Sunday Brunch

by Norma L. Jarrett

  I wanted us to go to movies, museums, and concerts, and drink cappuccino at cafés, and walk through parks on gorgeous days. I was tired of doing these things alone or with one of my friends.

  And then there was the issue of, well, s-e-x. Reggie talked about it just a little too much. We held off for six months. Yet in the back of my mind, I knew he had to be sleeping with someone else.

  I was trying to wait until marriage and had really been praying in that area. But my hormones were flying all over the place.

  One night, Reggie came over, in the evening as usual, and we played chess. We ordered Chinese food and ate on the floor. We started talking about relationships and marriage and got into a minor argument. He made some sort of statement about how he “could see how a man could cheat on his wife,” and then proceeded to give his rationale. He had such a cavalier attitude, as if it was so acceptable. I was furious, and we started arguing.

  “I'm going to leave if you keep on acting like a child,” he said.

  “If you're going to be with me, you're just going to like it or leave it,” I yelled as I pointed in his face.

  Big mistake! He immediately went out the door.

  Oh, boy.

  In a panic, I picked up the phone and called Capri.

  Her answering machine! Where is she when I need her?

  Half an hour went by. I began to realize how much I actually liked that fool. How could I let my heart get in it—again?

  Then I heard a knock at the door. I stood on my toes to look through the peephole.

  Like a naughty kid, I slowly opened the door. Reggie just stood in the doorway with this sexy glare in his eyes and a crooked smile.

  This is the night.

  I took a deep breath and put my hand to my chest. I whispered a silent, “Lord forgive me.”

  He grabbed me, turned my back toward him, and backed up against the front door. The only light in the room was from the television. Everything seemed to fast-forward. He lightly kissed my neck, and my body shivered. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I turned around and kissed him.

  Instead of pleading for the blood of Jesus, all I could think of was how happy I was not to be wearing cotton underwear. Before I knew it, clothes were flying everywhere and I was on the couch.

  I heard myself mumbling, “Maybe we should stop.” But I didn't. And he didn't.

  God, are you sure this is a sin?

  he phone interrupted my daydream. I jumped out of the tub, dripping, and wrapped myself in my robe. I knew who it was.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, baby girl.”

  “Hi, Reggie.”

  “I was just lying in bed thinking about you.” Figures. He calls when he's in the mood. “What are you doing?”

  “Just got out the tub,” I said.

  “Why didn't you call me to join you?”

  “Because it's Sunday. You know, the ‘Day of the Lord.’ You could show a little restraint.”

  “Lexi, you've really been tripping lately about sex. It's too late, baby girl. We already dipped in the well.”

  “Reggie, let's not get into it. When's the last time you went to church anyway?”

  “You know I work the late shift. I'm dead tired. I promise I'll go with you to Bible study this week on my day off.”

  “I've heard that before. I don't know, Reggie. We went to church a few times when we first met and we've never been back. It was really nice. I don't know what happened. I know your hours aren't the best, but if you really wanted to go, you would. There are Saturday and Wednesday night services. You seem to find time to do everything else.”

  “Baby girl, I don't need a lecture this early. I said I'd go with you to Bible study this week. I just can't stand this nagging.” His voice got louder with frustration.

  “Look, Reginald, if it has to be like that, don't worry about it. I'd rather you want to go on your own. This just doesn't feel right. Maybe I need some time to myself.”

  “What?” He paused for a few seconds. “You're really trippin'.”

  “I don't think so. It seems like I'm moving forward on a spiritual level and you're not. Maybe this was nice for a season, but I feel us growing apart. I think you're a good person, but maybe you're not the person for me at this time in my life.”

  “Lexi, I don't understand what's going on with you. What do you want from me? I'm a decent brother. I've never cheated on you. Don't I bring you wings from Frenchy's and rent you Love Jones and Mahogany whenever you want on our movie nights? I'm here for you. Just because I don't want to go to church today doesn't mean the relationship needs to end.”

