text: Marva  Smith Rescue My Daughter The Life of Zamera Kingsley I  dedicate this book to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His saving grace and overwhelming love has kept me and I am forever grateful to Him. To God Be The Glory for all that He has done. 
   
   
   The Prodical Daughter 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   When I entered the bar, Joel was only five feet from the door. He didn't even look at me. His head was buried in the papers clutched in his hands. I hoped he would look up, but he didn't. Instead he mumbled something to Ella behind the counter and walked to his office in the back. Had I been gone that long that he did not recognize me? Zamera thoughts raced. She could not wait to sing again. But the Kingsley Club stirred up mixed emotions. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera walked up to a table closest to the stage and sat down. She watched as the other women auditioned for the evening show. She gently un-wrapped her shoulders from her silky crème shawl and placed her purse on the table. Crossing her legs, she rested the cleft of her chin non chalontly in the palm of her right hand. She tilted her head toward the gentlemen calling the women one after another. Sighing she had second thoughts. Slowly standing up, she laid her shawl across her arm, grabbed her purse and began to walk away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera Kingsley." A slightly familiar voice called out to her from across the room. She turned wondering whose voice that was calling her, above all who even recognized her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yes," she turned in a circle trying to focus with the lights dimly lit "Who called my name?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Over here, come here?." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Her eyes focused in on a dimly lit face all the way at the back of the bar.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She could see the silhouette of the brim of his hat and smoke filling the area where he sat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come on now girl, don't be shy?.... you know me?." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera walked slowly toward the gent at the back. Joel came from 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   working in the back to take a much needed break. He saw Zamera headed 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   toward the far end of his bar. She glowed in her beautiful satin white dress. Her makeup was flawless. Her long dark trestles swayed as she moved away from him. He couldn't believe his eyes. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Is it really?.. Don Kingsley's long lost and forgotten daughter, and the only woman I ever loved? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel thought to himself as he grabbed the nearest bar stool and took a seat. Zamera appearance brought back a familiar spark in his spirit. He remembered how much they were in love. No one understood her as much as he did. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   As quick as he reminisced, she vanished out the back exit, followed by an oversized, overdressed man in a gangster style hat. Joel could not resist his gut instinct. He ran after her. Pointing toward the papers he set on the bar, he asked Ella to put them behind the counter. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I will be back..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella shook her head, all too familiar with her boss's determination.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera was the one thing he did not seem to be able to conquer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Heading toward the back exit, he flung open the exit doors only to see Zamera enter a long black Limo and pull off. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "No," he sighed in disbelief, "no not again" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He turned slowly as he entered the Kingsley Barr once again he felt his heart drop. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella met him at the door . 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Pop, called he wants you to stop by on your way home" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The words came out slowly as she dried a drinking glass. Joel walked right passed not even acknowledging the information. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "If she  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   wanted 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    you, ....Joel she would be  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   with 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    you" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella's words stung his heart he reached behind the counter and grabbed the papers and headed toward his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Why is she here, why is she back? What does she want Lord? clearly it's not me. Joel entered his office and sat down at his desk he swung toward the window as he looked at the beautiful lights of the night. His thoughts swarmed like flies. Forcing himself to relax, he got lost in the white glow of the lights. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Wake up sweetie, time to eat!" Zamera brought breakfast in bed to Joel. He smiled as she buttered his bread and poured his orange juice into a glass. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She smelled like lavender and her eyes were glowing. He could tell how happy she was right now. He reached for her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "I will always love you." 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    He whispered. Joel was serious. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You better..." Zamera said jokingly with a smile as she caressed his firm jaw line. "....you better not ever leave me Joel...." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I won't ever leave you...I love you...." Joel sat up forcing her to look into his eyes. He knew her too well. He was speaking from his heart. Zamera did not know how. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera....you have my heart now and forever" Squeezing the hand that held the ring he gave her. They embraced. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel! Joel! Mister Prophet!" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony's voice pulls Joel out of his memory. "O sorry, Tony what is it?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ms. Ella wants to know if your closing tonight, because she is about to leave" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "O tell her I'm leaving....here I come" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel gets up feels his pants for his keys. Grabs his briefcase and Heads out of his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "See you tomorrow, Mister Prophet" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Good night, Tony" Joel rubbed his forehead, wishing he could restart the day. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He exited the bar after he waved good-bye to Ella as she closed. He pulled out his keys and sat heavily in the driver seat. A small envelope latched under his wind shield wiper caught his attention. Squinting to focus, he lifted himself up far enough to reach it. The front of the sealed note was simply addressed JoJo. Only one person called him that. Even beyond the nickname, he knew Zamera' s handwriting. He quickly opened the envelope.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As he pulled out the letter his heart pounded quickly. He could hardly breathe the anticipation almost caused him to stop breathing all together. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   My Dearest Sweet Jo Jo, 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I came tonight for you, I saw you working and you seemed to be pre-occupied. So I didn't bother. I want to let you know that you are the only man that I have ever truly loved, and I want to ask you to forgive me for all those times I ran away from you when times got hard. You are a true man to your word and in your heart.,.....I miss you....but I know the way we ended It's beyond repair.....here is my wedding ring the symbol of the love we once shared. I want to remember that I am thankful for you being in my life and sharing your love with me...goodbye JoJo. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Love Zamera 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel sat numb. Tears began to roll down his face as closed the letter gently and placed it back into the envelope. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord , why won't she just truly let go and let me love her........ 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel she needs closure...give her space....she will return to you 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   When Lord and how? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel started up the car and ran his hand over his face. Trying to push Zamera out of his mind, he decided to go over to Don's house. When he arrived there, cars were everywhere. Don Kingsley is not the entertaining type. He rarely attended gatherings. He paused just a moment, he got out of the car and headed toward the front entrance of the 3-story home. As he reached the top of the stairs, the door was opened. Don's wife Angela stood there smiling. Her smile was what he needed. He could not help but return the smile. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hello there, Joel good for you to stop by! Come on in..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel steps in as she lets him pass. The house spoke of Angela's style.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The beautiful whitewashed spiral stairway was crowned by a heavy crystal chandelier placed in the center of the ceiling. Angela loved to decorate. Don knew where is calling lied. He loved that his wife was the flair he needed in his life. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "...here allow me to take your coat.." Angela was in her early forties but you could never tell her frame a physique spoke against the age. You could see the result of the gym and healthy lifestyle, it glowed in her face she was mid-brown complected and her eyes sparkled of bronze. She always let her hair flow free with soft curls, her skin was clear and beautiful as such her personality. Angela met Joel when Don first hired him as a young accountant out of Detroit just graduated from school, he was like a son to her. Although Don's daughters claimed her as their mom, she felt they did it out of obligation and pity. But, she could not help but love them for it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel hands her his coat from around his body. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thanks, Mrs. Kingsley" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "....come on now, Joel we are like family..call me Angie...." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   she shuts the door behind him, he looks back at the door as if to say no going back now. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "...gone on in the family room, get you something to eat, I'll let Don know your here" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela disappears, Joel rubs his hands together and takes a much needed deep breathe as he walks pass the foyer into the family room. Unfamiliar faces walk passed him smiling and getting him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel!" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   finally a familiar voice grabs his attention he turns it's Eliza Don's eldest daughter holding her toddler in her arms. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come over here, I have someone I want you to meet." Eliza shifts her daughter to her other hip. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel makes his way through the people going to and fro. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Eliza," he gives her a peck on the cheek. "How are you?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm good Joel, she takes his hand. I want you to meet my in-laws from Texas this is Maxey, John's cousin and her husband Ted." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel shakes Ted's hand and smiles at Maxey. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "And this is...you remember George he was at the wedding." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel shakes George hand and greets him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "And this here is." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She points at a young child standing next to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Rachino Gabrielle, he is from India. Maxey and Ted adopted him." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel kneels down to shake the young gents hand he is standing straight head up and offers Joel a firm hand shake. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "So where is John?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "He is upstairs with Dad he will be down in a minute." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   They walk into the living room. Soft Jazz begins to play in the background. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Fifteen years and the Kingsley Barr is still standing strong....who would have thought?" Eliza grabs Joel's hand as they enter the living room. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel, thank you for being the MAN my father needed. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't stepped in like you did....financially I mean." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza releases Joel hand, he looks deep into her eyes, the resemblance caused him to look away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You know I never really added it up....it has been 15 years since...." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel stops as he thinks about the first time he laid eyes on Zamera. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     "Have you seen her?" 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza puts her daughter down to walk and she toddles into the next room into the arms of Ella. Ella lifts her up as she glances at Joel and Eliza, she then turns away and heads upstairs. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel facial expression looks as if to say who? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come on Joel don't look at me like that? You know who I am talking about" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walks toward the window. "Yeah, I did." He folds his arms and turns toward the window. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Are you alright?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I am the question is. Is she? Joel unfolds his arms as he turns toward Eliza. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Look, I'm not here for her. He rubs his head as he begins to pace back and forth and abruptly stop. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     Your dad called the bar and told me stop by. He extends his hand toward Eliza. I need to go see him and then I will leave" 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel begins to exit the living room, Eliza reaches out and grabs his arm he stops and faces her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza looks into his eyes she knows the pain her sister caused him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel it's alright to be angry....Zam-" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm not here for her...Lizzie I keep telling you this!" Joel snatches his arm out of her grip roughly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel tries to walk away and then he stops and turns to Eliza once again he takes a deep breath his voice calmer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Lizzie I'm sorry...I did not mean to blow up at you like that." he rubs his head. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Sssh Joel. She reaches out as they gently embrace. You don't have to apologize to me." Joel was a like a brother to Eliza, he was the only one whom she could relate to on an educational level, after she graduated and her father placed the bar responsibilities on her, she felt overwhelmed until he hired Joel, he was a life saver. Joel was there through Don's heart attack, the death of her mother Vanessa, and still he had to experience what he did with her little sister and is still here, he has a special place in her heart for that. "Go ahead." they pull away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She rubs his shoulder trying to offer comfort the best way a ex-sister In law can. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Go see dad. I will see you later, k?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel nods and leaves the living room. He goes upstairs to Don's study before he enters he can hear John Eliza's husband and Don laughing. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don spots Joel, "Just the man I want to see. Come on in son." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "How ya doing, Joel?" John gives him a friendly hug. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm good and yourself?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Can't complain." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I got a chance to see Jade she is getting big." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yeah, that's my pumpkin." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks at him knowing deep inside how John truly feels but for the sake of Don, he accepted the comment with a smile. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What can I do for you sir" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel turns toward Don willing to listen to whatever the old man had on His heart. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well, Don you know...since you have been handling things so well down at the bar, I was wondering if you were willing to add on another project?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks at John and then back at Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "That depends on what it is sir? I mean no offense- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   -None taken son" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I pretty much have my hands full with the Barr and all the legalities of tax preparation." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "And I understand, but you see with Lizzie expecting again, and Ella getting married, I'm going to need more hands on deck. Now, John has graciously accepted his time and talent, but I need for The Kingsley Barr marketers to see men coming forward more so than the women- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You mean Lizzie and Ella." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don recognized the disappointment in Joel's voice. He stood up and came around his desk to close the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Have a seat son" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don beckoned. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Meanwhile down the hall Zamera was in her old room, she pulled out her suit case and began to unpack her clothes and hang them up in the closet. There was a knock on the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "come in..." she faced the door and went back to unpacking. Enter Angela into the room. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, there you need any help, unpacking?" she sits on the bed. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "no ma'am thank you, thank you for asking though...i appreciate it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera, you know I am here for you,..whenever you are ready to talk I am here. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thank you Angie, but really all I want now, is to be left alone.... 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   she sighs as she hangs her lavender pants suit up in the closet. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   ...It's officially ended with Joel and now I feel like I can breathe and move on. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What about Cleo? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   about 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    him? Zamera puts her personals into her drawer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Child I’m not blind, what is going on...you riding around town in that long black limo-we see you and so does everyone else" Angela crosses her legs and leans forward. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela...look I'm tired, I just want to run a warm bath and relax. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela sighs understanding the child, she understood in her 26 years she has experienced a lot of things she had to grow up fast and to top it off ,she has lost the man she loves the most. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela walks over to Zamera. "Like I said, if and when you want to talk about whatever, I am here for you" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela leaves the room and shuts the door behind her. Zamera looks at the closed door and begins to weep quietly to herself. If only I would have told him how I truly felt inside she thought. She exits her bedroom to across the hall to run a warm bath, she sits on the ledge of the tub, the water begins to run, she hears voices echoing out of her father's study. Dad sure has his hands full with company tonight, it has been a long fifteen years she thought as she placed her hand gently  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Under the facet to test the water. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "well Joel, I know I have put a lot on your mind to think about, so do take your time and please be reminded that I truly value your opinion." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don picked up his coffee cup and took a sip. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yes, sir...I will be sure to let you know whatever I decide." Joel gets up out of the chair stands up to fix his jacket. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Nice seeing you again John. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Likewise Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel leaves Don's study. He enters the large hallway and decides he needed to use the facilities he heads toward the laboratory he can hear water running. He walks up to the door and knocks softly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "excuse me..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yes.." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yes, I just need to use the facilities will there be anyway possible?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera recognizes the voice oh so well, her heart pounds, she becomes indecisive she doesn't know whether to answer the door or not. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You can use the one in the study..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel squints his face he recognizes Zamera's voice. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera...is that you? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera slumps as she slowly sighs and opens the door, Joel can't believe what his eyes see, Zamera's beauty was amazing, she had on no makeup, her hair was parted down the front, reaching past her shoulders she still had on that beautiful white dress he saw her in at the bar, she looked radiant but he sensed uncertainty in her eyes. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera, he paused as he lifted his hand to cup her face she turned her face slowly away as her hair fell on her on cheek, Joel stepped closer to her, he was now entering her personal space a place where only he could enter and cause her to let down her guard. She felt her heart calling to him,but still her mind refused. He slowly reached out again, this time using both of his hands, as they touched her cheek she became weak, at this  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Point Zamera could not refuse, she knew this place all to well she actually met his warm embrace, a place she has been longing for two years and to have him come to her was overwhelming. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera pulled away and then turned her back to Joel, why do you fight me? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel whispered caressing her back gently. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel please, please leave" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walks into the restroom closing the door behind him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera, you are still my wife, no matter what..nothing can change that not 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   even papers. Joel leans against the bathroom door and slowly locks it with his left hand and reaches out to Zamera with his right hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel, could you please leave? with tears streaming down her face. Joel ignores the silent cry of fear, his leans down passed Zamera to stop the water filling in the bathtub. He rises and caresses her shoulders. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Why do you want me to leave? I am here. Joel closes the seat down on the toilet and sits down. Don't let me stop you. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera wipes her tears and regains her posture if there was one thing she loved and also hated about Joel it would be his sense of committment which some people could easily mistake for stubborness. As she begin to undress, Joel stopped her by reaching out and taking her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Not like this, I love you and I respect you. Do you want me to leave? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looked into her husbands eyes. She can see how much care and concern he had for her, Joel loved for who she was and who she is becoming he always saw so much more in her than anyone else, not only because he knew her but because he loved her. I could never resist him no matter how hard I try he always wins she thought to herself. She followed the soft tug of his arm pulling her to him and she leaned into him as they began to embrace once more. The door knob shook. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Who is in there!" Ella exclaimed. I have two toddlers that have to go, so come on out. Ella banged on the door again. Zamera stood up as Joel begin to button her dress up from the back, she turned to him and gave small grin and quickly turned back again for he could finish. Ella bang on the door again loudly. Don stepped out of his office from down the hall. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ella! What are you doing...?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella scooped up her neice Jade and they scurried into Don's office to use his restroom. Joel and Zamera could not help but laugh as she flew down the hall in hills with one 1/2 year old on her hip, in hills. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Leave it to Ella, that women should have been a track star. Zamera laughs, Joel completes fastening her dress. She turns toward him he clasps her hands close to his chest. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I- 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel places his fingers on her lips. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ah ssh, we have plenty of time for that. Right now I want to spend the rest of this evening, with you. They leave the restroom, just before that Joel reaches as he allows the water to drain out of the bathtub. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don puts his pipe back in his mouth and walks back into his study. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "grandpa, come down stairs" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Jade says as Ella fixes her dress. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I will pumpkin, but for right now, papa has some work to do. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Grandpa does not have to work Pumpkin' he wants to work. Ella smiles as she takes Jade's hand and they leave Don's study. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "So Maxey how are things going for you with Rachino? Angela asks as she fills a pitcher of tea. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Angie, you know I can't really say, he is so quiet, and mannerable, he doesn't cause havoc, I'm truly concerned. Maxey and Angie laugh. Angela pours eyes into the jug. Well you know what they say, it's those quiet ones you have to worry about. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I hear ya, I'm just glad finally Ted and I have someone to share our wealth with, you know. It's nothing like having the means- O I'm sorry Angie- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   That's fine, it's ok. Angie puts the pitcher down and runs out of the kitchen. Eliza enters the kitchen as she sees Angie run out. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What's wrong, what happened? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Me and my big mouth...that's what happened. Maxey sips her tea and leaves. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "May I please have everyone's attention?" Micheal stood 6'1 he had an authoritive voice, very noticeable. He fell head over hills in love with Ella the first night he worked the Barr, from the frist time he laid eyes on her he knew that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I would like to propose a toast. he looks around. Has anyone seen my beloved? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The guest laugh silently to themselves. All of sudden his voice raises. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ella, Ella my love where are you?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella comes from the kitchen through the large foyer into the dining room where people have gathered for this toast she enters the dimly lit dining room. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Aah, here she is ladies and gentlemen the future Mrs. Ella 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Kingsley-Washington" Ella blushes as she brushes through the midst of the crowd her hair in an elegant ponytail with layers flowing from behind. Her black and white mini-skirt suit flattered her figure well she was radiant. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She walks up to meet Micheal's embrace as he smiles and continues his toast. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "To the love of my life who brings forth the breathe of kindness which has began to flow fluently through my heart, mind body and soul" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The guests sigh in the awesomeness of Micheal's eloquant words of love to Ella. She fell in love with a writer who knew how to express himself extremely well and has taught her how to love herself. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   They toast and they peck softly as the guests applaud and cheer. As they smile and go back to celebrating Micheal turns toward Ella and they look into each others eyes and smile. He squeezes her waist as she giggles. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You two are like two high school kids" George sparked out as he took another sip of wine. He puts the glass down on the table and looks at Ella and Micheal this time you can see past regret covering his face. Never lose it, keep that childlike fire burning it's what marriage is all about true happiness. He picks up his wine glass once more and gives the two a small smile as he walks away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ole George still never got over Janelle" Micheal states. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No and you can tell it just by looking into his eyes. She looks up at Mike to wipe her lipstick off of his cheek. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Where is your sister? I beleive I saw Joel earlier. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera was upstairs in the restroom with Joel- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Mike's face freezes and then a smile cracks through. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What? Are you serious, not that has been a longtime coming. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera fights him alot, because she has been hurt alot. When they first got married I knew Joel was in for a ride, but you know he hung in there. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella begins to clean off the table as Mike places the wine bottle back on ice to chill. Zamera was the one who ran and she just couldn't let go. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Well what actually happened? Mike begins to help with glasses. I mean all I remember, everybody saying she is too much for him to handle, she is going to leave him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don't get me wrong I know she is in love with Joel, it just took her awhile to surrender and once she did I beleive it frightened her. Ella stands with her hands on her hip. When she first laid eyes on him, I could sense she felt something, it was all in the way she carried herself when he was around. She used to be wild and kind of a tomboy, but the more Joel came around she begin to dress better, do her hair, not knowing that he had it for her the first time he laid eyes on her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   So they both knew- Mike says. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No neither one of them knew what the other felt until Daddy asked Joel to keep watch on her. Then everybody knew- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   They finish cleaning the dining room and begin to exit, Mike grabs Ella arm. What do you mean they both knew- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Let's just say, Joel was twenty-four when he began working for my father and Zamera was just seventeen she graduated from more than just high school at that age. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Mike raises his eyes brows in complete understanding. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   But you know Dad did not mind, I mean Joel was good for Zamera he was the only one who could reach her other than even mama at times. When they got married Dad was extremely happy, until he heard about her leaving Joel then that's when everything hit the fan. Ella sits down on the sofa as Mike closes the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What are you doing? Ella asks as Mike flicks on soft music. He then comes to sit next to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I love your sister like a sister, I even like Joel. But right now I want to spend some quiet un interrupted time with my fiance’. Mike pulls her wrist up to his lips and caresses her as they embrace. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Meanwhile Angela is in the office talking to Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Honey, it's alright...really, how many times have you let this bother you. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looks at his wife as he feels her pain. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I love you Don, I mean I love your daughters like they are my own, but Don- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie, stop it. We have discussed this time and time again. I understand you wanting to please me- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don, it's not about you. I want something of my own that is a part of me. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   No one understands that. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Honey I know what you want, but it's not up to us, you know what the doctor said last time we tried, Angie, I love every part of you. Don walks around his desk to comfort his wife she turns to meet him as the embrace. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ted, it's getting pretty late and we have to get Jade home to bed. Why don't you and Maxey stop by tomorrow before you leave for home." John grabs his coat out of the closet as he searches for Lizzie. Have you seen my wife? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Actually no I haven't, look John I don't beleive we will be able to stop by, but you know what? he reaches to shake his hand. We will keep in touch and call you once we do arrive home. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John notices the shortness of the sound of Ted's voice he could tell he was giving the brush off it seems no one has truly forgiven him accept for Lizzie. He accepts Ted's suggestion. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Father, must we go now?" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rachino pulls on Ted's pants. Ted smiles and looks down. Yes, son we are going to leave now, will you do me the favor and finding mom and tell her we are leaving? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes sir. Rachino swiftly searches for Maxey to relay the message. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He's a good boy. John says as he closes the closet door and walks away. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ted smiles, as he holds their coats waiting for his wife and son. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Leaving so soon?" Angela comes down from whitewashed staircase follwed by Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Where are you going son? Leaving so soon? Don smiles with his pipe in his mouth as he reaches the last step and extends his hand to Ted. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I didn't get a chance to talk to you, son. How are things with you? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela leans in between the two and pecks Ted on the cheek. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Let me go say by to Maxey and that charming young boy of yours. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Thank you, Angie. Ted nods in with a smile. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don and Ted stand by the foyer as guests leave talking. Finally most of the guests have gone. Don and Angie say goodbye to Ted, Maxey and Rachino. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Angie, are you sure you don't need any help cleaning?" Eliza asks. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No sweetie you and John get home with that precious baby of yours get some rest. Angie gives Eliza a hug. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Alright, well we will see you guys later" John picks up Jade who is asleep in her mother's arms. And they leave. Eliza kisses her father on the cheek. "Good-night Daddy" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Goodnight sweetie. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don closes the door as he turns back toward the stairwell. Down walks Joel adjusting his jacket. Angie stands closer to Don with both arms folded. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She whispers to Don. "Zamera?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don silently mumbles "mmhmm" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You can see it all over his face, who does he think he is fooling?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie shakes her head and smiles. "Goodnight Joel" she hugs him and Heads upstairs. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well, well son, have you thought about what we discussed?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel reaches the bottom of the stairs and finishes his last button of his suit jacket. He rubs his head as he stands directly in front of Don face to face, trying to keep a straight face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "can't say that I have sir, been kinda busy" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Really? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don pats Joel on the shoulder and turns him toward the living room as they exit the foyer and enter the now quiet room. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Now son, I know what's going on. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Do you? Joel lifts one eyebrow as he reminds himself that Don is a good man, he may not be the best father, but he is a good man. Go on sir. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don detects a gliche in Joel's character. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What do you know, you know what's going on? Go ahead, Mr. Don Kingsley III tell me. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don steps back with a frowned and confused face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What's this? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel sighs. Nothing look it's late and I have to get to bed I have a long day tomorrow, the auditors will be by and I also have a couple of important meetings to attend to. If there is nothing else, may I leave? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel what is it? Why are you acting like this? Did you and Zamera have it out, did the two of you straighten some things out? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel's face is straight. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yeah, we talked- he tilts his head. a little, why? Is there something that you want to know? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don laughs. Ok Joel, you know what? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don pats him on the shoulder. You go ahead and go home and get some rest. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walks away quickly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I will, goodnight Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He opens the closet door and grabs his jacket and leaves. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie walks to the foyer to turn off the lights. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What was that all about?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I haven't a clue" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don kisses Angie on the cheek, as she walks into the kitchen to finish cleaning. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Want me to help?" Don ask as he walks up the steps. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "No thanks, sweetie Mike and Ella volunteered you go ahead and go to bed" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie smiles as she wipes her hands on her apron. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You are so beautiful to me??can't you see??your everything I hope for?.." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie stops in her footsteps as she hears Mike serenading Ella in the kitchen. She peeks in as Mike is drying dishes as Ella is sweeping the floor. How sweet, I believe they would enjoy this time together she thought. She un wraps her apron and lays in on the counter and slips away unnoticed. Mike had a voice that would melt iron, he was kind hearted and sensitive. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He was perfect for Ella. Ella stands in awe blushing as Mike takes the broom out of her hand and replaces it with his. They dance on the kitchen floor to nothing but the sound of the melodies flowing out of Mike's mouth. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel pulls into the driveway of his condo. Who does he think he is? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Why would he instruct Zamera to do something like that? Joel sat in his car reflecting on the information he pulled from his wife regarding her disappearance for two years. He cut the car off got out of the car and walked into the house. He paused as he entered his kitchen. Although I didn' t help leaving her every weekend for these stupid business trips Don was sending me on. Joel stomach turned as he thought back on the Things Zamera revealed to him as they sat up in her room and talked earlier  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This evening. Joel placed his keys on the counter began to loosen his tie as he entered his front room he reached down grabbed the remote and flicked it on as he flopped down on his leather sofa. He stretched back as he kicked his shoes off. He began to dose off just when the phone rang. He reached over to the receiver with his eyes still closed. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "hello?. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Jojo? Joel snaps up from his leisure at the sound of Zamera's voice. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   ..yeah?.what is it? You alright? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes I'am alright, look I changed my mind. I'll be home tomorrow, I will let daddy know. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel rubs his face and neck as he corrects his posture. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Are you sure? You want me to come and get you now be- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No,?.. Jojo I will talk to father and I will be home tomorrow?.k? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel face widened as he became filled with excitement. My wife is coming home he could hardly contain himself. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   They hung from each other in the back of his mind he still could not figure what would possess Don to instruct his daughter to entertain Cleo in such a way that would degrade her, and besides the fact she was married, he would threaten her with her inheritance. Joel was sworn to secrecy by Zamera to never mention that information nor bring it up. But his beliefs required him to think twice the more he thought of it the more convicted he became, how could expose Don a man whom he adored but now had no respect for?  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The thoughts raced through Joel's mind as he laid back on the leather sofa And fell asleep and began to dream about Zamera his wife. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The next morning Zamera wakes up she stretches as she looks at her Alarm clock. 7:48 a.m. she walks over to her window to open her curtains as She pulls them back her mind fills with the thoughts of Joel her husband and how now, things are going to be different since he knows the truth she looks down a the front of the house her smile disappears as no one other than Cleo smiling up at her from his Porsche leaning on the front of his car waving and grinning. She snatches the curtains closed quickly as her 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   heart pounds she grabs her chest. What is he doing here? She thought she turned around again cracked the curtain enough to see with one eye and there he was still positioned as he smiled and waved again this time he put his cigarette out and through the bud in their yard. She closes the curtains and slides down to the floor her eyes begin to water. Jojo, what do I do? She thought she knew what Cleo wanted she knew what he needed 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   from her and since he had specific instructions from her father to take whatever he needed he would. O daddy why, would you allow such a thing? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   It's not fair. She heard the Angie answer the front door and she heard  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Her greeting a gentlemen. Zamera's heart raced as she thought back to the first night Cleo and she were together he took her to a fine restaurant, they ate he took her shopping bought her whatever she wanted and then that night at the hotel he explained who she really was and just because she ran and got married that did not change the fact that once tainted always tainted a ring, a man and a vow will never change that. The door to Zamera's door slowly opened as she hid her face in her knees she looked up between her legs and saw Joel standing at her door her heart skips as she dashed into his arms and they embrace. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What are you doing here? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel wipes her face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I had to come, after I got off the phone with you last night I had this dream and it made no sense, you were at a phone book calling me and I was at home but I couldn't hear the phone ring, I mean it was ringing I just couldn't hear it and then all of sudden a semi-ran into the phone booth you were calling from, you called me like three times. Zamera I woke up sweating It didn't make sense, so I got on my knees and I prayed all night until the Lord revealed it to me this morning. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel grabs her hands and places them on his chest. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The phone booth represented your past and how you were locked in, it Was small and confined it didn't give a lot of room to breathe or move, Fear and doubt had a hold of you, and you were trying to get free by calling Me was your cry for freedom, but you weren't reaching me, you had my number?..Zamera you had my heart, my everything but there was still something missing?.the connection was me coming down to where you were to bring you out. The more it was revealed to me I had to come over and get you. I couldn't chance waiting a second longer, you are my wife and I love you and we are in this thing together. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   And Cleo? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Believe me, he is history?.I seen him pull off as I pulled up. I don't believe you will be seeing him anymore. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera squints her eyes at Joel knowing deep down Cleo is not a man to Get rid of so quickly. The thought passes as quickly as it comes as she embraces Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel cups her chin. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I will be waiting down stairs?.go ahead and get dressed so we can go home. Joel leaves to go downstairs. As he approaches the bottom of the steps Don is waiting with his arms folded. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Son? Do you have a minute?'" Joel does not respond but agrees by following Don into the living room. Don walks over by the window.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel attitude has changed toward Don Kingsley a man who he once looked up to But now has a different opinion, deep down Joel did not want to believe What Zamera spoke of but it all made sense, it all fitted. Would you like to explain to me your reason for speaking to me the way you did last night? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don-Mr. Kingsley-sir. I do apologize about the tone I used with you yesterday, I had good reason?. but it doesn't excuse the fact that I disrespected you. And for that I apologize. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don nods his head in understanding as he walks over to the sofa and sits down, he beckons Joel to have a seat Joel refuses. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No thank you sir, I would prefer to stand. Thank you. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel what has gotten into you? What is going on? Don stands up  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   frustrated he begins to pace as he rubs his head. He pauses. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What did Zamera tell you?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel eyebrows raised. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What makes you think Zamera has told me something?" Joel begins to believe that Don is hiding something that he does not want to admit. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Young man, I am not stupid. Don walks close to Joel's face. Although Joel is intimidated Joel stands 6'1 but Don is tall and big very large bulky man and keeps in shape for his age, he could squash Joel with one hand tied behind his back. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You know what? I don't have to worry about getting information from you, you know what? Just get out of my house. Don stares down on Joel more serious now. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Not a problem, Joel replies smugly knowing deep inside his heart is shaking. We will definitely leave. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Who is we? Don sparks back as he folds his arms stands a little closer to Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   This time something stirs in Joel's belly although he is intimidated by the stature and size of Don. He can't help but not to fear, because he knows that it is not of God and he does not want to give the enemy anything to pull on. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "We, is my wife and I" Joel responds as he moves closer to Don with his hands clasps together in front of him beneath his waist. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don tilts his head, and then he chuckles. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Your wife?..Zamera? O so now she is your wife, been missing for  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   two-years doing God knows what ?..now she is your wife? Now you want to claim her?.you know what- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No I don't know what but I know WHO and He says?..until death do we part. Joel points his finger in Don's face totally forgetting that the man is twice his size in width. And yeah, she told me everything, I do mean everything how you told her to leave me when I was away handling your business trying to help the Kingsley Club make it's mark...you are going to tell her to get with Cleo, take care of Cleo because the family needs  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   you! Joel becomes bolder as he continues to point at Don as Don moves back in shock. And then when she refuses...Joel turns away throws his hands up and steps away and quickly turns back to Don. You threaten her with her inheritance! Joel points his finger in Don's face again as Don is forced to fall down on the sofa again in shock. He can't believe that Joel would speak to him in that manner. What kind of father is that! Ha! Tell  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   me Don what kind of father would instruct his beautiful daughter, Who has already been through hell and back...go and do it all over again! Joel walks and sits down in the chair across from Don, he pats his heart.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don when I first began working for you, it was strictly business, and when I seen Zamera although she was young and beautiful, I refused to mix business with pleasure. But there was something about your daughter, she knew it and I knew it. Our emotions got the best of us, but I loved her and I Was going to make it right, she had been through enough pain and besides I truly loved her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel stands up. We got married, Don I had some baggage to deal with.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   But with the help of God, I persevered and that's how she can stand and hold her head up. But you, you wanted to send her back to the wolves.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Answer this for me? Was it worth it? Because look whose holding her now, your games didn't work. Whatever you tried to do to use her to silence your issues with Cleo will not work. Believe me when I say LOVE conquers all. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel wipes off his pants adjust his belt and exits the living room.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don is left dumbfounded. He becomes numb to the fact that Zamera would betray his trust. She truly must of thought nothing of her inheritance or him for that matter. He hears the sound of Zamera and Joel leaving as they leave he gets up walks toward the window just in time to see them pull off.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He turns as he sees Angie in the doorway with her hands folded and not smiling. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What did you say to my father? Zamera ask smiling as she squeezes  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel's 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   hand. He looks into her eyes she can feel security just by the way he 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   holds her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don't worry about it. God's got it. Joel says as he kisses her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You know the man I married, would tell me the conversation, how would  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   not 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   hold anything back." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I 'am still that man, I haven't changed. I have just realized what I  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   had 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   and lost and now that I have it again? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   he turns and looks at Zamera. Aint no devil in hell, gonna steal you  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   away. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He leans over as they come to a red light. Kisses Zamera on the lips 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   gently. She cups his chin as they pull away slowly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I love you" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He looks at her as the light changes, "You better" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The next morning Joel is awakened by the smell of hot coffee parching, 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   bacon, eggs, waffles and sausage. He rubs his eyes as he stretches he  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   gets 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   up slips on his slippers heads into the restroom as visions of the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   night 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   before, it was like the first time he and Zamera were together. He  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   glanced 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   at the photo on his bathroom mirror of when there first date he  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   caresses 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord thank you, for bringing her back whole. She is complete. I thank  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   you 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   for blessing me with her, and I will cherish her and love her until the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   day 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I die. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Introduce her to me. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord, what do you mean? She knows you. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She does not know me like she needs to know me. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel understands what instructions has been given, he is to love her  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   and 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   lead her into a deeper relationship with the Lord. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel washes his hands and dries them he goes downstairs to meet his  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   wife as 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   she is sitting at the table reading the paper and drinking coffee. He 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   walks over leans in and gives her a kiss filled with left-over  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   excitement 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   from the night before. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "good morning to you to" Zamera blushes as she gets up to fix his  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   plate. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He gently seats her back down. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I got it" Joel winks as he walks behind the counter to prepare his  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   plate. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "My my, haven't we become independent" Zamera gets up to go into the 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   kitchen she embraces her husband from behind and nestles her head  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   gently 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   between his shoulder blades. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm so full" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yeah, yeah?.I know" she lifts her head up, remembering Joel is the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   king 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   of witty banter. She ignores his ego trip?. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Anyway. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Anyway what? Joel peeks around at her as he slams on four pieces of bacon,three hotcakes, four sausages and cleans the skillet of the eggs. She breaks away and places her hands on her hips. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel, baby slow down! Your appetite- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel licks his fingers. Baby, you have to realize it's been two years since I have had desert for dinner?. he looks seductively at her as he pulls the chair out from the table to sit down. And a homemade breakfast?.baby give me room to breathe. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You are crazy?..- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   That's why you love me. Zamera throws a dry dish towel at Joel as she runs over to play with him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     Chapter Two 
     
