The Sunday Brunch Diaries

by Norma L. Jarrett

  Legal Woes

  Finally, I thought as I walked out of the opposing counsel’s office. Glad that deposition is over. When I looked at the windshield my relief turned to anger. Darn it! That’s just great, a ticket. I hadn’t seen that sign when I parked earlier. I yanked the ticket off my windshield. Boy am I glad this day is about to be over. I’ve had it.

  I got into the car, backed out, and headed into the start of rush hour traffic. Okay, I have just enough time to get to the grocery store before the traffic really gets bad. Chris’s aunt and uncle are coming in from Atlanta first thing in the morning and I need time to go home, clean up, and stock the fridge. Crap, I know Chris probably left the house a mess. He just doesn’t think about that kind of stuff! It would really help me out if he did. My anger subsided once I thought about the bottle of Riesling sitting in the back of the fridge from the housewarming. I was saving it for a special occasion, but it didn’t get any more special than this. Add a slice of strawberry cheesecake and it was going to be on.

  I finally got on 610 North and figured I’d turn on the radio to ease the stress from my ride. “Hey . . . that’s my jam . . . I will love you anyway . . . Oooh, ooh, Sweet Thang . . .” I started to snap one of my fingers. Then it happened. My cell phone starting ringing, interrupting my groove. I looked at the number. Why would the office be calling now?

  “Hello?”

  “Hey Lexi, this is Capri. How’d it go today?”

  “It went fine. What’s up?” I said as I jumped on the beltway.

  “Well, did you know Ms. Wilson has been here waiting for you for about an hour?”

  “No, I had no idea. Her appointment’s next week. I checked right before I left the office.”

  “Well, she’s here and has the nerve to be upset that you aren’t here to meet with her.”

  “I really don’t need this right now,” I said as I pulled out onto the street.

  “Well, she says it’s urgent and that she has some new evidence.”

  “Jesus, Capri, are you kidding me? Can you please take care of this? I’m exhausted and I got a major headache. She’ll be fine if you just meet with her and take down the information. She’s the type of client that’ll call the bar association on my behind and complain. It’s partially my fault; I’ve been really holding her hand.”

  “I thought you were coming back to the office.” Capri sighed loudly into the phone and sucked her teeth. “Lexi, you don’t have to take every client. You need to screen these people a little better. I really don’t have the time either because I have to go to a fundraiser tonight.”

  These people? “Capri, just talk with her for five minutes and see what she has to say. She just wants some attention. I would come back, but I’m on the other side of town. Besides, I have to get ready for Chris’s aunt and uncle. You can spare five minutes, can’t you?”

  “Lexi, did you hear me? I have to be somewhere and I’m running behind as it is. Forget it, Lexi, I’ll handle it . . . But you really need to start using more discretion when it comes to these clients. It’s time to raise our standards a little.”

  Is she for real? As many times as I’ve covered for her behind? Where’s the compassion? Part of our mission, I thought, was to help clients like Ms. Wilson. Is it just me or is this player’s wife thing going to her head? I understand why she’s upset, but we’ve always had each other’s back.

  “Capri, I appreciate it. Transfer me to the lobby and I’ll let her know you’re going to speak with her. I owe you one,” I said calmly.

  “Yeah, yeah. We’ll talk this weekend,” Capri said and hung up the phone.

  After dismissing my exchange with Capri, I headed home. Once I made it through the garage, I walked in the house and did a quick assessment. It wasn’t too bad, but Chris’s aunt and uncle’s home was immaculate. So I was determined to have a spotless house by tomorrow.

  I was exhausted, but I knew if I sat down, I’d risk never getting up. I stopped in the kitchen and noticed a few dishes sitting on the counter from my husband’s snack run. A few empty nacho bags and a big spoon with a trace of ice cream confirmed my suspicion. I let out a sigh and started putting the dishes into the dishwasher. Then I headed upstairs to the bedrooms.

  I was in the middle of changing sheets when the phone rang. I looked at the caller ID. Jermane. “Hey girl, what’s going on?” I said, a little out of breath.

  “Nothing, got a minute?”

