The Best-Kept Secret

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

  “Aaron. I don’t know any other way to say this, but you and I are over. What we had was special, and I appreciate you being there for me these last few months, but I can’t take the chance of Curtis finding out about us, and I won’t allow Matthew to be hurt. We have to end this before something bad happens.”

  “You’re serious, aren’t you?” he said, sounding much more polite.

  “I am. I know it’s not what you want, but this is the way it has to be.”

  “But why?”

  “I just told you. Curtis and Matthew.”

  “After all we’ve been to each other?”

  “I’m sorry, Aaron. I really, really am.”

  “Baby, this hurts. I mean, this is truly going to tear me apart.”

  “Maybe for a while, but you’ll find someone else. Or maybe you can spend more time with Michelle, because she really seems to like you.”

  “I’m not in love with Michelle. I’m in love with you.”

  “Like I said, I’m sorry for all of this. I’m sorry that we even started seeing each other, because it was never fair to you.”

  “You’re damn right it was never fair to me, because you always had Curtis to run home to.”

  “I know, I know. And I hope that one day you can forgive me.”

  “Okay, look,” he said, sounding calm again. “Your mind is obviously made up, so the least you could do is tell me all of this in person. You owe me at least that much.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I think we need to make this our last conversation. If we see each other face-to-face, it will only make things harder.”

  “I promise I won’t try to change your mind, but please don’t end this so coldly. Please let me see you one last time.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Please, baby, don’t make me beg like this. It’s so humiliating.”

  “Okay. Fine. But it can’t be tomorrow, because we’re taking the kids to Great America.”

  “Then what about Friday?”

  “Where?”

  “Wherever you want.”

  “What about your friend’s house in the country?”

  “Call me on Friday morning to let me know what time you want to meet.”

  “I will. And again, I’m sorry, Aaron. I can’t say that enough.”

  “I’ll see you on Friday, all right?”

  “Take care.”

  Charlotte pressed the end button on her phone and dropped it onto the seat. As soon as she did, it rang again. She wondered what Aaron wanted now, until she saw her home phone number illuminated.

  “Hey, baby,” she said to Curtis.

  “Where are you?”

  “Only five minutes away. I just left Anise’s.”

  “Did you guys have a good time?”

  “We did.”

  “The kids and I had a great time, too. I’m missing Alicia already, and she hasn’t even gone home yet.”

  “I know. She’s going to have to start visiting us a lot more often.”

  “I agree.”

  “So are they ready for Great America?”

  “Matthew definitely is. He hasn’t talked about anything else since we got home. He keeps bragging to Alicia about all the huge roller coasters he’s going to get on with her, but you and I both know it’s all talk. Unless something has changed pretty drastically with him since last summer.”

  Charlotte laughed. “I really doubt that, because if I remember correctly, he was scared to death.”

  “He’s funny. But hey, I’ll see you when you get here.”

  “I love you, Curtis.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Chapter 14

  THE TRIP TO THE AMUSEMENT PARK YESTERDAY HAD PROVEN TO BE A LOT of fun, and, to Curtis’s surprise, Matthew had gotten on more roller coasters than he’d expected. Curtis was sure, though, it mostly had to do with Matthew’s need to impress his big sister. It seemed as if he was willing to do whatever he had to in order to win her approval; however, what he didn’t know was that Alicia loved him regardless. She never treated him like a half brother; she treated him no differently than if they shared the same father and mother and lived in the same house together, which, of course, made life a lot easier for Curtis.

  As Curtis flipped through the first few pages of his manuscript, ironically enough, Joan Epstein, the agent his editor Richard had connected him with, called.

  “This is Curtis,” he said after Lana hung up.

  “Curtis Black,” Joan announced in a smiling voice.

  “How are you?” he asked, admiring her attitude already.

  “I’m batting a thousand after reading that book of yours. I tell you, I started it yesterday and finished it before going to bed last night. And I’m in total awe.”

  “Well, thank you.”

  “I truly believe you have a winner here, and I’d like to offer you representation.”

  “Excuse me for asking, but it’s hard for me to believe that this could all be so simple.”

  “Well, normally it isn’t, but you’ve got the makings of a best-seller, and there’s no reason in the world why we should wait on this.”

  “This is amazing. But can I ask you a question?”

  “Go ahead.”

  “What do you think of the book personally? I’m asking because I’ve heard that it’s important for an agent to feel a certain passion for a book if the agent is going to be successful with getting a publishing house interested.”

  “This is true. So let me give you a general rundown of what I think about your work. To start, your voice is very bold, very powerful, and, most of all, very different from any other motivational and inspirational book I’ve seen from a Christian perspective. The fact that you have been connected with and spoken at so many megachurches throughout the country is reason enough to believe that you will sell thousands and thousands of copies. In addition to that, I believe your book has a mainstream vibe that will attract Christians and non-Christians alike. So the vibe you’re projecting, your new syndicated column, and you agreeing to go out on speaking engagements is all I really need to convince any major house to pay you a pretty hefty advance and give your book what we call the big push.”

