The McCoys of Holy Rock
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The McCoys of Holy Rock
Shelia E. Bell
© 2017 Shelia E. Bell
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to www.smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced mechanically, electronically, or by any other means without prior consent of the publisher, except brief quotes used in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people living or dead, or to real locales are intended are to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is purely coincidental
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Other Books by Shelia E. Bell
(Some titles written under Shelia E. Lipsey)
The Adverse City Chronicles Series
The Real Housewives of Adverse City
The Real Housewives of Adverse City 2
Beautiful Ugly Series
True Beauty (Book 2)
Beautiful Ugly (Book 1)
My Son’s Wife Series
My Wife My Baby…And Him (5)
My Sister My Momma My Wife (Book 4)
My Son’s Next Wife (Book 3)
My Son’s Ex-Wife: The Aftermath (Book 2)
My Son’s Wife (Book 1)
Stand Alone Books
What’s Blood Got To Do With It?
House of Cars (YA)
Sinsatiable
Into Each Life
Always, Now and Forever Love Hurts
Show A Little Love (out of Print)
Anthologies
Bended Knees – Against the Grain
Weary And Will – A Purpose Realized
Non-fiction
A Christian’s Perspective – Journey through Grief
AVAILABLE IN PRINT AND DIGITAL FORMAT
What Others Say About books by Shelia E. Bell
“Shelia E. Lipsey is one of the few authors who sets my heart to blaze with her writing. Her writing is intense, complex, unforgettable and most of all, needed in the world today. Shelia's novels have everything Christian fiction novels need: brilliant plots, timely conversations, and faith building passages! Keep your eyes on Shelia E. Lipsey...she is definitely a legend in the making.” --- Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations. Publisher of Black Pearls Magazine. Based on novels Beautiful Ugly and My Son's Wife
By Sherri Gregory March 27, 2016 “The Real Housewives of Adverse City)
Shelia, you have done it again, your writing style, storyline and great details as always is above and beyond . From page one to the end, I was talking to myself and turning the page to see what are they going to do next? I got into each character individually and as couples, the drama and life situations are here and there is a lot! Everybody has a separate journey, and I can't wait to see how they handle this. Shelia, please come on with the next book. I can't give anything away (as bad as I want to, especially Pastor Carlton Porter- he is all over the place and he is spreading more than the gospel around). but I can tell you this please get your copy, I'm telling everybody I know this is a must read, you will enjoy.
The Life of Payne by Shelia E. Bell This book was clearly a tall tale of struggle, Payne and how much can one endure the hardships from as close as a family member as your mother. No matter what the main character did to earn her love, he still was pushed away. Sadly, this fictional story is all to real for many individuals that have family members that are addicted to drugs or just blatantly lost their way. Shelia Bell knows how to flesh out the most from her characters so that she can deliver the best to her readers. Superb job, looking forward to reading more from this author. Amazon Reviewed by Michael D. Beckford, Author of "Little Black Bird"
Dedication
To all the literary supporters who have made this series of characters come alive and stay alive, forcing me to keep moving in my God given talents and gifts.
Acknowledgements
This is dedicated to the ones I love, the ones who continue to push me to do what I have been called to do. I thank God for blessing me with the gift to imagine. I thank Him for motivating me to keep going even when I have tried to talk myself out of doing what I know I have been chosen to do, which is write. I thank Him for placing the right people along my path and removing the wrong people out of my way so I can keep pressing forward. I am eternally grateful to each reader, to every bookclub that supports my work. I’m always thankful and grateful to my family and friends. Thank you Lacricia for never saying no when it comes to editing my work. Thank you to Regina Dobbins because she is my Robinette and the best beta reader around. I can go on and on but I will stop now so you can get to reading about “The McCoys of Holy Rock!” They are about to set the church on fire!
Love y’all so much
Shelia E. Bell
Table of Contents
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Words from the Author
More Titles by Shelia Bell
The sign outside of Holy Rock
1
“There are three things in life...not worrying what they are, not caring what others may think they are, and enjoying the wonder of what they might be.” Tom Althouse
Senior Pastor Hezekiah McCoy and First Lady Fancy McCoy relaxed in first class on their return flight from Paris, France. It was the third extravagant trip they’d taken in the past year. Before Paris, the couple enjoyed a twelve-day Alaskan cruise, and before that, they joined a pastor and wife from another church on a trip to Cozumel, Mexico.
“Can you believe that changing our identity has never come back to bite us? I mean it’s approaching five years since we relocated to Memphis, and we haven’t had a single issue. I felt a little shaky when we applied for our passports, but bingo, no problem at all,” Fancy smiled and squeezed her husband’s hand.
