The Preacher’s Son

by B. D. Anderson

  “Well their last name is Jessup. I don’t know where Aunt Betty got that from or how she pulled it off putting that name on the birth certificates if the husband she said died in the service was a lie!”

  “She would have had to have some help from someone, I think,” Rachel said. “Wait a minute!” She looked at Jeremy. “Jessup is your Grandma Nellie’s maiden name! Charles gave those children his mother’s maiden name, rather than Ferguson! Oh my god, and Wilber worked in vital statistics for Horry County!”

  “Well that mystery is solved!” Jeremy said. “That’s probably why one baby ended up turning into four and why he never married anybody else! He has been having this secret relationship with her all these years! He made those children legitimate by giving his children his mother’s name instead of his and helping your aunt look like she was really a married woman. His brother probably helped him pull their little scheme off. There were no computers back then, you know. All they needed was a notary.”

  Max shook her head in disbelief.

  “That ought to bring that high and mighty cousin of yours down a peg or two,” Max said. “He had the nerve to call us trash. Looks like we’re all in the same trashcan!”

  “We just wanted to stop by and say good-bye to Nadine and see the babies before we leave. We have to go back to the house and get our things,” Jeremy said.

  They visited Nadine for a while and watched as she went behind the glass to visit the babies.

  “If you need something, Aunt Rachel, let me know. I want to help,” Jeremy said. “I’ve already talked to Eric.”

  “Of course,” Rachel said. She kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks a lot, Jeremy. You all have a safe trip back to New York.”

  Rachel hugged Aura, and she and Jeremy walked over to the elevator.

  They left the hospital and headed back to the house to get their things.

  “I wish we hadn’t broken the bed,” Jeremy said. “I’d love to lie down and rest awhile.”

  “Oh, you want to rest do you?” Aura said. “You can always go into the guestroom.”

  “You don’t want to rest with me?” he said, smiling.

  “I don’t know… how strong is the bed?” Aura said, laughing.

  They pulled up to the house and saw that Reverend Ferguson was home. They found him upstairs taking Jeremy’s old bed apart.

  “Dad, I was going to take that out,” Jeremy protested.

  “No problem,” his father said, grinning at them, and Aura looked down at the floor.

  “Don’t even start!” Jeremy said, helping him carry the pieces outside.

  After they finished taking out the bed and propping the mattress and box springs against the wall, Jeremy plopped down on the chair in the den.

  Aura was in the kitchen fixing some sandwiches for lunch.

  Jeremy related the events of the day, including the visit to the hospital. His father was shocked at what his grandmother had told Jeremy.

  “I can’t believe Ma never told me or Matthew any of this stuff before,” he said, shaking his head.

  “Family secret,” Jeremy replied. “Do you know any of those Jessup’s that are your uncle’s children?”

  “No, but if the girls are married, they would have a different name. I don’t remember any Jessups. I bet Charles and Wilbur know where they are. The thing I can’t understand is why they gave you such a hard time at Tara’s party. True, I was right there in the thick of things, but you would think they would have come to your defense!”

  Jeremy shook his head. “They just wanted to keep the secret a little longer, I guess. What about Wilbur? He’s a married man. Do you think he has children on the side like his brother?”

  “Who knows?” Reverend Ferguson said. “It makes me wonder now about my own father. I mean, if his brothers were like that, could I have other sisters and brothers out there somewhere? I was twelve, and Matt was ten when he and Mom passed away.”

  “Grandma doesn’t think so,” Jeremy said. “According to her, your father was one of those focused Fergusons. She does, however, think Matthew is one of the fast ones. She might be right. He can’t seem to settle down with one girl.”

  Reverend Ferguson stood up as Aura called for them to come in the kitchen. “I don’t know, Jeremy. Matthew has always been a little strange to me. He’s different from Eric and Nathan. He’s always been standoffish and so secretive. Now he’s getting into politics, and I wonder what’s going to be next with him. I just hope he doesn’t go out there making babies and hiding them like my uncle did.”

  Jeremy laughed. “I doubt very seriously if you have to worry about babies from Matthew. Matthew is more into Matthew than any woman. No woman could ever hold his attention past thirty days. Grandma thinks he’s secretly lusting after black chicks. I think she’s way off on that one.”

  Aura laughed at his remark, put three plates on the table, and sat down.

  Jeremy sat down, and his father sat across from him. Aura quickly said the blessing.

  “You can be sure of one thing,” Reverend Ferguson said, biting his sandwich. “Matthew has always been unpredictable. I am not going to be surprised about anything that boy ends up doing!”

  Matthew Morgan Ferguson Jr. pulled into his driveway and slammed the car door. He didn’t know why he let that girl get to him.

  He chastised himself for admiring her round behind. What was it about black girls’ butts that always made him take a second look? Matthew shook his head to clear his thoughts. He was not like his cousin, even if they did look alike. No, Jeremy could marry on the wild side, but not him. He had plans. Big plans.

  He walked into the apartment and threw down his keys. He had cleared his schedule for the entire day because of the now defunct graduation party, so he had nothing to do.

