Sunday Brunch

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “Here we go. Well, excuse me. Anyway, what's been going on in your world?”

  “Well, nothing really, just wanted to get out,” she said.

  “No, something is going on. You've been too quiet lately,” he insisted. “Remember, we go back a little ways.”

  “You think you know me so well. Remember, you're just a baby.”

  “Be careful who you call a baby now. I'll show you how much of a baby I am.”

  “Anyway,” she said, “I've just been feeling a little tired lately. I had a checkup today.”

  “Are you ready to order?” a tanned, collegiate-looking woman said.

  She smiled at Octavio the entire time she took their order. She said she'd return quickly with their appetizers and drinks.

  “Is everything alright?” he asked.

  “Yeah, just a routine checkup.”

  “If you say so. If you need me, I'm always here.”

  By the end of the meal, both the food and the conversation had been satisfying. They caught up on work. They laughed about the days when Octavio was Angel's intern and reminisced about the last time they'd hung out-the Brian McKnight concert at The Woodlands. They both agreed that their work had taken over and vowed to hang out more.

  It had gotten dark by the time they walked out of Bourbon Street. It was a beautiful night. Angel wasn't ready to go home yet. She wasn't ready to face the demons in her house, to feel the negative thoughts that constantly bombarded her at home. She didn't want to be alone.

  “Wanna go to the park?” she asked.

  “This time of night? Don't you know people are crazy?”

  “Okay, well … let's go hear some live music!” Angel said.

  “What's up with you? You're so hyped.”

  “Nothing. Let's just go.”

  “Alright, but I'll pick the place. There's a new club called the The Red Cat Jazz Café. It's supposed to have an all-girl jazz band playing tonight.”

  “Is it in walking distance?” Angel asked.

  “Yeah, but let's take the horse carriage.”

  “OK.”

  s Angel sat next to Octavio at The Red Cat, she felt a little protective. She almost felt like he was her man. He usually acted like he was, but until now, she would ignore his advances. But tonight, she was excited that his chair was so close to hers.

  The club was dimly lit with blue lights as the women on stage finessed their way through song after song. The music was so sensual that she almost found herself in a daze. She felt sexy, serene. She sipped on her wine. Octavio rested his hand on her thigh. She eased her fingers in between his. It felt natural to hold his hand. She knew he felt comfortable, too.

  He looked out of the corner of his eye and slightly leaned his body toward her. They said nothing and just felt the pulse of music massaging their bodies. When the set was over, Octavio grabbed her hand and wouldn't let go until they finally reached her car. It began to drizzle.

  No umbrella.

  Octavio stared directly into her eyes. Her back was pressed against the car. He grabbed both of her hands and gently squeezed them. The drizzle turned into rain. He released one hand and reached out to let the rain touch his fingertips. He began tracing Angel's lips with his moist finger. They remained silent.

  Angel felt like a teenager. She wondered what it was like. She wanted to taste. She just stood there.

  He lightly ran his finger down her camisole. She closed her eyes, not caring about the rain or whether anyone was passing by. He slid her jacket back so that he could touch her arms, then gently pressed against her. She said nothing as she closed her eyes and saw tiny stars. She felt herself reaching around his waist.

  The rain began to tickle her nose. His firm hands finally grabbed her tiny waist. He hugged her and began to softly kiss her neck. She had never felt this way before. He stopped and placed his hands on her face and looked into her eyes. She could barely look at him.

  “I'm not playing,” he said as he directed her gaze toward his. He took his hand and smoothed her hair back from her forehead.

  He kissed her then, softly first, then deeper. They kissed passionately for what seemed like hours. At that instant, Angel felt like someone blew the breath of life into her. She knew then that she was alive. She knew that something in her life was about to change-dramatically.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  ord, they say we can be honest in our prayers. You're my father and my friend. Sometimes I feel a little depressed, right before that time of the month. There are times when I lie on this couch and literally feel something pressing down on me. I'm scared. It seems like I always get close to the blessing, but just when it seems like I get close enough to grab the brass ring, something or someone snatches it away.