     
     The alarm clock went off John leaned over to stop it as leaned back he caressed Alohna's back and kissed her softly on her shoulder. She awoke and faced him to kiss him back softly. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Alohna was a beautiful woman she was younger in her mid-twenties. She was an executive at the largest law firm in Texas. But left her career to be closer John. She took a pay cut and is working as a paralegal at some law firm downtown right next to John's office. They met at a conference two-years ago, John couldn't resist her she was, smart, beautiful and sexy and she knew how handle his needs. Eliza had always been too conservative, 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   but she was the mother of his daughter and he couldn't abandon them.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He truly loved her but something has always been missing, Don felt he found the missing piece in long nights with Alohna. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm going to have to go, it's late." He kissed her on her neck as he pulled away and sat on the edge of the bed to slip on his underwear and then he stood up to put on his pants. He reached across to lift up his shirt as it was draped across her chaise. She stood up on her knees. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "When will I see you again?" she asked as she moved her hair away from her face and began to pull it into a knot. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John turned as he buttoned up his shirt. "I really can't say, I  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Promised Don I would take on some extra responsibilities at the club, and my-"wife?" John turned and looked at Alohna's eyes as they closed. Just go,John. She dismissed him with her hand and layed back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John opened his mouth to speak but decided it would be better to leave in peace rather than they end in frustration. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He grabs his jacket he leans over her gives her a quick peck, as she turns her face toward the wall as her heart melts as she hears the sound of the door shut. What will it take for me to get this man to leave his wife and child? Alohna thought. I'm just wasting my life away on the only man I have ever loved. I could have any man I want? what is it about John Maxwell? Alohna shut the thoughts out of her mind as she wrapped herself underneath her covers. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, Don? What do you think about if I have the ladies, escorted in and then once they take the stage have the balloons come down and then start?" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony takes puff of his cigar as he awaits Don's response. Don's mind Is focused on other things, than tonight’s performance. He enters his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony follows. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Don didja here me?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yeah, I heard you Tony?you and Ralph do whatever you want?..I don't want to be bothered unless it is an emergency." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You alright Don? You look kind of pale, like you done seen a ghost or something, what is it? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looks up at Tony knowing he is just concerned after all Don is his only meal ticket, straight off the streets that's only resume Tony had before Don hired him. Don sighs. Tony, I'm fine. The idea sounds great.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Now I have to go through my mail. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Alright Don whatever you say, by the way have you seen Joel? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yeah I saw him yesterday, why? Don still looking through his mail he did not even bother to look up at Tony for that response. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Just asking, haven't seen him this morning that's all, usually he is hereto open up." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Can't really say , what has him delayed?.do you mind Tony I really need To go through this mail. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Alright no problem, I'll be up front if you need me?..by the way I hired two new girls so you will see some unfamiliar faces alright?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yeah, alright Tony ok, good-bye. please. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony leaves as he enters the front of the bar. He catches Joel as he Is coming through the door with his briefcase in hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Morning" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Morning Tony. Joel walks back to his office. Not so much as another Word spoken to Tony, he usually jokes about the girls, the songs or even complains for that matter, but this morning just a greeting and back to his office. Must be something in the water Tony thought to himself as he politely reached behind the bar, grabbed a glass and poured himself a drink. As he is doing so Ella comes through the front door and catches Tony. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Now Tony, you know we have to be careful, although we are back on our  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Feet business is not like it used to be. She walks over places her purse  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Behind the counter and takes the glass out of Tony's hand an pours it into the 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   sink. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ella! Whatcha doing? Tony frowns. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You know if my daddy sees you sippin' it won't be pretty either?. she Turns to wash her hands and then dryes them. You can thank me later. She Begins to set the glasses up and pull out the mixes for the drinks. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "anyway?..Tony lights his cigar once again. Like I was telling you father earlier we hired two new ladies so there will be to unfamiliar faces walking the bar and singing tonight." He takes a puff and exhales in Ella's direction on purpose. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Oh yeah, what are the names of these two new freebies?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony frowns. "Why do you always have to give them show names? He turns to face Ella. 
   
   
   
   
   
     Look there names are Tiffany and Jasmyne. I call them Tantalizing and Just Enough. Ella looks at Tony as he takes another puff of his cigar, you know what you are pathetic. How old are these girls? 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Woman stop tripping, you know your daddy's rules. They have to be over 21 and participating by their own free will. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Just as Tony is speaking Joel comes out of his office. He walks over to Say a couple of words to Jema the pianist for the club. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony turns his stool around to face Ella. What's up with Joel? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What makes you think there is something up? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well he usually jokes around with me when he comes in, this morning he just spoke and went to office, he didn't he even have eye contact. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well, I know he and my sister have gotten back together, but other than that I have no clue, hopefully everything is up and up with them?..but with Zamera I couldn't tell ya. She places the glasses on the bar pole. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   For real? No Stuff? Joel and Zamera? Back together again?. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   And your father, he was kind of distant this morning?.but just more so Than usual I can tell something is on his mind. Tony turns and beckons Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, Joel come here for a minute. Joel looks up from talking to Jema he says a couple of more words, Jema responds by nodding his head. Joel pats him on the shoulder and walks over to Tony. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yeah, Tony what is it? Hey Ella." Joel glances at Ella as he speaks and then quickly turns his focus back on Tony. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Congratulations!" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks confused. For what? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony slaps Joel on the knee jokingly. Zamera! Congrats! It's a good thing you two are back together. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks at Ella and gets up off of the bar stool. Thanks Tony, see You guys later. Joel walks back to his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I told you, my sister has that affect on him?.we can get prepared for disaster. I know they love each other? but they go through some drama." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony waves his hand in unbelief. "Aaawh! They will be just fine, they just need to work out the kinks that's all. He takes another puff of his cigar. "Hey Jema, he gets up and goes over to the pianist. We need to discuss the music for tonight. Ella shakes her head as she picks up a scented candle to kill the odor of Tony's cigar. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The door opens and a woman wearing a lime green dress enters, spaghetti straps and hills. She walks over toward the bar and grabs a seat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Scotch on the rocks please" Ella mixes her drink. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Technically we don't open until noon, but I will make this exception" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella smiles politely. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Much ablidged" the woman responds. She smelled of sweet apples and she made direct eye contact whenever she spoke to Ella. Ella recognized a certain air about her. She had the look of money but something told Ella this woman struggled to get where she is by the way she speaks. Her Hair was long and dark she had a fair smooth complection, Ella could sense This woman was serious. One thing Ella couldn't figure out it was 77 Degrees outside and this woman was dressed up. She handed the Woman the glass of scotch. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thank you ma'am" the woman sipped her drink slowly as she eyed Jema who was playing the piano beautifully. Jema was light complected young man, extremely talented on the ivory's he had short curly wavy dark hair, beautiful hazel eyes. No one understood how come he was never married or had any children. He always wore nice clean suits light colors, white mostly, or pale blue. She looked at Ella. Who is the gentlemen on  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   the piano? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Oh that's Jema, my uncle used to play for us until my mama passed then we got Jema. He is just a replica of my Uncle he taught Jema how to play." 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella leaned across the bar as she looked at Jema play. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Your uncle ha? The woman turned away from Ella to look back at Jema. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Whose your Uncle? The woman asked curiously. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "My uncle is Marcus Rhue, he has his own studio now so we don't see him much anymore, why do you ask" Ella begins to wipe the counter off.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella was opening up to this woman because she wanted the favor returned.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She was just itching to find out what brought her into The Kingsley Barr  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Club 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   on a Saturday noonday. The woman nodded and took another sip of her drink. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She opened her clutch purse and handed Ella a twenty-dollar bill, the drink was only $4.50. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Keep the change, sweetie it was a pleasure talking to you" She gets up to walk out just as Tony spots the woman and rushes over to Ella a moment  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   to late the woman exits the Barr. He flies to the open the door only to see nothing, the woman is not even in view. Tony comes back into the Barr and looks around he walks over to Ella. Who was that? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella shrugs her shoulders. You got me, she came in ordered a drink and left. Tony tilts his head upward in disbelief he knew Ella wanted him to probe her so she can make him feel worse. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You know what? It doesn't even matter" Tony adjusted his jacket places his cigar back in his mouth and walks away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes it does. Ella thought to herself as Tony walked away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come on honey you are going to be late for school, where is your 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   backpack?" Maxey rushed as she slid on her lipstick and grabbed her purse. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She flew out of her bedroom and stood at the bottom of the steps and hollered up to her son. Rachino! Honey come on, what is taking you so long? You have been up there for hours? Is everything alright? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mom I'm coming I can't find my palm pilot". 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rachino replied as hastily came down the stairs latching his back pack. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well your teacher will just have to understand that sometimes these things happen." She ran her fingers through his curly dark hair trying to give some form. The curls just popped back into former position. "Ok come on we are out of here" Maxey closes the kitchen door as they go to the garage she unlocks the SUV and they stumble in she throws her purse on the floorand starts up the car. Rachino systematically clicks on his seat belt. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Then he begins to search through his back pack for his palm pilot. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Oh Honey, don't worry about it" Maxey says as she turns to pull out  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   ofthe garage and they pull away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mom, you don't understand. When you are unprepared it's a reflection onnot just me but you and Dad. Rachino continues to search in his back pack. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well honey, I understand what your saying but you know things happen to where there are going to be times when you are not prepared, then tell me how will you adjust in the situation?" Maxey says as she turns the corner and ramps onto the highway. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mom, I'm just trying to make a point. Aha! Here it is?thank you  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord!" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey can't help but steel a quick grin in Rachino's excitement as he finds his palm pilot. Rachino kisses his palm pilot as he unzips the side pocket of his back pack and neatly places it within the pocket. So what do you have planned for today mom?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well let's see, I have to take Ms. Shively to her doctors appointment, I 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   have a lunch date with your father at noon, and I have a dental  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   appointment at 3p.m. then I will be home to prepare dinner??why?" Maxey looks at her son as she pulls into the school's drop off zone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Just asking that's all" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What are you not saying Chino?" Maxey drops her head as she focuses closer on her son. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What about school?" Rachino ask. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey sighs, and then she looks ahead. "I don't know son, we will have tosee" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She leans over and gives her son a peck on the cheek, he smiles as he opens the door to get out. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I just know how badly you want to go back, and I want you to know I will support you every step of the way, love you mom" he walks into his school building. Lord thank you for blessing us with such a gifted child, he is so mature for his age, what did we do to deserve someone like that?  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey thought as she slowly pulled away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera steps out of her steaming bathtub after a long soak. Her  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Thoughts are on her husband Joel is occupying every part of her mind. She is then interrupted by the telephone which she then decides to allow the answering machine to pick up. You have reached the home of Joel Prophet sorry neither myself or my wife Zamera are here to take your call please leave a message and instructions on how to contact you in the meantime remember God loves you. "Zamera, it's your sister Lizzie, hey, it's good to hear you two back together anyway give me a call when you get this message, I will need your assistance with Ella's bridal shower. Love ya!" the message ends. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera sighs as she sinks back into the bubbles of her bathtub. Ella's 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   wedding,?..that means family from near and far. Cousins, Aunts 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Uncles, memories. Zamera thought as she lay still between the bubbles  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As they one by one. She then thought of Joel being with her every step of the way she gained comfort and confidence from the fact that she came back to let him go and found him still waiting for her. She knew she had found a man who truly knew what it meant to love, although she still had a lot to learn from him, she had the rest of her life to fall deeper in love with Joel Prophet. She finally arose out of the tub and grabbed a large towel and dried herself off then she reached for Joel's robe that was hanging on the door and wrapped the robe around her she leaned into the tub to release the water. She walked toward the bathroom mirror lit with decorative lighting Joel had great taste, there was also a photo of her when she was nineteen he had stuck in the pocket of the mirror. He kept my picture? She thought as she pulled her hair up into a bun and allowed some trestles to fall caressing her face Joel loved that look on her, it gave him easier access to kiss a caress her neck. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She left the bathroom and began to unpack her things she pulled out a 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   quaint light pink mini dress and thought to herself I’m not really  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   feeling pink, she reached through her back once again and pulled out some nice light blue slacks and thought yes this is it! I will shock everyone in pants?. She pulled out her thin white top that hangs off of the shoulders and her white strapped stilettos. With the right accessories who can go wrong, this will shock the town. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera slipped on her clothes as she began to hum to herself she walked into the restroom to look in the full length mirror on the back of the restroom door. Her blue pants left nothing to the imagination, and the top accented her figure well she put on her jewelry and looked for her sandals that seemed to have found their way under the bed she knelt down to scoot them out and noticed a hard wood stained box, she scooted her shoes out and then reached for the box. She sat on the edge of the bed the front of the box was unmarked, so she opened the lid it was photos of people she did not recognize they were photos of a couple singing and dancing, then one of a man and a woman sitting at a bar smiling and drinking. She went through the photos wondering who are these people? She thought to herself, she knew it wasn't Joel's father because she knew him and he had passed a long time ago and the pictures did not resemble anyone in his family, there was one photo that Zamera kept looking back at the photo of the woman she was very beautiful she had short curly hair, she was tall and she was standing alone, she looked like she was about twelve or thirteen in the picture. Zamera scratched her head. This 'aint none of my business, I got enough skeletons in my closet to be concerned about my husbands. She closed the box, placed it back under the the bed where she found it grabbed her keys and left. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mr. Maxwell there is a call for you on line 6" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thank you. Edna” John clicks over. This is John. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, honey” Eliza’s voice was perky John felt bad about messing  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   around on her, she was a good woman. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "hey babe, what's going on?" John tried to lift up his spirits but guilt slowly overshadowed him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "O nothing just decided to do a little shopping, I missed you this morning but I wanted to let you know that you received some mail from Walden bank?..did everything go through for Daddy's loan?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "o yeah about that I need to bring your father up to breast with the outcome of that meeting" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well what happened?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "They were just a little shaky about extending such a large amount on such short notice, I mean what Joel did was smart?. and efficient but it may not have been the best choice." John's clears his throat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What do you mean? Joel handled the fall very well, if it had not been for him putting up his own house, the Barr would have completely went under? he worked with what he had?. besides he didn't hesitate he just went straight to work." Eliza's voice becomes a tad bit defensive, after all John totally ignored the family and her when the Barr was slipping now he has all the answers. There Is an awkward silence on the phone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "hello" John finally speaks. "Lizzie?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm here?? her tone still the same. Where were you last night?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John is thrown off by Lizzie's straightforwardness she has never been the direct type. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What do you mean?. I told you I was work-" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza hangs up the phone. Her ears could not stand another lie, she got sick to her stomach at the sound of his reply. If there was thing she could not stand is a liar and she was definitely married to the biggest one. If it wasn't for Jade being so young, she would have left him the first time he cheated but she can't stand the fact of a child growing up without her father. She grabs her purse and tries to call Zamera once again no answer so she heads to work. Within seven minutes she pulls in front of the Barr reaches back to grab some papers, gets out of her car and enter the Barr. She eyes Tony as he is training what looks like two new waitresses, she walks back to office. She knocks on the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Daddy?" she opens the door to his office it's empty so she walks over to look for a pen and paper to leave a note. She finds it she bends down and begins to write Daddy, I talked to John about the loan for Walden Bank I think you may want to check it out for yourself, I will let Joel know also. Love Lizzie. She places the note on his chair and leaves the office closing the door behind her. She walks to Joel's office and finds him with his head buried in paper work, she smiles as she flops down in a chair by the door. He looks up quickly long enough to speak and then dives back into his work. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Look at you, you would think you had a mountain of work to do, we know  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   you be faking Joel" Lizzie teases as she swings in the swivel chair. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You would like to think so?..Joel looks up from his work. I have been trying for months to figure out this budget and every week it' s not right. I mean the funds are there on Tuesday and then by Thursday evening before close the figures are wrong?..Lizzie I just can't figure it out." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza sits up on the edge of the chair and then walks around Joel's desk to look at the forms on his desk. "What do you mean? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Look? he holds the paper up so she can see. See these figures here that's Tuesday morning ok?. then Wednesday fine right and then look Thursday morning cool right? Lizzie nods her head in agreement. Now look Thursday evening! 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie takes the budget out of Joel's hand. "That's 750.00 less than thursday morning? How did that happen? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel throws his pencil on his desk, and rest back in his chair. I tell you Lizzie for months it's been like that I have asked everybody in here have they seen any unusual activity, new faces what not? Everybody is cool. I can't explain it. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie puts the paper back on his desk. "Well brace yourself" Joel looks at her curiously. "What?" "I may have some news that may work out the kinks in your budget." She walks over to close the door to his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera entered the Barr she walked over to the counter and placed her keys and purse behind the bar next to Ella’s who was on the phone.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony looks up as he talks to Jemah and points toward Zamera and beckons her to come over. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ How you doing Lady?” Jemah smiled as he spoke to Zamera. 
     
   “ I’m doing good, Jemah I can’t complain, and how are you?” Zamera takes a seat nearest to the gentleman. Jemah looked at Zamera as he transitioned from the song he was playing to the one Zamera used to sing.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiles as Jemah begins to hum the melody. 
   
   
   
   
   
   “ Come on Z, help me out….hmmmmm…hmm.hmmmm…… 
   “ And All my life………. I have waited for this moment, to sha-a-a-re………………. my light, with the one I love so dear………. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony smiled as Zamera’s voice brought tears to his eyes. It was so mellow, something that they all have missed it was like her voice was the switch to turn on the knob. As Zamera continued to sing Ella came up front from off the phone she leaned against the Barr smiling as her sister’s voice touched her heart. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … As I ta-a-ke this step, closer to my loved one…I –I-I am safe, oooohhhhhh, I –I am safe. Zamera stopped singing as she heard applause coming from her father who had came out of his office once he heard his daughters voice. Zamera looked at him and then she looked down her stomach began to hurt. 
     
   “ Beautiful, just beautiful” Don walked toward the stage where the three were gathered. Do you want to open up tonight? Don laughed very sarcastically as he approached Zamera. She then held her head up and looked him in the face. 
     
   “ No father, I thought I would just take Tony and Jemah in the back and handle business that way….what do you think?” Zamera waited patiently for her father to respond. As she tilted her head and raised her eye brows. 
     
   “ Naw, naw that won’t be necessary,” Don gave Zamera a very displeasing look as Joel came out from his office. Don could not figure why Zamera’s face would be begin to glow at the sight of that remark, until he heard Joel’s voice.  
     
   “ Hey, babe he spoke with authority as he extended his arms to his wife. As they met mid-way he planted a real big one on the lips in front of everyone and even dipped her which was a surprise to her. You can hear Jemah and Tony do cat calls as Ella applauds, they slowly pulled away looking into each others eyes he rubbed the cleft of her chin with his thumb as he looked down at her. 
     
   “… .did you miss me…? Zamera smiles widely loving every part of her husband. “JoJo you amaze me”. 
     
     
   “ Now that’s what I’m talking about, you don’t see much love like that no more these days.” Tony blurts out as he jokingly laughs. Eliza walks from the back she has a couple of papers in her hand. 
     
   “ Lizzie, when did you get here?” Don ask. 
     
   “ A while ago….we have to talk” Eliza hands him the papers she has in her hand. 
     
   “ What’s this?” 
     
   “ Read it and find out!” Lizzie puts her hand on her hip and folds her arms. 
     
   “ What’s wrong?” Zamera ask as she gently breaks her cuddle with Joel. 
     
   “ Ask your husband, I need some air” Lizzie walks out of the bar leaving the budget she and Joel went over in the hands of her father. 
     
   “ Zamera, let’s go. There is nothing for you to be concerned about. Joel takes Zamera by the hand.  
     
   “ No, I have a right to know….Daddy what is going on?” Don’s expression is completely unreadable. Zamera did not know what to do. “Daddy” she said quietly she watched as he slowly sat down at the nearest table and spaced out. Although Don had not been the best father or even a good father for that matter, Zamera still knew that he was her own flesh and blood a little dysfunctional-yes. But Don Kingsley was her father. She knelt down in front of him and grabbed his hand he didn’t even acknowledge her. Zamera stood up straightened her shirt she walked over to grab her purse from behind the bar. 
     
   “ Zamera, where are you going?” Joel asked as he began to walk toward his wife, she stood still standing sideways and her head turned to look at him the closer Joel got to her, he could see he tearing up slowly. His heart began to melt.  Too much pain  he thought as he got in arms length of her. 
     
   “ home” Zamera turned and walked out the exit door. Joel stopped in his steps.  Lord, give me the strength to love her pain away  Joel spoke quietly as she watched his wife get into her car and pull off. He turned and looked Don still sitting at that same table. He began to walk toward him. 
     
