The Pastor's Wife (19 page)

E
va stared at the hot wings in disgust. Mamie walked up to her. She must’ve been reading Eva’s mind because she said, “I can’t believe she ordered hot wings. It’s a brunch, for Christ’s sake.”

Eva massaged her temples. “And they’re from Hooters at that.” Eva pointed to the platter that had the word
Hooters
etched across the plastic cover.

“She could’ve had the decency to put them in a nice plate or something,” Dorothy Mae added as she joined her sisters at the hors d’oeuvres table. They were the first to arrive at the brunch, besides Savannah. Dorothy Mae and Mamie almost didn’t come out of protest, but Eva had convinced them that they needed to be there.

Mamie rolled her eyes. “Is this what we have to look forward to?”

“The first ladies and other guests will begin arriving any minute now,” Eva said as she began gathering up the wing platter. “And I refuse to be the laughingstock of the entire city when they walk up in here and see some daggone hot wings.”

“Umm, excuse me, where are you going with that?” Savannah asked, walking up just as Eva had picked up the platter.

“I’m taking it to the back,” Eva said defiantly. “We will not serve hot wings at this event.”

“Last time I checked, I was hosting this shindig.” Savannah placed her hands on her hips. Eva’s eyes roamed Savannah’s body. She had on a fur stole, a cream satiny blouse, and a leather skirt. Thank God the skirt at least came to her knees.

“You do realize it’s sixty-five degrees outside,” Dorothy Mae said, eyeing Savannah as well.

“It’s still winter,” Savannah snapped, fingering her stole. “As I said”—she turned back to Eva—“this is my event, and I want hot wings.”

“This is a brunch, Savannah!” Eva was trying not to lose her cool.

“I know that, and I have Mrs. Williams bringing some grits.”

Eva pursed her lips. She couldn’t believe Sister Williams hadn’t warned her about this foolishness.

“Grits? And hot wings?” Eva said through clenched teeth.

“If you got out of your small little world sometimes, you’d know that grits and chicken wings are a delicacy on the West Coast,” Savannah replied as she reached for the tray.

“Well, we ain’t on the West Coast,” Eva said, pulling the tray out of her reach. “And in the South we don’t eat Hooters’ hot wings for brunch.”

Dorothy Mae tugged at Eva’s arm just as two women walked into the room.

“Go greet your guests,” Eva said as she quickly turned and walked back to the kitchen. If they had to have the wings, she was at least going to put them on a decorative plate.

Savannah fought back the anger that was building inside her. She was not going to let them, or anyone for that matter, ruin her first chance to show these people she was worthy of being a first lady.

“Good morning, ladies,” Savannah said, spinning around to greet the two women. “I’m Sister Savannah McKinney, soon to be first lady of Lily Grove.” She reached over and hugged both women. “Thank you so much for coming. And you are?”

Both women flashed genuine smiles as they introduced themselves. Savannah walked them over to one of the brunch volunteers, who helped them to their seats.

As Savannah began greeting more guests, Eva returned with the wings on a platter. “Umph, she sure is putting on a show, huh?” Eva said as she set the wings on the table.

Mamie frowned in disgust. “Walking around like she been a first lady for ten years or something.”

“The visitors sho’ do seem to take a likin’ to her though,” Dorothy Mae said as they watched Savannah laugh with the first lady from New Jeremiah.

“That’s cuz they don’t know her,” Mamie snarled.

“Well, regardless, we need to put on our pleasant faces,” Eva said, brushing down her skirt. “We can’t let folks know about the dissension at our church.”

Eva walked over and began mingling with some of the guests, who had quickly begun arriving. Her sisters didn’t join her, but she knew it would take a minute for them to warm to the idea of Savannah hosting the event.

Savannah gave everyone time to get settled before taking the podium. She was all smiles as she welcomed everyone to what would be “the first of many events” she would be hosting as first lady.

“And I am so excited that most of you will be there to share in my joy tomorrow as I wed the man of my dreams,” Savannah announced.

Mamie coughed loudly, then looked down and began toying with her napkin as several people glanced her way. Eva shot her sister the evil eye to get her to straighten up.

Savannah ignored Mamie’s coughing fit and continued, “At this time, I will turn our program over to your mistress of ceremonies for today, Sister Rachel Jackson Adams from Zion Hill Baptist Church.”

Eva forced a smile as she clapped along with everyone else for Rachel. She’d been against having that woman serve as mistress of ceremonies because her drama-filled past was almost as bad as Savannah’s. But at least Rachel had reformed some, at least from what Eva had heard. And as Rachel took the podium, she actually wore a look of confidence and exuded the demeanor of a proper first lady, something Eva didn’t think Savannah would ever be capable of.

Savannah took her seat at the head table. She was proud of how things were going so far. As she watched Sister Adams flawlessly navigate the program, she was happy that she’d stood her ground on having Rachel emcee. Savannah had only met her a couple of times, but she felt like she could relate to Rachel because she had been unwanted in her church as well. But now, her members loved her. That’s what Savannah was hoping would happen with her. But what Savannah liked most was that Rachel seemed to keep it real, no matter whom she was dealing with. That’s the type of first lady Savannah planned to be.

