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

then slipped into my pink and lilac flowered sundress and my pink platform sandals as if I were a cover girl. And I was, just not the type you’d see on your typical high fashion magazine. I was just a little bigger, but better.Then I lay across my bed, inhaling the rosemary potpourri and looking at the floral pattern on her wallpaper. I should’ve been praying, pouring out my heart, but after the confrontation I had with Taylor, I was too undone. I blinked a lone tear away in silence.
    â€œLord, forgive her. Forgive me.”
    Finally the door bell rang. I listened as Taylor and her companion, Malcolm, walked out into the hallway. By the time they had walked down the two flights of stairs, through the small lobby, and out of the front door, I rushed over to peep out of the window. I could see Taylor poking out her apple red bottom lip. Then she stomped her way down the concrete steps, all the way to Malcolm’s car, flipped her long brown weave braids, diva style, and hopped into the passenger’s seat of his Lexus.
    When Joshua arrived at the door fifteen minutes later, there was no subtlety in the way I breathlessly flung the front door wide open. I was ready to go, ready to vent. Joshua was a tall, lanky man. His skin was like carved caramel. His eyes were chestnut brown like his daughter’s, and he had a wide, dimpled smile that would instantly invite a person in. The problem was though, that he’d usually shut them out before they could accept the invitation. Not that he was mean or anything, but he was definitely reserved.
    â€œI’m glad to see you.” I grabbed his hands and pulled him inside the apartment.
    â€œMe too, but you look upset.” Joshua peeled my hands off his and remained standing by the door.
    â€œIt’s nothing. Taylor and I just got into it.”
    â€œAgain?”
    â€œAgain.” I flipped my naturally long eyelashes, a tactic I’d been using for years.“What was it this time?”
    â€œSame old, same old,” I said.
    â€œOh, she wanted you to go out?”
    I put my hands on my hips and sighed. “And not just any old ‘out’ of course but ‘out’ to a club.”
    â€œLet me guess. They’re having a special guest or something?”
    â€œOf course. She justified it this time by saying Anita Baker would be there. I don’t care. I mean, I just don’t get it. When is that girl going to learn?” I walked around the room picking up the scattered items Taylor had left behind. That’s the way it was between her and me. I’d always have to pick up after her mess. She’d disappoint Mommy, and I’d have to straighten things out, make it better, be the perfect daughter. So she’d get all the attention, negative or not, and I’d get all the work. “When will she learn?”
    â€œWhen she’s ready,” Joshua said.
    â€œWhat am I supposed to do until she’s ready?”
    â€œKeep on praying.” Joshua looked down at me and smiled.
    â€œThat’s all I’ve been doing. Seems like something should’ve broke loose up in her by now.”
    â€œI know what you mean. I used to feel the same way about my cousin, Charles.” Joshua shook his head. “That dude is always into something, but God works in His own time.”
    â€œYou’re right. I’m overreacting over nothing,” I said.
    â€œWell, I wouldn’t say over nothing. It’s something.”
    â€œIt’s something, but it’s nothing new.”
    â€œNope, definitely not new. Let’s go before we’re late to Bible Study.” Joshua pulled up his sleeve, revealing his hairy arm, and looked at his watch.
    â€œHey, not so fast. Don’t I get a little hello kiss first?”
    I put my hand behind his head, stood on my tiptoes to line my lips up with his, moved in very close, and then quickly planted one right on his cheek.
    â€œOh, very