Sunday Brunch

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “Well, if you legitimately care for him, then I have to say I'm very happy for you, particularly since you've challenged yourself and gone for someone's character over their riches. But you have started looking for a job again, haven't you?”

  “Yes, I have. Anyway, what are you going to wear to my party?” Jewel asked.

  “Oh, I don't know. I'll think of something,” I said.

  “Make sure you bring plenty of people because it's sure to be a stone blast, honey!”

  “Oh, brother,” I said. “Where is it going to be again?”

  “Did you even look at the invitation?”

  Not really. I looked at her and raised my eyebrows.

  “At Kevin's neighborhood clubhouse. Check the invite for the exact address.”

  “Got it,” I said.

  “I just hope his ex-wife doesn't try to ruin anything. She's been a real piece of work lately, calling every minute with some trauma and drama. Kevin's been pretty tough with her. I guess that's another thing I love about him, Lexi. He is so strong and responsible, yet still so much fun. I've met men in the past with children who allow their baby's mama to manipulate them, but Kevin always lets me know that I'm important to him.” Jewel was beaming in an unusual way. “So far, he's the best man that I've ever met, Lexi, right up there with Daddy. I've grown more as a person since I've been with him. Aren't you proud of me? I just love that he helps me to keep God in my life. We pray together and we study the Bible together with Aja, like a little family worship.”

  “Jewel, that's amazing,” I said, feeling like I was in some sort of dream. “I'm so happy for you.”

  Although I didn't feel jealous, I couldn't help but realize that all my prayers for everyone were being answered.

  While on others Thou are calling, please don't pass me by.

  CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

  ermane picked up a few items to drop off at the dry cleaners before running the rest of her errands. In the process, she admired the work that Naegel had done to the bedroom.

  After she loaded her car and stopped at the cleaners, she started to crave coffee. She navigated to the Java Stop. She hadn't talked to Naegel since the incident. She mailed him a check for the job he had done.

  Rex had also acted particularly strange that day. He had no reason to feel suspicious. She'd quickly washed the wineglasses immediately after Naegel left. Rex came home hours after that. Maybe her friends were right. A man just knows when his woman's interest is somewhere else.

  She was about to pull into the driveway of the Java Stop when her phone rang.

  “Hey, honey, what are you doing?”

  “Rex, hi love. I was on my way to the store,” she said.

  “Well, do you have anything planned for the afternoon?” he asked.

  “No, I don't.”

  “Well, I took the afternoon off. How long will it take you to get back home?”

  “About twenty minutes.”

  “Okay, well, meet me back home. I want to spend the rest of the day with you. What would you like to do?”

  “I don't really know,” Jermane said.

  “We'll figure something out,” he said.

  Jermane was caught off guard. She headed in the opposite direction without even thinking about the Java Stop, or Naegel. As she was driving down the highway, her heart started beating with anticipation. When she pulled into the driveway, she noticed Rex had gotten home before her.

  She opened the front door and saw him standing there.

  “Hey,” he said as he pulled out a small box and walked over slowly.

  She could tell he'd rushed home because his face glistened with moisture from the Houston heat. His tie was loose and he had taken his jacket off. She walked over to him. She grabbed the box and tears started to form in her eyes. “What's this?”

  “Just open it.”

  It was a sterling silver heart-shaped paperweight. She read the engraving, “Rex and Jermane … Forever.”

  “It's not much, sweetie. I just want you to know that you're my heart. Please know you're the most important thing to me.”

  She stared at the paperweight for a moment, then looked in his eyes. “Thanks, baby, I believe you.” She placed the heart on a table nearby. He wrapped his arms around her, grabbed the back of her head, and started massaging her neck. She reached around the back of his behind and pulled him close to her. He grabbed her face with his hands and kissed her slowly. Then he began kissing her with an intensity she'd never felt before. She started taking off his tie, then unbuttoning his shirt. Her hands moved over his chest. They moved toward the stairs, losing a piece of clothing with each step.

