The Sunday Brunch Diaries

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “Uh-huh, I’ll take care of it.” I sat up and rubbed my eyes and opened my mouth wide to yawn.

  “So how’s the business planning going?” He sat down on the bed to put his socks on, then grabbed his shoehorn to slip on his shoes.

  “It’s going pretty well.” I smiled.

  He stopped and looked at me for a second or two. “What is it?” he said, searching my face.

  I paused a minute. How does he know something’s wrong? I shrugged my shoulders.

  “See, I tried to warn you . . . friendship and business don’t mix.”

  “Chris, it’s nothing really. I mean, Capri and I, we’re two mature women more than capable of running a law firm. We’ve been through worse times in law school. I have faith in our business and our friendship.”

  He stood, put his shirt on, and began to button it. I got up to help him. “I’m nervous, but it’s just because this is a new venture.”

  “I’m just saying that, well you know, things happen. Just make sure you get everything in writing and decide as much as possible up front,” he said.

  “Hey, who’s the lawyer here?” I kissed him on the lips and grabbed him by his belt hoops.

  “Hey, who’s the law here?” Chris said as he grabbed my bottom.

  “I can’t believe you.” I playfully slapped his hands.

  “Can’t help it, babe.” His eyes fell to my backside. “You look good in my T-shirt. Anyway, it just sounds like there’s something you’re hesitant to tell me.”

  “Okay, the only thing I’m a little concerned about is, well, Capri had that cushy situation at that big firm. I’m just not sure she has the hustle to build a practice.”

  “Don’t underestimate Capri. She’s a New Yorker; that East Coast attitude can definitely come out every now and then.”

  “It’s just different for me, you know? This is our bread and butter. No offense, honey, but we need both our incomes. We just got this house. I’m taking cases now, just for the money, and I don’t enjoy criminal law. Capri doesn’t have that kind of pressure.”

  “Hmm, I see.” He grabbed his brush from the dresser. “Baby, you just do what you do, and let me worry about the money. I can take care of us. I’m your provider.” He placed two fingers under my chin and looked in my eyes and didn’t release me until he saw my face soften.

  I love this man. “O-k-a-y, Chris, just remember you said that. I’ve recorded this statement and I’ll be sure to remind you if money gets tight.” I smiled and grabbed his hand and placed it around my waist.

  He took his other hand and lightly tapped my bottom. “Who’s the man? Who’s wearing this badge? Who has the State of Texas entrusted with this gun? Who did you say makes you feel safe and protected? Who did you say was your provider?” He suddenly raised his arms to make his muscles pop from under the sleeves of his police uniform.

  “G-O-D. You know, Jehovah Jireh—our provider; I believe He’s the one who really does all that.” I folded my arms, waiting for him to get it.

  “Oh, yeah. Well, you know, underneath Him. You know what I mean!” He reached in for a kiss. “Ooh baby, morning breath.”

  I playfully punched him in the arm.

  “Okay, I’m running a little late, babe, I gotta go.” He pulled away and tucked his shirt in a little more.

  “Not without praying you don’t.” Our eyes locked. He knew better than to argue because we prayed together every morning.

  “Okay, but a quick one this morning. I love to hear you pray, but sometimes you get a little long-winded, sweetie. And when you start praying for your friends, it’s on. I don’t mean no harm, baby, but they can take care of themselves now, you gotta let them go.”

  “Baby, I know what you’re saying, but I’ve always prayed for my friends. It’s just a habit now. Anyway, God has a way of making up for lost time. Just be quiet and grab my hands.” He placed his hands in mine and closed his eyes.

  Father, we thank You for another day. We asked for Your provision and protection. Lord, send forth angels to surround us today. Father, I ask that You order our every footstep. God, as we go forth into the world, help us to be a light. Help us to honor You and all we do. We expect great things to happen today. Father, I ask You to cover us, our families, and friends in the blood of Jesus. Help us to walk in a spirit of agreement. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

  “Amen,” Chris said as he lifted his head. “I’m gonna keep this law firm venture in prayer. You and Capri gotta stay tight; we can’t mess up the chance for playoff tickets.”

