Sorry I'm late, but you have to read this."
Erika waved a greeting card in Serena's face. "Where is Tawana? I need some legal advice."
"Calm down," Serena said. "What is it?"
Serena took the card from Erika and rested her hands on her stomach, which was growing larger by the day. She scanned the words and her head snapped up.
"Elliott has lost his mind."
Erika nodded. "Now you see why I'm late. The potato salad and lemon pound cake were ready to go. But when I opened this card and read the documents folded inside, I lost it."
Serena shook her head.
"I wouldn't be too worried. Elliott will be in jail for at least three more months for assaulting Mara. This request for visitation won't wind its way through the court system by then," she said. "I'm not a lawyer, but I'm sure of that."
Tawana entered the kitchen with an empty plate in her hand.
"The ribs are smokin', Serena," she said. "Micah put his foot in them!”
She glanced at Serena and Erika and frowned.
“Why are you two in here looking so pensive?"
"Elliott is suing me for visitation rights," Erika said. "He's trying to force me to bring Aaron to see him while he's incarcerated."
"Elliott has lost his mind," Tawana said.
Serena laughed. "You've been living here too long; you're starting to sound like me."
"Ah, so that's why you're throwing me a farewell party," Tawana teased.
The late August barbecue was serving numerous purposes.
It was indeed a farewell gathering for Tawana, Misha, and Ms. Carter, who would be returning to Boston soon; but it was also a welcome-to-Richmond party for Micah's sister Evelyn, who had arrived that morning for a two-week visit with her children, Zuri and Tyra. Although their scheduled summer visit had been delayed by an emergency at the day-care center Evelyn operated, she had been determined to come.
The barbecue was also a thank-you celebration for New Hope's ministry leaders, who had been so wonderful during the transition from Stillwell Elementary to Zion Memorial. The backyard was overflowing with food, music, and mingling men, women, and children. Serena's dad was there with Althea and Kami. Rev. Tolliver, the pastor of Zion Memorial, had come with his wife, Ruth.
Tawana looked out of the kitchen window and burst into laughter. A youth leader from New Hope was trying to teach the Tollivers the electric slide.
"I think Reverend Tolliver's got it! He doesn't wear a pacemaker does he?"
Serena swatted Tawana's head and peeked over her shoulder at the dancing minister. "Behave yourself, girl. Here come your friends from the law firm."
Tawana turned to Erika. "Don't worry, Erika. With Elliott's history of abuse, coupled with the fact that he's behind bars, there's very little chance he can force you to take Aaron to the city jail for visits. Before he is released, I'd advise you to request from the court that he be required to undergo counseling and attend parenting classes before he can see Aaron again. For the time being, though, you're okay."
Erika sighed and mouthed "Thank you."
Tawana smiled and headed for the door.
"No problem; let me go say hello to Arlen."
"Just Arlen?" Serena asked, one eyebrow arched.
Tawana paused and smiled. "Let me greet all of my friends, including my bosses."
She stepped outside and Serena turned to Erika. "Feel better?"
Erika nodded and hugged her.
"It's been a rough few weeks, with the drama from Elliott and, well, you know."
Erika picked up the dish of potato salad she had made. "I'll take this outside."
"Not so fast," Serena said. "Someone on the patio wants to talk to you."
Serena slid the door open and stuck her head outside.
"She's here," she said.
Erika almost dropped the food when Derrick—and the striking woman who had been at his home last month— entered the kitchen.
Serena swooped the dish from Erika's arms and disappeared.
The woman stepped forward and extended her hand.
"Erika, I'm Delaney. Derrick's cousin."