  Sometimes I get tired of praying so much for everyone else. Whenever I pray for someone, it seems like You move immediately. Lord, why do You say yes to everyone else and no to me? I work so hard, for so little. Haven't I been faithful? Haven't I been paying my tithes? I see people who don't even go to church and life seems so much easier for them. How can I keep on encouraging others when I want to give up myself?

  _____

  hate being late for church.

  I looked at my watch quickly. I was fifteen minutes behind schedule. I hoped Capri would save me a seat. I got in my car and tilted my rearview mirror so I could put on my chocolate mousse lipstick. I smoothed out my black slacks and hung my suit jacket on the back of the passenger side headrest. I started the car and was en route.

  To pump up my mood, I turned on the radio. I switched to Power 97.5 to hear some gospel, but the music was slow and painful. The lyrics said something about “going up the rough side of the mountain.” I quickly clicked off the radio and opted for my Frankie Beverly and Maze greatest hits CD instead. I felt a bit back in stride. I slipped on my shades and started to bob my head to “Happy Feelin's.” I felt upbeat.

  After a couple of songs, I switched to my Chante Moore CD. She sounded like a songbird, singing about love, the kind that you could feel deep down. I imagined myself in a music video, a diva, dressed in white on a stage glowing with lights.

  Doing a complete reverse, I thought about how confined I felt when I was practicing law. I felt so conservative, so bland.

  I wanted to be up again, so I slipped in Destiny's Child and went full throttle with “Independent Woman.” I was pumping my fist in the air as they yelled “Throw your hands up with me,” when I noticed the church was only two blocks away. I quickly switched back to the gospel station. I parked and walked briskly toward the sanctuary.

  Once inside, I sat behind Capri and Jewel and happily anticipated the sermon because I really needed to be lifted. I felt old and tired. Capri seemed at peace and totally focused on the music. She was always focused in church. It was like she was having a test on the sermon the next day. Jewel, as usual, appeared distracted, too busy scanning the room for potential dates.

  The sermon was powerful. Pastor Graves talked about how we should praise God in the midst of our trials. He talked about the meaning of a sacrificial praise, which is when worshippers give Glory unto God despite their rough circumstances, which is why it's a sacrifice. He encouraged us to praise God, even when our feelings tell us to do otherwise. I felt utterly convicted about my lack of praise during the rough times.

  The soloist sang “I need you now …,” the lyrics from a song by Smokie Norful, right before the invitation to join the church. The song was really slow. The choir member singing the solo was so emotional, I felt every note. Suddenly, I was drawn into his world. I felt every pain, every disappointment and failure.

  “Not another minute, another second …” I thought I was alright, but before I knew it, one tear trickled down my face. Then another. I began crying loud and hard. I covered my face with the palms of my hands. The woman next to me handed me a tissue. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't stop crying. I didn't know why. The woman rubbed my back lightly and prayed for me. Capri and Jewel said nothing, but
kept looking back to see if I was OK.

  irl, what was up with you at church? Was that the Holy Spirit or what?” Jewel said while lifting her glass of grapefruit juice to her mouth. Capri nudged her.

  “I'm not sure,” I said nervously. “All of a sudden I felt this deep emotion. It was like I had no control. When I stopped crying, though, I felt like a thousand tons had been lifted off my shoulders.”

  “Deep,” Jewel said.

  “Is anything wrong?” Capri asked.

  “No. I think maybe it's just that time of the month,” I said in a low voice.

  “Hey, you Holy-Rollies,” Angel said as she strolled up to the table. She was looking sharp as ever.

  “Angel, why do you have to be so disrespectful about attending church?” I said.

  “Please don't get out your oil and try to anoint me. I'm just playing,” she said.

  “Guys, I have an announcement,” Jewel said.

