I know they say there are a lot of fish in the sea, but you're my Nemo. Unknown
Khalil was impressed. From the outside alone, the house looked twice as big as his parents' house. He walked up to the door, rang the doorbell, and waited. It didn't take long before the door opened and he was greeted by a woman who introduced herself as Priscilla. She ushered him inside, through the foyer, and into a space he assumed was the family room.
Priscilla offered him a seat and asked him if she could get something for him like water, soda, tea or something stronger. He declined.
After sitting alone in the welcoming family room for about five minutes, Dee appeared. She looked stunning, even better than when he first met her. Khalil swallowed hard.
"Hi, I’m sorry. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," she said as she walked into the family room. For the first time, Khalil noticed that something was wrong with her right arm and hand. It dangled closely to her body. It wasn't that he was annoyed or turned off by it, it was just his observation.
He walked up to her and kissed her on the cheek. "You're worth waiting for," Khalil said and smiled.
Dee smiled in return.
“This is a nice layout you got here,” Khalil complimented as he allowed his eyes to roam the circumference of the spacious room.
“Thanks,” she said as she led him to the wraparound sofa and they sat down. “Can I get you something to drink or eat?” she asked.
“No, uh, Priscilla already offered. Is she your mom?”
Dee laughed. “No, she’s my live-in personal assistant.”
“Dang, must be nice,” Khalil said. “What line of work are you in?”
“I do some consulting and interior design on occasion. I used to be a nutritionist, but that was in another life.” She laughed.
“Cool. Well, look you know, I told you I can’t hang long this evening. I’ve already had a long day and I still have another obligation early tomorrow that was already in place this weekend. But I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to spend a little time with you, find out where you live, and get to know you a little better.”
“That’s nice of you. So, what do you do for a living?” Dee asked.
“I work in the church.”
“In the church? Please don’t tell me you’re a preacher,” Dee said and laughed. “Although it would explain this early obligation you have tomorrow.”
“Would that be so terrible?”
“Uhhh, no, not really. I guess it might help me earn a few brownie points with the man upstairs,” Dee said and pointed upward toward the tall ceiling. “I sure could use a little divine favor right about now.”
“Well, let me ease your pretty little mind. I am not a preacher. I’m a youth director.”
“Youth director, huh? Interesting.”
“Yeah, it can be quite interesting. And having my father as senior pastor adds a whole other dimension to it, you know.”
“Soooo, a preacher’s kid. Umm, this might be fun,” Dee said.
“How is that?”
“Ohhh, nothing. But just so you know, I’m not into the church scene. I’ve had my share of going to church Sunday after Sunday or Wednesday night after Wednesday night for Bible study and mid-week praise. Uggh. I mean, enough already,” Dee griped.
“Sounds like you and God have some beef.”
“Not really. It’s just that I’ve been there done that. I don’t have anything against anyone for their beliefs or practices. I’m just talking about myself.”
Khalil noticed again that she didn’t use her right arm. It was just lying against her body.
“I heard that. Hey, if you don’t mind me asking…”
Before he could complete his sentence, Dee spoke up. “I was in a car accident and lost the use of it,” she snapped, casting her eyes downward.
Khalil pushed back. “Whoa, sorry. I just noticed that you weren’t using it at all. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No, I’m the one who should say, sorry. I just get so tired of all the questions and stares from people, and I was wondering when you were going to mention it.
“Well, you answered me and I’m good with that. So, on to the next question.”
Dee looked agitated again. “What is it?”
“What do you say about me and you going out to grab a bite to eat.”
Dee relaxed, exhaled and smiled. “But you said you couldn’t stay long.”
“And I can’t, but a man’s got to eat doesn’t he? And I’ve only had the equivalent of bird’s food today.”
“That sounds good, or if you like, I can ask Priscilla to prepare us something or go get us some take out.”
“I don’t want to put you or her through all of that. I’d rather the two of us just go grab something. We’ll save the in house meal for a more suitable occasion,” Khalil said.
“Okay, let’s do it,” Dee replied.
Khalil stood, extended his hand out toward hers, and helped her to her feet.
“Let me go get my purse, and I’ll be ready,” she told him. This might work. This might work after all, Dee thought as she dashed out the room.
‡
Khalil and Dee dined at a popular east Memphis Mexican restaurant. They communicated easily. He made her laugh and she made him want to get to know her better – much better.
While dining,
the age discussion came up. Khalil learned that Dee was sixteen years his senior, but they both made it clear that age was not a factor.
