by La Jill Hunt
The attendees greeted the couple, and Micah introduced his fiancée.
“How is your brother?” Lisa asked. “We’ve been praying for him.”
Micah looked over at her and said, “He’s still holding on.”
“That’s good. And we’ll keep praying.” She touched his arm and nodded.
“We appreciate that,” Adrienne told her.
“Make yourselves comfortable, and I’ll be right back,” Lisa said, then headed back inside to the kitchen.
“Who’s that?” Shari, Lisa’s younger sister, asked as she peeked out the window. “He’s cute.”
“Uh, he has a woman with him,” Kendra, Shari’s best friend, told her. “And based on how she’s holding on to his arm, they’re very much together.”
Lisa laughed at the two women who’d arrived the night before. She was so glad that they’d arrived to hang out for a few days and help her with the cookout. She missed spending time with them and was glad that Marcus had asked Sam to leave their house so that they could visit in peace.
“She’s right,” Lisa said. “That’s Micah Burke, Bishop Walter Burke’s son, and the woman he’s with is his fiancée.”
“Damn it. I should’ve known he was taken. He’s fine and saved. There was no way he woulda been single anyway.” Shari sighed and went back to garnishing the bowl of potato salad.
“Girl, you’re crazy,” Kendra told her. “We’re in Southern California. There are plenty of fine men around here.”
“How many single men did you invite to this little shindig of yours anyway?” Shari turned and asked.
Lisa pretended to be focused on washing her hands, hoping to avoid the question. “Kendra, did you take the baked beans out of the oven?”
“They’re not quite done yet,” Kendra told her. “They need about another ten minutes.”
“Don’t act like you didn’t hear me.” Shari walked over and stood beside Lisa.
“Can you pass me a paper towel please?” Lisa politely asked, still lathering soap on her hands.
“Uh-oh, we know what that means.” Kendra sighed. “Zero.”
“Oh, my God, you’re not about to perform surgery. Stop being so damn extra and answer my question,” Shari whined.
“Hey, don’t be mad because I’m protecting myself and my guests from foodborne illnesses. It’s called safe food handling,” Lisa replied as she took the paper towel Shari was holding out and dried her hands. “They won’t be getting no food poison from over here. And to answer your question, I did invite an eligible bachelor. Well, at least I think he’s eligible.”
“Who is it? Is he cute?” Shari asked.
“He’s handsome. Well, I think he is.” Lisa shrugged. “He’s another one of my neighbors.”
“You only invited one guy who’s single?” Shari asked.
“I told you I only invited the people in the neighborhood,” Lisa explained.
“Oh, my goodness. Okay, Kendra, we’ll definitely be hitting up some clubs this week, because my sister ain’t looking out for us at all.” Shari shook her head.
“Well, King Douglas did say he was coming back, so I already got my eye on him,” Kendra announced.
“First of all, he’s married,” Lisa reminded her. “Second, he’s too old for you.”
“No, he’s separated and has been for a while now,” Kendra said. “And age ain’t nothing but a number.”
“Separated is still married,” Lisa told her.
“I like older, mature men.” Shari winked.
“Me too. They’re experienced.” Kendra gave her a high five.
“I’m gonna need both of y’all to calm down and stop acting thirsty.” Lisa laughed. “It’s so not a good look for either one of you.”
“Don’t hate because we’re single and ready to mingle. Just because you’ve been tied down since you were a toddler doesn’t mean you have to treat us like that.” Shari pretended to be offended.
“Trust me, I ain’t hating,” Lisa told her.
“Besides, what does Scorpio have that I don’t?”
At that moment, Marcus walked in carrying a large tray of grilled meat and said, “Uh, let’s see: a modeling contract, a million dollar house up the street, a perfect body, and the face of an angel.”
“Really, Marcus?” Lisa’s head turned so fast to look at her husband that she almost got whiplash.
“She asked.” He shrugged and placed the meat on the kitchen island. “This is ready. Where are the aluminum pans?”
“Oh, my God, no. Use the serving trays, Marcus. What is wrong with you? I know you see those Sterno trays we set up on the long tables,” Lisa exhaled.