“Look, Fancy, no need to bring that up,” Hezekiah said in a soft tone to assure that the passengers around him couldn’t hear him. “That’s why I shelled out plenty of money for our new identities. I’m just glad we had cash stashed away so that when we got out of prison we could afford to get the best of the best. Dude covered all the bases for us.”
“You’re right. I mean from new birth certificates, social security cards, passports, the whole nine yards. It’s like we entered into a witness protection program because our past has been totally eradicated.” Fancy laughed lightly.
“Like they say, you get what you pay for. And for us, it gave us a new chance at life.” This time Hezekiah squeezed Fancy’s hand and kissed her on her right temple.
“Yeah, the price wasn’t cheap; it left us with nothing, but for us to become Hezekiah and Fancy McCoy, it was worth it. And the boys, well, I’m glad we were able to legally ch
ange their last names instead of having to do it the way that we did ours.”
“Fa sho, baby. Fa sho.”
Fancy leaned over in the plush first class seat, resting her head on Hezekiah’s shoulder. “Baby, do you think we travel too much?"
Hezekiah looked at his wife, shook his head and sighed. "Okay, now where is this coming from? You always have to have something to worry about, Fancy. What would make you say something like that?"
"I don't know. I was just thinking. I mean, I know you’re the senior pastor at Holy Rock, but before we left for Paris, I heard grumblings from some of the members.”
“Grumbling? What kind of grumbling, and from who?”
“Some of the members have been talking about how much time you spend away from the church and the pulpit.”
Hezekiah eased around, readjusted himself in the seat and looked into his wife’s eyes. “I don’t care what anybody says. Let them come to me with that bull and I’ll set ‘em straight. I’ve been the senior pastor of Holy Rock for two years. Before that, I was the associate pastor. You, of all people, know that I’ve given my all to that church, and so have you. I won’t let anyone make me feel guilty about indulging my wife or my family. You hear me?”
“I’m just saying. I don’t want a lot of unnecessary drama started. Don’t get me wrong; I love the way you spoil me with all of these exquisite trips. I love the jewelry you lavish on me too,” she said as she looked on her wrist at the expensive diamond encrusted timepiece. “But I don’t want folks looking upside my head like they have a problem with the blessed life God has allowed us to live.”
“Look, I may not rake in the millions like some of those pastors on television, at least not yet,” Hezekiah smiled, “but Holy Rock treats me nice, real nice. You know what I mean?”
“Yes, baby, I know exactly what you mean.”
“And hey, the church membership has grown almost triple since I became the senior pastor, so there’s no need to worry your pretty little self about a thing. Remember, you were worried when we moved out of the house Stiles turned over to us when he left Holy Rock. But what did I tell you about that?”
“You said we deserved to have our own and not something already lived in.”
“Exactly. Now don’t get me wrong, it was a blessing when we were able to move from a cramped apartment and into that house, but it’s nothing like choosing our own. And the icing on the cake is that the church pays for it all without us having to do anything wrong.”
Fancy shifted her head slightly and then said, “You’re right. It’s just that you know how some folks can be, baby. That’s all I’m saying.”
“And like I said, I’ll handle anyone who tries to stir up mess. We’re going to enjoy our lives as much as we can and as often as we can. So enough of that talk. Now what about the boys. Have you talked to them?”
“Yes, I called them before we boarded the plane. They're fine. Khalil was actually at church when we talked, which nowadays is the norm for him, praise God. He was going over the plans for the senior youth participation in Jubilee. I can’t believe it’s just two weeks away."
"Neither can I. How did he say that's coming along?"
"He says everything is going according to plan," Fancy responded. "And if that's what he says, then that's what I believe. He's committed to what he does. Who would have thought that he would come out of that juvenile detention center a totally changed young man. No more drugs. Can you believe God delivered our son from heroin and coke? Baby, it's a blessing."
"Yes, God is a good God. And our youngest? I assume Xavier was somewhere with his head buried in an African American history book of some sort, huh or on that game?" Hezekiah remarked, his thick lips upturned slightly to form a smile.
"You know it. He said he was at home reading a book called “Eyes Off The Prize.” At least, I think that's what he said it was called. Something about the United Nations and the African American struggle. Later he and Raymone are supposed to be going to the movies."
Hezekiah's chest seemed to poke out a little, listening to Fancy talk about their two sons. His oldest son, Khalil’s life had taken a total turn for the better after he was released from a boys' juvenile detention center in Chicago. Initially, when it was time for his release, he was dead set against moving to Memphis with his parents, but when his maternal grandmother suffered a heart attack, he had no choice. In order to be released he had to have someone sign papers stating that he would live with them and that person or persons would be primarily responsible for him. Fancy's father, the boys' grandpa, told Fancy and Hezekiah that a troubled young adult living in the house would be too much on his ailing wife, especially with Khalil's drug abuse and criminal history. So, he really had no choice and within days after his release, he relocated to Memphis where he began to flourish. He spent a majority of his time at Holy Rock working with youth and young adults, much like his mother used to do at the church.
