CHAPTER THIRTY
s soon as I walked into the house, I pulled off my pantyhose. My day had been very long, a reminder of how I worked too hard for too little. I was feeling pretty discouraged.
There was a revival at Living Truth tonight, but I was so tired, I couldn't even make it to the revival to get revived.
I checked my messages and noticed Capri had called, but Kyle had not. If he didn't call by Wednesday to confirm our date for Friday, I was going to have to ignore his calls for the rest of the weekend. I really didn't want to do that.
I slipped on my leggings and an old T-shirt from Reggie. Although I was hungry, I didn't have a taste for anything, so I decided to order pizza. I was breaking all the diet rules, but at this point, I really didn't care.
I thought about Angel and reminded myself that before I went to bed tonight, I really needed to pray hard. Just as I reclined on the couch, the phone rang. Thinking it was Kyle, I jumped up and grabbed the phone from the coffee table.
“Lexi, hey. It's Capri.”
“Oh, hey girl, what's going on?” I asked. My question wasn't merely rhetorical, since Capri's workload had gotten even higher of late. Between work and her romance with Tony, she hardly had time to speak during the last few weeks. She'd even been missing our brunches.
“I had a really bad day.”
“Join the club, girl. I am so tired. I did all this rushing to get to court and couldn't find a parking space. I had a hearing in Judge Hinkle's court. You know how moody she is. Anyway, I got there and the clerk was so nasty. For no reason at all, she gave me major attitude. I don't know if it's because I look so young or what, but I'm sick of getting no respect. Anyway, I got there after all this rushing and sweating and the hearing had been reset. No one bothered to notify me. Then on top of things, I haven't heard from Kyle in a week. I am so tired of people just thinking they can take my kindness for weakness. You know what they always say, ‘the squeaky oil gets the wheel.’”
“You mean ‘the squeaky wheel gets the oil.’”
“You know what I mean!”
“Well, I guess this isn't really a good time to burden you with any extra bad news,” Capri said slowly.
“I'm sorry, I just got off on a tangent. Is everything alright with you?” I asked.
“Uhm, things are generally fine. By the way, how's the crew? Sorry about missing brunch.”
“Everyone's hanging in. By the way, did you know that Jewel's stopped actively looking for a job?”
“What?”
“Yeah, she said something about taking time to ‘find herself.’ I don't know how she's making ends meet. I really can't worry about Jewel right now. I guess we just need to let Jewel be Jewel and pray for her.”
“What's up with her and that Kevin guy?” Capri asked.
“I don't know. He seems to really like her and she seems to really like him. They've been spending a lot of time together. Jewel's even been cooking for him and his daughter. Jewel is just crazy about Aja. I heard his ex-wife was a nut though, so I told her to be careful.”
“Unbelievable,” Capri said. “Who would've thought Jewel would go for his type.”
“Well, maybe Jewel is maturing,” I said. “Anyway, before you get too excited, let me tell you about her birthday plans. It's major.”
“She's planning something major for her birthday? She's not working.”
“Regardless, it's her special day. She's planning a '70s party, girl, with Afros, pimps, and platform shoes. The whole drama.”
“Lexi, I really need to talk about something serious. My grandmother isn't doing too well. She tries to pretend like everything's all right, but Trina called me today to say she has to stay overnight in the hospital for some tests. Her treatments don't seem to be making that big of a difference. Then on top of that, I told Pearson Carrington, Anthony's attorney, to ‘go directly to hell’ on the way out of my office today. I've never lost my cool like that at work. I just don't trust him. I believe he knows I've been seeing Anthony and keeps on dropping slimy hints. And remember that big Fast Trak client I brought in?”
“Yeah?”
“Well, they had endorsement deal talks with Tony. They wanted him to sign this waiver of conflicts agreement so the firm can represent both him and Fast-Trak. I saw the agreement, Lexi, and it doesn't appear to give Tony the best protection. I can't believe Pearson would advise him to do it. Something funny is going on.”
“Maybe Pearson's not on the up and up?”
“I don't know. But I think I need to talk to Tony about it,” Capri said. She let out a sigh. “This is getting so messy.”
“Capri, I'm sorry. Are you going to go home to see your grandmother?”
“Well, I did talk to her today and she insists that I shouldn't worry and should stay put. But I can't help it. She's my second mom,” Capri said.
“Have you told Anthony about your grandmother?” I asked.
“No, not yet.”
“Capri, you need to open up to him more.”
“I just don't like to burden people with my problems. Anyway, have you talked to Angel this week? I called her tonight and she seemed out of it,” Capri said.
“Oh yeah, I have. She's probably just tired. She's been working a lot of extra hours.”
“Whatever happened to her hot romance with Octavio?” Capri said.
“I'm not sure. You know Angel. She doesn't believe in getting too attached. I think she really does care for him, though.”
“She needs to stop pushing men away. She's missing out.”
“Excuse me? Look who's talking!”
“Now, Lexi, you have to admit that I am giving Tony a big chance, at great professional risk, might I add,” Capri responded.
