The Sunday Brunch Diaries

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “Sparkles like diamonds.” Everyone moaned.

  I swear, if she says that tired old slogan one more time I’m gonna take off my pump and throw it at her. Jewel’s turned into a party planning monster. Just yesterday, Jewel was a law school graduate, wandering around trying to figure out what the heck to do with that expensive degree. But after a few life-altering events, including getting canned at her last job, she finally stepped out on faith, pursuing her party planning passion. I have to admit, the girl can throw down on an event. She stays booked, so I don’t know why she’s complaining.

  “Jewel, all I want to know is how does Kevin put up with you? Is he on meds?” Angel sliced through her shrimp and avocado frittata. She placed a forkful in her mouth and savored the flavor. “Umm, this is to die for!” she moaned.

  “Please, that man worships the ground I walk on; especially since I’ve been doing Oprah’s debt diet,” Jewel said as she eyed her own San Francisco crab dish.

  “Yeah, but you’re still hiding handbags in the garage. You just couldn’t keep that last Fendi bag to yourself, remember?” Jermane interjected. “But I can’t be mad at you for that. It was the rainproof signature satchel,” she said as she tucked her freshly blown-out hair behind her ear. Normally Jermane sported her own natural waves, but lately she was enjoying a sleeker look. She took a small sip of her café mocha.

  Jewel rocked a little in her seat, rubbing her hands together. “I know, girl, I know,” she said, lowering her voice as if her absent husband could hear her. “That bag was just gorgeous. It looked like the pocketbook that Kanye West’s woman had on in that photo that was circulating on the Internet. She just looked so fly, I had to have that bag. Okay, so I had one setback. I’ve been doing well since then. I’m focusing on my hair.” She snapped her head from side to side so we’d notice her precision cut bob.

  “Okay, moving on. Did you guys see the game the other night? My baby’s on the starting lineup.” Capri’s words halted Jewel’s shopping saga. She moved her fork around on her plate. “Ooh, these turkey and orange butter sauce crepes are the bomb!”

  “Yeah, yeah. What’s up with the season tickets? You were supposed to be hooking us all up for a couples’ night? Anthony finally got off the bench and we can’t even be there live and in person to watch.” All eyes were on Capri, awaiting her answer.

  “Okay y’all, ever since Lexi got a man, she’s been on this group dating thing.” Angel winked her eye at Capri.

  Angel is wrong for saying that, but she’s right. What’s a girl to do after years and years of singleness? I mean every date you could possibly take yourself on, I’ve done it! So, excuse me for wanting to soak up the entire couples experience.

  “Who cares if Anthony plays or not? Doesn’t he get a check either way? What’s the big deal?” Jewel blurted out, then waved her hand at the waiter. “The food at this place is great, but the service leaves something to be desired. Anyway, what you need to be working on is some babies. Be like old girl Shaunie O’Neal, Shaq’s wife—oops, then again, I’m not sure that worked out too well. Anyway, haven’t you heard the phrase ‘It’s cheaper to keep her?’ ” She waved her hand again at the waiter. “I sure miss Antonio. Brunch just isn’t the same without him.”

  “Jewel, I can’t believe an intelligent woman like you is even thinking like that,” I said. “But I do have to say, some of these women, even the young ones, have major game. I mean, sometimes it makes you ask why you even need a degree. But that’s a lie from the enemy. It’s short-term gain, for long-term pain. Anyway, I miss Antonio too. He was the best, with his nosy self, all up in our conversation every five minutes. Has anybody found out where he’s working?” I asked, looking in the direction of our waiter.

  “Girl, Antonio moved to Atlanta and he’s trying to open his own restaurant.” Jewel finally leaned back in her chair.

  “I knew you would know. Well, we’re just gonna have to check out some other Houston restaurants. I heard Brennan’s and the Magnolia Bar & Grill have a nice brunch. Jewel, Miss Fabulous Events, you can be in charge of that; it’s part of your job anyway. And Capri, we got a little sidetracked, but are you giving the tickets up or what? You know my husband loves the Houston Meteors and they may be headed for the playoffs.”