  He knew that he shouldn’t have lied to his mother, but he was not going to stay there at that hospital another minute taking abuse from that mouthy woman! Matthew’s mind wandered to her long legs and round butt and how she was licking the Sugar Daddy and how her lips were wet and shiny.

  Angry at his wandering mind, he stabbed the button on the answering machine and listened to his messages. He needed a drink!

  At twenty-seven, he had accomplished a lot. He had been at the top of his class in college, and now he ran his own Temporary Services Agency, and business was booming. He made his choices carefully, and women… well women were a pleasant distraction… a release from a stressful day, nothing more.

  He had a couple of messages and quickly listened to them and then decided to check in at the agency. After doing so, he decided that he would go to the gym. He had just joined one that had a grand opening, and now was the perfect time to go check it out.

  He quickly changed and got in the car. Maybe he could make some connections there. He was bored with the women he had been dating. He had never been in love, and he hoped that he never would be. Love was for fools. He thought about his brother and shook his head. No, he liked to be with women who understood the game. It was all for fun, nothing serious, and that was the way he wanted to keep it. He thought about Eric again.

  More than likely, he would have to help him. His mother would probably put pressure on him to do so, and it irritated him. What in the world was wrong with Eric? He remembered how happy he looked at the hospital, and Matthew wondered what it felt like to be that way.

  He shook the thought from his head. His brother was a fool. He’d be crying soon enough when he realized the responsibility he’d taken on.

  Matthew had decided long ago that he wanted a trophy wife, some beautiful woman who would look good on his arm, one he could control who didn’t whine too much. He hadn’t found her yet, but he knew she was out there somewhere. He’d buy her things to keep her happy, and she’d satisfy his needs in bed, cook his meals, and clean his house. They’d be a team of sorts, but he’d have to f
ind the right one.

  He thought about Jeremy. Why in the world did he choose that girl when he could have any girl he wanted? Is this what love did to you? Well, Jeremy could have it! Matthew speculated that if he had been a couple inches taller, he’d be right in New York modeling too, having the time of his life.

  He laughed to himself. What he didn’t have in height, he made up in muscle. He had no problems getting women. Jeremy and his brother were both fools in his eyes.

  He pulled up to the gym and parked. The young girl at the front desk smiled at him.

  “I just joined,” Matthew said, looking at her. “I don’t have a card yet.”

  “Do you have your paperwork?” the young girl said.

  “No, I left it at home,” Matthew said, trying to be patient.

  “Did you take your picture yet? What is your name?” she insisted.

  Matthew tried to be patient. “Matthew Ferguson. No I haven’t taken my picture yet. I told you I just joined,” he said, his voice rising. “You have my money! My time is valuable. I need you to give me my card, take my picture, and let me in!”

  “Sir, you don’t have to get loud. I am only trying to help you. You wouldn’t want someone else coming in and using the membership you paid for. We have to verify your identity. I am going to need your ID. Why didn’t you take your picture when you joined?”

  “I had an appointment. I shouldn’t have to explain myself to you! I came in and paid my money, and I told the man that was here that I would be back. He did tell me to bring the paperwork, but I forgot it. I don’t want to have to go back home and get it. You should have the information in your system! Look it up,” Matthew snapped.

  “Sir, don’t raise your voice. I don’t have to take verbal abuse!” she said through clenched teeth.

  Matthew didn’t want to hear it. “Get your manager out here! I want to talk to someone in charge!”

  The girl picked up the phone. “Ms. James, we have someone out front that needs to see management.” She put the phone down, her eyes shooting daggers.

  “Ms. James will be out, sir. Have a seat,” she said, pointing to a chair.

  Matthew was about to protest when he saw a tall, black woman in a tank top and shorts come to the front. It was Nadine’s mouthy sister, Max!

  CHAPTER 21

  KNOCKING HEADS

  Jeremy and Aura loaded their belongings in the car as they prepared to go to the airport.

  “Look, Pop, I’ll be happy to pay for the bed,” he said, avoiding his eyes. He was still somewhat embarrassed by the whole thing.

  Daniel Ferguson looked at his wife and then back to Jeremy. “Don’t worry about that, son. The bed was old. We’ll just replace it with a sturdier one before you return.”

  Aura busied herself looking in her purse and avoided their eyes.

  “I hope you enjoyed your stay,” his mother said. “I wish you could stay longer.”

  “I’ve got an appointment with Chaz in the morning, and Aura has to return to work,” Jeremy explained. “We’ll be back soon though.”

  They said their good-byes and headed to the airport.

  “So, husband, where are we sleeping tonight?” Aura asked, looking out the window.

  “You make the call,” he said. “I don’t really care. We’re going to have to figure out where we’re going to live and consolidate our stuff.”

  “Well let’s just stay at your place tonight,” she replied. “After all, we both work downtown, and it makes sense to stay at your place.”

  They turned in the car, and before long they were headed back to New York. Jeremy was glad when their plane landed. He was tired even though it was only eight o’clock.

  He was glad when he put the key in the door to his apartment. He wanted to take a shower and just relax for the rest of the evening.