  “I didn't say I was ending it. I only said I need some time to myself. I'm confused. Maybe we're meant to be together. I just know that right now, something doesn't feel right. Besides, it's more than about church. I guess I'm starting to figure out the things I want and don't want in a man.”

  I paused. He was silent.

  “Sure, we have great intimacy,” I continued, “but sex is not the only thing that makes a relationship good. I don't want to try to change you. I just have to believe that there's a person for me who has the most important qualities that I desire. We can talk later, but I really need to go now because I'm running late for church.”

  “We can talk later? You're talking about ending our relationship and you just want to jump off the phone? This is important,” he said.

  “So is God!”

  “If He was so important, you wouldn't have been having sex with me all this time.”

  “That's it! I'll talk to you later, Reggie.” I slammed the phone down.

  I looked at the clock. I'm running late messin' around with that fool. I ran into the vanity area. I rubbed my body with baby oil and massaged petroleum jelly on my shoulders, knees, heels, and elbows. Without enough time to flatiron the do, I pinned it up. I put on my pink lace bra, matching panties, and stockings and then searched frantically in my closet for the perfect Sunday brunch outfit.

  Oh, I can't believe that man! Let it go, Lexi, let it go. OK, let's see, no, I wore that two weeks ago. No, wore that suit to work Thursday. Yes, my fuchsia knit dress—perfect! Fits my shape perfectly, and Jewel said simplicity is in. Wow, that's pretty scary. I'm actually starting to listen to her advice.

  I snatched the dress off the hanger. I looked through my jewelry and put on my three-tiered matching stone necklace. Seconds later, I put on my makeup and finished everything off with matte powder. I grabbed my purse, keys, and Bible and sprinted out the door.

  exi,” someone said in a loud whisper, “over here.” It was a bit too loud because people in the immediate area looked up. I smiled politely as I made my way to my seat.

  Capri and Jewel were in our usual area and moved down so I could sit in the seat closer to the aisle. “Lexi, I love that dress, and the necklace complements it perfectly,” Jewel said in a low whisper.

  If only she knew how much I paid for my outfit. I was a “black belt” shopper, able to conquer any outlet center in a single bound, smell any secret sale a mile away, and uncover all half-price designer items.

  Jewel waited for me to comment on her outfit. She had on a tailored slate-gray suit with a large cream silk flower accenting her jacket. She looked stunning, but if I knew Jewel, she'd probably used money due to Reliant Energy light company to buy her new look.

  “Thanks, girl. I love your suit,” I said. Capri gave us a look out of the corner of her eye, the kind of look that your mother gives you when you're acting up in church, soon to be followed by a discreet threat or smack on the leg. Jewel and I immediately started paying attention to Carla, Pastor Graves's wife, who was speaking at the pulpit.

  During the welcoming of guests, I noticed two handsome men seated directly in front of us. They turned around to shake my hand during the greeting.

  Woo! Thank you, Lord, for the scenery.

  Despite my man-watching and occasional tardiness, I really am serious about church. I tend to focus on the sermon
because I love my pastor's preaching style. Pastor Graves is young, contemporary, and a great teacher, different from any other pastor I've heard before. My uncle back home knows Pastor Graves's father and told me about his congregation at Living Truth Ministries.

  I think most young men and women trying to do the right thing can relate to him. Living Truth's membership has increased to more than 3,000 parishioners and is growing each Sunday.

  Once, Pastor Graves did a whole sermon using the lyrics of Al Green's old school song, “Love and Happiness” and “Fallin',” by Alicia Keys. I've been attending Living Truth for three years and I've never felt more comfortable in a church.

  But every now and then, I do get slightly distracted. There was one particular incident when I had to laugh at myself. There was this guy sitting down a few seats to the right of me. He was p-h-i-n-e … a tall, brown-sugared, polished brother. I was just sittin' there, minding my own business, when his woodsy-scented cologne enticed me from a few seats away.

