Mercy, Mercy Me

by Ronn Elmore

  It was only after the exhaustive hour-long session that Dwayne stood and properly greeted Monique, who was seated at her computer. “Good morning.”

  “So you do still work here, after all,” she teased. “It’s good to have you back.”

  “It’s good to be back. How are things?” he asked as he opened his briefcase, loosened his tie, and began to review the message slips that cluttered his desk.

  “Well, there’s not much to do when there are no patients.”

  “They’re not patients, Monique. They’re clients.”

  “Whatever,” she said, settling into the chair directly across from him and crossing her legs. “How were New York and the crusade? Or better yet, did you have a good time with Beverlyn?” She let the question hang in the air.

  Dwayne laughed as he took his seat behind the desk. He thought of the two days he and Beverlyn spent together—running through the city like first-time tourists, eating in romantic spots like the Quiet Little Table in the Corner, flying over the city in a private helicopter. But most of their time together was spent shopping the boutiques of New York’s posh Upper East Side, including Madison and Lexington Avenues.

  He’d never done that before. He had the money, but spending thousands of dollars in one store seemed frivolous. “Five thousand dollars is not much money,” she’d told him when he balked at the price of one suit. “Look at it this way: We represent God. We want the people who listen to our words to be able to look at us and see how God has blessed us.”

  It all made sense to him. People were surely attracted to success and power, and it made sense that he and Beverlyn should represent the best God had to offer. But the real truth was that Beverlyn was teaching him how to live well and he was beginning to like it.

  “Not talking, huh?” Monique asked, interrupting his train of thought.

  “Absolutely not.” He pulled his date book from his briefcase.

  Monique tapped her fingers on the desk. “No problem.” She walked out of the office, but a moment later, returned holding a newspaper in her hand. “It’s hardly a secret anymore.” She tossed him a copy of a page from the Hollywood Insider, and there in the midst of Flo Anthony’s “Go with the Flo” column was a photo of him and Beverlyn leaving Tavern on the Green, his arm around her waist.

  “And for the record, Nina was my choice. Beverlyn’s a real number, and that uncle of hers… what a creep.”

  He’d tuned Monique out, instead searching his mind—wondering how he could not have noticed someone taking a photo of him and Beverlyn. In fact, he’d been surprised that as they walked through the city, they’d only been stopped four times for autographs. He’d liked that about New York City—that New Yorkers were unimpressed and that they’d been able to fade into the background. Or so he thought.

  He’d never even heard of Flo Anthony before, he thought to himself as he scanned the item that read, Grammy-nominated gospel singer Beverly Boudreaux seemed to be looking to win over more than lost souls on a recent trip to the Big Apple on the occasion of her New York Crusade. She seems to have her hooks in the dashing Dr. Dwayne Grandison, who has become quite a sensation for her newly launched Jubilee Network. He couldn’t read any more, putting the paper down in frustration. For a brief moment, he wondered if Kim hadn’t planted the item, but he dismissed the thought as quickly as it had surfaced.

  “You’re not mad, are you?”

  Dwayne shook his head. “I just didn’t know people would find my life so interesting.”

  This was what Monique hated about him but at the same time respected. Nothing could shake him.

  “However,” he went on, “if you want to keep this, it’s on you. But I really don’t want this kind of reading material in the office. My clients don’t want to see themselves laid out in the waiting room.”

  Monique picked up the paper. “All right. But I just want to add one more thing: I don’t trust Beverlyn or her uncle.”

  As Monique closed the door, he continued the perusal of the messages, searching for one from Sean. But there was none, even though this was the day Sean was supposed to return. Dwayne dialed Sean’s cell phone and smiled wide with relief when it was answered on the first ring.

  “Dwayne, my man,” Sean exclaimed. “I’ve been meaning to call.”

  “When you didn’t show up for the crusade, I got worried.”

  “I appreciate it, man, but no need to worry. Everything is under control. The doctor just told me I needed to get some rest.”

