by Ronn Elmore
“I know,” Nina mused, “but with the right positioning, we might be able to pull this off. And with the Grandison name behind it …” She threw up her hands, leaving the sentence unfinished.
“Are you talking about the preacher or the therapist?”
“We have the pastor, but it would sure help if we had the very talented psychologist. I was even hoping we could get you to host a fund-raiser to raise at least part of what we need. Sean has already agreed, and with you, perhaps even some of your clients …”
“And Beverlyn?”
“Well, she was your mother’s idea.”
They both laughed.
“Nina, you know you have my support. Whatever I can do. Actually, I think this will be a lot of fun.”
She leaned across the table and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for being such a wonderful friend.”
The flight from Miami had been long and filled with turbulence—the result of a string of thunderstorms winding its way across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Beverlyn’s plan had been to sleep through the flight so that she’d be rested when she surprised Dwayne with her early return. But the plan hadn’t worked. She wasn’t able to sleep, nor could she find Dwayne. There was no answer on his cell or at his condo.
Instead, she suggested to L.W. that they get a bite to eat before turning in for some much-needed rest. Kim had rushed home to spend time with her daughter. When L.W. suggested seafood, Beverlyn thought of the restaurant Sean had spoken so highly of. Usually, L.W. wasn’t thrilled with any referral Sean made, but being from bayou country, there was nothing he liked better than good crab. So off they headed to Crustacean.
The maître d’ signaled for them to follow, but as they passed the bar and entered the main dining room, Beverlyn stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted Dwayne and Nina. Perplexed by his niece’s actions, L.W. followed Beverlyn’s glance. An immediate smile filled his face when his eyes rested on Dr. Dwayne Grandison and Nina Jordan cozily planted at a table. He wanted to march over and confront the good doctor, particularly as Nina leaned over to kiss him on the cheek, but he waited to follow his devastated niece’s lead.
Beverlyn whipped around. “Uncle Linson, I’m a lot more tired than hungry. Would you mind if we just went home?”
“Of course, honey,” he said sympathetically. “That’s what I thought we should have done in the first place. I’ll have Joseph drop you off first.” He cupped her hand under his elbow, leading her toward the front door. “Would you like to stop somewhere and pick up something?”
“No, I don’t want anything.” Beverlyn shook her head, fighting to hold back the tears as she looked back over her shoulder, past L.W., to the table where Dwayne and Nina sat, heads close together.
“Let’s get out of here.” L.W. led her through the crowded restaurant.
Thinking about it later, Beverlyn leaned her weight against the back of her front door. Twenty-four hours ago, she was onstage, captivating more than fifty thousand people in Miami who sat on the edge of their seats, hanging on her every word. Two standing ovations had followed, and even so, after exiting the stage, she’d had to return to quiet the crowd before show organizers could go on. Anywhere else, she’d been appreciated and adored. But tonight she was alone.
Scanning the house her success had built, she stepped into the living room. Stylishly decorated, it could have been pulled from the pages of House Beautiful. Her eyes rested on the framed photos atop the fireplace mantel. The frames were filled with pictures of her mingling with various dignitaries, politicians, and other celebrities. The photos were meant to provide an account of all she’d accomplished, but instead, they showed what was missing. While her life was full of important people, it was devoid of anyone truly special, like Dwayne.
Suddenly, she wondered why they hadn’t taken pictures in New York or the Bahamas. She didn’t even have any family pictures. She had none of her mother. She didn’t know her grandmother and had no other family to speak of.
Having spent her early years in the orphanage, she’d always dreamed of having a big and loving family—a house full of kids, a husband who loved her. She would cook, shop, and do all the things wives did.
Not that she did any cooking or cleaning now, but she was beautiful, successful, in great shape, and had a great home. What man wouldn’t want to be with Beverlyn Boudreaux? Sure there were men who were intimidated—who would rather be with someone they could overshadow in order to build their ego. But those weren’t the kind of men she’d desired anyway. And Dwayne hardly fit that category. So what was it? What did Nina have on her?
Oh, Nina was cute and she had a nice figure, but she was a has-been, and with Omari in tow, she seemed to have a lot of baggage. Besides, surely Dwayne could have had her if he’d wanted her. After all, they were friends before Beverlyn came on the scene.
Perhaps she was overreacting. Maybe it was just a friendly dinner. After all, everyone had said how much of a dynamic team Beverlyn and Dwayne made together. And then there were his own words: “We’re good for each other, Beverlyn.”
Still, in her heart of hearts, she knew there was something deeper going on. Dwayne and Nina seemed to share an intimacy that she couldn’t duplicate. She tried hard to put out of her mind the suspicion that they had become physically involved, but she was certain that there was a definite connection, and she was certain that it troubled her.
Beverlyn clicked off the living room lights and retired upstairs to her bedroom. She undressed slowly with images of Nina and Dwayne bombarding her mind. What was she going to do? She’d been sure that Dwayne was the beginning of the next chapter of her life, and she was used to getting exactly what she wanted—and she wanted Dwayne Grandison. But she also knew that he wasn’t a man who would bow to her demands.