  I was so busy looking at him, I completely missed the collection plate being passed my way, and my offering envelope fell on the floor. He looked at me and smiled, trying not to laugh. I was totally embarrassed.

  “Will you please stand for the reading of the Word?” a woman said.

  The congregation stood. As usual, Jewel didn't have a Bible. All that time she spends in the mall, she could at least stop for a minute and spend $10 on a Bible. She's such a moocher!

  “Please turn to First Corinthians 13, verses 1 through 7,” the woman standing up front in winter white and a feathered hat said eloquently. She read the scriptures on many Sundays. I admired her fashion sense and ability to speak with such authority and poise. She enunciated like a poetry reader. She carried herself in such a regal way, as if she knew without a doubt that she was someone special-God's child. It was as if she knew something about God that I hadn't learned yet.

  After she read the scripture, we bowed our heads for prayer. Although she was leading, I couldn't resist sneaking in a request of my own.

  Lord, please grant me the same peace and confidence this mighty woman of God has.

  hat was a wonderful sermon, Pastor Graves.” I shook his hand. He'd moved everyone else along quickly, but made sure I stopped. His milk chocolate skin and endearing smile made everyone feel welcome. He peered over his wire-frame glasses and lifted his eyebrows, having an appearance that was much more mature than his thirty-two years.

  “Thank you, Lexi, for your kind words. But I didn't see your girls today. Y'all were so faithful during law school. Remember, we've always got to put God first. I hope they don't forget about Him after the blessings.”

  I quickly looked around, then back at him. “Oh Pastor Graves, Jewel and Capri are around here somewhere. We sat together during service. We've been faithful. There's no way we can forget how we made it through law school.”

  “Ah, yes. I know you haven't forgotten, but Ms. Jewel, we had to do some extra praying to get her through the bar. She knows she needs to be up here at least twice a week. And don't forget to remind her we have that financial planning class.”

  He shook his head and smiled. “I'm just kidding … sort of. You girls have really made me proud, especially starting the legal ministry and—”

  “You mean young ladies,” said Carla, who had just finished chatting with one of the ushers.

  He looked at her and smiled. “Yes, of course. Young ladies. I stand corrected.”

  “Lexi, how are you?” she said as she reached her hands out for mine.

  “I'm blessed, Ms. Graves.” We held hands, then hugged. I couldn't help but notice how together she always looked, with her feathered pixie hairdo, perfectly manicured nails, and natural makeup.

  “Girl, you know I told you to call me Carla. You make me sound like an old woman. How's the law practice?”

  “Sorry, Carla. The practice is doing well.”

  “Well, you know we're prayin' for you. God is a God of abundance and I know you are doing His work. I pray that he gives you favor with every case.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You know your uncle would not forgive us if we didn't look out for you. We're your family, so if you need to talk to us about anything, I mean, anything, let us know.” She smiled and searched my eyes.

  Do I look stressed … like I need to talk about something? I'm fine. Work is fine … well, the social life is another story. Is that even a legitimate issue? Could I possibly bother her with something so trivial? They probably counsel people on more serious stuff.

  “I'll keep that in mind. Everything's going well. I, uh, really can't complain. I appreciate your prayers though.”

  “OK. You take care now, Lexi. You make sure you tell the other young ladies that I said just because they're big-time attorneys doesn't mean they can't come to fellowship after service.” She winked at me and touched my shoulder.

  “I will.”

  I moved out of the way so others could talk to the head couple of the church. I couldn't help but watch them, especially Carla.

  She can't be more than 30. She seems so mature for her age.

  She stood by the pastor's side, smiling as people walked up to greet him, laughing at the right times, and shaking hands. Everyone could feel their positive energy.

  I turned to walk toward the exit door of the sanctuary, or what was set up to be a sanctuary. It was actually a gigantic, carpeted, all-purpose room with theatre-style seating. Several small clusters of people were still hanging around after service.

