Permanent Resident at the Purse Table (19 page)

Water filled Ava's eyes. God had a hand in everything and she knew He would not let them down. Ava, sure the Lord would deliver, prayed without ceasing. Her heart was filled with gratefulness toward her Father and her lawyer. Her support system was strong and her faith was even stronger.

An hour and a half went by as the jury deliberated. Ava, Rene, and Toni ate lunch in the courthouse cafeteria, mulling over every word said during the trial. Rene's cell buzzed and she read it aloud. “The jury's in.”

Sweat formed on Ava's hands as they trekked back to the courtroom. No sound or movement was made. When the twelve jurors crept in, most of them with their head down, a sick feeling developed. Why didn't they want to look her in the eye? Hopefully, it was because they didn't want to reveal the good news with a smile and not the fact that they were sorry for how things turned out.

Ava sat, back straight and fully enveloped in the proceedings, hoping for the best.

“Members of the jury, have you reached a verdict?” Judge Powers tossed her hair out of her face as the bailiff stepped forward to hand her the verdict.

The lead juror stood. “Yes, we have, Your Honor.”

With her heart throbbing in her chest, Ava listened with purpose. Her life and relationship with Rene might never be the same, but certain troubles would subside with Ishmael behind bars. She breathed a deep sigh.

“To the honorable Judge Powers and those in attendance: we find Ishmael Kane Carter guilty of attempted vehicular manslaughter.”

Cheers rang all over the room. The butterflies in Ava's stomach flew free. Toni and Ava's father jumped to their feet, clapping.

Judge Powers pounded the gavel firmly until everyone quieted down. “I take outcomes like this very serious. The actions of one individual against another. People taking matters into their own hands.” She peered down through her glasses. “Crimes against women are on the rise and I want to do my part to see that the offenders are brought to justice.”

Rene sat forward like a rabbit with a dangling carrot in front of her.

“In the case of Alexander versus Carter, the defendant, Ishmael Carter, found guilty of attempted vehicular manslaughter, is hereby sentenced to ten years in prison, serving seven before he is eligible for parole.” The judge tapped the gavel again and said, “Court is adjourned.”

Ava and Rene stood and hugged. The tight embrace was reassuring on so many levels. As the arresting officers took Ishmael away in handcuffs, he yelled words of apology to Rene that she seemed to tune out. Ava's friend had come to do a job and she did it. Well. Justice prevailed, and now putting the case and Ishmael behind them could give them the push forward they needed in their lives.

The ladies chose a fine-dining restaurant to celebrate the case against Ishmael going in their favor. Ava was relieved the trial was over.

Toni held the wine list in her hand. “You ladies really want to party and pop a bottle of champagne?”

Ava shook her head. “No, thank you. I'm slowing down on the alcoholic beverages. I haven't had a drink since . . .” She looked at Rene.

“It's okay.” Rene waved her hand in Ava's direction. “If we're going to be friends again, then we need to move on.”

Hearing the same words Dr. Moses had spoken, Ava felt it was confirmation from her Father on high. She would do just that. Move on. So much had changed between her and Rene, but much had also stayed the same. Rene had always been a forgiving person. She believed in forgiving people as God forgave her. Ava needed to accept that part about her and move past the guilt once and for all, and be sure to never put herself in that position again.

“Speaking of moving on.” Toni's bright smile and radiant eyes spoke volumes. “I have some good news. Well, not about moving on, but moving in another direction.”

“Don't tell me you're moving.” Ava had just gotten one friend back. She didn't want to lose another.

Toni giggled. “No, I'm not moving. At least not from Houston. I
am
moving fifteen minutes down the road to a new home with my husband.”

Both confusion and excitement were all over Ava's and Rene's body language and facial expressions. Ava's grin was hard to hide. “What?”

“That's right.” Toni pulled the engagement ring out of a small pocket in her purse. “Eric asked me to remarry him. Renew our vows.”

They all looked back and forth at each other and then screamed. “Ahh!”

“Oh, my goodness. I knew it.” Ava feigned dabbing invisible tears. “I'm so happy for you, Toni.”

“Thank you. I am too. I wasn't sure this would happen, but God is good!”

Ava chimed in. “All the time. And all the time . . .”

“God is good.” Toni completed the phrase.

Sitting back in her chair, Ava asked. “But tell me this, Ms. Toni.”

“Yes?”

“Why are you just now telling me? Thought I was your best friend.”