  They tried to make it up the steps, but eventually gave in to their immediate desires. They were pressed against the bottom stairs. Jermane's eyes were closed tight. She wanted to feel her husband. Rex obliged and showered her with an outpouring of kisses and gentle caresses all over her body. After what seemed like an eternity, he stood up, lifted her in his arms, and moved toward the couch. He delicately put her down and placed himself next to her body. As he moved, he whispered to her, “You know I was jealous, don't you?”

  “Jealous of what?” she said in a slow whisper.

  He brushed his hand over her hair. “I saw how he was looking at you.”

  “Who?”

  “You know who. Don't play with me,” he said with authority.

  “I don't know what you're …”

  “You don't want him anymore, do you? I'm your husband. No other man is going to put his hand on you.”

  Jermane didn't say a word.

  “Did you miss me?”

  “Yes,” she said faintly.

  “Please, don't you ever let any other man touch you. Do you hear me?”

  “I won't,” she said faintly.

  “You are my wife,” he said as he grabbed her tighter. “Am I the only man you want?”

  “Yes!” Jermane said euphorically. The next thing she remembered, she woke up on the couch wrapped up in Rex. He was holding her so tightly she had to wake him up to go to the bathroom.

  “I love you, Jermane.”

  “I love you, too,” she said as she looked at the clock. It was 2 a.m.

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  ometimes you need an outside party to sort things out.

  I thought about the advice I'd given Jermane about seeing a marriage counselor and knew I was doing the right thing. I walked through the sanctuary toward the administration office. I'd finally gotten the nerve to make an appointment to talk to Carla, Pastor Graves's wife.

  I didn't know exactly what I was going to say. I mean I barely knew her in that way, but she was friendly and kind and it seemed we had an unspoken connection. She'd been telling me to come see her if I ever needed to, so I just decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and meet with her. At this point, I didn't care about my pride. I needed to talk to someone who was somewhat impartial and who wouldn't judge me.

  The space was unusually quiet, compared to the crowded buzz during the worship service. I passed the church bookstore, continued on the carpeted hallway, and turned the corner toward the office. I didn't see the receptionist, so I sat in a nearby chair. I fidgeted and wrung my fingers out of anxiety. Finally, I heard a voice. Still, no one came toward the front. Another two minutes, I started to lose my nerve. I rose out of my chair. Anxiety took over.

  I gotta go.

  “Lexi?”

  Darn. I could've escaped.

  “I apologize. I'm just running a few minutes behind.” Carla turned to the woman next to her, obviously much older, and grabbed her hand. “Mrs. Stevens, we'll be in prayer for your husband. We'll be up to the hospital this evening.” The woman nodded her head and smiled faintly.

  “I know. God is in control,” she said with a strong voice, and hugged her quickly. The silver-haired woman smiled at me on the way out.

  Carla hugged me. “How are you doing?” she said as she smiled. Her hug was warm and reassuring.

&
nbsp; “Good,” I lied.

  “Well, come on back.”

  As I followed her to her office, I noticed her attire was an extreme departure from Sunday's worship service. She wore a terry cloth warm-up outfit and very little makeup. She was still naturally pretty, though. Her smile just lit up her face.

  “Have a seat,” she said as she pointed to the wing-back, fabric-covered chair in her office. She sat in the one next to mine. “Oh, wait!” She jumped up to press the do-not-disturb button on her phone. “There, I'm ready for you now. What can I do for you today?” she said softly.

  “Well, um, I don't know. It's silly. I just, well, Carla …”

  “Lexi, girl, just say what's on your heart.” She paused. “You know what, let's pray first, so the Holy Spirit can guide us.” I reached out my hands, thankful that someone was taking the time to pray for me. After she said amen, words just started to pour out of my mouth.

