Lie to Me

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  “No,” Monica cried out. Her voice sounded unlike her own.

  Pastor Charleston looked at her, “Do you want to be freed?”

  Stubbornness rose within her. She didn’t need freeing. She glared. “There’s nothing wrong with me. If you don’t stop this nonsense, I’m going to sue you for all you’ve got.”

  “Jesus came to set the captives free. If you accept Him into your life, you’ll be a changed woman. But, you have to willingly surrender,” Pastor Charleston said.

  Sister Alma nodded.

  “Never,” Monica screamed. With the benefit of surprise on her side and a forceful push, she stood and lunged after Pastor Charleston. She wanted to wring his neck with her bare hands for making her think something was wrong with her.

  “I don’t need you. God is with me, and He protects me. Vengeance is His. He will repay.” Her chest heaved. She foamed at the mouth.

  Pastor took out a handkerchief and wiped his face. He nodded for Sister Alma to leave the room. Sister Alma opened the door and left it ajar. Monica stood with her fists clenched. She scurried toward the open door.

  “I’ll set a date for a fast for you, for there are many within you. You can fight them with the Word, but you twist God’s words for your own purpose.”

  Monica spun around and spat, “I don’t need or want it from you. You’re a snake in the grass, you blue-eyed devil. I have the truth. I know it because Lance and Belinda are not together anymore. I knew that would happen. God showed me. So you can keep all your mumbo-jumbo to yourself.”

  He tilted his head. “And what about Quinn?”

  His question stopped her cold. Monica clutched her chest. “She’s all I have. Leave her out of this.”

  “You weren’t thinking of your daughter when you vandalized people’s property and desecrated the house of God.”

  His cold tone sent chills down Monica’s spine. Her mind raced as she thought of something she could say or do to get her out of this predicament. She twisted her fingers.

  “Please, no….” She shook her head. What would she do without her baby? Her sunshine?

  “Ms. Riley, Lance cares about your daughter’s welfare. That’s why he hasn’t called Child Services or pressed charges against you. But, you’ve got to stop your destructive behavior. Your daughter is who matters now. When you have a child, you must put their needs above your own.”

  Monica nodded. “I-I’m leaving this town.” That’s what she’d do. It was pure inspiration. “I’ll leave. Please just leave my daughter alone.” Monica rambled under her breath. “I don’t know what I’ll tell Clarendon... but I’ll think of something.”

  “Ms. Riley, I have arranged for you to see Dr. Mendelson. Your appointment is in...” She saw Pastor Charleston glance at a small card, then at his watch. “Three hours. I do plan to call her to make sure you’ve kept the appointment. If you’re a no show, I will contact the authorities. Do you understand?”

  Right now, she would agree to anything to save herself from recrimination. She nodded. “Yes. I’ll be there. Thank you.” Monica took the card, and walked out of the pastor’s office. She felt sorry for everything she had done. The thought of losing her daughter scared her. Monica cupped her mouth with her hands and raced to the restroom. She heaved all the contents of her stomach before she cried her eyes out. She didn’t want to go to the doctor, but she had no choice.

  Monica shuddered recalling Pastor Charleston’s ominous warning. She knew he would keep his word if she didn’t do as he said. She dragged herself to her feet and went over to the mirror. Methodically, she washed her face, rinsed her mouth and set about straightening her hair.

  By the time she was through, Monica’s entire disposition had changed. She studied herself in the mirror. Why should she have to go see a doctor when nine times out of ten, they needed help themselves? Pastor had overreacted. Imagine him threatening her with her child. She shook her head. Who did that? How could he have fixed his mouth to say something like that?

  You need to go. Pretend you’re listening and get Pastor Charleston off your case.

  “I’m not going back on any pills,” Monica said.

  You don’t have to. I am with you.

  “Yes, Lord, I hear you.” She came out the bathroom and almost walked right into Sydney. Monica noticed her bump and smiled. “Sydney, how good to see you. Congratulations on your child. How many months?”

  Sydney clutched her stomach. “I’m six months today.”

  “Well, good luck to you,” Monica offered before she walked off. She took several steps before she stopped. “Sydney.”