   “ You know what, vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord, everything you have done to hurt people to get what you want it’s going to come back to you, worse than before” Joel walked back into his office and slammed the door and fell on his face and prayed. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   It was getting late and Maxey had not heard from Ted it was going on six o’clock last she heard he had called to cancel their lunch date which was fine, but now she began to get a little concerned. She called the office, cell phone, even emailed him a couple of times. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ted, where are you? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    She thought as she wiped off the kitchen table. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Finally the phone rung she laid the towel down to answer the phone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ hello” 
     
   “ Honey, I am so sorry I am going to be late tonight, we had some glitches in the system all day and we have a ton of work to complete. Ted paused to sigh, So now the system is  finally  up, I’m going to be here a while.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Ted sounded exhausted on the other end of the phone, Maxey knew how much he did not like not having dinner each night that was their family time.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O sweetie don’t worry about it I am just glad you are ok, I knew it had to be something. We will be alright……………… ok?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey missed her husband she was not used to eating dinner without him. When they got married he always said that mealtime was a time for them to communicate and with Rachino it made it seem more important, it set standards and values within their son and enhanced their marriage. Maxey knew that some married couples take time for granted, whatever time she and Ted spent together Maxey cherished because she knew it only helped their marriage grow strong. Rachino came out of his room and into the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ where’s dad?” he asked as he stood at the kitchen table. 
     
   “ He’s still at work, they had a system failure and it just came back up so he will be there for a while………… 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey sighed as she put on her oven mittens and took the meatloaf out of the oven and placed it on top of the stove. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   ………………… ..go ahead and get washed up for dinner and then we can over your homework after we eat alright?” 
     
   … .yes ma’am.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey could here the disappointment in Chino’s voice but he went and washed his hands for dinner and began to assist his mother with setting the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   …… how was school today?” Maxey tried to lift her spirits by changing the subject she knew both of their minds was on Ted. She sat two plates on the table each directly across from one another so when they sat and ate they could look at each other directly. Ted usually sat at the head and Maxey at the other head with Chino in the middle but tonight she wanted him to not feel alone in the middle so she sat across from him. 
     
   “ It was good mom, Mr. Ralph fell down the steps….and all the kids were laughing because he had all his books and projects in his hand and they fell on the floor” 
   “ Now Chino how is that good?” Maxey places the macaroni in the center of the table. Chino walks over and picks up the freshly stirred instant mashed potatoes and places them next to the macaroni. 
     
   “ It was funny because when we got into class he couldn’t find our tests papers so he had to go print them again which gave us time to goof off” 
     
   “ I don’t know if honesty is the best policy for you at all times, you amaze me” Maxey smiles at her sons seriousness. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey and Chino sat down and ate their dinner as they went over the days events. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie walks up to Rosalie’s door and knocks. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Who is it?” Rosalie puts her paper down to walk toward the door to answer it. 
     
   “ Aunt Rosie it’s me Lizzie” Lizzie responded. Rosalie unlocked the door and let her grand-niece in. 
     
   “ Hey baby how you doing? Shole is good to see ya, have a seat…come on.  
   
   
   
   
   
   She scooted the chair from under the table where she was sitting and patted the seat so Lizzie could sit down. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … You thirsty baby? 
     
   “ no I’m fine” Rosalie poured some cool lemonade in a glass for Lizzie. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Rosalie was in her late 70’s now but nothing she did testified of her years. She had salt and pepper hair but her smile would light up a room. Rosalie was Don’s oldest living Aunt. She practically raised him and his sister Kristine. She was the only grandparent figure the girls had. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie sipped the lemonade and placed the glass back on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What’s on yo mind chile?” Rosalie sits in the chair next to Lizzie. 
     
   “ It’s just too much, I mean things are getting kind of crazy at work, Daddy is hiding something that I know. And things aren’t going right with me and John. It seems like everything is happening all at once. I try to keep it together but how can I Aunt Rosie when there is so much deceit and trickery going on. Sometimes I just want to move and find another town to live in far away, just take Jade and leave- 
     
   “ Now baby I understand your frustration and all, but Lizzie they need you, if you leave then they would really go down. You have so much of your mother in you, she was strong in spite of what people have said about her, she was a very strong woman. But look how much they depend on you, and your baby sister Zamera she is back praise God! Allelujah, honey she is back now I know her and Joel may have had their problems but she is home now, be there for her she needs you. Pray for your father, you know we done all done things we are ashamed of, but it doesn’t matter because the past does not define you it refines you, so let it and be at peace. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Rosalie takes Lizzie by the hand and she prays for her exactly what Lizzie needed. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie wiped her tears as they fell and kissed her Aunt on the cheek, what would she do without Rosalie’s wisdom she prayed the Lord would extend her life span at least until she had developed her specific attribute. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo pulled up to the bar got out of his car and walked inside. It was kind of empty only about two people sitting at the bar talking to Ella. He walked passed them and he spotted Don sitting at the table alone, he looked like he was lost. Cleo pulled out a cigarette lit it and walked over to where Don was sitting. He pulled up a chair, Don did not bother to look up. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ You know that don’t work with me” Cleo said as he slipped Don a hundred dollar bill. “Where is she?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looked at the money then back down. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … .don’t ignore me old man……where  is  she? 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella looks over at the two talking which causes the gentlemen sitting in front of her to look over. Her heart begins to beat quickly. She wondered what the two of them were saying to one another. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looked up at Cleo. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ She gone.” He simply replied as he sighed and looked back down. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   A sly grin comes over Cleo’s face. “You know……at first I believed you, but right now I think you are messing with my emotions….and I don’t like that. So I want you to listen and listen good….I’m gonna leave, but I will be back and when I come back, I want to spend some time with Zamera. Now either you have her here at the bar or old man come sunrise tomorrow you won’t have a bar. Do I make myself clear” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo looks at Don for a response. Don looks up at him with no response. Cleo stands up as he pushes the $100.00 bill closer to Don. He adjust his jacket and puts his cigarette out on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ You heard what I said, old man, sunrise.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo turns and leaves but not without tipping his hat at Ella as he exits.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Who was that” one of the gentleman asked. 
     
   “ have you ever seen the devil face to face?” Ella asked. 
     
   “ No ma’am” the gentlemen responded. 
     
   ‘ Well now you have” Ella continued wipe the bar down as her father slowly walked back to his office. 
   
   
   
   
   Back at the house Angela enters the bedroom to see about Don. He was resting so she headed outside and sat on the porch. It was beautiful the sun was shining it wasn’t too warm or cold it was just right. It just donned on her that if she was to lose Don that she would no longer be connected to the Kingsley family since she never had any children by Don, how crushing she thought. Her spirit became wrought. 
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel’s face was ring and wet he had perspired through his clothes he had to take his jacket off and his shirt he got up off of the floor. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O thank you Lord! Bless your name, Jesus. Not my will but thy will be done, Lord reveal yourself to them, Lord they need you!” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   be strong and courageous….Joel…..they need you to be strong….lead them to me with compassion…. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord they are not listening to me, what else can I do. How long do I have to stay here and allow my wife to constantly be wounded with memories of the past? Lord I want to take her away I want us both to leave here and start fresh.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   No 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ But Lord why!”  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel hit the floor with his fist. He was angry he did not want his wife to suffer anymore, he did not want to continue to minister to Don and remain kind. He could fill it, there was unforgiveness building up in him, he did not like it he did not want it but what was he to do. This family just did not care, they constantly did what they wanted to do ignorant of the consequences. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel….  
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel calmed down at the voice of the Lord. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I have a purpose and I have a plan…..my ways are not your ways my thoughts are not your thoughts…trust and obey. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes Lord. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel wiped the sweat from his face he walked over to open his window as he saw Lizzie walking back from down the street. He turned got on the phone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Walden bank how may I direct your call?” 
     
   “ Yes may I speak with David Washington please?” 
     
   “ Just a second, may I ask whose calling?” 
     
   “ Joel Prophet” 
     
   “ Hey Joel, what can I do for you?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   David answered happy to hear from Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ David, we need to schedule a meeting is that possible?” 
     
   “ Sure, just a second let me check my schedule….how is Friday?” 
     
   “ Sir, could it possibly be sooner than that like…right now?” 
     
   “ What’s going on?” David asked. 
     
   “ A lot” Joel responded. 
     
   “ Alright well I will be free within the next few minutes-“ 
     
   “ great, I’m on my way” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel hangs up the phone grabs his clothes and briefcase and locks his office he walks passed Ella. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I will be out for the rest of the evening, I have a meeting “ 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He leaves the bar. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Can you do that one one more time and we will be finished” Marcus called as Tess focused in again.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera knocked on the glass screen, Marcus smiled as he reached over to unlock the door, he stood up to give his niece a hug and kiss. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Z baby, you back! I am so happy to see you. How you doing?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera puts her purse down and sits down in the chair next to her uncle. Zamera felt extremely close to him especially since he is into music like she is. She missed her mother so, she loved being around her part of the family. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I’m well, Unk. I just have a lot of things to sort out ya know? 
     
   “ Joel?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiles.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … awh, so it aint him….then I know there is only one other person who can ruffle like that and I prefer to not mention his name…. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus winks at Zamera. You wanna hear what I’m working on?  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera grins. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yeah, let me take a listen…. 
   
   
   
   
   
   She places the headphones on her head and begins to nod. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … ..she’s good, who is that?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   she takes the head phones off. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Her name is Tess, I met her at school she was actually fooling around on the piano and her voice just struck me….. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   he tagged her on the cheek. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … .she reminded me of Vanessa and you….her style of singing is a little different but she still has that deep soul..you know what I mean?” 
     
   “ yeah I feel ya, so who else you working with?” 
     
   “ Not too many more, I have a couple of guys who can sing…well…but they have no direction so I am trying to help them out in that area….uh let’s see I have Carmen, she might not be lasting too much longer that woman has some issues. Why? You wanna do something?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus smiles as he pokes her in the arm. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ No right now, I need to focus on me and my marriage, I decided that is the most important thing to me right now in my life. I’m glad he waited for me. Marcus that says a lot you know, I mean he could of left met another woman fell in love but he chose to hold on….what does that say?” 
     
   “ Well I do know that says you need to kindle the passion again and never lose it because there is something there that is everlasting…..don’ t let it die.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus pushes the keypad. “Alright T take a break…sounds good” 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess removes her headset and leaves the studio booth. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I wanna meet her” Zamera says as Tess is leaving the booth. 
     
   “ Hey come here for a minute I got somebody I want you to meet” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus gets up and opens the door for Tess to enter the booth. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess beautiful her spirit is peaceful, Zamera felt peace as she entered the room. Tess dressed a little different similar to Zamera, she was dark and her she kept her hair wrapped up, she wore little make up but she looked as if she did not need it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hello” Tess greeted Zamera with a smile and an extension of her hand. 
     
   “ Tess this is my niece Zamera, but I call her Z-baby.” 
     
   “ Pleasure to meet you Ms. Tess….- 
     
   “ please call me Tess, I’m may look mature but I am only 24.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera laughs. “Alright I got it, any way you have a beautiful voice, it’s unique.” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ And that’s what sells records.” Marcus remarked as he stood up. 
     
   “ If you two ladies would excuse me, I have to visit a man name Jon” 
   
   
   
   
   
   The ladies look at each other and grin. Tess sits in the seat Marcus sat in as he leaves. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So how come I have never seen you before? I have met all of Marcus’s family, I don’t recall them mentioning you…believe me I would remember a name like Zamera.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera swings in her chair and folds her arms. It’s a long story, I have been gone for a while after my mother passed, I-I- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess taps Zamera on the forearm she could sense there was something there that brought a lot of discomfort to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She nods her head from side-to-side. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ That’s alright….hey you don’t me, and you definitely don’t have to explain anything to me. I can tell whatever you reason you were gone, you had a reason for it.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Just then Marcus comes back into the studio. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Alright! Hey Tess, you know what we can listen to this tomorrow after I go over some ideas with THE CHARLSTONS,- 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s eyes exploded. She jumped out of her chair.  
   
   
   
   
   
   “ Uncle Marcus, you are not talking about  The  Charlstons are you?, the ones who sing at mama’s funeral?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus grins proudly. “Yes baby girl, I signed them bad boys, and it was not easy….but they chose integrity over publicity and that is why God is blessin’…..you know they switched to gospel after that whole Cleo incident.” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Is there anything that man does not have his hand in?” 
     
   “ You know…..I know.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looks at Marcus curiously. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What do you mean  you know ” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looks Marcus in the eyes. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Marc, I ‘m going to go ahead and leave I will catch you tomorrow” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess says as she smiles at Zamera. She pats her on the shoulder. 
   
   
   
   
   
   …… it was a pleasure meeting you Z-baby,.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiles as Tess leaves the studio. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … ..Zbaby why do you think your aunt and I stop coming around your father? Marcus takes off his shades and places them on the counter and turns his chair to face Zamera. “We are not stupid, I know what he was up to. There are some things that are still hidden under the surface right now, but baby girl whatever is done in the dark will be brought to the light. He will have his day. Your Aunt Victoria refuses to step foot in the Kingsley Club because she said if she did it would be the last time anyone would see Don Kingsley alive. Now I can’t say the same for me, because if it was up to me he would have been dead along time ago.”  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera sighs as her heart becomes heavy, she hated the fact her father orchestrated the things that happened to her in the past, but most of all she hated the division it caused between her mother’s siblings. The family does not even associate with one another. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ok, I know………….it’s hard for me too sometimes Unk, if it had not been for Joel, and Lizzie I don’t know where I would be….sometimes I wonder why I even came back- 
     
   … don’t you wonder that…..because God brought you back for a purpose and a reason…..don’t doubt that. I know that Joel loves you Zamera the two years you were gone that man stayed faithful to you…..he did not even look at a woman cross-eyed, what got me is that he had every right to….but he held on. That’s a blessing.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiled as she and her Uncle continued to conversate. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel arrives downtown he pulls in front of Walden Bank it’s located right next to John’s law office, he gets out of his car and grabs his briefcase. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord, go with me for I know without you I can do nothing” Joel walks into the building he greets the receptionist. 
     
   “ yes, hello I’m looking for David Washington please” 
     
   “ Just a moment I will let him know you are here” the receptionist dials Mr. Washington’s extension. Please have a seat sir, he will be right out.” Joel sits down at the chair next to the entrance of the office. He looks around as people are entering and making transactions. A woman walks up to make a transaction she looks as if she could be in her late twenties-very attractive. After she makes her transaction she walks over to the receptionist desk. She was dressed in a nice casual suit. She leaned over and spoke to the receptionist and then she walked passed Joel headed toward the stairs, she looked and smiled Joel smiled back. She looked familiar but Joel, could not place where he had seen her before. Just then David came out of his office to meet Joel. 
     
   “ Joel” 
   
   
   
   
   
   David extended his hand. Joel stood up to greet David and shake his hand. He then entered the office David closed the door behind him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   That night the club was getting pretty filled mainly because everyone heard of the new dancers Tiffany and Jasmine plus people may have thought that since Zamera is back she may perform. Tony was please with the crowd. It got close to seven so Jemah sat on the piano and began to play some light jazz, as the rest of the band felt where he was going and softly followed. Ella was packing up to leave as she gave her instructions the evening bartender, she grabbed her things and left. As she was leaving she saw the woman who had came in earlier that day, get out of the car this time she had on a bad flapper outfit she looked as if she was performing. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ excuse me.” Ella hollered out as the woman walked passed the crowd totally ignorant of Ella’s voice calling her, she had on more make-up and she just looked different like she was a different person. Ella watched as the gentlemen surrounded her they kind of built a fence so the woman could walk inside, people were running up to the woman asking for her autograph, Ella was really confused now, she thought to herself  who is she?  Just then she heard a voice yell out to the woman. 
     
   “ Ms. Dunne, Ms. Dunne may I please sit with you this evening?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella’s heart stopped, she could not believe what she was hearing, did she earlier just have a conversation with  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche Dunne 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   One of the most beautiful women out of Harlem? She was the perfect symbol of Harlem  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   what is she doing here in Chicago? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    Ella thought. Blanche was tall and slendor and ambiguously beige, she had a cool haughty beauty Ella picked that up from the way they held their conversation earlier. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   People began to come from the woodworks, ladies were coming out of the salon, people were standing and gazing from across the street you hear voices murmuring that’s Blanche Dunn. Ella just stood there she could not move, she was breathless. Blanche finally made it through the now massive crowd of people and entered the Club. Jemah looked up at the crowd gathering at the door he looked back at the ivory’s and continued to play he looked up once again he could not believe his eyes. Blanche Dunn had entered the Kingsley Club, Tony ran to greet her and seat her. Blanche sat down at the table nearest to the stage all eyes were on her, people who never even entered the Kingsley Club began to flutter in after they heard the she was there. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ms. Dunn what can I get for you?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   She looked around and pointed at one of the newest dancers Tony had just hired. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Could you bring her here?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony looked around to see who she was pointing at it was Tiffany so he looked back at Ms. Dunn and said. 
   
   
   
   
   
   … ..are you sure? She is just one of our dancers?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ms. Dunn looked at Tony and smiled and repeated her requests. Tony politely went and tapped Tiffany on the shoulder. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ms. Dunn wants to meet you?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tiffany almost choked on her drink. Tiffany was short and brown complexion very petite but she was attractive, she had small eyes but a big beautiful smile. She was actually dancing to take care of her two younger sisters, and put herself through school. She had just broken-up with her boyfriend of five years and now was starting over alone.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What does she want with me….I don’t know her and I am not to excited about her wanting to get-to-know me” Tiffany’s voice was on the defensive side, her face frowned and her body language did the rest. 
     
   “ Now, girl, you got a job to do, I don’t care who ask you to do what, you don’t ask no questions you just do it. Do I make myself clear” Tony’s demeanor and voice changed he grabbed Tiffany by the arm from behind and slightly nudged her in the direction of Blanche. They arrive at the table, Tiffany smiled at Blanche. 
     
   “ Blanche Dunn this here is Tiffany Jordan, 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony caresses her jaw Tiffany face freezes as she turns her face away from his touch. Jemah squints as he looks at the situation to make sure his eyes are not playing tricks on him. 
   
   
   
   
   
   … ..Tiffany say hello to Ms. Dunn” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tiffany looks at Tony very displeasingly, then back at Blanche. “How do you do ?” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Have a seat” Blanche beckons Tiffany to sit down. Tiffany looks at Tony and then Blanche Tony raises his eye brows so Tiffany takes a seat and focuses on Jemah as the band plays and people dance. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche lifted up her hand for the bartender who then came from behind the bar to her table to take her order. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ yes, ma’am” the bartender asked. 
     
   “ yes, may I have a scotch on the rocks please?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   the bartender nodded as he headed back behind the bar to prepare her drink.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ excuse me Ms. Dunn is it? 
     
   ‘ yes that’s correct. 
     
   … what is it that you want with me, I don’t know you- 
     
   “ Ahh, my dear but I know you.” The bartender brings her drink back to her she smiles as a way of saying thank you. 
     
     
   “ ladies and gentlemen we here at the Kingsley Club are proud to announce our latest addition…..Jasmyne Marx. Jasmyne enters the stage she is dressed in her frilly dance wear practically nothing there. She sings as Jema begins to play she entertains the audience as the routine requires. 
     
   “ What do you mean you know me? I have never seen you before in my life.” Tiffany responds as she crossed her legs slowly trying not to lose attention of Jema who eyes her every now and again. 
     
   “ Quite a catch ha?” Tiffany tries to ignore the remark praying that Blanche would just let her enjoy the break. You like him don’t you?  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tiffany turns to look at Blanche in a most displeasing manner. 
   
   
   
   
   
   “ like who?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche nods toward Jema. 
   
   
   
   
   
   … ..the pianists…I can tell by the way your sitting, your poise. He can tell also, why do you think he has continued to play eye-ball with you, do you think it’s because your sitting here with me? She takes a sip of her wine. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche can sense Tiffany’s frustration by the way she sighed and uncrossed her legs to only re-cross them again. She was nervous this lady was making her nervous, what did she want with her and how did she know her. She never actually thought about Jema romantically but once the lady mentioned it, Tiffany thought well hey he isn’t half bad. Tiffany tried to draw her mind back to focus to sit with this lady talk to her or whatever but after that, who is she fooling there could be a million reasons why this lady requested her. She just had to sit and wait. The audience applauds as Jasmine exits the stage. Tony runs on the stage to introduce the next performer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Sweetie gone head, you can go. I will talk to you later. Tiffany Jordan right?” Tiffany looked at the lady as she unfolded her arms and stood up. 
   “ yes” she quickly and quietly responded. Amazed that the lady did not want anything from her or did she? She thought to herself as she headed back to the dressing room where Jasmine was getting changed. Tiffany knocked on the door. 
     
   “ What!” Jasmine yelled, she sounded tired and upset. 
   “ J it’s me, can I come in” the door opened and Jasmine flopped back in the seat in front of the mirror she took a deep breathe as she quickly put on some powder on her face. She looked at Tiffany from the side of the mirror. 
     
   … ..what’s wrong with you? You look drained and you haven’t even been on stage yet.” Tiffany sat on the couch. Jasmine swung around. “I saw you sitting with Blanche Dunn, what is she like” Jasmine truly was not interested in hearing about the woman but she wanted to humor Tiffany she needed an uplift. Jasmine swung back around towards the mirror and begin to put on her lipstick. 
     
   “ You know I truly have no idea  what  that woman wanted-anyway” 
     
   “ What did she say to you?” Jasmine stands up to adjust her clothes and then sits down once again. 
     
   “ You know J all she said was that she knows me……….. and can you believe  this,  she even said she could even tell I had a thing for Jemah….now come on what kind of talk is that? Tiffany throws her hands up in disgust as she crosses her legs. Tony knocks on the door. 
     
   “ Tiffany, come on…..your next…..let’s go” Tiffany rolls her eyes as she gets up to open the door. 
     
   “ Ok Tony, calm down.” They leave and head toward the backstage of the bar. Jasmine shakes her head as she fixes her hair. She stands up in looks at her backside. She sits down once more. This time there is a reflection of a gentlemen sitting where Tiffany had sit. 
     
   “ Thought I forgot about you,” Cleo’s voice ran chills up Jasmine’s back.  
     
   “ No” Jasmine responded for fear of saying the wrong thing. Cleo stood up walked up behind her slowly he bent down and caressed her cheek, Jasmine’s blood was rushing she was so intimidated of this man she did not know what to expect. On the streets she knew what to do but with Cleo, he had money and connections that could destroy her. Now that she wanted to start fresh. If Tony ever found out that she used to be a prostitute he would throw she and Tiffany out on the streets only to be picked up again by Cleo.  
     
   “ I saw your daughter the other day, she was walking down the street with her new mommy and daddy, what do you think about that! Ha! I know where your child is and you never even got a chance to lay eyes on her, she’s beautiful too……. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Jasmine’s anger begins to boil up inside she wanted to maintain and let Cleo know that she is not getting to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   …… yeah, they were dressed real nice too, I suppose her new mommy and daddy better enjoy these few years they have with her because before long…….I‘ll have her working the same streets her real mama used to work and believe me she will do better job than you!  
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo laughed loudly then he drew his hand back and the blow reached Jasmine so hard it knocked her out of the chair she was sitting in. “I’m gon’ tell you one more time, either you get rid of her, or I’m going to get rid of you!” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo leaves out as Jasmine slowly pulls up on the edge of the chair to she finally struggles to get in the chair her tears run down her face ruining her make up. She weeps heavily then she pulls herself together slowly. She begins once again to put on her make-up. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Chapter Three 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The next few months the Kingsley Club clientele tripled. Not only because of the visit by the Blanche Dunn, but also they entertained such guests as Harold Blackman, Jean Toomer, and many other Renaissance voices. Don’s health begin to deteriorate once again he began to stay home more and more. Angie made sure he had plenty of rest, water and no stress although she could not figure out the real reason for the sudden plight she figured it as to much work. Joel finally found out where the missing funds were coming from and the result caused him to resign from employment with Don Kingsley, there was truly no reason for him to stay employed there the integrity of that business was gone down hill, and Don had no problem with it. Although Joel took a job at a nearby bookstore to pay the bills Zamera and he both decided they needed a change of atmosphere. During this time away it allowed Zamera time to heal and rekindle her relationship not only with her husband but with the Lord. She began to attend church more and more and visit the Club less and less, she even began playing the piano for the church. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     There was a lot of things continuing to happen within the walls of the Kingsley Club and out of obedience to the Lord Joel contacted Tony to see how things were going the news was not good. Although the crowds were coming, money had been coming up missing more and more, women were being assaulted, Jemah was threatning to quit and the rest of the band. Tony admitted he has lost control of the stage acts, Eliza stop showing up completely she stated she was trying to repair her marriage after actually catching her husband and another woman in their bed. Ella was more concerned with her wedding plans and decided to take a couple a months off she hired two new bartenders but they have been caught stealing money twice. After hearing that news all Joel was led to do was pray for those who are there but he refused to go back into that atmosphere especially now since he and Zamera were getting back to the way it used to be when they first fell in love. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel gets off of the phone with Tony. He then says goodbye to the rest of his co-workers and calls it a night. He gets into his car and begins to drive home. He can’t help but think off all the things that Tony told him regarding the Club. How could it get so bad, but no one truly is looking beneath the surface. They only see the crowd little do they know God is about to turn that club upside down.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord, just keep them safe out of harms way” Joel whispers as he turns the corner. He then thinks about Don and his health and how the last thing he said to Don about vengeance being the Lord’s. God’s word is true, and will come to pass. Whatever a man reapeth that shall he sow, that’s why Joel is so relieved that Zamera was able to forgive Don for the things he had done to her in the past. Joel pulls up to the house. All of sudden all the dreary thoughts of Tony, Don and the Club disappear. Joel gets out of the car and walks up to the door inserts his key into the door knob opens it and walks in. The smell of roses and cinnamon fill his nostrils, he shuts the door. 
     
   “ Zamera?” Joel calls out as he removes his jacket and unloosens his tie. He then walks into the kitchen where the table is set for two, candles, rose pedals and meatloaf, green beans and buiscuits along with potato salad. Joel grins at the fact that Zamera has really begin to shine now not only as his lover but as his wife.  
     
   “ You call?”  
     
   Joel turns around only to see his wife standing in the doorway poised perfectly.  Zamera’s dress was soft and clinging, like a second skin. A flowing jacket draped her slender frame, its vibrant warm colors made her skin glow. With every shift of her feminine frame, its material moved like water. Zamera’s beauty is what made the attire seem so elegant - touchable. S he leaned against the doorpost with her arms folded and she struck out her leg only to reveal her matching hills. Joel smiled. Zamera had let her hair fall and allowed it to drape her neck. Joel walked over to kiss her and she graciously stopped him. 
     
   … ..uh uh….I’m desert, you need to eat dinner first.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel laughs and he agrees so he sits down to eat. Zamera finally laughs also and then she sits down as they say grace and begin to eat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I talk to Tony today, I had to Z. They have been on my heart so.” Joel looks up at Zamera totally ignorant of his remark. 
     
   “ I’m sorry did you say something?” Zamera did not want to hear anything regarding the Club, tonight was their night. She wanted it to be just the two of them, no pass demons or devils.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Honey that part of my life Is over, I have moved on, I have received my healing. I have no comment when it comes to the mention of those people. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel can’t believe what he is hearing he knows Zamera had to let things go, but she should still be concerned after all it’s her family. “Zamera, what are you talking about babe? They are still apart of you. You still have to pray that they will give their lives to the Lord as did you.” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Joel, I understand what you are saying, but honey. Look I don’t want to talk about them tonight alright? Please pass me the green beans.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel drops his fork on his plate. ‘Who are you? Where is my wife?  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera places the green beans next to her as she scoops a spoon full. “I’m right here, sweetie. Look I love them, I pray for them, but I do not want to talk about them. And you should not either this is our time- 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera puts her spoon down and a frown begins to crinkle her face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Alright, alright I apologize babe. It’s just-ya know never mind. How was your day?” Joel spoke quickly trying to allow Zamera to not go into one of her spills about the two of them coming together not the two of them and her family. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera sighs in relief.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Thank you Lord 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    she thought as she gathered her posture and composure once again she scooped up some green beans. 
   
   
   
   
   
   “ My day was wonderful, I went to see Aunt Rosie and then I stopped by Ella’s to help with the dresses. Tess and I went shopping for the right shoes, because the ones Ella had picked out were all wrong. Eliza came by but she did not stay long, I believe she may be pregnant again but that’s another story. How was yours. Zamera sipped some wine, and placed the glass gently down on the table. Joel did not know where to start so he took the safe route. 
     
   “ It went well” Zamera looked up at him knowing that he was avoiding the conversation because in actuality his day and days always consist of the Kingsley Club. 
   “ you know what that’s fine. I try to prepare a nice meal and spend some time with my husband, and you can’t even be honest with me.” Zamera jumps up. And walks into the living room. Joel is confused now he does not know whether to get upset or go pray. He walks in to the living room where Zamera is standing. Her arms are folded. 
     
