One-Shot: Singles Ministry
A/N: One-Shot Prompt from molly9429. 🙂 I hope I did it justice. Thanks!
This starts a year before Lula’s visit to San Antonio.
Mrs. CJ’s POV
Marquise mentions that the young people of the church want to start a singles ministry. I laugh and encourage him to encourage them in that. He grins.
“They want you to join the committee.”
Huh. “Why?”
“You single.”
“I’m widowed.”
“You ain’t married.”
And I never wanna be again. No thank you. I had enough struggle in my life with men. The only men in my life now are my boys and grandsons. That’s enough.
“I don’t think that’s for me. They ain’t trying to match make, is they?”
“Dunno. I’d like you to join and keep an eye on them. Make sure they stay godly.”
I ain’t yo’ strong woman. I stare at Marquise, who blushes. “Please? I asked around. Sometimes singles ministries can be good for the church. Other times they ain’t. You’ve had a long walk with Jesus on your own. You’ll know if what they’re doing is good for the church.”
“If I join this committee, it’ll be cuz I want to.”
I go to the first meeting. It’s headed by Patricia, a lovely young lady who just moved here from Indianapolis. I wonder what Pierre might think of her.
“Well, what I’d like to do is make the singles ministry a starting point for encouraging a closer walk with God among all the members of the church,” she says. She looks around the table. “The best singles ministries I’ve been in have recognized that we need to reach out to all members of the community, from the older widows and widowers,” she nods at me, “to the young singles right out of high school and college. We all have something to add to the body of Christ.”
“Yeah, that may be,” Sister Wilson says, leaning forward, “but we ain’t interested in having some kinda meat market in our church.”
“And where would you like your church members to meet their mates? In the club? Bars?” Patricia fires back. I smile. Good points. “I feel that it’s time for the church to stop being embarrassed about wanting its members to marry and be fruitful within the church.
Time was the entire community ensured that marriages happened within the church. Elders in the church would be on the lookout for good men and women to marry. They encouraged strong families. We need to bring that back, especially the black church.
I hear ya’ll. You moan about all these girls having babies but you’re not part of the solution. The solution is to bring God back into the marriage and help these girls learn to respect themselves. That starts with giving them a firm foundation in God’s love and wisdom.”
Sister Wilson sits back.
I nod. “I agree. My girls stay in church.” Everyone looks at me. “My son demanded his sisters keep their legs closed and respect themselves. They married good, God-fearing men. My youngest is the only one left still single and I worry ’bout her. Ain’t no single men in our church.”
“Ain’t no good single men anywhere,” Sister Thomas snickers.
“I resent that,” Brother Dawson says, frowning. “I’m here. I’m a good man with a good job, single with no kids. I ain’t a thug, so women ain’t interested in me. I’d like to meet a woman who shares my interests and understands I ain’t some thug.”
Every woman at the table is quiet. Patricia and I are smiling.
“I tell you, if you want to find a bunch of men, start with men that just got out of jail or prison. My cousin just got out prison and he’s in church every Sunday and Wednesday. His walk is serious. Look at men who just graduated college. Sons with nothing to do on Sunday. You gon’ have to make it interesting for ’em, but they’ll come. And don’t judge ’em when they get here.”
Patricia smiles. “These are good ideas, but we also need to look at the other end of the spectrum, which is why I asked Deaconess LaPierre to attend. We have widows and widowers in this ministry too. I don’t want to concentrate just on the young. Our older parishioners have needs too. Romance, friendship, companionship, these are good things too.”
“I can’t think of no place I go that I’d need a date,” I say, frowning.
“Really? Is it because you don’t have a date or you don’t have a place to go? Even going to the movies with someone can be fun. Yeah, you can go on your own, but it’s more fun with someone else, hearing their opinions.”
I shrug. Fine. I think I’ll stay on this committee. It could be interesting.
Patricia is a force. She and Marquise organize to have an inter-church Singles Day, where the churches would plan a picnic at a local park in Lafayette, allow their members to meet, cultivate new members and minster to the singles who show.
It’s a good idea and I wanna see how it goes off.
The day arrives and it’s big in Lafayette. 12 churches signed up to attend and all members were told to bring their single relatives, so we switched to the convention center. I take Antoine and Chenae. I wish Pierre was here for this. I want him to meet Patricia.
Antoine immediately takes off and Chenae sticks close to me. She dressed well today. She looks sharp and I’m proud of my little girl. She’s looking around and smiling.
