Humbled

by Patricia Haley

  “Tamara, I didn’t plan on seeing you here so soon. You were here very late last night.”

  Why didn’t he expect her to be at the hospital? She was Zarah’s only friend. She’d been there for his wife when he hadn’t. She could have sliced him with a few choice phrases but wasn’t going to. She swallowed her attitude and responded, “How’s she doing?”

  “Better,” he said softly. Joel stood and pointed toward the door. He exited the room, and Tamara followed. “She’s sleeping off and on due to the medication. I didn’t want us to wake her.”

  “I understand,” Tamara replied.

  “If you want me to call you later, when she’s awake, I can,” Joel stated.

  Tamara wasn’t going anywhere. She had set aside the entire day for Zarah. Tamara understood that the wedge she’d placed between Joel and his wife might prompt him to shut her out. He could demand that she leave, but she hoped he wouldn’t. “I’d rather stay until she wakes up.”

  Joel slid his hands into his pants pockets. “Look here, regardless of what I think about you, I can’t deny how much of a friend you’ve been to Zarah. She likes you.”

  “And you don’t?” she blurted, not screening her reaction.

  “Like I said, it doesn’t really matter what I think about you. You’re here, and Zarah can use as much support as we can give. She would want you here. So I’m glad you came.”

  “Thank you,” Tamara said, perplexed by the compliment coming from Joel.

  “I’m running downstairs to get a cup of coffee. I’d appreciate it if you could sit with her while I’m gone. It should only be five or ten minutes.”

  “Gladly, I’ll sit with her.” For Zarah’s sake, Tamara intended on behaving in a way that didn’t threaten Joel. “Um, thanks again for letting me visit.”

  “Just try to keep the visit short, and don’t let her do too much talking if she does wake up. Rest is the medicine for her. Our baby needs as much help as we can give him or her to get here.”

  “Agreed.” Tamara zeroed in on Joel’s reference to “our baby.” She hadn’t heard him speak in such a manner regarding the child. She took note but didn’t make the comment an issue for Joel. Besides, it was his baby.

  “Zarah has to stay away from stress, and I’m determined to make sure she does.”

  Tamara liked what she was hearing from Joel. However, she wasn’t sold on his sincerity. People could change, but not literally overnight. She wasn’t convinced and would have to see more. The main thing was that they had to help Zarah protect the baby. As far as Tamara was concerned, that meant protecting Zarah and the baby from Joel, if necessary. She had her eye on him and wasn’t going to blink.

  “Does this mean you’re going to assume the leadership of Harmonious Energy while she’s sick?”

  He coughed a few times. “Yes.”

  “Then I know what this means for me,” she stated boldly. “You’re keeping the West Coast for yourself?”

  Joel stood away from the wall. “Tamara, this isn’t the place to discuss business. I have one purpose at this hospital, and that’s my wife.”

  Wow. He was smooth, she acknowledged. She stood there, speechless. Without warning, she was forced to concede their battle over the West Coast division. Joel had ridden in on his gallant horse and had rescued his damsel in distress. The reward for his chivalrous gesture was Zarah’s company. She smirked within and swallowed the defeat.

  “You’re right. Zarah is our reason for being here. Just so you know, she’s the only friend I’ve had in fifteen years.” Constantly moving for over a decade didn’t lend itself to making friends. “I may seem pushy sometimes, but it’s because I believe in loyalty.”

  “Okay,” he said, sounding like he didn’t believe Tamara.

  She was annoyed but didn’t react. He didn’t have to believe her. She knew the truth. Zarah had believed in Tamara for who she was, without judgment. For that, Tamara was grateful and wanted to be there for her friend, even if it required putting up with Joel. She’d stay a short while and then leave, not wanting to stress Zarah or make Joel uncomfortable. She figured that was what a friend was supposed to do.

