The Fall of the Prodigal by Michelle Lindo-Rice Page B

closed her womb.
    â€œDon’t keep Him waiting too long,” Gina warned in a gentle tone. “When God wants you, there is no escaping Him. Where can you run?”
    A verse came back to her. “If I make my bed in hell, He’s there.”
    Gina arched an eyebrow at her. “Yes, you said it right.” She tilted her head Michael’s way. “I see you brought your shadow.”
    What a way to refer to her ex - husband. Verona wondered if Gina had ever been in love with Michael. Gina sounded like she was talking about a stranger and not someone she had pledged her life to before. Verona pursed her lips. It was time for Lady Ward to live what she preached. “Michael, come on over.”
    On stilted steps, he approached. “Hello, Gina. You were amazing tonight.”
    â€œI owe it to God,” Gina deflected before asking him, “Why are you here?”
    Verona admired her bluntness.
    â€œI need you to stand up for me at the hearing,” Michael returned with equal bluntness.
    â€œForget it.” Gina stomped off without even a good-bye.
    Verona watched her rapid departure. She faced Michael to offer some token word of sympathy. She saw him checking out his ex-wife and her stomach knotted from envy. “You’d better put out that spark before Keith finds out. I don’t think he’d be as willing to help you if he sees you’re still pining for his wife.”
    Michael’s eyes widened. “Say what? Whatever I felt for Gina is long gone. I’m not checking her out. I’m contemplating. I know her. She’ll testify. That’s the person she is deep down. Her good nature will win no matter what she says.”
    Verona’s stomach churned and it wasn’t from indigestion. It was jealousy at Michael’s faith in his ex-wife. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. What she wouldn’t give to hear him talking about her like that.
    â€œBy the way, I took a cab so I could ride back with you into the city,” Michael said.
    Verona slanted him a glance. “You took it for granted I’d . . .” She stopped. What was the point in arguing? She was going to end up taking him anyways. She motioned for him to come on.
    She dropped Michael off before driving the short distance to her home. The doorman held opened the door and Verona strolled inside. She could not wait to soak her feet. Lavender Epsom salts.
    Upon entering her penthouse, Verona threw off her shoes. On stocking clad feet, she started a bath, replete with candles and her bath pillow. Verona kicked herself for not coming clean about Lauren. She knew Keith said to give him time to speak to Lauren, but between Michael and God, she knew she was short on that.
    The verse from James came back to her. What a way to spend a Wednesday night.

Chapter Nineteen
    What a way to spend a Wednesday night, or, should she say, Thursday morning!
    â€œIt’s been too long, Mousie!”
    â€œGive us more! Mousie! Mousie!”
    With a knowing smile at the men’s pleas, Mousie pranced on the stage. She rocked her lower body. Her tail swished across the stage. The roars spurred her on.
    With exaggerated movements, she strutted across the stage and executed a perfect split. Sweat poured down her body. Bills were tossed all over the stage. Finn’s minions came and gathered all the cash.
    She blew them a Marilyn Monroe–style kiss. As Mousie had directed, the stage effects kicked into gear. Smoke and huge fans blew her dress high above her legs.
    More money!
    As the lights dimmed, she clenched her fists and stormed off the stage. “I’m tired of this! Why are they cheering? I’m doing everything but selling my goods up there, and their tongues hang out with sick fascination!”
    Finn helped her out of her costume without saying a word. Mousie knew he had long ago tuned her out. Taking deep breaths, she asked, “Did the cheese costume come in yet?”
    â€œYes,