“This is a nice turnout, Momma. Congratulations.”
I laugh. “Don’t congratulate me. Here, lemme introduce you to the woman in charge.” I walk over to Patricia who smiles at Chenae. “Patricia, this is my youngest, Chenae. Chenae is in school at Tulane.”
“Hello! Your mother brags on you all the time. Social work student, right?”
“Right.” Chenae stares hard at Patricia then grins big. “Tau Chapter?”
Patricia laughs. “Where did you cross?”
“Omicron Psi.” They embrace and I grin. When she joined the sorority, Chenae said it would give her an instant point of connection with lots of professional men and women. Pierre and I rolled our eyes but it looks like she was right. She and Patricia immediately start talking sorority business. I wave and walk off.
I have a good time. Us ‘old timers’ start a game of dominoes. I’m a good player so I get my bones and start putting men away. They bring some young boys over and, as long as we not betting, I play ’em. I put ’em all away. Eventually Antoine walks over.
“Momma.” He kisses my cheek and grins. “You need some competition.”
“Bring it, little boy.” My son is a mean dominoes player. We switch the game to play points and Antoine and I start making moves. The pair we playing against is good but it becomes clear that this is a game between me and my son. I empty my hand first, winning the game. Antoine is second cuz he had one tile left. I look up and see we have a big group around us and everyone is cheering me.
I grin and take a quick bow. Antoine escorts me over to the refreshment tables for something to drink. I see him stuffing phone numbers in his pocket. Lord, I hope he’s serious. I’d like to see him get married too. I spot Tamika with her friends and groan. That chile here to start mess.
“Antoine?” He looks at me. “Tamika is here. Don’t start mess and if she starts mess, don’t get involved.”
He nods. “I promise Momma. I won’t.”
I’m in the talk for older church members when Patricia pokes her head in and motions for me to follow her. I follow her and the farther we get from my talk, the quicker I realize what happened.
Tamika and Antoine having a showdown.
“Yo’ ain’t no good. Where my child support, huh? Don’t take care of your boys, don’t do shit ‘cept smoke weed and try to rap. You ain’t shit.”
“And you had his babies,” I reply calmly. She swings around to me. I don’t like getting into it wit’ Tamika because she is my grandsons’ mother, but that’s my son.
I need to cut this short fast. Nearly everyone is watching and I hate seeing my son embarrassed. He holding his peace but I can see it’s taking effort. “You say he ain’t shit? You ain’t shit, either. You had two babies for him, two for someone else, and you pregnant with a fifth. Ain’t you tired of having babies yet?”
“Oh, you one to talk, Deaconess. Who the daddy of yo’ babies?! You had five. You can’t talk.”
“My husband fathered each of my children and I worked like a dog to support ’em. You sit on your behind and collect child support from my son and benefits from the government. Get off yo’ behind and work like I did. Antoine works. What he does in his off-hours is his business. He came here today for Godly purposes.” Jesus, don’t strike me down for that one if it ain’t true. “Why are you here?”
“I’m here for a man, like the other women here.”
I shake my head. “That ain’t what a singles ministry is about, Tamika.” I look at Antoine, who’s calmed down and looks faintly amused. “And you’re welcome.”
She rolls her neck. “For what?”
“That when I spotted you here earlier, I asked Antoine to keep his peace. Otherwise my son mighta cussed you out.”
“You know Antoine’s baby momma showed out.” Lots of laughter.
“How’d she even know he was there?”
“I mighta made a few calls. We needed more people from Carencro.” Lots of laughs at that.
“You surprised? Antoine’s a mess. All Carol Jean’s other children are fine. Pierre is a real success, her girls have degrees and good jobs. Antoine’s the only failure.”
I walk in in time to respond to that last statement. “My son is not a failure.” The gossip group stares at me. Marquise’s wife, Anjette, and her two cronies. Every single one of ’em had a child by my husband and they like to act they shit don’t stink. They the source of the rumors that I stepped out on my husband, trying to cover they shit.
“Antoine might not be the visible success like his siblings, but he’s not a failure and if you want to say that about my child, let’s talk about yours, Anjette. Key’s a fry cook. Shay’s on her fourth baby daddy. Louis is dead in some gang mess. I bet they daddies is real proud.”
