The Prodigal Son (A Reverend Curtis Black Novel) (17 page)

I
t was Memorial Day, and although he and Melissa had just arrived at his dad’s, Dillon already dreaded being there. He wasn’t sure if it was simply because he didn’t care for most of the people he knew he was about to see or if it was because his no-good sister Alicia had been the one to answer the door.

“I’m so glad you guys could make it,” she beamed, all while decked out in what looked to be an overly expensive pure white maxi dress. “Everyone’s out on the patio, so just follow me.”

Alicia acted as though she lived there and as though Dillon and Melissa were nothing more than outside guests. It was true that they were in fact visitors, but Alicia treated them as though they weren’t even family. She spoke to them as if they were no different than church members or friends, and this made Dillon want to light into her.

Ever since meeting her, Dillon had tried tolerating Alicia as much as he could, mostly for his father’s sake, but he was getting to the point where he couldn’t stand the sight of her. He wished he could feel differently, but he couldn’t.
He
was the eldest child and not her, and it was time he did whatever he needed to do to make everyone realize it.

Dillon and Melissa followed Alicia down the shiny marble hallway, through the family room, and out to the elegant, spacious patio. Everyone who’d been invited was there: Phillip; Charlotte’s parents; Charlotte’s aunt Emma; and her daughter, Anise; and, of course, Matthew and his son, little MJ. And who could forget that tiny brat Curtina? Curtis had told Dillon that today’s gathering would include only family, but his dad’s assistant, Miss Lana, and Elder Dixon were there as well. Dillon liked Miss Lana, though, so he was actually glad to see her, but he could certainly do without Elder Dixon. Dillon didn’t care much for the elder, mainly because he was about as country as Roger and he also didn’t have any tact. The only reason Dillon pretended to like him was because his father seemed to love and respect him to the utmost. Curtis saw him as the father he didn’t have, so Dillon went along with it. Actually, it wasn’t much of a problem, anyway, as long as Elder Dixon continued to mind his own business and stay out of his way.

“Hey son,” Curtis said, smiling and walking in their direction.

Dillon forced a smile back but didn’t say anything. He was also glad he still had on his sunglasses because he didn’t want his dad to see his true feelings.

“Glad you both made it,” Curtis said, hugging him and Melissa.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Melissa said.

“Of course.”

Dillon tried to stay focused on his dad and what he was saying, but he couldn’t help noticing how all the other adults were outrageously obsessed with little MJ, and Dillon could barely stomach it. Here it was, he’d already had to spend the last few days plotting and trying to figure out exactly how he was going to drive a new wedge between Matthew and Curtis, not to mention how he was going to end his dad’s marriage to that trifling Charlotte, yet now he had this awful baby to contend with. Everyone acted as though MJ were the most precious thing in the universe, and needless to say, all this did was provide Curtis with a whole other reason to push Dillon to the side. First it had been his dad’s children, but now there was this grandson of his to compete with.

“Are you okay?” Curtis asked him.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just hungry.”

Curtis laughed. “So am I. But before we eat, I want you to meet your brother.”

Dillon stared at his dad, trying to mask his rage. Why couldn’t his dad do him a favor and leave things as is? Until now, Dillon had never met Matthew, and Dillon was fine with that.

“Hey son,” Curtis yelled out to Matthew. “Come here for a minute.”

Matthew set his bottle of water down and walked over.

“Son, this is Dillon…Dillon, this is Matthew.”

“How’s it goin’?” Matthew said, reaching his hand out.

Dillon grabbed it and forced another smile on his face. “Good, and it’s nice to finally meet you.”

“And you must be Melissa,” Matthew said.

“Yes,” she answered, cheesing like a Cheshire cat, and Dillon wanted to slap that smile of hers across the patio. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Curtis sighed loudly with total pride and placed his arms around both his boys. “Now, this is the kind of thing that really makes me happy. Both my sons together for the first time. Talk about a huge blessing this is.”