  I reached out to tag him, but he dodged me and headed for the door. “Love you,” he mouthed as he hurried down the steps.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Diamonds Are Forever

  “Fabulous Jewels Events . . . where every event sparkles like diamonds! How may I be of service to you today?” Jewel sang her salutation like a commercial jingle.

  “Jewel, knock it off. You have caller ID on your business phone. You know it’s me,” I said.

  “This party no longer recognizes this number, since the party to which it belongs went and got married unbeknownst to this party, her best friend, to whom this phone belongs.”

  Jeez. “Jewel, knock it off. I’m sorry I chose to have the wedding of my choice. I apologize that I deprived you of planning another one of your sparkling whatever events.”

  “It’s Fabulous Jewels Events . . . where every event sparkles like—”

  “I get it! I get it! Do you have to quote that stupid phrase at every opportunity?”

  “It’s called branding, sweetie. Anyway, Lexi, you hurt my feelings and you know it. I’m one of your best friends. While you were lying out on the crystal blue beaches of the Cayman Islands, I was back here trying to negotiate with caterers and florists for you.”

  “Jewel, it’s been almost two months since I got married. I thought we squashed this already. And for the record, I didn’t tell you to do any of that. Let me make up for some of it at least.” Why am I apologizing? Oh that’s right, it’s Jewel.

  “Okay, how do you plan on making this up to me?” Jewel said as she crossed her arms.

  “Well, TSU’s art gallery is hosting Grant Hill’s art collection. They need someone to coordinate the reception. The who’s who of Houston will be on the guest list. Come on, Jewel, you know you want this. I can just feel your mouth salivating through the phone.”

  Jewel sat up straight and took a deep swallow. Her heart started pounding. “Well, this doesn’t completely make up for it, but I’ll take it, I’ll take it! So, how did you hook this up? Tell me, tell me, tell me!” Jewel said, barely able to contain herself.

  “Girl, a sorority connection, that’s all you need to know.”

  “Wow, this could be huge. This could be a serious Fabulous Jewels event that sparkles like . . . wait a minute, doesn’t he play basketball? What the heck does he know about art? Oh, who cares? I smell other celebrity clients. And you’re sure you can hook this up?”

  “Just say the word.”

  “Okay. I’m in! I have to find something to wear. Like I was saying, come on Lexi, say it with me, this is going to be another Fabulous Jewels Event that . . .”

  “Sparkles like diamonds,” we said in unison.

  I can’t believe I just said that. Anything to get her to shut up about my wedding.

  “Okay, glad that’s done. Now, Jewel, the main reason I called was to tell you we’re still having our housewarming on October 12, weekend after next. Nothing over the top, just a few people. Chris is gonna fire up the grill.”

  “Oh, okay. Do I have to bring a gift? I mean, y’all have been in the house for a minute and it’s pretty much fully furnished, right?”

  “Jewel, it’s a housewarming. What do you think is appropriate? Never mind, do what your Spirit tells you and remind Kevin.”

  “Can we bring Aja?” Jewel put down her BlackBerry and pulled out her clear nail polish from her desk drawer.

  “Yeah, you can bring her if you want. We’re
going to watch the game afterwards. Capri’s coming. Anthony’s in Dallas that night and they’re playing the Mavericks.”

  “Whatever, I’ll be there. Oh, that’s the weekend Stacy has her, so it’ll just be me and Kevin.”

  “So how’s that going? Anymore ‘baby mama drama’?” I really hate using that phrase. I knew it was all over when Britney Spears had baby mama drama.

  “I don’t know. It’s weird, before we got married, Stacy seemed so humble and accepting. But now she makes up any old excuse to call Kevin, like suddenly she needs his constant attention. But it’s got to stop; Kevin is not a ‘rent-a-husband.’ ”

  “Well, she was married to him and you do have custody of her daughter. That has to be hard. Those feelings just don’t disappear. Especially after all they’ve been through.”

