Permanent Resident at the Purse Table (21 page)

Remaining silent in the car, Ava wanted her mother to speak first. Her mom's desire to ride and talk was an awkward one since the less they swapped words, the better their relationship.

“I know I may seem judgmental at times, Ava, but I don't mean any harm.” Her mother reached to turn the radio off. “I've been praying for the Lord to help me with my speech toward you. It truly comes from a place of love. I've always wanted the best for you.”

“Thank you, Momma. I want the best for me too. But your best, and what I think is best, or better yet, God's best, may not be the same thing.”

“All I've ever asked is that you take better care of yourself. Eat right, do some sort of exercise, wear makeup every day. You'll never get a man the way you go through life. And I don't want you to end up alone.”

Ava's fingertips pierced the wheel. “First off, having a man doesn't automatically equal what's best for me, or mean that I won't end up alone. You need to—” Ava's cell phone buzzed companied with the upbeat ringtone.
Thank God.

Her brother's voice, hurried and excited, tore through the phone. “Ava, you and Momma need to bus' a U-ey and get to the hospital. Elaine's going into labor.”

“Now?”

“Yes!” he yelled with uncertain enthusiasm. “Right now.”

“Okay, okay, Alex. Do you need me to go by the house and grab you guys anything?”

“No. We had a ‘ready for the hospital' bag in the trunk. Got everything we need. You and Momma just get there.”

“We'll meet you there.”

Ava couldn't even set her cell phone down. Her mother shook her head and hands. “What's going on?”

“Elaine's gone into labor. They're headed to the hospital now.”

Clapping, her mother said, “All righty then, turn around.” Beaming, she cupped her hands together. “My first grandbaby. Lord, I pray that everything goes smoothly. I can't wait to hold her in my arms.”

Ava couldn't wait to hold her niece as well. They found out a few weeks before the sex of the baby, and how glad she was that she was finally here. Ava loved her sight unseen, and the little one already had her auntie's back. Her perfect timing in entering the world kept Ava from saying something to her mother she might have regretted later.

By the time they arrived at the hospital, her brother had paced a path outside the delivery room. She knew he had a weak stomach, but hoped he could take watching the delivery of his own child and not be one of those men who passed out until all the work was done.

Ava's family, Elaine's only relatives nearby, showed up with great anticipation. Elaine's parents died when she was a little girl and she was an only child. Her grandmother lived in New Mexico, but couldn't make the trip. So the Alexander family was her only family present. Excitement filled the room. Alex's best friend, Paul, rushed in with pink balloons and cigars that read I
T'S A
G
IRL
!

He passed out a cigar to everyone, including the ladies. Rene and Toni took theirs and traded it for a smile. When Ava reached out to grab hers, she was determined not to look down. Paul, a handsome six feet one inch build with smooth skin and a dazzling smile, sauntered about the room with a certain refinement.

“Ava, it's great to see you.” His embrace was solid and alluring.

She caught herself before she batted an eyelash. “Wonderful to see you too.”

“Are you ready to be an auntie?”

Don't you look at the ground.
Raising her head and peering into his eyes, she nodded with confidence. “Yes, I am. I can't wait to spoil that little girl.” Looking him in the eye wasn't so intimidating. What had she been scared of? Rejection? God would never reject her and that's really all that mattered.

Ava's father walked up and gave Paul a hug. “Thank you for coming, son.”

“Ah, you know I wouldn't miss this for the world.” Paul flashed a handsome smile.

“Alex could probably use you over there.” He patted Paul on the back. “He looks like he's about to melt into a puddle right on the floor. You know how he is.”

“Yeah, I know.” Paul strode over to her brother and put his hands on Alex's shoulders. He began to pray. Paul was lovable like that.

Out of all of her brother's friends, Paul seemed to have his stuff together the most. Ava had always been interested in him, but never expressed that to Alex because she didn't want to make him feel weird as a middleman. And of course, if it didn't work out, she didn't want to be the one who messed up her brother's friendship with his best friend, or their brother-sister relationship. So, suppressing that desire and keeping quiet was best.

Ava's mother strolled up and handed her father a cup of coffee. “Henry, let me talk to Ava for a minute in private.”

“Okay, honey.” He kissed Ava's forehead. “Y'all be nice.”

Wanting to be nice and staying nice were two completely different things. Her mother had the ability to control both. Ava hoped her mother had forgotten about their conversation in the car with all the baby excitement.

