The Sunday Brunch Diaries

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “Wait, alright.” He sat up on the edge of the bed. “Capri, you know, if you’d look up from that computer long enough, you’d realize other things are going on outside your world. Did you even know your best friend’s pregnant? And tonight I had a drink just to celebrate with Chris.”

  The words electrocuted her, causing her to stop at the edge of the doorway. She couldn’t believe what she’d heard. Where was all this coming from? She turned around abruptly. “Lexi? She—she’s having a baby?”

  “Yeah, that’s right. She’s pregnant. I thought as a woman you’d pick up on something like that.”

  Capri couldn’t form any words with her mouth. She walked out of their bedroom to seek solace in the guest room. She felt as though someone had punched her in the stomach. Her insides churned. Why didn’t Lexi tell me? And why is my husband acting so crazy?

  After Capri left, Anthony slammed his body back on the bed. “Aw man, Chris is gonna kill me.” He knew he’d messed up, in more ways than one.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Coming Clean

  “Thank God it’s Friday” could not begin to express Capri’s emotions. It had taken everything she had not to ask Lexi if she was pregnant the entire week. When she walked into her house that afternoon, she immediately noticed a note on the entryway table. Anthony had gone to play pool at his teammate’s house. She was a little relieved, since tension still lingered between them.

  She dropped her briefcase on the floor. I will not pick it back up until Monday, she vowed. The house seemed so much larger when Anthony was gone. She walked upstairs and threw on her sweatpants and law school T-shirt. She came back down, grabbed some leftover pizza, and went into the living room. After devouring half the pie, she leaned back on the sofa.

  As she lay there, she started thinking back to law school. Boy, I thought once I’d made it through that, life would be smooth sailing. I never pictured myself married, much less to someone like Anthony. How could he forget how much it took for me to give my heart away? He knows none of this material crap matters to me. Her eyes watered, but she kept any tears from flowing. She wrapped her arms around her body, hugging herself.

  She wanted to get past her pride and call Lexi. She tried to quiet her thoughts, but Anthony’s stinging comments invaded her mind. He’s taking things out on me, the person who cares about him the most. I’m the one who has his back. Have I really changed? What’s wrong with treating myself every now and then? Am I selfish? I’ve worked hard most of my life and never given myself permission to enjoy anything.

  After dozing off Capri woke up two hours later. Anthony still hadn’t made it back. She stood and walked over to a shelf and looked at all the pictures. There was one of Capri and all the girls on her wedding day. Next to it was another of Capri and Lexi at their law school graduation. She picked it up and smiled. After setting the frame down, she walked toward the phone. She grabbed it and dialed quickly. I really need to talk to my best friend.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

  B. F. F.

  “Capri?”

  “Hey girl, what are you doing?”

  “Um, watching a movie with Chris.” I pulled away from him and sat on the side of the bed. “Where are you going?” Chris whispered as he grabbed my arm.

  I waved at him and walked out to the guest bedroom and future nursery.

  “You don’t sound like yourself. What’s going on?” I said as I sat in the rocking chair.

  Capri took a deep breath. “Lex, you’re my girl and we’ve been through a lot. I know there’s a good reason . . .”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you’re pregnant?”

  I took a deep swallow. Chris. “Umm, where’d you hear that?”

  “Anthony. We were arguing. He accused me of being selfish. That’s when he said I didn’t even know my own best friend was pregnant and he’s right.” I heard her voice tremble and then a few sniffles.

  “Capri, Capri, it had nothing to do with you. Capri!”

  “I’m sorry, girl; I’m just a little upset. Anthony’s been acting like a fool since that game. I’m sorry, Lexi, if I haven’t been there for you as much. You have to believe nothing would destroy our friendship,” she said as she wiped the tear that managed to escape from her eye.

  “Girl, it’s not you. I guess I’m still trying to believe all this is happening to me. I was so used to things not working out; when God started answering my prayers, I guess fear got the best of me. I’m embarrassed to say, I just didn’t want to jinx anything. Some kinda faith I have, huh?”