The two-hour program was over before Savannah knew it. The guest speaker, Evangelist Jocelyn Rogers, was phenomenal, and everyone had sung her praises after it was over. A few people from Lily Grove, including Terrance’s aunts, refused to give Savannah any props, but they didn’t have to. She knew she had done an excellent job, especially with such short planning time.

“So, Ms. Eva, the people really seemed to enjoy the hot wings,” a satisfied Savannah said.

“Church folks are usually nice—in your face. Then talk about you behind your back,” Eva snidely remarked. “So I wouldn’t read too much into it.”

Savannah contemplated coming back with a retort of her own, but she was tired of the attitudes, the wall she had built. She sighed and said, “Ms. Eva, can we please go over here and talk for a minute.” Savannah pointed at a corner table.

Eva glanced over at her sisters, who were talking to one of the guests that was still hanging around. She turned her attention back to Savannah. The sincere look on Savannah’s face caused Eva to let down her guard just a little bit. “Fine,” she said as she walked to the table.

“I know I’ve done some things you don’t approve of,” Savannah said after they were both seated at the table.

“Some?”

“Please let me finish.” Savannah inhaled, trying to tell herself not to go off, no matter what. “But I just wish you’d give me a chance. I really am a good person, and if all of you would just give me a chance to show you, I think you’d see that.”

Eva softened her expression and pointedly asked, “Why are you marrying my nephew?”

Savannah stared directly in Eva’s eyes. “Because I love him more than I’ve ever loved any man in my life.”

Savannah took a deep breath, then continued, “You don’t have to respond right now. Just please think about burying the hatchet. All I want to do is make Terrance happy. Something we both want.” She stood up. “He and I are getting married tomorrow, and the best gift we can give Terrance is to find a way to get along.”

Savannah gave one last pleading look before walking away from the table. She silently prayed that Tyra was right. She hoped she could get a lot further by being nice.

T
errance seemed to be just going through the motions. Every fiber of his being was telling him to march out into that sanctuary and tell everyone his secret, then tell Savannah where she could go. But when he thought of his aunts—and all the other people who would be disappointed—he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.

“This is my punishment,” he mumbled as he adjusted his tie. He stared at himself in the full-length mirror in the corner of his office. Never in a million years did he think his wedding day would be like this. He was here physically, but mentally, his mind was anywhere but here. Terrance had to say a quick prayer of forgiveness when he found himself wishing Savannah would get hit by a truck or something on her way to the church.

“Knock, knock,” Monty said, pushing the office door open.

“What’s up, man?” Terrance asked, turning to his friend. Monty looked quite nice in his double-breasted suit. Neither of them had bothered with a tux. “I’m glad you came.”

“You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world. You know how I feel about you marrying this chick, but I’m here to support you. If this is what you really want to do, then I’m with you.”

“Thanks, man. I really appreciate that.”

“This
is
really what you want to do?” Monty asked suspiciously.

Terrance forced a smile. He wanted to tell Monty the truth, but he just knew Monty would tell him not to marry Savannah, and Terrance just didn’t need that stress right now.

“Are there any people here yet?”

“Yeah, a few. I’m glad you at least got Savannah to have the wedding right before the Christmas celebration.”

“Yeah, because she definitely was trying to have it right smack-dab in the middle of the service.” Terrance stopped and stared at Monty, who was looking around nervously. “Why are you looking like that?”

“Oh, umm,” Monty said, raising his eyebrows. “Th…There’s someone that wants to holla at you real quick.”

“Who?” Terrance said, glancing toward the door.

“The woman you should be marrying,” Monty said matter-of-factly.

Terrance’s eyes lit up. “Raquel is here?”

“Yeah. She cornered me in the hallway and told me to come see if you were alone. She’s hiding around the corner and stuff like she’s James Bond.”

“Go get her,” Terrance excitedly said. “Tell her she can come in.”

Monty chuckled. “I figured you would say that. I’ll be right back.”

“And, Monty,” Terrance said, stopping him at the door.

“Yeah?”

“Can you keep an eye out for Savannah and make sure she doesn’t come back here?”

Monty nodded. “You ain’t said nothing but a word.” Monty poked his head out the door and motioned down the hallway. A few seconds later, Raquel eased into Terrance’s office. Monty quickly excused himself. Terrance felt himself relax.

“Hey,” Raquel said.

“Hey,” Terrance replied. They stood in awkward silence for a few minutes.

“I hope you don’t mind that I came,” Raquel finally said.

“You know I don’t.” Terrance took in her beauty. As usual, she was a vision of loveliness in a beige, fitted, knee-length dress and brown boots. “Although, I’m surprised that you’re here.”

Raquel glanced down. “I wasn’t going to come, but I had to try one more time to convince you that you don’t have to do this.”