  “Meaning?”

  “That you’ll get all the marketing and publicity that this book deserves. The promotional budget will coincide with your advance.”

  “You mentioned speaking engagements?”

  “Yes.”

  “How many of those do you think I’d be required to do?”

  “As many as you can, but during the first year of release, it would be good if you could go out at least a few times per month. And this would be in addition to the national book tour the publisher would be sending you on right after publication.”

  Curtis understood why this would all be necessary, but he wasn’t sure if it was the best thing for his marriage or the church. He’d figured he would have to travel, but not as much as Joan was explaining. But whenever large sums of money were involved, there was always some trade-off. It had always been that way for him.

  “Sounds to me like writing the book is only half the battle,” he said.

  “Truthfully, it’s probably only about twenty percent. Because right after an editor acquires your work, the editing process will begin. Then, copyediting, production, tour scheduling, and a lot more.”

  “So what do I need to do now?”

  “If you give me your fax number, I’ll fax you a copy of my agent-author contract. It’s an agreement that protects both you and me should we ever part ways for any reason. It also outlines my commission.”

  “When do you need to have this back, because I’d like to have my attorney look it over before I sign it?”

  “I encourage that. But if there is some way you could have him look at it this morning, that would really help. This way, I can get copies made and get them to the five editors I know will be interested. A couple of them only work part of the day on Friday, and I’d like to hav
e them take the manuscript home to read over the weekend.”

  “I can call him now. Actually, my wife works for his firm, so if he’s in, I’m sure he’ll look it over as soon he gets it.”

  “Sounds good,” Joan said, and they exchanged fax numbers. “Just call me when he gives you the go-ahead, so I can be looking for it. In the meantime, I’ll have my assistant make copies. I’m sort of jumping the gun here, but I don’t think you’ll see any reason why you shouldn’t sign the contract. It’s pretty basic for the most part.”

  “If I may ask, what other clients do you represent?”

  “Tara Lockhart—”

  “The mystery writer?”

  “That would be her. And I also represent Willie and Michael Tomlinson, the brothers who co-author The Cubicle sci-fi series.”

  “Enough said.” Curtis was astounded and didn’t need any more proof regarding Joan’s legitimacy as an agent.

  “I don’t mind telling you anything you want to know, so all you have to do is ask.”

  “That’s good to hear. I’m going to call my attorney right now, and as soon as you fax me the contract, I’ll fax it over to him.”

  “I’m sending it now. Talk to you in a while.”

  “Thanks, Joan.”

  Everything was happening much faster than Curtis had anticipated, but he wasn’t complaining. First the syndication offer and now this. And Joan was sounding as though her selling the book was a done deal.

  Curtis phoned Charlotte to tell her the great news.

  “Baby, this is wonderful.”

  “I told you this was going to happen.”

  “I know, and I was just telling Anise last night that I am so sorry for not supporting you the way I should have. I didn’t believe in what you were doing, but I promise you, that will never happen again.”

  “I forgive you. And actually, I’m calling to see if William is in because I need him to review a contract that Joan wants me to sign.”

  “He is but only for the next half hour. So send me the contract and I’ll have him look it over.”

  “I think Lana is sending it now.”

  “I’ll have William call you in a few minutes.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  “Oh my goodness, baby, I am so excited. Life is really about to change for us.”

  “Yeah, but in a very positive way. And maybe now you can stop complaining about the small amount of money I make,” he teased.

  “It’s not that you make small money, it’s just that I’ve always wanted so much more for us. Not just for Matthew and me, but for you, too.”

  “I guess.”

  “How much do you think a publisher will offer you?”

  “I don’t know. Joan sounded pretty hyped, though.”

  “Wow. Well, hey, I’ll call you after you’ve had a chance to speak to William.”

  “Love you.”

  “I love you more.”

  Curtis smiled, pressed the flash button, and called Aaron. He couldn’t wait to tell his best friend what was going on.

  “Mom, you won’t believe this,” Charlotte said into the phone.

  “What? You sound like you just won a million dollars.”

  “Maybe not a million, but things are definitely looking up for us. Remember two days ago when I told you about Curtis’s syndication deal?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Well, they connected him with this big-time New York agent, and she called him this morning. And she just got his manuscript yesterday.”

  “Oh my. That’s great news.”

  “And she’s almost positive she can sell it to a publisher for good money.”

  “That’s wonderful, sweetheart, and please tell Curtis I said congratulations.”

  “You should call him yourself, Mom.”

  “I will. Is he at the church?”

  “Yes, he’s waiting for one of the partners here to look over his agent contract.”

  “Who’s that?” Charlotte heard her father ask.

  “Your only child, and I’ll let her tell you the news.”

  “What’s going on, sugar?”

  “Curtis found an agent and she’s pretty sure she can sell his book to one of the publishing houses.”