  “Sure. But that’s about all. I have family coming in town tomorrow, so I’m doing a little cleaning.”

  “Why didn’t you hire someone? Oh, never mind,” Jermane said, realizing she was talking to me. “I just wanted to have a little girl chat, Lexi.”

  “Jermane, the only time you call is if something is wrong. So what’s going on?”

  “It’s probably nothing, but Rex has been a bit distant and a little more tense then usual. He brought up my not working and it’s been a long time since he’s said anything like that. And he’s been keeping some odd hours.”

  “Well, you did tell Rex that now that you have your third degree you were going to teach, but that’s another issue. I guess the only person in our circle of friends who has to work is me! Anyway, you’re right, it’s probably nothing. It seems as if the only time Rex gets stressed is if it has to do with a client. You should be used to that by now.”

  “He did mention some new clients. He claimed that was the reason for the odd hours,” Jermane said.

  “Well, just take what he says at face value and continue to pay attention to what he does. You know men are different from us. They don’t talk a lot about their problems. On the other hand, we women like to talk about everything and get our emotions all wound up,” I said, recalling the segment I saw on Good Morning America about the way men and women communicate differently.

  “I suppose so, Lexi. I don’t know, I still feel there’s something different. Rex used to get all excited about his cases. I guess he’s losing some of that fire. When my dad made him partner, it was one of the happiest days of Rex’s life.”

  “Let me tell you, it’s not hard to lose the passion. After you’ve been practicing a while, like anything else, it can become a love-hate relationship. You’ve heard me say that before,” I added.

  “Lexi, you know I tune you out sometimes. Just kidding, girl,” Jermane added quickly. “Anyway, I just thought Rex loved the law as much as my dad does. Daddy never seems to lose his passion for the law. He’s a tough old man. He’s managed to build one of the most successful and well established law firms in Houston. And he started the business during a time when there were only a handful of Black attorneys in Houston, or anywhere for that matter. Rex should be proud to be a part of that.”

  “I’m sure he is, Jermane. I think you are worrying for nothing.”

  “Lex, you’re right. I need to stop acting paranoid.”

  “Yeah, as long as you don’t have the urge to hire the guy from that cheesy television show “Cheaters,” you’re alright. We all can get a little crazy. Perhaps it’s just a little bit of your past creeping into your relationship,” I said hesitantly.

  “Huh?”

  “Well, you know . . . the Naegel incident. I mean that did raise a little trust issue between you and Rex. So maybe you’re a little suspicious of Rex now because you were the one who was creepin’ a bit.”

  “Lexi, I thought we wouldn’t go back there. It was a mistake, okay? One that was totally out of character for me, might I add.”

  “Okay, my bad. It’s just that you would be the person I’d least likely suspect would hook up with a man like Naegel.”

  “A, we did not hook up and B, what do you mean with a man like Naegel? I’m a very desirable woman. I can be conservative and sexy. So I fell for the biceps, smooth talk, and sun-kissed dreadlocks. And before you start to judge me, Lexi, let me remind you, marriage is not easy. When real life kicks in, idealism and romance take a backseat. It can happen to anybody.”

  “Whoa, don’
t get so defensive, Jermane. I was just joking.”

  “Well, don’t play like that. I just didn’t think we’d ever revisit that time in my life. Anyway, Lexi, I just wanted to get your feedback, but now I need to jump off this phone. I have some fundraiser duties to work on. And just a few words of advice for you, a housekeeper is a worthy investment. If you ever need a referral, just give me a ring. It’s not that expensive.”

  “Okay, girl, I’ll keep that in mind. Well, I need to get back to cleaning up. But I will keep you and Rex in my prayers. Bye, Jermane.”

  As I pulled out the vacuum cleaner, I started having visions of a complimentary housekeeper mysteriously showing up on my doorstep. I also thought about Jermane’s comments. I ran the vacuum back and forth, drowning out any thoughts of romance leaving my marriage. “That’s simply not an option for the Reynolds household,” I mumbled, then picked up a pair of Chris’s underwear off the floor of the bedroom and tossed them in the hamper.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  She Works Hard for the Money

  “So I said, ‘Capri, all I need you to do is meet with my client for five minutes.’ Do you think I was wrong?” It was Saturday and I was headed on a rare shopping excursion. I also needed to destress from the company Chris and I had last weekend. My hands were on “ten and two” on the steering wheel, and I was trying to stay focused on the road.

