“I have no desire to show the world my abilities. Joel was the one I wanted to please. In my culture, there is no failure worse than divorce. I will be shunned and disowned.”
“All the more reason for you to stay in the States. People get married and divorced like buying shoes here.” People find the perfect pair of shoes, fall in love with it, can’t live without it. They take the shoes home, wear the pair everywhere all the time. One day, out of nowhere, the shoes don’t fit anymore, don’t look as good, and get replaced with the next great love. People survived. Tamara was confident Zarah could too.
“That is disturbing.”
“Tell me about it, but at least you’re not doomed if you do end up divorced. Trust me, divorce is not ideal for anyone.” Speaking as a child of divorced parents, she’d experienced the trauma firsthand, but there was recovery. The past two days with her mother, small doses each day, were confirmation. Zarah could have the same chance at fulfillment. “Like I said, you should buy Harmonious Energy. Don will sell it to you for a good price so long as you’re willing to cut an equitable deal for the return of DMI’s West Coast division.” Tamara was no longer interested in securing the company as an independent. She would trust Don with incorporating the division into DMI and allowing her to assume the lesser role of running the division. Clawing with him for the CEO position wasn’t necessary. It wasn’t a job she desired anyway. He did want it and she knew it should be his free and clear.
“I’m not interested in the division or the company if Joel isn’t here.”
This wasn’t the perspective Tamara wanted to hear, but she respected Zarah as a grown woman capable of making decisions, right or wrong. “Let me be honest with you: unless you take a stand, you’re going to end up depressed and dead.”
“Dead isn’t a concept we believe in.”
“Dead, asleep, reincarnated, or whatever. I’m not trying to demean your religion, but the fact is that you are only going to stay on this earth for a limited number of years. Unless you take charge,” Tamara said, pointing toward Zarah, “your remaining years will be short. Tap into your strength. That’s all I’m saying, and trust me, Joel won’t be sitting around pining over you. He’ll be in Chicago doing what he wants. The best way to get rid of the shame associated with your so-called failure is to succeed. Once you are successfully running your father’s company, you will have enough clout to stay here or return home—your choice. So get your behind out of this house and get about the business of living. By golly, I’m demanding it.” Zarah seemed stunned. “No, I’m joking. I can’t tell you what to do or demand anything. Consider me a friend, and I’ll help you as much as I can.”
“I see what you say is true. I shall consider purchasing Harmonious Energy to honor my father’s name. It is my duty if I have no husband,” she said, gloomy.
Tamara stood to leave. Zarah wasn’t the hugging type, which was good. When Zarah rested her palms on Tamara’s and shook them vigorously, the hint of a smile showed. Tamara was relieved.
“Excuse me,” Zarah said, “I believe my sickness hasn’t gone.” She rushed from the room with her mouth covered.
When she returned Tamara asked, “How long did you say you’ve been sick?”
“Three weeks, not every day, but many days.”
“You should go to the doctor, just in case it’s something more serious.”
“My husband said I should go as well.”
Tamara could detect the softening in Zarah’s tone and jumped in to keep her from retreating into self-pity about Joel. “Tomorrow you call, today we go have fun,” Tamara said and clapped her hands like a cymbal. She was extra jovial to give Zarah an emotional boost.
“Yes, I shall phone my doctor tomorrow and today we go. Thank you, Tamara, for being my friend. I am pleased,” she managed to say before running off to the bathroom again. Whatever bug she had, Tamara sure didn’t want it. Discreetly she searched for hand sanitizer while Zarah was gone. She didn’t mind being a friend for life, but unto death was extreme.
chapter
59
Zarah, Dr. Cooper’s office is on the phone. They’d like to speak with you,” the housekeeper came to tell her. Tamara had suggested, during her visit yesterday, that Zarah see the doctor since her sickness seemed to be lingering. She’d left a message earlier and was pleased to get a call back rather quickly.
“Yes, Dr. Cooper, this is Zarah.”
“Thank you for calling. I’m definitely concerned that you might be getting dehydrated again. Since you’re recovering nicely, I’d like to have you come in for a thorough exam. How soon can you come in?”
“I can come without delay.”
“Great, Zarah. I also have to ask . . . This may seem awkward, but have you considered that you might be pregnant? Morning sickness is quite normal during the first trimester. If you don’t mind, I’ll have you take the test when you come in.”
“Yes, indeed.” Zarah was mesmerized. To dream of pregnancy was too much. She couldn’t allow herself to be too anxious. The disappointment of thinking she was pregnant and finding out she wasn’t would be the death of her for certain. She’d wait for the doctor to perform proper tests. Her destiny could wait a few hours for confirmation.
chapter
60
The weekend in Chicago ushered in a calm Joel hadn’t felt in months, really almost a year. The nonstop finagling and scheming had taken a toll. He was fatigued. The sights along Grant Park, in the heart of downtown Chicago, allowed his mind to wander, no pressure, no obligations, to his father, to his family, to DMI, or to Zarah. He was free to explore the man he wanted to be, not the one his father had chosen him to be. Joel relaxed in the solace of the early autumn sky, pleased that the sun wasn’t too hot or too cold, just right. So would his refurbished life be as well.