Curtis went on and on about how happy he was, but the atmosphere couldn’t have been more awkward. It was clear that neither Dillon nor Matthew had anything to say, and actually, Matthew kept looking over at the rest of the family, where everyone was still making a big deal over MJ. Finally, though, Curtis decided it was time to eat. Before he did, however, everyone else spoke to Melissa and Dillon—that is, all except Charlotte, who graciously spoke to Melissa but pretended she didn’t see Dillon. This was just one more reason Dillon couldn’t wait to annihilate her.

When Curtis finished saying grace, everyone filed together in a single line, leading toward the food tables, and although Dillon truly didn’t want to be there, he couldn’t deny how awesome everything looked. He’d heard a lot about Aunt Emma and her cooking, and just based on the way she kept positioning and repositioning all the dishes and making sure nothing was missing, he could tell she’d likely prepared the entire meal, and it smelled heavenly. Barbeque ribs, chicken, bratwurst, macaroni and cheese, seven-layer salad, potato salad, cole slaw, and baked beans. Then there were so many desserts to choose from, he wasn’t sure which he’d have first. This entire layout sort of reminded him of all the many holidays he’d spent with Aunt Susan. She’d never had to prepare as much food as this, but she’d still fixed most of the same items, and Dillon remembered how he would eat and eat and eat until he made himself sick. Aunt Susan was a down home, Southern cook, and he’d never eaten anyone else’s food that tasted better. Boy did he miss her, and it was all he could do not to slip into some dreadful state of depression. He would never let these people see him that way, though.

Dillon filled his plate with everything he could, but just as he turned to look for his father, his heart dropped. The round table Curtis was sitting at was already full. Charlotte, Matthew, Alicia, and Phillip had plopped down around him, and they’d even pulled MJ’s high chair into the mix. At the other table sat Charlotte’s parents, her aunt Emma, her cousin Anise, and Curtina. Not one person in his family had offered him a seat, clearly not wanting to be bothered, and it took everything in him not to make a scene.

Finally, Dillon went over to one of the empty tables, but as soon as he and Melissa sat down, Curtis said, “Son, you and Melissa okay over there? I hope you brought your appetites!”

“We’re fine,” he said, secretly fuming.

“Good.”

Dillon relaxed in his chair, Melissa did the same, and he guessed Miss Lana and Elder Dixon must have felt sorry for them, since they took seats at the same table. Either that or it was simply the fact that they didn’t want to sit at another table by themselves. What Dillon wanted to do was stand up, storm over to both the other tables, and explain to every one of them, point blank, how he couldn’t stand them—that is, with the exception of his father.

But what calmed his nerves a great deal was the plan he’d been working on, the one that was going to make everything all right. The plan that would prove to his dad his worth as a son. The plan that would also confirm that neither Charlotte, Alicia, nor Matthew cared about Curtis as much as he did. He would demonstrate hands down that all they wanted were the financial benefits and social prestige his dad had afforded them.

Miss Lana and Elder Dixon made a lot of small talk with Dillon and Melissa, but mostly Dillon kept his attention focused on his dad’s table. Matthew’s phone rang, but all he did was look at the screen, frown, and ignore it.

“Was that her again?” Dillon heard Alicia say to Matthew.

“Yep. She’s called four times today already, and she sounded drunk in all four messages. She’s really starting to get on my nerves.”

Alicia drank some of her lemonade. “You need to file for a divorce. Then you need to get full custody of MJ.”

“I’ve been trying my best to stay out of this,” Charlotte added. “But you really don’t have a choice, Matt. Racquel is getting worse instead of better.”

Matthew sighed and ate more of his food. It was clear he didn’t want to talk about his wife or the problems they were having, but Dillon’s interest had been piqued and he wanted to hear more.

Unfortunately, however, Alicia glanced over at him, realizing he’d been listening to their conversation, and she changed the subject. But that was okay with Dillon because for the most part, he’d heard all he needed to. He even wondered if maybe he could use this Racquel disaster to his advantage. He wasn’t sure how exactly, but he had a feeling Racquel might be instrumental in helping him ruin Charlotte…and Matthew, too, for that matter. There was a chance she knew things and would be glad to tell him about them. It was certainly worth finding out. And he would.