  “Me first,” Aura said, quickly undressing and running into the bathroom.

  Jeremy decided to join her, but his phone rang, interrupting his plans. It was Michael.

  “Hey, Jeremy. Look, Chaz wants to do some Christmas shots tomorrow,” he said, sounding cautious. “Joan will be there, and I don’t want any problems. I know you were upset—”

  “Forget that, Michael. I think I can handle Joan.”

  “You sure? You seemed pretty tense and on edge about it last week. I’m just trying to head off any problems.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Jeremy said, listening to the sound of the shower. “I’ve taken care of that situation. It’ll be fine.”

  “Well okay then… that’s great. No more problems? Joan seems to think that you don’t want to work with her anymore. This is important, Jeremy, and we need to iron out any problems ahead of time.”

  “I told you that it was fine,” Jeremy said, looking toward the bathroom again. “I’ll work with Joan, no problem.”

  “All right then,” Michael said and Jeremy heard him breathe a sigh of relief. “Why the sudden change, Jeremy? I mean, you were all upset before, saying that she was touching you and all that. I mean, I wouldn’t mind her putting her hands on me… have you two worked something out?”

  “No, Michael, it worked itself out,” Jeremy replied coolly. “She’s a nonissue and doesn’t bother me anymore. That’s all I need to say. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Jeremy hung up the phone and turned around just as Aura was coming out of the bathroom. He smiled at her and quickly walked past her to take his shower.

  Aura relaxed on his bed in her robe while she listened to Jeremy singing in the shower. She was tempted to go back in and join him but changed her mind. She lounged on the bed, watching him as he came out of the bathroom drying his hair. Her eyes roamed over his naked body.

  “What are you looking at?” he teased, wiping his hair with a towel as he stood before her.

  She licked her lips. “I’m watching you swinging in the breeze.”

  He moved back and forth across the floor seductively. “Shall I model for you, Mrs. Ferguson?” he teased.

  “Please do,” she said, lounging back on the bed.

  Her eyes followed him as he walked back and forth. He really was beautiful… and tempting. She beckoned him with her finger, and he grinned at her.

  “Come over here,” she said, her voice low.

  “Why? Do you see something you want?” he asked, mockingly gyrating his hips for effect.

  “Maybe.” She snickered at him.

  He walked over to her just out of her reach. “Say please.”

  “Please me, please,” she responded.

  He pushed her back on the bed and covered her with his body.

  “Ooh! You’re wet! Get up, Jeremy!” she complained, pushing him off of her.

  “You’re the one who called me over here,” he reminded her, sitting up on the bed. She took the towel from him and began drying him off. She started laughing.

  “What’s so funny?” he asked.

  “I keep thinking about what your grandmother said. You know that all you Ferguson men have a habit of rolling your eyes back. I thought it was one of your unique characteristics.”

  He kissed her. “I didn’t even realize that I did that.”

  She put her arms around his neck. “Want to do it again?”

  “When?”

  “Right now.”

  When Penny called Max and told her that a customer wanted management at the front desk, the last person she expected to see was Matthew Ferguson. This was not going to be a good day.

  She had not been back at the gym for an hour yet, and the problems met her at the door. She had been running around trying to help Eric and Nadine get things for the babies. They were going to need a lot of help, and her gut feeling was that they weren’t going to get much from some of the other family members.

  Being the general manager with all new employees was
a challenge. They had only been open a couple of weeks and were running a grand-opening special to boot. She had been running around checking everything and felt like a chicken with its head cut off. Now a customer wanted to complain, and to find out that it was him of all people irritated her to no end.

  “What can I do for you?” she asked, trying to keep her voice level.

  “Look, I just want my card so that I can check out this gym. You have my money!” Matthew snapped. “By the way, I asked for management, not just some worker on the floor!”

  Max paused a moment for effect. “You asked for management, and you got management, sir!”

  “Isn’t there anyone here over you? What is your title?” he said, trying to stare her down.

  She pulled out her card and handed it to him. Did he think that she was lying? She was ready to give him his membership dues back and throw him out of the gym!

  “Sir, I am the general manager of this gym. What that means is that I run things here. There is no one ‘over me.’ I am it. However, if you wish to call our home office and complain, I will be glad to give you their 800 number, and I am sure someone will get back to you in a few days.” Her voice dripped sugar. She folded her arms across her chest.

  Max cleared her throat, waiting for him to respond. He was not going to intimidate her at her own business! She was in charge here whether he liked it or not!

  Matthew looked at her standing there with her arms folded. Damn her! Why did she have to have such a pissy attitude? Why did she have to fold her arms that way, causing even more cleavage for his view? Why did he have to notice in the first place?

  He looked away, trying to stay focused on the matter at hand.

  “I just want what I paid for,” he replied.

  “If you will show me your ID, then I will be happy to pull your information up and have your card made and your picture taken, sir!”

  Matthew didn’t reply but reached in his wallet and took out his driver’s license. She knew who he was! Why was she playing this game? He guessed that she was just throwing her weight around since she was the boss around here.