  “Why? Is something happening?”

  “Nothing that wasn’t expected.”

  “Why are you being so evasive?”

  “Dwayne, it’s really not all that serious. The doctor just didn’t want me getting run-down. When I told him I was going to New York on top of my last tour, he asked me if I had some sort of death wish. So I thought about it and canceled.”

  Dwayne wanted to believe him. His words and sentiment had been persuasive enough, but there was something missing from this picture and he couldn’t put his finger on just what, so he let it go, saying, “Well, you know I’m here.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  “Listen, when can we get together?”

  “What about after church on Sunday?”

  “Well, you know everyone is going to want you to join us for dinner.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”

  “Do that,” Dwayne said.

  As he put the receiver back onto the cradle, Monique peeked into the office.

  “Dwayne, Tina Laws is here and Nina Jordan is on line one.”

  He looked at his watch. Tina was early. He had about ten minutes.

  “Nina.”

  “Dwayne, I hope you’re not busy.”

  “Not for you. How are you?”

  “Just fine. I’m calling to check on you.” Her voice was light and easy. “How was the crusade?”

  “Great. I was a little nervous, having never done anything like that before—in front of fifty thousand people …”

  “You speak in front of more than that every week on your show.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t know that they’re there.”

  “I don’t know if Pastor told you, but the fellowship went well.”

  “That’s terrific,” Dwayne said with traces of regret in his tone. The men and women’s fellowship had been scheduled for the same weekend as the crusade, though Dwayne had already decided not to attend. After a lot of thought and prayer, he’d resigned his position with Man-to-Man though he stayed on the board. “You’ve got to be proud, Nina. This program is better than even you ever imagined.”

  “It is,” Nina said.

  “Well, let me know if I can help.”

  “You’ve done so much already. As long as you stay on the advisory board, we’ll be fine.”

  “Done. Listen, I have a client …”

  “Oh, I understand. I just wanted to say hello.”

  “Why don’t we get together? I’d love to hear more.”

  “I’d love to, but my week is pretty packed and I know you must be busy …”

  “What about Sunday after church? Join my family for Sunday dinner. I’d love to see you and Omari.”

  “That’d be great. I’ll see you Sunday.”

  “We’re on.”

  His smile was still in place as he hung up the phone and Tina Laws entered the office. As she did so, she looked at him as if she were seeing him for the first time.

  “Is everything okay, Tina?”

  “Well, I’m just so used to being the one in the news, it’s a bit of a change to pick up a column and read about you. Especially since you’re so tight-lipped about your private life. Shoe’s on the other foot now,” she said, teasing him.

  “Not entirely,” he countered. “We’re still here to talk about you and not me.”

  When he looked up at the clock again, it was almost nine. When he’d told Monique to schedule a full day, he hadn’t considered
jet lag. He was tired. The phone rang as he was urging Monique to go home. Instead of letting it go to voice mail as Dwayne had instructed, she answered the phone at his desk. “Oh, Ms. Boudreaux …”

  Dwayne motioned that he would take the call.

  “Beverlyn,” he said as he waved good-bye to Monique.

  “Hey, baby. I just wanted to see how your day went.”

  “Great. I’m just tired. What about you? When are you coming home?”

  “I’ll be home tomorrow, and for once, I’ll have the entire weekend free.”

  “Great. We’ll be able to spend some time together.”

  “Yeah, I was hoping we could go to church. I’ve never been to New Covenant.”

  “My family reminds me of that all the time. So this Sunday, huh?”

  “Yes. The day after this Saturday.”

  “Of course, I’d love that. In fact, after church you can join my family for one of our famous Sunday dinners at my brother’s house.”

  “Dr. Grandison, are you inviting me home to meet the family? You know what comes after a family dinner, don’t you?”

  “My guess would be that after dinner comes dessert.”

  “That’s what I’m talking about.”

  Dwayne shook his head. “Ms. Boudreaux. If people only knew the real you.”

