Temptation

by Victoria Christopher Murray

  “Like that would have changed anything,” Jasmine snickered.

  “God does change things, Jasmine,” Kyla insisted.

  “How many times do I need to tell you? I’m not into God like you are. God couldn’t save my marriage.”

  “Jasmine, nothing’s too big for God. Knowing God would have changed you and if you had changed, then your marriage would have changed. But what’s most important is that the Lord can get you through all of this. Let me help you get to know God again, Jasmine.”

  “I don’t feel like getting into one of your long, boring conversations about God,” Jasmine said, impatiently. “It’s too late. Kenny is gone and there is no way he’s coming back. When he left he said he was moving to Atlanta and hoped that he never saw me anywhere on this planet again. My marriage is over. I’m all alone.”

  “No, you’re not. God is here. And I am too.”

  Jasmine shook her head like she was in a trance. “You know what’s so weird about all of this? I used to fantasize about what my life would be like if I were single again. I thought it would be wonderful . . .”

  “What about trying to reach Kenny? Call him and try to talk things out.”

  “No,” Jasmine said a bit too quickly. She looked away, avoiding Kyla’s gaze.

  “Consider it,” Kyla pushed. “Don’t let eighteen years of marriage go just like that.”

  Tears were building in Jasmine’s eyes. “He left me for another woman. Someone, he said, who loved him for who he was. He’d been seeing her for two years! I couldn’t believe it, Ky. He told me once our divorce is final, he’s going to marry her. I don’t even know her name.”

  To hide her surprise, Kyla inhaled deeply.

  “You know, Kyla, I did love Kenny. And I miss him so much. I didn’t want him to leave. I just wanted him to do better and be more like . . .”

  “Jefferson.”

  Jasmine’s eyes narrowed in defiance. “What’s wrong with that, Ky? You’ve always been so lucky. Are you the only one who’s supposed to live the good life?”

  “Jasmine, I’m not lucky. Yes, I’ve been blessed, but I’ve also worked hard and struggled, even when it hurt, to be obedient to God. It hasn’t been easy.”

  Jasmine glared at Kyla. “All you know is easy. I’m sorry I told you this. You couldn’t just be supportive. You have to sit back and be the self-righteous, God-quoting judge.”

  “That’s not what I’m doing. I want to support you and help you through this.”

  “Well, if this is the kind of help you’re going to give, I don’t need it. Go home to your perfect life with your perfect husband and daughter and leave me alone.”

  Before Kyla could say anything, Jasmine stood, wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and stomped up the stairs.

  Kyla heard the bedroom door slam but remained on the couch for several minutes before she moved. From the time they were young, Kyla had suspected that one day Jasmine would self-destruct and now it seemed like that day had come.

  Pulling a piece of paper from her Daytimer, she scribbled a note: Jasmine, if you need us, we’re just a phone call away. Call me later. I love you. Ky.

  She rested the note against the empty vase on the table. Sighing, she picked up her backpack and went to the windows, opening the blinds and letting the afternoon sun release its rays into the house.

  “That’s what Jasmine needs,” Kyla thought aloud. “Some light in her life.” Kyla knew there was only one Light that could help Jasmine and she was determined to stand by her friend and help her find her way to the Lord. She walked to the door, paused and closed her eyes, said a silent prayer, then left, closing the door securely behind her.

  Jefferson flipped through the pages and smiled. “Okay, Shannon. I think we’ve finally got it. It’s time for us to go home.”

  Shannon stood and took the report from Jefferson. “Then, I’m going to leave right now. My mother is visiting and I left her alone in my apartment.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Brian said. “If we’d known we wouldn’t have taken you away today.”

  “I needed this break,” Shannon said waving her hand. “But, I just don’t want to leave her alone for too long. There’s no telling how much snooping she’s done already.”

  They all laughed.

