Chapter 6

"Hello there! You must be Imogene," greeted the black man that just arrived, offering his hand for a handshake. Imogene couldn't help but notice his striking features. "Yes, I am," she responded with a smile, shaking his hand in return.

"May I...?" he gestured towards the vacant seat across from her. "Of course," she replied, slightly scoffing as she brushed her hair back with her hand.

"Thank you," he said as he took a seat. "I'm Jeffrey. You can call me Jeff."

"Jeff! That's a nice name," Imogene complimented, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

"Maybe," Jeff replied humbly, adjusting his suit and settling into his chair. He let out a soft breath as he gazed at her face. "Women from San Diego are truly beautiful." She remarked.

Imogene's grin widened. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm actually from Florida."

"Well, women from Florida can be just as lovely," he responded innocently. "Have you always lived in Florida?"

"No, I reside in New Orleans," she casually replied.

Jeff looked slightly puzzled. "Well, that's interesting," he said. "What brings you to San Diego?"

"I work here!" she stated matter-of-factly.

Jeff's expression turned to one of shock. "What the...!"

Imogene couldn't help but laugh at his reaction. "Just kidding! I'm here to visit my sister, she's the one that lives here," she clarified.

"Ah, I see," he breathed a sigh of relief. "What do you like about New Orleans that keeps you there?" he inquired.

Imogene gave a brief response, "The people are kind."

"Are they?" Jeff questioned.

Imogene simply nodded in confirmation.

"Alright," Jeff said with a slight shrug, pouring himself a glass of water, he took a sip. "I actually studied in New Orleans at a seminary college where I graduated. You know, all about the Lord Jesus and such." He pointed out

"Oh, are you a clergyman?" Imogene asked surprised, clearly not expecting to be on a date with a man of such occupation.

"Yes, I am," Jeff replied proudly, adjusting his tie. "It's not often you gets to have a clergyman as a date. It's quite rare. It's a unique opportunity and a blessing for you to be here."

"Amen. Hallelujah!" Imogene proclaimed playfully, waving her hands in the air.

"Indeed, my sister," Jeff continued. "You see, when the Lord Jesus sacrificed himself for humanity, it was to redeem us from our sins…." Jeff then started to parade about the gospel.

Imogen uncomfortably sweated, "what the hell!" She let out a silent remark of discomfort, cursing his name over and over in her heart.

"You mentioned 'hell'," Jeff pointed out, obviously he heard her silent remark, his expression flipped.

"Did I?" Imogene feigned an innocent ignorance, whistling softly under her breath as she tried to cool herself down with a futile wave of her hand.

"I heard you say hell," he flared, but his voice still within the range of moderation.

"And what about it?" Imogene couldn't be bothered anymore.

He scoffed, "what about it…? that's where sinners are drag, are you one?"

Imogene did not bother with any reply, attempting to shift the focus, she asked, "Should I order something?"

"No, we're all set. The Lord Jesus has blessed us with his daily bread," he suddenly retuned to his former enigma as if been control by a button, he chuckled, a warm smile gracing his features.

Imogene's discomfort grew, and she averted her gaze with a look of faint disgust rolling across the room to where John was seated. "Oh, Lord Jesus Christ!" She could not but exclaim once more.

Encouraged by her remark this time, Jeff nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit," he affirmed, crossing his legs under the table and leaning back comfortably into his chair.

Jeff then started to recounted his years to her, "during my time running a church here in San Diego - yes, I do indeed own a church, not to boast," he made a modest disclaimer, glancing at Imogene who nodded awkwardly in response. "I initially started with a modest congregation. However, the grace of the lord shone upon me, and after, two men, five women, and four elderly individuals joined our community, bringing immense blessings during our services."

"Our gatherings were all filled with the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, our efforts fueled by fervour, resulting in the women within the congregation being visibly moved and touched by my spirit. They could not resist the urge the holy spirit had endowed them so I relieved them with the rod of life on my body," Jeff elaborated with a sense of pride.

"All glory be to God, for my congregation now remains steadfast and devoted. Promising its hope into the future, although the elderly, and the men, and these women might have left, the women still made sure to drop their offerings at the church door post.

"Today, these offering are thriving so well. One plays the tambourine, another stands by my side at the pulpit, and the remaining three are dedicated followers of the Lord. Hallelujah!" Jeff concluded with a sense of fervent devotion, his eyes alight with zeal.

He extended an offer to her, "You may receive an invitation from the lord to visit in the future, you would not be disappointed." He said, which gave Imogene a sudden wave but she retracted as sharply. Jeff asked her, "what keeps you occupied?"

Imogene paused, then feigned a short thought, "My days are filled with various activities and contemplations. However, one constant in my life is my dog, Humphrey. I believe that Humphrey is a manifestation of God's creation. His affectionate licks are a reminder of our shared connection to the divine. We play together on the sofa, engaging in a bond that reflects our mutual devotion to the lord," she explained with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting a sense of spiritual connection.

The man raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "Oh, my goodness. That sounds quite unusual! Playing in such a manner with your dog. Is such behaviour mentioned in the sacred texts?"

She shrugged. She couldn't help but notice the mixture of scepticism and disdain in his expression, finding a subtle satisfaction in his reaction.

"It seems you may be unaware, as the practices you describe are not recorded in the holy scriptures. I had hoped that you might consider joining us at my church, but it appears unlikely now. Perhaps the kingdom of God does not dwell within you, but another place might. Excuse me, I must cleanse myself of these sins," he announced abruptly, excusing himself as he left for the restroom.

Imogene's brows furrowed in frustration at his dismissive attitude, muttering to herself, "What a fool! He could use some enlightenment."

She then turned to John, who had been observing the conversation with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, and gestured for him to join her. His eyes twinkled with mirth as he moved closer, a smile playing at the corners of his lips, clearly entertained by the unfolding interaction.

She motioned to John, who had been observing their conversation, prompting him to join her. His expression, with a smile playing at the corner of his lips, indicated that he had been entertained by their exchange.

"What's up?" he inquired, still wearing a grin. "Everything going smoothly?"

Without warning, she smacked his head lightly as he leaned in, "you set me up with a dimwit," she said with a serious tone.

"Ouch!" John rubbed his head, "he has a good profile!" he replied somewhat loudly.

"Lower your voice!" Imogene hissed in a whisper, noticing the curious glances from others present.

"Do you have something to say?" John rolled his eyes at her and asked.

"Sit! I have something in mind before he returns."

As he settled into his seat, Imogene shared her plan, causing a shift in John's expression. He chuckled quietly, shaking his head in disbelief at her proposal.

"You are quite the character!" he continued to laugh.

"Of course I am!" she chuckled in response. "Quick, pass me the cutlery from your table."

Handing her a fork, she discreetly slipped it into the toe opening of her heels, adjusting her position just before the man returned from the restroom.