  “Lexi, why are you saying husband as if we don’t know who your man is? I hate when women do that. And for the record, I don’t recall ever promising anybody season tickets. Anthony used to promise you when we were dating to get on your good side. If one more person tries to get the hookup, I’m gonna scream.” Capri dabbed her mouth with her napkin and reached for her water.

  “Who’s tryin’ to get new on us now? But I guess being a player’s wife got you all high and mighty like that,” Jewel said.

  Capri playfully smacked Jewel’s hand. “You’re trippin’. I’m the same old Capri with just a little more bling.” She flexed her diamond tennis bracelet. Jewel, her eyes fixated on the flashing stones, looked like a deer in headlights.

  “Anyway, so . . .” Jewel said as she snapped out of her trance. She raised her eyebrows and looked at me. She drummed her fingers on the white tablecloth, waiting for me to respond.

  “So what?” I asked as I tried to stay focused on the last of my eggs Florentine.

  “You know.” Jewel raised her right eyebrow. “How was it?”

  “How was what?” The table was silent and all eyes were on me. “Oh, oh that!”

  “Yeah that,” they all chimed in.

  “Well, it was, well, it was um . . .” My eyes focused upward.

  “C’mon Lexi. You got to spill it.” Jewel leaned in.

  “W-e-l-l . . . it was fabulous!”

  Jewel wiped her brow and leaned back on her chair. “Phew. Thank God! Just looking at Chris we weren’t quite sure he could . . . well you know. He seems kinda dull.”

  I rolled my eyes at her. “Looks can be deceiving.”

  “Jewel is not speaking for all of us. Anyway, can we focus on something a little more suitable for Sunday afternoon conversation? I have an update or two,” Angel interjected.

  “What? You and Octavio are getting married?” Jewel said as she whipped out her BlackBerry.

  “No, Jewel, we’ve had enough weddings for a while. You can put away the BlackBerry. No more ‘Fabulous Jewels’ soirees for a minute, please.”

  “Don’t be mad because I’m using my gift for the glory of God,” Jewel said, and sang, “Making people’s dreams come true . . .”

  “Did she say for the glory of God?” Jermane said, looking at me.

  I just shrugged and shook my head.

  “Anyway,” Angel continued, “I’m officially a member of Lakewood Church and I think Octavio is going to join too. He really likes it.”

  Jewel began coughing. “What? Living Truth got us through law school! It’s our home church. What’s wrong with you? You know, there’s way too many changes going on here.” She raised her spoon for emphasis. “I mean, I know you needed a whole lot of deliverance, but I didn’t think you were going to take it this far. First Bobby and Whitney break up, now this?”

  “Are you serious? Kevin is rubbing off on you,” I said. “No more reality TV for you.”

  “You know I’m joking, but still. Lakewood Church is way too big.”

  “Jewel, this is not something I decided. It’s where the Spirit is leading me now. It’s where God wants to plant me for the season I’m in now. People act like God can only be in one church.”

  “Who’s saying all that? Anyway, all I’m saying is that you better not start recruiting folks to Lakewood. We’re all happy where we are,” Jewel said as she filled her glass with water.

  “Angel, I understand. I’m glad you are being obedient. You don’t know why God is calling you to Lakewood. You may turn out to be a ministry leader. Sometimes we can be so selfish.” I glanced sideways at Jewel. “We can hinder another person’s growth. Sometimes we can miss a blessing trying to please other folks!”

  “Doe
s that mean Octavio is giving up Catholicism?” Jermane asked.

  “I’m not really sure. Lakewood’s nondenominational. We talked about it a little, but for now we’re just being Spirit led. Octavio’s really getting a lot out of it. There are lots of other interracial couples there too.”

  “I knew it! You all have a little interracial ministry up in there?” Jewel pointed her butter knife toward Angel.

  “Just when I want to think you have grown . . .” Capri interjected.

  “I have grown. It’s a valid question. Never mind. Angel, you go where the Spirit leads you.” Jewel placed her knife on the table and patted Angel’s hand.

  “I’m glad I have your permission.” Angel lifted her coffee cup toward her lips. “And for the record, I didn’t need any more deliverance than you did, Miss Thang.”

