by Pat Simmons
He lifted her on his lap, eyeing Parke, but kissing her cheek. "Hey. Did you just wake up?"
Nodding, she got down. "Daddy, I had a bad dream."
"Really, pumpkin? Tell Daddy all about it," Parke said in a soothing tone, ignoring Malcolm's snarl.
Malcolm would not be denied an answer. "Kami, go find Mommy. You can tell her all about it, and she'll even kiss it and make it better, or whatever mothers do. I'll bet you'll even get a cookie."
Kami's eyes widened as she dashed off, yelling, "Mommy."
"Walk, Kami," Parke ordered, standing. "You know, Malcolm, dinner might be ready." He checked his watch. "We can discuss this after dinner."
Folding his arms, Malcolm relaxed in his chair, then crossed his feet at the ankles. "I don't care how good Cheney's lasagna is. You might as well sit down, because neither of us will be eating for a while. Talk, Parke, or we can take this conversation outside. I guarantee Cheney's not going to like the way her husband looks after we finish our talk." His fingers scratched imaginary quote marks in the air.
"You're making a big deal out of nothing. Trey is Hali's boyfriend."
"Her boyfriend? Since when did she get a boyfriend, and how do you know him?"
"I believe Hali and Trey have been dating maybe a month now. Umm-hmm, I really wasn't keeping notes, but he's a nice guy. Cheney and I met him last night at dinner. Of course, we invited him at the last minute, but he accepted the invitation nevertheless."
"What? You've been sleeping with the enemy?" He sprang up from his chair. The force scooted the ottoman aside. "Unbelievable. Where do you get off with all this talk about the brotherhood?" Malcolm balled his fists, contemplating what he should do with them.
Parke slowly rose and duplicated Malcolm's stance. "No, I've been sleeping with my wife. If you'll recall, every time I attempted to plan a date with the four of us, you two weren't available." He jabbed a finger in the air.
Malcolm paced the room, mumbling, "Again, this is unbelievable. First, you cohort with the woman I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with. Parke, I'm less than one minute from cussing you out with words you can't begin to spell. This is unbelievable. I would do anything for Hali, and what does she do? Toss me aside like an empty box of Kleenex."
"Hali only wanted one thing from you and that was a desire for a deeper and permanent relationship with Christ," Parke argued. "How much longer do you think you two could go without falling in bed? I know you, Malcolm. We've had this discussion before. You were hot in the pants for Hali, but she wasn't ready. God was behind that decision, and she didn't even know it."
Walking within inches of Parke's face, Malcolm's nostrils flared with anger. Parke put on his game face, ready to block his brother's first move.
Malcolm gritted his teeth. "Step outside."
Chapter Twenty-four
Hallison attended only two Jamieson family nights after she broke it off with Malcolm. Tonight would make three. She wasn't usually an impulsive shopper, but nobody would believe it. Hallison was going overboard at Macy's clearance racks during her lunch break. Paula trailed her, quietly observing Hallison's selection of a black dress and black pumps trimmed in rhinestones. When she added a classy black hat to her pile, Paula snatched it out of her hand.
"Are you attending a funeral or a game night?" Paula whispered while Ursula was distracted, inspecting hidden compartments inside handbags. "What are you doing? I thought you were looking for colorful tops and sandals."
Ursula crept up behind them. "Hey, if we're going to stop by and get our lunch, we'd better hurry. I happen to like my salad cold and my chicken quesadillas hot. First, check out how much these leather purses are marked down." She walked away, expecting them to follow.
To save face, Paula grabbed a few items off the hangers and placed them on Hallison's pile, whispering, "I know your hips can't squeeze into a size three. Mine either, but you can return them later so Miss Nosy Nature won't suspect your gloom and doom behavior."
After they paid for their purchases, they hustled to TGI Fridays for orders they had called in before leaving for lunch. Once they made it back to the bank's courtyard, Hallison dropped her bags by her chair as they prepared to eat. Paranoid, Ursula had begun to join them in prayer to bless her food since word had spread about a salmonella outbreak. Ursula alternated between chewing on a mouthful of pasta salad and sipping on lemonade. Paula frowned at Ursula's marathon eating while Hallison picked at her food.