  “Well, personally . . .” Jewel started to say before Angel reached over and covered her mouth. “What are you doing?” Jewel protested once she freed Angel’s hand from her lips.

  “What Jewel was about to say was this is between you and Capri and she’s not about to get involved.” Angel cut her eyes at Jewel.

  “It’s not like I’m trying to get y’all to take sides.” Okay, maybe I am a little. That’s the same thing Chris said. I’m not getting any support from anywhere!

  “Good, that’s why we’re not gonna talk about it,” Angel snapped. She continued flipping through her issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

  “Fine. Then everybody needs to get out.” I turned up the radio to drown out my frustration. I started bobbing my head to the music and moving my bottom around in the seat. “Oh no they didn’t!” I said when I recognized the song. I turned it up a little more. “Flashlight . . . neon light . . .”

  Jermane leaned away from me and looked at me like I was crazy.

  “This song makes no sense whatsoever, but it never goes out of style!” Jewel chimed in.

  “Don’t act like y’all don’t remember this . . . Ooh . . . undergrad, Kappa party . . . summer orientation?”

  I looked at Jermane. “Oh, sorry girl, you didn’t go to a historically Black college. Aggie Pride! Go Aggies . . . Aggies in the front, let me hear you grunt . . . Aggies in the middle let me hear you wiggle . . .”

  “Go Lexi, get busy, go Lexi, it’s your birthday.” Jewel clapped her hands and sang.

  “They must be having the old school party mix. Ooh, wait, remember this one? En Vogue. ‘Hold on to Your Love’—Woo’ they are jammin’,” I said as I fanned myself with one hand.

  “Jewel, don’t encourage her. Did you notice she almost ran that light back there? Lexi, girl, you need to focus on the road!”

  “Angel, now come on, you know you used to throw down at those high school and college jams.” I started to move my shoulders. “Oh, sorry, you may have to go back a little further than the rest of us—”

  “Lexi, you’re tripping.” Angel paused and rolled her eyes. “Okay, yeah you’re right; I was sort of throwing down at Howard too!” She and Jewel slapped hands.

  “Y’all are so tired. See if Capri were here, she’d know what I was talking about! Capri is an undercover ‘ hip-hop head,’ you know.” Dang, I miss my partner in crime. “Those were the good old days because being a grown-up is for the birds!” I screamed.

  “I know that’s right.” Jewel leaned forward slightly. “Bills to pay . . . work to do, ex-wives to curse . . . well you know what I mean,” she said and leaned back.

  “Now, Jewel, what would Jesus do?” I sang as I wagged my finger and glanced quickly in the rearview mirror.

  “Well, Jesus wouldn’t have baby mama drama in the first place.” Jewel folded her arms and looked out the window.

  I could always count on my sister-friends to raise my spirits and this shopping trip was definitely on time. I really needed to treat myself since I’d been working so hard. I know I’d have plenty of encouragement in the shopping area. Jermane had no concept of budget, but at least she could afford to go shopping. Jewel tried to have a budget, but often forgot about her debt diet. Angel had the most restraint, so she’d have to be my reality check.

  Jermane’s cell phone rang and she dug into her roomy Chloe bag. “Hey, honey,” she said after finally retrieving it. “Uh-huh, okay, sure. See you later tonight.” She slipped her phone back in her purse. She looked ultrachic in her large Dior shades, ruffled blouse, and skinny jeans. This was a relaxed look for Jermane.

  “What’s up with the Celine Dion ringtone?” Jewel looked over at her.

  “That was Rex,” Jermane said, ignoring Jewel as usual.

  “How’s he doing?” My eyes scanned the lot for a parking space as we approached the Rice Village shopping center. Come on Lord, give me some favor, I need a parking space. I hunched over the steering wheel as if that would help.

  “He’s doing well. He’s taking some clients out tonight, so he’ll be home a little late.”