The phone buzzed in Joel’s pocket.
He was reluctant to sacrifice the tranquillity of the moment and opted not to answer the call. Another minute swept by and the phone buzzed again. Curiosity got the best of him and he glanced at the inbound call. It was his home number. Must be the housekeeper, he figured. By now, Zarah and Musar were either in India or well on their way.
He answered the call. “Joel speaking.”
“Joel, I have important news to share,” Zarah said. He hadn’t heard this kind of zest in her voice since their three days of wedding festivities took place in India about five months ago. She sounded like a different person. The split was proving to be as much in her best interest as it was in his. “Joel, you must know that I’m pregnant. We are having our first baby. The gods have shown me mercy.”
“What did you say?”
“The gods have blessed us with a child.”
Joel wanted to drop to the ground and wallow. His shock kept him vertical. He was beyond stunned. He didn’t have a response, but the anxiety burning within expressed his sentiments wholeheartedly. Worst luck in the world, he thought. What were the odds? Fewer than five intimate moments in five months and he’d created the title of Dad. Joel was disgusted.
“How do you know that you’re pregnant?” He wasn’t going to get alarmed before there was a fire. Joel intended to get the accurate, thorough details before reacting. Zarah was so desperate to remain his wife. He wouldn’t have been shocked to find out that she’d made up the story to get his attention. Their marriage was over and she’d have to accept the truth and not make outlandish, life-altering claims.
“Dr. Cooper ran the tests. I am six weeks along.”
Joel was clinging to the belief that Zarah was exaggerating out of desperation, not manipulation. His belief was fading quickly. The certainty was clanging deep within. He sensed she was telling the truth and his wish for hope sank. The Chicago air seemed to tighten around his throat and choke the freedom from him.
Six weeks ago, he guessed, was the night his fate veered off course. Right before her breakdown, he’d felt sorry for her and comforted her as only a husband could. So much for pity; who was go
ing to comfort him now?
“When will you be home?”
When he’d set the Lamborghini on I-94 heading west to the Windy City, both his address and his concept of home changed. The Zarah Bengali chapter in his life was complete. With her crushing news, he had to reassess what home meant and where it fit into his life. He had been blessed to grow up with his father in the home, a gift every child deserved. On the other hand, Don grew up without their father living in his home. They had still been able to maintain a rapport. Maybe Joel’s options weren’t as limited as he initially believed. He’d have to work out a plan.
“I’m not sure when I’ll be there, but I am coming soon. We need to talk about our future.” The baby’s future was the only one of concern for him, but she didn’t need the extra commentary. She’d find out how he wanted to proceed soon enough, about the same time as he found out. “Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and fluids. I’ll see you soon.”
“Yes, I’m pleased. I look forward to your arrival.”
Joel let the dialogue linger. This day would forever be etched in his memory: the day when the decisions of his past overtook him and beat down the hopes of his future. He limped to the car, letting the final remnants of freedom ring, not sure what tomorrow was going to hold. Zarah had prayed to her gods. Perhaps the time had come for him to pray to his. It wasn’t like he could get himself out of this. He wasn’t asking God to make Zarah un-pregnant. Asking for direction and guidance would be the core of his prayer. No one else could help him come to terms with his bind. He’d begin his prayer as soon as he was inside his car. God didn’t need the extra time; Joel did.
MAKES YOU GO HMMM!
Now that you have read Broken, consider the following discussion questions.
1. Tamara is the oldest living child of Dave and Madeline Mitchell. Estranged from her family, she’s been gone for nearly fifteen years. Do you think her unexpected return was a plus or a minus for the family?
2. Did Madeline make the right decision when she left Detroit and DMI so that Tamara could come home? Was Tamara selfish in wanting her mother to go, or was she justified in wanting the space to make her reentry into a dysfunctional family environment?
3. Madeline and Tamara seem to be making amends, albeit slowly. Considering the years of separation and the horrific memories, do you think Tamara and Madeline can truly reconcile? What will be the most critical factor? Can Madeline and Tamara work together at DMI?
4. What do you suspect Joel will do now that Zarah has informed him about the baby? Will he stay in Chicago to sort out his feelings and options? Will he proceed with the divorce anyway, or will he opt to stick out the marriage for three years and then be eligible to buy back the DMI West Coast division? Will Joel give up Sheba? (Note: For more insight into their “undefined” relationship, read 1 Kings, chapter 10, concerning the biblical drama surrounding the Queen of Sheba’s visit to King Solomon.)
5. Now that Zarah is carrying Joel’s child and holding ownership of the DMI division that Joel wants, how do you think she will use the situation? Is she a business threat to Joel, Don, or DMI? Will Tamara influence her?
6. If Joel does decide to return to Detroit and to his marriage, will he also make another attempt to wrest control of DMI from Don?
7. Thanks to a nudge from Tamara, Abigail finally became fed up with being second best in the Mitchell men’s lives. Was Tamara correct in saying that there will always be a Mitchell standing between Abigail and the lead position in DMI? Do you think Abigail will really leave DMI in the end? Can she truly walk away from Don and/or Joel?
