The Sunday Brunch Diaries

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “Mama.” She can go on.

  “Okay, anyway, back to your daddy, you know it wasn’t true. If it was, I’d be a widow because I would have killed him.”

  “Mama, you never told me about that.”

  “Like I said, we exercised discretion back then. But I have to admit. Women are much bolder now.”

  “See, you do know what I mean, Mama.”

  “Well, I’m not saying Kevin is right. He needs to step up and be a man. He needs to tell this woman he’s married and you’re his priority. Has he given you any reason to think he’s cheating on you?”

  “No, not really,” Jewel said as she turned down the television a bit.

  “Well then you really don’t have a problem, just a situation. And you knew when you married him about the situation and its challenges. So what’s changed?”

  “Mama, she’s pregnant and . . .”

  “Oh, now you didn’t say that. That’s a whole other issue. Don’t you worry, I’m going upstairs and get dressed. It’ll take me two seconds to wake up Big Poppa, and we’ll be on the road—”

  “Mama, Mama . . . it’s not Kevin’s baby!” Jewel realized she was yelling and lowered her voice.

  “Are you sure? We don’t need no Anna Nicole situations. Whoa, chile, you have my blood sugar going up and whatnot. Who’s the father?” she said as she placed one hand on her heart and scooped out some ice cream with the other.

  “Some guy she’s dating. I just tried to explain to Kevin that I wasn’t going to be running to the hospital with her. She can barely take care of herself. At least that’s the way she acts. She needs to cut the cord.”

  “Woo, I’m waiting for my heart to slow down. Don’t scare me like that. Okay, let’s relax. Let me wait and see what the Holy Spirit is telling me.” She closed her eyes to have a quick talk with the Lord. “Jewel, honey, my Spirit is telling me that the woman is desperate. Despite her best efforts to move on, Satan has been holding her past over her. This baby means a chance for some kind of love in her life.” She licked some ice cream off a spoon.

  “But Mama, that’s not my—”

  “I know. It’s not your problem. But you’re not going to get any results if you yell and fuss at Kevin. He’s going to have to get it for himself. I’m not saying for you to put up with some ridiculousness. But I hear God saying in the midst of this, he’s working on your patience and empathy. Take your hands off the situation.”

  “Well, I just don’t like this, Mama. Stacy puts on this big act, but I’m not buying it.”

  “Jewel, honey, I said be patient, I didn’t say be a fool. You need to sleep with one eye open and one eye closed. The enemy can use anybody at anytime and he looks for the weakest link, especially in a marriage. That’s why you need to stay in tune with the Lord. He’ll let you know when you really need to be worried. I hear Him saying be cautious, but not worried. Be ‘wise as a serpent, yet innocent as a dove.’ Lord have mercy, I thought the child was saved and she done run out there and got pregnant. Well, I’m not gonna judge her and you shouldn’t either. But Jewel, you need to stop your stubbornness with Kevin.”

  “Mama, what are you talking about?”

  “Jewel, I know my child. It’s okay to get angry, but you know you have a problem with forgiveness and you been punishing him by holding out with the lovin’.”

  “Mama! I’m not!”

  “Hush, child. I’m telling you for your own good. That’s the last thing you want to do.”

  “Mama, you’re something else.”

  “Well, it’s in the Bible and need I remind you, I’m still married to my high school sweetheart and I am a former homecoming queen, class of—”

  “1966, I know Mama.”

  “And your daddy was . . .”

  “Voted best looking, Black or white.”

  “And I’m still his queen and way beyond a size six and I ain’t got no weave sewn in my head neither, but I did rock a wig back in the day, so I’m not gonna be a hypocrite.” Jeez . Jewel held the phone away from her ear, because she’d heard this part a million times.

  “But anyway, you know I’m praying for you. If the Lord says anything else, I’ll let you know. But for now, keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer. I got that from your daddy’s favorite movie, The Godfather. And another thing, keep the home fires burning, if you know what I mean. You need to make a trip to Victoria’s Secret.”