I stare hard at her and pray forgiveness from Marquise for that. I’m tired of people dumping on Antoine. I’m not sure what he does at the music studio but I know he’s in the process of buying it. That means he must have a little bit of money. He a success just like Pierre, Wilma, Thelma, and Chenae. He just quiet about it.
Patricia walks in and we start the meeting. The inter-church meeting was a big success and our church singles ministry is a force now. We got a lot of interest from that meeting and we had a lot of new faces at the church the next day. I never shook so many hands in my life. I’m hoping these new people join and add to the church.
“I’m coming for a visit next week, Momma.”
“Pierre! Oh that’s wonderful. OK, Imma clean the house—”
“Momma, don’t put yourself out. I just need to rest and relax. I thought we might go fishing.”
Fishing? Uh oh. “What happened, baby?” Silence. “Pierre?”
“I need some time to clear my mind.”
Code for something happened between him and Lula. I wanna meet this Lula woman. She must be special for Pierre to need to go fishin’. She got my son hung up in knots like I’ve never seen. “Good point. I ain’t been fishing in a while. I cook, you clean.”
“Deal.”
“Church?”
“If I must.”
“Yes, you must. Besides, I wanna introduce you to someone. Wear a nice tie.”
“I’m not interested in meeting some woman, Momma.”
“Your sisters wanna see you and you need to hear the word. I’m sure the only time you go is when I force you.” Silence. “Umm hmm. I thought so. Bring a suit and tie, Pierre.”
“Yes, Momma.” Click.
I wonder what he’ll think of Patricia.
Pierre and I spend a relaxing week near Vermilion Bay catching redfish. Pierre don’t say much but it’s clear my son is in love and confused. I don’t press him to talk to me. He a man; if he need me, he know he can ask me what he needs to know.
We return to Carencro on Saturday and Pierre accompanies me to church the next day. Because it’s Pierre, I go all out to match my son. I pull my nicest green skirt suit and the matching hat. I find my white gloves and apply some makeup. I finish the look with some sturdy two inch heels. I walk out and Pierre grins and whistles.
“I hate you wasting that fine on me, Momma.”
I laugh and slap his arm. “My handsome son is taking me to church. I gotta step it up to stand by him.”
He’s got on his black, custom-tailored Richard James suit and a Charvet tie. I looked those up after his last visit and realized that my son’s low-key, classic conservative suit was Savile Row, worth serious money, especially since it had been custom tailored for him. He picks up our Bibles and starts the rental Escalade while I lock the house. He opens my door, ensures I’m settled in the car, and we take off.
Our arrival at church causes women to stop and stare. Wilma and Thelma immediately stop they conversations to run over to hug him. They had no idea he was here. My grandchildren all run at him screaming “Uncle Pierre!” He’s immediately hugging all the children who have jumped on him, which causes a few giggles among the usher and deacon boards. I hold my hat and look around covertly. Patricia is gapin’ at my son. Good. Wilma and Thelma leave to get prepared for their choir duties and the children drop off Pierre and start playing again.
Antoine and Chenae show 10 minutes later, Antoine in his suit and tie like I asked him. Antoine’s suit is Brooks Brothers and I know that’s a good chunk of change too. Not thousands of dollars like Pierre’s but definitely more expensive than anyone else here. I’ve wondered what made him buy that suit. Chenae looks pretty and polished, as always, and I told her to wear a hat. It’s a classy little number and matches her outfit and shoes well.
After greeting his brothers-in-law, brother and sister, Pierre hands me my Bible and offers me his arm. I grin and walk into the church on my son’s arm with my eldest son and youngest daughter right behind me.
I’m making a statement today.
My children are successes. All of ’em.
The church is rocking today and I’m having a good time. So is Pierre. He was raised in the church and, when I can drag him in, he usually enjoys a good service. Antoine accompanies me more often, so he’s known. It’s a packed house and I grinned when I realized it got even more packed 30 minutes after we arrived. Every woman here musta called her friends cuz Pierre has been the sole object of interest all morning. I know this makes him uncomfortable but he’ll stick it out for me. Antoine has been smirking all morning.
Service ends and it’s time for fellowship. I usually cut before they serve the meal and serve a meal at my house. I told Wilma and Thelma that Pierre needed peace and quiet. They understood and I’ve told Chenae to join her sisters for dinner. She’s pouting because she’s not getting a chance to spend much time with Pierre, but she’ll obey. Antoine says he needs to get back to the studio, so it’ll just be me and Pierre for lunch, like I want. Pierre is surrounded by eager young women trying to introduce themselves. Wilma and Thelma are running interference for him, but the fact that he just picked up Lisa and let her go to sleep on his broad shoulder just made more women fall in love with him. He good with children.
