Sunday Brunch

by Norma L. Jarrett

  I started singing “Lord, You are good and Your mercy endureth forever!” and dancing right in my office. Terrance knocked on the door to see if I was all right and to remind me that there were people out in the lobby. The phone rang, interrupting my worship. I just knew it was Attorney Freeman.

  “Lexi.”

  “Hey, Capri.”

  “Yeah, it's me.”

  “Girl, you'll never, ever guess what just happened. The Toy-Time case settled for-guess? You'll never guess so I'll tell you … Two hundred fifty thousand dollars … and I get my thirty-three and a third, baby!”

  “That's great, Lexi.”

  “I'm waiting to set up a meeting with opposing counsel. I thought you were them calling. Wait a minute, you don't sound too excited. I guess that may not be a lot of money to a big-timer like you, but you could sound a little more excited for me. I won't be borrowing any more money for a little while.”

  “Lexi, I am really happy for you. It's just that I quit my job.”

  “What? When? What happened?”

  “Well, I had a meeting with the partners. They knew about Tony and me. My first intuition was to be scared. I knew that I was wrong. But suddenly, I didn't care. I was just tired of it all. I didn't like the person I was becoming. I was starting to live my life just for the firm. I guess meeting Tony was the best thing that could have happened. If I'd never met him, I probably would've never left. Despite my initial intentions, I was actually getting a little caught up in the money and the power, knowing I could compete with some of the top attorneys. But after all's said and done, maybe firm life isn't what God wanted for me.”

  “So, are you all right? Are you feeling sad, mad?”

  “Actually, I feel really relieved. I felt like I was suffocating in there. I felt like I was just a number, not a person. One thing is for sure, Pearson is probably very happy right now.”

  “Have you talked to Tony?”

  “No, not yet. I think I might take a trip home this weekend to see my grandmother and sister. I just need to get away.”

  “Capri, you are going to talk to Tony about this, right?”

  “Yes. I just won't tell him all the details.”

  “Capri, you need to be completely honest with him. That's the reason so many people get all stressed out and lose it. They don't talk about their issues and trauma. You don't have to act like everything is always under control. Sometimes things just aren't.”

  “I know, but I just don't feel like talking about this issue with Tony right now. I'm more worried about my grandmother. She's been on my mind all week. I need to go home to see her. Plus I just want to get away, clear my head some more. I'll talk to him when I get back. Right now, I feel like my biggest priority should be figuring out how to cover Grandma's and Trina's expenses after leaving this job.”

  “Capri, I believe that God arranged everything that's happened so far. He is going to make sure everything is going to be taken care of.”

  “I know. Well, I'd better get off this phone so I can make some flight arrangements.”

  “Girl, I'll be praying for you.”

  CHAPTER FORTY

  ngel interrupted her reading and stared at the telephone. She took her pencil and tapped the table, unable to concentrate on the interrogatories she was trying to draft. Although millions of thoughts were running through her head, she felt calm. Before she gave her life to God, she felt like there was a war going on inside of her. Things were changing.

  She put her work down and picked up the materials from the church she'd received when she joined that night. She had to attend a new member's class for eight weeks. Personally, she thought eight weeks was rather long, but she reminded herself that she'd made a commitment. She'd been unable to commit to much of anything for a while. She flipped through the first couple of pages of a workbook, then went to the first lesson.

  Before she read through it, she went to get her Bible. She started to fan through it. It had been so long since she'd read a Bible. This one was a gift from when she first got married. Angel remembered the gift-giver's voice referring to First John 4:18. She went there and read: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made of perfect love.”

  She started thinking about Octavio. She was truly scared of him. She knew that in order to love him, she couldn't be afraid, for God had made her in perfect love. There was no place in her life for fear.

  After sitting still for five minutes, she decided to take a chance. She was going to knock down every wall of fear in her life. She was not afraid of what any doctor had said. She was determined to allow herself to love and be loved, and she was determined to turn to God for her healing.

  Just as she picked up the phone, reality rushed in. Octavio had started seeing someone else. She didn't want to be rejected. But she wasn't going to turn back.

  “Hello, the party you're trying to reach is unavailable, please leave a message …”

  Just as Angel was about to hang up, he picked up. “Hello?”

  “Octavio?”

  “Yeah, Angel?”

  “Yes, uh, how are you?” she said.

  “I'm alright,” he said.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?” she asked softly.

  “No, I had just dozed off. I was out all day and needed to take a nap. I didn't intend to sleep this long,” he said.

  “How is everything at work?” she asked, feeling relieved he didn't have company.

  “Cool. Angel, what do you really want to talk about?” he asked.

  “OK, OK. You know it's hard for me to really express myself. Well I, I really miss you, and I would like for us to try again. I mean to be together. I don't know how involved you are with anyone else, but I believe … I hope that we can make each other happy. I'm not afraid anymore. I'd like the chance to be there for you, like you've been there for me,” she said as she took a breath.

