“To be honest, I’m not even sure what just happened.” Suave went and sat on the couch. “I never talked to anyone about that before. I don’t even like to cry in front of people like that.” Suave shook his head in amazement. What’s going on?
“So, when is our next session?”
Suave shook his head, a little smile pulling at his mouth. Annette Clark reminded him so much of his mother. “You know you’re just as pushy as your husband, right?”
“Yup, we’re like two peas in a pod.” Annette and Suave shared a laugh.
Chapter Forty-five
Suave stood in front of his wardrobe mirror, examining himself head to toe. His long, freshly washed and waxed dreads were pulled back in a ponytail that hung luxuriously down his back. A huge diamond earring, the size of a marble, glittered in his left earlobe. The Boss three-piece, black suit with a white silk shirt and black tie fit his tall, muscular frame to perfection. On his feet, black silk Armani socks were enclosed by his shiny Salvatore Ferragamo patent leather shoes. It was Sunday morning, and Suave was ready for church.
“Okay, let’s get this over with,” Suave said to his handsome reflection in the mirror. “I just need to suffer through this until that murder charge is dropped. Then I’ll be a free man.”
Suave noted the time on the diamond Rolex on his right wrist, then strolled over to get his wallet and cell phone resting on the bed. The phone rang as soon as he touched it. He was pleasantly surprised when he looked at the caller ID. “Monica? Baby, is that you?”
“Hello, Suave. It’s Mother Lambert,” replied Monica’s mother. “How are you, son?”
“I’m okay, ma’am. Is Monica okay? Did she have the baby? How are they doing?”
“Slow down, my dear.” Mother Lambert laughed lightly. “Let’s take one question at a time. Yes, Monica gave birth to your son last night. They are both doing all right.”
Suave sat down on the edge of the bed, a big grin on his face. “Thank you for calling and letting me know.”
Mother Lambert always liked Suave, unlike her husband. She often told Suave that she didn’t like his lifestyle and what he did for a living, but he had a good heart. “One day, God is going to turn you around and use you for His kingdom,” she had often said.
“Now, Monica is still pretty upset about Joel’s kidnapping. She forbade me to call you, but I think you should know what’s going on with your family.”
“I appreciate it, ma’am. I hope Monica will come home as soon as the doctor says it’s okay so I can see my son.”
“Why don’t you come for a visit, son? I haven’t seen you in a while.”
Suave’s eyes widened in alarm. How could he tell her that he couldn’t leave the country because he was on bail for a murder? “Umm, well, I... I have a personal matter I’m taking care of right now. I won’t be able to get away for a while.”
Mother Lambert was silent for a few seconds. “Suave, are you in trouble? Or, should I say, serious trouble? God knows with what you do, you’re always in trouble. Son?”
“Not really, just a few issues that I have to take care of,” Suave informed her. “I have everything under control.”
Mother Lambert sucked her teeth. “The only person who has things under control is God. You know I’ve been praying for you since you got my daughter pregnant, and she moved out to shack up with you? It may have taken a long time for a change, but God does things in His own time.”
Suave tugged on the tie around his neck. His air conditioner was on full blast, but all this “God” talk was really getting to him. He hadn’t even gone to church yet. “May I please speak to Raven and Rayden?”
“I know you’re changing the subject. Anyway, they are not here right now,” Mother Lambert told him. “Their grandfather took them to visit their baby brother in the hospital. I’ll make sure they call you as soon as they return.”
“I’m on my way to church, so—”
“Church? Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord! You are a God of miracles! Is there anything too hard for you, Lord?”
Suave silently mimicked Mother Lambert, thankful she couldn’t see him, as she gave God thanks for Suave going to church. Why didn’t I just keep my big mouth shut? Suave pondered. If she only knew the reason I was going. Suave had yet to realize that the Lord would get his attention one way or the other.
“Mother Lambert? Ma’am? Hello?” Suave tried to interrupt the praise session, knowing it had the potential to go on all morning. “Ma’am, I am running late.”
That did the trick. Mother Lambert quickly settled down, breathing heavily into the phone. “Okay. I won’t keep you, dear. You go on and give God the glory and the honor due unto His name. Just wait until Monica and Mr. Lambert hear about this.”
“Great,” Suave responded sarcastically. “I’ll call the kids when I get back. Thanks for calling.” He quickly hung up the phone before Mother Lambert started up again.
Suddenly, Suave felt a pressure in the middle of his forehead and bent over slightly, his face toward the carpeted floor. “I don’t think I’m going to make it to church after all,” he mumbled, rubbing his forehead. His head was hurting and feeling light.
“That’s because you’re scared,” said a mocking, sing-songy voice. “You were always a little coward.”
Suave closed his eyes and didn’t say a word. He knew he wasn’t sleeping, so it wasn’t a nightmare. Therefore, he must be losing his mind. Taking deep breaths in and exhaling out, Suave pulled off his tie and threw it behind him on the bed. The room now seemed to be swaying a little. He was feeling dizzy.
“You can ignore me as much as you want, but I’m not going anywhere.” Pastor Ralph laughed loudly, dancing around on the