Hezekiah saw the positive change in his son and he was grateful. Khalil seemed to love the church, and it didn’t take long for Hezekiah to appoint him as the Youth Ministries Director. The young man loved his new role and proved to be quite good at it. He thrived beyond Hezekiah and Fancy's wildest imagination. It was definitely an answered prayer.
Their youngest son, Xavier, who had never given them a moment's trouble a day in his life, was still the same Xavier; smart as a whip and enthralled in learning all about the struggles, history, and religion of African Americans. He had an insatiable love for gaming, too. Unlike his brother, who changed girlfriends like he changed underwear, seventeen year old Xavier was more of a loner. He was quiet and reserved and other than hanging out with his best friend, Raymone, he kept to himself.
Overall, life for the McCoys was pretty darned good, which was why Hezekiah didn't want anything tarnishing what he had built for himself and his family. He would address Fancy's concerns about meddling, gossiping church folk as soon as he got home. That was for sure.
2
In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage. Robert Anderson
Rena gathered the last few items of clothing and toiletries and placed them in her carry-on luggage bag while Robert stood in the doorway, his arms crossed, and a deep furrow on his brow. His bearded face revealed it had been some time since he shaved, something he used to be obsessed with doing. Lately, things had been on shaky ground for him and Rena.
"So how long are you going to be gone this time?"
"What do you mean by that?" A deep wrinkle stretched across her own brow as she spoke. Her voice escalating in an unpleasant tone, she continued. "Look, I don't know what you're insinuating, but the last I checked I was not your slave, Robert. I'm your wife. So get over the attitude already."
"Attitude? I wouldn't call it that. I'm just sick of you running to Memphis to that dang church every time you hear about something going on there. What is it about that place, Rena? You would think that after five years together and four kids that you would be over dude."
"Is that what you think this is about? Or should I say is that who you think this is about? Stiles? Get over it, Robert. It's Holy Rock’s fortieth Jubilee, and I don't see one reason why I shouldn't be able to go to Memphis with my parents to celebrate it without you making a stink over it. Mom and Dad aren’t getting any younger, you know, and I don’t see why you have a problem with me traveling with them."
"Have it your way," Robert shrugged his shoulders, turned around, and walked away.
"Uhhhh," Rena said aloud.
Her text notification sounded, temporarily distracting her from what had just happened between her and Robert.
"You ready sweetheart?" her mother texted.
"Yes, you and dad otw?"
" be there shortly."
"K. See you in a few," Rena replied.
"Bye," her mother responded.
Rena finished the last of her packing and then hurr
ied to the family room to tell the kids goodbye. She was determined not to let Robert dampen her mood or rob her of her joy. She parked her luggage at the front door then went to the family room where she saw the kids piled up on the sofa watching a movie on Netflix.
"Make room for Mommy," she told one of the kids.
Rena looked at the faces of each of her four kids. Two though she hadn't given birth to, were just as much hers as the twins who she conceived with Robert. They were the four reasons she continued to fight for her marriage to survive. Granted, lately she may not have been fighting as hard as she probably could have, but nonetheless she was in the fight to win.
For the past year, she and Robert's relationship seemed to hit one brick wall after another. Rena didn't know if it was the routine of their relationship, their up and down financial situation, or if it was the fact that she felt like Robert's feelings had changed somewhere along the way. Initially, when she noticed the change in him, she thought it had to be another woman but she soon dismissed that thought. Robert was not the cheating kind. At least Rena didn't believe that he was.
The fact that he was so upset that she was going to Memphis for the weekend with her parents was almost too much for her to take. She wouldn’t describe Robert as a jealous man, but ever since she and Robert met and fell in love, Stiles had been the thorn in Robert's side. Robert told Rena and her parents on numerous occasions throughout the years that Rena had never gotten over her feelings for her ex. Rena couldn't understand that thought process because as far as she was concerned, Stiles was nothing but a distant memory from a painful, long ago past. Sure, she was concerned about him and his family and probably always would be, but that was the extent of it. After all, before Robert, Stiles was not only the first, but he was the only man, she had ever slept with or fallen in love with, so of course it would stand to reason that he would hold a tender spot in her heart, but nothing more. If Robert couldn’t see after all the years they'd been together that she loved him, then that was his problem. She had enough day-to-day worries dealing with the kids and her career.