A Step off the Path: An African American Romance

By Alivia Booth

In her whole life, Dana Young never imagined anything bringing her as much joy as singing about her faith, which was fortunate since her budding career as a gospel music singer was taking off full speed. But that was until she bumped into the preacher's son. 

Jackson Carlisle was handsome, wealthy and looked upon as holier than human by his father's congregation. Tired of being unable to make mistakes and live his life, he walked away from church, leaving him with a hole in his soul no one could understand. 

No one except Dana. 

A fast and surprising connection brought them together, but as temptation and miscommunication test their relationship, they'll have to trust in their friends and God to help them find their way. 

Note: The cover story is a sweet & sexy 22,000 word novel, with no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after! 

This story contains mature themes. It is intended for 18+ readers only.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alivia Booth
• Release date: Nov 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386586128

Book preview

One

Dana Young stepped out of the band’s van onto the cold concrete. She peered up at the sky where her eyes met a massive steeple bearing a cross. The wood paneling that wrapped around the outside of the building was thick with too many layers of paint and the small patch of grass on either side of the walkway was barely green and had several gaps. Just four feet up from the ground was stained glass window. She assumed that at some point in time there was one on each side, but now, the second one was completely boarded up. The paint on the arch over the door was chipped, and the concrete steps were cracked and falling apart. The church needed a resurrection more than a renovation.

The neighborhood was gloomy despite the sun which was shining brightly. A few thugs walked by licking their lips and sucking their teeth at her. A chill went down Dana’s spine as she watched the. Suddenly, a loud, rattling sound broke through her reverie.

She clutched her chest as her heart rate skyrocketed and looked beside her. Bucky, her bass player, was standing by a recently dropped box at her feet. She gave him a reprimanding look, but Bucky only smiled and shrugged his shoulders before continuing to unload the van. As Dana’s eyes followed him, she caught her reflection in the van’s window. She could almost hear it say, Get yourself together, Girl!

Well I guess this is the place, huh? her backup singer, Chicago, asked as she surveyed the surroundings herself.

I guess so, Dana replied. She ran her hands through her thick, fluffy hair and pulled it into a sloppy bun as she went to help the band unload.

Her dark brown eyes wondered why this particular church had made the cut on their tour. It wasn’t anything like any of the megachurches they’d performed at, but yet here they were. She wanted answers, and there was only one person who had them.

Since the tour manager, Conrad, wasn’t with them, Dana grabbed her cell phone and dialed his number. It took him a few rings to answer. Once he picked up, Dana tried her best not to sound like an out of control diva, Hey Conrad.

Hey Dana — my Dana— did you guys make it?

Yeah, we’re unloading now. But um . . . Conrad, we’re supposed to be playing at the Evangelical House of Worship, right? she asked politely.

Yes, that’s correct. You guys are performing there four nights this week. The advanced ticket purchase show is tonight. Then, you’ll have two shows tomorrow night and two more Saturday night. The last show is Sunday afternoon. Then, you’re off to the Sister Mary School for Girls the week after, he rattled off to her.

That’s all well and good, but did you know where this gig was at? Dana asked him as she continued to scan the area.

I have an address, but not really. We put out a bulletin for all venues that wanted to participate. It was on a first come, first serve basis as you requested. Remember? You said there was no place too big or too small for you to perform. Conrad’s frustration was very much apparent. Still, he added, What’s wrong?

Nothing, Dana sighed, The church is fine. It’s just the neighborhood that has me worried.

Well, let go and let God. Do your gig and get out of there! Conrad told her, Unless of course, you want to tell your people and the church that you’re scared of the area and don’t wanna sing! If you do that, make sure you pay the band and give the church their refund.

Fine, fine, fine, Dana huffed, I was just wondering, but I’ll get over it. I’ll give you an update in a few days.

Conrad mumbled something before getting off the phone. Bucky and Chicago were already inside, while Miles was still sitting behind the wheel. Dana stuck her head into the front passenger window, Ain’t you coming in for sound check?

I know what I sound like, Miles said rolling his eyes. The man was an old soul trapped in a three-year-old's body. His eyes moved outside and scanned the small, run down church before returning to Dana, I ain’t getting out this van until the church shows me where there’s a locked garage for us to use! I can see we’ll end up with cinder blocks, and we ain’t got time for that. Go on and do the sound check while I find a place doesn’t scream ROB ME to park this thing.

Dana chuckled and nodded as she backed away from the van to head inside the church. Once she stepped into the entrance, the smell of wood and potpourri warmed her. The feeling inside of the house of worship was very different from the neighborhood it sat in. It was a much-needed reminder of where and with whom to put her trust.

The pastor, Morris Carlisle, strolled up to her with his arms open and a warm smile on his face, Ahh yes, the wonderfully blessed and talented Dana Young. I am Morris Carlisle, pastor of this congregation, and I thank you for coming to our house and sharing your gift with us. Your band mates are wonderful and so accommodating especially since we no longer have our audio system.

That perked up Dana’s ears, "It’s a delight to be here. If you don’t mind me asking, what was that about you not having any audio equipment?"

The pastor motioned toward the boarded up window, As I’m sure you’re very much aware, this neighborhood isn’t the best. There used to be a time where the sanctity of a church was upheld when it was treated as untouchable, but I guess those times are over. We had a break in a few days ago, and they stole all of our equipment, a few instruments, and some cash that hadn’t been deposited yet. Thank God, no one was physically hurt, but our services have struggled a bit this week.

Dad! Jackson Carlisle called as he entered the space from down a long hallway. I just got off the phone with a few places that can come out to fix the stain glass windows, but the job is going to take a while because they want to be sure they can match it to the other side. As far as the insurance goes, I’ll handle that and . . . His voice trailed off as he finally looked up to see