  Octavio was silent for a while. “I guess I'm shocked,” he said. “I really miss you, too. I've been seeing Liz. She is very cool and beautiful, but I'm not one to just jump from person to person. So, I wasn't thinking about starting a new relationship with her. Angel, I care about you. I just knew we couldn't have anything substantial until you were willing to confront your fears and let your guard down. I don't blame you for being protective of your feelings, but you have to realize that the only way to fall in love is to be open to love. You can be wise and cautious and take it slow, but just don't shut down.”

  “A-men. I hear you,” she said.

  “What's this A-men' stuff?”

  “Oh, right, you wouldn't know. I joined a church the other night. I gave my life to the Lord.”

  “Wha-at? Angel, that's great. I'm very proud of you,” he said.

  “Well, what do we do next?” Angel asked.

  “Well, let's just take it a day-and date-at a time. I just can't wait to see you again. Are you going to church tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Yes, at ten o'clock. Wanna come?” she said.

  “I would love to go. But …” He paused.

  “But what?”

  “You won't be yelling and rolling all over the aisles, will you?”

  “You never know what God might do. I might have to calm you down before it's all over with.”

  “Heaven help me.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  felt especially good today at Living Truth. I looked over at Jewel and Kevin, who were just the cutest couple. I was happy Jewel had found someone who so obviously loved her for her. He was one of the few men who could handle her, knowing exactly when to let Jewel get her way and when to be firm.

  I didn't know what Jewel was going to do about her job situation, but I refused to mention it until she did. Then I remembered to continue to pray for Capri. She had called to let me know she'd made it to New York safely, but I hadn't heard from her since. I was also excited for Angel. I looked over and saw her and Octavio listening to the music. Octavi
o seemed to be enjoying the service so far, though I imagined he was probably more happy to be there with Angel.

  Pastor Graves led a short prayer. He gave us instructions to turn to the scripture for today. “Today's teaching text comes from Psalms 103:2–3 and Isaiah 53:5. Everyone say amen when you get to Psalms 103.”

  “Amen.”

  “Psalms 103:2–3 says ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.’ Then Isaiah 53:5 says, ‘But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.’ I want to tag this text ‘The Healing Blood of Jesus Christ.’”

  The Pastor raised his voice. “First you have to believe that God is willing and able to heal. Healing is in God's will. I'm not just talking about physical healing, but He can heal your mind, your finances, and your spirit.”

  He went on to tell the story about the widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:2. “You see, this widow kept coming back to that judge until he heard her case. It looked bad, unseemly, but she knew if she prayed without ceasing, if she did not give up … God would bring justice against her adversary.”

  Angel was very moved. Her eyes were fixed on Pastor Graves and she clapped and raised her hands in response.

  By the middle of the sermon, the air in the room was so thick. There was so much noise, with people screaming and shouting. Everyone soon started to stand up.

  “I don't know why, but the Holy Spirit has commanded me to break the sermon at this point. I believe there are people here who need healing. The doctors have given you a grave report. But guess what-I know the ultimate doctor who created all earthly doctors. He holds the hands that move the world. His name is Jesus Christ. If you need healing today, without hesitation come down to the altar.”

  At first no one moved. Then I saw Angel get out of her seat and quickly walk down.

  “I see you, sister. God is going to honor your obedience. He's healing you right now,” Pastor Graves shouted.

  Before you knew it, the altar was so crowded that people couldn't move. Pastor Graves began laying hands on people randomly and praying. Some passed out. I had only seen this on television. Then he laid hands on Angel. She fell to the floor as if she'd fainted. Octavio looked scared and amazed. I sat there and didn't say a word. Whatever was going on, I knew that God's anointing was heavy today. I could just feel it. So I got up and raised my hands in praise.

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  tienne's was crowded, as usual. Octavio, Angel, and I got seated quickly. Jewel and Kevin arrived a few moments later. They'd had to pick up Aja from the children's church. We were expecting Jer-mane to show up at any minute.

  Then I saw her walking toward the table. She looked as radiant as ever in a black suit with a long slim skirt and a choker with an emerald cameo. Her hair was neatly pulled back in a bun.

  “How is everyone this morning?” she asked. Just as she put her bag on the floor, her cell phone rang. “Hello. Yes, honey, I am at Etienne's. Yes, I'll be home at about three thirty. I'll call you before I leave. I love you, too. We'll talk when I get there.”

  Everyone looked at each other and silently wondered what was going on, except, of course, Jewel.

  “And what was that about?” Jewel said.

  “Nothing. That was Rex. He just felt the need to call.” Jermane looked at me as if to say, I'll explain later. I knew it had something to do with Naegel. She had gotten busted.

  “Church was so good today,” I said, diverting attention from Jewel's question.

  “It really was. I enjoyed it,” Octavio said.

  “Yeah, I saw you over there trying to sing ‘Praise Is What I Do.’ You didn't even know the words,” Kevin said.

  “I was trying, man,” Octavio said.

  We all started to laugh.