He also had another surprise for his dad and everyone else who was here. He’d still planned on waiting for the right time to tell his dad that he was ready to work for the church, but given the way everyone was treating him this afternoon, like he didn’t belong, he now realized there was no better time than the present. At first, he’d settled on taking whatever position his father chose for him; that is, until about two minutes ago, when he’d taken yet another glance at his dad’s table and noticed all the attention Curtis was practically drowning his
other
children with—so because of that,
he
was going to decide what position he would hold at the church. Whether his dad realized it or not, Dillon wanted some attention, too. He needed it, and it was for this reason that he’d made up his mind about what he had to do.

Dillon stood up. “I’m sorry to interrupt everyone’s meal, but Dad, there’s something I need to say. I’ve been struggling with this and struggling with this. I’ve tried my best to ignore it, but I just can’t do that anymore.”

There was total silence and no movement from anyone. Finally, Curtis said, “What is it, son?”

Dillon sighed loudly and paused for a few seconds, trying to seem genuine. “Well, Dad…the thing is…God has called me to preach. He wants me to deliver His Word and minister to His people.”

Everyone stared at Dillon in shock. Even his dad seemed stunned, but Dillon knew they’d all get used to the idea soon enough. It wasn’t as though they had a choice, anyway. Whether they liked his news or not, there was in fact a new reverend in town and his name was Dillon Whitfield—soon to be Dillon Whitfield Black, with no hyphen, once he moved forward with legally changing his name. He’d been planning to do just that right before his aunt had passed away, but now he would take care of it immediately.

Dillon loved the way his new name and title sounded already. Minister Dillon Whitfield Black, eldest child of
the
Pastor Curtis Black. After all these months, Dillon had finally discovered the perfect way to bond with his father, and he was sorry he hadn’t thought of it sooner. His dad’s other children would never be able to compete with something like this, and Dillon could barely contain his excitement. But then as he gazed over at Charlotte, his emotions calmed down a bit, and he focused on his original plan. Working for the church was one thing, but this phony calling from God that he’d concocted would also afford him the kind of reputation, credibility, and access he needed to obtain critical information about his stepmother. Plus, the other benefit, too, was that he’d be able to learn more about his dad and the church as a whole. This last-minute idea of his would change everything for the better, and Dillon couldn’t wait to see the fruits of his labor. More than anything, he couldn’t wait to hear his father say, “Son, you did good. Job well done.”

M
atthew drove into Jonathan’s driveway, turned off his car, and shook his head. He wasn’t sure why he’d made the grave mistake of answering his phone, but he had, and Racquel was driving him nuts. She just wouldn’t go away, and he wondered when she would leave him alone.

“Matt, baby, please,” she said. “I really need to see you.”

“Why?”

“So we can talk. So we can fix this problem we have.”

“Hmmph, you pretty much fixed everything when you stabbed me, Racquel. And if that wasn’t enough, you came over to my parents’ last week making a huge scene. You were as drunk as a skunk.”

“I know, and I’m so sorry for that. I don’t know what got into me, but I didn’t mean it.”

Matthew switched the phone to his other ear, wishing she’d hang up.

“Are you there?” she asked.

“Yeah, but I really need to go now.”

“Why can’t you just talk to me? Why won’t you give me a chance?”

“I gave you lots of chances.”

“When?”

“All this last year. I gave up everything for you and MJ. Even when you treated me like crap, I stayed faithful to you and I tried to be the best husband I could. But it never mattered to you.”

“I was sick, Matt, and you know that.”

“And I tried to talk to you about getting help, too. You didn’t want it, though.”

“I realize that, but that was then. Now I’m willing to do whatever you tell me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right between us. I want you and MJ and me to be a family again.”

“It’s too late for that.”

“What about for better or worse? What about in sickness or in health?”

“I really have to go.”

“Matt, I’m really trying. I even went by the church to see your dad this afternoon, and he said he’s already forgiven me. He said he’s praying for both of us.”

“That’s nice to hear, but Racquel, I’ve already told you…I can’t do this with you anymore.”

“But what about the vows we took before God?”

“I’ve thought about all that, but our marriage is over. I’m done, Racquel. I loved you with all my heart, but I’m moving on.”

