Rachel watched from her bedroom window, their bedroom, as Marvin headed down the street. She grabbed her chest with her hand and prayed to God for an answer. This couldn’t possibly be a sign that her marriage was over. She and Marvin loved each other and their daughter, Serena.
Rachel wasn’t sure what time he had come home, but he must have looked in. When she woke up, she found a comforter covering her body—clothes and all. That was a sign that he cared.
Serena began to whine, and she knew her day was about to begin. Before going to check on Serena, Rachel got on her knees. “Lord, tell me what I’ve done wrong and how I can make things right with my husband. I don’t know what’s going on, but if I have in any way caused this situation to come upon us, please forgive me, Lord. I’m so sorry.
“My husband is a good man, and I love him. I know I’ve done some stupid things, Lord, things I need to be punished for, but I also know I’ve done nothing to cause my husband to push me aside. Please help me fix it.”
“Mommy, why are you crying?” Serena asked, patting Rachel on the shoulder.
Rachel picked Serena up and sat her in her lap. “I love you, baby. I love you, Serena. Mommy feels bad right now, but I’ll feel better in a minute. We’re going to get your bath and something to eat, and you and Mommy are going to read some stories.”
“Yeah,” Serena said. She jumped from Rachel’s lap and danced in her nightgown.
“Give Mommy a kiss, Serena.” Serena placed a kiss on Rachel’s lips. Rachel took Serena in her arms and placed kisses all over her. “Mommy loves you, and don’t you forget it.”
“I love you, too, Mommy.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Horn-rimmed glasses sat on the edge of Yvonne’s nose. She didn’t look up when Marvin walked in, although he stopped to look at her. When she didn’t respond, Marvin walked into his office and closed the door.
Several minutes later, the door to Marvin’s office opened. “Yvonne, would you please hold the letter that was addressed to Harold Thomas. I’m having second thoughts about sending it out.”
Yvonne looked up with panic in her eyes. “I...I sent it out yesterday right after you signed it, Mr. Thomas.”
“Ohhhhhhhh,” Marvin sighed. “Well, it’s gone. Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Thomas. I was just following orders.”
“You did right, Yvonne.” Marvin started to retreat to his office but turned around to face Yvonne. “I’m sorry for yesterday, Yvonne. Mrs. Thomas learned some bad news, and I guess she lost it. I do apologize for her antics and for you having to endure what should have been a discussion between her and me at home.”
“It’s alright, Mr. Thomas. I know that it wasn’t your fault. I’m fine. Oh by the way, someone named Peaches called. She left her number and said it was urgent. Here’s the number.”
Marvin took the piece of paper with Peaches’ number on it. Saliva caught at the back of his throat, and he turned quickly and retreated into his office before Yvonne could see him sweat.
Flopping down in his chair, Marvin stared at the number. Why was this bitch calling him? She’d gotten what she wanted from him, and he had nothing left to give. Yesterday was a mistake, and he hoped he didn’t have to pay for it for the rest of his life.
Marvin fingered the paper again and picked up the phone. He dialed the number Yvonne had written down and waited for the phone to ring. A female voice answered on the first ring.
“May I speak to Peaches?” Marvin asked, trying to be pleasant.
“Well, I wasn’t sure that you would return my call. I’m pleasantly surprised.”
“Isn’t that what you asked my secretary to tell me to do?”
“Right, Marvin. I’m sitting at my desk with my legs open and touching myself—like you did yesterday.”
“I’m not up to playing games with you, so tell me what this is all about.”
“Now, Marvin, there’s no need for you to be nasty to me. See, I tried to use your credit card this morning, and it was declined. I’m not mad, but I should be.”
“Serves you right. The Bible says that you’re not to steal.”
“And the Bible also says that you should not commit adultery.”
“Peaches, I didn’t commit any such act. You probably forced yourself on me against my will, because I have no recollection of having done any such thing.”
“I do. I even have a picture to prove that you were in my room in all of your glory.”
