The Real Housewives of Adverse City

by Shelia E. Bell

  Meesha tore off a paper towel, wiped her face, dried her tears, and returned to the family room. Sitting back down on the couch, she told the boys to come and sit next to her. They did as they were told, and she stretched her arms across the length of her sons in an embrace, viewing the rest of the movie with them in silence. Her mind raced in a thousand different directions. Who was this other woman that had captured the heart of the man she loved with all of her heart? Carlton had been her king and she had been his queen for a very long time, with Meesha never having had reason to doubt his loyalty and faithfulness to her and their marriage—until now.

  Meesha continued to allow her thoughts to run awry. Carlton may have wanted out but she would have to show him that it wasn’t going to be so easy to up and walk away from her. She had been playing the role of submissive wife long enough. If he thought that she was going to roll over and let him walk all over her, he had another thing coming. It was time she showed him how a real housewife plays the game.

  Chapter 26

  “Some people are like clouds; when they disappear it’s a brighter day.” Unknown

  Carlton decided that this next meeting with Breyonna would be his final meeting and it needed to take place in a private space.

  Carlton and Meesha owned two residential properties that they leased. The young couple who had been leasing one of the houses for the past two years recently relocated, so it was the perfect place to meet up with Breyonna and Peyton.

  Peyton drove up behind Carlton as he turned into the driveway of the rental home. Breyonna followed in an old black and red, beat up Chevy Malibu driven by a bearded, unkempt, crackhead looking fellow.

  Carlton pushed his remote and the garage door opened. He drove in, pushed the button to close it and then quickly got out of his car, walked up to the front door of the house and unlocked it. He entered the house and headed straight to the side door to direct the women inside.

  “By yourself,” he said forcefully to Breyonna when he saw the driver’s door open and the guy got out.

  “He’s not coming in,” she said roughly. The guy leaned against the car, reached inside his shirt pocket, and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

  Breyonna walked around the car and up toward the house. As she stepped inside, she looked around like she had just walked inside a million dollar mansion instead of a modest hundred thousand dollar home.

  “I must say, you have done quite well for yourself, Carlton,” Breyonna begrudgingly complimented.

  “I don’t need your shallow compliments,” Carlton snapped. “We’re here for business, to settle this mess you’re trying to stir up once and for all.”

  “Boy, please, I’m not the one stirring up mess. You and her are to blame for all of this. All y’all had to do was let me see my kid.”

  Peyton walked up on Breyonna. “Listen to me, if you think you’re going to waltz your little behind here in Adverse City and steal my son, you have another thing coming.” Peyton was furious. She definitely could use a stiff drink. Carlton eyed her like he could read her mind but he didn’t move.

  Breyonna laughed. “First, let me set the record straight - he is not your kid. Second, I suggest you get up outta my face or I won’t be responsible for what happens next.”

  “Look, let’s not do this. We’re here for business, not for one of your gutter fights,” Carlton told Breyonna, as he frowned. “Peyton is the only mother Liam knows, and I know you aren’t so heartless that you would destroy his future because of your selfish motives. If it’s money you need, I told you before to tell me how much, and I’ll see what I can do to tide you over until you catch a break. I have some contacts where you live who I can reach out to, maybe help you get a job.”

  “Hah, you think it’s going to be that easy? You think you can just pay me off and I’ll go away, just like that?” Breyonna popped her fingers, plopped down in a nearby chair, and laughed.

  Peyton frowned, folded her arms, and rolled her eyes up in her head. “You are nothing but a scamming, scheming, skank!”

  Breyonna kept laughing. “Oh, so it’s come to name calling now, huh? You Christian folk kill me. You’re so fake. And Carlton, a man of God? Honey, please. You want to believe that you know Carlton so well. You didn’t know him back then and you don’t know him now. Then again, hey, maybe you’ve changed.” Breyonna looked at Carlton who looked like the color had been drained from his body.

  Carlton swallowed deeply. He always felt that one day his past would catch up to him but every time he prayed, he hoped that today wouldn’t be that day. He always used to hear his father talking about this being a small world we lived in. As a kid, he never quite understood what his father was talking about. Now he knew.

  “Listen, and listen to me good. This is the last time I’m going to say this. You are nothing to Liam, Peyton. You have no rights to him whatsoever. You’ll be lucky if your behind don’t go to prison. I have a mind to let the police know that you kidnapped my boy. Then we’ll see who has the last laugh.” Next, she focused on Carlton and said, “No more secrets. It’s time to introduce our son to his real parents.”

  Chapter 27

  “It takes a fool to learn that love don’t love nobody.” The Spinners

  Avery and Eva texted back and forth for over an hour before Avery ignored Eva’s last text and called her on the phone instead. The conversation at hand had become too intense and it would take too much time for Avery to tell Eva everything she had to say. Hearing Eva admit that she was attracted to her stepson was reason for concern to Avery. If Eva crossed the line with Seth, her marriage would be over.

  Avery heard the desperation in Eva’s voice when she called.

  “What’s wrong with watching a movie and sharing a meal with him? There’s plenty of food and no one to eat it. I don’t see the harm in that,” explained Eva.

