Cai stepped inside the house then placed the brown bag on the glass table. “It’s not much…crepes, wine and some fruit. I fell in love with crepes in New York so I thought those would be a nice addition. You might want to hurry though and refrigerate the wine.”
Greg nodded. “I will, I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but you really didn’t have to do anything. We do what we do because we love to.” He adjusted Gracie in his arms.
Cai made a face. “Sounds a little ungrateful to me.”
Greg laughed too, “That didn’t come out right. Thank you is what I meant to say.”
Cai nodded and stared at Gracie. “She really is sweet.”
“I think so,” Greg said, kissing Gracie on the cheek.
She dropped off the gift and now he was ready for her to leave. He couldn’t afford for Evan to come home and find Cai in her house. He took a step forward hoping she’d take a step back toward the door. “Thank you for stopping by. Gracie was in the middle of her meal and this one doesn’t like to be hungry.”
“I can tell by the bib,” Cai said, reaching out and touching Gracie’s bib. Gracie leaned forward at the same time and took a hold of Cai’s necklace.
“No, no,” Greg said, opening Gracie’s balled up fist to release the necklace.
“Oh,” Cai laughed as Greg worked to open Gracie’s hand.
“Sorry about that,” he said, backing up from Cai after freeing her from Gracie’s grip.
“It’s okay, she’s precious. Please make sure and tell the First Lady that I stopped by,” Cai said.
“I will,” Greg said holding the door open for her before noticing the shiny red Mustang in his driveway. “Is that your new car?”
Cai looked back at the car with a smile. “Fresh off the lot; do you like it?”
“I do,” Greg said. “You got the job I take it?”
Cai stared a moment then nodded. “Yes, I did.”
“Congratulations; that’s a blessing,” Greg said, admiring the car.
Cai nodded. “It certainly is.”
“Wonderful,” Greg shifted Gracie in his arms. “Again, thank you so much.”
“You’re so welcome,” she said headed out of the door when she stopped and turned to Greg. “I’ve never met anyone like you before and I think you are an amazing person.”
“Thank you, Cai,” Greg said, rubbing Gracie’s back. He waited for her to walk out when she leaned toward him and pressed her lips on his. Taken by surprise, Greg immediately pushed Cai back.
“What are you doing!” Greg raised his voice, causing Gracie to begin crying.
Cai gasped, then put her hand to her mouth. “Greg.” Cai shrugged. “I just thought…”
“I have my daughter in my arms. I don’t know what you thought but you got it all wrong.”
Cai looked down and flipped her hair. “I’m sorry.”
“You need to leave,” he said.
With her dark eyes wide with shock, Cai took a deep breath. “Greg, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Leave,” he said angrily.
Greg held the door open as Cai walked past him and closed the door once she was out. He closed his eyes, trying to soothe Gracie.
Walking into their bedroom after such a long day, Evan took off her robe and threw it on the vanity chair before collapsing in bed. “I had to practically pry my daddy’s hands off of Gracie so I could put her to bed. They’re spoiling her.”
Greg kept his nose in his notebook without looking up. He didn’t respond. Something seemed strange with him and Evan had noticed it ever since she came home. It was almost like he didn’t even feel her get into bed beside him. “Babe, did you hear me?” Evan asked looking over at him.
He looked over at her. “I’m sorry; what did you say?”
“I said that Dad is spoiling Gracie.”
He removed his glasses. “It’s okay; they haven’t seen her since she was just a few months old. They’re getting to know each other and she loves them.”
She turned over and rubbed his chest. “Do you want me to bring up the goodies in the bag for a late night snack? I tasted a crepe and they’re delicious. Where’d you get them?”
Greg looked at her as if reluctant to answer. “Cai dropped them by. She said it is a thank you from her and Delilah.”
Evan saw the hesitation on his face. “Really? When did she stop by?”
“Today.”