  “Whose side are you on? I don’t think she has feelings anymore. They were married, hence the past tense. She’s just lonely and homegirl ain’t getting any younger. Let’s face it; all of us are not aging gracefully. I don’t feel threatened or anything. It’s just aggravating.”

  “I’m sure eventually Stacy will get the point, but Kevin’s gonna have to check that situation before it gets worse. I know you’ve talked to him about it.”

  “I have, but I think he just likes to keep the peace. But I, Jewel Whitacker-Eastland, am definitely not into ‘sharing is caring.’ I’m gonna pray for her to get some business of her own. Maybe in the back of her mind she still thinks she and Kevin will get back together,” Jewel said as she began to slide some business cards in a few press kits as she cradled the phone.

  “Umm, I don’t believe that. Then again, I’ve heard stories about women who have set a permanent place at the dinner table for their husband, truly believing he will come back. Anyway, instead of praying Stacy gets a man, why don’t you pray that she’s whole, or that God would give her a Spirit of contentment?”

  “What? Girl, please. Be for real. Is that how you were praying before you met Chris?”

  “Well, uh, sort of. Maybe not in the beginning, but I eventually realized I needed to line my prayers up with

  God’s will.” Okay, I confess I was saying those “God, just send me somebody, anybody” prayers.

  “Yeah, as in God, ‘will’ you bring me a man? I’m just keeping it real. Old girl needs some testosterone in her life, just not my husband’s.”

  “Okay, okay, I hear you, Jewel. I’ll be praying for Stacy too, but I’m going to let Christ lead my prayer.”

  “Do what you need to do,” Jewel said.

  “Bye girl.”

  “Ciao.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The Brisket House

  Our home was packed for the housewarming. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Some people were making themselves a bit too much at home.

  “It’s my prerogative,” Kevin said as he danced around while waving his drumstick in the air. “Gettin’ girls is how I live . . .”

  I looked at Kevin and rolled my eyes. The boy really ain’t wrapped too tight. Did he think he was the president of the Bobby Brown fan club or something? I couldn’t even watch that show Being Bobby Brown. It was painful. I was embarrassed for him. But sadly, it looked like Kevin was a true Bobby Brown fan. As long as he doesn’t break into the Running Man, I’ll be okay.

  “Y’all don’t even need to sleep. Bobby Brown was the best performer at the Essencefest.” He broke out into the Running Man, moving his feet back and forth with all his might.

  “That’s it. He went there. I’m truly done,” I said as I dropped my chicken wing on my plate.

  “Kevin, up until now, I wasn’t sure, but you have confirmed my thoughts. You’re officially ghetto,” Angel said. “Jewel, aren’t you embarrassed? Look at your man.” She nudged Jewel on her side and pointed toward Kevin.

  “Y’all know Bobby Brown is the original King of R & B,” Kevin said, trying to catch his breath. Isn’t that right, baby?” He looked at Jewel.

  Jewel just waved her hand at him and kept talking to Capri. “So girl, don’t you miss Anthony? I mean, I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t see my boo every day, coming home all sweaty and looking all cute in his little brown uniform. Now that he’s about to move into management at the parcel company, he’s looking cuter every day!”

  Capri shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I’m kinda used to Anthony’s schedule. I can travel with him anytime I want. I just like being home. It’s too much of a hassle. I’d rather watch the games at our house in peace. When I go to the games and sit with the other players’ wives, I’ve got to get my hair done, find an outfit, and get all glammed up. I’m just not up for the drama.”

  Jewel raised both her hands in astonishment. “Girl, I would live for that. Besides, the only person you have to talk to at home is Consuelo. Does she even speak English?” Jewel said.

  “Yes, she speaks English. Jewel, this is why I’m his wife and you’re not. I just don’t get all caught up in the hype. God knows I don’t care about all that mess.” Capri bit into her hot dog, then wiped the chili from the corner of her mouth.

  “Well, you might want to travel with him every now and then,” Kevin shouted over the music. “Because you don’t want another Kobe situation.” The music had ended and he was still shouting. Everyone had heard his last sentence.

  Capri cut her eyes at Kevin, and Jewel mouthed “shut up” to her husband.