“Oh, I forgot we were fancy now. I remember a time when we would use cheap trays and aluminum foil. As a matter of fact, that’s what we used night before last when I grilled.” He looked at her from the corners of his eyes.
“And where is the new apron I bought you?” she hissed.
“What’s wrong with this one? It’s the one I always use.” He ran his hands down the grimy black-and-white checked apron he was wearing.
“It’s filthy, which is why I bought you a new one. Look at those stains.” She pointed at the smudges of soot and barbeque sauce on the front.
“You’re tripping,” he said.
“Tell her again, brother-in-law,” Shari said. “She’s acting brand new around here.”
“I’m gonna need all of y’all to shut up, and let’s get this food ready. And if you’re in here, who’s outside entertaining our guests?” Lisa asked.
“So what was I supposed to do? Leave the meat outside?” Marcus asked.
“Here.” Lisa handed him the serving trays to put the meat on and then headed back out the door, pausing long enough to say, “Don’t forget about those beans in the oven.”
“Are you sure you don’t need help with anything?” Eden offered when Lisa stepped back onto the deck.
“I’m positive. My sister and her best friend are bringing the sides out, and then everyone can eat,” Lisa told her as she arranged the plates and utensils in preparation for the food.
“Hey, Lisa, I hope you don’t mind, but I invited a guest,” Riley said.
“Who?” Eden and Peri asked at the same time. Riley ignored both of them and kept her eyes focused on Lisa, waiting for an answer.
“Sure, we have plenty of food,” Lisa told her and motioned toward Marcus, Shari, and Kendra, who were bringing more food items out. “This is my sister Shari and my friend Kendra.”
“Nice to meet you,” Shari said, placing the pan of beans on the table.
“Oh, my goodness, you’re even more beautiful in person,” Kendra said, putting down the pan of macaroni and cheese.
“Everyone says that when they meet me,” Peri gushed and batted his eyelashes.
“Shut up.” Riley playfully punched his shoulder. “Nice to meet you too and thank you.”
“Baby, can you turn down the music for a sec? And tell the boys to come over?” Lisa said to Marcus.
“Boys, come eat!” Marcus yelled out and waved toward the swimming pool.
“Uh, I thought you would’ve walked over and gotten them. I coulda yelled.” Lisa shook her head.
“My bad, baby.” Marcus shrugged, then yelled, “Make sure y’all dry off before coming over here.”
“Okay, Dad!” their oldest son yelled back, causing everyone to laugh.
After the boys joined them on the deck, Lisa asked, “Micah, would you do us the honor and bless the food?”
“Most definitely,” Micah said and got up from his seat. As soon as he rose, Adrienne grabbed his arm and walked so close to him that she nearly knocked him down.
“Clingy or nah?” Riley leaned over and whispered to Eden, loud enough for Lisa to overhear.
“Be quiet, and again, who the hell did you invite over here?” Eden whispered back.
“I thought you told me to be quiet.” Riley smirked.
“Y’all are loud,” Peri’s frie
nd April hissed.
“Let us pray,” Micah said after the music was lowered. They all held hands and bowed their heads. After he was finished, the guests formed a line behind him.
“Lisa, honey, you have truly outdone yourself with this spread,” Peri commented as Lisa began uncovering items on the table.
She had been cooking nonstop for the past two days, and her menu was extensive. There was a variety of everything: mac and cheese, corn on the cob, beans, salads, cole slaw, ribs, fish, burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken and shrimp skewers, chips, dip, and several desserts.
“This is downright indulgent,” Adrienne said.
“And I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.” Riley laughed as she piled food on her plate.
“Me too.” Micah turned around and smiled back at her.
Noticing the slight frown on Adrienne’s face, Lisa grinned nervously and said, “Please, eat up. There’s plenty.”
Marcus turned the music back up, and the sounds of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly blasted from the surround-sound speakers. He walked over to where Lisa was standing at the end of the table and put his arm around her. “You did good, baby. Even with your fancy-ass trays. Everyone is enjoying it.”