“Well, Ava. You two were busy with the case and all. And I needed some time for his proposal to sink in. He re-proposed in the most romantic way, too.” Toni batted her eyelids. “He asked me in front of the house he purchased and read a scripture first about calling things that are not as though they are. I was floored.”

“OMG! That's awesome.” Ava relished the fact that things were starting to look up for all of them. God was showing up and showing out.

“Yep, I went home that evening, tore up the divorce papers, and threw them away.” She bent her chin. “I do have one request though. Would you two mind helping me plan the ceremony? I'd like to have it on Valentine's Day. So that gives you about five months to create magic.”

“Of course. You know I gotcha on the food. You just pick out a dress. And Rene and I can hook up the decorations and get a DJ.”

Rene said nothing, seeming to be deep in thought.

“I can understand, Rene, if you don't want to.” Toni raised her eyebrows.

“Please, I'm not letting Ishmael steal one more thing from me. This day is going to be about you and Eric. And I'm happy for you both.”

“Amen.” Ava smiled, lifting her hands. “Looks like we're planning a vow renewal ceremony!”

Sunday after church, Ava and Rene got together to start putting some ideas together for Toni's vow renewal ceremony. With February only a few months away, that time seemed liked the perfect day for the “renuptials” to take place. It was the day of love, but there was also some time for Toni to make sure going a second round with Eric was something she really wanted and could do.

The bride-to-be-again assured Ava this time around would be for good and she wanted it to be more special than the first. Toni's specific requests included a Friday evening start time, held in a church, and a huge reception in the banquet hall of the church afterward. She gave Ava free rein to handle the rest of the particulars. Of course, Pastor Monroe would lead the service and she wanted her and Eric to recite the couples prayer they read in a counseling session.

As Ava prepared Sunday dinner, Rene wrote down their ideas. They hung out just like old times. She cherished every moment spent with Rene. And although it may never be exactly the same between her and her friend, they were close again and Ava was grateful.

Juggling plates of Rene's favorites over to the table, Ava looked like a skilled waitress in a diner.

“Here, let me help you with something.” Rene jumped up, grabbed a dish, and set it on the table. “Hey, guess what I got in the mail the other day?”

“What?” Rene's question made Ava a little nervous. She wasn't sure why.

“A letter from Ishmael's mother.”

“Really?” Ava, intrigued, scooped out modest-sized portions on their plates. “What did the letter say?”

“Basically, she apologized for spoiling him and raising him thinking he deserved whatever he wanted. She said I was the best thing that ever happened to him and she had looked forward to not only calling me her daughter-in-law, but me being her daughter. “

“Ahh.” Ava smiled, but felt responsible for causing that split, too.
You were half the problem. Now move on.

Rene filled glasses with ice and poured sweet tea in both of them. “Yeah, she ended the letter with how she wished things had turned out different, but she definitely understood my decision to call off the wedding. Her PS told me to tell you sorry for what Ishmael did to you with the accident and all. The letter was very sweet and brought tears to my eyes.”

“Well, that was a nice way for her to reach out.” Ava reflected on her own relationship with her biological mother. They hadn't spoken since the day she was discharged from the hospital. Their relationship worked better that way. She kept up with her mother and vice versa through her father. Ava was a daddy's girl, which worked out perfect since she couldn't stand her mother sometimes with her stinging tongue.

Ava and Rene devoured the Italian feast. The aroma of the fresh baked Italian bread and hearty tomato sauce made Ava want to stuff her belly, but she aimed to do better where her eating was concerned. She ate until she was full and satisfied, or all her walking would have been for nothing.

Reaching for more salad, Rene asked, “So how is everything with your counseling going?”

“Actually, my one-on-ones with Dr. Moses are done. I still have my group meetings on Thursdays and that has been an eye-opening experience. You find out you're not the only one going through difficult situations, even though it feels that way.” Ava hoped that Rene wouldn't bring up the fact that Ava brought most of her difficult situation on herself. “It's been a big help.”

“Good. I'm glad for you. And I can tell God is changing you. I'm happy to have my best friend back.” Rene leaned over to hug her.

“I'm happy to be back. I love you, Rene.”

“You know I love you too, girl.”

Ava couldn't believe how God had turned her life around in just a few short months. He reached down and pulled Ava out of the pit of depression, healed her from the injuries stemming from the car accident, sent her to a doctor who not only understood her, but fed her with scriptures that lifted her up and helped her to grow spiritually, and now, He restored her relationship with Rene. He was beyond amazing.

“Also, I've been able to make new friends at group.” Ava sipped her sweet tea, knowing her googly eyes would tip Rene off to know exactly what she was talking about.