  “Girl, don’t play. It’s me you’re talking to. You are not going to tell me that Seth invited you to the guest house just to watch a movie and eat a sandwich. He’s no kid and neither are you. Do not put yourself in a position where you can be tempted to do something you might regret later.”

  Eva released a heavy sigh. “But I’m bored. I’m tired of sitting in this house alone every day.

  “What happened to joining the Women’s Outreach Ministry? You said you wanted to become more involved with church activities and from what Meesha says, the outreach ministry is really active. They go to some of the less fortunate areas and perform community service. They do a lot of activities with single moms and their kids. And as much as you love children, it could be a good outlet for you.”

  Eva sighed and paced a few steps across the hardwoods. “I forgot all about that. Maybe I’ll check it out the next time they have a meeting. But you know what I really want?”

  “Need I ask?”

  “I want my own baby. That would make me so happy.”

  Silence infiltrated the phone for a fraction of a second before Avery responded. “Look,” she said then hesitated again.

  “What?” said Eva.

  “Uhhh, who says you can’t have Harper’s kid?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “What I’m saying is, what would he do if you were to get pregnant anyway? I mean, he’ll probably be pissed for a while, but hey, he’ll get over it.”

  Eva stopped pacing, and stood completely still in the center of the family room. “But how?”

  “What do you mean how? It hasn’t been that long for you has it?” Avery snickered over the phone.

  “I mean, it’s not like we make love every night. When Harper gets home, he’s usually tired. All he wants to do is eat a little something, take a shower, and go to bed and most of the time that doesn’t include making love to me,” Eva complained. “We have sex maybe once every couple of weeks. I’m telling you, Avery, I don’t know how much longer I can take this.”

  “Listen to me. I hate that I’m suggesting you do this, but sometimes we have to take m
atters into our own hands.”

  “What are you suggesting?”

  “You want a baby. Right?”

  “Right?”

  “And you’re the one who’s going to be taking care of the child, right?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then I suggest you start making plans to pick out your nursery.”

  “I don’t follow you,” Eva replied, sounding confused.

  “Do not take another birth control pill. You follow me now?”

  Eva paused before answering. She couldn’t believe Avery was suggesting that she deceive her husband. But the more she thought about it, the more her upside down smile turned upright. Avery was right. Harper would be mad but she was sure that once he saw the beautiful child they made together, his feelings would change.

  “I follow you. But weren’t you the one who said I should respect what Harper wants and be patient, and things would change?”

  “That was then; this is now. Now it’s time you take matters into your own hands.”

  Eva paused a second or two before saying, “I’m going to do it. No more pills. Operation make-a-baby is in effect.” Eva smiled, relishing the thought of getting pregnant and having a baby by the man she loved.

  “And don’t say a word to Harper, not to anyone, that includes Peyton and Meesha. All you need is for Peyton to have one too many vodka tonics and she’ll tell all of your secrets. And Meesha, well you already know that she will quote every scripture or Bible passage she can find to convince you that what you’re doing is wrong. But it’s not wrong. You’re married to this man. You want a child. Some women take birth control pills faithfully and still wind up pregnant. You can be one of them.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Time will tell just how fertile you are,” added Avery. “So feed him when he comes home tonight and after that no matter how much he complains about being tired, you know what you have to do.”

  “Yes. I know.” Eva started laughing almost hysterically over the phone. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

  “We housewives have to stick together. Look, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. It’s time for me to go pick up the girls.”

  “And it’s almost time for me to take my girls to the spa.”

  “Yeah, you have got to get pregnant, and real soon. Those three pups you call your girls are too spoiled. I can only imagine how you’re going to spoil your kid.”

  “I love my babies.” As soon as she said it, the three canines came bolting into the family room followed by the dog walker.”

  “They’ve had their walk, Mrs. Stenberg. Is there anything else you need before I leave?” the dog walker slash college freshman asked Eva.

  “No, that’s it. Hold on just a sec please,” she told the young girl. “I’ll talk to you later, Avery. And thanks again.”

  “No problem. Buh-bye.”

  Eva ended the call and then focused her attention back on the young lady. “Let me get your money. I’ll be right back.” Eva turned to go retrieve the money from her bedroom, came back, and paid the girl.

  When the young lady left, Eva sprawled out on the chaise sofa to think about what Avery said. When the three pooches jumped up on the sofa, snuggling next to her, she smiled as she thought about the child she would soon be holding in her arms. Her thoughts took her captive so much so that she dozed off. Less than an hour later, after the dogs woke her up with their constant barking, she got up, checked the time, and then loaded them in their kennels so she could take them to their monthly overnight grooming and spa session. She loved her Yorkies like a mother loved her kids. That’s one of the reasons she knew she would make a good mother. If she could be patient, attentive, and loving to her pooches, she knew her love would be unmeasurable toward a child of her own.

  ●

  Eva headed home after dropping the dogs off at the groomer. At the traffic light, she glanced over and saw The Bake Shop, one of Harper’s favorite places to get sweets. She wasn’t gung-ho on eating a lot of sweets, but it was Harper’s weakness. Being a cardiologist, he tried to take care of himself, but sweets from The Bake Shop was one of the loves of his life, and he indulged in the delectable delights every now and then.

