Sunday Brunch

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “What? I just forced myself to mingle with folks who don't know me from Adam! I was just picking up some very negative vibes from you,” I replied.

  “Well, I'm going to call you when I get home. You drive safely,” he said.

  I barely got in the car before he shut my door and headed back toward the restaurant. I felt discarded, dismissed, and disregarded. I decided I was going to stop on the way home and rent a movie, something funny to take my mind off his trifling behind.

  _____

  y nap was interrupted by the phone. I looked up and realized I hadn't finished watching even half of The Best Man.

  “Lexi, this is Kyle. Were you asleep?”

  “Sort of. What time is it?” I asked.

  “It's eleven,” he replied.

  “Where are you?” I asked.

  “I'm on my cell phone. I'm about five minutes away and wanted to stop by,” he said.

  “No, Kyle. It's too late.”

  “Come on, Lexi. I promise, if you let me come over, I'll go to church with you on Sunday,” he said.

  “Kyle, don't do this to me. I'm angry with you anyway,” I said.

  “Lexi, please. I really can't drive home,” he said.

  “Kyle, don't give me that. You don't even drink that much,” I said.

  “I know, but tonight I did,” he said.

  “Well, you can come by long enough to sleep off whatever it is you had to drink,” I said.

  “Alright,” he said quickly.

  When Kyle came in, he went straight to my bed. He passed out like a rock. I sat up and watched television. The more I thought about him, the angrier I became. I was serious. He was going to church with me Sunday, or that was it.

  Around 2 a.m., I climbed in the bed and left Kyle on top of the covers. About an hour later, he rolled over and grabbed my waist. This felt nice at first, but then I remembered that I was still mad at him.

  The next thing I knew, his hand was up my nightgown, attempting to caress me. This felt really good too, especially since I had been celibate for a while now. He started kissing my neck lightly. This was definitely one of my weak spots.

  But my body was starting to give in. He knew it, because he started to roll on top of me. I pushed him away.

  “Kyle, get up.”

  “What?”

  “I said get up! How do you think you're just going to come over here and act like this? You barely talk to me, and then you come over here drunk to get some!?!”

  “I don't believe this,” he said as he sat up. “This is why we will never be in a relationship. You're too freakin' uptight. All you do is nag and complain about this, nag and complain about that.”

  “Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. You're just mad because I won't put up with your arrogant attitude. You think you have it going on just because you have a decent job and a nice car. But guess what? You don't have any character. You're such a hypocrite.”

  “What do you mean hypocrite?”

  “Never mind, Kyle, just go home,” I said as I rolled over.

  Without saying a word, he got up and fumbled his way over to the door. I heard it slam. I honestly didn't care. As I dozed off, the only discomfort I had was the thought of having to see him in church from now on.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  ermane sat in the study and finished her reading for the next week. Then she pulled out the jacquard and silk fabric swatches that Naegel had left for her to look at last Thursday. She was already pleased. It's amazing how well he knows my taste.

  He was creative, yet tried not to stray too far away from her personality. She enjoyed working with him and was glad she chose him for the remodeling.

  “Hey, sweetheart. How is your reading coming along?” Rex asked.

  “Oh, I'm done,” she said. She looked up and noticed how sexy her husband looked. She liked the way his drawstring cotton pajama pants rested at his waist. His chest was bare, and he was walking around barefoot. He looked natural, uncomplicated, casual-such a rare look for Rex.

  “So have you decided how you want the bedroom to look?” he asked.

  “No, not yet,” Jermane replied.

  “Oh, I meant to tell you, Jewel called today,” Rex said with a smile. “She wanted to make sure we received her birthday party invitation. She's having a seventies theme celebration.”

  “Yes, I know. Jewel never ceases to amaze me,” Jer-mane said.

  “It might be fun,” Rex said.

  “You're planning on going?” Jermane asked with surprise in her voice.

  “Yes. I was told about it far enough in advance to make time in my schedule,” Rex replied. “So, where did you meet this Naegel?”

  Jermane paused. “He was a referral. He's a student at the interior design school downtown.”

  “Oh. Well, I hope he does a good job.”

  “Yes, I'm quite sure he will,” she replied.

  “When will he be back?” he asked.

  “Sometime next week,” Jermane said.

  “Maybe I'll hang around.” Rex paused. “I realize I need to try harder than I have. When we first moved into this house, we picked out a lot of things together,” he said.

  “Yes, we did a lot together back then.”

  “Yeah …” he replied, sounding distant.

  “Rex?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Do you think I'm being selfish? Is this how marriage is really supposed to be? I really miss you,” Jer-mane said.

  “Sweetie, I have been thinking a lot about that lately. I finally had a chance to slow down the other day. I'm waiting until the right time to talk to your father about cutting back on my caseload.”

  “Will you please?” Jermane pleaded like a disbelieving child.

  “Yes, I promised myself I would,” Rex said as he grabbed and embraced his wife.

  “I love you,” Jermane said, losing herself in his embrace.

  “I love you, too, Jermane,” he said softly. “Now please, honey, I've heard you. Things will be different,” he said as he pulled away gently. “After I finish a little work today, I promise we'll do something.”