Evan turned over on her back and stared at the ceiling. “That’s interesting. She never goes away, does she?”
Greg looked over at Evan. “Baby, what do you want me to say? I haven’t done anything to encourage her. I have so much going on and that’s the last thing that I can focus on right now.”
Evan rolled her eyes and thought about the note that she had found in Greg's pocket and never thrown away. “I know baby,” she said before turning over.
Chapter 74
Wearing a striped navy blue and white dress that hung just slightly above the knee and a short blazer, Mimi knew that she looked beautiful sitting in the waiting area for Aaron. Everything she was wearing was new, from the dress to the sparkly sapphire earrings and blue pumps. The weekly drives to see Aaron were tiresome although she looked forward to seeing him. She hoped that he would be considered for a sentence reduction and just maybe she wouldn’t have to do the drives much longer.
She looked down at the glittery nail polish on her manicured nails, no longer questioning her decision to get it. It actually made her hands look younger.
“Those are pretty,” Aaron said, standing over Mimi at the table.
Mimi looked up, embarrassed that he’d caught her off guard. She laughed and stood up. “Thank you, how are you?”
“I’m well, and you?” he asked, keeping his eyes on her as he sat down across from her.
“I’m glad to see you. You’re looking healthy,” she noticed.
“And you look beautiful, mesmerizing.”
Mimi grinned, embarrassed. “Thank you but I’m serious. You look healthy and bright if that’s the right word to use.”
Aaron smiled. “I’m eating right and staying in the Word. They’re holding more weekly bible studies and I’m learning a lot.”
“I can tell that you’re doing well.” Mimi picked up the folder that she brought along and opened it. “I’ve got good news,” she said.
Aaron’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh yeah?”
“Yes,” Mimi said placing the stapled papers in front of him. “I spoke to these attorneys who looked over your case and they think that they may be able to help. They’re willing to meet with you and possibly file an appeal for your case to be reconsidered.”
Aaron picked up the paper and began reading a few lines then placed it back on the table.
“Aren’t you excited? This is great news,” Mimi said, looking at Aaron who looked less enthused.
“It is great news, thank you but I can’t afford them,” Aaron said, appearing as if he were forcing a smile for Mimi’s sake.
Mimi reached out and touched his hand. “You won’t have to; they’re willing to do it pro bono if they decide to help you. They think they can make a strong case that you were pressured into the plea deal.”
Aaron inhaled and then slowly exhaled. He looked at Mimi. “I need to talk to you about something.”
Mimi was confused. She thought he’d be excited about the news. “What is it?”
Aaron took her hands in his and smiled at her. “You are so beautiful. I look at you and can barely believe how blessed I am that you care for me so much.”
Aaron rubbed her hands but was unable to look her in her eyes. Mimi bent her head down to look in his eyes. As much as she didn’t want to have such intense feelings for him, she did. “Aaron, you’re scaring me, I thought you’d be happy about the information I brought.”
Aaron rubbed her hands more rapidly. “I am.”
“Then why are you rubbing the skin off of my hands?”
He looked at
her with sad eyes then around the busy room. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me but I don’t want you to do anything else.”
Mimi’s heart sank. “What do you mean?”
“Mimi,” Aaron said, “I’ve taken a good man’s life and I signed a plea deal to serve 15 years and since I have to do at least 85% of that, it means that you’d be waiting another 10 years for me.”
“No, I’m telling you Aaron that these people can help change that. I can’t wait for you to talk to them.”
“Mimi, what I’m trying to say is that 15 years isn’t punishment enough in my eyes. I believe that I need to pay the price for what I’ve done and you’re too important to me to put you in a situation where those that love you the most will question your sensibility.”
“So, you’re doing it to me again?” Mimi asked, staring down at the table.
Aaron shook his head. “No baby, I’m not doing it to you, I’m doing it for you.”
She chuckled, feeling like a fool. “How could I be so stupid?”