Dee confessed that she had been married before, and had a son, which again didn’t bother Khalil one way or the other. She liked the fact that he seemed to be such an easygoing guy, but with a mature roughness around the edges that turned her on.
“You never said the name of the church you work at. Is it the same church where your father is the pastor?”
“Yes, my father is my boss. But it’s all good. He allows me to have free reign when it comes to implementing youth programs and activities. I want the young people who participate in our youth programs to look at Holy Rock as a haven. Somewhere they can come and hang out, get involved in sports, arts, stay away from gangs, learn technology all in one place. Know what I mean?”
“Hold up. Did you say Holy Rock? Are you talking about the Holy Rock where Stiles Graham was the senior pastor? That Holy Rock?”
“Yep, you got it. Have you been there before?” Khalil asked.
“Uh, yes. I used to, well I used to belong there.”
“Ummm, is that right?” Khalil looked intrigued. “You’re no longer a member?”
“I don’t think so. I’m sure my name was scratched off the church role a long time ago.” She laughed. “You want to hear something funny?”
Khalil nodded. “Sure.”
“I was the first lady of Holy Rock.”
He swiped his forehead and cleared his throat. “Come again?”
“I was the first lady of Holy Rock,” she repeated.
“You’re joking right?”
“No, I’m not joking. It’s the truth.”
“You.” He pointed at her. “You were the first lady? Ohhkay, but…how…who were you married to?” Khalil stammered.
“Stiles Graham. Small world, isn’t it.”
“Pastor Graham is your husband?”
“Correction. Ex-husband,” Dee clarified.
Khalil shrugged, picked up his glass of water, and took a big gulp. “Oh well, guess his loss is my gain.” He laughed and then without warning, he leaned over and kissed Dee on her lips.
‡
As if on special cue, Stiles entered the restaurant. The food at the banquet was superb, but it only kept the hunger panes at bay for a short time. His plan was to go to Pastor’s house and hang out for a while, but he changed his mind after Pastor complained about being exhausted and still having to go over his speech for tomorrow’s service. He enjoyed good Mexican food and he googled and found this restaurant was close to his hotel. He planned to order his food to go, then go to his hotel room, eat, and crash.
He perused the menu for a short while then made his order. He sat down at one of the booths and began toying with his phone. He texted Kareena to see how things were going with her and to tell her about the banquet, and his conversation with ex-wife number one.
A mariachi band appeared and began to entertain the crowd with song and dance moves. Stiles looked up from his phone. He couldn’t believe who he saw sitting at a booth on the other side of the restaurant. It was Detria. At first a knot formed in his throat as he felt mounting anger and resentment. He quickly began to talk to himself. He had asked God to forgive him for his former actions, had asked Rena to forgive him, too, and promised that he would try to be a better person. The only way he felt that would happen was if he let go of the things that lay behind and move forward to the things in front of him.
Detria was laughing and talking to a guy who Stiles just assumed was her boyfriend. For a split second, hearing her laugh reminded him of the Detria he fell in love with.
The guy at the table stood up, said something to her, and then proceeded to walk in Stiles’ direction. As the man walked past his booth, Stiles recognized him. It was one of Hezekiah’s sons. At least that’s who he strikingly resembled. Stiles hadn’t gotten the chance to officially meet Hezekiah’s boys, although this was no boy.
Stiles got up and walked over to the booth where Detria sat.
Detria quickly looked up. “The devil himself,” she said with a look of astonishment.
“I could say the same,” Stiles responded drily.
She wondered what brought him to town. Maybe he had moved back; she didn’t know. Her heart beat faster and she wanted to get up and pound him on his chest over and over again. She hated him for hating her.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Khalil asked as he returned to the booth. Stiles stepped back, allowing the young man to slide back in the booth and sit down across from Detria.
“Aren’t you Pastor McCoy’s son?” Stiles asked.
“Yes, I am. I’m Khalil. His oldest. And you are?”
Stiles smiled while Detria flinched nervously. “Stiles Graham. Pastor Chauncey Graham is my father.”
“Oh, yeah. We didn’t have a chance to meet earlier at the banquet.” Khalil extended his hand and the two men shook hands. “You were the pastor before my dad. I wasn’t in Memphis then.”
“Yeah, that’s right. And no, we didn’t get a chance to meet. I meant to stop and chat with your father, but I thought I’d give him a break and wait until tomorrow. You guys were surrounded by a crowd of well-wishers.”
