Wisdom Seeds by Patrice Johnson Read Free Book Online Page B

father, Paul, swore that he would never be involved in a church again because it was just a game. Even though mydad had tried to tell Paul about living a true Christian life, Paul sought his own success and didn’t feel he needed anyone to help him. Paul was an outstanding student who became an officer in the military and had a beautiful family. Paul credited his success to being a good person and treating people with respect.
    I knew my dad believed his father, Grandpa Tim, was a product of his era, the result of too much liberalism invading the church and too many hustlers hiding behind the cross. Although Grandpa Tim says he is a preacher, my dad maintains that it wasn’t God who called him. To my dad, Grandpa Tim was nothing more than an embarrassment while he was growing up. I also knew my dad blamed Grandpa Tim for his brother Paul leaving the church and his brother Matthew not having a true understanding of being a Christian.
    What I learned from this family history lesson was that my dad had been just as stoic with his parents as he had been with us. He spent most of his youth at the Peace, Love and Joy Fellowship trying to prove to his father, the community and himself that he would not be a part of the pseudo religious madness Grandpa Tim had created. Just like my brothers, my dad was familiar with being estranged from his family.
    Each day I realized how much I missed not growing up with my cousins. We were family and we were a lot alike. Our fathers had let their anger keep us apart and we made a vow we would always be there for each other – no matter what. It felt good to know I had them to lean on. I let myself imagine a family reunion where everyone got to know each other. Pipe dreams.

3
    The PUMP flyer was on the kitchen counter. I hadn’t thought about Gregory over the past week, but the notice triggered images of those perfect white teeth set precisely in the deep chocolate of his face. And his butt, it was well sculpted like a football player. Maybe he would attend the meeting, maybe I would see him again, and maybe we could get to know each other.
    My heart sank when Andrea said she had to finish a paper and couldn’t go to the PUMP meeting. My hope was renewed when Alicia said she was meeting some of her sorority sisters there.
    As we were getting out of the car that voice greeted me.
    â€œWell hello stranger.”
    My heart beat faster as Gregory walked over to us.
    â€œHello stranger to you, too,” I said trying not to sound so excited.
    â€œI was hoping you’d be here tonight.” His smile was perfect.
    Alicia cleared her throat.
    â€œGregory, this is my cousin Alicia,” I said introducing them.
    â€œCall me Greg – Gregory is so formal.” He shook Alicia’s hand, keeping his eyes on me.
    Alicia smiled at him and turned to me. “Meet me at the double doors at one o’clock.” She walked ahead of us and turned to look at me again after she crossed Fifth Avenue.
    â€œWhere’ve you been hiding?” Greg asked as we took our time walking to the Student Union.
    â€œAround, working, getting acclimated.”
    â€œIs that all?” His voice was deep and sexy.
    â€œThat’s it.” I shrugged.
    â€œSounds exciting.”
    I smiled realizing his closeness made me nervous. “I looked for you at The Sanctuary on Sunday.”
    He held the door for me. We found two seats in the lobby.
    â€œChurch?” He smirked. “Haven’t been since Mother’s Day – but I had to work. I’m on every Sunday.”
    â€œOn? What do you do?”
    â€œStock shelves at the Giant Eagle,” he stated with a straight face.
    â€œStock shelves?”
    â€œI’m just kidding,” he began to laugh. “I’m a resident at Children’s Hospital.”
    My response should have been sarcastic, but my nervousness would only let me smile.
    He took my hand. “You believed me.”
    â€œNo I