“You’re not stupid, you’re the most genuine person I know and I fell in love with you. But my being in here is what I deserve but not what you deserve.” Aaron took a deep breath. “My prayer for you is that you find someone who can love you as you deserve and make you his bride, take care of you and give you the babies you always wanted.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“You see those women?” Aaron asked gazing around the room at the many women visiting. “That could be you for the next 10 years and I refuse to let you do that to yourself.”
Mimi looked around at all of the happy women whose eyes were filled with love and patience and the men who depended on them every day. Mimi sat stunned in silence for a moment. She stood and reached for her purse.
“I love you, Mimi,” Aaron said.
Mimi glared at him then turned around and walked out.
Chapter 75
Evan pulled up behind a shiny red Mustang in Delilah’s driveway. It was beautiful. Turning off her car ignition, she looked in her rearview mirror one last time. Yes, her face was flawless, perfect with light makeup and popping fuchsia on her lips. Her hair was even cooperating with her natural highlighted spirals elongated, maintaining their moisture, and hanging just right around her face. She looked the part if nothing more as she opened her car door and stepped out.
She only knocked twice when Ms. Delilah opened the door. She opened it and threw her arms up in the air at the site of Evan. “Oooh, First Lady, come on in, please come on in,” Delilah said, stepping back so Evan could walk in.
“Ms. Delilah, how’re you doing?” Evan asked, walking into Delilah’s house where the strong smell of Mentholatum almost knocked her back. She put her arm around Delilah, hugging her firmly.
“I’m fine baby but don’t hug me too close cause I don’t want you to mess up that gorgeous white suit. You look so beautiful,” Ms. Delilah purred, observing Evan’s outfit and silver stiletto heels as she closed the front door.
“Thank you,” Evan said. “You’re looking very nice yourself, Ms. Delilah.”
Delilah smiled and patted the wig on her head. “Cai bought me a new wig. She even picked it out. Do you like it?”
“I do,” Evan said. “It’s very nice. Cai has such great taste. Is she home with you?”
“She is, for a little while anyway. She’s always going somewhere,” Delilah said, walking slowly with her cane toward the living room with Evan walking behind her. “DJ is asleep. I wish you could see him.”
“Me too Ms. Delilah, he’s so cute,” Evan said, looking at an 8x10 framed photo hanging on the wall.
“Looks just like my Devon when he was that age,” Delilah said, plopping down on the sofa. “I’m so glad you called and asked to come visit me. I’m so excited to see you again. You just look so pretty, like a brown Barbie.”
Evan smiled as she sat down on the chair across from Delilah. “How have you been feeling?”
“Ahhh, I feel a little better. You know I’m still wrestling every day that Devon’s not gonna come walking through that door yelling, Momma, Momma, what you cook Momma?”
Evan dropped her head. “I know it must be hard, Ms. Delilah.” Evan scooted forward on the chair, resting her elbows on her legs. “No matter how hard the trial is, God is still with you. The word says that His grace is sufficient for you for His strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Delilah closed her eyes and smiled at those words. “Mmm, thank you First Lady because sometimes you just need to hear it out loud.”
“Exactly,” Evan said. “Oh, Ms. Delilah, before I forget I have some things in my car for you. Can you have Cai meet me outside to help me bring them in?”
Evan walked out to her car, being careful not to get her silver heels caught in the broken sidewalk or the dirt yard. Using her car remote to open the trunk, she looked behind her when she heard the door open.
“Hi Cai, how are you today?” Evan smiled.
“Hi First Lady, it’s nice of you to drop by,” Cai said, walking down the porch steps in fluid red slacks and a white crop top.
“Well I wanted to check up on Delilah and bring her a few things,” Evan smiled. “Oh, and thank you for bringing the crepes and wine by the house; they were delicious. We appreciate the thought.”
Cai smiled. “You’ve done so much for us and we wanted to show you how much we appreciate everything.”