  Chapter 51

  By that afternoon Joel was approaching a ripe eighteen hours at the hospital. His shirt was pungent, and the grit on his teeth repeatedly annoyed him. Despite his appearance, Joel wasn’t going to abandon Zarah under any circumstances. His days of running were over. He leaned against the windowsill as Sherry entered the room. Zarah had finished lunch and slipped into a nap before Tamara left.

  “Mom, you should go home. I know you’re tired from being here late last night.”

  Sherry walked over to Joel and kissed him on the cheek. “Oh, don’t be silly. You know I have to be here,” she said softly. “How’s she doing?” Sherry set her purse and jacket on the chair.

  “Better, for sure. But I’m still thinking about moving her to Henry Ford. We’ll see,” he said.

  “That’s where you were born. They were the best then, and I’m sure they’re even better now with all the new technology and stuff,” she said, taking a seat. Zarah’s tray with her half-eaten lunch hadn’t been removed yet. “I see she ate a little. What about you? Have you eaten?”

  Joel hadn’t thought much about food. “I’m not hungry.”

  “Well, you have to eat. I can’t have two sick children on my hands. Go on and have lunch.”

  “Nah, I’m good,” he said and then changed his mind. “Mom, actually, I need to run home and grab a shower. Do you mind staying for a couple hours? I’ll be back by four,” he told her since it was just after two o’clock.

  She pulled a book of puzzles from her purse. “You take as much time as you need. I’m not going anywhere until six or seven this evening.”

  Joel thanked his mother, gave Zarah a peck on the forehead, and slipped out of the room. When he got outside, his mind was racing in many directions. He would definitely go home and get refreshed, but that wasn’t the only task on his to-do list. He had work to do, otherwise Zarah would return to the same state of chaos and pressure she’d escaped. It was obvious she couldn’t maintain a healthy pregnancy while running a high-stress company. Juggling both wasn’t a wise move, and fixing the problem was going to be up to him while she was in the hospital. This was his chance to step up.

  Upon arriving at the house, he went into his office, dug out Kumar’s phone number, and placed a call to the Bengalis’ family advisor. It was after midnight in southern India, but Joel made the call, anyway. Kumar generally answered at odd times, for he had learned to manage a mixture of time zones. That was the nature of doing business with people in multiple countries. Fortunately for him, Kumar answered after only two attempts.

  “Kumar, it’s Joel. I know it’s late, but I had to ring you up. It’s about Zarah.”

  “Yes? Is there a problem with Zarah?” Kumar said, sounding kind of groggy.

  Joel couldn’t take the polite way out and let Kumar get off the phone. In case Zarah came home later today or early tomorrow, Joel had to make some changes on the business front now. She was counting on him, and he wouldn’t let her down.

  “I wanted you to know that Zarah is pregnant and is having complications.”

  “This is very disturbing. I didn’t know she was pregnant. She hasn’t told me such news.”

  Joel didn’t know why she hadn’t, but he didn’t bother to speculate. “Well, she’s in the hospital.”

  “Thank you for letting me know. I will make arrangements to travel there right away and tend to her.”

  “Oh no, you won’t need to come here. I’m taking care of her.”

  “But the last conversation we had, you were seeking a divorce and wanted Zarah to return home. How are you tending to her?”

  “The divorce is off,” Joel told him. “I’ll be taking care of her physically, and she also needs my help professionally. I don’t know if you’re aware of her recent interest in regaining full ownership of Harmonious Energy and running th
e company as CEO.”

  “I am aware. She has asked for my help, and I’m assisting her with understanding the company’s current state.”

  “Then I can tell you that she can’t assume that role any longer. It’s too stressful and not good for the pregnancy. She has to relinquish her involvement if the baby is going to have any chance of living.”

  “I understand. Joel, why don’t you step into the role? Our advisors would endorse you easily and would give you full authority.”