The single men are staring hard. They know they can’t step to him. My son’s Army Ranger background is known. They know he’s deadly, sleeping niece or not. I can see they trying to figure out where the gun is.
Patricia’s been watching him all morning, real discreet. I finally get close enough to introduce them.
“Patricia, this is my son Pierre. Pierre, Patricia Johnson.”
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Johnson. My mother tells me you’re experiencing great success with your singles ministry.”
She smiles faintly and holds a hand out to shake. “Yes, I’m enjoying the work. It’s a calling for me.”
Pierre’s silent for a moment. “Divinity student?”
She looks at him in shock. “Yes. How did you know?”
He smiles and says nothing else. Patricia continues to stare at him and I see Pierre has no intention to say anything more, so I wave goodbye and we walk off.
Instead of us going home for dinner, Pierre drives to Lafayette and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. I like this place and they vegetable sides are real good. We order and Pierre smiles faintly.
“Trying to set me up, Momma?”
“No. How did you know she was a divinity student?”
“When she said it was a calling for her, I saw that passion burning in her eyes. It was deep.”
I nod and smile. My son. He reads people. “So what you think of her?”
He clenches his jaw and stares at the menu. “I think that I might be interested if Lula wasn’t on my mind.”
That makes up my mind. Lula is the one for him. I need to meet this woman. She has my son’s heart and she need to claim it.
Patricia calls by the house the next morning. Pierre acknowledges her but heads out for his run.
“Sister LaPierre, I have an idea that will be slightly controversial so I would like your thoughts.” She’s still staring after Pierre.
“OK.” I motion for her to sit. I start on some breakfast for Pierre when he returns and some breakfast for us now.
“I would like to do a speed dating exercise.”
I stare at her. “You gonna have to explain that one to me, baby.”
She smiles. “Well, I notice there’s a lot of interest between members of the church but some are out of practice with approaching someone. The younger members know how to approach someone in the clubs but not in a more . . . less uninhibited setting.”
I laugh. “They trying they Saturday night moves on Sunday morning?”
She releases a relieved breath. “Yes! I knew you’d understand.”
I laugh. “So what you need?”
“Reverend Fulmer listens to your counsel. I know I’ll get blow back on this one, which is why I’d like your help. Speed dating is just enough time for everyone to learn how to introduce themselves and get a few facts about themselves out without feeling like they need to keep going. We give them a score card and if both parties mark yes, we share their information with the match and allow them to get to know each other.”
“You don’t think that’ll be more awkward?”
She shakes her head and accepts the plate of shrimp, grits, and eggs. “No ma’am. Knowing you only have 3-4 minutes to make an impression means you don’t have time to fool around. Gotta be fast. Say something.”
We talk the idea over as I fix Pierre’s breakfast. Half a broiled grapefruit (gotta find my citrus spoons), hot black tea with no sugar, and dry toast. I fry three eggs. He need some protein for that big body.
I think on her idea as Pierre walks back in the door. My son. Too handsome for his own good. Patricia’s fork has stopped halfway to her mouth. Pierre walked in topless, wiping his face and chest with his t-shirt, but he got a good healthy shine going on that body. My son’s body is beautiful and strong and Patricia’s eyes have glazed over. He nods at her, accepts the glass of water I hold out for him, and disappears to the bathroom. We hear the shower go and Patricia swallows hard. She looks at me.
“He’s single but I think he may have a lady. I’m not sure.”
She nods, shoulders slumped. “He get single, let me know.”
I smile and nod. Sorry honey, but his heart belong to Tallulah.
I get dressed for this speed datin’ thing. I thought it was a good idea but Patricia threw me when she suggested that I participate.
“The older members just as bad. Ya’ll rely on your connections to help you meet someone. If you don’t know someone who knows your interest, you’re stuck.”
Well, that’s the truth, so I get pretty for this thang. I show up to the church, accept my badge with my number on it, and sit at a little table. Patricia stands up, introduces herself, and explains how this works. Three minutes, introduce yourself and talk. No pressure.
We’ll see. The whistle blows and the first man sits down in front of me.
“Marvin.”
“Carol Jean.”
He smiles. “Nice to meet you, CJ. What you do?”