  “Okay, I’m stuffed,” I said after a few minutes. “I’d love to spend the rest of the afternoon bonding, but I got things to do.” I pushed back from the table.

  “I gotta get home too,” said Jewel. “Aja will be back from visiting with her mama, Stacy, and you know I have to deprogram her. I swear, ever since Kevin and I got married, Stacy’s been tripping. Can I help it if Kevin found me irresistible and was intrigued by my charm? Can I help it if his ex-wife gave up a good thing? Can I help it if she made some very bad life decisions? No . . . all I can do is receive the blessing and share all this love God has given me and breathe new life into the man and child she took for granted. I’ve been divinely appointed and anointed to—”

  “Jewel, be for real,” I said.

  “Well, I just never thought I, Jewel Antoinette Whitacker-Eastland, would have to deal with baby mama drama. I’m so above that. It certainly was not on my ‘ideal man list.’ ”

  Capri turned toward me. “So, Lexi, you have time to meet this week to go over some paperwork?”

  “Dang, I just got back from my honeymoon. But I guess it’s back to reality.”

  “Lex, it’s already early September. If we want this firm up, rolling and making money, we need to get refocused. We’re behind schedule already.”

  “Yeah, hurry up so I can plan the opening reception,” Jewel said as she dug in her purse for her lip gloss. She had already placed six tubes of MAC lipstick on the table.

  “Who said anything about that?” Capri asked.

  “Do we even need to discuss it? Who else would do the honors? Another Fabulous Jewels event that . . .”

  “Sparkles like diamonds,” we all chimed.

  “You’re just a bunch of haters, but I love you just the same,” Jewel said as she applied her lip gloss.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  You’ve Been Served

  “Come in,” Rex said after he heard a light knock at his door. After a second or two the door opened. He was sure who it was and didn’t bother looking up from his papers.

  “I’m looking for Rex Richmond. I was told I could find him here?”

  He raised his head slowly, squinting his eyes. He picked up his glasses and put them on. He was about to look back down at his papers, but froze as he studied the figure standing before him. She eased over to his desk and then walked around to his chair. He dropped his pen as she removed her silk head scarf and sunglasses.

  She stood tall and confident, commanding his full attention with her body language. “I said I’m looking for Rex Richmond.” She peered into his eyes.

  He spun his large leather chair to completely face her, but remained silent and seated. His hands had a mind of their own as they reached to loosen the belt of her coat and began to unbuckle it. Once it was open, he wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her toward him. He then reached for her neck as she bent to kiss him. “Baby . . . umm, it’s good to see you.”

  “You too,” she said as her lips brushed his neck.

  “Why am I so lucky?” he whispered as his eyes closed.

  She laced her fingers through his. “Hmm, yes you are. What would your wife think about all this?” She leaned back to see his expression.

  He opened his eyes, then grabbed her face with his hands. He looked directly into her eyes. He kissed her gently. “Let’s not talk about that,” he whispered, then reached down to slip off one of her red patent leather Gucci pumps.

  “Baby, you’ve got to stop coming to the office like this. It’s the middle of the week. I can’t even think when you do this. I can’t get any more work done.” He wiped his forehead with his hand.

  “Why do you think I do it?” Jermane said as she kissed her husband on the forehead. She stood behind him and massaged his temples. He reached for his glasses, then sat up in his chair. “If your father catches us in here one day, it would be a really embarrassing moment.”

  “Please, my daddy? With all the young women he dates?”

  “Regardless, baby, I’ve got to get some work done. I have to say, this was a nice treat. I remember a day when you would have never thought to do something like this.”

  “I’ve been listening to Jewel. We’ve got to keep the marriage fresh.” She rubbed his face with the back of her hand, then moistened his lips with a soft kiss.

  “I know, but if you don’t let me work, we won’t have any money for that baby you say you want.”

  “Okay, but you have to promise . . . no more lawyers in the family. I want my baby to do something else. She can be a teacher, a writer . . . anything but a lawyer.”