“Oh, yeah? Tell me all about him.” She smirked.

“I haven't said anything because I didn't what to get too excited and it turned out to be nothing.” Ava wanted it to be something, but planned to keep herself in check. “His name is Kevin.”

“That's a strong name. Good sign. Good sign.”

Laughing, they continued to pick at the bread.

“I actually met him in the lobby. He's the counselor over the drug recovery group and has been clean for ten years. Which he gives God full credit for.”

“Awesome. That's a big plus that he has a relationship with the Lord.”

“Yep, so far, so good. We've only hung out a handful of times, around the coffee pot at the CCC, and a few dates for even better coffee after group sessions on Thursdays. He's very respectful and we are becoming friends.” Ava wouldn't have minded moving a bit faster, but whatever God wanted to do in that relationship, she was down for. He knew better than she did. “He hasn't asked for my number yet, but I'm hoping he will soon.”

“Well, cool. I'll include you and him in my prayers tonight.”

“So, what's up with you and that friend of yours who's always so eager to put your cases on top of the stack for you?”

“Girl, I'm not ready for him. He seems nice and like a good guy, but I need to get Ishmael all the way out of my system.”

“I hear ya.” Ava needed to get Ishmael out of her system as well. He was on the list with Xavier and her mother of people to forgive. Right then, she was zero for three. However, she was hopeful her emotions regarding each of them would come to a settlement and be able to forgive them for her own sake and wellbeing.

Rene grinned. “It's good to know I still got game, but right now I'm taking myself on a timeout.”

Ava probably could've called timeout for herself too, but it had been so long, or maybe never, since she had a man of decency and integrity interested in her. So if she needed to forgo her timeouts and even skip half time to move forward with Kevin, she had no problem with that at all.

Ava prepared all the food and beverages for the CCC's tenth anniversary. Filled with gently used decorations from someone's New Year's Eve party, the lobby was packed with folks from one wall to the other.

Ava kept watch on the hors d'oeuvres and her famous orange sherbet punch, making sure the partygoers didn't run out of either. But occasionally, her wandering eye for Kevin's likeness stayed occupied. Toni and Rene were in attendance, which made Ava nervous for the moment when it came time to introduce him. Did she introduce him as a friend? An acquaintance? Someone she's seeing? She prayed the right words would come whenever she did get the chance to have her friends meet Kevin.

“Ava, everything tastes so good.” Dr. Moses talked through stuffing her mouth with cornbread balls. “What'd you put in this, girl?”

“A little of this. A little of that.” Ava smiled. “Can't tell my secrets.”

“I understand. How about we have you cater every year? This is the best food we've ever had at one of these functions.”

“Thank you, Dr. Moses. I'll put you on my calendar from here on out.” Ava's catering ventures were finally starting to pick up. Maybe with the great reviews from all the different people at the anniversary party, the word would spread like a good rumor.

She strategically placed flyers and business cards throughout the dishes set up on the buffet-style tables. Ava viewed having to market herself as a colossal, terrifying adventure, but she'd have to overcome her fear if her business was going to grow. She had overcome so much the past nine months and with God's help she could jump that hurdle, too.

“You don't have to call me Dr. Moses anymore. It's like you've graduated. Just call me Glory.”

“Okay, Glory. How's everything going with you?”

She waved her head side to side. “Could be better.”

“Oh, care to share? I could switch roles with you. Lord knows I've dumped all my issues in your lap.” Ava smiled, yet hoped she hadn't offended her, and what it might be that she was going through.

“I appreciate that. I could use a listening ear every once in a while myself.” Dr. Glory looked down into her drink. “My husband is out of town. Again. He's been looking for work since he got laid off a couple months ago. He can't seem to find anything in town, so he's been traveling to Dallas or Austin every other week. But I'm not so sure I'm ready or willing to move.”

Ava realized at that moment everyone had troubles. No matter how put together people may seem on the outside, behind closed doors and on the inside of their flawless body, they could be in torment. Look at Toni and all she had gone through the past year. And she was a model. Problems weren't just reserved for the average-looking person.

“I'll be sure to put you and him on my prayer list tonight. And if I hear anything job wise, I'll let you know.”

“We'll work it out some way. I know God is faithful.”

“Yes, He is.” Sensing the air diminishing from Dr. Glory's mood, Ava offered a distraction. “Would you like to try any of my bacon-wrapped shrimp? I stuff them with a special cream cheese mixture.”

Glory was sold. She disappeared into the crowd surrounding the smorgasbord of goodies. The punch bowl looked a little skimpy, so Ava retrieved the Sprite, fresh pineapple slices, and sherbet from the kitchen and commenced creating her concoction.

