Chapter 31
Monday morning presented a fresh start. Joel had survived the series of letdowns from last week. He sat on a park bench as Mother Walker’s words circled in his mind. She had told him to call her Big Mama, and he would in person, but Joel had become accustomed to her more formal name. Regardless of which name she used, her messages were like double-sided tape. Once she attached a message to you, there was no way to escape. A person was stuck with trying to understand the implications. Odd as it sounded, he was as glad to see Mother Walker as he had been intimidated. Usually, he didn’t have a clue about what she was saying. Yesterday was no exception. He understood the need to rebuild his faith and his reliance on God’s plan. He was open to developing his spiritual prowess. The problem was Mother Walker didn’t provide definitive instructions for what he needed to do. She might as well have given him a treasure chest without the key. When Joel finally figured out how to open the chest, he might be forty years old, well beyond his prime.
If worrying was effective, he’d gladly partake. Even in the middle of a spiritual drought, he knew worrying wasn’t the answer. So he didn’t. He stretched his arms out across the bench. The air was chilly, but not so frigid that he wanted to pack up and leave. Minor discomforts he could handle. It was the major ones that threatened to knock him onto the canvas.
Mother Walker wasn’t the only visitor consuming his thoughts this morning. Zarah had an equal presence. What was going on with her? He had thoroughly enjoyed the last couple of encounters. He wasn’t familiar with the enthusiastic, intelligent, and passionate side of Zarah. His memory was lined with the unflattering remnants of a dull, docile, and dependent girl. He wanted the woman who could challenge him professionally, could stand her ground spiritually, and was able to capture the attention of every onlooker in the room. Any woman who brought less to the relationship wasn’t likely to get the best from him. Iron sharpened iron. He was on top of his game when there was an equal exchange. He had an indescribable bond with Sheba, a mutual exchange of support and respect, a natural fit. He patted his chest, thinking about Sheba, until the image of Zarah aggressively cut in. She didn’t seem to be fleeing. He sat on the bench and let the sweet memories of both women marinate.
The ringing zapped his period of reflection. He fumbled to get the phone out of his pocket and answered quickly when he saw the number displayed.
“Uncle Frank, just the man I wanted to hear from,” he said. “What’s the good news?”
“It’s a bust, nephew.”
The statement sliced into him. “Oh, come on, Uncle Frank. I thought you had clout with these guys.”
“My clout isn’t the problem. It’s your bank account. They want eight hundred million. Based on our last conversation, that number seems too big for your wallet.”
Joel was getting riled up. He stood and put his foot on the bench. “How can they justify eight hundred million dollars for one small division? That’s ridiculous!” he shouted. “That’s highway robbery!”
Uncle Frank chuckled. “What do you expect? These are simple businessmen trying to make a profit on their investment, the investment you handed to them on a silver platter, nephew.”
Joel was aware of how these guys had acquired the division. He didn’t need Uncle Frank to remind him of his mistake. They needed to dwell on the present and let the past stay buried.
“You told me this deal was coming in at seven hundred million, not eight.”
“Do you have seven hundred?” Uncle Frank fired back.
“No,” Joel replied quietly. His mother would gladly donate something to his cause, although she had nowhere near seven or eight hundred. He wouldn’t dare ask Sheba. Joel was on his own, and he wanted it that way. “I don’t have seven, but—”
“But nothing,” Uncle Frank interrupted, and then chuckled. His incessant chuckling was driving Joel batty. “You don’t get it, do you? These cats are no joke. They’re not playing games. If you want the division, show them the money. If you don’t have it, shut up and stop wasting my time. Otherwise, I’ll have to charge you for these consulting sessions with or without a deal.”
Joel considered sharing a few choice words with his uncle, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. As much as he hated what his uncle was saying, Joel acknowledged there was a great deal of underlying truth. Uncle Frank didn’t create the original problem. It was a result of Joel’s handiwork. He was humbled and had to fully accept the consequences of his decisions.
“Uncle Frank?”
“What?” his uncle replied with resounding agitation in his voice.
“Thank you for reaching out to your investors on my behalf. It didn’t work out, but I appreciate your effort.”
A reaction he didn’t expect to hear followed.
“Hang in there, nephew. You’re smart, and you know how to make things happen. You’re going to land on your feet. I’m sure of it.” Joel wasn’t seeking validation, but it was a welcomed surprise from his father’s brother. “Take my advice. When you make a deal, always make sure it’s an equal exchange. If you’re giving up too much to close a deal, then it’s probably one you should walk away from.” Uncle Frank chuckled. It didn’t bother Joel this time. He was in a different place emotionally. And the advice didn’t sting. Joel actually found it insightful. “I’m giving you this tidbit for free, no charge on this one.”
They said their good-byes and terminated the call, along with Joel’s plan.