8. Where do you see the relationship with Naledi and Don going? Is he truly free of his feelings for Abigail?
9. What role in the company does Tamara deserve? Does Don need to worry about her? Will Don ever be at peace with managing the company, or will another attack or takeover by members of the Mitchell family always be looming?
10. Uncle Frank is a very colorful character and quite consistent. As of now, he’s been retained to deal with Remo. On the outside chance that Uncle Frank is unsuccessful, do you believe Remo will end up back in Detroit for Madeline to handle directly, or elsewhere in the world posing a constant threat to the Mitchell family?
11. If Madeline returns, will Sherry stay? Can Sherry, Madeline, and Tamara all work together? Will Madeline or Sherry ever remarry?
12. What message was Big Mama, Mother Walker, conveying to Don for Joel?
13. The Chosen series is loosely based on King David’s character and the family drama surrounding him. A mighty Biblical warrior, King David had God’s favor and a distinct purpose, but his life was not free of mistakes, sin, and tragedy. Yet he is remembered not for his shortcomings, but for his love for God and his ability to forgive and forget. What’s the difference between forgiving and forgetting? (Note: Does forgetting mean wiping away the memory of the offense or does it mean letting go of the hurt, anger, bitterness, rejection, guilt, etc., that was felt/experienced when the offense occurred? See chapters 46 and 47 for Don’s perspective.)
14. Who benefits most from forgiveness, the offender or the person offended? Forgiveness is liberating; it enabled Tamara to begin letting go of her lingering anger and pain. Is there anyone you need to forgive in order to move forward? What’s stopping you?
Acknowledgments
Thank you to my readers. You are the reason God has me do what I do. I hope Broken encourages you to use your talents, discover your purpose, and embrace the message of forgiveness. May you be inspired to use your life to the glory of God and serve as a blessing to others. Much love to each of you.
Thanks to all my family (Haley, Glass, Tennin, Rome, and Moorman) for the constant support, including my tall, dark, and handsome husband, Jeffrey, an amazing daughter, brothers, friends, Little Sis, and an extended circle of loved ones. As always, I honor the memories of my father, “Fred,” beloved brother Erick, and father-in-law, Walter.
The hardest part about writing my books is completing the acknowledgments section. I am blessed with such incredible support, so it’s easy to inadvertently leave someone out. I wish I could call everyone by name, but I will fall short. So, with much love, I say thank you to my entire group of supporters, those who constantly cheer me on. You know who you are. May the Lord bless you abundantly in return.
With a grateful spirit, there are some that I must highlight because they’ve been a gift to me. My advance readers get applause for consistently providing feedback that makes my stories stronger: Jeffrey, Emma (John), Laurel, Dorothy, Tammy, Aunt Ada, and Renee. Special thanks to my agent, to the Simon & Schuster team, to many book clubs, media, and booksellers. I give a loving shout-out to Myrt Yarbrough as she retires; thank you for giving me my first big push in Waldenbooks during my self-publishing days. A special thank-you to Shirley Brock-enborough, Maleta Wilson, David Almack-CLC, Marlene Bagnull, and Sirius Web Solutions. Thank you to my Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sisters, especially the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates (IL), Valley Forge (PA), Rockford (IL), Chester (PA), Milwaukee (WI), and Louisville (KY) Alumnae Chapters, Omicron Chi Chapter (Stanford), and the 2011 Midwest Regional conference committee. Many book clubs and ministries have shown me much love, but I have to personally thank a few who have blessed me tremendously with years of support: First African–Sharon Hill, Circle of Hope–Jones Memorial, Women of Wisdom–Bethany Baptist, Women of Character (FL), Sistas Empowered and Making a Difference (DE), Enoch-Pratt Library (Shirley), and Rockford Public Library (Faye and Staci). Much continued success to LAABP (Carmen Steward). Lastly, I greatly appreciate the ongoing prayers from my New Covenant (Trappe, PA) and Beulah Grove (GA) church families. Only God can return to you what you’ve given me.
P.S. Happy fiftieth birthday to my husband, Jeffrey Glass, who is my best friend and the love of my life. Happy seventieth birthday to my beloved mother and hero, Fannie Haley Rome. Happy fortieth to cousin Eugene James. Many continued blessings to Uncle James Tennin, Aunt Lela Haley Dockery, and Uncle
Jim Haley for being in the “eighty-five years old and over club.” Happy twentieth wedding anniversary to my cousins Will and Kimberla Lawson Roby. Congratulations to Adetutu Bakare, Bradley Wright, and my cousins Matthew Tennin and Bethany Tenner on their college graduations.
Author’s Note
Dear Readers:
Thank you for reading Broken. I hope you found the story entertaining. Look for other novels in the Chosen series.
Please join my mailing list, drop me a note, or post a message on my website. I look forward to hearing from you. You can also join me on Facebook (Patricia Haley-Glass).
As always, thank you for the support. Keep reading, and be blessed.
www.patriciahaley.com
Also by Patricia Haley
Chosen
Destined
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Still Waters
No Regrets
Blind Faith
Nobody’s Perfect
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