  The suggestion flowed so seamlessly that Joel didn’t have an immediate reply. In the blink of an eye, Joel had what he’d been craving, being back in command of a major company. He mulled over the offer. He became increasingly invigorated the more he reflected on what it meant. This was his chance to get reestablished on the corporate scene, to redeem his failures, and build a better legacy. This was his moment. He should have been leaping with unbridled joy. Yet he wasn’t. Oddly, the opportunity didn’t settle right in his spirit, primarily because he wasn’t able to ignore the truth. Harmonious Energy was not a company that put his God at the forefront of their practices. If Joel was sincere about rekindling a relationship with the Lord, how was he going to run Harmonious Energy when God wasn’t a part of the package? The conflict of interest was too great.

  Joel plopped into his office chair and acquiesced. Finally, after weeks of searching for spiritual guidance, there was a quiet whisper in his spirit that said no. Stepping into the role would solely be for Joel’s glory and would ultimately push him further away from his God. Joel couldn’t do it.

  “Thank you for the offer, but I have to decline.”

  “Really? Are you certain?” Kumar asked.

  Joel was actually more certain than he had been with any other decision in years. “Someone from the Harmonious Energy advisory board will have to assume leadership of the company,” he said.

  “Perhaps that will be best for the future, but for now DMI has majority ownership. They will most likely want to maintain majority interest,” Kumar said.

  Joel doubted what Kumar was saying. He suspected Don wasn’t about to get involved in the day-to-day operations of Harmonious Energy. Don had resisted the purchase from the beginning. He had never wanted them to deal with the direct conflict between their core religious beliefs. Joel couldn’t hear his brother’s pleas a year ago, when the deal was being orchestrated. But there was clarity in the air now, and Joel gulped it down.

  “Are you sure it’s your desire to pass on the leadership role at Harmonious Energy?” Kumar asked.

  “One hundred percent sure.”

  The conversation continued a little while longer, and then Joel ended the call but held the phone in his hand. He shut his eyelids and leaned his cheek against his closed fist. There was no escaping. He was forced to face his demons of selfishness and pride. The pursuit of success and validation had blinded him for years, but his path to redemption was illuminated. He repented for his decisions, including going against godly advice and arrogantly pursuing Harmonious Energy, along with several other botched expansion projects. Joel cried out, desiring what he used to have: peace, favor, and God’s constant presence. Humbled, he realized there was one more thing he had to do.

  Chapter 52

  The clock was ticking. Joel had showered and jetted to DMI, determined to get there before four o’clock in case someone was cutting out early. He bolted through the lobby, tossing cordial greetings to those who spoke to him. Joel bounced up the stairs and dashed down the executive hallway. He blew past Madeline’s assistant and breezed directly into her office. He closed the door and pulled a seat in front of Madeline’s desk, drawing her complete attention.

  “What are you doing, bursting into my office without an appointment?”

  “We need to talk.” Joel was extremely familiar with how confrontational Madeline could be. He could tell that she, in typical Madeline fashion, was gearing up for a battle. This time he wasn’t giving her ammunition. The purpose of his visit was more important. She had to hear what he had to say while his nerves held out.

  “What could you possibly have to tell me?” she asked, briefly peering over the reading glasses that were sitting on the edge of her nose.

  “I came to say I’m sorry.”

  Madeline’s gaze zipped up to meet Joel’s. “About what?”

  “Everything—”

  Madeline reared back in her seat, took her glasses off slowly, laid them on the desk, folded her arms, and said nothing. After what seemed like forever, she spoke. “Is this a joke? Because I don’t have time for foolishness, Joel.”

  “This is no joke,” he said as layers of strife melted away.

  “By the way, I heard about Zarah and the baby. How are they doing?”

  “Okay for now, but she’s got to get plenty of rest.”

  “I see,” she said, putting the glasses back on and pressing a few keys on the laptop. “How do you feel about becoming a father?”

  “A little scared, I guess.”

  “I see.”

  “Is ‘I see’ all you’re going to say while I’m here?” he said, laughing.