“Ava, come on. Let's go over here.” She grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her to a corner of the waiting room. “I know the conversation on the ride over here didn't go so well. That's not how I heard my apology in my mind.”

“It's okay, Momma.”

“No, it's not. I'm not blaming your grandmother, but she used to make me feel as bad as I probably make you feel. And it's not okay.” She interlocked her arm in Ava's. “I truly apologize for all the hurtful things I've said to you.”

Finally.
Was this really happening? God was working overtime. “Well, thank you, Momma. Your apology means a lot.”

“I love you so much, and the things I say come from a place of love. They are just jacked up by the time they leave my mouth.”

Ava giggled. Yes, they were. But she was glad her mother recognized that fact.

“I want to know you're happy, and you'll have that husband support and protection when your father and I are gone.”

She kissed her mother on the cheek. “Thank you for caring so much about me, but I have the best Protector and Supporter in the world. Shoot, in the universe. You don't have to worry about me, Momma. God's got me in His hands.”

“Amen.”

“I've learned a whole lot from my mistakes these past several months. But the main thing is that God loves me no matter what. He meets you right where you are and pulls you up from there. He cares about me and for me. He also cares about what I care about. Including a godly husband. And when He thinks I'm ready, He'll send him.” Kevin crossed her mind even though she didn't want him to.

Her mother gazed into her eyes with a sense of peace.

“And the man God has picked out for me will love me for me.”

“I see you have learned quite a bit. I'm proud of you, Ava. And I'm proud of the woman you've become. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you too, Momma.” Ava's round cheeks rose, revealing a vibrant smile. “Very much.”

“Well, since you've learned so much, what else can you teach me?”

They shared a laugh and then rejoined her father, who lingered close by. He seemed to be watching for any fireworks. Elated that she didn't need her father's assistance, Ava was pleased with how the conversation turned out.

As she took a seat on the couch next to Toni and Rene, her ringtone went off. She fumbled in her new purse and pulled out her cell. Kevin's name appeared on the screen. A nervous wave shot through her heart as she got up to take the call in a more secluded area.

“Hello, Ava. I wanted to apologize for missing your baptism. I had an emergency this morning with one of the men I sponsor and couldn't leave.”

“Don't worry about it.” He stuck to his word about calling her. Forgiving him for helping someone was the easiest part of the chat. “How is he?”

“He's okay now. He relapsed and was rushed to the hospital this morning. His parents and I are here now waiting to see if the doctors are going to send him home.”

“At what hospital?”

“Methodist.”

The Lord was showing out. “Believe this or not, I'm at Methodist. My sister-in-law just went into labor.”

He chuckled. “Well, look at that. What floor are you on?”

Why did he want to know that? If he was going to come and see her, would that really be something she'd want him to do? Her mother's questions would go on forever and Ava would probably end up embarrassed more than anything. Kevin coming to see her would open all kind of doors to her family's curiosity. She'd just have to take that chance. “We're on the third floor. In the waiting room.”

“Do you mind if I come by and see you? I have something for you. And since I couldn't come to church, I'd love to give it to you now.”

God was orchestrating. Ava would fall in line with whatever He wanted to do. “Yep, come on. We'll be here.”

Should she tell her family? Let Kevin's presence be a surprise? This was more than a simple coincidence. Keeping her exhilaration in check would be hard to do. Not only did Kevin have an awesome reason for missing her baptism, he called like he said he would, and had gotten her a gift. Ava liked him more and more by the minute. She didn't plan to step on God's toes, or try to move things forward on her own. Sitting back and enjoying Kevin's lead would be best. And no matter if all they ever grew to be was really good friends, she would cherish the journey.

Ava's smile grew larger with every step Kevin took toward her while carrying a letter-sized purple gift bag. She cut her eyes toward her parents and brother to see if they noticed the new waiting room guest. Toni and Rene stood to exchange pleasantries with Kevin, and each of them gave him a friendly hug.

“Well, who might this be?” Ava's mother swooped into the small reunion.

“Momma, I'd like you to meet my friend, Kevin.” Hopefully, by giving him the title “friend” her mother could relax some of her questions.

“Hello, Mrs. Alexander. It's nice to meet you.” The dimple in his left cheek emerged.

Her mother's animated smile glowed. “Nice to meet you too.” She then turned her attention to Ava. “Where'd you meet him at, Ava?” She spoke softly and out of the side of her mouth as if the only person who could understand her was Ava. “And why is this the first I'm hearing of him?”

