Heaven Right Here

by Lutishia Lovely

  “Mother Moseley?”

  “Yeah, let Mother Moseley head it up.”

  Darius rolled his eyes. “Bo, I like her too, but she’s seventy years old!”

  “Okay, caller, what’s your point?”

  “My point? Let’s see. I’m sure her computer skills and Internet knowledge are up to par: e-mail, Google, Twitter, the works. She probably even has a MySpace page.”

  “I can’t deny she might have problems navigating the net. So let Mother Moseley be the official head, and let Melody be her assistant.”

  “It’s kinda too late for that,” Darius sheepishly admitted.

  “Kinda why?”

  “Because I kinda ran into her—okay, last month, but who’s counting—and I kinda told her she could do it. Look, her parents are old and strict, and their bible beating is draining the life out of her. This will be a way to put some of it back. And she can do it from the bedroom she calls a jail cell. If she’s home managing the fan club instead of trying to run the streets, maybe her parents will give her a break.”

  “Yeah, until they find out she’s cavorting with the enemy.”

  “They won’t find out. Besides, I have a soft spot for the girl. I’ve known her since she was eleven or twelve years old. She used to bug us to join the choir. And before I came out, her parents were friendly toward me—especially Clyde. He even confided in me that he was in a doo-wop group when he was a teen, something that holy-rolling Bernadette knows nothing about. It’ll be okay.”

  Bo bit back yet another argument, deciding that this particular battle was not one worth fighting. Melody Anderson’s naive act might work for Darius, but she didn’t fool Bo for one hot minute. She might be the biggest fan with the grandest plan, but I’ll be damned if she messes with my man. She’d better not want anything more than to mail out some glossies, pass out a T-shirt, and update his fan-club database, Bo thought testily. Because Bo Jenkins, who didn’t miss much, would be watching.

  5

  Let It Go

  “Where’s Frieda?” Stacy asked after she’d entered the Taylor penthouse. Immediately the living room’s color combination of various blues, off-whites, and luxurious sienna splashes enveloped her in an atmosphere of calm. She and Darius had dined there as a couple, and she’d visited many times, but the home’s beauty never ceased to amaze her.

  “Giorgio extended his visit,” Hope replied. “Chances are we won’t see her butt until he leaves town.”

  “That heifah. I thought we agreed that Saturday lunches would be our catch-up time. And look at her, standing us up already.”

  “Yeah, well, you know how plans can change with Frieda, especially if there’s a man involved. Where’s the baby?”

  “With his aunt Tanya, and if I know her, probably at his daddy’s house or on the way there. I told her I didn’t want him around Bo. But Darius is her favorite brother, so …”

  “I thought Darius was her only brother.”

  “No, Tanya’s father has a son by another woman. But it wouldn’t matter if she had a dozen brothers; she’d still worship the ground Darius walks on.”

  “He does seem to have that way about him,” Hope mumbled.

  “What did you just say?” Stacy was pure attitude. “I know it wasn’t what I thought I heard. I may have loved him, Hope, but he was never my idol.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You should be. But apology accepted. And what has you so snappy anyway? I could feel your foul mood over the phone.”

  “I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m still tripping over Millicent being a mother. I’ve tried to let it go, but it’s been on my mind since last Saturday.”

  Stacy joined Hope, who’d flopped down on the couch. “I know I’m the last somebody to tell you to stop trippin’, but thinking about Millicent is totally unproductive. Besides, you acted like you were over it the day I called and you were at your mom’s in Oklahoma.”

  “I was. For the three days I was there, anyway. Mama can relate to my anxiety because of how bad she wanted another baby after her miscarriage. She never got the second child she wanted. So she understands how bad I want my first.”

  “But does she understand this fixation you have with Millicent being a mother?”

  Hope shrugged. “Y’all are all on the same page with that one, and I admit I need to leave it alone. I want to leave it alone. But now every time I watch Conversations with Carla, I remember Millicent sitting on the couch.”

  “Well, switch to Oprah!” Stacy exclaimed. “Do whatever you need to do to get past this. Bless that woman and her baby and then focus on Cy and creating a family of your own.”