   “ Come on honey, don’t lock up on me now. Tell me what’s really bothering you. I know it’s not me or the mention of your family. He turns her around to face him, he cuffs her chin. “Now tell me honey,  what’s  wrong?” Joel’s tone was calm and soothing. Zamera felt pulled in by his warmth he had such a calming spirit. All she really wanted was Joel to stop focusing on her family so much and more on her. All he ever talked about was them, he didn’t even know that there could have been an opportunity for a small Joel, but her pregnancy test came back negative she thought why bother him with the “what ifs”. Right now all she wanted to do was be intimate with her husband and that’s what she did. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel woke at 3:45 a.m. He had a stirring in his belly so he arose out of the bed slowly not wanting to awaken his wife. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She’s pregnant 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walked into the bathroom closed the door and got on his knees. “Lord what are you saying to me” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Your wife is going to have a child 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ok Lord.” Joel smiled his heart rejoiced to think that after all this time and during all of this drama, they would bring a life into the world. Then he thought about the family, the club issues, Eliza and her marital problems, Don’s health. 
     
   “ Lord Is this truly the right time, it could become stressful and I don’t want anything to happen to her or my child and I definitely don’t want to stand by and let anything bad happen. What should I do?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Move to New York I have job there waiting for you 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ what kind of job? What part of New York?”  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I have some people you will need to meet 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord who?” Joel waited patiently for a response for twenty minutes he sat in silence waiting and nothing. Finally he sat upon on the toilet and opened his bible to Genesis 12:14-20 
     
   
   
   14 
   
   
   And when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.  
   
   
        15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into Pharaoh's house [harem].  
        16 And he treated Abram well for her sake; he acquired sheep, oxen, he-donkeys, menservants, maidservants, she-donkeys, and  [ d ] camels.  
        17 But the Lord scourged Pharaoh and his household with serious plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.  
        18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?  
        19 Why did you say, She is my sister, so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her and get away [from here]!  
        20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him, and they brought him on his way with his wife and all that he had. 
     
     
   
   
   
   
   Joel read aloud to himself quietly and when he got to verse 20, he stopped. He closed the bible left out of the restroom. He went back and layed down quietly beside Zamera she was sleeping soundly she looked so peaceful. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   That morning he arose got dressed for work and he left a note for Zamera. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Begin packing our things up we are moving to New York I got a call this morning from a Accounting Firm they have scheduled me an interview for the 16 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   th 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    of this month which is this Wednesday I will get our train tickets today after work tell you the rest later. Love Joel. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera could not believe her eyes what she was seeing just like that just up and go. But she knew deep down anytime Joel made a quick change or decision that meant he was following direct orders from the Lord. So she got herself cleaned up and began to pack up their items. She was hesitant about including the wooden box under the bed she still had never discussed that with Joel. She went ahead and packed it anyway it was getting close to noon she had all of their clothes packed away into two large suitcases as she was closing the last suitcase the phone rang. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ hello”  
   
   
   
   
   Zamera picked up the phone. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What time are you coming over here to help me with the music Z?” 
   
   
   
   
   it was her uncle Marc she had forgotten totally that she had promised to do background on one of his songs. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O uncle Marc I am so sorry something has come up and I won’t be able to do it….you see Joel and I are leaving Chicago tonight. 
     
   “ what! What do you mean you are leaving? Where are you going and why?” 
     
   “ Look Uncle Mark calm down, I don’t understand it either but I trust my husband and If he says we are leaving we are leaving. 
     
   
   
   
   
   Mark sighs on the other end of the phone and then he finally calms down. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Zamera you do what’s best for you whatever you have to do, you and Joel-you guys do it. He listens to the Lord and obeys and that’s all that matters I will miss you but at least this time you will be leaving with your husband.” 
     
   “ I will keep in touch Mark for sure” 
     
   “ What about Don?’ 
     
   “ That’s up in the air I will leave that one up to my husband, I truly have nothing else to say to them other than good-bye………..but I tell you this I will miss my sisters. I hate that things are going the way they are with Lizzie and John but you know we all have our storms. I will call Angela to let her know to tell Dad. I don’t want to talk to him right now.” 
     
   “ alright Z well you take care of yourself, love you” 
     
   “ I love you too Uncle Marc goodbye” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera hangs up the phone a part of her tries to pull her into tears but she refuses she realizes this is she and Joel’s life now and wherever he goes she goes.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Til death do us part 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    Zamera now taking those vows she spoke to Joel on that cold winter night three years ago. Their wedding was small it was just Vanessa, Eliza and Ella and the minister performing the wedding. Don was no where to be found Marc gave her away although it was short and simple it was enough because this man loved her enough even with her issues, and shortcomings as Zamera thought on the love that Joel has expressed to her with his word, actions and persistence it’s true love. Zamera fell on her knees and began to cry out. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Thank you Lord, thank you for saving me, thank you for loving me enough to rescue me from myself and my destruction… 
     
   
   
   
   
   tears flooded her face her she could feel again her heart was open she could sense a calming presence it had been so long since she had felt that feeling she would get that feeling her whole body was floating she felt like she was flying she did not want to stop she began to pray it came so fluently her words were just then she began to sing, she sang unto the Lord for the first time in years it was her and God in their own special time, it was her quiet time. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord, I love you…….. 
   
   
   
   
   she sobbed her whole face was drenched. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Go see your father 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   The voice was quiet and calming Zamera recognized the voice but she wanted to make sure so she sat and asked 
   
   
   
   
   “ Why?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   he needs to see you….go see your father 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera stood up from the floor she went into the restroom she cleaned herself up she washed her face pulled her hair into a soft bun. She picked up the car keys and headed over to her father’s house she pulled up and she sighed as she turned the car off. She pulled herself together and she entered the house it was quiet. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Angela,………..Dad” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera closed the door. 
   
   
   
   
   …… Angela anybody here?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Finally she heard Angela’s voice talking real low. It was coming from the dining room, she walked toward the door and stopped since it was ajar she heard another voice it was deeper. Zamera then knocked on the door as she began to open it. It was Angela and George Angela was standing with her arms folded looked like she had just been crying and George was consoling her. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What’s wrong?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera asked as she approached the two. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Don, the doc says it looks like he may not make it out of this one” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera face frowns. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What do you mean?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s voice was firm as she tried to control her emotions. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Don had another heart attack, last night he almost didn’t pull through but even right now he’s kind of weak” 
   
   
   
   
   Although Angela was crying her voice was firm. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Where is he?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera asked 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Upstairs” 
   
   
   
   
   George replied as he comforted Angela. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera walked upstairs the thoughts raced through her mind  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   what are you doing? you could make him keel over if you tell him you are leaving now with Joel.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The voice she was hearing was filled with fear and doubt Zamera knew now that was her she needed to listen for the voice that brought peace she cast those thoughts out of her mind. She reached the top of the staircase and she walked toward Angela and Don’s room and slowly opened the door, Don was sleeping peacefully Zamera stood over him for a moment all the things he had done to her in the past she actually could not think upon all she could see was her father laying in his sick bed. He looked weak and helpless. She leaned over and kissed him softly on the cheek and then she began to walk away she got half way to the door. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Zamera” 
   
   
   
   
   Don’s voice was weak he could barely speak. Zamera stopped in her footsteps as she turned to face him his eyes were opened and a little she walked toward him. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ That’s ok Dad just rest, you need your rest.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Don breathed in and out slowly. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ you leavin?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looked at her father. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yeah dad I’m going to leave so you can get some rest” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera began to leave the room again 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ you and Joel leavin?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera turned and looked at her father he was so tired she could tell. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yeah dad, we are leaving……why? How did you know?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera folded her arms waiting on a reply she began to become defensive and wonder if he had anything to do with Joel’s interview in New York. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Just listen to him 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera let down her guard and pulled up a chair. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ok Dad how did you know we were leaving?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s voice was serious no more games she wanted the truth. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ don’t worry how I know…I want you to promise me something” 
     
   “ Me promise you….what is it Dad?” 
     
   “ tell Joel to tell you” 
   
   
   
   
   Don coughed and rested before he spoke again. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Tell me what Dad?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera unfolded her arms. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ He’ll know….he’ll…. 
   
   
   
   
   he coughed again 
   
   
   
   
   ……… ..know” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Angela and George enter the room. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Honey you alright? George could you pure him a glass of water from that pitcher over there?’ 
     
   “ sure” 
   
   
   
   
   George goes to grab the pitcher as Angela walks over towards Don she reaches out for his hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She sits down on the bed beside him and caresses his face. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So what time are you guys leaving?” 
     
   “ 8:00…………… we are taking the train,” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera did not care now who knew she was leaving she was feeling divided she did not want to leave her father in this state, but yet she did not want to stay in Chicago she needed to get away live a new life start with her and Joel. Why was she feeling this tug in her heart? 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   It’s called forgiveness…you have bitterness and resentment….let it go so you can be free 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera felt a warm peace fill her heart as she walked toward Don she could understand now,. All the pain the hurt the shame the ridicule she kept running from wasn’t in Chicago it was in her, she just never completely let go. She leaned against her father’s cheek and whispered softly just enough for him to hear, Don’s eyes began to water and slowly a tear fell down his face. Zamera’s mouth was moving but no one could hear her but Don. Angela looked curiously trying to figure out the conversation but she could not hear it. Slowly Zamera stood up as she grabbed Don’s hand and kissed it. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I love you Daddy” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera placed his hand down slowly on the bed. She smiled at Angela and turned and looked at George and smiled and she left the room as she left the bedroom it was silent but in her heart she was leaping and rejoicing for she had found peace true peace and it was once she realized and decided to make a choice for her happiness that no one ever held her in bondage she did that by refusing to let go and forgive. She left the house and got into her car and pulled away.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Thank you Lord for the gift of love” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera arrived back home and she entered the house and began to take the bags and place them in the trunk of the car. The phone rang it was Joel reminding her to leave the key under the mat and Tony will come by to pick it up and turn it in. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera did what her husband said she then locked the house and left to go to the bar. She walked in it was quiet and kind of empty although it was around 4 in the afternoon usually there are a couple of people it was pretty empty then she heard Jema footsteps as he walked out and sat at the table and began to go over a couple of songs humming to himself he had not noticed Zamera standing at the entrance so she walked over to Jema. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hey, how is it going?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera said as she sat down next to him. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hey Z, what’s up?” 
   
   
   
   
   Jema had a smile that would light up a room Zamera could not help but smile back. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ On my way to New York?” 
     
   “ Are you serious? Why? 
   
   
   
   
   Jema placed his paper down on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Trying to run away again? 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ No not this time, this time it’s me and my husband and it is about time.” 
   
   
   
   
   She smiles 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Jema looks at Zamera. 
   
   
   
   
   “ well you know we will always be here, at least for a little while anyway. You know that new singer/dancer Tony hired a couple of weeks ago? 
     
   “ Which one? There were two of them.” 
     
   “ Yeah, Tiffany and Jasmyne well they found Jamsmyne dead in her bathroom lastnight they said it was suicide but we all know better than that. 
     
   “ O my goodness, are you serious that is terrible.” 
     
   “ And she had a child also, a little girl she was given away but still that is so sad and the worst part is- 
     
   “ What Jema tell me, what is it?” 
     
   “ You remember the night Blanche Dunn was here for the first time? 
     
   “ How can I forget the club had never been as packed before, what does she have to do with anything?” 
     
   “ Well on that night, some people said they heard fighting coming from the dressing you Tiffany and Jasmyne were in and Cleo was seen climbing in through a window that night.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s heart began to pound she had forgotten totally about Cleo. Would if he heard the Joel and I were leaving, what if he tried to do something to hurt Joel? What if-“ 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s thoughts raced through her head until finally she realized that it was her and she needed to calm down and not be afraid. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Jema that is truly sad and she was so pretty, and the baby, that’s just too much. But right now I have to go meet my husband at his job and we will be leaving from there to go to the train station.” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera stood up. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So does he have anything lined up in New York or what?” 
     
   “ Yeah, he has an interview this week, so we have to get there and get settled. We will be staying with my Aunt Victoria and her husband until we find a place. Give me a hug Jema, I love you” 
   
   
   
   
   They hug and Zamera leaves the bar as she exits she turns around and looks at the building. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Good-bye Kingsley Barr Club” 
   
   
   
   
   she gets into her car and drives off. She arrived at Joel’s place of employment she walks in to meet him he is packing up a few of his items he looks at her knowing everything that she is feeling without saying a word he walks over to her and embraces her she rest her head on his shoulder. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I know baby, I know” 
   
   
   
   
   Joel’s voice was so smooth soothing Zamera felt at peace with him she knew she belonged to him and that he was soul mate, in spite of everything they went through they still had that connection and it was called love no holds barred she was finally becoming into her own. She looked up into Joel’s eyes she drew so much strength from him she was not whole without him and he not without her. She helped him finish packing up his belongings and they left to get into the car and headed toward the train station. They arrived approximately at 7:45 their train left at 8:00 as they boarded Zamera grabbed a seat by the window and Joel sat near the aisle he grabbed her hand and held it close as the train pulled slowly away Zamera looked at the ending of her life in Chicago and looked forward to what was ahead. Joel closed his eyes and rested his head back. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Her name will no longer be Zamera but….Zaria 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Joel opened his eyes slowly still looking ahead he turned slowly and looked at Zamera as she was watching the sights he lifted her hand he was holding and slowly kissed it. It caused Zamera to turn and look at him. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What was that for?” 
   
   
   
   
   she asked as she smiled. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ for just being you, my blooming flower” 
   
   
   
   
   Joel rested his head back on the head rest and dozed off. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Chapter 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What do you mean she is leaving town! With who? She didn’t even say good-bye or anything just up and left!.” 
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie was livid on top of filing for her divorce with John after finding out that John now has a baby on the way by his mistress whom he never stop seeing. The stress was too much for her she was in her second tri-mester and she did not need the extra stress. She took Jade and moved in with aunt Rosie Lee. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Now Lizzie come on, calm down you are going to drive yourself crazy for no reason. 
   
   
   
   
   Ella tried to calm her sister down but it was not working. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She and Joel left together and I am sure when they get situated that you will hear from them. You knew it was coming, I mean how much longer did you think the two of them were going to stay here in Chicago? Ella walks over to comfort her sister. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ It’s just that, I ‘m suppose to be the strong one the one who everyone looked at to for strength and comfort and it- 
   
   
   
   
   tears began to fall down Lizzie’s face. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   It seems like you have done enough it’s time for you to rest now, ok? Ella comforts her sister by rubbing her back. Zamera knows that you love her and she loves you to, but honey she is married and she has finally, finally found out what it means to be loved and be in love. I’m happy for her, she is free Lizzie. She wants to start over her and Joel.” 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie sniffs and wipes her eyes. She turns and sits down on the sofa at Ella and Mike’s new apartment it was nice and cozy they wanted to save for a house so they were making sure they only had the necessities but it was enough because the love they had for each other was more than enough, Ella always thought when you are truly happy it does not matter what you have you are at peace. She looked at Zamera who now is finally coming into her own, and Ella who is truly in love and content and then she looked at her life a marriage that’s is over, a child who will grow up without a father in the home and also another one on the way. Lizzie just sat there quietly not saying a word for what seemed a life time to her. Ella came and sat down beside her. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ It’s alright sissy no one expects you to be superwoman, we are all human.” 
   
   
   
   
   She hugs Lizzie and then she gets up to prepare dinner. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Later that evening Lizzie went to pick up her daughter from the babysitters and headed to their new home over aunt Rosie Lee’s house. She gave Jade a bath as Aunt Rosie prepared dinner they ate and then she tucked her daughter into bed. She laid there in her room not able to sleep at all so she arose and went downstairs it was dark she turned on the light and sat on the sofa once again she could not understand where her marriage went wrong she thought over and over again all of sudden he just started messing around on her all things were going well she could not for the life of her figure it out. She fell asleep on the sofa that night she arose to the sound of cartoons and pots and pans rattling in the kitchen she opened her eyes Jade was sitting on the floor watching cartoons and Aunt Rosie lee was in the kitchen fixing breakfast. She got up and kissed Jade on the forehead and walked into the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ what a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arm. Oh how sweet to walk in his pilgrim way leaning on the everlasting arm- 
   
   
   
   
   Aunt Rosie lee had a mellow voice it was so pure and soothing. She turned as she began to fry some bacon. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   How you doing this morning baby?” 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   I’m good….aunt Rose 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie sat slowly down at the kitchen table. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Here drink this. Rosie handed her a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Lizzie took the glass and took a sip. 
     
   “ Aunt Rosie have you ever felt useless?” 
     
   “ Baby, well I can’t actually say I have ever felt useless, now I have felt not-needed” 
     
   “ Well what’s the difference? 
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie took another sip of her orange juice. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Rosie lee places the bacon neatly on the plate she has on the stove. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ it’s not so much feeling useless but just not needed in a specific area, I believe that we all are useful it’s just finding the area that you will be of more use, you understand what I’m saying baby? Jade needs you and this new baby is going to need you, you see you are needed…..and you have to ask the Lord to use you and put in a place of perfect peace so the things around you don’t bother you but they cause you to be better. 
     
   “ Come on, baby Jade come and eat you some pancakes and bacon” 
   
   
   
   
   Aunt Rosie lee goes into the living room to meet Jade and take her hand and bring her into the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Now you have a seat right there next to your mommy and I ‘m going to fix your plate. Jade sits in the chair she places her doll on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   They all sit and eat breakfast. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So what are you going to do today baby?” 
   
   
   
   
   Rosie asks Lizzie. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I don’t know I think I might take Jade to the park, do a little shopping……you need anything from the store Aunt Rosie? Because you know I will be paying your rent while we are here and you just worry about your utilities I insist.” 
     
   “ Now baby I aint crazy, don’t you worry about no bills, you focus on taking care of these babies now, I got this- 
     
   
   
   
   
   -but Aunt Rosie- 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hush now girl, if you was on drugs strung out, poristituting it be different cuz your soul would be messed up. But you know what you are doing you stay here as long as you like with these babies, they bring me much joy. Only bill you need to be paying attention to is what the Lord is saying to you, you hear me?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Yes ma’am. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie ate her breakfast she thought  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Aunt Rosie does not need my finances….that’s an area I’m not needed in. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Back at the house Angela enters the bedroom to see about Don. He was resting so she headed outside and sat on the porch. It was beautiful the sun was shining it wasn’t too warm or cold it was just right. It just donned on her that if she was to lose Don that she would no longer be connected to the Kingsley family since she never had any children by Don, how crushing she thought. Her spirit became wrought. She tried to push the thought out of her mind as she did so the telephone rang she went in to answer it. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hello” 
   
   
   
   
   Angela’s voice was kind of low. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What’s wrong? You sound kind of down, how is Don?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey’s voice brought some comfort to Angela. She felt alone in her own world the thought of losing Don gave her no sense of purpose. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So what time is Jewel coming by to sit with Don?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey asked on the other end of the phone 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O around noon I guess 
   
   
   
   
   Angela sighed she leaned against the kitchen wall and just held the phone. Why? 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   It sounds like you need to get out of the house Angie, Ella told me you have not left Don’s side since they released him from the hospital. Why don’t you put on some clothes and go shopping or treat yourself to some nice cool ice cream or go visit get out of the house.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey’s voice was concerned she did not want Angie to get caught up and become bitter or depressed. The upbeat Angie she knew was fading she could tell although she was miles away in another city she knew what Angie was going through. 
   
   
   
   
   “ Look Rachino will be out of school in a couple of weeks how about we pay you guys a visit? 
     
   “ Now Maxey you don’t have to do that now come on, I’m fine. I just need to think some things over that’s all, you know?” 
     
   “ No I don’t know……..what things?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey’s concerned voice let Angie know that she was serious. “Where is Lizzie?” 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Well she moved in with Rosie Lee last week….you know she filed for divorce…….finally” 
   
   
   
   
   Angie pulls the chair out from under the kitchen table and sits in it. She sighed silently to herself. Well I guess she figured it was time to handle her business you can’t raise a child in that kind of atmosphere I don’t know what she was thinking and plus the lady had began to call the house.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Alright, Angie calm down,……does Don know yet?” 
     
   “ No……..he does not know right now I will tell him when he gets better.” 
     
   “ How soon do you think he will be up and walking?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey asked. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Soon enough I suppose, by the way how is Ted and Chino doing?” 
     
   “ They are doing good, Rachino made the honor roll again and Ted said we are all going to go visit his mother this summer she lives in California. I haven’t seen her since we got Rachino. We sent her pictures but he has never met her-ok look Angie I gotta go Chino just got in from school, kiss Don for me and you do what I said get out and get around ok? 
     
   “ I will Maxey” 
     
   “ Love you, Angie.” 
     
   “ I love you to” 
   
   
   
   
   Angie hangs up the telephone. She walks upstairs to check on Don he is awake just staring out the window she walks into his room.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What are you looking at?” 
   
   
   
   
   she smiles as she walks to grab his hand. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I bought this house when I first met you, did you know that? 
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie shook her head no. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yep, I knew you were the one……after Vanessa……..I didn’t think….” 
     
   “ Shh Don it’s alright, I know it still brings you pain to talk about her.” 
   
   
   
   
   Tears fall down his face and he wipes his eyes.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Angie, she was something………she was so beautiful, but what she did hurt me to the core, I mean I gave her everything Angie” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Don why are you talking like this? 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Because,….. 
   
   
   
   
   he grips her hand 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   no one understands the pain I suffered. How would you like the whole town knowing your wife you had been married to and faithful to for 25 years turns and cheats on you and not only that has a child and tries to tell you it’s yours, you taking care of this baby until one day a complete stranger tells you, that aint your child. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie removes her hand and walks toward the window. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Is this what your gonna do? Sit and wallow in your pain! 
   
   
   
   
   Angie tears up. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don I want you to get well, but I don’t want you well if you are going to continue to throw the mistakes of THAT woman in my face, honey I love you and I want you to get better but if it means I have to spend one more second listening to how Vanessa Kingsley did you wrong I’M GONE! I have spent thirteen of my years with you Don, not married but with you. You weren’t exactly faithful to Vanessa instead of trying to make her wrong right you had to get back! And here I am dumb enough to go down the road with you.  
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   She sits on the bed. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Don we have all made mistakes ‘aint none of us perfect, but we have to let go and move on! She cheated on you and had a baby you and then you cheated on her WITH ME! What do you want Don!! 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   What in the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   hell  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   do you WANT!!! 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie runs out of the room in tears she realizes she just can’t take no more she had to get out of the house away from the memories away from the pain, she runs passed Jewel as she was entering the house she did not stop she just kept going.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ms. Kingsley, everythang alright!” 
   
   
   
   
   Jewel tried to holler to get Angie’s attention but she was too far down the street. She kept running until she couldn’t run anymore she stopped and headed toward the park and sat on the bench to catch her breath, she had even broken a sweat she slumped over the bench looking at the concrete ground thinking to herself. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What is wrong with me? Why did I act like that?  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie leans up against the back of the bench she looks at the beautiful green grass sway as the wind slowly blows it. She just sits there and relaxes it was so refreshing and calming to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She finally decided to take Maxey’s advice she walked back to the house she had ran four blocks she did not even realized she had ran that far. She went into the house freshened up she got her car keys and she told Jewel that she was leaving and she left. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Tony put a closed for business sign on the entrance of the bar. It had been placed their due to lack of customers, mostly everyone was headed to Harlem that’s where the money was now the clubs, black businesses booming and the opportunity. The pluthra of people coming in on the weekends from Harlem died down all that was showing up now was the locals. Jema went to work for Marcus in his studio, and Ella was still planning for her wedding and besides Mike suggested she just stay home while he worked and it gave her more time to go see Don while he was still sick. Lizzie had settled in pretty well with Rosie Lee she even began attending church on a regular basis also with Rosie. She can’t say she understood it but it brought her peace in her mind and she wondered how come her father and mother never continued going on a regular basis.  
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Two years had passed and Don Kingsley was still holding on. Angie could not take the stress and the sight of watching him suffer, he developed cancer in the brain, she left him finally and left the responsibility of his illness to his children, one day she just packed up and left not a word to no one. Ella had George walk her down the aisle at her wedding. Eliza and Zaria were her bridesmaids and Maxey was her maitron of honor. It was a beautiful wedding to, now she and Micheal had two twin boys ages 1, Anthony Micheal Washington and Adonai Marquice Washington. Eliza had had her second child also Jeremiah and was happily dating one of the gentlemen from her congregation. She had changed also, she began writing again Mike encouraged her to come and work with him, she agreed. Zaria and Joel were doing very well in New York the pay for an accountant there was three times more than in Chicago especially for real-estate which is where Joel was employed in the financial dept. Zaria took a side-job giving piano lessons at the local school, voice lessons also ,the pay was not much, but she enjoyed every minute of it. She and Joel were able to buy a nice home and raise their son Joel II, and Zaria was 5 months pregnant with there next child.  
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   It was a beautiful spring day, Zaria was decided to stay home she had no students today and besides she wanted to spend some time alone with Joel Jr. because before long the new baby would get some attention and she wanted to make sure J.J. does not feel left out, he had been the only child for almost two and a half years and she wanted the transition to be smooth.  
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   After Joel left for work, she went into J.J.’s room and woke him they played with his cars, she read to him and then she fixed him breakfast. Zaria explained to J.J. that soon he would be having a little sister or brother and he needed to help and be a big boy, J.J. agreed he was happy she can tell it made him feel proud. Zaria took J.J. into the front room and allowed to take a couple of his toys. She then began to pre-pare a light breakfast cereal for J.J. and toast and eggs for her. The phone rang as she was scrambling her eggs. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hello” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria answered with one hand and the other hand she began to pour shredded cheese into the skillet with her eggs. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yes, may I speak with Joel or Zamera Prohet please?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria’s face frowned, no one has called her by Zamera in two-years so she figured it had to be someone from Chicago. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yes, I’m his wife.” 
     
   “ Zamera?” 
     
   “ may I ask who this is please?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria turned the skillet off and placed it on the last burner. And folded her arms waiting for a response. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Zamera, it’s me, girl Maxey” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria’s unfolds her arm and takes a sigh of release. 
   
   
   
   
   “ Maxey, I did not know who you were? How are you?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria smiles and begins to fix J.J.’s cereal. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Maxey, I’am doing pretty good, I miss you guys. I am planning on visiting, Ted has been swamped at work lately I hardly get to see him anymore and Chino is so involved in his school activities and scholastic programs I have a lot more time to myself, how is it in New York?” 
     
   “ It’s a lot more people, and job opportunities but I just like the fact that I am not in Chi-town, I am so glad to be away. Joel and I found a nice little church the people there are so friendly and our pastor and first lady are God-sent. You can come and stay with us whenever you like, we have a bigger house now, so don’t hesitate to come visit, how are things with you? 
     
   “ I’ve decided to take a couple of classes on writing and poetry but other than that not much. How is JJ? And the new one on the way?” 
     
   “ They are well, I decided to stay home from teaching music today to spend some time with J, he senses some things are about to change so I wanted to spend some time with him, you know make him feel wanted.” 
     
   “ Oh, girl he is a big boy he should be fine, he knows what’s going on. You know he may even be a little excited, because it won’t be just him but he will have a little play mate now. I sometime wish that Ted and I had had another one. But we didn’t.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   The door opens and Joel walks in places his briefcase down, 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ daddy!” 
   
   
   
   
   J hollers out happy to see Joel step into the house. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ hold on Maxey,- 
   
   
   
   
   she puts the phone away from her ear. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   -what are you doing home? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel stands up with J in his arms, he walks toward the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ and good morning to you to ?” 
   