Kevin interacted with others across the room. He seemed to be working his way over to where Ava was posted up by the kitchen. People stopped him to make small talk. She anticipated his arrival, as she checked her teeth in her makeup compact for any particles.

A few days ago, Ava decided to spruce herself up a step at a time. She added a smoothing powder and peach lip gloss to her simple makeup strides forward. And she found the mirror in the compact to be doubly helpful in avoiding a potentially embarrassing incident. Her teeth were free of broccoli and chicken. Ava quickly stuck the compact back in her bag and continued attending to the tables' needs.

She didn't want to focus on any negative aspects of the night, but couldn't help wonder if Kevin would even pay attention to her with Toni and Rene in the same room. He was different.
Right?

Toni and Rene wandered up, speaking to guests on the way over.

“Need any more help with anything?” Toni threw the empty bottle of soda pop in the nearest trash bin.

“I believe everything is done.” Ava stirred the punch, grateful for her friends. “You guys want some punch?”

Rene scooped up a cup. “Sure.”

Pouring the punch with the silver ladle, Ava's midsection did somersaults. “I have someone I want you two to meet and he's coming this way.”

Kevin worked his way around those stacking their plates with Ava's specialties. His deep, boyish dimples appeared, bringing Kool-Aid smiles to all of the ladies' faces.

A finger stuck out from his massive hand. “This must be Toni, the model. And this must be Rene, the lawyer.”

Toni shook her head. “Yes, you got that right. And you are?”

“Kevin. Kevin Adams.” His muscular build was the star of his rugged good looks. “Nice to meet you ladies. I was looking forward to it.”

“It's nice to meet you as well.” Rene extended her hand with a friendly smirk.

He hugged Ava sideways. “Yes, I wanted to meet the women who are special in Ava's life. She's a special lady, and I've enjoyed getting to know her. So naturally, I want to meet the people important to her.”

Ava beamed. “Well, thank you, Kevin. I've enjoyed getting to know you too.” She watched with excitement as his dark brown eyes glowed while he shared his testimony to Rene and Toni of how God had moved in his life and he ended up at the CCC.

A heavyset woman dressed in a skirt suit walked up to him and whispered in his ear. Kevin nodded, and then the woman shuffled off and stepped onto the stage. Rene and Toni glanced at Ava.

Kevin drank the last of his punch, tossed the cup in the trash, and then turned to Ava and her friends. “Excuse me, ladies. I need to grab the mic and get to work. I'll just be a minute.”

Ava, relieved the mystery woman didn't seem like a threat to her courtship with Kevin, smiled at Rene and Toni, who also looked more at ease.

Kevin sprang up on stage as the woman handed him the microphone. Tapping the microphone, he cleared his throat. “Um, excuse me; can I have your attention?”

He needed to repeat himself a couple times before all was quiet. Dr. Moses drifted to the platform with a few other people who looked to be important in some way or another to the CCC's cause.

“Mr. Brooks, could you join us on stage, please?” Kevin used his hand to usher him to the stage.

A tall, lanky white man scampered up. Those assembled in the lobby clapped their hands.

The mystery woman handed Kevin a small plaque. “First, giving honor to God, the Big Boss Man who sits on high and loves on us unconditionally, we thank Him for all He has done for the Christian Counseling Center, aka the CCC. And we'd like to honor the CCC's founder and pastor, our boss man, Mr. Harold C. Brooks.”

He handed Mr. Brooks the plaque. Proud to be associated with the man who was making the introductions, Ava gazed toward the stage, imagining what life might be like if she were connected to him permanently.
Slow down, chick.
She giggled internally at herself and how quickly her emotions could get carried away.

“Mr. Brooks, we just want to thank you for all you do for the people here: staff, counselors, and patients of the CCC. We love and honor you. And want you to know we are truly blessed because your vision has become a reality. God bless you.”

Kevin leaned into Mr. Brooks for a manly one-arm hug as he handed him the microphone. Ava didn't hear a word Mr. Brooks said. She was caught up in how Kevin carried himself as he stepped back from the front of the stage and intently listened to the man giving the speech.

Finding herself imagining a little bit too much, she ducked into to the restroom for a mental and emotional break. She didn't want to set herself up for a fall. Spending time with Kevin proved to be an exciting ride that she didn't want to end. And even though she had only known him a few short months, she believed more great things were to come.