  “Then they wouldn’t fill those stadiums for my crusades,” she said, laughing. “Well, it’s after midnight here and I’ve got to get some sleep. I’ll speak to you tomorrow?” she added in the form of a question.

  “I’ll call you.”

  He smiled when they hung up, but his grin faded when he realized that he had just invited three people to Robbie and Lafayette’s home on Sunday. He picked up the phone. He’d better alert Robbie.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Dwayne held Beverlyn’s hand as they walked up the steps and he opened the heavy double doors at New Covenant Assembly.

  “Good morning, Dr. Grandison,” the usher said, handing Dwayne a bulletin. Then instantly recognizing Beverlyn, she began to stutter, “Uh… good morning. Here’s one for you too.”

  Dwayne could tell by the gleam in her eye that the hostess recognized Beverlyn, though she refused to gush over the famous singer. They followed the usher down the green-carpeted aisle to the front row, where Beverlyn joined him beside his mother. He could feel the long stares and muffled whispers.

  “Hello, Ms. Grandison.” Beverlyn took a surprised Bernice’s hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “It’s wonderful to see you, dear.” Bernice’s eyes darted between Dwayne and Beverlyn. “I didn’t know you were coming,” she said, giving Dwayne a “why didn’t you tell me” glance.

  At exactly eleven, with the sanctuary completely full, the choir took their places to lead the congregation in praise and worship. Beverlyn’s voice rose above all around them. After the final note of the first selection, the musical director, Janice Bell, signaled for the keyboard player to continue and took the microphone. “New Covenant is especially honored this morning to have a very special visitor—Evangelist Beverlyn Boudreaux.”

  Loud applause filled the sanctuary and people stretched their necks to get a glimpse of their VIP visitor. Beverlyn turned around graciously and waved, before the thunderous applause prompted her to bow as well. She was absolute magic, instantly endearing herself to her admirers with her high-voltage smile and a faintly surprised expression as if she had no idea she would be recognized. Dwayne was momentarily unsettled by the fact that he felt flush with pride that by simply being with her he too was the center of the crowd’s attention.

  “Ms. Boudreaux,” she continued, “we’d be honored if you would join us in singing ‘Ask God for the World.’”

  While Beverlyn was openly pleased that the choir had chosen the title song from her last CD, she hesitated. Was it sincere humility or was it a seasoned pro working the crowd?

  “Go on.” Dwayne finally nudged her while the applause continued. “They really want you.”

  Having gained his approval, Beverlyn rose to her feet and stepped onto the podium, making her way to the choir stand. After hugging Janice, she accepted the microphone and signaled to the musicians that she was ready. As Beverlyn sang the first stanza, it was clear she was comfortably in her element. She closed her eyes and raised her hand in praise. By the time she finished, the entire congregation was on its feet. The applause, coupled with the chorus of amens and hallelujahs throughout the sanctuary, was so deafening that Beverlyn remained onstage singing until Lafayette took his place, at which time one of the male choir members escorted Beverlyn back to Dwayne.

  Lafayette stood silently at the podium until the praise and prayers waned. Finally, he raised his hand for quiet and spoke. “My brother did not tell me that we were going to be blessed in such a way today. Thank you, Ms. Boudreaux, for sharing with us the wonderful gift God has so graciously extended you. We are so very pleased to have you.”

  Lafayette’s sermon was powerful—as usual—but it was clear that the high point of the two-hour-long service had been Beverlyn’s performance. When Lafayette walked from the altar to the back of the church, he paused and asked Beverlyn to join him, Bernice, and Robbie in greeting the parishioners.

  Dwayne took his mother’s and Beverlyn’s hands in an effort to maneuver them through the crowd toward the church’s alcove, but people stopped them at every turn—some to say hello, some for autographs, and some just to get a closer look. Once in place, Dwayne squeezed Beverlyn’s hand before he left her at his mother’s side and returned to the sanctuary, his eyes searching the still-full room.