  “That's a sharp haircut on the pastor's wife. I think she gets her hair done at Ladies and Gents salon.”

  “Girl, you scared me,” I said as I quickly turned around. I looked at Jewel, amazed she knew where everyone got their hair done or shopped, but could never remember exactly what the sermon was about.

  “Capri's in the rest room and told me to come get you.” She pulled out a sterling silver compact mirror and tilted her head to check her makeup.

  “Jewel.”

  “Uh-huh?” she said, fluffing her hair in the mirror. She pulled out her lipstick and began tracing her lips with intense concentration.

  “Do you remember what the sermon was about today?”

  “Uh-huh,” she said, still looking in the mirror. Then she closed it quickly. “Oh, do I remember the sermon? Do I remember the sermon?” she said, with her hand on her hip, eyes rising up.

  “I'm waiting,” I said, tapping my foot and folding my hands.

  “Lexi, you always do this to me. I was paying attention. The sermon was, uhm, it was about ole girl. You know the one who saved the people. God, don't tell me … Queen … Queen Esther! That's it!

  “Although, who would name their child Esther?” she continued. “I guess it didn't matter, because she became the queen. I mean, she ran things up in the kingdom. She had the king wrapped around her finger and worked it out. Got her people free and all. I mean she was literally a nobody and just blew up.” She began digging in her purse again.

  “Jewel.”

  “Yes?” she sang, still not looking up.

  “Never mind. Let's go eat.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  es, we have a reservation for a party of five under the name of Parker,” I said, speaking to the young Hispanic hostess.

  “Ah yes, here it is. Is your entire party here?” she asked as she looked up from her clipboard.

  “No, but we'll be seated now anyway,” I said. The three of us walked to our usual seat beside the window. Our personal waiter, Antonio, would make his way over to our table shortly.

  I don't know how we ever settled on Etienne's Café to have brunch every Sunday. But it's become a tradition since we graduated from Westwood School of Law, a predominately Black law school here in Houston.

  I would have been just as happy at The Breakfast Klub. Who could be mad at their big plate of fried wings and waffles. The scenery there's just as good … fine brothers everywhere!

  I sat down and pick
ed up the menu, knowing I was going to have the brunch buffet, as always. “Tell me, how did we decide on Etienne's again? Was this a vote?”

  “Lexi, we go through this every week. Etienne's is the place to see and be seen. Jeez, you can go to The Breakfast Klub during the week,” Jewel said.

  I guess she's right. I'll go along with her wannabe, platinum-digger ways for now.

  I took in the room's elegance. The tables were covered with white tablecloths and the floors were stained hardwood. Chandeliers hung in each room and the buffet filled the next room, looking endless in its length.

  “Well, hello!” Antonio said as he rushed over. “How are my favorite divas today?”

  “Hello, Antonio,” we sang.

  Antonio had a fabulous British accent and a vibrant personality to match. He took good care of us and earned every bit of his tip. I know he liked working our table because we always had heated conversations at brunch. He tried to pretend not to listen, but occasionally he'd give himself away when he'd interject an unsolicited comment in the middle of our discussions.

  “A round of coffee?”

  “Yes, for me. Thank you,” I answered.

  “Umm, I'll have orange juice as well,” Capri said.

  “Antonio, you know my usual,” Jewel said.

  “Jermane and Angel are running late,” Capri said, eyeing the plates on the next table.

  “Jermane probably ran into traffic coming from her church,” I said.

  “You're probably right,” Jewel said as she refreshed her lipstick.

  Since Jermane's Catholic, she attends a different church from the rest of us. Angel, on the other hand, sleeps in on Sundays and has no intention of attending anybody's church service. She's the oldest among us, and decided to get a law degree after a bitter divorce. She's a very successful corporate lawyer, but truly believes God had nothing to do with any of her good fortune. Angel lives life on her own terms, never giving Him credit for anything.

  “Oh, here's Jermane,” I said as I looked toward the doorway.