  “I know what you mean. I think I’m feeling that burnout coming on. It’s taking way too much to bring in clients these days. Can’t rest on the firm name alone, but then again there’s nothing wrong with lawyers. Besides, I always thought this lawyer was kinda hot,” he said as he rubbed the cleft of his chin and raised his eyebrow.

  “Yeah . . . I guess you can say that. But this lawyer’s pretty hot herself.” Jermane got up, put on her coat, and pulled the belt tight. She looked at him as she walked past his desk. “Smokin’, as a matter of fact.” She smiled and walked out the door.

  Rex couldn’t take his eyes off his wife until she finally was out of his sight. He had to admit her presence was a welcome relief from his otherwise overwhelming, taxing day. He was used to the workload, but recently some discoveries in the firm’s archived files prompted him to wonder whether a partnership in his father-in-law’s firm came with both fringe benefits and a tainted legacy. Rex reached into his desk drawer for some aspirin and grabbed the bottled water from his desk to wash down two tablets. He put his head on his desk to rest his thoughts. With his eyes closed, he replayed his afternoon tryst with his wife again and again until he finally relaxed.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Lakewood Church

  Angel stood in the pew, her arms encouraged upward by the lyrics flowing from the songstress. The lyrics were filled with words of adoration and worship. Soon Angel’s strong hands were reaching toward heaven. The higher her hands stretched, the more liberated she felt.

  She paused during the brief interlude, gazing at the huge sanctuary that felt more like a sports arena than a church. It seemed like every race and ethnicity of God’s creation filled the seats—African American, Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic, all worshipping the Lord together.

  As she glanced at the smiling Hispanic woman to her left, whose infant lay on her shoulder, and the young Black woman to her right, casually clad in jeans and T-shirt, Angel knew she was truly in God’s house. There was a sincere “come as you are” Spirit of God in the church. The love of the Lord consistently greeted her when she crossed the church threshold. She couldn’t wait to arrive on Sundays to worship and hear the Word of God taught with such integrity.

  Being at Lakewood even changed the way she looked at other races. Although she was in an interracial relationship, she wasn’t sure she was entirely free from prejudice. Angel considered Octavio a man of color because of his Latino heritage, but her perception of white people was another story. Especially some who questioned her skills as a corporate lawyer.

  The chorus of the song recaptur
ed her attention. Angel fought back tears as the joy of the Lord arose in her spirit. Her week’s fatigue and frustration dissolved in the living water of worship. She sang along with the congregation as lyrics appeared on the huge screen in front of the sanctuary.

  In the middle of worship, Octavio’s face flashed across her mind. She shut her eyes, once again, suppressing all thoughts that threatened her worship. God, no other man has treated me better than Octavio. But help me to balance things out. Help me to prioritize my love for You over him. I need this time with You, Father. I need this cleansing and restoration. And Father, please usher him on this journey with me. Feed Octavio as You feed me. Silently, she promised to ask Octavio to the Bible class she saw in the worship guide.

  Angel finally silenced her mental disruptions as she looked upward. She spread her arms wide, allowing an anointed outpour to drench her soul. For in that sacred moment, her fellowship with God was all that mattered.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “Five-0”

  “Good morning, Mr. Reynolds,” I said as I watched my husband standing there in his pants and bare chest. My baby’s been working out. Outside of his slightly big ears, this man was close to perfection. I said close. Give me a break, we are newlyweds.

  “Good morning, sweetie.” He walked over and planted his full lips on my forehead. He just really gets my day off to a great start.

  “Uh, Mr. Reynolds, I know you’re busy fighting Houston crime and all, but the next time I call you, don’t take all day to call me back. You know I worry. Don’t let me have to track you down again.” I watched the definition in his back as he leaned down in the closet to get his shoes. My baby is fine. Thank you, Jesus!

  “Lexi, did you have to call all over Houston looking for me? That was really embarrassing. I’ve been involved in something extremely serious. I’m taking care of business, baby, you know?” he said. “Oh, by the way, for the millionth time, can you please tell Jewel I can’t do anything about her speeding ticket. She’s just gonna have to break down and tell Kevin that this is her fourth ticket this year. I’m not about to lose my job trying to get her a hookup.”