  “Enjoy the rest of the weekend,” Jefferson said as Shannon walked from the office. He turned to Brian. “So, what are your plans for the rest of the weekend? Are you going to try to make it to our church? We’ll be in San Diego, but I know you’ll enjoy yourself anyway.”

  “I’ll just wait to go with you next Sunday.”

  “I’m going to hold you to it.”

  “Things certainly have changed. I used to be the one trying to get you to go to church.”

  “Yeah, but you just wanted to have some company.”

  Brian chuckled. “Every breathing soul in my mother’s house had to go talk to Jesus every Sunday. Rain, earthquakes, nothing stopped my mom. Remember those Saturday nights when we would stay out late?”

  Jefferson nodded.

  “Man, it didn’t matter what time I came home, my mother was in my room before the sun was up. ‘Time to get up for church, Brian,’” he mimicked in a squeaky soprano voice.

  “At least you grew up knowing the Lord. No one in my house went to church at all.”

  “And I was so jealous. I wanted to move in with you and sleep late on Sundays.”

  “But the good news is that both my mother and I are born again. And, it has really changed my life.”

  “So you’ve been saying. Regina and I didn’t go to church much in Boston.”

  “Then it’s good you’re back here. You’re going to love our pastor. Pastor Ford is truly anointed. This woman knows the Word of God and teaches it.”

  “I still can’t believe you attend a church with a woman pastor. Man, I don’t know if I can do that.”

  “Why not? The only thing that should matter is whether you’re being taught the Word and Pastor Ford certainly does that. I don’t know why people trip over this man/woman pastor thing. If the Bible says that we are all one in Jesus and He doesn’t make a difference between men and women, in that way, then why should we?”

  Brian shrugged. “I just can’t imagine a skirt in the pulpit.”

  “All I know is that Pastor Ford has taught me what it means to be a Christian. I now have a personal relationship with the Lord. It’s not about a building or a committee. It’s not about rules and regulations. She teaches you to know God for yourself. It’s unbelievable what that will do for your life. I’ve become a man because of her.”

  “That’s a deep statement.”

  “That’s why I want you to join us. Remember, next Sunday.”

  Brian smiled. “You’ve got it. But man, this weekend I’ve got big plans.”

  “Really? In town for just a couple of weeks and already the man is on top of the social scene.”

  “Yeah. I’m going out with Alexis.”

  Jefferson hesitated, then smiled. “Some things never change. You’re still a fast worker.”

  “No, it’s not like that. I’ve changed a lot.”

  “Good. Just don’t mess up or my life will be hell. She’s one of Kyla’s best friends. They were roommates at Hampton.”

  Brian leaned back in the chair. “No problem. So, tell me about her. Is she involved with anyone?”

  Jefferson snickered. “You should be asking her.”

  “I will, I just thought I could get a little inside info.”

  Jefferson smiled. “Not from me. It’s amazing that you two haven’t met over the years.”

  “Actually, I think we have. Wasn’t she at your housewarming? Remember, when Regina and I flew here for a few days?”

  Jefferson narrowed his eyes in thought. “Yeah, she was there.”

  “I just thought of that this morning. But, Alexis didn’t mention it, so I don’t think she remembers me and frankly, I don’t really remember her, though I don’t know how I cou
ld have missed that woman.”

  “Maybe you missed her because you were with your wife.” Jefferson paused. “Do you miss Regina?”

  “No. The divorce was the best thing for both of us.”

  “What about the boys? Are you sorry you moved so far away from them?”

  Brian smiled. “Now those two, I miss. But, I’ve got it all worked out. Not only will I have them all summer, but they’ll be coming out for all the long weekends, plus a week at Christmas. And I’ve spoken with them every day since I’ve moved here. Not only on the phone, but my boys have become computer whizzes and I get E-mails all day long,” he laughed.

  “Hey, give them my E-mail address. It would be great to hear from them.”

  “Will do. Anyway, it’s time for me to go pick up that fine woman with those jammin’ legs. Wasn’t she a model?” Brian picked up his briefcase and headed for the door.