  Angel rolled her eyes. Capri frowned. I sighed.

  “No, really. This is a real big step for me. I have decided to put myself on a budget.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “No, really, right after this sale at Neiman's. I vowed that after the bagel slicer I recently ordered, I'd watch my money more closely.”

  “Jewel, I have two words for you-credit counseling,” Capri said.

  “Madame Capri?” Antonio slipped her a note.

  “What does it say?” Jewel said.

  “Mind your business.”

  “I bet it's from Tony Stanton. Capri, you haven't given that man any play yet?”

  “Don't be so obvious,” Capri said.

  “Well, you're going to be sorry one day. It's not like you're all that,” Jewel said.

  “Stay out of my business,” Capri warned.

  “Where's Jermane?” Angel asked.

  “She called and said she wasn't feeling well and would catch up with us later on in the week,” I said.

  “How are she and Rex doing?” Angel asked. “I told you he wasn't all that. He's probably cheating on her.”

  “Just because your marriage didn't work doesn't mean that all men are dogs.”

  “Jewel, you're too young to know any better.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Ya'll stop. I honestly don't think he's cheating, but his work hours are really a strain on Jermane,” I said.

  “Yeah, but there's not that much money in the world. He has a wonderful marriage. He needs to be careful. There are so many men in my firm who never spent time with their families and now they're divorced,” Capri said.

  “Well, I wouldn't mind,” Angel said. “As far as I'm concerned, a man is only good for two things-his wallet and, well, I'll leave the rest to your imagination since I know you all have delicate ears. I learned my lesson. All men cheat because they're too greedy. You just have to play the game.”

  “I can't do it,” I said. “I'm too tired for all of that. I still have hope.”

  “Keep hope alive, sister,” Angel said as she raised her right fist.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  s everyone walked out to Etienne's parking lot, Capri glanced at the note.

  Meet me by the restroom at 2:30 p.m., please. A. Stanton.

  She folded it and put it in her purse.

  “You guys, I need to use the restroom. I'll catch up with you later on in the week,” she said, stopping in her tracks.

  She walked slowly to the restroom area, inconspicuously looking at her watch. It was 2:35 p.m. Tony came around the corner.

  “Well, hello. How are you?”

  “Oh, I'm just fine,” she said as she nervously twisted the gold pearl ring her grandmother had given her.

  “Do you mind sitting here for a minute to talk?” he asked.

  “Just a minute. I need to go do some work,” Capri replied.

  “You're so stern. Do you ever relax?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I finally get to have a few minutes of your time.”

  “Oh, by the way, thank you for the balloons.”

  “You're welcome.”

  They stared at each other. Capri suppressed a smile.

  “You're an attorney, so I'm not going to play games or insult your intelligence. I'll try to be direct. I would like to go out with you if you can reserve an evening.”

  “Well, I guess that would be alright.”

  “Now was that so difficult?”

  “No, it's not that. It's just that I stay so busy with work, I don't really have much time to enjoy myself.”

  “I understand, but life is too short. You have to take time for yourself.”

  “I suppose.”

  “So what do you like to do?”

  “Mmmm, well …”

  “Tell me. I'm flexible.”

  “I, uhm … Oh gosh. Fine. I'll just tell you. I like Disney movies.”

  “What?”

  “Disney movies. I like Disney movies. You asked.”

  “Hmmm. I guess I can come up with a plan,” he said. “How about this Friday evening?”

  “How about Saturday?”

  “Alright, Saturday. I'll call you and give you the details.”

  “So I guess you want my phone number?” Capri asked.

  “That would help. Man, it's like pulling teeth with you. We're going to have to do something about that,” he said. She wrote down her home number on her business card. He slid it into his wallet. “I believe on the inside of that hard exterior is a very warm, compassionate person.”

  He stared at her again. Capri caught herself looking into his eyes for an instant. But then she realized she hadn't gazed into a man's eyes since Ty and quickly looked away.