  “OK,” she said quietly. She felt her stomach tighten a little as she watched him walk out the door. Promises, promises.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  ewel grabbed Aja's hand and walked her to the buffet table so she could fix their plates. Kevin watched them from our table. I could tell that he cared a lot for Jewel. I had to give Jewel credit. She was maturing.

  She was also smothering Aja, who is Kevin's heart. I think he liked Jewel so much because she was so good with his daughter. Jewel said they were taking her to Kid's Mountain after brunch. I don't know if I could deal with all that noise-one million screaming children!

  “So where's Capri?” Jermane asked. “We never see her anymore.”

  “Oh, she went to San Antonio with you know who,” I said.

  “Oh, well, that's nice,” Jermane said.

  “So what's been up with you lately?”

  “Nothing much. Rex and I are having the bedroom and the study remodeled.”

  “Oh, really. And who might be doing the decorating? Not one designer by day, stripper by night?”

  “Do you mean Naegel?”

  “Yes, I mean Naegel.”

  “Lexi, he's an interior designer. I thought he would do a good job. And so far I'm right.”

  “Has Rex met him?”

  “No, not yet, but he will. Naegel is a total professional. We're just friends. As a matter of fact, I met his girlfriend the other day.”

  “I'm not here, and I'm definitely not hearing this,” Kevin said as he stuffed his face with pancakes.

  “Kevin, I don't know what Lexi is implying. Don't pay her any attention,” Jermane said.

  “I have just one thing to say-a man knows when someone else has been dipping in the Kool-Aid.”

  “I beg your pardon. You have me mistaken for someone else.”

  “I'm just being real with you.”
/>   “Can we change the subject?” Jermane asked.

  “Lexi, is Angel coming today?” Jewel asked, returning with Aja.

  “I haven't heard from her.”

  “What is up with her and Octavio? I saw him the other day with some Hispanic chick.”

  “Now she didn't tell me anything about that. I'm going to have to call her. I think she's just been going through some things lately.”

  “Lexi, I know you're holding out,” Jewel said.

  “Jewel, you wouldn't want me to tell any of your business, would you?” I said as I sipped my espresso.

  “You're right,” she said, quickly dismissing the subject.

  “Ms. Jewel, can you take me to the restroom?” Aja asked, finally finding a break in the conversation.

  “Sure.” Jewel got up and helped Aja out of her chair.

  “So, did ya'll hear about Jewel's party?” Kevin said after a few minutes, shifting the conversation from gossip.

  “Yes, we did. Do we have to actually dress up? I will look ridiculous in an Afro,” Jermane said.

  “That's the whole point. Jermane, don't be so tight. Loosen up a little. Bring your husband or Naegel, whoever, and have a ball. Don't disappoint my baby,” Kevin said.

  I think I'm going to throw up. “You know we'll all be there,” I said.

  “You know Jewel. She gets overexcited. We'll have to hear about this until the day of the party. We'll probably end up having to pay for half of it anyway,” Jermane added.

  “No, everything is taken care of,” Kevin said.

  “Kevin, I knew there was something about you I liked. Anybody who can keep Jewel from mooching is alright with me,” I said.

  “I know you all are talking about me,” Jewel said as she eased into her chair after placing Aja in her seat.

  “Jewel, you're not that important,” I said.

  “Yes, as a matter of fact we were. We were talking about your party,” Kevin said.

  “Oh, yes, and if you don't dress up, you won't get in. I'm going to get more fruit. Do you want anything, Kevin?”

  “No, I'm cool. Thanks, baby.”

  “So, when are you two getting married?” I jokingly whispered to Kevin as Jewel walked away.

  “Who said anything about that? I have been thinking about it, though. I actually enjoyed being married, before things went wrong, and Jewel's my baby. I guess that's something you can't really plan. It just has to happen.”

  “Well, I really wouldn't know anything about that,” I said in a self-pitying tone. Jewel came back and we continued with our usual gossip-fest, trying to be mindful that we had five-year-old ears at the table. Then Jewel got up yet again to use the restroom.

  “I'm full. I think I'm going to head out of here and continue my regular Sunday ritual and get my newspaper and banana pudding,” I said, sliding away from the table.

  “Yes, I have some reading to do as well,” Jermane said.

  Jewel returned from the restroom only to find that everyone was leaving the table.

  “Huh! As soon as I leave, the party's over.”

  ure enough, I went to my favorite little grocery store for my paper and pudding. If all else failed, I could still count on my pudding to make me feel better. I was glad that God had spared me from seeing Kyle at church. I hadn't heard from him, either.

  Although I thought I'd done the right thing, I was still disappointed at the idea of another failed relationship. But I didn't want to dwell on Kyle. I had to move past him and not get wrapped up in the pain.

  “Hi. Are you all out of banana pudding?” I said to the counterperson after I scanned the salad bar.

  “No, we made some changes to the salad bar. We're no longer going to sell banana pudding on a regular basis.”

  “You what? Well, who decided that?”

  “Our managers.”

  “That's just perfect. I have been coming here on Sundays for the past two years to get banana pudding. It's my routine. I get pudding and a paper. I can't get one without the other. Do you understand me?”