  “Lexi, you’ve been through a lot, I’m a witness. I sort of know what you are feeling. It took me forever to open up to Anthony. It had been so long since I even thought about a relationship. But you talked me into giving him a chance. Lexi, he’s a good man. He’s always treated me like a queen. And now that he’s going through his own trial, well, I’m not sure I’m doing all that I can to be there for him.”

  “Capri, don’t believe that crap. Just give him some time. He’ll shake all this off. Men like to put the guilt trip on you every now and then. He’s a big baby . . . they all are.”

  “Umm, you may be right. Well, I know one thing; Mr. Stanton better get himself together. It took everything I had not to go off on him.”

  I started laughing and Capri joined in. Then I said, “Girl, I’m trying to imagine Anthony towering over you while you’re fussing at him.”

  “You know I fuss at him too. I’m from the East Coast; don’t let the business suit fool you.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Girl, I remember when you used to threaten folks in law school, trying to be all serious.”

  “I must be getting soft. Anyway, back to you. Lexi, I can’t believe you’re pregnant! I mean, this is so amazing! How do you feel? I’m mean, what does it feel like inside?”

  “Girl, I can’t begin to describe it. I’m still in a daze. It was so not planned! And I’m terrified. I haven’t told anyone but Chris and my dad.” Okay, so I lied just a little. But if she knew I told Angel before her . . . but so what? Dang, this is ridiculous.

  “So, I know I don’t even have to ask who the godmother’s gonna be?”

  “Missy,” I said and started laughing.

  “Funny.”

  “Well, you did sell our friendship out for her,” I said as I got up from the rocker.

  “Girl, please. There’s no comparison. I just didn’t know any of the wives; she sort of schooled me on all this NBA crap. Out of all of them, she’s been the coolest,” Capri said.

  “She’s alright. Anyway girl, you know we’re going to have to wait as long as possible before we tell Jewel, right?”

  “That goes without saying. Lexi, I can’t believe I’m gonna be a godmother.”

  “You’ll make a good one too. So, where’s Anthony now?”

  “He’s out.”

  “Hmm. Well, you know what? I think we need to say a little prayer before we go. We gotta keep these men on the altar.”

  “I hear you. I knew I could count on you to break off some prayer.”

  “Oh no, sister, you’ll be praying too. If you plan on making it through your marriage you’re gonna have to learn to cover it in prayer more often. It’s time for you to grow up in the Spirit, girl. Prayer is one of the greatest weapons in marriage. Without it, you won’t have a fighting chance.”

  “I hear you. Yeah, it is time for me to step it up. I’m ready when you are.” I started to speak.

  Father, I thank You and praise You for all You are. You are Lord over everything. Lord, I thank You for the gift of friendship and I thank You for the gift of love. God, I ask that You would bless these marriages. I pray that You would give us wisdom, guidance, and understanding. I pray that You would continue to anoint these men to be head of the household. Where they are weak, make them strong. Father, we ask that You would help us to love them according to 1 Corinthians 13. God, I pray that we always have a Spirit of agreement with
our husbands. Show us our role at every season of this marriage. Give us discernment and help us to prepare homes where angels love to dwell. Lord God, I pray that You would cover our marriages in the Blood of Jesus. Lord, I pray especially for Anthony, that You would not allow a spirit of negativity, disappointment, or failure to overtake him. Let him find peace and encouragement in Your Word. Let him know what Your will is for his life. Lord, let us always seek Your will in all things. We will be careful to give You the honor and praise at all times. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

  __________

  “CHRIS!!!” I yelled as I walked back toward our bedroom.

  “Yeah, baby,” he said, still focused on the television.

  “Swee-tie, that was Capri,” I said as I sat on the bed.

  “Um-hmm.”

  I leaned over and snuggled up to his ear. “Did you tell Anthony I was pregnant?”

  “Uh-huh, yeah I kinda did.” He turned to look at me with those puppy dog eyes.