   
   
   
   he walks over and pecks her on the cheek. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   -the guys are auditing and doing inventory I told them I would be back , I wanted to take a break and see my family,…is that alright? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He puts J down. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Max let me call you back.” 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Chapter One 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   When I entered the bar, Joel was only five feet from the door. He didn't even look at me. His head was buried in the papers clutched in his hands. I hoped he would look up, but he didn't. Instead he mumbled something to Ella behind the counter and walked to his office in the back. Had I been gone that long that he did not recognize me? Zamera thoughts raced. She could not wait to sing again. But the Kingsley Club stirred up mixed emotions. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera walked up to a table closest to the stage and sat down. She watched as the other women auditioned for the evening show. She gently un-wrapped her shoulders from her silky crème shawl and placed her purse on the table. Crossing her legs, she rested the cleft of her chin non chalontly in the palm of her right hand. She tilted her head toward the gentlemen calling the women one after another. Sighing she had second thoughts. Slowly standing up, she laid her shawl across her arm, grabbed her purse and began to walk away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera Kingsley." A slightly familiar voice called out to her from across the room. She turned wondering whose voice that was calling her, above all who even recognized her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yes," she turned in a circle trying to focus with the lights dimly lit "Who called my name?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Over here, come here?." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Her eyes focused in on a dimly lit face all the way at the back of the bar.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She could see the silhouette of the brim of his hat and smoke filling the area where he sat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come on now girl, don't be shy?.... you know me?." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera walked slowly toward the gent at the back. Joel came from 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   working in the back to take a much needed break. He saw Zamera headed 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   toward the far end of his bar. She glowed in her beautiful satin white dress. Her makeup was flawless. Her long dark trestles swayed as she moved away from him. He couldn't believe his eyes. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Is it really?.. Don Kingsley's long lost and forgotten daughter, and the only woman I ever loved? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel thought to himself as he grabbed the nearest bar stool and took a seat. Zamera appearance brought back a familiar spark in his spirit. He remembered how much they were in love. No one understood her as much as he did. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   As quick as he reminisced, she vanished out the back exit, followed by an oversized, overdressed man in a gangster style hat. Joel could not resist his gut instinct. He ran after her. Pointing toward the papers he set on the bar, he asked Ella to put them behind the counter. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I will be back..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella shook her head, all too familiar with her boss's determination.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera was the one thing he did not seem to be able to conquer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Heading toward the back exit, he flung open the exit doors only to see Zamera enter a long black Limo and pull off. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "No," he sighed in disbelief, "no not again" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He turned slowly as he entered the Kingsley Barr once again he felt his heart drop. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella met him at the door . 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Pop, called he wants you to stop by on your way home" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The words came out slowly as she dried a drinking glass. Joel walked right passed not even acknowledging the information. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "If she  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   wanted 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    you, ....Joel she would be  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   with 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    you" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella's words stung his heart he reached behind the counter and grabbed the papers and headed toward his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Why is she here, why is she back? What does she want Lord? clearly it's not me. Joel entered his office and sat down at his desk he swung toward the window as he looked at the beautiful lights of the night. His thoughts swarmed like flies. Forcing himself to relax, he got lost in the white glow of the lights. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Wake up sweetie, time to eat!" Zamera brought breakfast in bed to Joel. He smiled as she buttered his bread and poured his orange juice into a glass. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She smelled like lavender and her eyes were glowing. He could tell how happy she was right now. He reached for her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "I will always love you." 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    He whispered. Joel was serious. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You better..." Zamera said jokingly with a smile as she caressed his firm jaw line. "....you better not ever leave me Joel...." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I won't ever leave you...I love you...." Joel sat up forcing her to look into his eyes. He knew her too well. He was speaking from his heart. Zamera did not know how. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera....you have my heart now and forever" Squeezing the hand that held the ring he gave her. They embraced. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel! Joel! Mister Prophet!" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony's voice pulls Joel out of his memory. "O sorry, Tony what is it?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ms. Ella wants to know if your closing tonight, because she is about to leave" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "O tell her I'm leaving....here I come" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel gets up feels his pants for his keys. Grabs his briefcase and Heads out of his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "See you tomorrow, Mister Prophet" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Good night, Tony" Joel rubbed his forehead, wishing he could restart the day. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He exited the bar after he waved good-bye to Ella as she closed. He pulled out his keys and sat heavily in the driver seat. A small envelope latched under his wind shield wiper caught his attention. Squinting to focus, he lifted himself up far enough to reach it. The front of the sealed note was simply addressed JoJo. Only one person called him that. Even beyond the nickname, he knew Zamera' s handwriting. He quickly opened the envelope.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As he pulled out the letter his heart pounded quickly. He could hardly breathe the anticipation almost caused him to stop breathing all together. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   My Dearest Sweet Jo Jo, 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I came tonight for you, I saw you working and you seemed to be pre-occupied. So I didn't bother. I want to let you know that you are the only man that I have ever truly loved, and I want to ask you to forgive me for all those times I ran away from you when times got hard. You are a true man to your word and in your heart.,.....I miss you....but I know the way we ended It's beyond repair.....here is my wedding ring the symbol of the love we once shared. I want to remember that I am thankful for you being in my life and sharing your love with me...goodbye JoJo. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Love Zamera 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel sat numb. Tears began to roll down his face as closed the letter gently and placed it back into the envelope. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord , why won't she just truly let go and let me love her........ 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel she needs closure...give her space....she will return to you 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   When Lord and how? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel started up the car and ran his hand over his face. Trying to push Zamera out of his mind, he decided to go over to Don's house. When he arrived there, cars were everywhere. Don Kingsley is not the entertaining type. He rarely attended gatherings. He paused just a moment, he got out of the car and headed toward the front entrance of the 3-story home. As he reached the top of the stairs, the door was opened. Don's wife Angela stood there smiling. Her smile was what he needed. He could not help but return the smile. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hello there, Joel good for you to stop by! Come on in..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel steps in as she lets him pass. The house spoke of Angela's style.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The beautiful whitewashed spiral stairway was crowned by a heavy crystal chandelier placed in the center of the ceiling. Angela loved to decorate. Don knew where is calling lied. He loved that his wife was the flair he needed in his life. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "...here allow me to take your coat.." Angela was in her early forties but you could never tell her frame a physique spoke against the age. You could see the result of the gym and healthy lifestyle, it glowed in her face she was mid-brown complected and her eyes sparkled of bronze. She always let her hair flow free with soft curls, her skin was clear and beautiful as such her personality. Angela met Joel when Don first hired him as a young accountant out of Detroit just graduated from school, he was like a son to her. Although Don's daughters claimed her as their mom, she felt they did it out of obligation and pity. But, she could not help but love them for it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel hands her his coat from around his body. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thanks, Mrs. Kingsley" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "....come on now, Joel we are like family..call me Angie...." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   she shuts the door behind him, he looks back at the door as if to say no going back now. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "...gone on in the family room, get you something to eat, I'll let Don know your here" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela disappears, Joel rubs his hands together and takes a much needed deep breathe as he walks pass the foyer into the family room. Unfamiliar faces walk passed him smiling and getting him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel!" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   finally a familiar voice grabs his attention he turns it's Eliza Don's eldest daughter holding her toddler in her arms. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come over here, I have someone I want you to meet." Eliza shifts her daughter to her other hip. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel makes his way through the people going to and fro. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Eliza," he gives her a peck on the cheek. "How are you?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm good Joel, she takes his hand. I want you to meet my in-laws from Texas this is Maxey, John's cousin and her husband Ted." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel shakes Ted's hand and smiles at Maxey. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "And this is...you remember George he was at the wedding." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel shakes George hand and greets him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "And this here is." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She points at a young child standing next to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Rachino Gabrielle, he is from India. Maxey and Ted adopted him." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel kneels down to shake the young gents hand he is standing straight head up and offers Joel a firm hand shake. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "So where is John?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "He is upstairs with Dad he will be down in a minute." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   They walk into the living room. Soft Jazz begins to play in the background. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Fifteen years and the Kingsley Barr is still standing strong....who would have thought?" Eliza grabs Joel's hand as they enter the living room. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel, thank you for being the MAN my father needed. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't stepped in like you did....financially I mean." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza releases Joel hand, he looks deep into her eyes, the resemblance caused him to look away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You know I never really added it up....it has been 15 years since...." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel stops as he thinks about the first time he laid eyes on Zamera. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     "Have you seen her?" 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza puts her daughter down to walk and she toddles into the next room into the arms of Ella. Ella lifts her up as she glances at Joel and Eliza, she then turns away and heads upstairs. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel facial expression looks as if to say who? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come on Joel don't look at me like that? You know who I am talking about" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walks toward the window. "Yeah, I did." He folds his arms and turns toward the window. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   She's Back 
   
   
   
   
   
   "Are you alright?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I am the question is. Is she? Joel unfolds his arms as he turns toward Eliza. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Look, I'm not here for her. He rubs his head as he begins to pace back and forth and abruptly stop. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     Your dad called the bar and told me stop by. He extends his hand toward Eliza. I need to go see him and then I will leave" 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel begins to exit the living room, Eliza reaches out and grabs his arm he stops and faces her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza looks into his eyes she knows the pain her sister caused him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Joel it's alright to be angry....Zam-" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm not here for her...Lizzie I keep telling you this!" Joel snatches his arm out of her grip roughly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel tries to walk away and then he stops and turns to Eliza once again he takes a deep breath his voice calmer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Lizzie I'm sorry...I did not mean to blow up at you like that." he rubs his head. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Sssh Joel. She reaches out as they gently embrace. You don't have to apologize to me." Joel was a like a brother to Eliza, he was the only one whom she could relate to on an educational level, after she graduated and her father placed the bar responsibilities on her, she felt overwhelmed until he hired Joel, he was a life saver. Joel was there through Don's heart attack, the death of her mother Vanessa, and still he had to experience what he did with her little sister and is still here, he has a special place in her heart for that. "Go ahead." they pull away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She rubs his shoulder trying to offer comfort the best way a ex-sister In law can. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Go see dad. I will see you later, k?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel nods and leaves the living room. He goes upstairs to Don's study before he enters he can hear John Eliza's husband and Don laughing. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don spots Joel, "Just the man I want to see. Come on in son." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "How ya doing, Joel?" John gives him a friendly hug. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm good and yourself?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Can't complain." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I got a chance to see Jade she is getting big." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yeah, that's my pumpkin." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks at him knowing deep inside how John truly feels but for the sake of Don, he accepted the comment with a smile. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What can I do for you sir" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel turns toward Don willing to listen to whatever the old man had on His heart. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well, Don you know...since you have been handling things so well down at the bar, I was wondering if you were willing to add on another project?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks at John and then back at Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "That depends on what it is sir? I mean no offense- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   -None taken son" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I pretty much have my hands full with the Barr and all the legalities of tax preparation." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "And I understand, but you see with Lizzie expecting again, and Ella getting married, I'm going to need more hands on deck. Now, John has graciously accepted his time and talent, but I need for The Kingsley Barr marketers to see men coming forward more so than the women- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You mean Lizzie and Ella." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don recognized the disappointment in Joel's voice. He stood up and came around his desk to close the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Have a seat son" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don beckoned. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Meanwhile down the hall Zamera was in her old room, she pulled out her suit case and began to unpack her clothes and hang them up in the closet. There was a knock on the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "come in..." she faced the door and went back to unpacking. Enter Angela into the room. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, there you need any help, unpacking?" she sits on the bed. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "no ma'am thank you, thank you for asking though...i appreciate it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera, you know I am here for you,..whenever you are ready to talk I am here. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thank you Angie, but really all I want now, is to be left alone.... 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   she sighs as she hangs her lavender pants suit up in the closet. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   ...It's officially ended with Joel and now I feel like I can breathe and move on. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What about Cleo? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   about 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    him? Zamera puts her personals into her drawer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Child I’m not blind, what is going on...you riding around town in that long black limo-we see you and so does everyone else" Angela crosses her legs and leans forward. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela...look I'm tired, I just want to run a warm bath and relax. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela sighs understanding the child, she understood in her 26 years she has experienced a lot of things she had to grow up fast and to top it off ,she has lost the man she loves the most. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela walks over to Zamera. "Like I said, if and when you want to talk about whatever, I am here for you" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela leaves the room and shuts the door behind her. Zamera looks at the closed door and begins to weep quietly to herself. If only I would have told him how I truly felt inside she thought. She exits her bedroom to across the hall to run a warm bath, she sits on the ledge of the tub, the water begins to run, she hears voices echoing out of her father's study. Dad sure has his hands full with company tonight, it has been a long fifteen years she thought as she placed her hand gently  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Under the facet to test the water. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "well Joel, I know I have put a lot on your mind to think about, so do take your time and please be reminded that I truly value your opinion." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don picked up his coffee cup and took a sip. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yes, sir...I will be sure to let you know whatever I decide." Joel gets up out of the chair stands up to fix his jacket. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Nice seeing you again John. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Likewise Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel leaves Don's study. He enters the large hallway and decides he needed to use the facilities he heads toward the laboratory he can hear water running. He walks up to the door and knocks softly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "excuse me..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yes.." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yes, I just need to use the facilities will there be anyway possible?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera recognizes the voice oh so well, her heart pounds, she becomes indecisive she doesn't know whether to answer the door or not. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You can use the one in the study..." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel squints his face he recognizes Zamera's voice. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera...is that you? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera slumps as she slowly sighs and opens the door, Joel can't believe what his eyes see, Zamera's beauty was amazing, she had on no makeup, her hair was parted down the front, reaching past her shoulders she still had on that beautiful white dress he saw her in at the bar, she looked radiant but he sensed uncertainty in her eyes. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera, he paused as he lifted his hand to cup her face she turned her face slowly away as her hair fell on her on cheek, Joel stepped closer to her, he was now entering her personal space a place where only he could enter and cause her to let down her guard. She felt her heart calling to him,but still her mind refused. He slowly reached out again, this time using both of his hands, as they touched her cheek she became weak, at this  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Point Zamera could not refuse, she knew this place all to well she actually met his warm embrace, a place she has been longing for two years and to have him come to her was overwhelming. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera pulled away and then turned her back to Joel, why do you fight me? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel whispered caressing her back gently. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel please, please leave" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walks into the restroom closing the door behind him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Zamera, you are still my wife, no matter what..nothing can change that not 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   even papers. Joel leans against the bathroom door and slowly locks it with his left hand and reaches out to Zamera with his right hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel, could you please leave? with tears streaming down her face. Joel ignores the silent cry of fear, his leans down passed Zamera to stop the water filling in the bathtub. He rises and caresses her shoulders. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Why do you want me to leave? I am here. Joel closes the seat down on the toilet and sits down. Don't let me stop you. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera wipes her tears and regains her posture if there was one thing she loved and also hated about Joel it would be his sense of committment which some people could easily mistake for stubborness. As she begin to undress, Joel stopped her by reaching out and taking her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Not like this, I love you and I respect you. Do you want me to leave? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looked into her husbands eyes. She can see how much care and concern he had for her, Joel loved for who she was and who she is becoming he always saw so much more in her than anyone else, not only because he knew her but because he loved her. I could never resist him no matter how hard I try he always wins she thought to herself. She followed the soft tug of his arm pulling her to him and she leaned into him as they began to embrace once more. The door knob shook. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Who is in there!" Ella exclaimed. I have two toddlers that have to go, so come on out. Ella banged on the door again. Zamera stood up as Joel begin to button her dress up from the back, she turned to him and gave small grin and quickly turned back again for he could finish. Ella bang on the door again loudly. Don stepped out of his office from down the hall. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ella! What are you doing...?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella scooped up her neice Jade and they scurried into Don's office to use his restroom. Joel and Zamera could not help but laugh as she flew down the hall in hills with one 1/2 year old on her hip, in hills. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Leave it to Ella, that women should have been a track star. Zamera laughs, Joel completes fastening her dress. She turns toward him he clasps her hands close to his chest. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I- 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel places his fingers on her lips. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ah ssh, we have plenty of time for that. Right now I want to spend the rest of this evening, with you. They leave the restroom, just before that Joel reaches as he allows the water to drain out of the bathtub. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don puts his pipe back in his mouth and walks back into his study. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "grandpa, come down stairs" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Jade says as Ella fixes her dress. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I will pumpkin, but for right now, papa has some work to do. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Grandpa does not have to work Pumpkin' he wants to work. Ella smiles as she takes Jade's hand and they leave Don's study. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "So Maxey how are things going for you with Rachino? Angela asks as she fills a pitcher of tea. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Angie, you know I can't really say, he is so quiet, and mannerable, he doesn't cause havoc, I'm truly concerned. Maxey and Angie laugh. Angela pours eyes into the jug. Well you know what they say, it's those quiet ones you have to worry about. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I hear ya, I'm just glad finally Ted and I have someone to share our wealth with, you know. It's nothing like having the means- O I'm sorry Angie- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   That's fine, it's ok. Angie puts the pitcher down and runs out of the kitchen. Eliza enters the kitchen as she sees Angie run out. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What's wrong, what happened? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Me and my big mouth...that's what happened. Maxey sips her tea and leaves. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "May I please have everyone's attention?" Micheal stood 6'1 he had an authoritive voice, very noticeable. He fell head over hills in love with Ella the first night he worked the Barr, from the frist time he laid eyes on her he knew that she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I would like to propose a toast. he looks around. Has anyone seen my beloved? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The guest laugh silently to themselves. All of sudden his voice raises. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ella, Ella my love where are you?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella comes from the kitchen through the large foyer into the dining room where people have gathered for this toast she enters the dimly lit dining room. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Aah, here she is ladies and gentlemen the future Mrs. Ella 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Kingsley-Washington" Ella blushes as she brushes through the midst of the crowd her hair in an elegant ponytail with layers flowing from behind. Her black and white mini-skirt suit flattered her figure well she was radiant. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She walks up to meet Micheal's embrace as he smiles and continues his toast. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "To the love of my life who brings forth the breathe of kindness which has began to flow fluently through my heart, mind body and soul" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The guests sigh in the awesomeness of Micheal's eloquant words of love to Ella. She fell in love with a writer who knew how to express himself extremely well and has taught her how to love herself. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   They toast and they peck softly as the guests applaud and cheer. As they smile and go back to celebrating Micheal turns toward Ella and they look into each others eyes and smile. He squeezes her waist as she giggles. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You two are like two high school kids" George sparked out as he took another sip of wine. He puts the glass down on the table and looks at Ella and Micheal this time you can see past regret covering his face. Never lose it, keep that childlike fire burning it's what marriage is all about true happiness. He picks up his wine glass once more and gives the two a small smile as he walks away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ole George still never got over Janelle" Micheal states. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No and you can tell it just by looking into his eyes. She looks up at Mike to wipe her lipstick off of his cheek. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Where is your sister? I beleive I saw Joel earlier. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera was upstairs in the restroom with Joel- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Mike's face freezes and then a smile cracks through. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What? Are you serious, not that has been a longtime coming. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera fights him alot, because she has been hurt alot. When they first got married I knew Joel was in for a ride, but you know he hung in there. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella begins to clean off the table as Mike places the wine bottle back on ice to chill. Zamera was the one who ran and she just couldn't let go. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Well what actually happened? Mike begins to help with glasses. I mean all I remember, everybody saying she is too much for him to handle, she is going to leave him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don't get me wrong I know she is in love with Joel, it just took her awhile to surrender and once she did I beleive it frightened her. Ella stands with her hands on her hip. When she first laid eyes on him, I could sense she felt something, it was all in the way she carried herself when he was around. She used to be wild and kind of a tomboy, but the more Joel came around she begin to dress better, do her hair, not knowing that he had it for her the first time he laid eyes on her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   So they both knew- Mike says. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No neither one of them knew what the other felt until Daddy asked Joel to keep watch on her. Then everybody knew- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   They finish cleaning the dining room and begin to exit, Mike grabs Ella arm. What do you mean they both knew- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Let's just say, Joel was twenty-four when he began working for my father and Zamera was just seventeen she graduated from more than just high school at that age. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Mike raises his eyes brows in complete understanding. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   But you know Dad did not mind, I mean Joel was good for Zamera he was the only one who could reach her other than even mama at times. When they got married Dad was extremely happy, until he heard about her leaving Joel then that's when everything hit the fan. Ella sits down on the sofa as Mike closes the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What are you doing? Ella asks as Mike flicks on soft music. He then comes to sit next to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I love your sister like a sister, I even like Joel. But right now I want to spend some quiet un interrupted time with my fiance’. Mike pulls her wrist up to his lips and caresses her as they embrace. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Meanwhile Angela is in the office talking to Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Honey, it's alright...really, how many times have you let this bother you. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looks at his wife as he feels her pain. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I love you Don, I mean I love your daughters like they are my own, but Don- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie, stop it. We have discussed this time and time again. I understand you wanting to please me- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don, it's not about you. I want something of my own that is a part of me. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   No one understands that. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Honey I know what you want, but it's not up to us, you know what the doctor said last time we tried, Angie, I love every part of you. Don walks around his desk to comfort his wife she turns to meet him as the embrace. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ted, it's getting pretty late and we have to get Jade home to bed. Why don't you and Maxey stop by tomorrow before you leave for home." John grabs his coat out of the closet as he searches for Lizzie. Have you seen my wife? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Actually no I haven't, look John I don't beleive we will be able to stop by, but you know what? he reaches to shake his hand. We will keep in touch and call you once we do arrive home. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John notices the shortness of the sound of Ted's voice he could tell he was giving the brush off it seems no one has truly forgiven him accept for Lizzie. He accepts Ted's suggestion. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Father, must we go now?" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rachino pulls on Ted's pants. Ted smiles and looks down. Yes, son we are going to leave now, will you do me the favor and finding mom and tell her we are leaving? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes sir. Rachino swiftly searches for Maxey to relay the message. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He's a good boy. John says as he closes the closet door and walks away. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ted smiles, as he holds their coats waiting for his wife and son. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Leaving so soon?" Angela comes down from whitewashed staircase follwed by Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Where are you going son? Leaving so soon? Don smiles with his pipe in his mouth as he reaches the last step and extends his hand to Ted. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I didn't get a chance to talk to you, son. How are things with you? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angela leans in between the two and pecks Ted on the cheek. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Let me go say by to Maxey and that charming young boy of yours. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Thank you, Angie. Ted nods in with a smile. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don and Ted stand by the foyer as guests leave talking. Finally most of the guests have gone. Don and Angie say goodbye to Ted, Maxey and Rachino. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Angie, are you sure you don't need any help cleaning?" Eliza asks. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No sweetie you and John get home with that precious baby of yours get some rest. Angie gives Eliza a hug. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Alright, well we will see you guys later" John picks up Jade who is asleep in her mother's arms. And they leave. Eliza kisses her father on the cheek. "Good-night Daddy" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Goodnight sweetie. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don closes the door as he turns back toward the stairwell. Down walks Joel adjusting his jacket. Angie stands closer to Don with both arms folded. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She whispers to Don. "Zamera?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don silently mumbles "mmhmm" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You can see it all over his face, who does he think he is fooling?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie shakes her head and smiles. "Goodnight Joel" she hugs him and Heads upstairs. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well, well son, have you thought about what we discussed?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel reaches the bottom of the stairs and finishes his last button of his suit jacket. He rubs his head as he stands directly in front of Don face to face, trying to keep a straight face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "can't say that I have sir, been kinda busy" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Really? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don pats Joel on the shoulder and turns him toward the living room as they exit the foyer and enter the now quiet room. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   Joel 
   
   
   
   
   
   Now son, I know what's going on. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Do you? Joel lifts one eyebrow as he reminds himself that Don is a good man, he may not be the best father, but he is a good man. Go on sir. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don detects a gliche in Joel's character. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What do you know, you know what's going on? Go ahead, Mr. Don Kingsley III tell me. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don steps back with a frowned and confused face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What's this? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel sighs. Nothing look it's late and I have to get to bed I have a long day tomorrow, the auditors will be by and I also have a couple of important meetings to attend to. If there is nothing else, may I leave? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel what is it? Why are you acting like this? Did you and Zamera have it out, did the two of you straighten some things out? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel's face is straight. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yeah, we talked- he tilts his head. a little, why? Is there something that you want to know? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don laughs. Ok Joel, you know what? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don pats him on the shoulder. You go ahead and go home and get some rest. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walks away quickly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I will, goodnight Don. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He opens the closet door and grabs his jacket and leaves. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie walks to the foyer to turn off the lights. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What was that all about?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I haven't a clue" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don kisses Angie on the cheek, as she walks into the kitchen to finish cleaning. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Want me to help?" Don ask as he walks up the steps. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "No thanks, sweetie Mike and Ella volunteered you go ahead and go to bed" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie smiles as she wipes her hands on her apron. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You are so beautiful to me??can't you see??your everything I hope for?.." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Angie stops in her footsteps as she hears Mike serenading Ella in the kitchen. She peeks in as Mike is drying dishes as Ella is sweeping the floor. How sweet, I believe they would enjoy this time together she thought. She un wraps her apron and lays in on the counter and slips away unnoticed. Mike had a voice that would melt iron, he was kind hearted and sensitive. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He was perfect for Ella. Ella stands in awe blushing as Mike takes the broom out of her hand and replaces it with his. They dance on the kitchen floor to nothing but the sound of the melodies flowing out of Mike's mouth. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel pulls into the driveway of his condo. Who does he think he is? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Why would he instruct Zamera to do something like that? Joel sat in his car reflecting on the information he pulled from his wife regarding her disappearance for two years. He cut the car off got out of the car and walked into the house. He paused as he entered his kitchen. Although I didn' t help leaving her every weekend for these stupid business trips Don was sending me on. Joel stomach turned as he thought back on the Things Zamera revealed to him as they sat up in her room and talked earlier  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   This evening. Joel placed his keys on the counter began to loosen his tie as he entered his front room he reached down grabbed the remote and flicked it on as he flopped down on his leather sofa. He stretched back as he kicked his shoes off. He began to dose off just when the phone rang. He reached over to the receiver with his eyes still closed. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "hello?. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Jojo? Joel snaps up from his leisure at the sound of Zamera's voice. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   ..yeah?.what is it? You alright? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes I'am alright, look I changed my mind. I'll be home tomorrow, I will let daddy know. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel rubs his face and neck as he corrects his posture. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Are you sure? You want me to come and get you now be- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No,?.. Jojo I will talk to father and I will be home tomorrow?.k? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel face widened as he became filled with excitement. My wife is coming home he could hardly contain himself. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   They hung from each other in the back of his mind he still could not figure what would possess Don to instruct his daughter to entertain Cleo in such a way that would degrade her, and besides the fact she was married, he would threaten her with her inheritance. Joel was sworn to secrecy by Zamera to never mention  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Smooth Criminal 
   
