonizing you after all this time.”
    â€œYeah, and not only that, but she wants to make Ms. Arlene an offer. Knowing Miss Stuck Up, I’m sure it’s going to be a fat offer.” Taylor stopped polishing and looked up at me.
    â€œSo get a loan.”
    â€œWith my credit, I doubt if they’ll loan me a pen.” Taylor picked up a pen from the center table and threw it down just to demonstrate her point.
    â€œMaybe with some credit counseling and super saving from now until then, you can push it.”
    â€œI’ve got no choice. There ain’t no way I’m gonna sit back and just watch the best thing in my life be sold right out from under me.” Taylor threw her hands into the air. “I know what you mean.”
    â€œNot without a fight that is.” Taylor balled her fingers into a fist and punched a pink throw pillow.
    I walked into my bedroom, took off my bathrobe and eased into an apricot colored shorts set. When I came back into the living room, Taylor’s head was still bowed. This wasn’t like her at all. She never let life get her down.
    â€œBy the way, I got offered a promotion.” I sat on the arm of the couch.
    â€œOh, yeah?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œYou ain’t tryin’ to make me feel better, are you?”
    â€œNo, I’m sorry. I . . . I don’t even want the job. I mean it’s tempting and all,