  “Mama, please! Anyway, why do I always feel better when I talk to you?”

  “Because I know what I’m talkin’ about. Now your father, love the man to death. But do you know how long it takes to train a man without letting him know he’s being trained? That’s an art form, sugar. It’s a lost art. It’s not all about looking cute all the time. That’s a part of it, but it’s about the way you make a man feel. We older ladies need to mentor you young women about that. It’s not enough to get that degree, you need to know how to run a house and take care of a man.”

  “But what about Kevin, Mama? What is he supposed to be doing while I’m doing all this for him?”

  “You work on your part and God will do the rest. That’s why you stay focused on God. He’ll let you know what to do. And another thing, if you panic and get all hysterical every time things look like they going wrong, baby, you won’t last until your five-year anniversary. We have to know how to hold our tongue and control our emotions. It’s not easy, honey, I know, but it’s worth it. A man needs to feel like a man. Your Spirit isn’t wrong about that Stacy; you need to work with God, instead of getting so worked up that you can’t hear from Him.”

  “Yes, Mama.”

  “Trust me. God’s never failed me yet.”

  “Okay. I feel better. I’ll call you in a few days, Mama.”

  “Um-hmm. Now, it would be nice for you to call when you don’t have some issue or a problem. Sometimes, you need to call just to say hello. Now you kiss that baby for me and how are the other girls . . . well, ladies. Lexi, Capri, Jermane, and Heaven . . .”

  “Angel, Mama, not Heaven. Lexi’s fine. She and Capri are practicing law together. Jermane and Rex are still doing fine and Angel is all into church now.”

  “You don’t say? God truly is a miracle-working God. At least I know who’s pregnant now. I’ve been dreaming about fish for weeks. Although I just don’t feel like this is it.”

  “Mama, I know you want your own grandchild, but Kevin’s ex is the only reason you’ve been dreaming about fish.”

  “Just wishful thinking. Oh well, I still have Aja. I guess I’ll get some blood grandbabies one day before the good Lord calls me home.”

  “Mama, it’s just not time for that. My hands are already full with Aja and my business. Anyway, it’s late, I’ll give you a call later in the week. Love you . . .”

  “Oh, so now when I wanna talk about something, you don’t have time. Ain’t that nothin’? Well, I love you. I’ll tell your father his baby’s doing fine.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  It’s a Wonderful Life

  How did December get here so fast? I remember I couldn’t wait to spend my first Christmas with my husband, but I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. Between trying to decorate the house and shop for in-laws and thinking about the holiday meal, I’m about to break down. That’s why I can’t believe I allowed Capri to talk me into coming to the Galleria mall. I usually did all my shopping at outlet centers. I absolutely hated the mall during the holidays, especially this mall. You practically needed a makeover to walk the mall’s “runway” show. It was 70 percent profiling and 30 percent shopping. But we came here for Anthony’s favorite store, Sharper Image, and planned to go to TJ Maxx next.

  Although other commitments had cut into our sister-friend time, nothing would break our Christmas tradition. We had one day when we did our “marathon shopping” with a contest to find the biggest bargains, although this year, Capri didn’t seem like she was really trying to win. We’d add up the price tags and whoever got the most discounts
had to pay for lunch. We were about to take a break at the Kona Grill when Missy came prancing around the corner. Darn it!

  “Capri!” Missy ran over and planted two air kisses close to her face. “Why didn’t you call me? I’m trying to find some gifts for my in-laws, but so far all I’ve been able to do is buy things for me.” Her eyes shifted to the bags in her hands.

  Surprise, surprise.

  She lifted her arms and all I saw was Dior, Gucci, Barneys, and Betsy Johnson plastered on colorful totes weighing down her petite frame. She was definitely a Galleria ghetto superstar. Her slicked-back ponytail exposed diamond-studded hoops, while shimmering makeup highlighted her self-tanned skin. Her megawatt veneers popped against her tawny complexion while her mouth rambled on a mile a minute. Skinny jeans, a printed top cinched with a wide leather belt, and platform pumps showed off her supertoned figure.