   
   
   
   that information nor bring it up. But his beliefs required him to think twice the more he thought of it the more convicted he became, how could expose Don a man whom he adored but now had no respect for?  
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The thoughts raced through Joel's mind as he laid back on the leather sofa And fell asleep and began to dream about Zamera his wife. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The next morning Zamera wakes up she stretches as she looks at her Alarm clock. 7:48 a.m. she walks over to her window to open her curtains as She pulls them back her mind fills with the thoughts of Joel her husband and how now, things are going to be different since he knows the truth she looks down a the front of the house her smile disappears as no one other than Cleo smiling up at her from his Porsche leaning on the front of his car waving and grinning. She snatches the curtains closed quickly as her 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   heart pounds she grabs her chest. What is he doing here? She thought she turned around again cracked the curtain enough to see with one eye and there he was still positioned as he smiled and waved again this time he put his cigarette out and through the bud in their yard. She closes the curtains and slides down to the floor her eyes begin to water. Jojo, what do I do? She thought she knew what Cleo wanted she knew what he needed 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   from her and since he had specific instructions from her father to take whatever he needed he would. O daddy why, would you allow such a thing? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   It's not fair. She heard the Angie answer the front door and she heard  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Her greeting a gentlemen. Zamera's heart raced as she thought back to the first night Cleo and she were together he took her to a fine restaurant, they ate he took her shopping bought her whatever she wanted and then that night at the hotel he explained who she really was and just because she ran and got married that did not change the fact that once tainted always tainted a ring, a man and a vow will never change that. The door to Zamera's door slowly opened as she hid her face in her knees she looked up between her legs and saw Joel standing at her door her heart skips as she dashed into his arms and they embrace. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What are you doing here? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel wipes her face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I had to come, after I got off the phone with you last night I had this dream and it made no sense, you were at a phone book calling me and I was at home but I couldn't hear the phone ring, I mean it was ringing I just couldn't hear it and then all of sudden a semi-ran into the phone booth you were calling from, you called me like three times. Zamera I woke up sweating It didn't make sense, so I got on my knees and I prayed all night until the Lord revealed it to me this morning. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel grabs her hands and places them on his chest. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The phone booth represented your past and how you were locked in, it Was small and confined it didn't give a lot of room to breathe or move, Fear and doubt had a hold of you, and you were trying to get free by calling Me was your cry for freedom, but you weren't reaching me, you had my number?..Zamera you had my heart, my everything but there was still something missing?.the connection was me coming down to where you were to bring you out. The more it was revealed to me I had to come over and get you. I couldn't chance waiting a second longer, you are my wife and I love you and we are in this thing together. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   And Cleo? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Believe me, he is history?.I seen him pull off as I pulled up. I don't believe you will be seeing him anymore. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera squints her eyes at Joel knowing deep down Cleo is not a man to Get rid of so quickly. The thought passes as quickly as it comes as she embraces Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel cups her chin. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   I will be waiting down stairs?.go ahead and get dressed so we can go home. Joel leaves to go downstairs. As he approaches the bottom of the steps Don is waiting with his arms folded. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Son? Do you have a minute?'" Joel does not respond but agrees by following Don into the living room. Don walks over by the window.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel attitude has changed toward Don Kingsley a man who he once looked up to But now has a different opinion, deep down Joel did not want to believe What Zamera spoke of but it all made sense, it all fitted. Would you like to explain to me your reason for speaking to me the way you did last night? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don-Mr. Kingsley-sir. I do apologize about the tone I used with you yesterday, I had good reason?. but it doesn't excuse the fact that I disrespected you. And for that I apologize. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don nods his head in understanding as he walks over to the sofa and sits down, he beckons Joel to have a seat Joel refuses. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No thank you sir, I would prefer to stand. Thank you. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel what has gotten into you? What is going on? Don stands up  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   frustrated he begins to pace as he rubs his head. He pauses. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What did Zamera tell you?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel eyebrows raised. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What makes you think Zamera has told me something?" Joel begins to believe that Don is hiding something that he does not want to admit. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Young man, I am not stupid. Don walks close to Joel's face. Although Joel is intimidated Joel stands 6'1 but Don is tall and big very large bulky man and keeps in shape for his age, he could squash Joel with one hand tied behind his back. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You know what? I don't have to worry about getting information from you, you know what? Just get out of my house. Don stares down on Joel more serious now. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Not a problem, Joel replies smugly knowing deep inside his heart is shaking. We will definitely leave. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Who is we? Don sparks back as he folds his arms stands a little closer to Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   This time something stirs in Joel's belly although he is intimidated by the stature and size of Don. He can't help but not to fear, because he knows that it is not of God and he does not want to give the enemy anything to pull on. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "We, is my wife and I" Joel responds as he moves closer to Don with his hands clasps together in front of him beneath his waist. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don tilts his head, and then he chuckles. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Your wife?..Zamera? O so now she is your wife, been missing for  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   two-years doing God knows what ?..now she is your wife? Now you want to claim her?.you know what- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   No I don't know what but I know WHO and He says?..until death do we part. Joel points his finger in Don's face totally forgetting that the man is twice his size in width. And yeah, she told me everything, I do mean everything how you told her to leave me when I was away handling your business trying to help the Kingsley Club make it's mark...you are going to tell her to get with Cleo, take care of Cleo because the family needs  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   you! Joel becomes bolder as he continues to point at Don as Don moves back in shock. And then when she refuses...Joel turns away throws his hands up and steps away and quickly turns back to Don. You threaten her with her inheritance! Joel points his finger in Don's face again as Don is forced to fall down on the sofa again in shock. He can't believe that Joel would speak to him in that manner. What kind of father is that! Ha! Tell  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   me Don what kind of father would instruct his beautiful daughter, Who has already been through hell and back...go and do it all over again! Joel walks and sits down in the chair across from Don, he pats his heart.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don when I first began working for you, it was strictly business, and when I seen Zamera although she was young and beautiful, I refused to mix business with pleasure. But there was something about your daughter, she knew it and I knew it. Our emotions got the best of us, but I loved her and I Was going to make it right, she had been through enough pain and besides I truly loved her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel stands up. We got married, Don I had some baggage to deal with.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   But with the help of God, I persevered and that's how she can stand and hold her head up. But you, you wanted to send her back to the wolves.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Answer this for me? Was it worth it? Because look whose holding her now, your games didn't work. Whatever you tried to do to use her to silence your issues with Cleo will not work. Believe me when I say LOVE conquers all. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel wipes off his pants adjust his belt and exits the living room.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don is left dumbfounded. He becomes numb to the fact that Zamera would betray his trust. She truly must of thought nothing of her inheritance or him for that matter. He hears the sound of Zamera and Joel leaving as they leave he gets up walks toward the window just in time to see them pull off.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He turns as he sees Angie in the doorway with her hands folded and not smiling. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What did you say to my father? Zamera ask smiling as she squeezes  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel's 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   hand. He looks into her eyes she can feel security just by the way he 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   holds her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don't worry about it. God's got it. Joel says as he kisses her hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You know the man I married, would tell me the conversation, how would  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   not 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   hold anything back." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I 'am still that man, I haven't changed. I have just realized what I  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   had 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   and lost and now that I have it again? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   he turns and looks at Zamera. Aint no devil in hell, gonna steal you  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   away. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He leans over as they come to a red light. Kisses Zamera on the lips 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   gently. She cups his chin as they pull away slowly. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I love you" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He looks at her as the light changes, "You better" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The next morning Joel is awakened by the smell of hot coffee parching, 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   bacon, eggs, waffles and sausage. He rubs his eyes as he stretches he  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   gets 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   up slips on his slippers heads into the restroom as visions of the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   night 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   before, it was like the first time he and Zamera were together. He  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   glanced 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   at the photo on his bathroom mirror of when there first date he  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   caresses 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord thank you, for bringing her back whole. She is complete. I thank  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   you 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   for blessing me with her, and I will cherish her and love her until the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   day 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I die. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Introduce her to me. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord, what do you mean? She knows you. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She does not know me like she needs to know me. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Eyes of a Dove 
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel understands what instructions has been given, he is to love her  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   and 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   lead her into a deeper relationship with the Lord. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel washes his hands and dries them he goes downstairs to meet his  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   wife as 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   she is sitting at the table reading the paper and drinking coffee. He 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   walks over leans in and gives her a kiss filled with left-over  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   excitement 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   from the night before. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "good morning to you to" Zamera blushes as she gets up to fix his  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   plate. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He gently seats her back down. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I got it" Joel winks as he walks behind the counter to prepare his  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   plate. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "My my, haven't we become independent" Zamera gets up to go into the 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   kitchen she embraces her husband from behind and nestles her head  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   gently 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   between his shoulder blades. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm so full" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yeah, yeah?.I know" she lifts her head up, remembering Joel is the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   king 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   of witty banter. She ignores his ego trip?. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Anyway. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Anyway what? Joel peeks around at her as he slams on four pieces of bacon,three hotcakes, four sausages and cleans the skillet of the eggs. She breaks away and places her hands on her hips. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel, baby slow down! Your appetite- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel licks his fingers. Baby, you have to realize it's been two years since I have had desert for dinner?. he looks seductively at her as he pulls the chair out from the table to sit down. And a homemade breakfast?.baby give me room to breathe. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You are crazy?..- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   That's why you love me. Zamera throws a dry dish towel at Joel as she runs over to play with him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     Chapter Two 
     
     
     The alarm clock went off John leaned over to stop it as leaned back he caressed Alohna's back and kissed her softly on her shoulder. She awoke and faced him to kiss him back softly. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Alohna was a beautiful woman she was younger in her mid-twenties. She was an executive at the largest law firm in Texas. But left her career to be closer John. She took a pay cut and is working as a paralegal at some law firm downtown right next to John's office. They met at a conference two-years ago, John couldn't resist her she was, smart, beautiful and sexy and she knew how handle his needs. Eliza had always been too conservative, 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   but she was the mother of his daughter and he couldn't abandon them.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He truly loved her but something has always been missing, Don felt he found the missing piece in long nights with Alohna. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm going to have to go, it's late." He kissed her on her neck as he pulled away and sat on the edge of the bed to slip on his underwear and then he stood up to put on his pants. He reached across to lift up his shirt as it was draped across her chaise. She stood up on her knees. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "When will I see you again?" she asked as she moved her hair away from her face and began to pull it into a knot. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John turned as he buttoned up his shirt. "I really can't say, I  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Promised Don I would take on some extra responsibilities at the club, and my-"wife?" John turned and looked at Alohna's eyes as they closed. Just go,John. She dismissed him with her hand and layed back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John opened his mouth to speak but decided it would be better to leave in peace rather than they end in frustration. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He grabs his jacket he leans over her gives her a quick peck, as she turns her face toward the wall as her heart melts as she hears the sound of the door shut. What will it take for me to get this man to leave his wife and child? Alohna thought. I'm just wasting my life away on the only man I have ever loved. I could have any man I want? what is it about John Maxwell? Alohna shut the thoughts out of her mind as she wrapped herself underneath her covers. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, Don? What do you think about if I have the ladies, escorted in and then once they take the stage have the balloons come down and then start?" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony takes puff of his cigar as he awaits Don's response. Don's mind Is focused on other things, than tonight’s performance. He enters his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony follows. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Don didja here me?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Yeah, I heard you Tony?you and Ralph do whatever you want?..I don't want to be bothered unless it is an emergency." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You alright Don? You look kind of pale, like you done seen a ghost or something, what is it? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looks up at Tony knowing he is just concerned after all Don is his only meal ticket, straight off the streets that's only resume Tony had before Don hired him. Don sighs. Tony, I'm fine. The idea sounds great.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Now I have to go through my mail. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Alright Don whatever you say, by the way have you seen Joel? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yeah I saw him yesterday, why? Don still looking through his mail he did not even bother to look up at Tony for that response. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Just asking, haven't seen him this morning that's all, usually he is hereto open up." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Can't really say , what has him delayed?.do you mind Tony I really need To go through this mail. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Alright no problem, I'll be up front if you need me?..by the way I hired two new girls so you will see some unfamiliar faces alright?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yeah, alright Tony ok, good-bye. please. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony leaves as he enters the front of the bar. He catches Joel as he Is coming through the door with his briefcase in hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Morning" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Morning Tony. Joel walks back to his office. Not so much as another Word spoken to Tony, he usually jokes about the girls, the songs or even complains for that matter, but this morning just a greeting and back to his office. Must be something in the water Tony thought to himself as he politely reached behind the bar, grabbed a glass and poured himself a drink. As he is doing so Ella comes through the front door and catches Tony. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Now Tony, you know we have to be careful, although we are back on our  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Feet business is not like it used to be. She walks over places her purse  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Behind the counter and takes the glass out of Tony's hand an pours it into the 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   sink. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Ella! Whatcha doing? Tony frowns. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   You know if my daddy sees you sippin' it won't be pretty either?. she Turns to wash her hands and then dryes them. You can thank me later. She Begins to set the glasses up and pull out the mixes for the drinks. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "anyway?..Tony lights his cigar once again. Like I was telling you father earlier we hired two new ladies so there will be to unfamiliar faces walking the bar and singing tonight." He takes a puff and exhales in Ella's direction on purpose. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Oh yeah, what are the names of these two new freebies?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony frowns. "Why do you always have to give them show names? He turns to face Ella. 
   
   
   
   
   
     Look there names are Tiffany and Jasmyne. I call them Tantalizing and Just Enough. Ella looks at Tony as he takes another puff of his cigar, you know what you are pathetic. How old are these girls? 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Woman stop tripping, you know your daddy's rules. They have to be over 21 and participating by their own free will. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Just as Tony is speaking Joel comes out of his office. He walks over to Say a couple of words to Jema the pianist for the club. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony turns his stool around to face Ella. What's up with Joel? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What makes you think there is something up? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well he usually jokes around with me when he comes in, this morning he just spoke and went to office, he didn't he even have eye contact. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well, I know he and my sister have gotten back together, but other than that I have no clue, hopefully everything is up and up with them?..but with Zamera I couldn't tell ya. She places the glasses on the bar pole. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   For real? No Stuff? Joel and Zamera? Back together again?. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   And your father, he was kind of distant this morning?.but just more so Than usual I can tell something is on his mind. Tony turns and beckons Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, Joel come here for a minute. Joel looks up from talking to Jema he says a couple of more words, Jema responds by nodding his head. Joel pats him on the shoulder and walks over to Tony. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "yeah, Tony what is it? Hey Ella." Joel glances at Ella as he speaks and then quickly turns his focus back on Tony. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Congratulations!" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks confused. For what? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony slaps Joel on the knee jokingly. Zamera! Congrats! It's a good thing you two are back together. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel looks at Ella and gets up off of the bar stool. Thanks Tony, see You guys later. Joel walks back to his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie 
   
   
   
   
   
   "I told you, my sister has that affect on him?.we can get prepared for disaster. I know they love each other? but they go through some drama." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony waves his hand in unbelief. "Aaawh! They will be just fine, they just need to work out the kinks that's all. He takes another puff of his cigar. "Hey Jema, he gets up and goes over to the pianist. We need to discuss the music for tonight. Ella shakes her head as she picks up a scented candle to kill the odor of Tony's cigar. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   The door opens and a woman wearing a lime green dress enters, spaghetti straps and hills. She walks over toward the bar and grabs a seat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Scotch on the rocks please" Ella mixes her drink. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Technically we don't open until noon, but I will make this exception" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella smiles politely. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Much ablidged" the woman responds. She smelled of sweet apples and she made direct eye contact whenever she spoke to Ella. Ella recognized a certain air about her. She had the look of money but something told Ella this woman struggled to get where she is by the way she speaks. Her Hair was long and dark she had a fair smooth complection, Ella could sense This woman was serious. One thing Ella couldn't figure out it was 77 Degrees outside and this woman was dressed up. She handed the Woman the glass of scotch. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thank you ma'am" the woman sipped her drink slowly as she eyed Jema who was playing the piano beautifully. Jema was light complected young man, extremely talented on the ivory's he had short curly wavy dark hair, beautiful hazel eyes. No one understood how come he was never married or had any children. He always wore nice clean suits light colors, white mostly, or pale blue. She looked at Ella. Who is the gentlemen on  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   the piano? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Oh that's Jema, my uncle used to play for us until my mama passed then we got Jema. He is just a replica of my Uncle he taught Jema how to play." 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella leaned across the bar as she looked at Jema play. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Your uncle ha? The woman turned away from Ella to look back at Jema. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Whose your Uncle? The woman asked curiously. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "My uncle is Marcus Rhue, he has his own studio now so we don't see him much anymore, why do you ask" Ella begins to wipe the counter off.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella was opening up to this woman because she wanted the favor returned.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She was just itching to find out what brought her into The Kingsley Barr  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Club 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   on a Saturday noonday. The woman nodded and took another sip of her drink. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She opened her clutch purse and handed Ella a twenty-dollar bill, the drink was only $4.50. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Keep the change, sweetie it was a pleasure talking to you" She gets up to walk out just as Tony spots the woman and rushes over to Ella a moment  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   to late the woman exits the Barr. He flies to the open the door only to see nothing, the woman is not even in view. Tony comes back into the Barr and looks around he walks over to Ella. Who was that? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella shrugs her shoulders. You got me, she came in ordered a drink and left. Tony tilts his head upward in disbelief he knew Ella wanted him to probe her so she can make him feel worse. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You know what? It doesn't even matter" Tony adjusted his jacket places his cigar back in his mouth and walks away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes it does. Ella thought to herself as Tony walked away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Come on honey you are going to be late for school, where is your 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   backpack?" Maxey rushed as she slid on her lipstick and grabbed her purse. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She flew out of her bedroom and stood at the bottom of the steps and hollered up to her son. Rachino! Honey come on, what is taking you so long? You have been up there for hours? Is everything alright? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mom I'm coming I can't find my palm pilot". 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rachino replied as hastily came down the stairs latching his back pack. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well your teacher will just have to understand that sometimes these things happen." She ran her fingers through his curly dark hair trying to give some form. The curls just popped back into former position. "Ok come on we are out of here" Maxey closes the kitchen door as they go to the garage she unlocks the SUV and they stumble in she throws her purse on the floorand starts up the car. Rachino systematically clicks on his seat belt. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Then he begins to search through his back pack for his palm pilot. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Oh Honey, don't worry about it" Maxey says as she turns to pull out  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   ofthe garage and they pull away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mom, you don't understand. When you are unprepared it's a reflection onnot just me but you and Dad. Rachino continues to search in his back pack. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well honey, I understand what your saying but you know things happen to where there are going to be times when you are not prepared, then tell me how will you adjust in the situation?" Maxey says as she turns the corner and ramps onto the highway. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mom, I'm just trying to make a point. Aha! Here it is?thank you  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lord!" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey can't help but steel a quick grin in Rachino's excitement as he finds his palm pilot. Rachino kisses his palm pilot as he unzips the side pocket of his back pack and neatly places it within the pocket. So what do you have planned for today mom?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well let's see, I have to take Ms. Shively to her doctors appointment, I 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   have a lunch date with your father at noon, and I have a dental  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   appointment at 3p.m. then I will be home to prepare dinner??why?" Maxey looks at her son as she pulls into the school's drop off zone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Just asking that's all" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What are you not saying Chino?" Maxey drops her head as she focuses closer on her son. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What about school?" Rachino ask. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey sighs, and then she looks ahead. "I don't know son, we will have tosee" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She leans over and gives her son a peck on the cheek, he smiles as he opens the door to get out. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I just know how badly you want to go back, and I want you to know I will support you every step of the way, love you mom" he walks into his school building. Lord thank you for blessing us with such a gifted child, he is so mature for his age, what did we do to deserve someone like that?  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey thought as she slowly pulled away. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera steps out of her steaming bathtub after a long soak. Her  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Thoughts are on her husband Joel is occupying every part of her mind. She is then interrupted by the telephone which she then decides to allow the answering machine to pick up. You have reached the home of Joel Prophet sorry neither myself or my wife Zamera are here to take your call please leave a message and instructions on how to contact you in the meantime remember God loves you. "Zamera, it's your sister Lizzie, hey, it's good to hear you two back together anyway give me a call when you get this message, I will need your assistance with Ella's bridal shower. Love ya!" the message ends. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera sighs as she sinks back into the bubbles of her bathtub. Ella's 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   wedding,?..that means family from near and far. Cousins, Aunts 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Uncles, memories. Zamera thought as she lay still between the bubbles  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As they one by one. She then thought of Joel being with her every step of the way she gained comfort and confidence from the fact that she came back to let him go and found him still waiting for her. She knew she had found a man who truly knew what it meant to love, although she still had a lot to learn from him, she had the rest of her life to fall deeper in love with Joel Prophet. She finally arose out of the tub and grabbed a large towel and dried herself off then she reached for Joel's robe that was hanging on the door and wrapped the robe around her she leaned into the tub to release the water. She walked toward the bathroom mirror lit with decorative lighting Joel had great taste, there was also a photo of her when she was nineteen he had stuck in the pocket of the mirror. He kept my picture? She thought as she pulled her hair up into a bun and allowed some trestles to fall caressing her face Joel loved that look on her, it gave him easier access to kiss a caress her neck. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She left the bathroom and began to unpack her things she pulled out a 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   quaint light pink mini dress and thought to herself I’m not really  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   feeling pink, she reached through her back once again and pulled out some nice light blue slacks and thought yes this is it! I will shock everyone in pants?. She pulled out her thin white top that hangs off of the shoulders and her white strapped stilettos. With the right accessories who can go wrong, this will shock the town. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera slipped on her clothes as she began to hum to herself she walked into the restroom to look in the full length mirror on the back of the restroom door. Her blue pants left nothing to the imagination, and the top accented her figure well she put on her jewelry and looked for her sandals that seemed to have found their way under the bed she knelt down to scoot them out and noticed a hard wood stained box, she scooted her shoes out and then reached for the box. She sat on the edge of the bed the front of the box was unmarked, so she opened the lid it was photos of people she did not recognize they were photos of a couple singing and dancing, then one of a man and a woman sitting at a bar smiling and drinking. She went through the photos wondering who are these people? She thought to herself, she knew it wasn't Joel's father because she knew him and he had passed a long time ago and the pictures did not resemble anyone in his family, there was one photo that Zamera kept looking back at the photo of the woman she was very beautiful she had short curly hair, she was tall and she was standing alone, she looked like she was about twelve or thirteen in the picture. Zamera scratched her head. This 'aint none of my business, I got enough skeletons in my closet to be concerned about my husbands. She closed the box, placed it back under the the bed where she found it grabbed her keys and left. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Mr. Maxwell there is a call for you on line 6" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Thank you. Edna” John clicks over. This is John. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Hey, honey” Eliza’s voice was perky John felt bad about messing  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   around on her, she was a good woman. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "hey babe, what's going on?" John tried to lift up his spirits but guilt slowly overshadowed him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "O nothing just decided to do a little shopping, I missed you this morning but I wanted to let you know that you received some mail from Walden bank?..did everything go through for Daddy's loan?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "o yeah about that I need to bring your father up to breast with the outcome of that meeting" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Well what happened?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "They were just a little shaky about extending such a large amount on such short notice, I mean what Joel did was smart?. and efficient but it may not have been the best choice." John's clears his throat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What do you mean? Joel handled the fall very well, if it had not been for him putting up his own house, the Barr would have completely went under? he worked with what he had?. besides he didn't hesitate he just went straight to work." Eliza's voice becomes a tad bit defensive, after all John totally ignored the family and her when the Barr was slipping now he has all the answers. There Is an awkward silence on the phone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "hello" John finally speaks. "Lizzie?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "I'm here?? her tone still the same. Where were you last night?" 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   John is thrown off by Lizzie's straightforwardness she has never been the direct type. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "What do you mean?. I told you I was work-" 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza hangs up the phone. Her ears could not stand another lie, she got sick to her stomach at the sound of his reply. If there was thing she could not stand is a liar and she was definitely married to the biggest one. If it wasn't for Jade being so young, she would have left him the first time he cheated but she can't stand the fact of a child growing up without her father. She grabs her purse and tries to call Zamera once again no answer so she heads to work. Within seven minutes she pulls in front of the Barr reaches back to grab some papers, gets out of her car and enter the Barr. She eyes Tony as he is training what looks like two new waitresses, she walks back to office. She knocks on the door. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Daddy?" she opens the door to his office it's empty so she walks over to look for a pen and paper to leave a note. She finds it she bends down and begins to write Daddy, I talked to John about the loan for Walden Bank I think you may want to check it out for yourself, I will let Joel know also. Love Lizzie. She places the note on his chair and leaves the office closing the door behind her. She walks to Joel's office and finds him with his head buried in paper work, she smiles as she flops down in a chair by the door. He looks up quickly long enough to speak and then dives back into his work. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Look at you, you would think you had a mountain of work to do, we know  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   you be faking Joel" Lizzie teases as she swings in the swivel chair. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "You would like to think so?..Joel looks up from his work. I have been trying for months to figure out this budget and every week it' s not right. I mean the funds are there on Tuesday and then by Thursday evening before close the figures are wrong?..Lizzie I just can't figure it out." 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Eliza sits up on the edge of the chair and then walks around Joel's desk to look at the forms on his desk. "What do you mean? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   "Look? he holds the paper up so she can see. See these figures here that's Tuesday morning ok?. then Wednesday fine right and then look Thursday morning cool right? Lizzie nods her head in agreement. Now look Thursday evening! 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie takes the budget out of Joel's hand. "That's 750.00 less than thursday morning? How did that happen? 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel throws his pencil on his desk, and rest back in his chair. I tell you Lizzie for months it's been like that I have asked everybody in here have they seen any unusual activity, new faces what not? Everybody is cool. I can't explain it. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie puts the paper back on his desk. "Well brace yourself" Joel looks at her curiously. "What?" "I may have some news that may work out the kinks in your budget." She walks over to close the door to his office. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera entered the Barr she walked over to the counter and placed her keys and purse behind the bar next to Ella’s who was on the phone.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony looks up as he talks to Jemah and points toward Zamera and beckons her to come over. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ How you doing Lady?” Jemah smiled as he spoke to Zamera. 
     
   “ I’m doing good, Jemah I can’t complain, and how are you?” Zamera takes a seat nearest to the gentleman. Jemah looked at Zamera as he transitioned from the song he was playing to the one Zamera used to sing.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiles as Jemah begins to hum the melody. 
   
   
   
   
   
   “ Come on Z, help me out….hmmmmm…hmm.hmmmm…… 
   “ And All my life………. I have waited for this moment, to sha-a-a-re………………. my light, with the one I love so dear………. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony smiled as Zamera’s voice brought tears to his eyes. It was so mellow, something that they all have missed it was like her voice was the switch to turn on the knob. As Zamera continued to sing Ella came up front from off the phone she leaned against the Barr smiling as her sister’s voice touched her heart. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … As I ta-a-ke this step, closer to my loved one…I –I-I am safe, oooohhhhhh, I –I am safe. Zamera stopped singing as she heard applause coming from her father who had came out of his office once he heard his daughters voice. Zamera looked at him and then she looked down her stomach began to hurt. 
     
   “ Beautiful, just beautiful” Don walked toward the stage where the three were gathered. Do you want to open up tonight? Don laughed very sarcastically as he approached Zamera. She then held her head up and looked him in the face. 
     
   “ No father, I thought I would just take Tony and Jemah in the back and handle business that way….what do you think?” Zamera waited patiently for her father to respond. As she tilted her head and raised her eye brows. 
     
   “ Naw, naw that won’t be necessary,” Don gave Zamera a very displeasing look as Joel came out from his office. Don could not figure why Zamera’s face would be begin to glow at the sight of that remark, until he heard Joel’s voice.  
     
   “ Hey, babe he spoke with authority as he extended his arms to his wife. As they met mid-way he planted a real big one on the lips in front of everyone and even dipped her which was a surprise to her. You can hear Jemah and Tony do cat calls as Ella applauds, they slowly pulled away looking into each others eyes he rubbed the cleft of her chin with his thumb as he looked down at her. 
     
   “… .did you miss me…? Zamera smiles widely loving every part of her husband. “JoJo you amaze me”. 
     
     
   “ Now that’s what I’m talking about, you don’t see much love like that no more these days.” Tony blurts out as he jokingly laughs. Eliza walks from the back she has a couple of papers in her hand. 
     
   “ Lizzie, when did you get here?” Don ask. 
     
   “ A while ago….we have to talk” Eliza hands him the papers she has in her hand. 
     
   “ What’s this?” 
     
   “ Read it and find out!” Lizzie puts her hand on her hip and folds her arms. 
     
   “ What’s wrong?” Zamera ask as she gently breaks her cuddle with Joel. 
     
   “ Ask your husband, I need some air” Lizzie walks out of the bar leaving the budget she and Joel went over in the hands of her father. 
     
   “ Zamera, let’s go. There is nothing for you to be concerned about. Joel takes Zamera by the hand.  
     
   “ No, I have a right to know….Daddy what is going on?” Don’s expression is completely unreadable. Zamera did not know what to do. “Daddy” she said quietly she watched as he slowly sat down at the nearest table and spaced out. Although Don had not been the best father or even a good father for that matter, Zamera still knew that he was her own flesh and blood a little dysfunctional-yes. But Don Kingsley was her father. She knelt down in front of him and grabbed his hand he didn’t even acknowledge her. Zamera stood up straightened her shirt she walked over to grab her purse from behind the bar. 
     
   “ Zamera, where are you going?” Joel asked as he began to walk toward his wife, she stood still standing sideways and her head turned to look at him the closer Joel got to her, he could see he tearing up slowly. His heart began to melt.  Too much pain  he thought as he got in arms length of her. 
     
   “ home” Zamera turned and walked out the exit door. Joel stopped in his steps.  Lord, give me the strength to love her pain away  Joel spoke quietly as she watched his wife get into her car and pull off. He turned and looked Don still sitting at that same table. He began to walk toward him. 
     
   “ You know what, vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord, everything you have done to hurt people to get what you want it’s going to come back to you, worse than before” Joel walked back into his office and slammed the door and fell on his face and prayed. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   It was getting late and Maxey had not heard from Ted it was going on six o’clock last she heard he had called to cancel their lunch date which was fine, but now she began to get a little concerned. She called the office, cell phone, even emailed him a couple of times. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ted, where are you? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    She thought as she wiped off the kitchen table. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Finally the phone rung she laid the towel down to answer the phone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ hello” 
     
   “ Honey, I am so sorry I am going to be late tonight, we had some glitches in the system all day and we have a ton of work to complete. Ted paused to sigh, So now the system is  finally  up, I’m going to be here a while.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Ted sounded exhausted on the other end of the phone, Maxey knew how much he did not like not having dinner each night that was their family time.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O sweetie don’t worry about it I am just glad you are ok, I knew it had to be something. We will be alright……………… ok?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey missed her husband she was not used to eating dinner without him. When they got married he always said that mealtime was a time for them to communicate and with Rachino it made it seem more important, it set standards and values within their son and enhanced their marriage. Maxey knew that some married couples take time for granted, whatever time she and Ted spent together Maxey cherished because she knew it only helped their marriage grow strong. Rachino came out of his room and into the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ where’s dad?” he asked as he stood at the kitchen table. 
     