  “Carla, I feel so overwhelmed. I mean just drained. I just have so much hurt on the inside of me and I am extremely lonely. I mean, all I do sometimes is pray for my friends. I see God showing up so much, and then it's like my prayers go unanswered. All my friends seem so happy and well, I hate to say it, but I know my prayers have a lot to do with it. But I feel like there is no one there to pray for me. I don't want to appear desperate and weak to my friends, but …” I took a deep breath. Then I searched her eyes desperately for clarity.

  “Hmmm. Well, Lexi, I think several things may be going on here. It seems like you have the gift of intercessory prayer. Do you like to pray for people often?”

  “Yeah. I mean when I see God answer a prayer for someone else, it really makes me happy. I know my prayers are powerful.”

  “That's wonderful. What I think is happening is that you have discovered your spiritual gift, but you need to know how to use it more effectively. Sometimes, when you pray for others, you have to be careful that you don't burn yourself out, that you're not depleting your spiritual energy. You also need someone to pray for you. We call it a covering. Otherwise, you'll have nothing left for yourself, and you'll soon be walking in defeat. You'll be drained, and when you need energy for yourself, you won't have it. Lexi, it's wonderful that you like to pray for others, but you need to be balanced. You're not meant to fight every battle. After a while, you have to let people find their own way. Otherwise, this wonderful gift becomes a burden.”

  “I guess that's why I've been feeling so worn out.” My eyes fell to the floor.

  “Is there something else going on? I just sense you're frustrated about something else.”

  Should I say it? I just don't want to be another women whining about wanting a man. I guess I don't have anything to lose. Maybe she knows something I don't.

  “Well, it's just that, I'm tired of doing all this by myself. I need help.”

  “Lexi, you're not doing it by yourself …”

  “Carla, please, I don't want to be rude, but I just don't want a lecture about having God is enough and no man can take His place. Please. I've had enough of that. I mean, I don't want to be disrespectful, but I am painfully lonely. I'm trying to do things the right way, but it's not working. I know people living together, fornicating, all kinds of crap, and they have a relationship.”

  Carla took a deep breath. “Lexi, your feelings are valid. I felt that way right before I met my husband. God may be taking longer to send you the right one for different reasons. Every situation is unique. Sometimes when God is calling you to do something special, He has to find a person who will add to and not take away from your purpose. His primary concern is that His will and purpose be fulfilled in your life. Believe me, I know this is one of the toughest waits you've ever had. But trust me, marriage is no joke. Even being a wife is a calling. You must be prepared.”

  “But I am. God has to know I'm mature. He has to know I have enough room in my heart for Him and a man.”

  “Perhaps He wants your commitment to Him to stay strong. That's why He'd have to get someone who'll share the same commitment to Christ that you have.”

  “Well, it's so tough. As a Christian, I feel so limited. The Bible said ‘it's better to marry than to burn,’ but Carla, I don't know how much more of this I can take!”

  Carla chuckled a bit. “Well, you know what? Nothing you're saying is wrong. Everyone wants companionship. Everyone wants to feel supported and loved. I have to say … when you have the right man, it's a blessing. If that is a desire of your heart, God placed it there. So He is going to fulfill it.”

  I gave a sigh of relief. “That's the first time someone has validated my feelings on this. I just didn't want to hear another sermon.”

  “Lexi, I love the Lord, but I also have real feelings. I can relate. I will tell you this, though, marriage and partnership is no joke. I love my husband, but we are challenged all the time. It's tough sharing a man with a whole congregation. You'd be surprised at the things-and people-we deal with. I thank God he is so rooted in the Word of God, or some of these women would have broken up our marriage a long time ago. And despite what you see, we have our disagreements and challenges. I don't always feel like smiling or showing up here every Sunday. I'd much rather be at home at times listening to some music and reading a book. But most of our life is dedicated toward serving others. It's a sacrifice, but this is a ministry God gave us.”

  “Wow, you just always look so calm, so happy.”