Lisa leaned against him and said, “We did good, even with that dirty apron you got on.”
Everything was just as she hoped it would be. Her guests were laughing and talking, enjoying one another, and most of all, enjoying the food she’d made. Her sons had made a new friend. It finally felt like home. Lisa made herself and Marcus plates, and they sat down and joined everyone else. The conversation quickly turned to the fire.
“I heard the police have started an investigation. They think it may have been arson,” Peri told them.
“You think someone burned King Douglas’s house down on purpose? Why?” Eden asked.
“It was his and Scorpio’s house, remember? Although she doesn’t live there. But they both got them crazy fans,” Peri replied.
“But people couldn’t have known they live out here. Hell, until this happened, I doubted if anyone even knew this neighborhood was back here. It had to be an inside job,” Marcus said.
“Nah, King wouldn’t have burned his own house down. Besides, he wasn’t even in town that night. It had to be someone else, and that’s even if the fire was set intentionally,” Lisa said.
“I heard they’re looking for some woman. So it had to be one of his fans,” Riley said.
“So, he ain’t got male fans?” Peri teased.
“Fine, a man in a wig who looked like a woman.” Riley shrugged. “Or Scorpio could just be lying. All of the neighbors were outside that night as soon as that fire happened, and I didn’t see anyone else.”
“So where is the single dude?” Shari leaned over and asked Lisa, who was sitting beside her.
“I guess he decided not to show,” Lisa told her.
“What single dude?” Marcus asked a little too loudly. Now everyone was looking at Lisa, waiting for her answer.
“Uh, Jonah. His house is at the end of the cul de sac,” Lisa said.
“The weird white guy?” Riley asked.
“The dog whisperer.” Peri nodded.
“Wait, you ain’t tell me he was white, Lisa. And you know I don’t do dogs.” Shari said, putting down the rib she was holding.
“Or white boys,” Kendra added. “No offense, Peri.”
“None taken.” Peri winked at her.
“Hold up. Y’all acting like I was trying to hook you up with him or something. I invited him to eat, the same way I invited everyone else,” Lisa told her. “This ain’t Love Connection.”
“Trust me, you wouldn’t want to be connected to him anyway, boo,” Peri offered. “He hardly ever leaves his house.”
“He seemed nice when I went over there,” Lisa told them.
“Yeah, I’ve talked to him before, and he does seem cool.” Micah nodded.
“Maybe he’ll come later.” Marcus shrugged.
“Well, he’d better hurry, because this macaroni and cheese is about to be gone.” Riley laughed. “I need to get me some more of that.”
“Me too.” Micah stood up.
“I’ll get it for you,” Adrienne told him and grabbed his plate. Seeing how everyone was staring, she quickly added, “I want some more myself and that potato salad.”
“Lisa, we have gotta chat, honey. I’m serious when I tell you I can use you and your culinary skills. I’m always looking for a great caterer,” Peri said.
“I would love to chat with you about that,” Lisa said, flattered by his offer.
“Yes, and she has a staff that can help,” Shari told him and pointed at herself and Kendra.
“I thought y’all were here to party and meet guys, not work,” Marcus commented.
“We can do both,” Kendra told him. “And she can pay me in peach cobbler.”
“Oh, snap. I forgot the cobbler,” Lisa said, standing up. “I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll help,” Marcus offered and followed her back inside. Once they were in the kitchen, he asked, “Baby, what are you doing?”
“Getting the cobbler.” She looked at him strangely, wondering what he was referring to. “Can you grab that whipped cream out of the fridge?”
“That’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Well, what then?” she asked.
“You telling Peri you were interested in catering, that’s what.”
“I am interested. You know how much I love to cook, Marcus, and bake.”
“You can cook and bake for your family. You don’t need to be working for nobody else,” Marcus said. “We got money. You don’t need a job.”
“This isn’t about money, Marcus.” Lisa sprinkled cinnamon on the cobbler that she’d just removed from the holding oven. “It’s about doing what I love.”