  “Yeah, but if I can give you one piece of advice, my friend, it would be to get to know Alexis beyond her looks. She’s an ex-model who’s now a successful businesswoman. She owns an advertising agency, you know.”

  “Yeah. Smart, beautiful, financially together. What more is there?”

  “She’s a Christian.”

  Brian paused. “Oh, yeah?”

  “Yeah, she’s a member of our church. Strong Christian,” Jefferson said, with a tone Brian had heard men use when he’d expressed interest in their younger sisters.

  “Well now, I’m definitely looking forward to going to church with you. But now, I’ve got to go. Can’t be late. I’ve gotta make the right first impression.”

  They exited the clinic together. “You have plans for tonight?” Brian asked.

  Jefferson’s lips spread into a wide grin. “I have a beautiful wife waiting for me and I have big plans for her.”

  “I hear you.”

  They laughed. As they got into their cars, Jefferson punched the button to lower his window. “Hey Brian,” he yelled out. “Have a great time tonight.”

  “I plan to,” Brian smiled.

  “And another thing. It’s good to have you back and working here with me.”

  Brian nodded and waved, then they both screeched their cars from the lot, each eager to see the woman waiting for him.

  Four

  * * *

  Brian had told Alexis to dress casual and she wondered if he realized how much stress his words generated. She had spent more time and felt more pressure wanting to make a good impression. After trying on three pairs of jeans, four shirts, and choosing between pumps, loafers or boots she’d finally emerged from her apartment. Surveying her image in the lobby mirror, she was glad she was already downstairs since she felt another outfit modification coming on.

  At the sound of the beep of a car horn, she looked away from the mirror and watched Brian cruise his BMW into the circular driveway. She popped on her sunglasses and took a deep breath. When he jumped in front of the doorman to open the door for her, she smiled. A gentleman! He pecked her cheek lightly and Alexis thought she recognized his cologne.

  “How you doing?”

  “Great!” She smiled as he accelerated onto the street.

  “You look terrific.”

  “Thanks,” she said with a sideward glance. “You look pretty good yourself.”

  He released a light chuckle that she could only describe as smooth. “Well, knowing I was going out with you, I had to do my best. I’ve never been out with a model before.”

  “I’m not a model.”

  “Don’t try to hide. Jefferson has told me your whole history.”

  Alexis crinkled her nose. “I don’t know if I like that.”

  “Why not? It’s what you women do all the time. Get the four-one-one on some man. This time I got the scoop on you.”

  “Well, I don’t know why.”

  “You don’t know why?” Brian laughed. “Maybe it’s because I want to make a good impression.”

  She smiled. She’d been thinking the same thing. “You’ve succeeded. I’m impressed—so far.”

  “Well, I’ll just make sure that I keep on impressing you . . . all night long.”

  After a long pause, she asked, “So, where are we going?”

  “I thought we’d hang out at the beach. I hear there’s a pretty good restaurant down there and we can walk around after that.”

  They chatted easily as they drove to the Westside and when they pulled into the parking lot behind the Venice Beach Café, Brian once again jumped out of the car to open the door for her. He paid the attendant, took her hand and they strolled to the restaurant. When they were seated, Brian took off his glasses and stared at her.

  “So, Ms. Ward . . .”

  “Yes, Dr. Lewis?”

  “Should we order first and then talk? Or talk a little and then order?”

  Alexis pursed her lips, scrolling the rules of dating through her mind. Never appear too hungry, never eat all of your food, always order a salad. She smiled. “Actually, I’m starving. Let’s order, then talk. I think I’ll have the turkey burger and fries.”

  They gave their orders to the blond, muscular waiter/actor, then settled back as the Saturday afternoon beach crowd eagerly snatched the first warm rays of summer and strolled one of the world’s most infamous strips.

  Alexis looked up when she heard Brian chuckle. “What are you laughing at?”