  She saw Sydney turn around.

  “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for everything with Lance.” She scanned Sydney from head to toe and saw a happy woman. “But, it all worked for you didn’t it? I guess in a way, God used me to get Lance out of your life. Or else, you wouldn’t have met Pastor Charleston. I guess all’s well that ends well. See you around.” With a twinkle of her fingers and a light giggle, Monica walked off.

  33

  “Did she seriously just say that to me?” Sydney stood rooted where she was, watching Monica prance away as if she hadn’t a care in the world. A part of her wanted to go after her, yank that fake ponytail and give her a beat down. But, then she thought better of it. Monica wasn’t worth it.

  Sydney shook her head. Something was seriously wrong with that girl. Monica had a lot of gall saying that. You know what? I’m not going to waste another moment thinking about Monica Riley. Maybe she was the crazy one for even having her in her wedding in the first place.

  Sydney had felt sorry for Monica because she never made friends easy. They used to hang out when they were in high school, and she had needed someone extra because Lance had so many men on his side.

  She shrugged. Thinking on that was like adding water to the ocean. She was married to Noah and that was what mattered. “Hi, honey,” she greeted her husband and gave him a tender kiss.

  Noah beamed at her. He reached his hands out to rub her tummy. “This popped out overnight. Our son is getting so big.”

  “Our daughter,” Sydney automatically corrected.

  “Hmmm… we’ll see. Did you speak to your parents today?”

  “No, why?” Sydney hedged. She had seen a couple missed calls from both her mom and dad, but didn’t answer. Truthfully, she didn’t want to see her mother’s stomach rounded with a child, a healthy child, while she wasn’t sure how hers would turn out.

  It was selfish, but Sydney couldn’t help the way she felt. Why her? Millions of people in the world and this happened to her. Not that she would wish this on anyone else, but... Sydney changed the subject. “I’m meeting with Belinda later for lunch. I figured you and I could go see my parents this evening.”

  “Sounds like a plan. I’ll prepare for my broadcast in the meantime.”

  Sydney settled into one of the chairs. “How did things go with Monica?”

  “She agreed to go to a therapy session this afternoon.”

  Sydney’s eyes grew wide. “How did you manage that?”

  Noah smiled. Her breath caught at his beautiful teeth. Sydney touched her chest and checked her husband out. His broad chest and muscles bulged under his blue shirt. She didn’t know what that whole episode with Nathaniel had been about, but thank God, it was all behind her.

  “I have my ways,” Noah said. “I want to set a day and time to fast and pray for your friend.”

  “Who? Belinda?” Last she checked, Belinda was doing okay…considering.

  “No, I meant Monica.”

  “No, Noah. I won’t do it. If you feel led to fast, then you’re on your own. At first, I thought her stunts were funny, but there’s something twisted about her. I’m not going to play hypocrite and pray for someone who backstabbed me.”

  Noah sighed. “God wants us to pray for our enemies too. Not just our friends. But, I understand. Just wanted to let you in on my plans, in case you wanted to join me.”

  She sho
ok her head and changed the subject. “I have an appearance on the radio tomorrow morning. One of the perks of being your wife, I suppose. Your publicist urged me to do it. They want to interview me about the possibility of having a baby with Down syndrome.” The Faith station had contacted her after hearing Noah’s on-air testimony and wanted to follow up with Sydney on the air.

  He crooked his head. “Are you sure you want to do this? It’s a live show. You don’t know what the callers might say...”

  Sydney tapped her chin. She understood Noah’s concern, but waved it off. “They screen the callers and there’s like a five-second delay or something. I think I’ll be okay. I want to do this because so many Christians suffer and want practical advice.”

  Noah nodded. “I just don’t want you upset. I wish I could come with you.”

  “It’s okay. Nathaniel is coming with me.”

  Sydney’s chest tightened at Noah’s frown.

  He narrowed his eyes. “Why is Nathaniel going with you? Doesn’t he have a job?” He bellowed as he raked his hands through his hair. A true sign that he was upset.