  “Well, I don’t know what else to say. I’m surprised you’re here. It’s not like we’re buddies who hang out together,” she said, cutting her gaze at him.

  “No, I guess we’re not, but maybe that can change.”

  Madeline took the glasses off again, laid them in their original spot on the desk, and pulled her chair close to the desk. She folded her arms. “Joel, cut the crap. What are you doing here?”

  “I need your help.”

  “My help?” she questioned.

  “Yes, yours. Nobody else on earth can help me. Only you.”

  “Well, mister, that puts you in a tight position.”

  “Maybe,” he responded as the bantering continued. In the past Joel would have sparred with Madeline for a while and either voluntarily left or had her kick him out. Today was different. “I want back in DMI.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No, I’m dead serious. I want back in the company.”

  “You know Don is CEO.”

  “I do.”

  “Then you know there’s no position for you.”

  “Sure there is. DMI is a big company. I’m not looking for the top job. Seriously, I’m not.”

  “And I’m supposed to believe you, with the boatload of shenanigans you’ve pulled over the years?” she said snidely, but he understood.

  “I wasn’t alone on some of those.”

  Madeline shrugged her shoulders, which he translated as acknowledgment of her participation in their tenuous relationship. He’d been a worthy opponent, but Joel was ready to toss in the white flag.

  “Madeline, I’m not going to sit here and tell you I’ve changed. You wouldn’t believe me, anyway.”

  “You got that right.”

  “But I will tell you this. My heart is here at DMI. You know I can impact the bottom line.”

  “Sure can. You practically drove us into bankruptcy when you bought Harmonious Energy, despite our opposition. Because of you, we lost two key divisions,” she stated with a sharp edge in her voice that hadn’t been there thus far. “No matter how we pretend, DMI will never be what it used to be when your father was running this place. You ruined the vision.”

  He had to work quickly to diffuse her escalating emotions or prepare for war. “Maybe, but it doesn’t mean we can’t establish a new path to success.” Madeline eased back in her seat. “You know I can add value. Remember the record sales we realized during my first couple of years as CEO.”

  “What I remember is how cocky you were back then, trying to make us believe God had given you an extra dose of success and blessings.”

  “He did.”

  “What about now?”

  “I don’t know about the extra blessings, but I definitely know my direction and wisdom have to come from Him. When I was out there making decisions without Him, my life was a living hell. I do
n’t want to live that way anymore.”

  “So you’ve had a come-to-Jesus experience?” she said.

  Joel laughed. “I guess you could say so.”

  “What about your wife? Does she believe in the same God that you do? Because I recall Zarah and her father worshipping light, the sun, and a bunch of other things.”

  “You’re right. We don’t have the same religious beliefs.”

  “How’s that going to work in a marriage if you’re turning back to God, or so you say?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know, but for now, she’s carrying my baby. She’s my wife, and we have to figure this out.” Joel was poised to fight for a job at DMI until his knuckles bled. But Zarah was off-limits in the conversation. “I won’t abandon her and the baby. Regardless of how we got together, we are married and need to make this work. I pray God helps me figure out what to do.”

  “Well, you’re going to need a miracle if you want a job back here at DMI. It will be difficult to trust that you’ve changed when your wife practices a different religion. It wouldn’t matter in any other company, but you know we sell leadership and financial training curricula to churches and other Christian entities. We lost many sales when our customers found out we’d purchased an Eastern religion–based company.”

  Joel didn’t argue, simply because she was correct. He’d dug a hole, but faith was his answer to climbing out. He’d take it a step at a time, in no hurry to get ahead of God. Not anymore.

  “Bringing you back would take a lot of moxie from someone,” Madeline added.

  “That’s why I came to you. No one else on earth can influence the board of directors or Don like you can.”

  Madeline crossed her hands and laid them on the desk. “What makes you think I’d stick my neck out for you, of all people?”