Panic seized Marvin. He began to pant and grabbed his chest. “Peaches, I haven’t done anything to you. I gave you money—”
“And a no-good credit card. I’d hate to have to tell the missus what a bad boy you’ve been.”
“My threat stands about reporting you to the police for rape.”
“Have you done it? Who’s going to believe you the day after tomorrow or next week? I know that much because I work for attorneys who handle corporate sexual abuse cases.”
“What do you want from me, Peaches?”
“You’re a big businessman. I want fifty thousand dollars to leave you alone and keep the picture out of the tabloids.”
“You wouldn’t!”
“Try me.”
“Peaches, I don’t have fifty thousand dollars. That’s the reason I was in the bar in the first place. That’s the reason my credit card is no good. I’m going to lose my business.”
“Don’t lie to me. You were wearing expensive clothes and I checked out your neighborhood.”
“You bitch. If anything happens to my family, I’m going to—”
“You’re going to what? From what you just said, you can’t do diddley. I want fifty thousand dollars, and I’ll give you thirty days to get it to me. After that, your wife, your partner, the whole business community will know what kind of snake in the grass you really are, Marvin Thomas. You don’t want to disappoint me. Get my money.”
The line went dead, and Marvin slammed the phone down. He picked up the phone again and dialed.
“Hello, Gretchen, may I speak to Cecil Coleman, please?”
“Sure, Mr. Thomas. I hope you’re having a great day.”
“It could be better, Gretchen.”
“Well, hold on a moment. I will get Attorney Coleman for you.”
Marvin hung on the phone, bouncing the words in his head that he planned to deliver to Cecil. His thoughts kept passing back and forth like a ping-pong ball—he would say this, no, he would say this instead. But it was inevitable what he had to do.
“Marvin, my man. What’s the good word?”
“Sell. I’ve thought it over, and I’m going to sell my fifty-two shares of stock in the company. Just let me know what else I need to do. I’ve got to step out now; you can reach me later.”
“You sure, man?”
“Cecil, I’m more than sure.”
“Alright. I’ll contact the bidders and let them know your decision. You’ll probably need to have a board meeting to advise your shareholders. I’ll be in touch.”
“Okay.” Marvin hung up the phone. He had to make another call, but he needed a moment to get his composure. Tears blinded his eyes, but he refused to make a sound. The decision had been made, and all that he had worked for was now in someone else’s hands. He picked up the phone and dialed.
“Marvin?”
“Hey, Rachel. We need to talk.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Baby, you look absolutely fabulous,” Michael said to Mona, who was busy admiring herself in the mirror. “Why don’t we skip tonight’s affair and let me entertain my wife in ways she can only imagine.”
Mona stopped cold and turned toward Michael with a sultry look on her face. “Baby, if I weren’t getting paid big bucks for this evening, I’d readily take you up on it. How about a rain check?”
“You promise to look that gorgeous when the night is over?”
“Michael, baby, sweetheart, you know that I look gorgeous in whatever I wear, even if it’s nothing at all.
But this isn’t what I’m wearing tonight. I’m taking the dress I’m wearing with me so that it won’t get wrinkled before the event gets underway.”
“You’re right about looking gorgeous in anything, baby. Why don’t you give me a kiss so I can have something to remind me of what I’m to expect later?”
“You didn’t hear a word I said. Be glad I don’t have my lipstick on already.”
“Mona, you take the fun out of seduction.”
Mona stopped what she was doing and walked over to Michael. She rubbed his bald head, then grabbed him around the neck and threw her lips on his, tasting and nibbling. He joined in, wanting to pick her up, lay her on their king-size bed, and make passionate love to her. Fearful of a scolding, he embraced and kissed her tenderly, backing away from her as the heat between them became too much to bear.
“Baby, maybe you better scoot because you’re making it impossible for me to focus on what I’m supposed to be doing.”
“You’re supposed to be getting ready. I put your tux in the hall closet. I’m going to take Michael Jr. to Sylvia’s so he can play with little Kenny.”