  His face lit up when he spotted her at the other side of the church chatting with one of the women from Sister 2 Sister. He tried to weave through the maze and sidestep the women who made personal—though lighthearted—inquiries about him and Beverlyn. Mrs. King wanted to know what the real deal was. Ms. Lacy just offered a sinister smile as if she knew the real deal, while Ms. Brown wondered if Beverlyn would soon be joining the church (since she’d just moved to Los Angeles and couldn’t have already found a church home).

  Finally, he stood in front of Nina and Omari.

  “Mr. Dwayne,” the boy exclaimed.

  “Hey, my man.” Dwayne high-fived Omari.

  “It’s good to see you, Dwayne,” Nina said as they hugged.

  He held her for a moment, feeling a familiar stirring. Slowly, his arms relinquished the embrace.

  “Well, you’re a bona fide star now,” Nina teased.

  “Really,” he said.

  “Well, a driver… a TV show, and… ,” she added, whispering, “Beverlyn Boudreaux.”

  Dwayne didn’t know what to say.

  The hesitation didn’t stop Nina. “Are you happy, Dwayne?” she asked softly.

  “I’m on my way,” he said soberly.

  “Well, that’s all that matters.”

  “How ’bout you?”

  “I’m on my way as well.”

  She said the words, but he detected sadness in her voice.

  From the outside alcove, Beverlyn mindlessly shook hands and watched Nina and Dwayne through worried eyes, flustered at the sight. She couldn’t put her hands on why Nina unnerved her so. Nina had always appeared calm and collected, and that riled Beverlyn even more. What was it he saw in her? Beverlyn wondered.

  Even as the car pulled in front of Lafayette’s home, Beverlyn couldn’t manage to shake the scene she’d witnessed between Dwayne and Nina.

  “Is something wrong?” Dwayne searched her eyes. “You’ve been so quiet since we left the church.”

  “I’m just thinking about the service. Your brother is a great speaker.”

  “Then I hope you’ll come back with me sometime.”

  She wanted to say she had no plans of letting him out of her sight as long as Nina was around. “I hope to come back with you again and again and again.”

  “Well,” he said, “we’d better go in or they’re going to send someone out afte
r us.”

  He held her hand as they stepped into the house.

  “We were wondering what happened to you guys,” Robbie said, coming out of the kitchen, a white floral apron partially covering her yellow sleeveless linen dress. “Welcome to our home.” She took Beverlyn’s hand and led them into the living room.

  “Everyone is here.” Robbie continued chatting, stopping in front of the love seat, where Nina sat with Monique.

  “Beverlyn, you know Nina and Monique?”

  Nina stretched forward her hand. “Yes, good to see you, Beverlyn. You were wonderful in church this morning.”

  “Thank you.” Beverlyn forced the words.

  “I think you know everyone else.” Robbie scanned the room before wiping her hands on her apron. “Well, I’ll leave you all to talk. I’d better get back in the kitchen.”

  Robbie—joined by Monique—scurried from the room, leaving Dwayne, Beverlyn, and Nina standing in a triangle as the kids played on the other side of the room and Lafayette greeted Sean, who had missed church that morning.

  “Congratulations on the Jubilee Network and, I might add, on your recent New York Crusade,” Nina said.

  Beverlyn wrapped her hands around Dwayne’s arm. “Yeah, it was great. Did Dwayne tell you that he was in New York with me?” she asked with a catty edge.

  “Yes, he said he was one of the speakers.”

  Beverlyn looked at Dwayne. “He was more than that.”

  Dwayne coughed. “Look who’s here—it’s Sean.”

  “Oh, yes. Excuse us, Nina,” Beverlyn said.

  Dwayne was sure that Nina rolled her eyes as Beverlyn detoured to the rest room, leaving him to greet Sean alone. “My man, it’s good to see you.” He took Sean’s hand.

  “Boy, two women fighting over you—you are indeed the man.”

  “I don’t think they like each other.”