  “Whoever it is must be a huge client for Rex to hang out,” I said, wheeling the car around. “Yeah! Those people are pulling out! Thank you, Lord!”

  “From what I understand, yes.” Jermane peered out of the window.

  “Rex has been out with Kevin a few times lately,” Jewel added.

  “Oh? He’s never mentioned it. Well, I guess he could use a little male bonding,” Jermane replied.

  “Rex and Kevin hanging out?” I asked, keeping my eye on the car pulling out.

  Jewel waved her hand. “Oh-uh-ah, I didn’t like the way you just said my man’s name. Kevin may act a little silly, but he knows where to draw the line. He doesn’t even like clubs. Besides, he knows better than to stir up the wrath of Jewel,” she said, pulling out her MAC lip gloss.

  __________

  I had four large bags of clothes and knew it was time to call it a day. I went back and forth, debating whether to get that last suit at Ann Taylor. We were about to head over to Lot 8 when I realized that suit would take me way over budget. Casual wear was gonna have to wait. I still had part of the money from that case I settled before I got married. So I felt I had a little cushion. I hadn’t touched it, so I figured it’d be okay to dip into it just a little for that suit. It is a business investment.

  I walked up to the ATM and punched in my PIN number. When I went to savings to check the balance, my knees buckled. “What in the world?” I checked again and the same dollar amount stared me in the face. There’s several thousand dollars missing! I immediately pulled out my cell phone to call Chris. I dialed frantically. I KNOW this Negro did not go into our savings without telling me. I know he has better sense than that! His phone kept ringing but there was no answer. I’m not going to leave him a message. Some things are better left to do in person!

  “You did what?” I heard what Chris said, but had to ask again.

  “I—I took some of our savings to make an investment.” His voice was trembling until the last word, as if he suddenly gained confidence in his decision.

  I sat down on the couch and chose my words carefully. “Chris, why would you do something like this without even asking me? I worked hard for over half that money. This is crazy.” I threw my hands up, then let them drop and slap my thighs. “What possessed you to do this? What about the conversation we had in our premarital counseling? What about the budget we made?”

  “Well, Nate . . .”

  I rolled my eyes and folded my arms. “Oh, you don’t have to say another word. We’ve talked a
bout your brother and all his ‘investments.’ Until now, you’ve managed to escape his schemes. This is the same brother who’s tried out for The Amazing Race, The Apprentice, Deal or No Deal, and I don’t know what else. He even auditioned for The Real World, knowing he was too old. I can’t blame him for trying, but we can’t afford to jump on his bandwagon of ideas now. Chris, why didn’t you ask me first?”

  “You mean why didn’t I talk with you first? I don’t have to ask your permission for anything.” His eyebrows furrowed.

  “What? You—” I took a deep breath. Lexi, calm down. I rubbed my forehead.

  His face softened. “Alright, baby, I think we’re getting just a little too excited,” he said, realizing he’d probably crossed the line. “Just listen for a minute. Maybe I was wrong for not checking with you, but I wanted to do something for our future. I had to act quick.” His eyes searched mine, begging for a little sympathy.

  “So, it couldn’t wait a day, or until we could discuss it? Be for real Chris, you didn’t tell me because you thought I would say no.” I got up and started pacing the floor.

  “No, well, maybe,” he said as he stood up. He grabbed my shoulders to halt my steps. “I know you’ve been working so hard, I just wanted to find some way to help. I was trying to do something to make things easier on you. Nate talked about all these other ways we could generate income. I think this time he’s finally found something legitimate.” He continued to search my eyes for a connection. “I mean, Chris, that’s a nice thought. But it’s the kind of decision we should make together.” I shook off his touch and backed away. “So, can you tell me what you invested our money in?” I stood with my hands on my hips, awaiting his answer.

  “Uh, um . . . just a few stocks and . . . some property” were the words that crept out of his mouth. He dropped back on the couch and his knee began to shake a little.

  In my mind I hit him. I pictured him lying on the floor like a cartoon character, with stars above his head and bird sounds. “Honey, it’s a good idea, but just maybe not now. It’s not like we have all this disposable income. Capri and I are still trying to get the firm off the ground and we just bought this house!”