Love, Honor, and Betray by Roby, Lawson (best ebook for manga .TXT) 📗

“Of course.”

“Because you’re a powerful, attractive man who is known everywhere.”

“Well, at least you’re honest.”

“Honest is the only way to be. As long as you can handle it.”

“It’s better than being lied to.”

“I agree.”

There was a bit of silence, and then Sharon said, “So does that answer all your questions?”

“For the most part. Although, I am wondering why you left the great city of Chicago for a small town like Mitchell.”

“I told you that in my letter, too. I did it so I could be closer to you.”

“So, you moved all this way just to be near someone you don’t even know?”

“I did. I even made sure the home I bought was out in the country and very secluded so you wouldn’t have to worry about anyoneseeing you. I know it sounds strange and maybe a little naïve, but some things are meant to be.”

“You’re right. Some things are, but I’m not sure that’s true where you and I are concerned.”

“Trust me. It is. You just don’t know it yet. Either that or you’re in denial.”

“You’re a very aggressive woman.”

“You think so?”

“You are.”

“I’m not afraid to go after what I want, if that’s what you mean.”

“I figured that out when you came up to me after Bible study and passed me that envelope.”

“Life is too short, and fear gets you nowhere. But enough of all that. When exactly are you coming to see me?” she said matter-of-factly.

“Maybe in the future.”

“What’s wrong with coming today?”

“Can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Both.”

“If you come see me, I promise to make it worth your while. I promise to do whatever you ask and then some.”

Dear God, please give me the strength to say no to this woman.

“Are you there?”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

“So do you want my address?”

“No. And actually, I have to go now.”

“So you’re not coming?”

“No.”

“That’s too bad.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m a very patient woman, and I know you’ll change your mind eventually. You’ll be ringing my doorbell soonerthan you think.”

Curtis told her good-bye and hung up. Last Wednesday night, after reading Sharon’s note, he’d told himself that he wouldn’tcall her. But after Charlotte had denied him sex later that evening and then hopped up at the last minute and left for Florida,he’d had the entire weekend to think. Charlotte had claimed she needed a break, but Curtis wondered who she might be takinga “break” with. He didn’t want to think the worst, but he also knew who his wife was and what she was capable of. He was goingto give her the benefit of the doubt, though, something he rarely did with anyone who had betrayed him previously, and itwas the reason he’d made the decision to only talk to Sharon for the time being. Now, he wished he hadn’t contacted her at all because he found himself still thinking abouther.

Thankfully, though, his daughter Alicia called, and that allowed him to focus on something else.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said. “How are you?”

“I’m good, Daddy. What about you?”

“Can’t complain.”

“So did you guys make it over to Elder Jamison’s for the Super Bowl? Matt told me on Saturday night that he was having a party.”

“Yep. We did, and it was a great time.”

“I’m sure it was. And what did Charlotte and Curtina do?”

“Curtina stayed with Aunt Emma, and Charlotte flew down to Florida for a spa weekend.”

“Really? Without me? I can’t believe she didn’t call and ask me to go with her because she normally hates going to those placesalone. Did Janine go?”

“No, as far as I know, she went by herself. Said she just needed a break,” he said, not wanting Alicia to think anything waswrong. “I’m sure she’ll ask you next time.”

“I hope so. But I’m still giving her the business when I talk to her,” Alicia said, laughing.

Curtis forced himself to laugh with her but then changed the subject. “So, how are things going with Phillip?”

“Oh my God, Daddy, they couldn’t be better.”

“Yeah, I know,” he said, chuckling.

“You’re a trip.”

“Phillip talks about you every time we speak, but I just wanted to hear your take on your relationship with him.”

“I’m so happy, Daddy, and so glad to be back seeing Phillip. I know I messed things up pretty badly the first time, but Ireally hope to marry him again.”

“I’m hoping the same thing, baby girl. Phillip is one of the best men I’ve ever known, and you’re blessed to have anotherchance with him.”

“I know. And I’m very grateful.”

“But tell me. What have you heard about that fool JT?”

“Well, actually, one of his former members called me a few days ago, saying she heard that a lot of the members who left areslowly but surely rejoining. I mean, can you believe that, Daddy? Even when they know JT used to be a pimp and then got awoman pregnant while he was married to his first wife and then did the same thing when he was married to me?”

“Yeah, I believe it. It happens all the time,” Curtis said, thinking how his own congregation had stood by him, too, evenafter they learned about his affair with Tabitha and about the birth of Curtina.

“I just don’t get it. They couldn’t possibly think he’s sorry or that he’s really changed. Not to mention, he’s still outon bail and is sure to get at least some prison time after trying to forge your name on those recommendation letters.”

“The trial is coming up in three months, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

“I know I’ve said this before, Daddy, but I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you. You tried your best to warn me about JT, butI completely ignored you. I married one of the worst men alive, and I’ll always regret that.”

“But the good news is that it’s all in the past now. You got your divorce, you moved on, and that’s all that matters.”

“Still. I just wish I hadn’t gotten involved with him.”

“Like I said, it’s all in the past.”

“I guess,” she said.

“So what else is new?”

“Well, I’m almost finished up with the revisions for my second novel, and