Margo stared at Ivy. “Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?”
“Yes, Momma. I’ve got to do this for me, for us. I’m going to take it one day at a time. We’ve been through a lot, and I’m ready to move forward. Look at how you and Daddy came full circle? It’s because of the love you have for each other.”
“Ivy, listen to you,” Winter rushed to say. “All that you’ve gone through and all of the hurt Malik has caused, you can’t mean that you’re going to go back to him. So this is why you were on the phone most of the morning.”
“Winter, this was a beautiful day,” Ivy began. “Momma and Daddy, J.R. and Elaine, and Ari and Angelica getting married put some things into perspective for me. I want to try and make my marriage work, and if it doesn’t, I can’t ever say that I didn’t try. We’re going to take it a day at a time. I’m going to stay at Momma’s for a few more days until Malik and I can sort some things out. Be with me on this, sis.” Ivy reached out and held her sister’s hand. “We can still have our sister outings, and how about you being godmother to my firstborn when I get pregnant again?”
Winter moved back, wrinkled her nose, and tried to smile. Then she grabbed Ivy and hugged her sister for the longest time. “You better be good to my sister, Malik, or you won’t live to see the light of day.”
Malik mustered a half-smile. “I know how deep your fangs go, Winter, but you don’t have anything to worry about. I’m going to take good care of my wife. Now may I have a piece of cake and whatever else you all have to eat? I’m starving.”
Jefferson held Margo’s hand as the crowd moved toward the buffet. “This is a miracle. God couldn’t have shown me this one any better than He did today. Why don’t we join Ari and Angelica? It’s not fair to let them have all the fun. They’re making the DJ work for his money.” Margo laughed. Jefferson reached down and placed a kiss on Margo’s lips.
“Okay, baby, push me to the dance floor.”
Seventy-Seven
Cheryl looked up from the paperwork on her desk when she saw the door to the office open out of the corner of her eye.
“Good morning, Dr. Wright. Are you all right?”
“Yes and no.” Looking at the nameplate that graced Cheryl’s desk, Dr. Shelton Wright looked at her thoughtfully. “Ms. Richards, is Jefferson Myles in his office today? I need to speak with him as soon as possible.”
“Let me check to see if he’s still in his office. Please have a seat.” Cheryl dialed Jefferson’s intercom.
“Yes, Cheryl?”
“Dr. Shelton Wright is in the office and would like to speak with you right away.”
“I’m finishing up with a client, but I’ll be happy to see him. Give me fifteen minutes.”
“Okay.” Cheryl clicked off the intercom and called to Dr. Wright. Dr. Wright stood and walked the few feet to Cheryl’s desk, anticipation written on his face. “Mr. Myles is with another client at the moment, but he’ll meet with you in approximately fifteen minutes.”
Dr. Wright seemed agitated and fidgety. He placed his hands on Cheryl’s desk. “Is there any way possible I can meet with him right now? This is very important.”
“Let me get you a cup of coffee, Dr. Wright. He’s just about finished with his appointment; I promise you it won’t take long.” Dr. Wright went and sat down in one of the few chairs that were in the small waiting area.
In twenty-five years of practicing medicine, today was the first time that Dr. Wright decided not to go in to the clinic for other than business. His heart wasn’t in it, although he still had a heart for people. He hadn’t known a time that he’d cancelled all of his appointments because he didn’t want to be there.
He looked up when Cheryl approached him with the cup of coffee. Cheryl reminded him so much of Betty when he first met her working at the student bookstore of the college they both attended. Betty’s shoulder-length hair swung when she moved her head, and he was captivated at that very moment. Digressing from his memory, Shelton took a sip of the black nectar and placed the cup on the magazine table that sat next to the chair.
“Dr. Wright, Mr. Myles will see you now,” Cheryl said. “Come this way.”
As Shelton headed back toward Jefferson’s office, a man passed him on his way out. They both turned as soon as they passed.
“Dr. Wright?” the man asked.