  “Well, I have to be going. It was nice talking with you, Mr. Stanton.”

  “Don't be so formal. Please call me Tony.”

  “Good-bye, Mr. Stanton,” she said as she grabbed her purse and raced out of the lobby.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  ewel jumped up in response to her blasting alarm clock. She looked at the time and realized she must've hit snooze twice.

  “I'm late again!”

  She jumped up, rushed in the shower, and got dressed as quickly as possible. I'm definitely not going to call ahead. I don't feel like hearing Melvina's mouth. Just as she was about to walk out the door, the mailman brought her a certified letter. She signed for it, quickly scanned the outside of the envelope, and tossed it on the couch.

  I bet I bounced another check.

  In the back of her mind, she knew she was running short on funds this month. She could take back that pants suit she'd bought two weeks ago since it still had the tags on it. That would cover at least two of her checks and the bank fees. She just didn't want to ask any of her friends. She already owed them money and didn't want any lectures, particularly after her declaration about being on a budget.

  “I just like to treat myself well,” she said to herself as she sped along with the traffic.

  Then she looked over to the right and almost swerved her car into a ditch. It was the deliveryman Kevin. He looked at her, shook his head, and motioned her to get off the highway.

  “What the …?” she mumbled. “I'm already late.”

  Jewel followed his truck to the exit and into a gas station. She pulled alongside him and they both got out.

  “I'm flattered. You almost had an accident for me,” he said with his arms folded.

  “Please. I just happened to recognize you and it caught me off guard.”

  “So, where are you headed?”

  “Work,” Jewel said.

  “Hmmm, either you have flextime or you have it like that,” he said, trying not to stare at her chest.

  “Well, I do sort of have it like that,” she said.

  He started to swing his arms back and forth. “So, here we are, two people …”

  “Yeah, yeah, here's my number,” she said as she reached into her wallet and pulled out a preprinted card with her personal contact information
on it.

  “Now this is really tripping me out. Don't you think this is a little presumptuous? Anyway, Ms. Whitaker, I'll let you go.”

  “Alright, because I really need to get to work. They can't seem to function without me,” she said as she got in her car.

  She put on her shades and whipped out her cell phone. Kevin watched her speed off and laughed to himself. He took the card and slid it in his wallet. He shook his head and jumped into his truck.

  ewel slid past her supervisor's door. Just as she was about to ease into her cubicle, she heard a loud and piercing voice.

  “Ms. Whitaker, may I please see you,” the voice blared.

  Darn!

  Jewel slowly rose from her half-seated position and walked toward the door of her supervisor, Melvina Jefferson.

  “Ms. Whitaker, please, have a seat.”

  She sat in the chair directly across from Melvina. As she watched her dark brown nostrils flare, Jewel tuned out the familiar sermon.

  “Jewel, what is your problem? You have two degrees and still can't manage to get yourself together. There are others here who are dependent upon you. If everyone else can get here on time, so can you.”

  Jewel sat still and stared at this healthy woman dressed in African garb with salt-and-pepper braids. Although Jewel respected her supervisor, at this moment she wanted to bless her with a familiar finger gesture.

  Suddenly, Jewel was out of excuses. Suddenly, she realized she was broke and addicted to shopping and generally late to work.

  “Is that clear, Ms. Whitaker?”

  Startled, Jewel snapped back into reality.

  “Uh, what was the last thing you said?”

  “I don't believe this. Ms. Whitaker, if I have to speak to you one more time about your tardiness, you will be out of the job that didn't exist in the first place. You're on probation for the next two months.”

  Jewel took a deep swallow, nodded, and fought back her tears. She couldn't believe how weak she felt at that moment. As she slowly wandered back to her cubicle, she felt insignificant, like a child who could never do anything right. It was the same feeling she had back in law school when professors would call on her. She'd generally give some off-base answer. She felt like sliding under her seat.