  “You know my husband and I are making plans to fly to Paris for New Year’s. Why don’t you and Anthony come?” She looked at me as if for a moment she thought about inviting me.

  I played it off and gazed at the crowd passing by.

  “Oh, um, I don’t know. It sounds nice. I’ll have to talk to Anthony.” She turned toward me. “You know Lexi, my law partner, right?”

  “Yes, Lena, how are you?” I saw her eyes go from my blouse down to my shoes in two seconds.

  “It’s Lexi. I’m doing . . .”

  “What do you mean you have to talk to Anthony? Girl, we’re gonna have to work on your ‘wifey’ skills.” She nudged Capri.

  My eyes moved from the crowd of shoppers to the Godiva station in the distance. I wanted to run over there and drown myself in chocolate. I’d doubt the two of them would even notice.

  “So are you all getting something to eat? I’m famished.” She looked at us both.

  Capri, don’t you dare break tradition. I held my breath.

  “Uh, yeah. We’re just taking a break.”

  Missy stood there smiling. I braced myself for the inevitable.

  “Oh, I know you have to finish up your shopping,” Capri said, looking down at Missy’s bags.

  “Yeah, but I could break for just a minute. I need to get my second wind . . . thanks!” She moved toward the Kona Grill restaurant hostess. “They have fabulous chicken satay here.”

  Capri looked at me and shrugged her shoulders as Missy marched ahead of us.

  I rolled my eyes, and walked slowly behind them. A lunch date with her couldn’t be all that bad. Suck it up, Lex, you’ve got some things going for yourself too. You’re a lawyer, you’ve got a great husband, you got your “cute” jeans on today that fit like a glove and your cropped jacket, so you can hang. Besides, you’ve been through worse. Your makeup looked good when you left this morning . . . Be open, be open.

  My self-talk helped for a minute, but soon it was all downhill. After lunch Missy dragged us to just about every store, most of which I couldn’t even afford to breathe in. I thought Capri was going to cut this shopping excursion short, but soon she was whipping out her credit card at every turn. While they laughed and charged, I tried to find “a way of escape that I could bear.” I finally drew the line when we reached Tiffany’s. I quietly chanted “To the left, to the left” before I made my exit.

  “Baby, how was shopping?” Chris asked me as I walked right by him. I realized I hadn’t spoken to him since I entered the kitchen. “It was alright.”

  “Just alright?” He said as he flipped through the channels and continued, “Baby, what are we going to eat tonight?” He didn’t take his eyes off the television.

  “I ate at the mall. Can’t you fix yourself something or order take out? I’m sorry babe, I just wanted to get finished with that holiday madness. I should have checked in with you.”

  “I’ll let you slide, Lexi, if you come rub my back.”

  I rolled my eyes. I’m beginning to think Chris thinks I’m his personal servant. It’s always about his wants and needs. “Chris, what about my back, or my feet? I’m tired,” I said and my words were sharp.

  “Okay, babe, I was just kidding.” By this time he was standing at the doorway of the kitchen. “Hey, what’s going on with you?” He walked over and grabbed me around the waist and pulled me into an embrace.

  “Nothing, Chris, nothing.” I let him hold me for minute. “I’m gonna head upstairs and stretch out on the bed.”

  “You want me to take your bags upstairs?” he said, eyeing my packages.

  “Just drop them in the den. I need to wrap some of the gifts. And stay out of my bags,” I warned as he started grabbing the bags.

  In seconds I’d changed out of my clothes and into my old sweats. I curled up on the bed. I tried to watch a movie, but I was restless. I reached over to scribble a few words in my journal.

  Dear Jesus:

  So much is changing. I don’t know, maybe I’m just jealous of Capri and her friendship with Missy. But I know that I need to resist the temptation to question Capri’s loyalty. She’ll always be a close friend. But God help me to understand what it is about Missy that bugs me. Is it her money? Her confidence? I guess it doesn’t matter God. It’s on me to keep a decent attitude. Help me, Lord, to search deep within myself, and then reveal to me any insecurities or sin I may be hiding in my heart.