  “What? I’m just keeping it real. I don’t care how strong a man is. I don’t care how ‘rooted and grounded in the Word’ he is, there’s a whole lot of temptation out there in the world. Anthony better be prayed up.”

  “He had the same challenges before we got married, Kevin, and he wasn’t out there. He’s the same man,” Capri retorted.

  “Oh, so what you are saying, Kevin, sweetie pie, sugar dumpling . . .” Jewel interjected, “is that you’d have a hard time being faithful if you were in the same situation?”

  “Uh, no baby, that’s not what I’m trying to say at all.” He looked at Jermane’s husband, Rex, for support.

  “Kevin, you’re on your own with that one, my man,” Rex said as he wrapped his arms around Jermane and kissed her cheek. “I got everything I need right here.”

  “Ah man, how you gonna play me like that? I should have known Republican wasn’t gonna have my back. All I know is, I ain’t in the NBA, and I’ve had my share of attention. Sometimes when I’m delivering packages, women are just all up on me.” He started feeling his pecs. “When I’m on the road, women are just waving me down. Once they get a look at these bulging calves, it’s over. Besides, I do recall when I dropped that package off to you, Jewel, the same thing happened. You were all up on me,” Kevin said.

  Jewel ignored his last comment, especially since she’d heard the story several times before.

  “Kevin, man, you’re always tripping. You’ve never heard me say I was a Repulican. And for the hundredth time, my name is Rex.”

  “Yeah, ‘Rex the Republican,’ you know you a lifetime member of the G. W. Bush fan club. You were talking all that noise a while back about Black Republicans. It’s your fault the country is all messed up. Folks all irritable because they broke, we got a senseless war, and we might as well give Osama bin Laden his own reality show with all the videos he got coming out. And did I say the economy is jacked up?”

  “Kevin, man, don’t start this again. The man told you a hundred times he’s not Republican,” Chris said as he poured more sauce on the brisket. “Stop defaming the man’s reputation.”

  “Now Clinton may have had his fidelity issues and I’m not excusing him for that. But we didn’t have this kind of unemployment and at least Clinton could spell. If he were in office New Orleans would be rebuilt already. Dang, I miss my New Orleans grub: boudain and some hog cracklin’. Besides anybody who has Stevie Wonder at his inauguration is all right with me. Very superstitious . . .” He started to sing. “I don’t know about Hillary, but Bill was the man!”


  “Honey, why don’t you just tell this man you are not a Republican,” Jermane whispered in her husband’s ear. Then kissed it.

  “It’s useless. You know Kevin’s ignorant. We had one conversation about the history of Republicans and ever since he swears I’m part of the party,” Rex said.

  Angel walked over to fix another plate. She rolled her eyes at Kevin. “Anyway, back to this fidelity thing. When Octavio and I were at church this past Sunday, Pastor Joel was talking about—”

  “Here we go. Why do we always have to have the spiritual commentary from you, Angel? You act like none of us are saved. You are late on the spiritual scene. The rest of us have been going to church way before you got all saved and sanctified,” Kevin said as he walked over and got a clean plate.

  “I would have never thought it the way you behave sometimes,” Angel added beans to her plate and went to sit by Octavio. She was about to go on, but Octavio lightly grabbed her hand. She cleared her throat, then smiled.

  “Anyway, the game is getting ready to come on. Anthony’s getting off the bench and finally starting again and I don’t want to miss the beginning,” Capri said as she picked up her paper plate and tossed it in the trash.

  “Yeah, in a minute. I thought they were going to retire the old boy’s number. And I don’t mean that in a good way. It was looking shaky after that injury, but it looks like he’s back on his game,” Kevin said as they were leaving the patio to go into the house.

  Chris looked at Capri and shook his head. “Just let it go.”

  “I know. Kevin’s just special,” Capri said.

  When they got to the media room everyone got comfortable. Rex grabbed the remote to turn the volume up.

  Brrrring. Before the game even started, Kevin’s phone went off. He pulled his phone out of his jean pocket and looked at the number reflected on the blue screen. He hesitated, then answered.