  “I was told that I was likely to see anything out here.” Alexis followed his gaze to a young woman clad only in a yellow thong bikini, Rollerblades, and a set of headphones. She whizzed down the concrete, seemingly oblivious to the legion of dogs and men trailing behind. “This must be your first time here,” she said.

  He returned her glance. “It is. Our beaches were a bit calmer in San Diego.”

  “There are some sights here.”

  He leaned forward. “Well, the only sight I’m interested in . . .”

  She held up her hands. “Don’t say it, please!” she drawled.

  “I love your accent. Where’re you from?”

  “A question you forgot to ask Jefferson,” she laughed. “I’m from Savannah.”

  “Ah, the Deep South.”

  “And, I feel right at home here. Los Angeles is just the final resting place for everyone born in Texas, Oklahoma . . . you name it!”

  Brian laughed. “I’ve heard that before. But you’ve been in L.A. for a long time. I’m surprised we haven’t met before,” he said, testing to see if she remembered their first encounter.

  “I’m surprised too. Kyla tries to set me up with every man she knows.”

  “And she hasn’t succeeded?”

  “Believe me, it’s not for lack of trying. Kyla thinks a woman needs a man to be complete.”

  He stared at her for a long moment before he spoke. “And what do you think?”

  She took a sip of water. “I don’t need a man . . .”

  He raised his eyebrows.

  “To be complete. I’m already there.”

  “I’ll vouch for that.”

  She felt the heat rush to her cheeks and Brian smiled as if he could see her blush.

  “But, I am surprised that you’re not involved with anyone,” he said.

  “I could say the same thing about you. Why aren’t you involved?”

  “I’ve only been in California for a few weeks, remember?”

  She smirked, “You could have left someone behind . . .”

  “Jefferson said you owned an advertising agency, but you sound like a private investigator,” he kidded.

  “If I’m getting too personal . . .”

  “You’re not. I did leave someone behind, in Boston. I’m divorced.”

  Alexis arched an eyebrow. “Oh, I didn’t know that.”

  “Does it make a difference?”

  “Should it?”

  “No.”

  “Then, it doesn’t. Anyway, you’re forty years old and I’d be suspicious if you didn’t have some kind of past.”

  “How do you
know I’m forty?”

  “You grew up with Jefferson.”

  “I could be a year younger . . .”

  “Or you could be chronologically challenged and be a year or two older,” she teased.

  He laughed again. “My mother used to call people like you a pistol.”

  “Is that a good thing?”

  He took her hand. “You have no idea how good it is.”

  Dropping her eyes, she eased her hand away. “So . . . are you glad to be back in California?”

  He leaned his elbows on the table and nodded his head slightly. “Things are beginning to look up,” he said.

  She ignored his tone. “You like the clinic?”

  “I love it. Jefferson has put together something wonderful here.”

  “Yeah, five years ago, no one was sure how this would turn out. A group of African-American doctors daring to do what few had done.”

  “I’m proud to be one of them.”

  “What is that now? Nine doctors?”

  “Yup, all under one roof.”

  “Are you the only ophthalmologist?”

  “Uh-huh. I’m a surgeon actually. I’ve been performing some of the newest techniques of laser surgery. Actually, it’s called Laser Vision Correction and it’s become a hot thing. Perfect vision without glasses or contacts.”

  “Were you in a group practice in Boston?”

  “No. I was on staff at Boston General. That’s one reason I’m so excited about joining the clinic. Not only will I get to practice, but as a partner, I’m kind of an entrepreneur, like you. It’s an exciting new adventure for me and if there is one thing people say about me, it’s that I’m adventurous.”

  “But you’re a long way from home . . .”

  “I spent twenty years there, but I never considered Boston my home. It’s true what they say. Home is where your heart is and my mother is still in San Diego.”

  The waiter/actor brought their food, smiled, and perfunctorily asked if they needed anything else, but turned away before they had a chance to answer.

  Alexis smiled at Brian. “Would you mind? I’m going to bless the food.”

  “Yes, I would mind.”