  Also Lord, help me to continue to remain in You. I know You are the only One who can fill my Spirit. I love Chris, but there are moments when I know I rely a little too much on him to feel special. He is not responsible for my happiness, but I have to be honest, there are days when I want Chris to just spoil me and take care of me. Is that wrong, God? Does that make me a bad wife? I guess the first several months of our marriage I was so absorbed in him; I really didn’t make much time for anything else. Now I’m craving alone time. I’m craving time with my girls again. Gone are the days of chatting on the phone at all hours, I’m barely keeping up with birthdays and other life events. I can’t imagine how life would be with children. But I guess if that day comes, You will show me how to deal with it all.

  God, I suppose I need to really focus on what this season of my life is about. This is the tightest my budget has been for holiday shopping, but you know what, God? I really don’t care. I’m not going to stress and overspend like I’ve done in the past. Nope, this year, I’m going to focus on the true Spirit of the holiday.

  Oh, I almost forgot. Father, I lift up Rex and Jermane. I don’t know if there’s anything for her to worry about, but she has some concerns about Rex. Holy Spirit, You said if we lack wisdom that we could obtain it from You freely. Father, I pray that You would cause Jermane to seek You in all things regarding her marriage. I pray that You would remind Rex and Jermane to seek You first and then You will add other things to their lives. Father, I pray that You would reveal to Jermane any issues regarding her husband before they have the opportunity to hinder her relationship with Rex or their marriage in any way.

  God, I also ask that You continue to order my footsteps daily. Father, I can only be the person You created me to be through Your power. Lord, I pray that You keep Anthony and Capri rooted and grounded in Your word. Continue to allow Anthony to represent You as a servant and vessel while he is out on that basketball court. I pray that we all continue to give You the honor and praise in all things. Help us not to lay up our treasures here on earth, but to store up our treasures in heaven.

  Until next time,

  Lexi

  I put the pen down and warmth filled my body. I began humming and soon I started to meditate on my blessings. As I dozed off for a nap, a Spirit of assurance washed over me. A few moments later my entire body was peacefully still. I slept for several hours. I awoke to Chris rubbing my cheek.

  “Babe, you awake?” Soon he was kissing my neck, and I knew what that meant.

  “I’m so not in the mood,” I thought. I turned my back to him and wrapped his arm around me. Spooning would have to do tonight.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  “Jewel-tide Greetings”
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  Before Chris and I could reach the doorstep, I heard music blasting from Jewel’s house. Cars were parked up and down the street. I was about to call Jewel on her cell phone when she finally answered the door. The bass bombarded my body, while a powerful haze threatened to choke me. I coughed as we walked through the door and my eyes started to water.

  “Hey, girl!” Jewel said as she hugged me. “Sorry about the smoke—gumbo rue, my aunt’s cooking up another pot.” She was dressed in a red sweater trimmed with sequins, blue jeans, and red pumps. This time her hair weave was a curly, wavy texture. I was surprised she was so dressed down, knowing her propensity to overdo hostess attire. For a moment, I wanted to stay outside so I could breathe.

  “Come on in. Besides gumbo, Kevin’s uncle is on the barbecue and there’s some crawfish in the backyard. We have tons of cakes and pies and a whole tray of banana pudding just for you, Lex.” She grabbed my hand and walked us through the living room. It was packed with people and it was obvious somebody had slipped something in the eggnog. So much for the little get-together with friends.

  “I didn’t know this many people could fit in here,” I said. “Isn’t this a fire hazard?”

  Chris looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. We’d been to a few stuffy parties over the past couple of weeks, so at least this one was a little more relaxed. I heard Kevin’s loud mouth coming from the kitchen.

  “Man, you crazy! If I could win a date with anybody in the world it would be Halle Berry. Talking about some Gabrielle Union. She’s fine too, but—What?” He stopped talking and looked toward the doorway after his friends began to signal him. “Oh, hey, hey baby.” He walked over and tried to kiss Jewel.