   “ He’s still at work, they had a system failure and it just came back up so he will be there for a while………… 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey sighed as she put on her oven mittens and took the meatloaf out of the oven and placed it on top of the stove. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   ………………… ..go ahead and get washed up for dinner and then we can over your homework after we eat alright?” 
     
   … .yes ma’am.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey could here the disappointment in Chino’s voice but he went and washed his hands for dinner and began to assist his mother with setting the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   …… how was school today?” Maxey tried to lift her spirits by changing the subject she knew both of their minds was on Ted. She sat two plates on the table each directly across from one another so when they sat and ate they could look at each other directly. Ted usually sat at the head and Maxey at the other head with Chino in the middle but tonight she wanted him to not feel alone in the middle so she sat across from him. 
     
   “ It was good mom, Mr. Ralph fell down the steps….and all the kids were laughing because he had all his books and projects in his hand and they fell on the floor” 
   “ Now Chino how is that good?” Maxey places the macaroni in the center of the table. Chino walks over and picks up the freshly stirred instant mashed potatoes and places them next to the macaroni. 
     
   “ It was funny because when we got into class he couldn’t find our tests papers so he had to go print them again which gave us time to goof off” 
     
   “ I don’t know if honesty is the best policy for you at all times, you amaze me” Maxey smiles at her sons seriousness. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey and Chino sat down and ate their dinner as they went over the days events. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie walks up to Rosalie’s door and knocks. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Who is it?” Rosalie puts her paper down to walk toward the door to answer it. 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   Z Baby 
   “ Aunt Rosie it’s me Lizzie” Lizzie responded. Rosalie unlocked the door and let her grand-niece in. 
     
   “ Hey baby how you doing? Shole is good to see ya, have a seat…come on.  
   
   
   
   
   
   She scooted the chair from under the table where she was sitting and patted the seat so Lizzie could sit down. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … You thirsty baby? 
     
   “ no I’m fine” Rosalie poured some cool lemonade in a glass for Lizzie. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Rosalie was in her late 70’s now but nothing she did testified of her years. She had salt and pepper hair but her smile would light up a room. Rosalie was Don’s oldest living Aunt. She practically raised him and his sister Kristine. She was the only grandparent figure the girls had. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie sipped the lemonade and placed the glass back on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What’s on yo mind chile?” Rosalie sits in the chair next to Lizzie. 
     
   “ It’s just too much, I mean things are getting kind of crazy at work, Daddy is hiding something that I know. And things aren’t going right with me and John. It seems like everything is happening all at once. I try to keep it together but how can I Aunt Rosie when there is so much deceit and trickery going on. Sometimes I just want to move and find another town to live in far away, just take Jade and leave- 
     
   “ Now baby I understand your frustration and all, but Lizzie they need you, if you leave then they would really go down. You have so much of your mother in you, she was strong in spite of what people have said about her, she was a very strong woman. But look how much they depend on you, and your baby sister Zamera she is back praise God! Allelujah, honey she is back now I know her and Joel may have had their problems but she is home now, be there for her she needs you. Pray for your father, you know we done all done things we are ashamed of, but it doesn’t matter because the past does not define you it refines you, so let it and be at peace. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Rosalie takes Lizzie by the hand and she prays for her exactly what Lizzie needed. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie wiped her tears as they fell and kissed her Aunt on the cheek, what would she do without Rosalie’s wisdom she prayed the Lord would extend her life span at least until she had developed her specific attribute. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo pulled up to the bar got out of his car and walked inside. It was kind of empty only about two people sitting at the bar talking to Ella. He walked passed them and he spotted Don sitting at the table alone, he looked like he was lost. Cleo pulled out a cigarette lit it and walked over to where Don was sitting. He pulled up a chair, Don did not bother to look up. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ You know that don’t work with me” Cleo said as he slipped Don a hundred dollar bill. “Where is she?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looked at the money then back down. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … .don’t ignore me old man……where  is  she? 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella looks over at the two talking which causes the gentlemen sitting in front of her to look over. Her heart begins to beat quickly. She wondered what the two of them were saying to one another. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Don looked up at Cleo. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ She gone.” He simply replied as he sighed and looked back down. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   A sly grin comes over Cleo’s face. “You know……at first I believed you, but right now I think you are messing with my emotions….and I don’t like that. So I want you to listen and listen good….I’m gonna leave, but I will be back and when I come back, I want to spend some time with Zamera. Now either you have her here at the bar or old man come sunrise tomorrow you won’t have a bar. Do I make myself clear” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo looks at Don for a response. Don looks up at him with no response. Cleo stands up as he pushes the $100.00 bill closer to Don. He adjust his jacket and puts his cigarette out on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ You heard what I said, old man, sunrise.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo turns and leaves but not without tipping his hat at Ella as he exits.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Who was that” one of the gentleman asked. 
     
   “ have you ever seen the devil face to face?” Ella asked. 
     
   “ No ma’am” the gentlemen responded. 
     
   ‘ Well now you have” Ella continued wipe the bar down as her father slowly walked back to his office. 
   
   
   
   
   Back at the house Angela enters the bedroom to see about Don. He was resting so she headed outside and sat on the porch. It was beautiful the sun was shining it wasn’t too warm or cold it was just right. It just donned on her that if she was to lose Don that she would no longer be connected to the Kingsley family since she never had any children by Don, how crushing she thought. Her spirit became wrought. 
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel’s face was ring and wet he had perspired through his clothes he had to take his jacket off and his shirt he got up off of the floor. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O thank you Lord! Bless your name, Jesus. Not my will but thy will be done, Lord reveal yourself to them, Lord they need you!” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   be strong and courageous….Joel…..they need you to be strong….lead them to me with compassion…. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord they are not listening to me, what else can I do. How long do I have to stay here and allow my wife to constantly be wounded with memories of the past? Lord I want to take her away I want us both to leave here and start fresh.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   No 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ But Lord why!”  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel hit the floor with his fist. He was angry he did not want his wife to suffer anymore, he did not want to continue to minister to Don and remain kind. He could fill it, there was unforgiveness building up in him, he did not like it he did not want it but what was he to do. This family just did not care, they constantly did what they wanted to do ignorant of the consequences. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel….  
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel calmed down at the voice of the Lord. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I have a purpose and I have a plan…..my ways are not your ways my thoughts are not your thoughts…trust and obey. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Yes Lord. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel wiped the sweat from his face he walked over to open his window as he saw Lizzie walking back from down the street. He turned got on the phone. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Walden bank how may I direct your call?” 
     
   “ Yes may I speak with David Washington please?” 
     
   “ Just a second, may I ask whose calling?” 
     
   “ Joel Prophet” 
     
   “ Hey Joel, what can I do for you?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   David answered happy to hear from Joel. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ David, we need to schedule a meeting is that possible?” 
     
   “ Sure, just a second let me check my schedule….how is Friday?” 
     
   “ Sir, could it possibly be sooner than that like…right now?” 
     
   “ What’s going on?” David asked. 
     
   “ A lot” Joel responded. 
     
   “ Alright well I will be free within the next few minutes-“ 
     
   “ great, I’m on my way” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel hangs up the phone grabs his clothes and briefcase and locks his office he walks passed Ella. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I will be out for the rest of the evening, I have a meeting “ 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   He leaves the bar. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Can you do that one one more time and we will be finished” Marcus called as Tess focused in again.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera knocked on the glass screen, Marcus smiled as he reached over to unlock the door, he stood up to give his niece a hug and kiss. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Z baby, you back! I am so happy to see you. How you doing?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera puts her purse down and sits down in the chair next to her uncle. Zamera felt extremely close to him especially since he is into music like she is. She missed her mother so, she loved being around her part of the family. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I’m well, Unk. I just have a lot of things to sort out ya know? 
     
   “ Joel?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiles.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … awh, so it aint him….then I know there is only one other person who can ruffle like that and I prefer to not mention his name…. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus winks at Zamera. You wanna hear what I’m working on?  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera grins. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yeah, let me take a listen…. 
   
   
   
   
   
   She places the headphones on her head and begins to nod. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … ..she’s good, who is that?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   she takes the head phones off. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Her name is Tess, I met her at school she was actually fooling around on the piano and her voice just struck me….. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   he tagged her on the cheek. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … .she reminded me of Vanessa and you….her style of singing is a little different but she still has that deep soul..you know what I mean?” 
     
   “ yeah I feel ya, so who else you working with?” 
     
   “ Not too many more, I have a couple of guys who can sing…well…but they have no direction so I am trying to help them out in that area….uh let’s see I have Carmen, she might not be lasting too much longer that woman has some issues. Why? You wanna do something?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus smiles as he pokes her in the arm. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ No right now, I need to focus on me and my marriage, I decided that is the most important thing to me right now in my life. I’m glad he waited for me. Marcus that says a lot you know, I mean he could of left met another woman fell in love but he chose to hold on….what does that say?” 
     
   “ Well I do know that says you need to kindle the passion again and never lose it because there is something there that is everlasting…..don’ t let it die.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus pushes the keypad. “Alright T take a break…sounds good” 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess removes her headset and leaves the studio booth. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I wanna meet her” Zamera says as Tess is leaving the booth. 
     
   “ Hey come here for a minute I got somebody I want you to meet” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus gets up and opens the door for Tess to enter the booth. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess beautiful her spirit is peaceful, Zamera felt peace as she entered the room. Tess dressed a little different similar to Zamera, she was dark and her she kept her hair wrapped up, she wore little make up but she looked as if she did not need it. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hello” Tess greeted Zamera with a smile and an extension of her hand. 
     
   “ Tess this is my niece Zamera, but I call her Z-baby.” 
     
   “ Pleasure to meet you Ms. Tess….- 
     
   “ please call me Tess, I’m may look mature but I am only 24.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera laughs. “Alright I got it, any way you have a beautiful voice, it’s unique.” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ And that’s what sells records.” Marcus remarked as he stood up. 
     
   “ If you two ladies would excuse me, I have to visit a man name Jon” 
   
   
   
   
   
   The ladies look at each other and grin. Tess sits in the seat Marcus sat in as he leaves. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So how come I have never seen you before? I have met all of Marcus’s family, I don’t recall them mentioning you…believe me I would remember a name like Zamera.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera swings in her chair and folds her arms. It’s a long story, I have been gone for a while after my mother passed, I-I- 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess taps Zamera on the forearm she could sense there was something there that brought a lot of discomfort to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   She nods her head from side-to-side. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ That’s alright….hey you don’t me, and you definitely don’t have to explain anything to me. I can tell whatever you reason you were gone, you had a reason for it.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Just then Marcus comes back into the studio. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Alright! Hey Tess, you know what we can listen to this tomorrow after I go over some ideas with THE CHARLSTONS,- 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s eyes exploded. She jumped out of her chair.  
   
   
   
   
   
   “ Uncle Marcus, you are not talking about  The  Charlstons are you?, the ones who sing at mama’s funeral?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Marcus grins proudly. “Yes baby girl, I signed them bad boys, and it was not easy….but they chose integrity over publicity and that is why God is blessin’…..you know they switched to gospel after that whole Cleo incident.” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Is there anything that man does not have his hand in?” 
     
   “ You know…..I know.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looks at Marcus curiously. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What do you mean  you know ” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looks Marcus in the eyes. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Marc, I ‘m going to go ahead and leave I will catch you tomorrow” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tess says as she smiles at Zamera. She pats her on the shoulder. 
   
   
   
   
   
   …… it was a pleasure meeting you Z-baby,.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiles as Tess leaves the studio. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   … ..Zbaby why do you think your aunt and I stop coming around your father? Marcus takes off his shades and places them on the counter and turns his chair to face Zamera. “We are not stupid, I know what he was up to. There are some things that are still hidden under the surface right now, but baby girl whatever is done in the dark will be brought to the light. He will have his day. Your Aunt Victoria refuses to step foot in the Kingsley Club because she said if she did it would be the last time anyone would see Don Kingsley alive. Now I can’t say the same for me, because if it was up to me he would have been dead along time ago.”  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera sighs as her heart becomes heavy, she hated the fact her father orchestrated the things that happened to her in the past, but most of all she hated the division it caused between her mother’s siblings. The family does not even associate with one another. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ok, I know………….it’s hard for me too sometimes Unk, if it had not been for Joel, and Lizzie I don’t know where I would be….sometimes I wonder why I even came back- 
     
   … don’t you wonder that…..because God brought you back for a purpose and a reason…..don’t doubt that. I know that Joel loves you Zamera the two years you were gone that man stayed faithful to you…..he did not even look at a woman cross-eyed, what got me is that he had every right to….but he held on. That’s a blessing.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera smiled as she and her Uncle continued to conversate. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel arrives downtown he pulls in front of Walden Bank it’s located right next to John’s law office, he gets out of his car and grabs his briefcase. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord, go with me for I know without you I can do nothing” Joel walks into the building he greets the receptionist. 
     
   “ yes, hello I’m looking for David Washington please” 
     
   “ Just a moment I will let him know you are here” the receptionist dials Mr. Washington’s extension. Please have a seat sir, he will be right out.” Joel sits down at the chair next to the entrance of the office. He looks around as people are entering and making transactions. A woman walks up to make a transaction she looks as if she could be in her late twenties-very attractive. After she makes her transaction she walks over to the receptionist desk. She was dressed in a nice casual suit. She leaned over and spoke to the receptionist and then she walked passed Joel headed toward the stairs, she looked and smiled Joel smiled back. She looked familiar but Joel, could not place where he had seen her before. Just then David came out of his office to meet Joel. 
     
   “ Joel” 
   
   
   
   
   
   David extended his hand. Joel stood up to greet David and shake his hand. He then entered the office David closed the door behind him. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   That night the club was getting pretty filled mainly because everyone heard of the new dancers Tiffany and Jasmine plus people may have thought that since Zamera is back she may perform. Tony was please with the crowd. It got close to seven so Jemah sat on the piano and began to play some light jazz, as the rest of the band felt where he was going and softly followed. Ella was packing up to leave as she gave her instructions the evening bartender, she grabbed her things and left. As she was leaving she saw the woman 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella 
   
   
   
   
   who had came in earlier that day, get out of the car this time she had on a bad flapper outfit she looked as if she was performing. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ excuse me.” Ella hollered out as the woman walked passed the crowd totally ignorant of Ella’s voice calling her, she had on more make-up and she just looked different like she was a different person. Ella watched as the gentlemen surrounded her they kind of built a fence so the woman could walk inside, people were running up to the woman asking for her autograph, Ella was really confused now, she thought to herself  who is she?  Just then she heard a voice yell out to the woman. 
     
   “ Ms. Dunne, Ms. Dunne may I please sit with you this evening?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ella’s heart stopped, she could not believe what she was hearing, did she earlier just have a conversation with  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche Dunne 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   One of the most beautiful women out of Harlem? She was the perfect symbol of Harlem  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   what is she doing here in Chicago? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    Ella thought. Blanche was tall and slendor and ambiguously beige, she had a cool haughty beauty Ella picked that up from the way they held their conversation earlier. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   People began to come from the woodworks, ladies were coming out of the salon, people were standing and gazing from across the street you hear voices murmuring that’s Blanche Dunn. Ella just stood there she could not move, she was breathless. Blanche finally made it through the now massive crowd of people and entered the Club. Jemah looked up at the crowd gathering at the door he looked back at the ivory’s and continued to play he looked up once again he could not believe his eyes. Blanche Dunn had entered the Kingsley Club, Tony ran to greet her and seat her. Blanche sat down at the table nearest to the stage all eyes were on her, people who never even entered the Kingsley Club began to flutter in after they heard the she was there. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ms. Dunn what can I get for you?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   She looked around and pointed at one of the newest dancers Tony had just hired. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Could you bring her here?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony looked around to see who she was pointing at it was Tiffany so he looked back at Ms. Dunn and said. 
   
   
   
   
   
   … ..are you sure? She is just one of our dancers?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Ms. Dunn looked at Tony and smiled and repeated her requests. Tony politely went and tapped Tiffany on the shoulder. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ms. Dunn wants to meet you?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tiffany almost choked on her drink. Tiffany was short and brown complexion very petite but she was attractive, she had small eyes but a big beautiful smile. She was actually dancing to take care of her two younger sisters, and put herself through school. She had just broken-up with her boyfriend of five years and now was starting over alone.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What does she want with me….I don’t know her and I am not to excited about her wanting to get-to-know me” Tiffany’s voice was on the defensive side, her face frowned and her body language did the rest. 
     
   “ Now, girl, you got a job to do, I don’t care who ask you to do what, you don’t ask no questions you just do it. Do I make myself clear” Tony’s demeanor and voice changed he grabbed Tiffany by the arm from behind and slightly nudged her in the direction of Blanche. They arrive at the table, Tiffany smiled at Blanche. 
     
   “ Blanche Dunn this here is Tiffany Jordan, 
   
   
   
   
   
   Tony caresses her jaw Tiffany face freezes as she turns her face away from his touch. Jemah squints as he looks at the situation to make sure his eyes are not playing tricks on him. 
   
   
   
   
   
   … ..Tiffany say hello to Ms. Dunn” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tiffany looks at Tony very displeasingly, then back at Blanche. “How do you do ?” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Have a seat” Blanche beckons Tiffany to sit down. Tiffany looks at Tony and then Blanche Tony raises his eye brows so Tiffany takes a seat and focuses on Jemah as the band plays and people dance. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche lifted up her hand for the bartender who then came from behind the bar to her table to take her order. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ yes, ma’am” the bartender asked. 
     
   “ yes, may I have a scotch on the rocks please?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   the bartender nodded as he headed back behind the bar to prepare her drink.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ excuse me Ms. Dunn is it? 
     
   ‘ yes that’s correct. 
     
   … what is it that you want with me, I don’t know you- 
     
   “ Ahh, my dear but I know you.” The bartender brings her drink back to her she smiles as a way of saying thank you. 
     
     
   “ ladies and gentlemen we here at the Kingsley Club are proud to announce our latest addition…..Jasmyne Marx. Jasmyne enters the stage she is dressed in her frilly dance wear practically nothing there. She sings as Jema begins to play she entertains the audience as the routine requires. 
     
   “ What do you mean you know me? I have never seen you before in my life.” Tiffany responds as she crossed her legs slowly trying not to lose attention of Jema who eyes her every now and again. 
     
   “ Quite a catch ha?” Tiffany tries to ignore the remark praying that Blanche would just let her enjoy the break. You like him don’t you?  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Tiffany turns to look at Blanche in a most displeasing manner. 
   
   
   
   
   
   “ like who?” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche nods toward Jema. 
   
   
   
   
   
   … ..the pianists…I can tell by the way your sitting, your poise. He can tell also, why do you think he has continued to play eye-ball with you, do you think it’s because your sitting here with me? She takes a sip of her wine. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Blanche can sense Tiffany’s frustration by the way she sighed and uncrossed her legs to only re-cross them again. She was nervous this lady was making her nervous, what did she want with her and how did she know her. She never actually thought about Jema romantically but once the lady mentioned it, Tiffany thought well hey he isn’t half bad. Tiffany tried to draw her mind back to focus to sit with this lady talk to her or whatever but after that, who is she fooling there could be a million reasons why this lady requested her. She just had to sit and wait. The audience applauds as Jasmine exits the stage. Tony runs on the stage to introduce the next performer. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Sweetie gone head, you can go. I will talk to you later. Tiffany Jordan right?” Tiffany looked at the lady as she unfolded her arms and stood up. 
   “ yes” she quickly and quietly responded. Amazed that the lady did not want anything from her or did she? She thought to herself as she headed back to the dressing room where Jasmine was getting changed. Tiffany knocked on the door. 
     
   “ What!” Jasmine yelled, she sounded tired and upset. 
   “ J it’s me, can I come in” the door opened and Jasmine flopped back in the seat in front of the mirror she took a deep breathe as she quickly put on some powder on her face. She looked at Tiffany from the side of the mirror. 
     
   … ..what’s wrong with you? You look drained and you haven’t even been on stage yet.” Tiffany sat on the couch. Jasmine swung around. “I saw you sitting with Blanche Dunn, what is she like” Jasmine truly was not interested in hearing about the woman but she wanted to humor Tiffany she needed an uplift. Jasmine swung back around towards the mirror and begin to put on her lipstick. 
     
   “ You know I truly have no idea  what  that woman wanted-anyway” 
     
   “ What did she say to you?” Jasmine stands up to adjust her clothes and then sits down once again. 
     
   “ You know J all she said was that she knows me……….. and can you believe  this,  she even said she could even tell I had a thing for Jemah….now come on what kind of talk is that? Tiffany throws her hands up in disgust as she crosses her legs. Tony knocks on the door. 
     
   “ Tiffany, come on…..your next…..let’s go” Tiffany rolls her eyes as she gets up to open the door. 
     
   “ Ok Tony, calm down.” They leave and head toward the backstage of the bar. Jasmine shakes her head as she fixes her hair. She stands up in looks at her backside. She sits down once more. This time there is a reflection of a gentlemen sitting where Tiffany had sit. 
     
   “ Thought I forgot about you,” Cleo’s voice ran chills up Jasmine’s back.  
     
   “ No” Jasmine responded for fear of saying the wrong thing. Cleo stood up walked up behind her slowly he bent down and caressed her cheek, Jasmine’s blood was rushing she was so intimidated of this man she did not know what to expect. On the streets she knew what to do but with Cleo, he had money and connections that could destroy her. Now that she wanted to start fresh. If Tony ever found out that she used to be a prostitute he would throw she and Tiffany out on the streets only to be picked up again by Cleo.  
     
   “ I saw your daughter the other day, she was walking down the street with her new mommy and daddy, what do you think about that! Ha! I know where your child is and you never even got a chance to lay eyes on her, she’s beautiful too……. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Jasmine’s anger begins to boil up inside she wanted to maintain and let Cleo know that she is not getting to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   …… yeah, they were dressed real nice too, I suppose her new mommy and daddy better enjoy these few years they have with her because before long…….I‘ll have her working the same streets her real mama used to work and believe me she will do better job than you!  
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo laughed loudly then he drew his hand back and the blow reached Jasmine so hard it knocked her out of the chair she was sitting in. “I’m gon’ tell you one more time, either you get rid of her, or I’m going to get rid of you!” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Cleo leaves out as Jasmine slowly pulls up on the edge of the chair to she finally struggles to get in the chair her tears run down her face ruining her make up. She weeps heavily then she pulls herself together slowly. She begins once again to put on her make-up. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The Kinglsey Club 
   
   
   
   
   
   The next few months the Kingsley Club clientele tripled. Not only because of the visit by the Blanche Dunn, but also they entertained such guests as Harold Blackman, Jean Toomer, and many other Renaissance voices. Don’s health begin to deteriorate once again he began to stay home more and more. Angie made sure he had plenty of rest, water and no stress although she could not figure out the real reason for the sudden plight she figured it as to much work. Joel finally found out where the missing funds were coming from and the result caused him to resign from employment with Don Kingsley, there was truly no reason for him to stay employed there the integrity of that business was gone down hill, and Don had no problem with it. Although Joel took a job at a nearby bookstore to pay the bills Zamera and he both decided they needed a change of atmosphere. During this time away it allowed Zamera time to heal and rekindle her relationship not only with her husband but with the Lord. She began to attend church more and more and visit the Club less and less, she even began playing the piano for the church. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
     There was a lot of things continuing to happen within the walls of the Kingsley Club and out of obedience to the Lord Joel contacted Tony to see how things were going the news was not good. Although the crowds were coming, money had been coming up missing more and more, women were being assaulted, Jemah was threatning to quit and the rest of the band. Tony admitted he has lost control of the stage acts, Eliza stop showing up completely she stated she was trying to repair her marriage after actually catching her husband and another woman in their bed. Ella was more concerned with her wedding plans and decided to take a couple a months off she hired two new bartenders but they have been caught stealing money twice. After hearing that news all Joel was led to do was pray for those who are there but he refused to go back into that atmosphere especially now since he and Zamera were getting back to the way it used to be when they first fell in love. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel gets off of the phone with Tony. He then says goodbye to the rest of his co-workers and calls it a night. He gets into his car and begins to drive home. He can’t help but think off all the things that Tony told him regarding the Club. How could it get so bad, but no one truly is looking beneath the surface. They only see the crowd little do they know God is about to turn that club upside down.  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord, just keep them safe out of harms way” Joel whispers as he turns the corner. He then thinks about Don and his health and how the last thing he said to Don about vengeance being the Lord’s. God’s word is true, and will come to pass. Whatever a man reapeth that shall he sow, that’s why Joel is so relieved that Zamera was able to forgive Don for the things he had done to her in the past. Joel pulls up to the house. All of sudden all the dreary thoughts of Tony, Don and the Club disappear. Joel gets out of the car and walks up to the door inserts his key into the door knob opens it and walks in. The smell of roses and cinnamon fill his nostrils, he shuts the door. 
     
   “ Zamera?” Joel calls out as he removes his jacket and unloosens his tie. He then walks into the kitchen where the table is set for two, candles, rose pedals and meatloaf, green beans and buiscuits along with potato salad. Joel grins at the fact that Zamera has really begin to shine now not only as his lover but as his wife.  
     
   “ You call?”  
     
   Joel turns around only to see his wife standing in the doorway poised perfectly.  Zamera’s dress was soft and clinging, like a second skin. A flowing jacket draped her slender frame, its vibrant warm colors made her skin glow. With every shift of her feminine frame, its material moved like water. Zamera’s beauty is what made the attire seem so elegant - touchable. S he leaned against the doorpost with her arms folded and she struck out her leg only to reveal her matching hills. Joel smiled. Zamera had let her hair fall and allowed it to drape her neck. Joel walked over to kiss her and she graciously stopped him. 
     
   … ..uh uh….I’m desert, you need to eat dinner first.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel laughs and he agrees so he sits down to eat. Zamera finally laughs also and then she sits down as they say grace and begin to eat. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I talk to Tony today, I had to Z. They have been on my heart so.” Joel looks up at Zamera totally ignorant of his remark. 
     
   “ I’m sorry did you say something?” Zamera did not want to hear anything regarding the Club, tonight was their night. She wanted it to be just the two of them, no pass demons or devils.  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Honey that part of my life Is over, I have moved on, I have received my healing. I have no comment when it comes to the mention of those people. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel can’t believe what he is hearing he knows Zamera had to let things go, but she should still be concerned after all it’s her family. “Zamera, what are you talking about babe? They are still apart of you. You still have to pray that they will give their lives to the Lord as did you.” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Joel, I understand what you are saying, but honey. Look I don’t want to talk about them tonight alright? Please pass me the green beans.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel drops his fork on his plate. ‘Who are you? Where is my wife?  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera places the green beans next to her as she scoops a spoon full. “I’m right here, sweetie. Look I love them, I pray for them, but I do not want to talk about them. And you should not either this is our time- 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera puts her spoon down and a frown begins to crinkle her face. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Alright, alright I apologize babe. It’s just-ya know never mind. How was your day?” Joel spoke quickly trying to allow Zamera to not go into one of her spills about the two of them coming together not the two of them and her family. 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera sighs in relief.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Thank you Lord 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    she thought as she gathered her posture and composure once again she scooped up some green beans. 
   
   
   
   
   
   “ My day was wonderful, I went to see Aunt Rosie and then I stopped by Ella’s to help with the dresses. Tess and I went shopping for the right shoes, because the ones Ella had picked out were all wrong. Eliza came by but she did not stay long, I believe she may be pregnant again but that’s another story. How was yours. Zamera sipped some wine, and placed the glass gently down on the table. Joel did not know where to start so he took the safe route. 
     
   “ It went well” Zamera looked up at him knowing that he was avoiding the conversation because in actuality his day and days always consist of the Kingsley Club. 
   “ you know what that’s fine. I try to prepare a nice meal and spend some time with my husband, and you can’t even be honest with me.” Zamera jumps up. And walks into the living room. Joel is confused now he does not know whether to get upset or go pray. He walks in to the living room where Zamera is standing. Her arms are folded. 
     