Settle down, Momma.
“If you must know. I met him at the counseling center. And we've only been hanging out a short while.”

Kevin raised the bag. “Yes, and since I wasn't able to make the baptism today, I got you a small gift.” Kevin had gone out to his car and grabbed the gift prior to meeting up with Ava.

Ava grabbed the token of his friendship, feeling special to be given a gift in front of her family and friends. “That was so sweet of you. You didn't have to do that.”

“I know, but I wanted to.”

Opening the bag, eagerness crept up inside her. She pulled out a purple Bible with a large cross made out of rhinestones on the cover. Oohs and ahhs slipped out of everyone's lips.

“This is lovely, Kevin. Thank you.”

He proudly rubbed his hand over the cross. “Besides your favorite color being purple, I figured you'd like the sparkly cross. And most importantly, this new Bible represents the new person you are after being baptized.”

No, he didn't.
“I truly appreciate it.”

“There's a scripture in Philippians 3, I'm sure you know it, but Paul says, ‘One thing I do is forget what is behind and press forward to what is ahead.'” He tapped the front of the Bible. “I hope this Bible can help you to do that. Forget your past and press on to the prize God has for you in your future.”

And then he added a scripture, too? Lord, what are you doing to me here?
Ava didn't want to let her imagination run free, picturing walking down the aisle to Kevin and his groomsmen one day, but he was making it hard not to. She needed to focus on him as her friend. Yes, he was a boy who was a friend, but not a boyfriend. Not yet anyway.

After the gushing fest was over between her mother and her girlfriends, and Kevin said his good-byes to the men folk, Ava walked him to the elevator.

“Thanks again for my new blinged-out Bible. I'll get started reading it tonight.”

“You're very welcome. That's what I wanted to hear.”

“Also, I appreciate you coming up here. I know you probably hated to leave your friend in his time of need. Anything change with his condition?”

He reached out to push the down button for the elevator. “No, not too much has changed. But honestly, I don't know how much I'm helping him.”

“What do you mean? What if you didn't go over there this morning? The situation could've been a lot worse.”

“I know you're right, but he tends to slip back into his old ways when his personal life isn't going so well. His ex-wife got awarded full custody of the kids just when he was making changes to do better.” Kevin rubbed his chin. “He overdosed after being clean for six months. What's to say he won't do that again when his ex-wife does something else he doesn't like?”

“You'll be there for him whenever he needs you.” Ava silently asked the Holy Spirit to deliver the right words, so she wouldn't sound generic.

“I don't know if I can do anything to stop him if he doesn't reach out to me before.”

She touched his arm as the elevator opened. “God has you in his life for a reason. He's blessed to have someone who cares about him as much as you do. All you can do is be there and help guide him the best you can.”
Thanks, Lord.

He stepped a foot in the elevator. “You're right. And use my best weapon. Prayer.”

“Amen.”

“Thank you for listening, Ava.”

“Anytime.”
Hope that didn't sound too eager.

Kevin rested his hand on the sliding door, so it wouldn't close. “So, I'll see you Thursday at the CCC?”

“Not this week. We're taking Toni out for a finalizing of all the plans for her renewal ceremony. She ran her fingers through her wavy ebony locks. “You are planning to come to the reception, right?”

“I'll be there.” He brought his arm inside the elevator.

“Great.”Ava waved her fingers as the doors closed. For once, she got to encourage and uplift him. She had always been on the receiving end of his advice and encouragement. Delighted to seemingly have helped him, she looked forward to seeing him again.

She'd have to swallow her hatred for shopping and be sure to find the perfect outfit that mixed comfort with style for Toni's ceremony. The only requirement Toni gave was the color. She could be flexible with the style. Ava's mission the rest of that week was simple: find the ideal outfit that she not only looked attractive in, but felt attractive in.

When Ava returned to the waiting room, everyone was gathered around the entry to her sister-in-law's room. Alex was missing from the group.

Her father rapidly moved his hand back and forth. “Hurry, Ava. Your brother just went back in the room.” His eyes lit up like a neon sign. “She's coming. Li'l momma's coming. Alex came out a few seconds ago and said Elaine is fully dilated.”

Within a half hour, Alex popped his head out of the room, wiping tears out of his eyes. “She's beautiful. Complete with ten little fingers and ten little toes. The nurse is cleaning her up now and you all can come see her in a few.”