I stare at him for a moment. “Carol Jean and I’m retired.”
He sits back, the smile gone. “My bad, Miss Thang. What you retired from?”
“I was a domestic.”
“And you retired? How?”
None of your business. “The Lord made a way. What do you do?”
“I work at Lafayette Utilities. What you do for fun?”
“I read, watch TV, serve in the church, and visit my children and grandchildren.”
“How many you got?”
“Five children, six grandchildren. You?”
“Six children. Twelve grandchildren. I like to watch sports. I follow the Saints on TV.”
I nod and the bell rings. Thank god, but Patricia was right on this. Just enough time to realize I don’t like him and it makes me grateful I don’t have to spend no mo’ time with him.
The second man sits.
“Hello. I’m Larry.”
“Carol Jean. Pleased to meet you.”
“You married?”
I look at him funny. “What?”
“The woman over there say you married.” I look over. Anjette waves her fingers. I lean back and sigh.
“I’m widowed.”
“You kill him?”
I look at him. “Leave.” He stands up and waits for the bell to ring. I motion for Patricia. “Tell Reverend I need to speak to him.”
She nods and the bell rings.
“Hello.”
“Hi.” This one is smiling at me. I don’t like his smile. It remind me of Antoine, my husband, when he bout to get into something. This one is sizing me up and he look to be too young. “You done?”
“You Antoine’s momma, right?”
“Yes. You know my son?”
“Yeah. I used to work with him.” Well, that’s a no.
“Oh yeah? Doin’ what?”
“Track production. Where yo’ daughter?”
“Which one?”
“Chenae.”
“School. Why you ask?”
“Nice ass on that girl. I figured she got it from her momma.”
“Get yo’ uncouth ass up from this table.” Blessed be, Jesus. I apologize for cussing in your house.
Marquise come over. “James, good to see you. You mind? I need to have a quick chat with Mrs. Carol Jean here.”
“Sure.” He gets up and I’m grateful.
“What’s wrong?”
“Get yo’ wife under control,” I hiss. Marquise blushes. “I mean it. She told the second man I was married. Now, I been respecting yo’ wife for years and not calling her out, but she can’t seem to respect me back. I ’bout had it. Check her or I will.”
“Right. I’ll handle that, Carol Jean. Thank you,” Marquise says quietly. He stands up to leave and I review my card.
Jesus help me.
At the end of the night, I check three men I might be a little more interested in and leave. I don’t make any matches.
I go home and eat some ice cream. My feelings is hurt for some reason. I been a good woman for years, raised five good children, serve my church and my God faithfully, and I’ve been blessed. I don’t want a man, necessarily, but I guess I’m vain enough to want to know I’m still desirable.
I still like to hear I’m pretty.
Singles ministry meeting is breaking up on Tuesday night when I hear my name being called.
“Sister LaPierre?”
I turn. I remember this man from service last week. “Yes.”
He smiles. “William Daniels. Pleasure to meet you. Wondering if you were busy this Friday night.”
I cock my head to the side. “Perhaps. You need something?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to see a movie.”
Oh. He askin’ for a date. I don’t know what to say. “Oh. Ah. Sure.”
He smiles. “I know. I can’t figure out what’s more awkward. Asking a pretty girl at 15 or asking a pretty woman at 56.”
I laugh. “I think that never goes away.” I give him my address and phone number and leave.
Thank you, Jesus. Yo’ time, not mine. I’ll remember that in future.
Friday night I’m looking in my closet. William is supposed to be here in an hour and I can’t figure out what to wear. The doorbell rings and I panic. I’m not ready. My hair a mess, I’m in my panties and slip and house shoes. I hear the door open and calm down. It’s one of my children.
“Momma?” Wilma, and Thelma with her. Thelma has a suit cover.
“Girls. You need something?”
They grin. “We hear you got a hot date.”
“Damn! Everyone talks too much,” I grouse. I’m already nervous. The girls laugh.
“Well, we thought you might need some help, so…” Thelma removes the suit cover to show a nice dress. Something in my size and in a bright pretty pink. OK. I calm down.
“OK, I have hair and Thelma will give you a quick manicure. You already took your shower, right Momma?”
“Yeah.”
“Great.”
I slip into my housedress and sit on the bed and relax while my daughters primp me. Wilma calls Chenae and they put her on speaker so she can be involved. Chenae starts telling me silly stories from college to make me laugh and calm me down. Antoine shows up 30 minutes later and simply watches his sisters primp me.
