When Love Finds Me: Victory Gospel Short, #3

By Tyora Moody

Tangerine "Tangie" Nelson, part owner of the Crown of Beauty salon, is busier than ever doing what she loves to do. Her other full-time job involves being a single mom to three sons. After her youngest son is approved to attend a local charter school, Tangie is pleased with the results in her son's progress. She's sure his new school counselor, Nathan Chambers, has a lot to do with his growth. Tangie is also finding it hard to resist her growing attraction to Mr. Chambers.

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance short stories from 8,000 to 15,000 words, or 32-60 book pages. Meet a different member from the Victory Gospel Church family. Don't be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tymm Publishing LLC
• Release date: Jun 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393811978

Tyora Moody

Tyora Moody is the author of Soul-Searching Mysteries, which includes cozy mystery, women sleuth mystery, and mystery romance under the Christian Fiction genre. Her books include the Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Joss Miller Mysteries, Serena Manchester Mysteries, and many more series.  When Tyora isn't working for a client or doing something literary, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, binge-watching crime shows, catching a movie on the big screen, and traveling.  To contact Tyora about book club discussions or for book marketing workshops, visit her online at TyoraMoody.com.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I hated when I did this to myself, but I couldn’t stop glancing at the clock. It wasn’t like I could control the clock’s hands with my sheer will. Today, Crown of Beauty Salon hummed with a steady flow of clients. I had two regulars this morning and I decided to accommodate a mid-morning walk-in, whose hair I carefully hurried to finish now. The walk-in used to be a regular client I hadn’t seen in months. Miss Claire Rowell was a sweet older woman on a fixed income and there was no way I could turn her away. As I pulled the rollers from her hair, I tried deep breathing as best I could without being obvious. My anxiety levels were at an all-time high due to barely getting two hours of sleep last night.

Girlfriend, you need to get a grip.

I, Tangerine Nelson, just Tangie to most, had been the co-owner of the salon for about six months, ever since the former co-owner officially retired to care for her ailing husband. I’d been working at the salon for about eight years prior to the ownership change, the longest I’d ever worked anywhere. I loved what I did and the salon founder was one of my dearest friends. Candace Jackson knew what it meant to me to become a partner. Lately, I felt like I was destroying the partnership as well as our friendship. Today, Candace had been gracious once again about me taking time off.

I sighed deeply as I began styling Miss Rowell’s hair, determined not to look at the clock. Calculating in my head, I knew I had an hour to make it on time to my afternoon appointment… if Charlotte’s traffic wouldn’t hold me up. It was almost two o’clock in the afternoon but it had been my experience that there was really no time of the day when cars were not an issue on I-77.

As if she could sense my turmoil, Candace showed up at my side. Hey, Tangie, how are you doing? If you need me to finish up Miss Rowell’s hair, let me know.

No, I got it. I glanced at Candace via the mirror. Thanks for the offer. I appreciate it.

Candace patted me on the shoulder. Okay, see me before you leave. I will be taking care of paperwork in the office.

I nodded and then immediately regretted glancing at the clock. It was now five minutes after two o’ clock.

How did that happen?

Miss Rowell smiled appreciatively as she patted her silvery hairstyle, promising to return in the near future. I gratefully accepted her extra tip for the roller set and despite my anxious-filled day was pleased by my elderly client’s joy. As I headed back to the office, I slipped out of my purple salon vest. The vests were my idea a few years back. The logo for Crown of Beauty was emblazoned on the right side. I actually sketched it myself, an outline of a woman with glorious curls around the top of her head, like a crown. Long time employees like myself also had our names embossed under the logo.

I hung the vest on a hook behind the office door, and then moved swiftly to the other side of the room to open the closet door. My large brown bag sat on the floor. I lifted it and dug inside for my car keys. With keys in hand, I started to leave but then suddenly remembered Candace’s request. Did you want to see me? I asked, whirling back around to face the desk where Candace sat.

Candace stopped typing on the computer. Yes, I wanted to pray with you. If that’s okay. I know you’re in a hurry, but it has been a busy morning with you accommodating the walk-in.

My shoulders slumped.

I was also late this morning too. Candace was gracious enough not to mention, instead offering me prayer.

"Girl, I’m not turning down prayer. I don’t regret the walk-in. Miss Rowell is a blessing to me. She was really excited about getting to travel to her family reunion in Charleston. Poor