“Is Kenny still serious about approaching Vincent Kinyard with his proposal? This guy owns property from Maine to Mexico—big luxury condos and resorts on every island in the Caribbean and elsewhere.”
“Oh God, yes! Kenny would do anything for this opportunity. I’m going to have a good time watching him serve my guests.”
“What do you mean, serve your guests? Mona, you’re not putting Kenny to work? How humiliating for a man of his caliber to have to resort to such?”
“Michael, listen to yourself. Is that how you feel about me...that what I’m doing is beneath you or Kenny?”
“No, baby, I didn’t quite mean it like that.”
“That’s what it sounded like to me. I know I’m not deaf.”
“What I meant was—”
“Careful now, or I won’t need a rain check.”
“Mona, please. All I meant was, if Kenny was going to make this proposal, it would look rather odd for him to be serving the folks he’s trying to do business with.”
“How else was he going to get into the event? He didn’t receive an invitation. But I see what you mean, sweetie. You do make a lot of sense.”
“I understand what you were trying to do, sweetheart, and I love you all the more for it.”
“Okay, we’re good. I’m going to put my lipstick on and get Michael Jr. so that I can take him over to Sylvia’s. I need to be at the country club by two to make sure all is in order. I’ve got my best chefs on the job.”
“With you at the helm, I know this affair is going to be exceptionally wonderful. Why don’t I take Michael Jr. to Sylvia’s?” Michael’s eyes radiated as he watched Mona in a moment of innocence. “Cat got your tongue?”
“You are so good to me, Michael Broussard.”
“Thoughtful.” Michael smiled.
“Thank you for taking Michael Jr. to Sylvia’s for me. I love you, baby, and don’t you ever forget it.”
“I’m the one who’s blessed,” Michael said. “I’ve been blessed since the day I met you.”
“Thank God for second chances.” Mona kissed Michael, picked up her garment bag with her dress, and headed out of the room. “Thank you for coming into my life.”
Morning had come and gone, and the afternoon was drifting by. Rachel moved back from the large beveled window that looked out over the expanse of yard and the street beyond it. Nothing seemed to stir or move except for an occasional squirrel that barreled down from one of the tall pine trees and onto another.
Rachel and Marvin’s marriage was in trouble. He was avoiding her but had made it plain that they needed to talk. She needed to talk to someone, though, but Sylvia was out of the question. Rachel had probably alienated herself from the best friend she had—the one person she trusted to be there for her whenever she needed someone.
Click, click, click, click, click. Rachel jumped and straightened her face at the sound of tiny feet running over the stone tiles, followed by Isabel. She managed a smile as Serena stood tall in her play heels.
“Look at me, Mommy. I’m as tall as you.”
“You are so beautiful, Serena. Isn’t she, Isabel?”
“Absolutely adorable,” Isabel said, giving Serena a wink. “Mrs. Thomas, do you mind if I take Serena to get some ice cream? I promised her if she ate all of her fruit and vegetables, that I would treat her to some ice cream if it’s alright with you.”
“Yeah, ice cream,” Serena shouted.
“Serena would enjoy that, Isabel. Let me get my purse and treat you both. Take your time.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Thomas. I’ll take good care of Serena.”
Rachel went to the kitchen and got her purse. She handed Isabel a ten-dollar bill. Thank God she kept readily available cash for rainy days, although she never expected a downpour like she experienced yesterday. She hurried back to the foyer and gave Isabel the money.
“Give Mommy a kiss, Serena. You do what Isabel tells you to.”
“Okay, Mommy.” She kissed Rachel, waved good-bye, and headed out the door with Isabel.
Rachel watched from the window as Isabel backed her car out of the driveway, then drove away. Loneliness began to set in, and she moved away from the window and walked into the kitchen. She looked at the phone on the kitchen wall and turned away. Before other thoughts could trickle in, she grabbed the receiver and dialed Sylvia.