The door rings right on time and I’m nervous again. Antoine motions for me to take my time.
“I got the door, Momma.”
“Have some manners, Antoine,” Thelma says. Antoine throws her a nasty look but leaves the room. Wilma combs out all the pretty curls she just put in and I test my fingernails. They dry, so the girls help me into my dress and give me a quick spritz of perfume. Wilma hands me my purse, then looks at it.
“Lord no. Purse, not satchel.” She digs in my closet for a smaller purse then puts my wallet, keys, phone, mints, and lipstick into it.
“You missing something,” Thelma says. Wilma and I look at her. My purse has everything but Thelma passes over a 3-pack of Trojans. I look at her, wild-eyed, while they laugh. “Hey, you might decide to give him a little more than a goodnight buss after the movie.”
“Fools,” but I put the condoms in the purse.
It’s been almost two decades. I wonder if I even remember what one looks like.
William Daniels is a handsome man. Six foot, solid and broad, he’s a gentleman the entire evening. We see a Tyler Perry movie and debate it over milkshakes later. He a good conversationalist and he interesting. He just moved to the area but he from Abbeville. Good. It’ll be easy to find out about his people.
We start seeing each other at least every other week. Patricia saw me at a singles ministry meeting and she didn’t say anything, but she clapped me on the back and smiled. Her successful ministry has nearly doubled the size of the church and Marquise told her she has an associate minister position here the moment she graduates divinity school.
“You know she only joined the singles ministry to find a man.”
“She too old. He a good looking man. She look like a tar baby.”
“Humph. Don’t worry. That kitty hadn’t changed its stripes. I’m sure she sleeping with him. I wonder who his people is.”
Anjette back on that same mess. I wonder if Marquise know.
William and I been seeing each other for a few months before I decide to sleep with him. I forgot what a penis looks like but he sho’ reminded me how good one felt. I wake up the next morning feeling good, and sore, in places that had cobwebs growing. We only needed two of them condoms. We ain’t 20 no more.
I fix him some breakfast and he praise it, and kiss me, before leaving. My phone starts blowing up.
“Momma?”
“Yes, Thelma?”
“I’m hearing that William just left yo’ house. What’s going on Momma? Are you OK?”
“Oh, I’m fine, baby.” I’m grinning and looking at my hair. Time for the hair dresser.
“Oh. OH!” I hear her laugh. “He clean the pipes?”
“Spic and span,” I laugh.
“OK. I was worried. Thought he mighta stayed cuz you were ill or sick. You need anything, Momma?”
“Condoms.”
She laughs and hangs up.
Antoine is next.
“Momma?”
“Yes, son?”
“You OK?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Why?”
“No reason. Well, I mean, I heard that William just left yo’ house. Got worried.”
“I’m fine.”
“I don’t wanna take this conversation no further, do I?”
“Nope.”
“OK. Glad to know you OK, Momma.” Click.
Wilma’s and Chenae’s calls are just like Thelma’s and Antoine’s. Wilma cheered me on. Chenae seemed disturbed.
Pierre’s call was the most interesting.
“Momma?”
“Pierre?”
“He make you happy?”
I grin. “Oh yeah, he sho’ did that, baby.”
“More than I wanna know, Momma. Long as he ain’t selfish. Can’t wait to meet him.”
“I can’t wait for you to meet him, baby.” Click.
A week later, Pierre calls and says that he’s coming for a visit. All his boys will be with him this time. I grin and dance a jig.
I love his friends. That Lester is the funniest young man I ever met. Bobby has the background and upbringing that I know Pierre wish he had, but he’s not judgmental. Bobby got a good head on his shoulders and a good heart in his chest. I wish Chenae would get over her crush on him. It’s deep and I’m starting to worry it’s more than just puppy love.
I have a special place in my heart for Carlos, Ranger. I’ve learned that the less Pierre speaks about someone, the closer to his heart they are. It took me withholding desserts from them to find out that Ranger and Pierre are partners. They told me a few stories, which I’m sure they cleaned up, that explained how they became such close partners and friends. I’ve watched Pierre and Ranger communicate without saying a word. It’s a beautiful thing to see Pierre have close friends.
The boys arrive a week later. I know the rules. I don’t cook, I don’t clean. Pierre didn’t even have to ask his boys to step up. They took me to the side, during their very first visit, and told me that they were grown men. They didn’t want me cleaning up behind them. They respected me and my home and I wasn’t there to serve them.