"Listen," Ursula said, pointing, "If you don't want that salad, I'll eat it. I missed dinner last night. I can't stand it when Anthony makes meatloaf. He's too heavy on the seasoning or something."
Hallison shook her head. "At least he'll cook. You had better stop complaining about that man."
"Then the man farted all night." Ursula turned up her nose while Paula and Hallison snickered. Pasta dangled from Ursula's fork as she twirled it in the air, pointing. "Can you imagine having a husband like Anthony? Can you believe he bought concert tickets to see Norah Jones?"
"No," Hallison mocked.
"You've got you a fine hunk of a man. Anthony's crazy about you," Paula scorned. "Why did you bother marrying him? Listening to you, it's been three years of misery."
"Sex. That's why I married him," Ursula stated.
Hallison choked on her soda. They came to her aid, patting her back. Hallison waved them off once she regulated her breathing. "There's a scripture in Hebrew 13 about marriage and sex."
"There you go with that Bible quoting again. I would dump you two as friends if I didn't like your company so much. Plus, Hallison, you really got me going with this genealogy stuff. I'm still digging into the Palmer families in North Carolina."
"Wait a minute." Paula held up her hands. "I don't want to talk about sex or slaves for the remainder of our lunch. I'd rather talk about Emmanuel." She grinned.
Ursula wiped her mouth, looked at her watch, then folded her arms. "Okay, you've got five minutes. Give me an Emmanuel and Trey update."
Paula blushed. "My pleasure. Emmanuel took me horseback riding last weekend—"
"You on a horse?" Ursula cackled. "Please, tell me someone took pictures. Not only are you and Emmanuel too old, but girl, you're too big to get on a horse."
"Humph! You better go and rent some Bonanza videos. I'm not ashamed or shy about my full figure. I'm as comfortable in my size eighteen body as any skinny person is in theirs."
"You tell her, baby." Emmanuel's voice sliced through the argument-in-the-making. He bent down and placed a kiss on Paula's cheek, then Hallison's, and stepped back when Ursula puckered up. "I was downtown and decided to stop by. I was on my way up to your office when I saw you out here. What are you in the mood for tonight—play, movie, or relaxing? Whatever you want, sweetie."
Standing, Paula winked at her friends as she threw her trash away. Emmanuel waited, then trailed her back inside the building.
"That little scene was interesting. Where's your beau?" Ursula lifted a brow with a smirk.
"I'll see Trey later. We're going to a family game night." Hallison held her breath, waiting for Ursula's questions to begin.
"The Washingtons have game nights like the Jamiesons?" She drained the last of her lemonade.
"Well, no. We've been invited to the Jamiesons' family game night."
Ursula's eyes widened. "Hallison, have you lost your mind? Is Malcolm going to be there? Do you enjoy going into the bear's den or whatever it's called? I want to see God deliver you out of this one. This ought to be good."
"Ursula, Malcolm is dating another woman, I'm happy with Trey. I'm definitely over Malcolm Jamieson." At least I hope I am. God, give me a sign that reconfirms that I made the right decision, Hallison prayed.
"Girl, it sounds like it could escalate into a fight night instead of a family night. Does Trey know about your relationship with Malcolm?"
"Yeah, I told him last night. He told me he feels every incident and relationship advances us to the next stage in our lives. I a
greed, but I never mentioned Malcolm's name until yesterday."
"Last night, huh? I hope he carries a gun."
Later that evening, when Hallison opened her front door, Trey wrapped her in a hug. He stroked her cheek. "You look pretty," he said, complimenting her red, two-piece ensemble and her trademark strappy sandals. Hallison decided to wear something bright instead of the dark clothes she had picked up during lunch.
"I have to admit, Hali, I feel ambushed. If he's a man like Parke, I could understand a possible attraction." He stared into her eyes. "I'm not concerned about you being over his brother, Mark."
"Malcolm."
He ignored her correction "The question is, if he's over you." Trey's face was a blank. "I hope there won't be any trouble. I'm authorized to carry a gun, but I don't like to use it."
"Trey, the best thing that came out of my relationship with Malcolm was meeting Cheney through his brother, Parke. In such a short period of time, we became best friends. We're closer than some sisters are, and we usually do a lot of things together. Otherwise, I wouldn't be going or dragging you."