“Malik Mason?” Shelton inquired. “What are you doing here?”
“The Web Connection is handling my advertising campaign for my senate race. I’ve got it like that when your father-in-law, and hope-to-be-best-friend-again, is the owner of the company. Sorry about your wife’s troubles. Toni hurt a lot of people, and maybe she got what she deserved. I’m just glad she’s out of my life. Take care.”
Shelton Wright watched as Malik exited the building. Tears erupted from nowhere and began to flow down his face. He placed his hands over his face to cover the stain they’d made and the embarrassment he felt because his sins had been found out. He’d been on track to make history for his family—a prominent Raleigh doctor elected North Carolina senator. Now, it was a dream that was fading fast. Shelton Wright couldn’t move.
• • •
“Where is . . .” Jefferson started to say when he bounced around the corner looking for his visitor. He saw Dr. Wright leaning against the wall in a bent over state, crying his heart out. Jefferson went to him and wrapped his arms around this broken man. Jefferson knew Dr. Wright’s pain; he’d been there and suffered through it. Somehow, God had given him another chance to get it right, and he hoped the same would be true for Shelton Wright.
For Jefferson, it was like looking in his rearview mirror and seeing the reflection of his past as he moved forward. There were moments when the demons of the past called out to him, tugging and pulling at his spirit in an attempt to lure him back to the dark side, but faith and family brought him through, even enough to forgive an old friend. The pain he saw in his rearview mirror was in the past. New hopes and victories became his new yellow-brick road.
Jefferson squeezed Dr. Wright’s shoulders and wiped the tears from his face. “It’s going to be all right after a while; just keep the faith and take care of yourself and your family.”
Discussion Guide
In My Rearview Mirror tackles family dynamics and what happens when dysfunction within the family disrupts and tears it apart. The Myles Family—Jefferson, Margo, J.R., Ivy, Winston, and Winter—have been through some hardships as a family, but the challenges they face in this novel are greater than most as the consequences of infidelity, betrayal and political scandal eat at the fabric of their lives.
1. As this story opens up, what event is taking place that has the potential to be an explosive time bomb? What has the main character shared that alerts you that trouble may be on the horizon?
2. After twenty and some odd years of marriage and four grown children, Margo and Jefferson Myles’ life together as husband and wife will soon be final. What is Margo’s feeling about the finality of her divorce? Jefferson?
3. An old foe and former best friend of Jefferson’s has embarked on a new career. What is his name and what career move has he made?
4. A career move wasn’t the only thing Malik was making. He was making beautiful music with a woman. Who is this woman and how does her relationship with Malik become the Achilles heel for what might possibly be the biggest scandal in North Carolina politics?
5. There is an old saying that says what happens in the dark will come to the light. What traumatic event did Margo endure, and what transpired because of it, that will certainly cause war between Margo and her daughter, Ivy?
6. Should Ivy be angry at her mother, Malik, or both?
7. If you were in Ivy’s shoes, how would you have handled knowing that your brother is also your stepson?
8. Jefferson and Margo’s marriage suffered a lot of turbulence in its final years. It is apparent that the love they once had for each other has not been completely extinguished, although Jeffe
rson has been in the arms of other women and Margo has sought the comfort of Jefferson’s best friend. What is Jefferson’s reaction upon realizing that Ian is not his child? Do you feel that this is reason enough for Jefferson to move forward with his life and give Margo her freedom? Why or why not?
9. How does Malik deal with the same revelation that Ian is not Jefferson’s child? What does he do that could possibly cost him everything—his life, his unborn child, possibly his marriage, and a seat in the state senate?
10. What is the name of the woman and her occupation who sought to bring down Malik’s house of cards? Was she successful?
11. Political suicide has become a common phrase in our society today. Besides Senator John Edwards, Democratic nominee for President (2008), name some political figures whose political careers were compromised because of scandal.