I’ve sat on my behind and watched those boys vacuum and dust my house during a visit to keep me from cleaning. So I stack fresh linens and fill the fridge. They take care of everything else.
Ranger and Pierre exit the rental F-150 and Ranger strides over to me. I’m happy to see him and he picks me up and twirls me around.
“Mrs. CJ!” I get a kiss on the cheek and I’m grinning.
“Ranger! Boy, you getting’ thin! How many pounds you wanna gain on this trip?”
He blushes and the other boys laugh. Lester and Bobby have a Tahoe. These boys never rent small cars.
“Let’s keep it in the single digits.”
Bobby and Lester hug and kiss me and they all troop into the house. They divide up the rooms, schedule the shower among themselves and iron and hang clothes. I’m always amused by that but Lester says it’s that Army ethic. Always have your uniform ready for use as a moment’s notice. They in the living room, pigging out on fresh fruit, when the doorbell rings. It’s Friday night and I have a date, so I get my things and when I come out, all the boys are staring hard at William, who is staring back.
“Oh. Well, I guess we need some introductions. William, this is my son Pierre and his friends, Ranger, Bobby and Lester. Boys, this is William Daniels.”
I look at Pierre. I wanna know what my son thinks. I enjoy my time with William but if Pierre say he no good, this will be our last date.
Pierre turns to me. “You couldn’t do better than a jarhead?”
I’m astonished and embarrassed but William laughs. “It’s alright. You know the Army has it all backwards?” He winks at me. “YMRA SU, which means Yes, My Retarded Ass Signed Up. Or, Ain’t Ready to be Marines Yet.”
The boys all laugh. They each shake William’s hand and Pierre kisses me on the cheek. “Have fun, Momma.”
William takes my hand and we get in the car. William looks at me and smiles. “If I’da flunked that son, this would be our last date, huh?”
“Glad you recognized it.”
Knowing he has Pierre’s approval takes a load of weight off my shoulders. Now I feel OK being intimate with him. This ain’t my husband and this ain’t Marcus. I can feel free to be open to this man.
“I can’t believe her ugly ass landed a man that handsome.”
“I know! Shit, I was interested in him but he can’t see me for that ugly chile in his face all the time.”
“Don’t worry. It’s just for sex. He just need some kitty and she easy enough to give it to him.”
“Girl, you a fool. That man is interested in Pierre. Pierre got money, honey.”
I’m done. I had it. Jesus, just let me last through this day. I gotta get away from church and the Sabbath before I break Anjette’s behind open.
Ain’t but three people around here that know the secret ’bout Marquise. I respected my husband’s best friend and his brother and kept my mouth closed, but his wife can’t give me that same courtesy, so I’m done. I’m done talking to her and I’m done pleading with him. I’ll change churches if need be. Marquise is a very good preacher but if he can’t control his wife, then his house has a shaky foundation.
Service finally ends and I leave. I’m fuming and the children know to stay out of my line of sight. They smart, though. They put the grands in front of me to calm me down and it works. Antoine has Quint and Jayson today and all the grandchildren is playing outside when the children finally start asking questions. They put Pierre and Chenae on the phone and Chenae has a fit. She ready to drive over from New Orleans and beat Anjette down but Pierre is surprisingly calm. Everyone is curious. Pierre don’t take disrespect to me lightly.
“Momma?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“My opinion? You not gon’ win the direct battle with her because she has time and friends to fight her battle. You’ll come across looking mean and short.”
“You saying Momma should just take this?” Antoine says quietly. I know that look. He furious.
“Nope. I’m saying that Momma has something Anjette don’t. She has influence. Reverend Fulmer make decisions based on Momma’s opinion. Committee heads look to Momma’s opinion on what they should do. They ain’t looking at Anjette and she the First Lady. Momma is the power in the church. She the true First Lady. Be interesting to see what might happen if Momma pull back from all her committees and stops giving advice until Anjette get a permanent leash.
And if I were you, Momma, I’d start with Patricia Johnson. Her singles ministry doubled the size of the church and you been real active helping her. Be interesting if Momma let it be known she was thinking of leaving the church because the First Lady is abusive to her. Let Patricia hear that and just sit back. Thelma, Wilma, y’all make it clear you prepared to follow Momma to her new church home. I say Anjette will have a leash in two weeks flat. Probably less.”