  When the light changed to green, Avery glanced slightly over her shoulder to see if there was a car in her blind spot before she put on her left turn signal, got over in the turn lane, and headed to The Bake Shop. Once inside, she studied the rows of beautifully decorated goodies. She decided on a dozen assorted cupcakes for her hubby and Seth to share because somewhat like his father, Seth loved to indulge in sweets, too.

  Next, she voice dialed Déjà Vu Restaurant and placed an order for another one of Harper’s favorite dishes which consisted of grilled tilapia topped with a creamy reduction of fresh lump crabmeat, crawfish and shrimp. She ordered collard greens and roasted garlic potatoes for his sides. For herself, she decided she would prepare a nice side spinach and broccoli salad when she got home. That wouldn’t take too long. She reasoned she could easily get home, chill for an hour or so, and think of the fun it was going to be seducing her husband.

  While waiting on her food order, Eva took a seat at the always busy restaurant, and again allowed her mind to think about the colors she would decorate her baby’s nursery. The bedroom at the far end of the hall was the room she decided would be the nursery. The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. For the first time in months, she actually felt happy.

  Eva thought about calling her mother who still lived in Bolivia, to ask her advice about Harper, but she decided against it. Her mother wasn’t thrilled that Eva had married him because, in her eyes, he was too old for her daughter. Her father remained neutral when it came to the decisions his children made. She would take Avery’s advice and keep her plan of deception to herself.

  ●

  Avery filed in behind the long, slow moving line of cars as they winded around and through the driveway leading up to the front of the girls’ school. She thought about the advice she’d given Eva. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t have encouraged my friend to deceive Harper. But she wants a child so badly. And I know she’ll love it with all of her soul,” Avery prayed aloud.

  Praying was not something she made a habit of doing, but she could feel her thought process gradually taking on a spiritual like transformation. She had never been the overly religious type, and hadn’t grown up in the church like Meesha. Her family life was just the opposite. Her mother was a self-proclaimed atheist and weird as it may sound, her father was a Jehovah’s Witness. How unbelievably crazy was that. Imagine the household she grew up in. There was constant fighting and warring over what Avery and her brother were going to be brought up to believe or not believe. Turns out that Avery pretty much shared her father’s beliefs while her brother leaned more toward the nonbelief of their mother. I should call and tell her not to do it, Avery thought. Then again, she had secrets, too. Secrets that could tear apart her life and the life of the man she desperately loved.

  Heather and Lexie were each led to the car by their teachers as Avery steered into the circular drive of the school pick-up area. Once inside, the girls were full of chatter about all the activities they had participated in at school that day. Both of them were involved in instrumental and choral music, ballet, and foreign languages. Lexie played violin and loved it. Heather was more excited about learning to speak Chinese and Spanish, which she was actually becoming really good at.

  Listening to her girls made Avery thankful more each day that God had spared her life. The thought of Heather and Lexie growing up without her was something she did not want to think about. She had learned from her near death experience that life was too precious. She was determined to not let anything ruin her life and deprive her from living anymore, including Ryker. Her future was bright and she would soon be with the one she loved and who loved her.

  Chapter 28

  “One of a kind love affair it is.” Unknown

  It had been two weeks since Peyt
on had talked to Breyonna or Carlton. She hadn’t gone to church for the past couple of Sundays either, afraid that Breyonna might show up there and cause a scene.

  Today, she pushed her reservations aside and drove to Perfecting Your Faith, after calling and texting Carlton for the past week, and not getting the type of response she felt she deserved, she decided it was time to talk to him face to face. Also, she didn’t like the idea of leaving a trail of phone calls for Meesha to stumble upon. Meesha didn’t seem like the type who would go through Carlton’s phone searching for trouble, but Peyton didn’t want Meesha to learn about any of this until the time was right.

  Peyton approached the receptionist counter. The name plate on the desk was “ZELMA FENTRESS, RECEPTIONIST.” Peyton told the receptionist that she needed to see Carlton Porter, that it was a personal matter of importance. Like all good gatekeepers, Mrs. Fentress advised Peyton that she would have to make an appointment through Carlton’s personal administrative assistant.

  Peyton explained further that she needed to see the pastor right away. Again, Mrs. Fentress refused Peyton.

  Peyton did not want to lose her cool. She inhaled, pursed her lips, and calmly tried convincing the older woman that she didn’t need an appointment and all Mrs. Fentress needed to do was call the pastor and tell him she was there.

  Mrs. Fentress continued insisting that Peyton make an appointment. Peyton started tapping her long polished nails on the top of the smooth surfaced counter.

  “Look, you don’t understand. This is an urgent matter. I need to speak to Carl…I mean to Pastor Porter immediately. Please, just call him.”

  Peyton didn’t know if it was divine intervention or what, but she looked up when she heard Carlton’s booming voice.

  “Remember, I want to see you at church Sunday,” Carlton said to the well-dressed woman walking along next to him.