"Here's the correction, baby. You're not dragging me. I'm going willingly because of you." He stole a kiss from her lips.
She blushed, returning his affection. "One thing I do know is that without meeting Paula, I may have never met you through Emmanuel."
"Hali, my question is," he paused, cupping her face between his hands, "should I be concerned?"
"No," she whispered.
He stepped inside her apartment and shut the door. "Good, but I think we should pray anyway. It wouldn't look good for a trooper to be arrested for assault."
Hallison laughed.
"I'm serious." Taking her hands, he waited for her to bow her head, then he followed. "Lord, in the name of Jesus, your Word is filled with encouragement. You aren't the author of confusion, but of peace. We rebuke the spirit of anger, confusion, strife, and envy. Bless us to show our light that can't be hidden. There is nothing that is going to happen tonight that you don't already know about. Thank you, Jesus, for listening. Amen." They lifted their hands in praise as they magnified the Lord.
The drive from Hallison's apartment to Cheney and Parke's house was less than fifteen minutes. Trey kept Hallison engaged in conversations to keep her mind off the upcoming night. He was confident everything would be peaceful. God would make sure of it.
Trey's feelings toward Hallison had been strong when he first laid eyes on her. He didn't need to date Hallison for three weeks, six months, or a year to know he had fallen in love with her. She was a woman any God-fearing man would snatch. It had been five weeks to the day, and his feelings were already carved in his heart.
The most appealing thing about Hallison was her determination to walk with God, no matter the cost. Of course, her beauty couldn't be overlooked. When she became quiet, he squeezed her hand.
"Hali, remember you've begun a new chapter in your life, and we're the main characters. Still nervous?" Trey asked, but knew her answer. He encouraged her to smile and she conceded.
"A little."
"I want to tell you something. Maybe it's the right time. Maybe it isn't, but I love you, and tonight when you're facing any demons, remember that I'm with you all the way."
Hallison blinked right before she stopped breathing. Only one other man had uttered those words to her, and she had accepted his marriage proposal. Sniffing, Hallison moved her mouth to respond, but Trey's finger stilled her lips. It was a good thing, because she had no idea what to say. After his declaration, Trey left her to her own thoughts, allowing gospel artist, Ben Tankard's "Song of Solomon" to serenade her.
Once they parked, he helped her out of his vehicle. When she met his eyes, he winked. "Trey, I'm not ready to say—"
"I didn't ask you to. You have time," he cooed. "I'll give you a couple weeks." He grinned.
She punched his arm. He feigned injury before he grabbed her hand and linked their fingers. Hallison took baby steps to the front door of a house that could've been pictured in a storybook, with its perfectly manicured lawn surrounded by colorful plants.
After a brief knock, Cheney opened the restored antique wood door. "Hey, you two. C'mon in."
"Auntee," a toddler called as she ran to Hallison with bright eyes and a big smile.
Scooping up the little girl, Hallison rubbed a loud smack in her cheek. The child giggled and squirmed to get down, so Hallison released her. "Trey, meet my god-niece. Kami, say hi."
She waved, and Trey smiled.
"Are you Auntee's boyfriend?" Kami demanded.
Trey knelt. "Yes, I am. Is that okay?" He offered Kami a smile.
Kami shrugged and squinted. "I don't know. I call it like I see it." Losing interest, she turned as Parke's booming voice rounded the corner. Trey stood and looked at Hallison for an explanation. Hallison shrugged, too. Whatever came out of Kami's mouth was becoming as unpredictable as the price of groceries at checkout, despite Cheney's attempts to keep a handle on Kami.
Parke sauntered into the living room. He slapped a handshake with Trey and kissed Hallison. "Make yourselves at home. You're the first ones—" The bell chimed throughout the house.
She relaxed, realizing that it wasn't Malcolm unless he had changed his Morse code for announcing his presence. When Cheney opened the door, she confirmed Hallison's hope. Hallison thanked God she had more time to calm her nerves.
Parke's father crossed the threshold. Kami screamed and barreled into him as if she were a mile away instead of a couple of feet. "Grandpa, Grandmommy."
Hallison kept a hand around Trey's arm for support. She didn't know how the elder Parke and Charlotte would greet her. Parke V dispelled her fears when he engulfed her in a bear hug, followed by a warm kiss. "How ya doing, girl? I miss seeing you."