   “ Come on honey, don’t lock up on me now. Tell me what’s really bothering you. I know it’s not me or the mention of your family. He turns her around to face him, he cuffs her chin. “Now tell me honey,  what’s  wrong?” Joel’s tone was calm and soothing. Zamera felt pulled in by his warmth he had such a calming spirit. All she really wanted was Joel to stop focusing on her family so much and more on her. All he ever talked about was them, he didn’t even know that there could have been an opportunity for a small Joel, but her pregnancy test came back negative she thought why bother him with the “what ifs”. Right now all she wanted to do was be intimate with her husband and that’s what she did. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel woke at 3:45 a.m. He had a stirring in his belly so he arose out of the bed slowly not wanting to awaken his wife. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She’s pregnant 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel walked into the bathroom closed the door and got on his knees. “Lord what are you saying to me” 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Your wife is going to have a child 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ok Lord.” Joel smiled his heart rejoiced to think that after all this time and during all of this drama, they would bring a life into the world. Then he thought about the family, the club issues, Eliza and her marital problems, Don’s health. 
     
   “ Lord Is this truly the right time, it could become stressful and I don’t want anything to happen to her or my child and I definitely don’t want to stand by and let anything bad happen. What should I do?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Move to New York I have job there waiting for you 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ what kind of job? What part of New York?”  
     
   
   
   
   
   
   
   I have some people you will need to meet 
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord who?” Joel waited patiently for a response for twenty minutes he sat in silence waiting and nothing. Finally he sat upon on the toilet and opened his bible to Genesis 12:14-20 
     
   
   
   14 
   
   
   And when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful.  
   
   
        15 The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into Pharaoh's house [harem].  
        16 And he treated Abram well for her sake; he acquired sheep, oxen, he-donkeys, menservants, maidservants, she-donkeys, and  [ d ] camels.  
        17 But the Lord scourged Pharaoh and his household with serious plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife.  
        18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?  
        19 Why did you say, She is my sister, so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife; take her and get away [from here]!  
        20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him, and they brought him on his way with his wife and all that he had. 
     
     
   
   
   
   
   Joel read aloud to himself quietly and when he got to verse 20, he stopped. He closed the bible left out of the restroom. He went back and layed down quietly beside Zamera she was sleeping soundly she looked so peaceful. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   That morning he arose got dressed for work and he left a note for Zamera. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   New York 
   
   
   
   
   Begin packing our things up we are moving to New York I got a call this morning from a Accounting Firm they have scheduled me an interview for the 16 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   th 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    of this month which is this Wednesday I will get our train tickets today after work tell you the rest later. Love Joel. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera could not believe her eyes what she was seeing just like that just up and go. But she knew deep down anytime Joel made a quick change or decision that meant he was following direct orders from the Lord. So she got herself cleaned up and began to pack up their items. She was hesitant about including the wooden box under the bed she still had never discussed that with Joel. She went ahead and packed it anyway it was getting close to noon she had all of their clothes packed away into two large suitcases as she was closing the last suitcase the phone rang. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ hello”  
   
   
   
   
   Zamera picked up the phone. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What time are you coming over here to help me with the music Z?” 
   
   
   
   
   it was her uncle Marc she had forgotten totally that she had promised to do background on one of his songs. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O uncle Marc I am so sorry something has come up and I won’t be able to do it….you see Joel and I are leaving Chicago tonight. 
     
   “ what! What do you mean you are leaving? Where are you going and why?” 
     
   “ Look Uncle Mark calm down, I don’t understand it either but I trust my husband and If he says we are leaving we are leaving. 
     
   
   
   
   
   Mark sighs on the other end of the phone and then he finally calms down. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Zamera you do what’s best for you whatever you have to do, you and Joel-you guys do it. He listens to the Lord and obeys and that’s all that matters I will miss you but at least this time you will be leaving with your husband.” 
     
   “ I will keep in touch Mark for sure” 
     
   “ What about Don?’ 
     
   “ That’s up in the air I will leave that one up to my husband, I truly have nothing else to say to them other than good-bye………..but I tell you this I will miss my sisters. I hate that things are going the way they are with Lizzie and John but you know we all have our storms. I will call Angela to let her know to tell Dad. I don’t want to talk to him right now.” 
     
   “ alright Z well you take care of yourself, love you” 
     
   “ I love you too Uncle Marc goodbye” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera hangs up the phone a part of her tries to pull her into tears but she refuses she realizes this is she and Joel’s life now and wherever he goes she goes.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Til death do us part 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    Zamera now taking those vows she spoke to Joel on that cold winter night three years ago. Their wedding was small it was just Vanessa, Eliza and Ella and the minister performing the wedding. Don was no where to be found Marc gave her away although it was short and simple it was enough because this man loved her enough even with her issues, and shortcomings as Zamera thought on the love that Joel has expressed to her with his word, actions and persistence it’s true love. Zamera fell on her knees and began to cry out. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Thank you Lord, thank you for saving me, thank you for loving me enough to rescue me from myself and my destruction… 
     
   
   
   
   
   tears flooded her face her she could feel again her heart was open she could sense a calming presence it had been so long since she had felt that feeling she would get that feeling her whole body was floating she felt like she was flying she did not want to stop she began to pray it came so fluently her words were just then she began to sing, she sang unto the Lord for the first time in years it was her and God in their own special time, it was her quiet time. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Lord, I love you…….. 
   
   
   
   
   she sobbed her whole face was drenched. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Go see your father 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   The voice was quiet and calming Zamera recognized the voice but she wanted to make sure so she sat and asked 
   
   
   
   
   “ Why?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   
   he needs to see you….go see your father 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera stood up from the floor she went into the restroom she cleaned herself up she washed her face pulled her hair into a soft bun. She picked up the car keys and headed over to her father’s house she pulled up and she sighed as she turned the car off. She pulled herself together and she entered the house it was quiet. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Angela,………..Dad” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera closed the door. 
   
   
   
   
   …… Angela anybody here?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Finally she heard Angela’s voice talking real low. It was coming from the dining room, she walked toward the door and stopped since it was ajar she heard another voice it was deeper. Zamera then knocked on the door as she began to open it. It was Angela and George Angela was standing with her arms folded looked like she had just been crying and George was consoling her. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What’s wrong?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera asked as she approached the two. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Don, the doc says it looks like he may not make it out of this one” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera face frowns. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What do you mean?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s voice was firm as she tried to control her emotions. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Don had another heart attack, last night he almost didn’t pull through but even right now he’s kind of weak” 
   
   
   
   
   Although Angela was crying her voice was firm. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Where is he?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera asked 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Upstairs” 
   
   
   
   
   George replied as he comforted Angela. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera walked upstairs the thoughts raced through her mind  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   what are you doing? you could make him keel over if you tell him you are leaving now with Joel.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The voice she was hearing was filled with fear and doubt Zamera knew now that was her she needed to listen for the voice that brought peace she cast those thoughts out of her mind. She reached the top of the staircase and she walked toward Angela and Don’s room and slowly opened the door, Don was sleeping peacefully Zamera stood over him for a moment all the things he had done to her in the past she actually could not think upon all she could see was her father laying in his sick bed. He looked weak and helpless. She leaned over and kissed him softly on the cheek and then she began to walk away she got half way to the door. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Zamera” 
   
   
   
   
   Don’s voice was weak he could barely speak. Zamera stopped in her footsteps as she turned to face him his eyes were opened and a little she walked toward him. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ That’s ok Dad just rest, you need your rest.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Don breathed in and out slowly. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ you leavin?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera looked at her father. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yeah dad I’m going to leave so you can get some rest” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera began to leave the room again 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ you and Joel leavin?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera turned and looked at her father he was so tired she could tell. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yeah dad, we are leaving……why? How did you know?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera folded her arms waiting on a reply she began to become defensive and wonder if he had anything to do with Joel’s interview in New York. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Just listen to him 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   The Truth 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera let down her guard and pulled up a chair. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ok Dad how did you know we were leaving?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s voice was serious no more games she wanted the truth. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ don’t worry how I know…I want you to promise me something” 
     
   “ Me promise you….what is it Dad?” 
     
   “ tell Joel to tell you” 
   
   
   
   
   Don coughed and rested before he spoke again. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Tell me what Dad?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera unfolded her arms. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ He’ll know….he’ll…. 
   
   
   
   
   he coughed again 
   
   
   
   
   ……… ..know” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Angela and George enter the room. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Honey you alright? George could you pure him a glass of water from that pitcher over there?’ 
     
   “ sure” 
   
   
   
   
   George goes to grab the pitcher as Angela walks over towards Don she reaches out for his hand. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She sits down on the bed beside him and caresses his face. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So what time are you guys leaving?” 
     
   “ 8:00…………… we are taking the train,” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera did not care now who knew she was leaving she was feeling divided she did not want to leave her father in this state, but yet she did not want to stay in Chicago she needed to get away live a new life start with her and Joel. Why was she feeling this tug in her heart? 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   It’s called forgiveness…you have bitterness and resentment….let it go so you can be free 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera felt a warm peace fill her heart as she walked toward Don she could understand now,. All the pain the hurt the shame the ridicule she kept running from wasn’t in Chicago it was in her, she just never completely let go. She leaned against her father’s cheek and whispered softly just enough for him to hear, Don’s eyes began to water and slowly a tear fell down his face. Zamera’s mouth was moving but no one could hear her but Don. Angela looked curiously trying to figure out the conversation but she could not hear it. Slowly Zamera stood up as she grabbed Don’s hand and kissed it. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I love you Daddy” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera placed his hand down slowly on the bed. She smiled at Angela and turned and looked at George and smiled and she left the room as she left the bedroom it was silent but in her heart she was leaping and rejoicing for she had found peace true peace and it was once she realized and decided to make a choice for her happiness that no one ever held her in bondage she did that by refusing to let go and forgive. She left the house and got into her car and pulled away.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Thank you Lord for the gift of love” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera arrived back home and she entered the house and began to take the bags and place them in the trunk of the car. The phone rang it was Joel reminding her to leave the key under the mat and Tony will come by to pick it up and turn it in. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera did what her husband said she then locked the house and left to go to the bar. She walked in it was quiet and kind of empty although it was around 4 in the afternoon usually there are a couple of people it was pretty empty then she heard Jema footsteps as he walked out and sat at the table and began to go over a couple of songs humming to himself he had not noticed Zamera standing at the entrance so she walked over to Jema. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hey, how is it going?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera said as she sat down next to him. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hey Z, what’s up?” 
   
   
   
   
   Jema had a smile that would light up a room Zamera could not help but smile back. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ On my way to New York?” 
     
   “ Are you serious? Why? 
   
   
   
   
   Jema placed his paper down on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Trying to run away again? 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ No not this time, this time it’s me and my husband and it is about time.” 
   
   
   
   
   She smiles 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Jema looks at Zamera. 
   
   
   
   
   “ well you know we will always be here, at least for a little while anyway. You know that new singer/dancer Tony hired a couple of weeks ago? 
     
   “ Which one? There were two of them.” 
     
   “ Yeah, Tiffany and Jasmyne well they found Jamsmyne dead in her bathroom lastnight they said it was suicide but we all know better than that. 
     
   “ O my goodness, are you serious that is terrible.” 
     
   “ And she had a child also, a little girl she was given away but still that is so sad and the worst part is- 
     
   “ What Jema tell me, what is it?” 
     
   “ You remember the night Blanche Dunn was here for the first time? 
     
   “ How can I forget the club had never been as packed before, what does she have to do with anything?” 
     
   “ Well on that night, some people said they heard fighting coming from the dressing you Tiffany and Jasmyne were in and Cleo was seen climbing in through a window that night.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s heart began to pound she had forgotten totally about Cleo. Would if he heard the Joel and I were leaving, what if he tried to do something to hurt Joel? What if-“ 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Zamera’s thoughts raced through her head until finally she realized that it was her and she needed to calm down and not be afraid. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Jema that is truly sad and she was so pretty, and the baby, that’s just too much. But right now I have to go meet my husband at his job and we will be leaving from there to go to the train station.” 
   
   
   
   
   Zamera stood up. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So does he have anything lined up in New York or what?” 
     
   “ Yeah, he has an interview this week, so we have to get there and get settled. We will be staying with my Aunt Victoria and her husband until we find a place. Give me a hug Jema, I love you” 
   
   
   
   
   They hug and Zamera leaves the bar as she exits she turns around and looks at the building. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Good-bye Kingsley Barr Club” 
   
   
   
   
   she gets into her car and drives off. She arrived at Joel’s place of employment she walks in to meet him he is packing up a few of his items he looks at her knowing everything that she is feeling without saying a word he walks over to her and embraces her she rest her head on his shoulder. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I know baby, I know” 
   
   
   
   
   Joel’s voice was so smooth soothing Zamera felt at peace with him she knew she belonged to him and that he was soul mate, in spite of everything they went through they still had that connection and it was called love no holds barred she was finally becoming into her own. She looked up into Joel’s eyes she drew so much strength from him she was not whole without him and he not without her. She helped him finish packing up his belongings and they left to get into the car and headed toward the train station. They arrived approximately at 7:45 their train left at 8:00 as they boarded Zamera grabbed a seat by the window and Joel sat near the aisle he grabbed her hand and held it close as the train pulled slowly away Zamera looked at the ending of her life in Chicago and looked forward to what was ahead. Joel closed his eyes and rested his head back. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   Her name will no longer be Zamera but….Zaria 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Joel opened his eyes slowly still looking ahead he turned slowly and looked at Zamera as she was watching the sights he lifted her hand he was holding and slowly kissed it. It caused Zamera to turn and look at him. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What was that for?” 
   
   
   
   
   she asked as she smiled. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ for just being you, my blooming flower” 
   
   
   
   
   Joel rested his head back on the head rest and dozed off. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Chapter 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What do you mean she is leaving town! With who? She didn’t even say good-bye or anything just up and left!.” 
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie was livid on top of filing for her divorce with John after finding out that John now has a baby on the way by his mistress whom he never stop seeing. The stress was too much for her she was in her second tri-mester and she did not need the extra stress. She took Jade and moved in with aunt Rosie Lee. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Now Lizzie come on, calm down you are going to drive yourself crazy for no reason. 
   
   
   
   
   Ella tried to calm her sister down but it was not working. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She and Joel left together and I am sure when they get situated that you will hear from them. You knew it was coming, I mean how much longer did you think the two of them were going to stay here in Chicago? Ella walks over to comfort her sister. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ It’s just that, I ‘m suppose to be the strong one the one who everyone looked at to for strength and comfort and it- 
   
   
   
   
   tears began to fall down Lizzie’s face. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   It seems like you have done enough it’s time for you to rest now, ok? Ella comforts her sister by rubbing her back. Zamera knows that you love her and she loves you to, but honey she is married and she has finally, finally found out what it means to be loved and be in love. I’m happy for her, she is free Lizzie. She wants to start over her and Joel.” 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie sniffs and wipes her eyes. She turns and sits down on the sofa at Ella and Mike’s new apartment it was nice and cozy they wanted to save for a house so they were making sure they only had the necessities but it was enough because the love they had for each other was more than enough, Ella always thought when you are truly happy it does not matter what you have you are at peace. She looked at Zamera who now is finally coming into her own, and Ella who is truly in love and content and then she looked at her life a marriage that’s is over, a child who will grow up without a father in the home and also another one on the way. Lizzie just sat there quietly not saying a word for what seemed a life time to her. Ella came and sat down beside her. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ It’s alright sissy no one expects you to be superwoman, we are all human.” 
   
   
   
   
   She hugs Lizzie and then she gets up to prepare dinner. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Later that evening Lizzie went to pick up her daughter from the babysitters and headed to their new home over aunt Rosie Lee’s house. She gave Jade a bath as Aunt Rosie prepared dinner they ate and then she tucked her daughter into bed. She laid there in her room not able to sleep at all so she arose and went downstairs it was dark she turned on the light and sat on the sofa once again she could not understand where her marriage went wrong she thought over and over again all of sudden he just started messing around on her all things were going well she could not for the life of her figure it out. She fell asleep on the sofa that night she arose to the sound of cartoons and pots and pans rattling in the kitchen she opened her eyes Jade was sitting on the floor watching cartoons and Aunt Rosie lee was in the kitchen fixing breakfast. She got up and kissed Jade on the forehead and walked into the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ what a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arm. Oh how sweet to walk in his pilgrim way leaning on the everlasting arm- 
   
   
   
   
   Aunt Rosie lee had a mellow voice it was so pure and soothing. She turned as she began to fry some bacon. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   How you doing this morning baby?” 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   I’m good….aunt Rose 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie sat slowly down at the kitchen table. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Here drink this. Rosie handed her a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Lizzie took the glass and took a sip. 
     
   “ Aunt Rosie have you ever felt useless?” 
     
   “ Baby, well I can’t actually say I have ever felt useless, now I have felt not-needed” 
     
   “ Well what’s the difference? 
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie took another sip of her orange juice. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Rosie lee places the bacon neatly on the plate she has on the stove. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ it’s not so much feeling useless but just not needed in a specific area, I believe that we all are useful it’s just finding the area that you will be of more use, you understand what I’m saying baby? Jade needs you and this new baby is going to need you, you see you are needed…..and you have to ask the Lord to use you and put in a place of perfect peace so the things around you don’t bother you but they cause you to be better. 
     
   “ Come on, baby Jade come and eat you some pancakes and bacon” 
   
   
   
   
   Aunt Rosie lee goes into the living room to meet Jade and take her hand and bring her into the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Now you have a seat right there next to your mommy and I ‘m going to fix your plate. Jade sits in the chair she places her doll on the table. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   They all sit and eat breakfast. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So what are you going to do today baby?” 
   
   
   
   
   Rosie asks Lizzie. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I don’t know I think I might take Jade to the park, do a little shopping……you need anything from the store Aunt Rosie? Because you know I will be paying your rent while we are here and you just worry about your utilities I insist.” 
     
   “ Now baby I aint crazy, don’t you worry about no bills, you focus on taking care of these babies now, I got this- 
     
   
   
   
   
   -but Aunt Rosie- 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hush now girl, if you was on drugs strung out, poristituting it be different cuz your soul would be messed up. But you know what you are doing you stay here as long as you like with these babies, they bring me much joy. Only bill you need to be paying attention to is what the Lord is saying to you, you hear me?” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Yes ma’am. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Lizzie ate her breakfast she thought  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Aunt Rosie does not need my finances….that’s an area I’m not needed in. 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Back at the house Angela enters the bedroom to see about Don. He was resting so she headed outside and sat on the porch. It was beautiful the sun was shining it wasn’t too warm or cold it was just right. It just donned on her that if she was to lose Don that she would no longer be connected to the Kingsley family since she never had any children by Don, how crushing she thought. Her spirit became wrought. She tried to push the thought out of her mind as she did so the telephone rang she went in to answer it. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hello” 
   
   
   
   
   Angela’s voice was kind of low. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What’s wrong? You sound kind of down, how is Don?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey’s voice brought some comfort to Angela. She felt alone in her own world the thought of losing Don gave her no sense of purpose. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ So what time is Jewel coming by to sit with Don?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey asked on the other end of the phone 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ O around noon I guess 
   
   
   
   
   Angela sighed she leaned against the kitchen wall and just held the phone. Why? 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   It sounds like you need to get out of the house Angie, Ella told me you have not left Don’s side since they released him from the hospital. Why don’t you put on some clothes and go shopping or treat yourself to some nice cool ice cream or go visit get out of the house.” 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Maxey’s voice was concerned she did not want Angie to get caught up and become bitter or depressed. The upbeat Angie she knew was fading she could tell although she was miles away in another city she knew what Angie was going through. 
   
   
   
   
   “ Look Rachino will be out of school in a couple of weeks how about we pay you guys a visit? 
     
   “ Now Maxey you don’t have to do that now come on, I’m fine. I just need to think some things over that’s all, you know?” 
     
   “ No I don’t know……..what things?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey’s concerned voice let Angie know that she was serious. “Where is Lizzie?” 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Well she moved in with Rosie Lee last week….you know she filed for divorce…….finally” 
   
   
   
   
   Angie pulls the chair out from under the kitchen table and sits in it. She sighed silently to herself. Well I guess she figured it was time to handle her business you can’t raise a child in that kind of atmosphere I don’t know what she was thinking and plus the lady had began to call the house.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Alright, Angie calm down,……does Don know yet?” 
     
   “ No……..he does not know right now I will tell him when he gets better.” 
     
   “ How soon do you think he will be up and walking?” 
   
   
   
   
   Maxey asked. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Soon enough I suppose, by the way how is Ted and Chino doing?” 
     
   “ They are doing good, Rachino made the honor roll again and Ted said we are all going to go visit his mother this summer she lives in California. I haven’t seen her since we got Rachino. We sent her pictures but he has never met her-ok look Angie I gotta go Chino just got in from school, kiss Don for me and you do what I said get out and get around ok? 
     
   “ I will Maxey” 
     
   “ Love you, Angie.” 
     
   “ I love you to” 
   
   
   
   
   Angie hangs up the telephone. She walks upstairs to check on Don he is awake just staring out the window she walks into his room.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ What are you looking at?” 
   
   
   
   
   she smiles as she walks to grab his hand. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ I bought this house when I first met you, did you know that? 
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie shook her head no. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yep, I knew you were the one……after Vanessa……..I didn’t think….” 
     
   “ Shh Don it’s alright, I know it still brings you pain to talk about her.” 
   
   
   
   
   Tears fall down his face and he wipes his eyes.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Angie, she was something………she was so beautiful, but what she did hurt me to the core, I mean I gave her everything Angie” 
     
   
   
   
   
   Don why are you talking like this? 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Because,….. 
   
   
   
   
   he grips her hand 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   no one understands the pain I suffered. How would you like the whole town knowing your wife you had been married to and faithful to for 25 years turns and cheats on you and not only that has a child and tries to tell you it’s yours, you taking care of this baby until one day a complete stranger tells you, that aint your child. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie removes her hand and walks toward the window. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Is this what your gonna do? Sit and wallow in your pain! 
   
   
   
   
   Angie tears up. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Don I want you to get well, but I don’t want you well if you are going to continue to throw the mistakes of THAT woman in my face, honey I love you and I want you to get better but if it means I have to spend one more second listening to how Vanessa Kingsley did you wrong I’M GONE! I have spent thirteen of my years with you Don, not married but with you. You weren’t exactly faithful to Vanessa instead of trying to make her wrong right you had to get back! And here I am dumb enough to go down the road with you.  
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   She sits on the bed. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Don we have all made mistakes ‘aint none of us perfect, but we have to let go and move on! She cheated on you and had a baby you and then you cheated on her WITH ME! What do you want Don!! 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   What in the  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   hell  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   do you WANT!!! 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie runs out of the room in tears she realizes she just can’t take no more she had to get out of the house away from the memories away from the pain, she runs passed Jewel as she was entering the house she did not stop she just kept going.  
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Ms. Kingsley, everythang alright!” 
   
   
   
   
   Jewel tried to holler to get Angie’s attention but she was too far down the street. She kept running until she couldn’t run anymore she stopped and headed toward the park and sat on the bench to catch her breath, she had even broken a sweat she slumped over the bench looking at the concrete ground thinking to herself. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
   What is wrong with me? Why did I act like that?  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Angie leans up against the back of the bench she looks at the beautiful green grass sway as the wind slowly blows it. She just sits there and relaxes it was so refreshing and calming to her. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   She finally decided to take Maxey’s advice she walked back to the house she had ran four blocks she did not even realized she had ran that far. She went into the house freshened up she got her car keys and she told Jewel that she was leaving and she left. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Tony put a closed for business sign on the entrance of the bar. It had been placed their due to lack of customers, mostly everyone was headed to Harlem that’s where the money was now the clubs, black businesses booming and the opportunity. The pluthra of people coming in on the weekends from Harlem died down all that was showing up now was the locals. Jema went to work for Marcus in his studio, and Ella was still planning for her wedding and besides Mike suggested she just stay home while he worked and it gave her more time to go see Don while he was still sick. Lizzie had settled in pretty well with Rosie Lee she even began attending church on a regular basis also with Rosie. She can’t say she understood it but it brought her peace in her mind and she wondered how come her father and mother never continued going on a regular basis.  
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   Two years had passed and Don Kingsley was still holding on. Angie could not take the stress and the sight of watching him suffer, he developed cancer in the brain, she left him finally and left the responsibility of his illness to his children, one day she just packed up and left not a word to no one. Ella had George walk her down the aisle at her wedding. Eliza and Zaria were her bridesmaids and Maxey was her maitron of honor. It was a beautiful wedding to, now she and Micheal had two twin boys ages 1, Anthony Micheal Washington and Adonai Marquice Washington. Eliza had had her second child also Jeremiah and was happily dating one of the gentlemen from her congregation. She had changed also, she began writing again Mike encouraged her to come and work with him, she agreed. Zaria and Joel were doing very well in New York the pay for an accountant there was three times more than in Chicago especially for real-estate which is where Joel was employed in the financial dept. Zaria took a side-job giving piano lessons at the local school, voice lessons also ,the pay was not much, but she enjoyed every minute of it. She and Joel were able to buy a nice home and raise their son Joel II, and Zaria was 5 months pregnant with there next child.  
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   It was a beautiful spring day, Zaria was decided to stay home she had no students today and besides she wanted to spend some time alone with Joel Jr. because before long the new baby would get some attention and she wanted to make sure J.J. does not feel left out, he had been the only child for almost two and a half years and she wanted the transition to be smooth.  
   
   
   
   
     
     
   
   
   
   
   After Joel left for work, she went into J.J.’s room and woke him they played with his cars, she read to him and then she fixed him breakfast. Zaria explained to J.J. that soon he would be having a little sister or brother and he needed to help and be a big boy, J.J. agreed he was happy she can tell it made him feel proud. Zaria took J.J. into the front room and allowed to take a couple of his toys. She then began to pre-pare a light breakfast cereal for J.J. and toast and eggs for her. The phone rang as she was scrambling her eggs. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Hello” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria answered with one hand and the other hand she began to pour shredded cheese into the skillet with her eggs. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yes, may I speak with Joel or Zamera Prohet please?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria’s face frowned, no one has called her by Zamera in two-years so she figured it had to be someone from Chicago. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Yes, I’m his wife.” 
     
   “ Zamera?” 
     
   “ may I ask who this is please?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria turned the skillet off and placed it on the last burner. And folded her arms waiting for a response. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Zamera, it’s me, girl Maxey” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria’s unfolds her arm and takes a sigh of release. 
   
   
   
   
   “ Maxey, I did not know who you were? How are you?” 
   
   
   
   
   Zaria smiles and begins to fix J.J.’s cereal. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ Maxey, I’am doing pretty good, I miss you guys. I am planning on visiting, Ted has been swamped at work lately I hardly get to see him anymore and Chino is so involved in his school activities and scholastic programs I have a lot more time to myself, how is it in New York?” 
     
   “ It’s a lot more people, and job opportunities but I just like the fact that I am not in Chi-town, I am so glad to be away. Joel and I found a nice little church the people there are so friendly and our pastor and first lady are God-sent. You can come and stay with us whenever you like, we have a bigger house now, so don’t hesitate to come visit, how are things with you? 
     
   “ I’ve decided to take a couple of classes on writing and poetry but other than that not much. How is JJ? And the new one on the way?” 
     
   “ They are well, I decided to stay home from teaching music today to spend some time with J, he senses some things are about to change so I wanted to spend some time with him, you know make him feel wanted.” 
     
   “ Oh, girl he is a big boy he should be fine, he knows what’s going on. You know he may even be a little excited, because it won’t be just him but he will have a little play mate now. I sometime wish that Ted and I had had another one. But we didn’t.” 
     
   
   
   
   
   The door opens and Joel walks in places his briefcase down, 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ daddy!” 
   
   
   
   
   J hollers out happy to see Joel step into the house. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ hold on Maxey,- 
   
   
   
   
   she puts the phone away from her ear. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   -what are you doing home? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Joel stands up with J in his arms, he walks toward the kitchen. 
   
   
   
   
     
   “ and good morning to you to ?” 
   
   
   
   
   he walks over and pecks her on the cheek. 
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   -the guys are auditing and doing inventory I told them I would be back , I wanted to take a break and see my family,…is that alright? 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   He puts J down. 
   
   
   
   
   “ Max let me call you back.” 
     
     
   
   
   Text: Shalome  Writings All rights reserved. Publication Date: July 14th 2014 https://www.bookrix.com/-wsb57ab07f0eb35