  I punched him in the arm. “I can’t believe you. I mean, I specifically asked you not to do that. Now Capri’s not speaking to me. She’s extremely angry. Because of you our friendship is pretty much over.”

  “What? That’s ridiculous.”

  “It’s all your fault.” I fell on my face and started to cry.

  “Baby, baby, I’m sorry.” He shook my shoulders.

  I jumped on him and started softly punching him. “Just kidding! But you know you were wrong to do that.”

  “Baby, I’m sorry. It’s just that I was trying to get Anthony in a good mood. He was down last weekend. He’s excited about being a godparent. I’m excited too. I’m tired of holding it in.”

  “Well, I know you meant well . . .”

  “Yeah, yeah,” he said as he started kissing my neck.

  “Don’t even think about that,” I said as I slid out from under him and leaned back on the headboard.

  “Ah, I can’t get just a little lovin’? Man, I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. But because of your big mouth, you gets none tonight.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  Birthday Sweeps

  I don’t know how I get talked into these things, I thought as Angel, Jewel, Jermane, and I headed down the escalator of Crate & Barrel. I never come to shop at Highland Village. All my kitchen stuff comes from Wal-Mart or Target, and I think it’s just as cute. But I do have to say, it was a nice change of pace, and they did have some nice things in there.

  “Okay, I just want to peek in Anthropologie,” Jewel said. Angel and I rolled our eyes behind her back.

  “I just don’t get that store,” Jermane said as we walked out. “I guess it’s vintage chic, but it does nothing for me.” She looked completely uninterested from the time we walked in. I was really focused on a cute multicolored Tracy Reese frock, until I peeked at the price. Angel and I looked at each other and shouted “eBay” at the same time.

  Jewel turned around and gave us that “I can’t take you anywhere” look.

  “So where we gonna eat?” I asked, hoping this little excursion was coming to a close.

  “I don’t know. RA Sushi is close. We can go there.”

  “No, I need real food,” I said. My stomach is getting nauseous even at the mention of sushi. “How about Grand Lux?”

  “Yeah, we can do that,” Angel said.

  “Doesn’t matter to me, I’m ready to go,” Jermane chimed in.

  Once we got to Grand Lux and the food was ordered, we immediately launched into birthday plans. “So Angel, yours is coming up next. What do you wanna do?” I asked, eyeing the cheesecake being served to the couple at the next table.

  “I don’t know. I’m sort of through with over-the-top birthday events,” she said as she sipped on her water.

  “Girl, that’s because your behind is getting old!” Jewel started laughing and patting the table with the palm of her hand. “Now me, I live for birthdays. It’s like the world is saying ‘Jewel we’re so glad you’re here.’ ”

  “Don’t make me hurt you,” Angel said. “I guess right now, I’m trying to simplify my life. The other day I walked by my closet and noticed there was barely any room for another piece of clothing. I just started pulling out clothes to give away. I feel like I’m just hoarding stuff. I mean, how many Chloe bags and Manolos does a girl need to have?” She pursed her lips to blow a little air on her coffee.

  Jewel turned her head slightly and focused on Angel. She grabbed the table. “Girl, don’t you give away a thing until I get to sort through it.”

  “Down, girl, down,” I said as I patted Jewel’s hand. “Hey, why don’t you have one of those clothes-swapping parties for your birthday?”

  “Yes, what a fabulous idea,” Jewel exclaimed, almost jumping out of her seat.

  “I was talking to Angel.”

  “That’s not a bad idea . . . a party with a purpose. Whatever is left, I’ll donate to Dress for Success and some other charities,” Angel said as she buttered a slice of bread.

  “And please, we have to invite Missy, you know she’s got some good stuff to give away.”

  Angel rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Anyway, Jewel, feel free to plan the birthday festivities.”

  “Gotcha. We can do it the end of May. A week after your birthday.” In less than two seconds her BlackBerry was in hand and she was typing away.

  “Okay, I’ll supply the guest list and the place.”

  “Angel, again, please remember to invite people that have good stuff,” Jewel said, waving her spoon.