Hugs and cheers were exchanged between everyone. Ava's daddy threw the unlit cigar in his mouth. “Glory!” Ava looked forward to the day her parents would celebrate her child coming into the world.

After getting the clearance to enter the room, Grandma and Grandpa held the little angel first. Alex kissed her forehead every time she was passed to someone new. Elaine, whipped and exhausted, radiated love.

Alex handed the baby to Ava. “Her name is Mariah.”

Ava made goo-goo sounds and smelled her full head of jet-black hair. “Hi, li'l Mariah. I'm your Aunt Ava. I'm the one who gets to spoil you all I want.”

“Hey, hey, hey. Don't be setting her up already, Ava.” Her brother laughed.

“She's my niece. I can do what I want.” She continued to gawk over the tiny caramel-colored newborn. Ava couldn't help but think what giving birth to her own child would've been like and holding him or her in her arms. A certain sadness rested in her soul for the child she lost. But she was confident she would get the chance to experience motherhood in her future. The right way.

As Ava returned God's precious little gift to her sister-in-law's arms, Toni saw an opportune time to make an exit. She said her good-byes to everyone in the room and motioned for Ava to follow her out the door.

“What's going on, Toni? You look a little worried.”

 

 

Toni didn't want to put a damper on the baby festivities, but she needed to talk to someone. And Ava would get upset with her if Toni was in trouble and kept quiet. “Last night, Eric and I ran into a bump in the road.”

“Oh, no. What happened?”

“Well, everything was fine and then when I left your party at the counseling center and met him at IHOP, he started letting that ugly jealousy streak he had creep back in.” She folded her arms, embarrassed that a few weeks before her renewal ceremony was to take place she had issues. “I know a full change takes time, but I've never given him any reason to behave that way.”

“I'm sorry he decided to show you that side of him, and especially in public. But maybe it's a good thing. Keep you grounded and not going into this with too high of expectations. I mean, yes, he's changed, but nobody's perfect.”

“What if he's getting cold feet?” Was it possible to get cold feet the second time around?

“I'm not sure that's it. He loves you and, I believe, truly wants you back.”

Toni lowered her shoulders and nodded, as she confessed her position. “Okay, what if I'm getting cold feet? I think my toes are starting to feel a little frostbitten.”

Ava laughed. “Girl, you're fine. There's nothing wrong with a little nerves. I'm sure it happens to everyone.”

“But the second time around?”

“Especially the second time around. Since you've been there and done that, you just want to make sure you're doing it for good this time.”

“Maybe we're rushing this vow renewal thing and need to take a step back.” Toni might be embarrassed to cancel the ceremony, but that would be nothing compared to the embarrassment if she ended up filing for a divorce after the renewal ceremony.

“Why don't you contact Pastor Sandra? I think she'll be able to help you clear your head and see God in this. I'm sure this is just a small hiccup that you and Eric will overcome.”

Counsel from her pastor sounded better than anything Toni could come up with. “Okay, well I'm going to leave you to your new little niece. Eric texted me earlier. I told him I was here at the hospital with you and would call him later. I guess I will keep my word and see what he says about an emergency counseling session ASAP.”

“Sounds like a plan, girlfriend.” Ava hugged her friend. “Let me know how everything turns out.”

Toni inched onto the elevator. Going home and relaxing with her thoughts and a glass of wine could help her until she got in a room with Pastor Sandra. Maybe instead of the wine, she could sit down with her Bible. All the answers were in the Good Book. She picked that fact up since she'd been attending church on a regular basis.

What she needed was for Eric to get his stuff together. Her love for him wouldn't be enough this time. He needed to make peace with his inner man and be the man he had shown her the past few months. Walking down that aisle toward his handsome face was something she looked forward to, but not so much that she'd put her sanity on the sideline.

The elevator bounced when it reached ground level and jarred Toni a bit. The stunning, picture-perfect day raised her spirits. Although she knew it would be hot and humid when she hit the parking lot, the vivid sun seemed to brighten her mood.

Hustling to the car and its air conditioner, she searched her purse for her Gucci shades. After she hooked the glasses over her ears, Toni located her car across the lot. As she approached her ride, a giddy demeanor overtook her mannerisms. Shaking her head, she froze in her spot.

Eric, cheesing from ear to ear, sat with open arms on the hood of her car.