  “That’s all I’ve been doing for the past two years!”

  “Well, maybe that’s the problem.”

  “What?”

  “Maybe you’re focusing on it so hard you’re stressing yourself out. It’s not that you can’t get pregnant, am I right?”

  Hope nodded.

  “And what did Sistah Viv tell you?”

  “To let go and let God.” Those words from her first lady had been comforting a year ago, but not only could Hope not seem to let this Millicent news go, but the information had caused her to pick up a burden she’d put down.

  “Maybe we should think about fertility drugs,” Hope said aloud, even though she was talking more to herself than to Stacy.

  “So I can become an aunt to sextuplets? I don’t think so. One is hard enough to handle, believe me. It’s going to happen, Hope. Remember, God’s timing is perfect.”

  Both women became silent, thinking the same thing: that that was the exact same advice Hope had offered Stacy when Stacy was chasing Darius. Trust God’s clock. There was no way Hope could have known that Stacy was already pregnant by the time they’d had that conversation. Stacy knew that had she waited for Darius, her current life would look different. But she probably wouldn’t have her son, and he alone made all the challenges she now faced worthwhile.

  “What are you going to do about Darius seeing his son?” Hope asked.

  Stacy immediately became defensive. “The question is what is he going to do? You think my position has changed since last week? Just because his punk ass served some papers? He can see Darius whenever he wants to, just not with Bo.”

  “But is that really reasonable, Stacy, considering their union is legal? You may not like it, but Bo is in Darius’s life, and for the time being, it looks like he’s there to stay. Perhaps you should try to find a way to make your peace with this fact and with Bo. You told me the two of you were friends once, remember? When he helped you during your pregnancy? You told me about the meals he prepared, the comfort he offered? You know how much he loves Darius, which means he loves Darius’s son as well. Maybe if you change the way you look at the situation, the situation will change.”

  “Wise words, Mrs. Taylor, but you might want to take your own advice. What are you going to do about this unproductive jealousy you feel toward Millicent? How are you going to change that situation?”

  6

  Long Time No See

  Cy Taylor’s harried spirit calmed as soon as he stepped into the lobby of Hotel Parisi near the shores of La Jolla, California. Perhaps it was the combination of modern designs mixed with Mediterranean old-world charm, or the feng shui practiced throughout the establishment. Perhaps it was the original artwork or the custom designed sculptures and rich walnut furniture. Then again, it may have been the coolness of the marble floors and the tranquil, undisturbed atmosphere that almost caused one to whisper. Whatever it was, Cy was grateful, both for the ambience and for the fact that this was the last appointment on a rarely worked Saturday. He tried to keep weekends free for him and Hope, and he couldn’t wait to head home to his lady love and dinner with two of their favorite people—his pastor and first lady, Derrick and Vivian Montgomery.

  Cy had just taken a seat on a sofa near the fireplace when his cell phone rang. It was his appointment, Charlie Seagram, who was stuck in 405 freeway traffi
c and running late. Cy was tempted to reschedule, but because this was to be one of the last meetings before deciding whether he was going to become a silent partner in Seagram’s construction company, he decided to wait the half hour Charlie said it would be before he arrived.

  He hit number one on his speed dial. “Hey, baby.”

  “Hey, love! I just got off the phone with Vivian. She invited us to bring our swimsuits and said their grilled patio feast will be followed by decadent homemade ice-cream shakes enjoyed in their Jacuzzi. I told her it sounded wonderful.”

  “You told her right. Besides, you know I never pass up the chance to see you in your famous thong bikini.”

  “Uh, right. Flashing my brown cheeks in front of my pastor is sure to win points with his wife, I’m sure.”

  “She’s got a pretty good-looking set of cheeks herself; she won’t mind.”

  “Since when are you checking out Vivian’s booty?”

  “Since never.” Cy wasn’t even going to go down that road. “I’m just assuming that because they’re universal, she too has a behind.”