How ironic, she thought. To run a multimillion-dollar corporation… to be able to draw and motivate thousands… to be one of the gospel industry’s most sought-after performers, and yet not be able to win over one man. If she could only focus, she’d find it—the perfect plan.
She got down on her knees and began to thank God for all the blessings He’d bestowed. To pray for others who needed blessings of deliverance, salvation, and healing. And to pray for the one thing that would make her life complete.
She pulled back the white down comforter and climbed in between the satin sheets, letting the events of the day settle in her mind. This was a setback, but it wasn’t over. All her life, she’d had to fight for what she wanted. Why would this be any different?
L.W. twisted the cap from the bottle of his imported cognac. He couldn’t have been happier about the recent developments as he thought about how the sight of Dwayne and Nina together just might do the trick. The rope he wanted to coil around Dwayne’s neck might not be necessary. The doctor was hanging himself. And this way was even better, as Dwayne would be able to stay with the network.
This was his private celebration. He laughed out loud thinking of his good fortune. He thought about how tonight almost hadn’t happened. How he had tried to persuade Beverlyn to stay in Miami and not rush back. But Beverlyn hadn’t seen Dwayne, and she’d insisted that instead of a good night’s sleep, what she wanted was Dwayne.
It was the glow on her face when she mentioned Dwayne’s name that had made his skin crawl. His niece had been getting too close to Dwayne and he’d been helpless in stopping it. He knew about the time they spent together when he was out of town, and after the Bahamas, he began to feel like he was losing his hold. But that was days ago. Oh, how things had changed. Once again, the control had shifted back to his hands, where it was supposed to be. And what made it all the sweeter was that he’d done nothing at all.
Nothing could stop him now. Everything was going as planned. Beverlyn was the star, but behind the scenes and in the boardroom was where the real power lay. With the success of the Jubilee Network, he was on his way to becoming one of the most powerful men in the Christian community.
Chapter Thirty
He raised his head when he heard the knock on the door.
“Dr. Grandison, Ms. Boudreaux is on line one.”
“Beverlyn,” he exclaimed, genuinely happy to hear from her. “How are you?”
“I’m fine now that I’m back home.”
“When did you get back?”
“Last night.”
“Why didn’t you call?”
“I’m calling now,” she said sweetly.
Beverlyn wasn’t coming to the meeting, opting to get some much-needed rest. Instead, she would prepare a romantic dinner for the two of them at her home.
Dwayne was surprised at how much he was looking forward to it. He marveled at how very much his life had changed in such a short period of time. While it was Nina who had helped him to emerge from the fog that surrounded him, it was Beverlyn who was taking him to new heights. Anxious to get his day over so that he could spend the evening with her, Dwayne gathered his papers and notes and eagerly rushed down the hall to get the production meeting started.
In Hancock Park, Beverlyn nervously looked at her watch. It was a quarter to seven. The caterer had just finished with the table settings, and everything was ready in the kitchen.
Guy, her hairdresser, floated down the stairs. ”Beverlyn, darling, you’re set for tonight. Now I have to go,” he said, punctuating every word with his hands. “A lot of people are very angry with me for rearranging my calendar to accommodate you. I hope you’re pleased.”
“You know I am. Thank you, Guy.”
“Anytime, darling. There is no one as important as you!” Guy paused, lightly licked his finger, and then smoothed down a stray strand of Beverlyn’s bangs. He had trimmed her hair today, tapering the back, but keeping longer layers to give her hair more fullness. “You look fabulous, honey. This man better be worth it,” Guy called over his shoulder as he dashed down the front stairs to his waiting car and driver.
She inspected everything once more, seeing that everything was in its place, checking on the food in the kitchen, then checking herself in the hallway mirror. The lavender lounging ensemble was perfectly cast for this occasion, and though she felt worn down, she looked good. The soft chimes of her doorbell rang, signaling Dwayne’s arrival.
From the moment he walked through the door, Dwayne noticed something different about Beverlyn. He couldn’t put his finger on just what it was, so he just let it slide as the evening passed, without acknowledging his concern.
“That dinner was really something,” Dwayne later said, lifting the napkin off his lap and onto the table.
He got up and put his arms around Beverlyn’s waist as she kissed the tip of his nose.
“It’s good to have you home,” he said.
“I’m just happy to be here with you.”
Dwayne put his arm around Beverlyn’s shoulders and led her into the living room. She dimmed the lights and sat on the couch, kicking off her silver mules and stretching her legs.
Dwayne crouched in front of the stereo, punching the power button and selecting the CD player. Instantly, Beverlyn’s voice filled the room.
“Turn that off. I hate listening to myself.”
Dwayne raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t know. I love hearing your voice.”
Returning to the couch next to her, he sat down, lifting her feet to his lap. Beverlyn leaned back, closed her eyes, and moaned softly as he began gently massaging the balls of her feet. He asked about the Miami Crusade, but Beverlyn recoiled. The thought of Miami conjured images of him and Nina together the night before. Instead, she kissed him and then leaned her head against his chest.
“What’s wrong?” Dwayne asked as he nuzzled his face in her hair, taking in her whole scent.
“Do you know how special it is to be here with you?”