  “I—he happened to call and I mentioned it. Nathaniel thought it would be a good idea if he came.” She rambled. “He also plans to persuade Belinda to join the choir. She has a good singing voice.” Sydney stopped.

  Nathaniel was in both of their lives. He was now actively involved in their church, so there was no avoiding him. She stood and walked over to her husband. Turning his swivel chair to face her, Sydney lowered herself onto Noah’s lap with her back against his chest. She took his hands and wrapped them around her.

  “You have nothing to worry about, Noah. My momentary crush is over. I promise you that. You’re the man I love and want. Besides, he is crazy about Portia.”

  “I don’t think he can handle Portia,” Noah chuckled then sobered. “Just the thought of you looking at another man makes me jealous.”

  Sydney knew his knees were probably asleep by now. She made a move to get to her feet. Noah helped her with a slight push in her back.

  “You have nothing to worry about,” she said. “I’d better get going. I’m meeting Belinda at Jack’s in Punta Gorda.”

  “Tell her hello for me and that I’d love to see her back in church, soon.”

  Sydney gave him a small wave and considered Noah’s departing words. Belinda hadn’t attended church since her and Lance broke up. She hadn’t visited any other churches either. Instead, she’d watched telecasts and studied at home. Sydney understood, but Belinda had come too far with God to lose her way because of a man. No man was worth her salvation.

  34

  Belinda watched Sydney approach. She had ordered a glass of Coke until Sydney arrived and was now on her second. Truthfully, she didn’t feel like going out, but couldn’t hold Sydney off any longer. Dressed in a halter style, floral dress, she had captured the eye of many male patrons, but Belinda wasn’t interested. Her heart ached for a certain someone whose name she refused to call.

  “Hey, did I keep you waiting?” Sydney asked, kissing her on the cheek.

  “No, I’m cool.” Belinda got up and hugged her friend. Seeing Sydney’s protruding stomach, she pointed and said, “Goodness, what are you feeding him?”

  “Her, you mean her.”

  Belinda smiled. “You know what you’re having?”

  “No. We decided we’re going to wait to find that out, along with anything else.” By “anything else,” Belinda knew Sydney meant whether or not her child had Down syndrome.

  Belinda stirred the ice in her Coke as she watched Sydney adjust herself in the seat. A pang hit her insides. A child was nowhere in the works for her. She knew it was pathetic, but she eyed her left hand. It looked empty without her engagement ring. She sighed. Her pride prevented her from telling Lance she’d make a mistake. She wasn’t about to beg any man to stay. She could snap her fingers and have another man just like that.

  “I have someone coming to join us. I hope you don’t mind,” Sydney said, unaware of Belinda’s thoughts.

  Well, she did, but Belinda didn’t want to sound antisocial. Seeing Sydney was waiting on some sort of response, she shrugged.

  “It’s Nathaniel.”

  That got her attention. “Nathaniel?” Belinda’s curiosity loosened her tongue. “Why is he coming here?” She adjusted her halter-top and checked for boobage display.

  Instead of an answer, Sydney waved at someone behind her. Belinda turned to see Nathaniel striding toward them. He looked good in his brown suit. She lifted her glass and took another sip of Coke.

  Nathaniel came over and greeted them both with a light kiss on the cheek. “Hi, ladies. Thanks for the invite.”

  Belinda noted Sydney’s beaming face and frowned. She thought Sydney was over her fascination with Nathaniel. Belinda kept her eye on them. For the first time in weeks, she was more interested in someone else’s life.

  The waitress returned and they ordered their meal. Nathaniel ordered the tilapia, Sydney the salmon, and Belinda chose a big, juicy burger with the works. They made small talk until their meals arrived.

  “So, Belinda, Sydney tells me you can sing. We’re in need of a lead singer.” Nathaniel gave her the benefit of his full, pearly whites, but Belinda wasn’t moved. She couldn’t go back to Second Sons and see Lance.

  “Thanks for asking, but no.”

  Nathaniel’s smile wavered for a minute, but then he asked, “Are you saying you can’t sing?”

  Belinda knew a taunt when she heard one, but she wasn’t falling for it. She gave Sydney the side-eye. “This was your idea wasn’t it? I know you mean well, but I—I’m not ready.”