  “Is that right? You know I never liked that Curtis after he got you pregnant, but I have a lot more respect for him now. He really has been a good husband to you and a good father to my grandson. Plus, I can tell he really does love you. I can see it in his eyes whenever you all come visit.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way, Daddy, because Curtis is a good man, and I love him, too.”

  “You tell that Curtis I said God bless him.”

  “Mom’s going to call him, so maybe you could talk to him, too, when she does.”

  “I will. And how’s my grandson?”

  “He’s fine. And actually, this week, he’s in hog heaven because his sister is visiting. We took them to Great America yesterday, and they both had a blast.”

  “Well, you tell him his grandpa loves him and that I can’t wait for him to get here on Sunday.”

  “He’s already looking forward to it. We’re going to bring him over right after we take Alicia home.”

  “I wish he was staying with us for more than nine days.”

  “He has a science camp that we signed him up for, but he’ll be back to stay with you for three more weeks at the end of July.”

  “Your mother and I have got some big plans for him.”

  “I can only imagine how spoiled he’ll be when he gets back here.”

  “Well, sugar, I need to get to a dentist appointment, so did you want to speak back to your mother?”

  “No, I need to get back to work, but tell her I’ll call her later.”

  “Okay, sugar, I love you, and kiss Matthew for us.”

  “I will, Daddy, and I love you, too.”

  Charlotte missed her parents a lot. She especially missed seeing them with Matthew. He gave them so much joy, and they did the same for him. Her father was a high school principal and spent most of his summer break out on the golf course, and her mother was a high school English teacher who tutored some of her students during the month of July. So both of them had plenty of free time to spend with Matthew once he arrived.

  Charlotte heard her cell phone ringing and pulled it out of her handbag. She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling when she saw that it was Aaron. She’d told him they could meet one last time this afternoon, but now she’d decided against it, partly because she’d already apologized and explained her position to him on the phone and didn’t know what else they had to talk about. It was better if they ceased communication so he could move on without her. He claimed he loved her, but she hoped his love was only an infatuation and something he would get over pretty quickly.

  The phone rang one last time and shortly after, she heard the voice-mail signal. She would listen to his message at some point, but right now she had better things to do.

  She ordered a dozen roses and a cluster of balloons and had them delivered to the church. She looked forward to the beautiful love she and Curtis would make when the day was over.

  Chapter 15

  ALL WAS QUIET AND WELL FOR THE REVEREND AND MRS. BLACK. Matthew was happily visiting with his grandparents, Alicia was back in Chicago, and life couldn’t have been happier. They’d both taken the day off, something they hadn’t done in months, just the two of them, and Curtis felt like they were on a second honeymoon. The utter chemistry and strong passion between them were refreshing. It reminded him of the way their relationship had once been, practically flawless. Charlotte even looked at him differently. He saw a gleam in her eyes that he hadn’t seen for months. Even now, she was downstairs fixing him breakfast, preparing to serve him in bed, which was a privilege in itself because he couldn’t remember the last time she’d done it. Then, there were the flowers and balloons she’d sent four days ago. So out of the ordinary for her, yet so special to him as a man. Special to him as her h
usband. Special, no matter how a person looked at it. Of course, her noticeable turnabout had a lot to do with his new syndicated column and possible book deal. It had a lot to do with money. Still, Curtis was just happy to have her acting the way a wife ought to. He was content just having a certain amount of peace and the feeling that there wasn’t anything to worry about. It was good having her home when she was supposed to be and not working after office hours. It was good not having to wonder what was really going on after dark.

  Curtis looked up when he saw his wife strolling into the bedroom, smiling.

  “What do we have here?” he said when she placed the tray on his lap.

  “Fresh strawberries, scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage links, and orange juice.”

  “Come here.”

  Charlotte sat next to him and he kissed her. “I love you so much, you know that?” he said.

  “I do. And I love you. With everything that I have. And from this day forward, I’m going to be the wife that you want me to be. I realize now that I haven’t been as of late, but that’s over.”

  “We have such a great life together, and if we stay happy with each other, Matthew will continue being the happy child that he is. And that’s extremely important to me. I pray for his happiness and his health every single day.”

  “I pray for the same thing. I’ve always prayed for that,” she said, feeding Curtis a strawberry. He chewed slowly, enjoying it, and then lifted a forkful of eggs from his plate. Charlotte flipped on the television and turned it to The View. Barbara Walters, Star Jones, Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, and the new host from Survivor were discussing current national news.

  “Star has lost a lot of weight, hasn’t she?” Curtis asked.

  “Yep. She still isn’t saying, but the rumor is that she had gastric bypass surgery.”

  “Well, whatever she’s doing, she looks good.”

  “She really does.”

  They watched through the end of the segment, but right at the commercial break, the phone rang.

  “Hello?” Charlotte answered. Curtis looked over at her. “Yes, he sure is, he’s right here.” She passed him the phone, seeming almost ecstatic.

  “Hello?” he said.