As the party began to wrap up, Ava, Toni, and Rene cleaned up empty trays and the leftovers, while other staff members from the counseling center emptied the trash bags and loaded up Ava's rental van. Kevin did his part as well. Concentrating on the task at hand was difficult for Ava to achieve as she stayed aware of his movements about the place.

Ava disappeared into the kitchen to see what else could be done instead of being concerned with Kevin's whereabouts. The Lord needed to be called in on this one. Having a friend of the opposite sex hadn't always worked out for Ava. Even if a friendship had been established at the beginning as the purpose of their relationship, it usually didn't take long for her and the significant other to dabble in “more than just a friend” behavior. She wasn't sure how to act.

Washing the empty reusable trays in the sink, her imagination ran wild of “friend turned to lover” stories she had heard of. Ava snapped out of it when Toni brought in a couple more trays. Ava observed Toni holding her head down with a big grin, like a child who had just stolen a cookie out of the cookie jar.

“What is it, Toni?”

“I have a confession to make.”

What had Toni done now? It must have been something embarrassing for her to come and tell on herself.

“I invited Kevin to the renewal ceremony reception.” She presented her information hands out as if to say “ta-dah!”

Ava giggled and shook her head. “Well, it's your reception, Toni.”

Toni, bewildered, asked, “You're not mad?”

“Not at all. It's your party.” Then she sang, “Invite whoever you want to, whoever you want to.”

They snickered and squeezed each other in a hug. Ever since Toni and Eric became separated, she had put her meddling aside. But now that they were back on again, her meddling skills must've been back on again too.

“I'm glad you're not mad. It'll be fun. You'll see.”

“Yeah, we'll see.” Ava wanted to see. But if only the result was a good one. If it was going to be anything but a positive experience, she could skip it.

“Well, I'm about to head out, girlfriend. I had a good time, but gotta burn off. I'm meeting Eric so we can plan the perfect honeymoon trip.”

“I understand. Tell him I said hello. And I appreciate all your help.” Ava appreciated Toni requesting Kevin's presence at her nuptials, but didn't want to say it out loud. That might make it seem like she looked forward to him attending, and she didn't want to get her hopes up.

When everything was finished and the guests had pretty much headed out, Ava made one more round to check if any of her equipment or supplies were left behind. Kevin and Dr. Moses stood in the front hallway talking. Kevin took the white envelope that Dr. Glory held in her hand. As Ava approached them, Glory walked off, waving good-bye to Ava and giggling.

Ava, confused, cruised over to him. “What was she up to?”

Kevin's deep voice penetrated her heart. “Oh, nothing. She wanted me to give you the check for your catering services.” He handed her the envelope.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” He slipped his hand into the inside pocket of his sport jacket. “And here's my business card in case you ever wanted to call me.” He suavely took out his cell phone in one fluid motion. “Mind if get your number? I'd like to call you sometime. We don't have to wait until Thursdays to hang out.”

Ava exhaled. She recited her number to him, standing there in disbelief. Had he really met Toni and Rene and still shown interest in her? There were several other more attractive women at the celebration as well. But he was asking for her number? Could he be one of those rare individuals who got to know a person and cared about who they were and what they believed? Did he notice she had character along with her “pretty face”?

After everything was loaded up and she said her good-byes, Ava drove home with thoughts running through her mind like a sprinter in the Olympics.

Would he call? Would he show up at Toni's ceremony? Could Ava consider him coming to the reception a date between the two of them even though Toni invited him? Worrying about the answers to these questions wasn't going to add another day to her life. So, she handed her anxieties over to God and jetted down I-45. “Jesus, take the wheel.”

 

 

Toni met Eric at one of their favorite late-night hangouts. IHOP was packed with folks inhaling pancakes and other breakfast favorites. The smell of warm syrup tempted her stomach, but she was full from all of Ava's creations at the party. Still, she couldn't sit in IHOP and not order a pancake.

Eric stood as soon as he saw her walk through the door. She rushed into his embrace and laid a peck on him before they sat down. He was such a handsome man.
GQ
ready all the time. Onlookers probably thought they were both a couple of models. His outside hadn't changed one iota, but inside, he was a different man.

Toni couldn't wait until Valentine's Day to walk down the aisle for the second and final time. She caressed the ring on her finger, and then rubbed his face.

“So, how'd everything go at Ava's event?”

“It went very well. Food was great as always, and I got to meet her new friend.” If Kevin was as good of a man as he appeared to be, Ava may finally get the chance to have the relationship she desired since she was a young girl. Hopefully, he wouldn't turn out to be a new and improved version of the past fools she'd dated.