“Hey, Sylvia,” Rachel said as soon as she heard Sylvia’s voice.
“Hey, Rachel, how are you doing today? You and Marvin get it straight?”
“Yeah, he’s calmed down. He was a little upset with me, but we kissed and made up.”
“That’s good, girl. You might want to look into taking some anger management courses. You can’t allow yourself to explode like that, especially in public.”
“I know. I’ve kicked myself in the behind for being such an a-hole. Some screw has to be loose up there.”
“Don’t say that too loud. People have been saying that for years. Look, hold on a sec; I’m trying to help Kenny get together for tonight.”
“Okay.”
Rachel held on for two minutes. Why did she lie to Sylvia? She was miserable, and she needed to tell somebody.
“Hey, Rachel. Sorry to keep you hanging. Let me call you back later. Kenny is going to the fundraiser Mona is catering. My baby is trying to lay a business proposition on one of the bigwigs, and he’s using Mona as a way to gain access. That man of mine stops at nothing to make a buck.”
“Alright. I’ll be here.”
“You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m still embarrassed about yesterday. Just making sure my best friend didn’t kick me to the curb.”
“Never, girl. You’re a piece of work, but I love you anyhow.”
“Sylvia?”
“What is it, Rachel?”
“Marvin didn’t come home until early this morning and he slept in his office. When he got up this morning, he left without saying good-bye. When he did call, the only thing he said was that we needed to talk, and then hung up. Sylvia, I know that I was out of order, but my God, I couldn’t have been that bad. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry.” Sylvia sighed. “Look, if you feel like driving and you still haven’t heard from Marvin in a few hours, you and Serena come on over. I’m watching little Michael for Mona. The boys enjoy each other’s company.”
“I don’t know if I’ll feel up to it.”
“Let me get Kenny squared away, and I’ll call you in a few hours. It’s going to be alright, Rachel. Haven’t we come through some things together? We’re tough as nails, and whatever is eating at Marvin will pass. You know you’ve got a good man who loves you to death. Be patient and give him a chance to explain.”
“You make it sound so simple, Sylvia. I feel a little bit better. I’ll call you in a few hours.”
“Okay, sweetie. Got
ta run. My big baby is calling me.”
Rachel hung up the phone and got up and went to her room. Why hadn’t Marvin called her again, and what was going on with him? They could talk about anything, even the silliest stuff that didn’t make any sense at all. Their lives were an open book with one another—no secrets.
There wasn’t anything she could do. She lay on the bed and pulled the covers up over her. When she woke up, darkness had fallen.
It was too quiet. She jumped up and ran downstairs and found Serena and Isabel watching television.
“You’re still here, Isabel. I’m so sorry. It’s way past time for you to go home.”
“I couldn’t wake you, Mrs. Thomas, and I didn’t want to leave Serena. You’ve been doing a lot of lying around lately. Are you pregnant?”
“Heaven forbid. No, I’m not sure why I’m so tired.”
“Well, Mr. Thomas called again.”
Rachel’s eyes widened. “He did? Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“I tried, but you wouldn’t budge. He told me to let you sleep and that he was working late.”
“Oh, I see. Well, thank you for taking Serena for some ice cream. I’ll take care of you for those extra hours you had to stay.”
“Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Thomas. If I didn’t love Serena so, I would have poured cold water on you to make you wake up.”
“That wouldn’t have been a good thing. Thanks again. Drive safely.”
“Good night, Isabel,” Serena said, taking her eyes away from SpongeBob SquarePants for only a second.
“Good night, Serena...Mrs. Thomas.”
“Good night, Isabel.”
Rachel couldn’t wait for Isabel to leave. She made sure Serena was alright, then went into the kitchen and picked up the phone. Nerves were getting the best of her, but she wasn’t going to wait any longer for Marvin to call back. Isabel said he’d phoned, so she was only returning the call.
Chills went up her spine. What if Marvin didn’t want to talk to her? Rejection was one thing she was not ready for, but he was her husband, and she had to hear his voice.
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