  “I see we have guests again today,” Antonio said as he eyed Octavio. “What will we be having to drink today, ladies and gents?”

  Everyone around the table made their requests, then headed toward the buffet. I was the last one to get up. Just as I was about to slide from behind the table, I heard my name called.

  “Lexi, hey. How are you this morning?” Tony walked over.

  “Hey, how are you? I know you miss your honey,” I said.

  He sat in the chair beside me. “Yeah, that's what I came to talk to you about.”

  At that moment, a young lady with a snug-fitting black dress and shoulder-length hair interrupted us.

  “I'm sorry for interrupting, but, Anthony, do you remember me? We went to junior high school together?” she asked.

  “I really don't mean to be rude, but I'm having a private conversation,” he said firmly.

  The woman looked slightly offended and walked off.

  “Yes, have you talked to Capri? I've been trying to call her for the last three days,” he said.

  “She didn't call you?”

  “No. What's going on?”

  “Tony …”

  “Lexi, be straight up with me. I'm concerned about her.”

  “Well, she said she was going to call you before she left,” I said.

  “She left? To go where?” he asked, confused.

  “She went home, to New York. To see her grandmother,” I said.

  “She said her grandmother was a little under the weather, but nothing serious. That was a little while ago,” he said.

  “Anthony, her grandmother has cancer,” I said.

  “What? I didn't know it was that serious. Why didn't she tell me? Aaaaw, man! She never tells me anything,” he said.

  “I'm not sure. I probably shouldn't have opened my big mouth.”

  “No, Lex, you did the right thing. She always tries to be superwoman. It's all starting to make sense to me. That's clearly the other reason why she continued to work at the firm. I really need to talk to her. I heard she quit.”

  “Yeah, I know,” I said.

  “When you talked to her, was she very upset?” he asked.

  “You know Capri. She doesn't show too much emotion. She's generally tough as nails, so she seemed fine when I talked to her about it. She thought maybe your attorney said something about you two dating.”

  “I talked to Pearson. I was very direct with him. He was straight up with me, too. There were some behind-the-scene maneuverings going on about the Fast-Trak deal. He told me he was starting to feel some pressure from the partners about how to handle my representation, and I definitely would've had some headaches in the future. Capri was right about that. However, she was wrong about Pearson talking to the partners about us. It was the San Antonio trip. A firm associate saw us there. Nevertheless, I've let Pearson and the firm go. It had gotten way too messy.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah, so I have to talk to Capri.”

  “Well, she'll be back in a few days, I think. She just needed to get away,” I assured him.

  “I'm really worried about my baby. I'm going to be on edge until she gets back.”

  Oh, he is so sweet!

  “Everything will be fine. I would give you her grandmother's number, but it probably isn't the best idea right now. I've known Capri for quite a while now and when she takes some time to get herself together, she doesn't appreciate being interrupted.”

  “I guess.”

  “Everything is going to work out, Tony. Just have faith. I know she really cares about you. She wouldn't have quit her job if she didn't.”

  “I wouldn't have fired Pearson if I didn't care about her. He's been my attorney for a while. Anyway, Lex, I really appreciate you talking to me. I owe you. Anytime you want some tickets to a game, let me know. They won't be in the nose-bleed section, either,” he said.

  “No problem.”

  “Lex, you're a really great person. I'm surprised no one has snatched you up by now.”

  “That's what I keep telling myself,” I said in a low voice.

&n
bsp; “Tony, how are you?” Jewel asked, surprised to see him there.

  “I'm fine, Jewel.”

  “Tony, don't forget my party on Saturday.”

  “Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. I'll try to be there. I'll talk to Capri.”

  “Well, you know she's going to be there, so you have to be there as well. It's going to be so much fun. You must dress up, seventies style, or you can't get in. I'm coming as Thelma from Good Times. You know when she had an Afro and the big hoop earrings. Except I'm going to give her clothes a makeover. I can't let these wonderful legs go to waste. It'll be the ultimate blast from the past! Everyone is going to be there.”

  “I said I'll try my best to be there,” Tony said as he eased out the chair.

  “Jewel, may I ask you a question?”

  “Go ahead, Lexi.”

  “Has it slipped your mind that you don't have a job?”

  “No, it has not. Kevin's paying for the party, and I haven't gotten around to asking him to help on some of my bills. Mama and Daddy have been helping me out in the meantime.”

  “Oh, and you just assume Kevin has that kind of money, too?”

  “I told you before,” she said, making sure Kevin was still with Aja at the buffet, “Kevin has money. He saves. One day one of his ATM receipts was lying on his desk. Of course, I had to look. He has a very healthy savings account. He invests his money.”

  “That goes to show you, it's not how much money you make, but what you do with it. No wonder you're so in love.”

  “No, Lexi, all jokes aside, I've really fallen for Kevin. He treats me like a queen. He thinks I'm smart and listens to what I have to say. And he doesn't treat me like I'm some child … well, most of the time he doesn't. And Aja is just so sweet and wonderful.”