“Well, if worse comes to worse, you could always quit the firm,” I said.
“It sounds easy, but I don't want to go out like that. If I leave, I want it to be on my terms. Besides, having this money is really a big help to Grandma and Trina,” Capri said.
“I know, but you can't stay chained to a situation forever. Tony really makes you happy. Sometimes in life you have to make choices. If you decide to leave the firm, God will provide. Besides, if you think something unethical is going on, you may not want to continue doing business there. Everything you've done so far at the firm has been legitimate. You've had success and maintained your principles. You don't want to undercut yourself,” I said.
“Yeah, but I'm not being so legitimate now, am I? I'm dating one of our clients.”
“Well, you never now why God has brought Tony into your life. Maybe if you hadn't met him, you would never think about leaving the firm. Before you know it, you would look up and the years would've gone by. You would have all this money and no life. Yes, Capri, you have a great job. You've proved that you can hang with some of the toughest lawyers, but life has other things. I'm quite sure God has a plan. You have to just pray and ask for wisdom so you can know what to do next. Still, I think in this instance, you need to follow your heart.”
“I don't know. It's kind of scary,” Capri said.
“What?”
“Just letting go of the control you have over life and putting it in God's hands. I can do it really well in some areas, but in other areas it's hard,” Capri said.
“I know exactly what you mean. But it gets easier the more you let go. Anyway, girl, I'm really tired, but before we get off the phone, let's pray,” I offered.
“Pray together?” Capri asked.
“Yes. I'll pray. You don't have to say anything if you don't want to.”
“OK.”
Dear heavenly and most gracious Father, I just want to thank You for another day. I want to thank You for Your tender mercy and forgiveness. We give You all the praise. I ask that You cleanse us with the blood of Jesus Christ. Give us a fresh spirit, for we know that we have sinned and fallen short of Your Glory.
First Lord, I want to uplift our families. Touch them, meet all of their needs according to Your r
iches and glory in Christ Jesus. Second Lord, I want You to bless all of our friends. Those who are unsaved, we ask that they come to know You as their personal Savior.
Lord, I especially pray for Capri. Give her wisdom for every area of her life. Lord, You said if we want wisdom, “all we have to do is ask and You will give it to us freely.” Whatever is not right at her job, reveal it to us, Father. As for her grandmother, Lord, I know that You are the ultimate healer. According to First Peter 2:24, You said, “By His stripes, we have been healed,” so we speak healing in her grandmother's body right now. We also ask that You put a hedge of protection around her sister while she is at school. Lord, we say a special prayer for Jewel as well. Give her guidance and wisdom. Help her finances. Help mine as well. Help us to be good stewards over our money.
Finally Lord, I pray for myself. You know my deepest desires. You said in Your word, in Psalms 37:4, “If we delight ourselves in You, You would give us the desires of our heart.” You know my desire is for my business to prosper. Lord, I also desire a good relationship. You said You would not withhold any good gifts from Your children. Lord, we thank You and give You all the praise. And as always, let Your will be done. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
“I never knew you could pray like that. That was very powerful. Thank you so much,” Capri said.
“You're welcome. I just said what came to mind. I believe God's heard our prayer and is going to do something miraculous,” I said.
“I hope so.”
“No, believe so,” I said affirmatively.
“We're going to have to do that more often. Anyway, I'm going to try to turn in early. Tony and I talked about going to San Antonio this weekend, just to get away, but I might go see Grandma. I'll let you know for sure what my plans are either way,” Capri said.
“Alright. I'll talk to you before the week is over.”
I thought about Capri and Tony. It was clear to me that Capri didn't have to guess about their relationship. Tony was a man who knew exactly what he wanted. I realized that there were men out there who were mature enough to put their feelings on the line.
Kyle and I had been seeing each other for several months now, but he was still calling me his “friend.” He still turned his ringer off when we were at his apartment and I had hardly met any of his friends. Whenever I invited him to hang out with my friends, he cancelled at the last minute. Then he always told me what I should wear, as if I don't have taste in clothes.
Plus, we had started to go out on actual dates with less frequency and he was starting to push for sex, even though he wasn't ready for the committed-relationship talk. In fact, the last time we hung out, I refused to go there sexually, which might explain his current missing-in-action status. This situation was starting to look sadly familiar. Yes, his credentials were great, but that was becoming irrelevant because he was failing to realize what he has in me.
Still, the last time we saw each other, he had invited me to a job function on Friday, which gave me a glimmer of hope. After thinking about my drama with Kyle, I felt even more tired and dozed off. I said a quick silent prayer for Angel right before sleep hit me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
ngel was nervous. Her next doctor's appointment was at 2 p.m. the next day and she was trying not to think about it. It had been another long day. She had had to sit in on several long, boring depositions relating to the case she'd been working on. Her caller ID showed that several people had called. After checking the numbers, she decided not to call anyone back because she just wanted to be alone. She baked herself some chicken and steamed some vegetables instead of eating her usual greasy treats. Her last few visits to the doctor had given her the revelation that she wasn't twenty-one anymore.