“You got that right. I never shook so many hands, and hugged so many little old ladies. I felt like a politician for a minute.” Khalil chuckled then looked at Dee and then back at Stiles. He gestured between the two of them. “So you’re her ex?”
“Right,” Dee responded before Stiles. “Khalil, honey, do you mind if we get our food to go. I’ve lost my appetite.”
Khalil paused before responding. “Uh, yeah, sure.”
“Don’t leave on my account. I didn’t mean to interrupt your meal. I called in a to-go order and I saw you sitting over here. Just thought I’d come over and say hello. I didn’t think it would be right to see you and not speak. So, hello, Detria.”
“Goodbye, Stiles,” Detria said vehemently.
“Excuse me,” the server said and refilled their drinks.
“Could we get a couple of carry out containers?” Khalil took the opportunity to ask the server.
“Of course. I’ll be right back.”
“Well, it was good to meet you, Khalil. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I know Holy Rock is going to be on fire,” Stiles said as he began to walk off. He stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Will you be there tomorrow, Detria?”
Detria didn’t respond. Her eyes blazed with contempt as she watched him walk away.
The server returned with carryout containers, and the couple left the restaurant
. On the drive, Dee was unusually quiet. Khalil didn’t know what to make of the personality change. It had to be because she saw her ex back at the restaurant. He wondered how their relationship ended. Was he one of those dudes like his dad, who was known to have an occasional wandering eye?
Khalil didn’t address it with his dad, but was well aware that his father flirted with some of the women at Holy Rock because he’d observed him firsthand.
“Hey, what’s up with the silent treatment? Dude must have really broken your heart ‘cause now you’re breaking mine by not talking,” Khalil said as he turned into Dee’s driveway and parked.
Detria looked at Khalil and gave him a smile. “It’s not like that. It’s just that I haven’t seen my ex since our divorce. I didn’t know how I would react seeing him again, but now I know.”
“So what is it that you know?”
“That I still despise him,” Dee said. “But it is what it is. Would you like to come inside, have a glass of wine?”
“I really need to go. I told you I have a long day tomorrow. It’s our Jubilee. Hey, why don’t you come?”
Dee looked at him awkwardly, tilted her head slightly, and grinned. “You’re kidding me, right?”
“No, I’m serious. I’d love to have you there.” Khalil said, then hopped out of his car and walked to the passenger side to open the door for her.
“Thank you,” Dee said, and proceeded to get out of the car. “Come in, let’s have that glass of wine and we’ll talk about it.”
“Okay, sure.”
Once inside, Dee stepped out of her shoes, took hold of Khalil’s hand, and led him into the chef style kitchen. She went to the built in wine cooler. “You choose,” she said, opening the door to a display an array of expensive white and red wines.
“I’m not good at this. During my teen years, I was more of an herb connoisseur,” he said and laughed. “If you know what I mean.”
“Yes, I definitely know what you mean.” Dee laughed too. “If that’s your indulgence, then it’s nothing but a word.”
Khalil waved her off. “No, no, no. That was then. I don’t mess around with anything other than a little social drinking every now and then.”
“I’m just saying, if you change your mind, then let me know. I definitely can accommodate you. Will you get that one?’ she pointed to a particular bottle of red wine.
“Sure.” Khalil removed a bottle of red wine out of its slot, and Dee
retrieved two wine glasses out of the cabinet, expertly using her one good hand. “The opener is in that drawer right about the cooler,” she told him.
“Gotcha.
To new friendships,” Khalil said after he opened the wine and poured each of them a glass.
They clicked their glasses together and then each took a sip before setting the glasses on the island.
“Whaddaya say we go relax a little.”
“Cool,” he replied.
“Follow me,” Dee said.
Khalil picked up their wine glasses and Dee led him down a long hallway and into her master suite that resembled a mini apartment.
She sat down on the sofa, patted her hand on the space next to it, and Khalil sat down next to her. He passed her her glass of wine and they each took a few sips before sitting their glasses down on the table next to the sofa.
Khalil reached in, took Dee around her waist, and pulled her into him. His lips devoured hers with long, passionate kisses while his hands familiarized themselves with her body. Khalil kept kissing her and then pulled back only long enough to stand, pick her up, and carry her to the king sized bed.
Dee didn’t protest; she welcomed his warm kisses. The touch of his hands set her body on fire. She didn’t care how much younger he was or how much older she was, all she wanted was to be loved and needed, and for now Khalil was giving her exactly what she wanted.