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BEHIND
THE VEIL
BY SUZETTA PERKINS
AVAILABLE FROM STREBOR BOOKS
PROLOGUE
Jefferson Myles put his foot on the brake and slowly turned onto Fuller Street. He brought the silver Mercedes to an abrupt stop and turned off the lights. He exhaled and looked out the window toward a brown, weather-beaten, single-story, wood-frame house, two doors down where others had gathered.
“Be quiet and stay put until I return,” Jefferson admonished his companion, brushing her hand with his. “I won’t be long.”
Jefferson glanced at her again and quickly turned away. He patted his left breast feeling for the envelope that sat in an inside pocket of his brown leather coat. Satisfied, Jefferson opened the car door and got out, heading in the direction of the house two doors down. His stride was ardent and sure as he made his way down the street. He never looked back, and his companion, feeling alone and afraid, slid down in her seat. She did not like being on this side of town, especially late at night.
A moment passed, maybe two. She slowly eased up in her seat, not wanting to be discovered. The Mercedes offered little cover, even under the cloak of darkness. There was a flurry of activity outside—men dressed in long, black, leather coats, walking nervously back and forth in great anticipation. Jefferson appeared to be embroiled in a heated discussion with one of the men who was adamantly trying to get his point across—his arms moving in strict staccato like a maestro slinging his baton, leading the orchestra in a resounding rendition of “William Tell’s Overture.”
Two figures standing at strategic locations caught her rapt attention. The one closest to her had something protruding from underneath his coat. It couldn’t be, but there was no mistaking what she saw. It was a . . . gun, maybe a rifle! She put her hands to her mouth to stifle a scream. Why did Jefferson bring me here?
The sound of a car’s motor met her ears. She quickly slid back down in her seat. Then there was the distinctive sound of car doors opening and shutting—must have been a van with so many doors sounding at the same time. She dare not look. She could hear people talking, but the voices were muffled. Then a second car cruised by—not in any hurry.
Suddenly, Jefferson appeared huffing, puffing and out of breath. He looked at her slouched down in her seat, a ghastly frown on her face. He slid his hand over her arm for reassurance. She flinched and pulled back slightly. Jefferson put the keys in the ignition and sped away.
What had she gotten herself into? She loved this man, and now he presented a side of himself she had not seen before. She was forsaking her marriage to be with her lover, who appeared to be mixed up in some illegal activity that might harm her. They were supposed to be enjoying each other’s company, expressing and defining their love for each other, basking in the afterglow from their lovemaking. Instead, she found herself tightly clutching the armrest as if her life depended on it. The Mercedes swerved to the right causing the brakes to squeal.
Jefferson offered no explanation for the meeting that nearly soured only moments earlier, arousing a cloud of curiosity. He drove recklessly from the scene, oblivious to all else around him.
It was an obvious mistake taking her with him. However, circumstances and time were not on his side. His lips were dry, his hands moist from nerves, but he remained silent until she spoke.
“I don’t know what was going on back there, but it made me nervous,” said the hushed, soft voice.
“Nothing to worry about,” Jefferson said very matter-of-factly. “Just try and relax.”
“Who were those men you were talking to?”
Without answering, Jefferson forged ahead, noting that his destination lay a few feet beyond the next set of traffic lights. “Business acquaintances,” he finally said.
“Did you know that one of them had a gun? I’m not sure . . .”
“Everything is all right, baby. Chill, there’s nothing for you to worry about. Trust me. Your job is to concentrate on how wonderful the rest of this evening is going to be.”
Jefferson picked up her hand and drew it to his lips, placing a quick kiss on her dangling fingers.
She sat back in her seat without another word.
Jefferson breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that he and his companion were safely behind the door that hid them from inquiring eyes. The moment he envisioned some months ago had arrived, though with some difficulty. The pink neon sign blinked incessantly outside, announcing available residency.
