Heaven Right Here by Lutishia Lovely Page A

at work,” Frieda said when they were all on the phone. “So make it snappy.”
    “Say it, Stacy,” Hope prompted. “What you just told me on the phone.”
    Stacy did, recounting the evening a week ago when Darius had dropped off his son and the vibes had been floating in the air before he’d gotten a phone call. She then told of a conversation with sexual undertones they’d had the previous night.
    “I think he was getting ready to ask me to, you know—for us to get together.”
    “And?”
    “And I want to be with him. I haven’t had any in forever, and he was there last week looking fine and smelling good. It’s not like he hasn’t had it already. Hell, we have a child together!”
    “But you know you can’t be with him without feelings getting involved,” Hope said.
    “That’s real talk,” Frieda concurred. “And after all the fighting y’all have been doing over little Darius, I can’t even believe I’m hearing this come out of your mouth!”
    “I know,” Stacy said. “But it felt different this time.”
    “Uh, yes, Mr. Langley, I’ll make sure he gets the message. You’re welcome. It’s no problem. Thanks for calling.”
    Hope and Stacy heard a click in their ear and knew the deal; Frieda’s boss had entered her vicinity, and she had hung up.
    “Stacy, why do you keep chasing that married man? Darius is not going to leave Bo!”
    “How do you know what Darius is going to do? You weren’t at my house the other night.”
    “Look, I’m just trying to keep you from getting hurt again. But if you like it, I love it. Far be it from me to try and help a friend.”
    Both women were silent a moment. Stacy knew Hope was right, and Hope knew Stacy had a right to her feelings.
    Hope sighed heavily. “Life is so crazy.”
    “I know, but I’ll survive.”
    “Yeah? Well, I don’t know if I will.”
    “Why?”
    “Cy is on his way to meet a potential business partner—Millicent’s husband.” She told Stacy about Cy’s interest in investing in La Jolla real estate—land that just happened to be owned by one Jack Kirtz.
    “Okay, that is crazy. I can’t believe he’d do that, Hope, knowing how you feel about her.” Stacy paused. “He does know how you feel, right?”
    “Yes and no. I told him about my jealousy issues.”
    “And?”
    “And he said he wouldn’t do business with him if it bothered me.”
    “Then I don’t get it? Why is he still meeting with him?”
    “I told him to, Stacy. How can I let this jealousy nonsense get in the way of his business? I’m being ridiculous, and I’m determined to get over it.”
    “I’m sorry, Hope. Life is messed up sometimes, isn’t it?”
    “You know what they say: it’s a small world.”
    “What are you going to do?”
    “Oh, nothing too serious. Just invite them over for a nice, cozy dinner and then put some strychnine in her food.”
    “You know I’ve got thugs in my family—they could get you some!”
    Hope laughed. “Thank you, sistah. It’s good to know you’ve got my back.”

22
    Forgiving Ain’t Forgetting
    “Thanks, Millicent. Lunch was delicious.” Cy wiped his mouth and placed his napkin on the table.
    “Anytime, Cy,” Millicent answered, shifting Jackson from one hip to the other.
    Jack stood, walked over, and placed a kiss on his child’s forehead and his wife’s lips. “I agree, honey. You are amazing, as always.”
    Millicent’s eyes twinkled as she absorbed Jack’s praise. She leaned in for another kiss, and Jack obliged. Cy watched, both amused and amazed at the transformed woman who stood before him.
    “I’m headed over to the church after this,” Jack informed Millicent. “Will you be able to live without me for a few hours?”
    “I’ll try. Oh, and remember: Sarah’s plane gets in at two. She’s getting a ride with a friend from LA and should be here by seven.”
    Jack nodded. “I’ll be back by then.”
    Moments later, Jack and Cy were buckled into Jack’s black Cadillac, headed toward