She nodded and smiled. "I'm fine, Mr. Jamieson."
"Hali, you're just as gorgeous as ever," Charlotte complimented as her eyes sparkled. She blew Hallison air kisses since she was carrying a foil-covered pan. Hallison guessed it was Charlotte's signature dish: seven-layer salad. Charlotte then turned her attention to Trey. "And who is this young man?" she asked, setting down her food.
He stepped forward and extended his hand. "Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson, I'm Trey Washington."
"Trooper Derrick 'Trey' Washington." Hallison beamed with pride, hoping she wasn't pushing their hospitality. After all, they had loved her as a daughter. Still did, and she still loved them.
Mr. Jamieson clicked his heels and gave Trey a salute in jest. "We stand corrected, Officer Washington." He smiled and winked at Hallison.
"Please, call me Trey."
So far, so good. Two down, one big tremor to go. Seconds later, the doorbell buzzed twice, paused, and another buzz. It was Malcolm. Hallison's heart jumped as he opened the door with Lisa at his side. She blinked rapidly, afraid to make eye contact. Hallison gave Lisa a brief look-over. She was gorgeous in a two-piece red Capri outfit and red stilettos that showed off her calves. Malcolm always was a leg man. Hallison groaned silently. Great, they were both women in red. She suddenly wanted to kick herself for not wearing black.
The air around them stilled as movements ceased until Kami shattered the silence, "Hi, Uncle Malcolm." She turned to Lisa and frowned. "Auntee has a new boyfriend. Uncle Malcolm, you should get a pretty lady like her."
"Kami!" Everyone shouted in embarrassment, including Hallison. Trey smirked.
"BB told me to call it like I see it," she explained as Charlotte pulled her granddaughter to the side and made her apologize. Kami did with her fingers crossed behind her back. Parke grimaced. Cheney rolled her eyes, and Trey didn't say a word.
"Lisa, we're sorry. We're glad you could make it, finally," Charlotte said.
"Let the games begin." Malcolm took a deep breath and clasped his hands, eyeing Trey.
Hallison groaned. God, I'm so glad we prayed.
Chapter Twenty-five
Malcolm should've punched Parke in the mouth when he had a chanc
e, but Cheney conveniently interrupted and announced dinner. Cheney squinted, knowing she had walked into a fiery furnace. Her presence delayed the dental appointment Malcolm was confident Parke would need after their talk.
The previous night, Malcolm had refused Cheney's dinner invitation, but she dragged him into the kitchen anyway and shoved a covered plate in his hands and a healthy slice of earthquake cake—his favorite. Still, Malcolm fumed about the enemy infiltrating the Jamieson territory, and he continued to entertain fantasies about getting the job done to his older brother.
He kissed his mother and shook hands with his dad. He debated if Parke deserved a handshake. Lisa watched the two with curiosity. Cheney returned from the table, her stomach guiding the way. She nudged Parke to embrace his brother. Parke did with the strength of a bear, whispering to Malcolm, "Don't act up."
"Unless you want your ear bitten off like Evander Holyfield, I advise you to back off. Remember, I'm a guest." He turned and faced Hallison, Miss Heartbreaker.
So this is Hali's church man, Malcolm surmised. Nodding, he grumbled, "Hah," as he strolled past her, tugging Lisa, whose heels were not meant to be rushed, toward the table. Malcolm ignored Hallison's guest along the way.
"Well." Parke cleared his throat. "Trey, this is my younger brother, Malcolm." The men nodded. "Hallison, this is Lisa."
"We've met," they said in unison.
"Oh," echoed throughout the room. Parke mouthed to Cheney, "I hope you're praying."
"I started when the doorbell rang," she mouthed back.
Everyone began to gather around the dining room table. Cheney stretched out her hands. "Let's bless the food so we can eat first."
Lisa, standing between Malcolm and Parke, stepped back when they reached for her hands. "I prefer a moment of silence," she mumbled.
Malcolm nodded as if he understood, but he didn't mention that blessing his food was as routine as brushing his teeth in the morning. Yet, he respected her decision; he didn't want to convert Lisa as Hallison had tried to do with him. No one seemed to make a big deal out of Lisa's decline anyway, including Hallison.