Images of Savannah spilling his secret to anyone who would listen flashed through his head. At the same time, images of the life he wanted with Raquel began to overshadow thoughts of Savannah.

“I love you so much.” Terrance exhaled as he stepped toward Raquel.

She closed her eyes and inhaled. When she opened them, a tear had begun to form in the corner of her eye. “Then don’t do this. I love you, too. This is killing me. You don’t have to do this. I will stand by you to the end,” she said, her voice cracking.

Terrance reached out and took her in his arms. He was confused. As he hugged her, everything felt so right. He squeezed her harder, wishing they could just disappear. He had just buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent, when a loud ruckus brought him back to reality.

“I don’t care who you are, you’re not going in there!” Terrance heard Monty scream.

Terrance groaned. Savannah must have come to his chambers and was now outside acting a fool.

Terrance pulled himself away and was just about to say something to Raquel when his door burst open, slamming against the wall and knocking the pictures to the floor.

“Wha—?” Terrance exclaimed.

“See, I knew I wasn’t no fool!”

Raquel’s eyes grew wide. “Dolan!”

“Don’t Dolan me, you cheating piece of trash!” He angrily stepped toward Raquel. Monty was right behind him, his suit messed up like he’d been tussling with Dolan, which Terrance had no doubt that he had.

Terrance quickly jumped in front of Raquel, shielding her from Dolan’s wrath.

Dolan stopped, took a deep breath, and pursed his lips. “Dude, if you know what’s best for you, you will get out of my face.”

Monty looked like he was about to rush Dolan, but Terrance held up his hand to keep Monty back.

“No, brother, I think it’s you who needs to get out of my office and out of my church.”

Dolan suddenly burst out laughing. Everyone stared at him strangely as he doubled over. “Y’all think this is some kind of joke.” He laughed before reaching in his jacket and pulling out a small, chrome pistol. He stood back and pointed the gun at Terrance’s head. “Do I look like a comedian?”

Raquel screamed as Terrance tensed up. Dolan quickly pointed the gun at Monty, who looked like he was ready to pounce.

“Make a move, punk, and it will be your last,” Dolan warned.

Monty backed down, his teeth gritted. “Let’s see how bad you are without the gun, bruh.”

Dolan scratched his head with the barrel of the gun. “Ummm, let me ponder that. Now why would I want to do something like that? Cuz this here”—he waved the gun around—“says that I’m in control.” He pointed the gun back at Monty. “Now get out.”

“I ain’t goin’ nowhere,” Monty shot back.

“Fool, did that sound like a request?” Dolan moved the gun closer to Monty’s head.

“Monty, go on. Leave,” Terrance gently said. “We’ll be okay.”

“Yeah, Monty, go on and leave. Before the good reverend has to clean your blood up off his plush carpet here.”

Monty glared at Dolan as he made his way to the door. Terrance tried to give him a reassuring look, even though he was scared out of his mind.

“Dolan, please don’t do this,” Raquel tearfully pleaded as soon as Monty was out the door. “I’ll go with you, just please don’t do this.”

Dolan turned the gun back on Terrance. “I have a good mind to just blast this fool right here so I don’t have to worry about his sanctified ass no more.”

Raquel tried to step out from behind Terrance. “Please, I’m sorry. Let’s just leave.”

Terrance tried to grab Raquel’s arm. “No!”

Dolan grabbed Raquel’s other arm as he aimed the gun right between Terrance’s eyes. “I don’t have no problem with shooting a man of God right here in church.”

Terrance backed down. He couldn’t believe this madman was about to take the woman he loved and do God only knew what to her, and he felt helpless to stop him.

Just then, Terrance’s office door swung open again. This time it was Savannah, standing there in her white Vera Wang wedding gown. “What in the world is going on? Monty is yelling for someone to call the cops—” Savannah stopped talking when she noticed Dolan with his arm around Raquel’s neck, the gun now pointed at her head.

“Oh, my God,” Savannah mumbled.

“Move out the way!” Dolan yelled at Savannah as he pulled Raquel toward the door.

Savannah ran over and ducked behind Terrance, who still stood defensively, contemplating whether he should try to take Dolan.

Savannah must have read his mind because she whispered, “Let them go, baby. This isn’t your battle.”

Dolan looked crazed as he dragged Raquel out into the hallway. “Say good-bye to your little boyfriend,” he growled. “You thought I was playing when I told you if I couldn’t have you, no one would?”

Dolan kicked open the sanctuary door and dragged Raquel down the aisle to the altar. The few people who had already arrived screamed as they scattered. Some ducked behind the pews, others ran out of the building.

“Till death do us part, baby!” Dolan yelled as he pushed Raquel down on the floor in front of the pulpit. “That was supposed to be our vow to each other, right? Till death do us part.”

Terrance, Savannah, Monty, and several other people stood helplessly at the back of the church as Raquel continued to sob. Dolan cocked the gun, then pointed it at her heart.

Then, the only sound in the sanctuary was a hail of gunfire as Terrance felt his whole world go black.