Just as she took a second bite of chicken, the phone rang. It was Octavio. She hesitated for a moment, then answered. “Hello.”
“That was a crazy message you left on my machine,” he said.
Angel flashed back to the message she'd left. “Hi, Octavio … as I should've known, you've turned out to be a trifling, insincere piece of …”
I let the green-eyed monster out. So unlike me. She wished she could've erased the message.
“Oh, yeah, I forgot about that,” she said.
“Give me a break, Angel. Have you lost your mind?”
“Well, I was just a little stressed out that day. Then I saw you downtown with that woman.”
“Angelita, what is up with you? If I recall, you were the one who cut me off. You knew how much I was starting to care about you,” he said.
“You just don't understand,” Angel replied.
“How much more understanding do I need to be? I tried to be a friend to you. I respected your space. After three years of friendship, if I don't have your trust by now, I'll never have it. I'm tired of working like a racehorse trying to get women to take me seriously and trust me. If you want me, Angel, you're going to have to let me know.”
“Well, I've explained to you, I've been hurt …”
“Angel, I don't want to hear anymore of this ‘I have been hurt’ BS. We've all been hurt, but you have to let it go. Stop being a baby.”
Angel was silent and a bit shocked by Octavio's bluntness.
“And the girl you saw me with was Liz. We went to high school together, and her job relocated her back here recently. I do like spending time with her, but we haven't established a relationship. So, the burden's on you. If you want to give us a serious chance, get rid of that baggage and step up to the plate. Otherwise, I'm proceeding accordingly.”
Angel was stunned. “I guess I really need to think about what you just said.”
“I said what I had to say, Angelita.” His voice softened and he took a deep breath, “Umm, how have you been feeling lately? I mean physically.”
“I'm hanging in there. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow,” she said, relieved that he cared enough to ask.
“Well, if you need me, you know where I am. I'm always here for emergencies. You take care of yourself,” he said.
“Bye.”
Angel sat back and absorbed their conversation. He was so serious. And certain. She had to really think about her next move. She couldn't mess with Octavio unless she was serious about him.
A part of her didn't like his ultimatum because it felt like she was no longer in control of their relationship. But another part felt charged and turned on by his assertion. She had a lot to think about over the weekend. But one thing was for sure-she missed him dearly.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
looked at my watch and saw it was almost two o'clock. I'd spoken with Kyle the night before, and he said he would call me before one o'clock today, but I didn't see any messages from him. I sighed and continued to put away the files I was working with. When I was just about finished, the phone rang.
“Hey, Lexi. This is Kyle.”
“Hey,” I said in a less-than-enthusiastic tone.
“What's wrong now?” he said sarcastically.
“What do you mean by that comment?” I said.
“You don't have to say anything. I can hear it in your voice,” Kyle said. “Well, I was calling to tell you to meet me at Mosaic's on San Felipe.”
“I thought you were coming to pick me up.”
“Well, it's just easier for you to meet me there. A couple of guys from the office are going over early, and I'm going to head over with them. You won't even be finished with your work yet,” he said.
“I work for myself. I can leave when I want to. Never mind, Kyle. I'll meet you there at about 5:30,” I said.
I felt frustrated already. Kyle and I weren't on the same page. But I was tired of spending Friday nights at home. I worked so hard, I deserved a night out.
As five o'clock approached, I finished up the Request for Admissions I was working on and began packing my things up. I went into the restroom to freshen up and reapply my makeup. I didn't feel very confident.
I took the elevator downstairs and saw the new s
ecurity guard with the gold tooth who always flirted with me. He flashed his tooth and tipped his hat as I walked by. He really got on my nerves sometimes, but it was nice to know someone appreciated me.
After I arrived at the restaurant, I heard music and saw people who appeared to have started the party way before I arrived. I finally tracked Kyle down in the crowd. He was deep in conversation with a group of his coworkers and looked like he'd been enjoying the festivities for some time. When he finally noticed me, he waved his hand for me to come over and join his circle of coworkers. I walked over. He didn't introduce me or grab me closer to him. He just kept on talking.
After about ten minutes of him running his mouth, his circle dispersed. Two of his coworkers remained.
“Who is this young lady?” one of them asked.
“Oh, I'm sorry, this is Lexi,” Kyle said.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I said in a monotone.
“So, is this the future Mrs. Morris? She is very pretty,” the other coworker said.
We both took a deep breath. I was slightly embarrassed.
“We're not quite at that stage yet. As a matter of fact, I don't really know where we are,” I said, knowing this statement was going to be discussed later.
Kyle changed the subject. I stood there and realized I didn't really want to be there. After about an hour of making small talk with people I had to introduce myself to, I pulled him to the side and said I was going to make it an early night. He seemed concerned and offered to walk me to my car.
“Sweetie, I warned you that you might be bored,” he said.
“I was only bored because you paid me no attention.”
“You have to be more sociable.”
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