“You selfish, evil idiot!”

Matthew had wondered how long it would be before Racquel nixed this noticeably calm demeanor she’d been portraying and ultimately turned into a crazed maniac. It had taken her all of three minutes at the most.

“Look, this whole conversation is pointless. So let’s not do this anymore, okay?”

“Where’s my son?” she shouted.

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Excuse me?”

“You weren’t worried about it a couple of weeks ago, so what difference does it make now?”

“I wanna know where my son is, Matt.”

“He’s safe and away from you.”

“You’re gonna be so sorry.”

“So now you’re threatening me?”

“Take it any way you want, but if I were you I’d see it as a promise.”

“Good-bye, Racquel.”

“Payback can be vicious, so I suggest you watch your back.”

Matthew pressed the End button on his phone, took a deep breath, and leaned his head back. He’d told himself that he would no longer allow Racquel to upset him, but he just couldn’t seem to help it. Maybe it was because they had so much history and because they had a child together. Maybe it was simply because they despised each other for different reasons. Matthew had no idea, one way or the other, but he prayed things would get better for him and her. He prayed that they would someday make amends and find happiness. They would never be able to do that as long as they stayed married, but Matthew hoped that eventually they could be friends. He hoped they’d be able to get along for MJ’s sake because no matter what Racquel had done to him, he didn’t see her as an enemy. He didn’t have a lot of experience with relationships, but what he now believed was that not every couple was meant to be together. Not every man was right for every woman. He wished things had turned out differently for him and Racquel, but sadly, the damage was done and nothing would change that.

Matthew finally found the strength and will to step out of his car and head toward the front door. Jonathan opened it and walked outside to meet him.

“Man, what’s up? Why you lookin’ all upset?”

“Guess.”

“Racquel?”

Matthew nodded.

“Man, I keep tellin’ you it’s time to get rid of that girl. She’s nothin’ but trouble, and if you don’t divorce her, you’ll regret it from now on. And that’s real talk.”

“I hear you, Jon, but man, it’s just not that easy. I’m definitely gonna divorce her, but these things take time.”

“Have you even contacted an attorney?”

“No, but I will.”

“What’re you waitin’ on?”

“I dunno. I guess deep down I feel bad about it.”

Jonathan laughed out loud. “Man, you must be kiddin’ me. That girl stabbed the mess outta you, and you’re the one who feels bad? Man, please.”

Matthew’s phone rang, but as soon as he pulled it out of his pocket he pursed his lips. It was Racquel again.

Jonathan sighed loudly, acting as though he’d been the one to get the phone call. “Is that her?”

Matthew hit Ignore and slipped the phone back inside his jeans pocket.

“I’m tellin’ you, man, you need to end this. And you need to get a restraining order. I don’t trust that broad for a minute.”

Matthew looked at him in silence. He was at a loss for words, and although he knew Jonathan was right about at least some of what he was saying, he didn’t feel like talking about this any longer.

Jonathan looked past Matthew and down the street. “And anyway, if you want things to work out with this one right here, I suggest you take care of that Racquel madness quick.”

Matthew turned around and saw Stacey driving up. Since Jonathan’s parents were out of town for the week, Jonathan had offered his house as a place for Matthew and Stacey to meet up and spend some time together. At first, Matthew hadn’t known if this was a good idea, but now that she’d arrived, he was glad he’d agreed to it.

Stacey parked in front of the house and got out. She had on a fitted, royal blue maxi sundress, and Matthew couldn’t stop staring at her. Apparently, Jonathan couldn’t either.

“Man, you’d be a fool to mess up somethin’ like that. Stacey is hot, smart, and without issues. Good thing you got those stitches out on Friday, too.”

Matthew rolled his eyes. “Whatever, Jon.”

“I’m just sayin’.”

“Hey guys,” she said, smiling and hugging both of them.

“Hey yourself,” Jonathan said. “But you know I’m not too happy with you right about now.”

“Why?”

“You didn’t bring one of your girls with you?”

Stacey shook her head, laughing. “You’re too much.”

“I’m just kiddin’ with you. I’m on my way to see this honey I met the other night, anyway. So I’m outta here. Oh and you guys can eat and drink whatever you want. The house is yours.”