  “Ma'am?”

  “All I ask for is just a little respect and a little banana pudding. That pudding wasn't hurting anyone, and it was good pudding, too. I don't have time to make it. Besides, the kind in the box just isn't the same. Do you have any idea how serious this is? Of course you don't because … well, never mind. Get me the manager.”

  The woman at the counter stood there in disbelief. Then she moved in a sudden motion to call the manager over the store intercom. He was there in about ten seconds.

  “Yes, ma'am, is there a problem?”

  “Is there a problem? Is there a problem? Oh yes, there's a problem all right. Evidently, you don't realize the problem you people have caused. Did you check with anyone before you made this decision?”

  “I'm sorry. I'm not sure what you're talking about?”

  “Don't play dumb. I'm talking about the banana pudding. You all decided, all on your own, to remove the banana pudding. Like this would be a good thing.

  You see me here every Sunday. I pick up my paper and I get my pudding. You have ruined everything. Just, just … never mind. I'm a customer and we have some rights, you know. From now on, I'm boycotting this store. I'm gonna search high and low for a store that sells fresh banana pudding, and by God, I will not stop until I find it! You have a blessed day,” I said as I stormed out.

  I sat in my car and realized that, yes, I had gone completely off the deep end. I put my head in my hands and started crying hysterically.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  apri loved San Antonio, especially the Riverwalk. It was so romantic. On their way home she closed her eyes and thought about when she and Anthony sat outside the hotel to listen to live jazz. They had a little heater placed by their table to stay warm. She wished she could keep the feeling she had at that moment forever.

  For two days, she didn't worry about anything. She didn't worry about work, her friends, or her grandmother's illness. She needed to escape, and the weekend was perfect. Then she started thinking about work again. It just started nagging at her, and she had to say something, even though it was going to spoil the mood.

  “Anthony.”

  “I thought you were asleep.”

  “I was just thinking.”

  “You can never rest, can you?”

  “I want you to do something for me. Can you tell Pearson that you're not going to sign the waiver? He can modify the clause.”

  “Capri, you're worrying too much over this.”

  “Anthony, I'm just in a tight spot here. I can't say anything. They will definitely think I have a personal interest in the situation. I'm not even supposed to know the full details about the agreement. Just do it to be safe.”

  “How will I be able to explain this sudden revelation to Pearson?”

  “Just let him think you talked to one of your teammates and that he talked about some problems he had with a similar situation. You have to have some protection, and, as it stands right now, you don't have any. Besides, if Fast-Trak really wants you, they'll be willing to bend a little.”

  “You feel really strongly about this, don't you?”

  “I do.”

  “Well, I'll test the waters, if it'll give you peace of mind.”

  “Yes, it really will.”

  Capri leaned back and felt more relaxed as she listened to Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite playing. She was prepared to deal with whatever was going to happen. Her relationship was starting to become very important to her, so important that she couldn't allow Pearson to get away with possibly selling Anthony Stanton out.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  sat at my desk and stared off into space. It had been a long week for me, and it was only Wednesday. I felt like I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I'd been having headaches constantly. And although I'd been praying a lot more than usual over the past couple of days, I still felt no relief.

  My car note, insurance, and light bills were due this week,
not to mention the phone bill for the office, but I could talk Terrance into paying for that. Two of my clients who promised to pay me this week failed to come through. I had money, but it was in the client trust account, and I refused to mess with that.

  Things really looked bad. I wondered if I would have to borrow some money again from my girls.

  Then I thought about Kyle. Although I felt a sense of relief that I'd let him go, I felt extremely alone. I felt like I didn't have anyone who understood what I was going through.

  All my friends have someone special, and it was becoming harder for me to deal with the single life. I was trying my best to stay in God's will, but it felt like He'd put me on hold for longer than a minute.

  I felt beat up, exhausted. I was tired of going to court and dealing with the animosity of snotty opposing counsels in civil court who I know are giving huge amounts to the judges for their political campaigns.

  Lord, You said I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. I really need Your help. I'm not feeling very strong right now. Despite my confessions, I'm still feeling fear. Help me to know that with You, all things are possible. I need You to show up for me.

  After that, all I could do was put my head down on my desk. I remembered that tonight was Bible study at the church. I didn't feel like going, but something at the back of my mind told me to just go. The phone rang.

  “Law office.”

  “Lexi, hey, this is Angel,” she said in a low monotone voice.

  “Hey, are you at work?”

  “No, I'm at home.”

  “Well, what's going on? How was your doctor's appointment.”

  “My doctor gave me a prescription. She's going to see how the medication works and if the discomfort from my fibroids will decrease. If the medication doesn't work, then it may be possible that I'll have to have a complete hysterectomy. She's holding off on the surgery for now.”

  “Well, that's a positive sign. Angel, I'm still praying for your healing. God is going to come through.”

  “I don't know, Lexi. This is tearing me up. I never thought I had these emotions. I know God is punishing me for being so mean. I used to talk about how I never wanted kids, and now He's giving me my wish. I never meant it. I was just bitter.”