  “Okay, Mr. Taylor, I’ll let you slide this time. But if I see your eyes wandering away from my conservative one-piece, you’re going to have some explaining to do.”

  They continued talking for a few minutes until Cy looked up and saw a familiar face coming toward him.

  “Look, baby, I have to run. Tell Derrick and Viv we might be a little late. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

  “Considering Derrick’s always full schedule, I’m sure they’ll understand. I’ll call them now.”

  Cy’s smile was genuine as he rose from the sofa with hand outstretched. It was immediately batted away and replaced with a heartfelt hug. They hadn’t seen each other in a long time.

  “Cy Taylor,” Millicent said, smiling. “What are you doing in my neck of the woods?”

  7

  Mysterious Ways

  Cy and Millicent exchanged cordialities and sat on the sofa.

  “Millicent Sims … or, actually, it’s something else now, Millicent … ?”

  “Kirtz,” she replied.

  “That’s right. Your husband is the man we met in Mexico.”

  Millicent nodded. “Jack Kirtz.”

  “That name is familiar. Isn’t he the one heading up that international alliance to stop genocide in Darfur?”

  “Jack represents our ministry, Open Arms, as a very active board member. He’s especially concerned about the effect of those horrible atrocities on that country’s children and more specifically is working to set up adoptive homes for some of those orphaned. We’ve even discussed perhaps adopting a daughter.”

  Cy sat back and got comfortable, crossing his right foot over his left knee as he eyed Millicent intently. “No offense, but I never really saw you as the mothering type.”

  Millicent laughed. “None taken. Until I met Jack, I wasn’t. But look what God can do. I’ve been married for just over two years now, with a son and two nearly grown stepchildren. Much different than the Millicent you remember, huh? The one who stalked you relentlessly for years.”

  “Look, I—”

  “Really, Cy, it’s okay. I’ve prayed for this moment actually, a chance to see you face-to-face … and apologize. I embarrassed both of us, and I am truly sorry. I was a different woman then, obviously disillusioned. Looking back, I simply cannot believe I did the things I did. Thank God my mother was right: time and God have healed those emotional wounds. And I no longer have regrets. Everything in my past has led to my present—a wife and mother with a wonderful husband, delightful child… .”

  Cy’s heart warmed as he looked at Millicent. This self-assured person he saw now was the one he’d admired years ago, the reason he’d asked her out. She was smart, sensitive, and, yes, beautiful. He was genuinely happy for her happiness. And glad she’d finally left him alone.

  “I guess I owe you an apology too,” Cy said, changing the subject. “I was pretty forceful with you that night we ran into each other at the resort in Riviera Maya. I was sure you were stalking me, had followed me there.”

  “I had,” Millicent admitted. “I found out you and Hope would be vacationing at the Rosewood Mayakobá resort.”

  “How?”

  Millicent held up her hand. “Don’t ask. Let’s just say that where there’s a will, there’s a way. I don’t know what I had in mind exactly, except to try to get you back. I was so jealous of the fact Hope had you and I didn’t.

  “God works in mysterious ways,” Millicent continued. “Unbeknownst to me, Jack’s travel agent had booked his vacation at the very same resort. He had no idea I’d be there. In fact, I’d lied to him and said I would be vacationing in Hawaii. But after he arrived, he spotted me sitting at the bar in the restaurant. At God’s urging, he decided to keep an eye on me. And he did. You might remember how shocked I was to see him. That was not acting.”

  “Interesting,” Cy said, rubbing his chin. “Unbelievable.”

  “Now I can honestly say I’m happy for you and Hope. If your marriage is half as much a blessing as mine is to my savory Scot, you are two very blessed people. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before you’ll be adding some little Taylors to your household.”

  “In God’s time,” Cy replied before quickly changing the subject. His comfort with Millicent did not extend to talk about his fertility issues. “So Jack is Scottish?”

  “Among other things. His great-grandparents were from Sweden and England. But the Scottish blood on his grandfather’s side is where he gets his fire.” Millicent blushed, again murmuring her husband’s pet name. “My savory Scot.”