“You’re welcome, we love Ms. Delilah,” Evan said. “And she seems to be doing well.”
Cai ran her fingers through her hair. “Yes, it’s a tough road but I think she is doing better. Just keep her in your prayers.”
“I will,” Evan said then looking over at the Mustang. “That is a beautiful car. I love it.”
Cai smiled. “New job opportunity.”
“That’s a blessing,” Evan said, pulling up the trunk up of her pearl-colored Infiniti.
“It is,” Cai said, before looking in Evan’s trunk at the bags of groceries. “Wow, look at all of this; this is so very nice of you!”
“I love doing it.”
“Delilah is definitely going to be surprised,” Cai said, turning to walk back inside with the bags.
“Oh, Cai,” Evan called out to her.
Cai stopped and turned around with the bags hanging from her arms. “Yes?”
Evan walked toward her. “I wanted to give you something.”
“Oh?” Cai smiled, looking surprised.
Evan handed her the note from Greg’s jacket. “This is for you.”
Cow-eyed, Cai stood speechless watching the note drop into the palm of her hand.
Evan looked her in the eye. “My husband is quite handsome and almost nice to a fault so I’m going to dismiss this note as you having a lapse in judgment because he can be quite alluring. However, he is a man in love with God who, with his family, his ministry, and his church, doesn’t have time for any extra-curricular activities of this kind.”
Cai gulped. “I didn’t mean anything by it,” she said.
“I know and that’s why I’m not taking it personally but next time I will,” Evan said, turning from Cai to walk back to her car.
Chapter 76
Cai stared at her face in her bedroom mirror. It was perfect, she had always been told so. She didn’t look much like Delilah. She looked like her dad and his mother, with perfect dark skin, high cheek bones, large eyes and sleek hair. No man had ever rejected her before; not one. She’d always had her choice of men so who did Greg think he was to treat her like she was trash?
A pounding on her bedroom door causing her to jump; she hated when Delilah did that. “What?” Cai shouted.
“It’s me,” Delilah said. “Open the door.” Cai unlocked the door and walked back to her dresser where she began applying blush to her face. Delilah opened the door and stood at its entrance. “You told me that you rented that car while your car was in the shop but it seems like your car should be fixed by now,” Delilah said.
<
br /> Cai put her brush down and picked up her mascara. She stretched her eyes and began applying mascara to her lashes.
“Do you hear me talking to you, girl?”
Cai turned around and faced Delilah. “Okay, I bought it. I didn’t want to tell you but I traded my car in and bought it. I got an advance,” Cai said, putting the mascara brush back inside the tube then applied more to her lashes.
“How you get an advance from a job that you don’t have?” Delilah asked.
Cai turned around and glared at her mother. “What are you talking about?”
“You didn’t answer your cell phone so I called that company that you say you got a job at and they never even heard of you.”
Cai threw her hands up in the air. “Because I just started, they wouldn’t know me.”
“I spoke to Human Resources and you don’t have no job there,” Delilah said, leaning on her cane.
Cai turned back to look in the mirror. “They don’t know what they’re talking about.”
“You messin’ around with that married man?” Delilah asked, “That chief is an awful man. I know you been sneaking around with him. I ain’t stupid.”
Cai ignored her, continuing to apply her makeup. She knew that Delilah would never tell the real truth which was that she’d always been jealous of Cai’s looks and the power that she had over men. That was why Devon was her favorite so nothing she said would matter to Cai. DJ ran in and hugged Cai’s leg.
“You’re selling your soul to the devil and he always shows up to collect, so don’t do business with him,” Delilah warned.
Cai reached down and picked DJ up. She kissed him on his cheek and glared at Delilah. “Why I gotta be selling my soul to the devil because men think I’m beautiful, give me nice things and I accept them?”
“That’s another woman’s husband,” Delilah said.
Cai looked over at her. “He made a commitment to that woman; not to me so it’s not my problem.”
The Believer Page 25