  “That's because I know regardless of what's going on, God is with me. I also know that God sent me this man,” she said as she pointed to the photograph of Pastor Graves on her desk. “So I can always go to God when I need His help with my marriage or anything else, and Lexi, that's worth waiting for. You don't want a marriage that God has nothing to do with. I can smile because of God's assurance. You also have to know everything is not always about feelings. I don't feel like studying the Word or praying for so many people at times, but I have to remember it's God in me that enables me to keep going.”

  I just sat there, wide-eyed, and nodded.

  “But Lexi, even the strongest among us need to take a break, which is what it sounds like you need. Why don't you spend more time focusing on Lexi? Ask God to lift your burdens. He says to cast our cares on Him. You also need to just have some fun, even if it's just by yourself. Rent a movie, go for a walk, do something silly.”

  “I understand,” I said slowly. “I'll try.”

  “Lexi, about the relationship thing. I have a feeling you won't be single much longer. God's getting ready to do something in that area of your life. Just hang in there a little longer. I know it's not easy. Keep a good attitude and stay focused. Enjoy these days, because your days of singlehood won't be much longer.”

  I wanted to believe her. I wanted to have hope. I looked at her and felt this strange calm come over me. I felt a release. I knew the words she spoke weren't merely hers. They came out of her spirit.

  “Okay, let's pray before we go.” We grabbed hands.

  Dear Father, we are so thankful for the opportunity to come before You. I come to you on behalf of Lexi. Father, I ask that You refresh her spirit. Renew her strength. Lord, You know her heart. I ask that You grant her deepest desires in accordance with Your will. You know she has been faithful. Father, I ask that You help her reach her full potential, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Father, I ask that she doesn't have to chase another blessing, but I pray that blessings chase her down. Father, we must bind the spirit of discouragement and failure, for it is contrary to what Your Word says about us. Father, I thank You that her husband will soon find her and he will love her as he should love the church. Father, lift every burden on her heart, honor her dedication to You and her friends. We give You the honor and the praise, in Jesus name …. Amen.

  I felt refreshed and restored.

  I was glad I'd been bold enough to talk to her. When I left the office, I felt renewed. I also was thankful God sent someone to pray for me … finally.

  CHAPTER FORTY-
FIVE

  apri got off the plane and was almost relieved to be back in Houston. She felt a little better after spending time with her grandmother and Trina. Grandma was hanging in. She didn't tell her about her job because she didn't want her to worry.

  She started looking around for Lexi and figured she was running a little late. She thought about Tony, too. She missed him and wanted to see him. She knew she had some explaining to do.

  She went downstairs, gathered her bags, and continued to wait. Just as she was about to pull out her cellular phone to call Lexi, she saw her name on a sign being held by a limousine driver. Puzzled, she walked over to the man.

  “Are you looking for me?”

  “Are you Ms. Sterling?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, then, I'm looking for you,” he said.

  “Who sent you?” she asked.

  “That's a surprise,” he replied.

  “You could be a maniac. I'm not going anywhere with you.”

  “Could you please just follow me. There's a policeman right there. You can have him walk out with us.”

  “I'll ask him to walk me out the door,” Capri said.

  “If you must. I'll take your bags.”

  After Capri spoke with the policeman, he escorted them to the limousine that was parked out front. The windows were tinted, but she knew who was in the car. The driver opened the door after loading the luggage. It was, of course, Tony.

  “Hey, babe. Don't get mad. I made Lexi tell me where you went and when you were getting back. I have something for you,” he said.

  He reached under the seat and gave her a stuffed Minnie Mouse doll. Expecting a fight, he was surprised when Capri reached over and gave him a warm kiss.

  “I really missed you,” Capri confessed.

  “I'm glad. I missed you, too,” he said. “I fired Pearson.”

  “What?”

  “You were right about him. Only, he didn't tell on us. A firm associate saw us in San Antonio. Anyway, they're full of it. They knew we were seeing each other. It only became a problem when they realized it was starting to work against them.”