Antoine smiles and nods. “Good plan.” He looks at me. “I do the sound and video editing for Reverend Fulmer at my studio, for the DVDs and CDs he sell. I’ll pull my support too.”
“Thank you, baby,” I tell him quietly. He squeezes my hands.
I mighta had a shit husband, but my babies are my blessing. I stayed and prayed and did what was right and I was blessed with children who come when I need ’em.
I tell Marquise that I’m resigning from all my committees and groups except Deacon Board. He’s shocked.
“Why, Carol Jean?” He honestly looks panicked.
“Because your wife can’t respect me. She constantly gossips and whispers about me in this church. I come to church to have my spirit refreshed, not drained. I’m tired, Marquise. I asked her for years to stop lying on me, and I kept my counsel out of respect for you but I can’t continue. I’m breakable like the next person. Imma start shopping for a new church home, one where I can go and be respected.”
Marquise sits back, pale. I stand and smile sadly at him.
“I’ve loved being here Marquise, but yo’ wife gon’ get her way. I’m leaving.”
I walk out and wait for the results.
Within a week, the head of every committee I’m on calls or drops by to convince me to stay. I’m polite but firm. The First Lady is the problem and I’m leaving. Patricia is the most furious when she leaves. Wilma and Thelma also let it be known that they’re leaving and Antoine sends Marquise a notice of intent to terminate their business relationship. The pressure is building.
Ten days after I speak to Marquise, he motions for me to follow him to his office.
“I’ve told my wife that she will end her harassment of you immediately and she will ensure that everyone that was beating you down will stop immediately.”
“You’ve done that before.”
“Never under threat of divorce.”
I sit back, eyes wide. Marquise looks sad and tired, but resolute.
“You ain’t the only one been suffering her tongue and I realized you right. She stepped out on me, repeatedly, and then has no shame to be embarrassed. Instead she threw my difficulties in my face. She hasn’t honored our marriage at all. You was in an abusive one and you still stayed and stayed faithful. My wife hasn’t shown a fraction of your strength. I haven’t shown a fraction of your strength, embarrassed that I felt like less than a man.”
Marquise looks ready to break and I reach a hand out. He moves from behind his desk and moves to the chair next to me. We grasp hands and sit quietly for a few minutes.
“I meant it,” he says. “I’m ready to end it. I been accepting it for damn near 30 years. This is foolishness.”
“Then let’s pray. Let’s ask God for his direction.”
A week later, I tell everyone I’m staying. I love my church. I slowly start participating in my committees again. Everyone is happy, including Marquise.
After consulting a lawyer, he files on Anjette.
“Momma?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m moving to San Antonio in a few weeks.”
I sit, shocked. “When? Where are you going to live? You need me to go find you an apartment? You—”I start making lists of things he might need and what I can do to make this move easy for him.
“I’m opening a branch in San Antonio. Me, Bobby and Lester are finishing off the master plan. We’ll be in San Antonio for at least a year.”
I can feel the tears. I’m so happy. My son will finally be less than a plane ride away. “Baby, that’s wonderful. I can’t wait to see you. What about Ranger?”
“He’s on assignment. He’ll join us in San Antonio when it’s over.”
“OK, baby. I can’t wait for you to come home.”
“I’m looking forward to it, Momma. I had it with snow.” We laugh and hang up.
Pierre’s move to Texas makes it around Carencro in hours. Women start talking about him like he they property. My in-laws get excited. They’ll be able to plug Pierre for money directly instead of having to humble themselves before me. I laugh. They don’t know my son, which is they own fault.
Pierre moves to San Antonio two weeks later, which provides a welcome high. William tells me that his company wants him to work out of the New Orleans office. That’s a two hour drive one way, so he wants to get established in New Orleans first then he’ll call me. I consider that goodbye.
Pierre tells me not to assume that. Give him some time. If he doesn’t call, then it was goodbye. If he calls, he’s still interested.
I ask him why he thinks that.
“It’s what I told Lula.”
I take my son’s words on faith. William calls me two weeks later. He’s gonna be there for six months then he’s moving home. He wanna call me every week. I’m OK with that and Thursday night become our phone night. Two weeks later, Pierre calls me to tell me Lula’s just arrived for a visit. He’ll bring her to visit me soon.
No he ain’t. I been hearing about this woman for three years. Imma meet his woman NOW.