Jefferson looked around the dimly lit room, noting that it was adequate for the purpose intended. There was a double bed planted in the middle of the floor, draped with a bedspread bedecked with a field of spring flowers. Matching curtains hung proudly and generously, covering the small window that looked out onto the spacious courtyard. A cheap-looking RCA color television set, with a loosened knob that threatened to fall, sat in one corner of the room on an old chest of drawers badly in need of a fresh coat of varnish. Or better yet, the nearest dump yard. It wasn’t important though, for they wouldn’t be staying long.
She smiled seductively, batting her long, curled eyelashes at him. Her dress was plain and simple, much like the woman she was. She wore a pair of lined, white linen slacks with a teal and white, flowered, short-sleeve blouse that buttoned down the front. Pearl stud earrings dotted her ear lobes, and a pair of teal flats adorned her feet.
Jefferson went to her, holding her about the shoulders. She’s beautiful, he thought, a breath of fresh air. Her long, silky, brown hair fell about her pale face, landing just below her shoulders in a casual flip. A hint of cherry-flavored lip-gloss glistened on her thin, perky lips.
Jefferson saw the worried look in her eyes. “There is nothing for you to worry about, love. It’s just you and me, now. And I want all of you.”
She smiled and swallowed nervously, as she watched Jefferson scan the length of her body. He seemed so uncomplicated, so in control of the moment. The eggshell-colored, turtleneck sweater, made of imported wool that sat high on his neck brought out the richness in his flawless, medium-brown complexion. His brown eyes turned the color of amber with the reflection from the ceiling light. His closely cropped head held a field of neatly brushed waves that went into a slow fade at the temple and nape of his neck. And her heart skipped a beat.
He wanted to make love to her—passionate love—ever since she signaled that she wanted the same. At first it was just small talk, an occasional smile. Then it was the look that passed between them, the look that said, I’m willing, are you? And finally the smile that now registered six, if measured on the Richter scale, that said, I’m ready!
The smiles had not waned. This night had been chosen to commence an affair that had smoldered for sometime. It was a dangerous liaison for which they sought no repentance. There was no grief or regret. They were both in unhappy marriages, and their occasional smiles and small talk had gone beyond their expectations. Now it was time to put all their thoughts and dreams into action, although they were crossing a forbidden line that promised no real reward in the end.
&nb
sp; It was unfortunate that she was a witness to the event earlier in the evening—an evening that was supposed to be totally and unequivocally theirs. However, it was preempted by a last-minute emergency for which Jefferson had no recourse but to respond. His business dealings had gone beyond legitimate, and the powerful alliances that he had found himself in bed with would never forgive his disobedience.
Jefferson put his thoughts aside and embraced her. They reached for each other without another word passing between them. Their lips met and the cherry-flavored lip-gloss caused him to linger longer than he had planned. She undressed slowly with Jefferson’s eyes never leaving her for a moment. He removed his sweater, then his pants, trying not to seem too anxious. He took in all of her, noting that his imagination had served him well.
Spring flowers surrounded them as they fell upon the bed ready to unleash what seemed a lifetime of pent-up passion—passion that consumed them in each intimate caress. Jefferson traced her torso with his tongue in a relentless pursuit to have all of her. He was overcome with anticipation and desire—desire that burned uncontrollably in his groin.
Jefferson slowed his pace praying the night would last forever. His tongue sought refuge in the hollow of her waiting mouth. Their tongues mated, feverishly exploring every nook and cranny. His mouth became a vacuum as he sucked her bottom lip into the folds of his lips.
Their lips parted for a brief moment in order to catch their breaths. Jefferson continued to explore her body which trembled at his slightest touch. She was delirious with desire and a sense of urgency, as lust and greed consumed her being.
Jefferson took a deep breath and blew into her face—a few strands of her hair parting as he did so. Their bodies now entwined, Jefferson smothered her with kisses. He held her breasts and kneaded them like dough, sending tingling sensations down her spine. He massaged the length of her body, planting kisses along the way. He found the very essence of her waiting and ready, piercing the veil that gave him access. And she accepted what he had to offer.
In My Rearview Mirror Page 31