  Sydney reached for Belinda’s hand. “This isn’t you. You’re not this woman who gets all twisted over a man. I’m concerned about your soul. You were making such progress with God and—”

  “—and you’ve got nothing to worry about.” Belinda looked at both of her seat partners. She opened her mouth to respond when someone caught her eye. She squinted. Was that Lance? It can’t be him. It was him. And, who was he with?

  She buried her head into her hands. Why was this happening to her? She whispered to Sydney, “Lance is here with some woman.”

  Sydney and Nathaniel turned to take a look.

  “Don’t… Don’t turn around.”

  Too late. Was he walking over here? How dare he flaunt his latest floozy at me like that? Belinda had to think fast. By the time Lance and his date reached the table, she had draped her arms around Nathaniel. She plastered a wide smile on her face and felt pleased when his lips thinned. Belinda moved her body closer to Nathaniel who gave her a look that said, “What are you doing?” She ignored him. Nathaniel wasn’t her concern. Lance was. She was going to show Lance she was fine without him.

  35

  Lance couldn’t believe his eyes. Was Nathaniel seriously sidling up with his woman? Well, she wasn’t his anymore, but Nathaniel? He narrowed his eyes when he saw Belinda grab onto Nathaniel’s arm.

  Though his mouth felt full of lead, Lance introduced his companion. “Hi, everyone, this is Cara Winston.” He lightly touched her arm. Cara smiled at him. He saw Belinda’s response and realized she wasn’t immune. Lance bit back his smile and decided to have some fun. Leaning over to whisper into Cara’s ear, he said, “That’s her. Play along.”

  Cara winked and hugged his waist. She rested her head on his shoulder. She was convincing. He ignored Belinda and directed his next comment to Sydney. “Sydney, you look amazing as usual. Motherhood agrees with you. Did you get bigger from last week?”

  “She looks divine,” Nathaniel agreed.

  Lance knew Belinda was miffed she hadn’t received any attention. He watched her play with her hair.

  “We’d better go get seated. It was nice running into you all.”

  He and Cara settled in a booth in the far back. As soon as they were seated, Lance gave her a high five. “Thanks so much, Cara. I owe you one.”

  “She’s every bit as bea
utiful as you said, Lance.”

  Lance nodded. He had to admit, though Belinda had dumped him like he was a pair of old dirty socks, his heart rejoiced at bumping into her. Seeing her in Nathaniel’s arms got to him. Lance would never put himself out there like that again.

  “Don’t you think you should just try one more time?” Cara asked. “True love is rare. You should try hold on to it, instead of playing games.”

  “I begged her to stay. She rejected me. I was a mess, and if you weren’t with me in that operating room, I could’ve...” Lance couldn’t finish the sentence. He had been so distracted and heartbroken; during a critical operation, he’d almost nicked the pulmonary artery of a father with four children. If Cara weren’t such an experienced nurse, the man could’ve died and he would’ve been in serious trouble. Lance shuddered.

  Cara reached over to squeeze his hand. Her eyes held compassion. “Don’t dwell on what didn’t happen. You said you believe in God. Be thankful. He was looking out for you.”

  Lance nodded. “God had you be my extra eyes that day. Speaking of which, you’re still coming this Saturday right?”

  “Yes, preacher man,” Cara assured him with a laugh. “I told Jonah, too. He promises to come with me, although he is on call.”

  Jonah was her husband of five years. He was also a physician. Lance had been studying the Word with the couple twice a month. They were both eager to learn more about God. He was still learning himself, but sharing God’s love and his personal testimony was rewarding.

  “I can’t wait for you to meet Noah. That was his wife, Sydney, by the way.”

  Cara glanced over at Sydney. “Oh, I didn’t know that.”

  “I was distracted and didn’t think to mention it. Sorry.” Seeing Cara’s smirk, Lance shrugged. He hated how Belinda affected him. That’s because you’re still in love with her, you idiot.

  Lance lifted his chin. He would get over Belinda. She meant nothing to him. She was history. She was stubborn, willful, spoiled...