“Thanks, man,” Matthew said.

“We really appreciate this, Jonathan,” Stacey added.

“Just make me proud,” he said, smiling. “And my bedroom is upstairs if you need it.”

Matthew had been best friends with Jonathan since childhood, yet he still couldn’t believe some of the things he said and did. He was such a free spirit, and mostly all he concerned himself with were girls and sex. It was all he seemed to care about.

Matthew and Stacey went inside and made themselves comfortable on the plush tan sofa in the family room. For some reason, Matthew’s stomach churned a bit and he felt a little awkward. So he turned on the television. The channel was already set on ESPN, but he turned it to the Lifetime Movie Network for Stacey’s sake.

They sat at opposite ends of the couch, and just as Matthew prepared to make small talk, his phone rang again. He dreaded pulling it out, but he also didn’t want to ignore it just in case his mom was calling about MJ. She was babysitting for him. Sadly, though, when he looked at the screen, Racquel’s number was displayed; he hit Ignore and set it on the table in front of them.

“So what did you do today?” he asked.

“Not a lot. Mostly I just sat around watching TV, and that was it. What about you?”

“Took a nap, played with MJ, got something to eat, and then came over here.”

Matthew looked at the television, but then he heard his phone vibrate and he checked the screen. Now Racquel was texting him.

Matthew reread the line three different times and set his phone back down.

“Was that Racquel?” Stacey asked.

“Why do you say that?”

“Just a feeling.”

“Yeah, it was,” he said, getting up and walking over to the large picture window. He placed his hands in his back pockets, sighed, and wondered when this would be over. He wondered when Racquel would stop speaking so violently to him and get on with her life. He’d tried to hold off with filing for the divorce, but now he knew it was time.

Stacey walked over to where he was standing, and to his surprise, she wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned the bottom of her chin against his back.

“Are you okay?”

“Not really.”

“I’m sorry you’re so sad, Matt. I hate that this is happening to you.”

“I wish I’d done things so much differently. I wish I’d never gotten married to her.”

“We all make mistakes, but you’re a good person and you’ll be fine.”

She held him tighter, and though Matthew wanted to turn around and face her, he was too afraid of what might happen if he did. His nerves were shot, but at the same time, he hadn’t felt this comfortable with a woman since he began dating Racquel, and he wanted to hold her back.

“Thank you,” he finally said.

“For what?”

“For being so understanding and for still wanting to be here even with all this drama. My life is so messed up right now.”

“Yeah, but it won’t always be this way. Things’ll get better real soon.”

“I hope so, but I still appreciate you being here for me.”

“I’m here because…”

“Because what?”

“Nothing.”

Matthew finally turned around and gazed into her eyes. “Because what?”

She gazed back at him. “I know it might sound crazy to you, but Matt, I’m so in love with you I can barely stand it.”

His heart beat wildly, and while he’d been trying to deny his true feelings for her for days, he knew he felt the same way.

Matthew pulled her closer. “Baby, I love you, too.”

They stared into each other’s eyes again, and Matthew kissed her. She kissed him back, and Matthew wished he never had to let her go. They kissed ravenously, but suddenly, even with as wonderful as Stacey made him feel, he worried about where things were headed. No matter how much of a decision he’d made about ending things with Racquel, he was still married and he didn’t want to commit adultery. He didn’t want to commit yet another sin he’d have to pray about.

But God forgive him, he couldn’t help himself. He couldn’t stop kissing Stacey, and in a matter of minutes, he found himself lying on top of her on the sofa. They were still fully clothed, but the passion between them was so deeply out of control that Matthew could hardly think straight.

Stacey slightly pushed him away, barely able to breathe. “Matt…please make love to me.”

Matthew stared at her, now winded himself. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Matthew swallowed hard, thinking about his marriage and little MJ, but in the end, he led Stacey upstairs to Jonathan’s bedroom. He knew it was wrong, but the truth of the matter was he wanted Stacey just as badly as she wanted him. He wanted to feel good for a change, so he decided that he’d just have to deal with the consequences. It was simply the way things were.