“You love your family. What about us? We planned on traveling with the boys this summer when they got out of school. And we still haven’t finished getting settled in our house.”
“We can still do that. Calm down, Marcus. It’s not like I said I’d start working for Peri tomorrow. I said I would talk to him.” She sighed.
“But I know you, Lisa. You’ll talk to him, and the next thing you know you’ll be cooking for baby showers and baking wedding cakes. And then when are you gonna have time for the new baby?” Marcus asked.
“New baby? What new baby?” Lisa almost laughed until she saw her husband was serious.
“I told you I wanted us to have another baby,” he replied, looking both hurt and confused.
Lisa didn’t know how to respond. The last thing she wanted to do was argue with her husband, especially with a yard full of guests on their deck. She picked up the cobbler and said, “Marcus, we can talk about this later, okay?”
“About what? The baby or the catering?”
“Both,” she said, relieved when his eyes softened and he smiled at her. “Now grab the whipped cream so we can get back out and have fun with everyone else.”
“I’m right behind you, boo.” He leaned over and kissed her. “There better be some mac and cheese left out there, too, because I want some more.”
“Then you’d better hurry up.” She smiled.
“If it ain’t, then you’d better get ready to whip me up another pan later tonight, naked.” He winked.
“Lord, please let it all be gone.” Lisa looked up and pretended to pray as they walked back out the door.
“Well, well, well, looks like I got here just in time,” a voice called out from the side of the house.
Lisa stopped so fast that she almost dropped the cobbler. Her mouth dropped open, and she stared, hoping she was imagining things.
“What’s wrong?” Marcus asked, then turned his head in the direction she was looking.
“Baby, you made it,” Riley yelled and swiftly walked past them, then ran and gave their unexpected guest a hug and a kiss.
Sam lifted her off her feet and said, “I told you
I’d be here, beautiful. I wouldn’t have missed seeing you for the world.”
“Oh, shit,” Marcus mumbled.
“Everyone, this is my date, Sam,” Riley announced, pulling Sam by the hand.
Kendra stood and rushed toward the house. Shari followed. Everyone else stared at Riley and Sam as they walked hand in hand. Lisa didn’t move. She couldn’t move. She stood in place, her entire body shaking with anger. Marcus had assured her that Sam was gone and they wouldn’t have to deal with him. Now here he was in their backyard.
“What’s up, people? What’s good, Marcus?” Sam grinned at them. Then, releasing Riley’s hand, he walked over and said, “Let me help you with that, sis-in-law.”
“What are you doing here, Sam?” Marcus demanded, taking the cobbler from her hands.
“I told you I invited him,” Riley answered and then said, “I didn’t think it would be a problem. Especially since he might be moving into Harrington Point soon.”
“What?” Lisa snapped.
“That’s right. I put a bid on the house up the street.” Sam grinned. “We’re about to be neighbors.”
Chapter 23
Malachi Burke
“Hi, Mr. Burke. I’m Xandria, and I’m gonna be your nurse tonight,” Xandria Carter said softly as she entered the hospital room. She scrolled through his chart on an iPad and familiarized herself with his case. Then, placing it down, she walked over to the sink and washed her hands. As she pulled on a pair of latex gloves, she walked over to his bed and told him, “You are the talk of the ICU, that’s for sure. I thought I was gonna have to give a blood sample and a polygraph before they let me in here to check on you. That security they got posted up at the door ain’t no joke, but I hear they are nothing compared to your mother.”
Malachi Burke was her first patient after being off for nearly two weeks. She heard about him as soon as he was admitted into the intensive care unit where she had worked for the past two years. For days since he had been there, her coworkers had been texting her nonstop about the son of Bishop Walter Burke and the chaos he was causing: hospital security, personal security, media calling for information and trying to sneak in to take pictures. None of that mattered to Xandria. Her only concern was the care of her patient, who was now lying in a coma and had been for the past week since being in a fire. He was intubated and on a ventilator, but according to his chart, the doctors had slowly been weaning him off the sedatives. He should have regained consciousness a few days ago, yet he hadn’t.
