In Times of Trouble by Yolonda Tonette Sanders Page A

boxes in her car. She secretly got a kick out of the double take her ex-husband did when he saw the rock on her finger, but pretended not to notice. Lisa didn’t stick around long enough for RJ to ask her any questions. She knew whatever he didn’t get a chance to ask her, he had most likely asked her mother,and Lisa was certain her mother had been sure to share her warped theory of Eric with him.
    Lisa pulled up to the two-story brick home and sat in the driveway for a minute. In Baltimore, she and RJ once shared a beautiful home such as this. It wasn’t quite as extravagant as the Scotts’ residence, but it was definitely high-class. Sure she had a nice “middle-class,” place now, but it was nothing compared to the house she owned in Baltimore; the one that was foreclosed on thanks to RJ.
    While other guests were inside the Scott home taking advantage of all the amenities such as a pool table, game room and theater-like screen, Lisa sat alone on the deck, which, by itself, seemed bigger than her entire property. As the cool, tangy punch trickled down her throat, she recalled the first time Olivia had ever invited her over to this gated community. It was only days after they had been trapped together in the elevator. Lisa walked inside the foyer and was riveted by the two-story front window and crystal chandelier, which looked like it belonged in an art gallery. Lisa had only seen houses like this in the movies. As a matter of fact, she didn’t know houses like this existed outside of Hollywood; and if they did she’d never known a black person to own one. The Scotts had really made their mark in not only Columbus, but other major cities as well with Isaac’s law firms bringing in revenue from many big-name clients.
    At first, Lisa was a little star-struck by Isaac’s notoriety and grateful to have such an esteemed couple take her under their wings. Lisa loved being invited—via Olivia and Isaac—to events like The Governor’s Ball or receiving VIP tickets to the Mayor’s Luncheon. She secretly hoped that the launching of Eric’s ministry would grant them a spot on the A-lists throughout the country. There was no doubt in her mind that Eric would becomeas well-known as T.D. Jakes and Creflo Dollar. First Ladies Serita Jakes and Taffy Dollar had to marvel at their husbands’ success. What wife wouldn’t enjoy worldwide televised ministries and being treated like royalty by the congregation? RJ had had the potential to make all her dreams of being a First Lady come true. If only he hadn’t fallen from grace. . .
    â€œExcuse me, Ma’am, there are guests inside. Don’t you think it’s rather rude for you to sit out here being antisocial?” Lisa hadn’t even noticed that Isaac had come from the great room.
    â€œOh, shut up.” She nudged him gently as he sat his incredibly tall frame in the chair next to her. Stretching well over six feet, Isaac was unable to scoot his chair comfortably underneath the table. “You’re the host, I’m not, so why are you outside?”
    â€œTo be honest, after getting in from New York late last night, I really wanted a nice quiet evening, but Liv had already set this up.”
    â€œIs that your cue that Chanelle and I should have stayed home?”
    He scrunched his thick eyebrows to the middle of his head, playfully giving her a scolding look. “Now you know you and Chanelle are like family. More so than some blood-related folks inside. It’s most of them other folk that I’m ready to kick out my house—the relatives that don’t call unless they need money or have caught a case and are looking for an attorney, pro bono, of course. We definitely don’t mind helping people, but I hate the feeling of being used.”
    â€œUnfortunately, that’s the nature of some people. It’s okay to say no at times.”
    â€œLiv’s way better at that