“I hope so.” His arms closed tighter around her.
“I couldn’t have imagined this a year ago.”
“So you want me to believe that you didn’t have men chasing you—”
“There was no one,” she cut him off. “I was never interested. My only concern was singing and speaking.”
“Why?”
She shrugged, though images of her earliest days came to mind—times when she’d cried herself to sleep, longing for her mother. Longing for someone to rescue her from the prison everyone told her was home. Longing for someone to hold her through the horrid dreams that filled her nights.
“It’s different now,” she said. “You’ve opened sealed doors in my heart.”
“That’s a good thing, I hope.”
She turned around and kissed him, then pulled his arms around her again, leaning back on his chest. She took a deep breath as she thought about her next question. “What about you, Dwayne? Did you think you’d be here a year ago?”
He let a year’s worth of yesterdays flash through his mind. “No.” His eyes searched hers. “You …” He brought his lips to hers before he could finish the sentence, and they kissed deeply, discovering each other in ways they’d not known. Their tongues and hands explored, searched, and found. Several minutes passed before they pulled away breathlessly.
His fingers traced her face. “I was just thinking how long it’s been since I kissed a woman like that.”
“I can’t say I’ve ever kissed a man like that.”
“Then we should do it again.” He skimmed his lips over hers. “Don’t you think?”
She nodded. “I love you, Dwayne Grandison.”
His eyes widened, but before he could speak, she covered his mouth, parting his lips with her tongue. A second later, the doorbell’s chimes interrupted them.
Beverlyn tried to pull away, but Dwayne locked his arms tighter around her. “Don’t answer it.”
Beverlyn knew that the only other person with access directly to the front door was L.W., and that it was quite likely that he heard their arrival from his quarters. Dwayne grimaced as Beverlyn walked into the foyer to check the security screen to see who it was. A moment later, she returned from the foyer with L.W. at her side. Even in the dim light, Dwayne could see L.W.’s beady eyes and pursed lips.
“I think it’s time for me to leave.” Dwayne rose to his feet and reached for the jacket he’d laid across the couch.
“That would be a good idea,” L.W. said.
“L.W.,” Beverlyn exclaimed furiously. “This is my house and Dwayne is my guest.”
“That’s okay,” Dwayne said.
“No, it’s not,” Beverlyn reprimanded.
“I’m sorry,” L.W. said, interrupting her. “But I have to talk to you about something important… something private, and it may take a while.”
“Apology accepted. Good night, L.W.” Dwayne took Beverlyn’s hand. “Walk me to the door.”
She glared at her uncle but followed Dwayne.
“I’m sorry about L.W.,” she said, straightening his jacket lapel.
“I told you not to apologize for him. Your uncle knows what he’s doing.”
“I had such a great time tonight.”
“So did I.”
“It’s ending much too early.”
“There will be many more nights like this to come.”
Beverlyn held the door open until Teddy steered the car around the driveway, then disappeared through the front gate. She closed the door and stood a moment reflecting on the intimate moments she’d just shared with Dwayne. Until, that is, she saw L.W. standing with crossed arms under the arch of the living room entrance.
“Are you out of your mind?” Beverlyn screamed at L.W. in astonishment. “What on earth possessed you to do that?”
“Beverlyn, what is going on between you and Dwayne Grandison?”
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br /> “None of your business,” she said angrily, rolling her eyes. “I stopped answering to you a long time ago.”
Realizing he may have overstepped his boundaries, L.W. changed his strategy, taking Beverlyn’s hand. “Oh, honey, I didn’t mean to upset you, but I was upset with him after seeing you so hurt last night.
“Let’s sit down,” he continued, sitting beside her after she’d settled onto the couch and folded her hands.
“Uncle Linson, please don’t ever do that again.”
“I just want what’s best for you. Besides that, I’m responsible for your career.”
“No, you’re not,” she snapped.
“Yes, I most certainly am, and I take great pride in my duties as president of Beverlyn Boudreaux Ministries, and as your uncle. There are rumors flying around the company about you and Dwayne.” He paused and held up his hand, stopping her from interrupting. “Now, I don’t care what people say, I care about the truth and how that truth is going to affect Beverlyn Boudreaux, my niece whom I love very much. But I would like to know what’s going on between you and Dwayne.”
She waited a moment. “Uncle Linson, I understand this is all about business for you, but I’ve discovered much more than that with Dwayne. At thirty-five, I’m in love for the first time in my life.”
L.W. forced a smile. “I’m happy for you, honey.”
“Are you?” She really wanted to believe him. “I really hope you are, Uncle Linson, because Dwayne is coming to be an important part of my life and I think he would be a major asset to the company.”
“What are you talking about?” L.W. was dumbfounded.
“Well, with his background, he’ll bring so much to our company.”
“What does your being in love have to do with the company?” he asked incredulously.
“Well, if he’s my husband …”
“Whoa, wait a minute!” He was floored. “You’re talking about marriage already?”
“Not exactly.” She edged closer to him. “But I believe we’re heading in that direction and I’ve spent so much time on my ministry, I think now is the time to concentrate on getting married and having a family.”