  Seeing the obvious love she felt for her husband, Cy relaxed even more. “What are you doing here at the hotel?”

  “Meeting with our church’s woman’s group, the Divas of Destiny. We meet here once a month—love the ambience. And you?”

  “Meeting a prospective business partner.”

  “Regarding real estate? You know, Jack has quite a substantial holding of properties in this area.”

  Cy immediately thought of his and Hope’s plans to build a dream home. “Actually, I am looking for property in this area, something near the ocean.”

  Millicent pulled a card from her briefcase. “This is Jack’s number. You might give him a call. His properties include some exquisite oceanfront tracts of land, and he’s recently talked of developing some of it. Maybe he’d be willing to sell you a few acres.”

  Cy had been researching property in the area for the past twelve months and, even with his deep pockets, had seen how difficult it was to acquire pristine, unobstructed oceanfront land. It would be the height of irony if the spot for his dream home came by way of his former nemesis. But as Millicent had said, God worked in mysterious ways.

  Millicent looked up to see a nice-looking older man with thick salt-and-pepper–colored hair heading in their direction. He waved his hand to Cy in greeting. Cy waved back.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Charlie said before he’d fully reached the now standing couple.

  After handshakes and introductions, Millicent turned to Cy. “It was great to see you again, Cy. Please keep in touch. I’m sure my husband will be delighted to hear from you.”

  Just over an hour later, Cy rolled down the 405 in his brand-new cream-colored Bentley Azure convertible, the sounds of vintage Miles Davis pouring from the top-of-the-line speakers. True to his word, he’d phoned Jack shortly after his meeting with Charlie had ended, and as Millicent had anticipated, Jack was very interested to discuss real estate and possibly other business ventures, including rebuilding communities for the displaced in Darfur.

  Cy’s stomach growled as he anticipated what was sure to be a delicious dinner flawlessly prepared by Derrick’s wife. He couldn’t help but smile as he imagined their varied reactions to his surprise meeting with Millicent and of God’s sense of humor when he disclosed that his newest business partner may be one they’d never guess … her husband.
/>   8

  The Devil’s Playground

  Hope’s reaction was not as he’d imagined. Granted, he knew Millicent was not her favorite person; he hadn’t thought she’d do cartwheels over hearing he’d run into her. But neither had he expected the anger she was now displaying in front of their hosts, not even hiding her immense displeasure for the sake of appearances.

  “I can’t believe her nerve, though I shouldn’t be surprised,” Hope spat out between tightly clenched teeth. “Coming up to chat as if you were friends. Will that bi—witch ever be totally out of our lives?”

  A subtle look passed between Cy, Derrick, and Vivian. Vivian took a sip of tea before responding. “Given your history, I can understand your reaction, Hope. But God expects us to forgive. It’s obvious she’s moved on, and I, for one, am happy to see that.”

  “I am too,” Derrick quickly added.

  Cy, wisely, remained silent.

  “Once you forgive her, Hope,” Vivian continued softly, “you’ll be able to truly wish her happiness and find your peace as well.”

  “Look, I’ve forgiven her, okay? But I’m not going to sit here and act like I like her. And since you haven’t been through what I have, Vivian, maybe you should keep your holier than thou opinions to yourself!”

  Vivian’s brows raised in surprise, while Hope’s unapologetic glare dared a response. Her sharp retort to Vivian was uncharacteristic, not to mention disrespectful. Cy looked at Derrick, who subtly shrugged his shoulders and continued eating. For a moment, silverware clinking on china was the only sound heard.

  “This chicken is grilled to perfection, baby,” Derrick offered. “Was there lemon in the marinade?”

  Vivian nodded but didn’t yet trust herself to speak. She sympathized with Hope as well as all the other women with issues she faced through counseling the congregation. But even Jesus got angry. And that Hope dared to check her while sitting at her table eating her organic food … well, it was almost too much.

  “I love these grilled vegetables,” Cy said. “What’s all in here, Vivian? Zucchini, squash, and what’s this?”

  Vivian chewed and swallowed her forkful of food. “Eggplant,” she said simply.