  “Jewel . . . it’s my party.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” she said, scrolling through e-mails and typing.

  “Well, I have plenty of clothes to donate to charity,” Jermane said.

  “Okay again, let’s make this clear, nothing will leave the room, until I’ve gone through every item.” Jewel looked around the table into each person’s eyes.

  “Okay, Jewel we got it,” I said.

  “With that settled, on to more pressing matters,” Jewel said as she sipped her raspberry tea. “I have an issue that’s been weighing on me, but I need to get the advice of my trusty sister circle.” She grabbed Angel’s and Jermane’s hands. “It’s Kevin’s ex.”

  “So what else is new?” I said as I munched on a breadstick.

  “Well, this is serious, I mean, she’s taken it to the next level. Homegirl is over two months pregnant.”

  I almost choked on my bread.

  “Lexi, you okay?” Jermane patted me on my back. “Yeah, fine,” I said, though I still felt a piece of bread in my throat. “It’s not . . .”

  “No, it’s not Kevin’s. He’d be dead by now.”

  “Wow, that’s deep,” Angel said.

  “Yeah, it’s freaking me out. I’ve already threatened Kevin. He better not even act like he needs to be there for her. She’s got a man.”

  “Not trying to judge, but wasn’t she all up in the church, singing in the choir and whatnot?”

  “Yes Lexi, you are judging,” Angel chided.

  “Yeah, that’s what I said,” Jewel added.

  “Hmm, I’m gonna have to think on this one.” Whoa, the drama never ends. God, we need a life manual. Oh that’s right, You gave us one—the Bible.

  “Well, all I can say is you really need to put your foot down with Kevin and establish some boundaries.” Angel stirred some Equal into her coffee.

  “Thank God, I have never had to deal with baby mother’s drama,” Jermane interjected.

  “Anyway,” Jewel broke in, “I had a long talk with Kevin and he knows how I feel. I just need you all to lift up this situation in prayer. She said the father is going to be there for her.” She watched their expressions.

  “Um-hmm.” Angel was unconvinced.

  “Oh no, I see trouble written all over this one,” Jermane added. “I’m glad Rex knows how to act. Thank God I’ve never had to deal with anything like this.”

  “Jewe
l, I’m sure God’s got it all under control.” I noticed our waitress coming with our food and got a bit distracted. “Is that all you can say? That’s your answer for everything.” I shrugged my shoulders and kept on eating my bread.

  “Well, I just can’t take her anymore. I had to lay her out one day when she came over. I told her she needed to respect me and to stop manipulating Kevin. I don’t know. I just don’t trust her.” Jewel’s voice went from a strong, confident tone to a low softer voice.

  “It’s gonna be alright, girl. God’s got it. What’s done is done now. But it doesn’t have to affect what you and Kevin have. The boy loves you to death. On that note, I’ll be right back, gotta make a bathroom run!”

  “Yeah, I don’t know why that boy puts up with you. Then again Kevin’s special, so y’all are made for each other,” Angel said and laughed.

  “Well, it’s time to go. I got a party to plan,” Jewel said as she removed her napkin from her lap and stood up.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  What Happens in Vegas . . .

  Kevin quickly looked around the billiard hall before he refocused on the pool table. “So, fellas, check this out. Jewel’s been really tripping lately. I mean she knows I’m faithful but she still can nag a brother to death,” he said as he tried to line up his shot.

  “Man, don’t they all? After a while, I just tune Lexi out,” Chris said. “Kevin, take the shot.”

  “Don’t rush me.” He leaned over the pool table, then stood up several times trying to assess his next move. “Why you been so quiet?” Octavio nodded toward Anthony reclining on the nearby lounge chair.

  “I don’t know, I was just thinking Capri’s been tripping too.”

  “You know how it is when they start talking to each other. It’s like they have a meeting and decide all together what the issue of the week is going to be.”

  “That’s the one thing I can say about Jermane, she doesn’t really get other people involved in our problems,” Rex called out from his chair.