The Sunday Brunch Diaries Read online

  The Sunday Brunch Diaries

  CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One: Shock and Awe

  Chapter Two: “It’s Not Going to Be Pretty”

  Chapter Three: Welcome Home

  Chapter Four: You’ve Been Served

  Chapter Five: Lakewood Church

  Chapter Six: “Five-0”

  Chapter Seven: Diamonds Are Forever

  Chapter Eight: The Brisket House

  Chapter Nine: The Ex Files

  Chapter Ten: Computer Love

  Chapter Eleven: Law Firm of Reynolds & Stanton

  Chapter Twelve: Inquiring Minds Want to Know

  Chapter Thirteen: Delayed and Denied

  Chapter Fourteen: The Future Has a Past

  Chapter Fifteen: Brunch Unplugged

  Chapter Sixteen: Dead Weight

  Chapter Seventeen: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

  Chapter Eighteen: Houston, We Have a Problem

  Chapter Nineteen: Legal Woes

  Chapter Twenty: She Works Hard for the Money

  Chapter Twenty-One: Client Meeting

  Chapter Twenty-Two: All of Us

  Chapter Twenty-Three: The Backstreet Cafe

  Chapter Twenty-Four: Sunday Lovin’

  Chapter Twenty-Five: Dear Mama

  Chapter Twenty-Six: It’s a Wonderful Life

  Chapter Twenty-Seven: “Jewel-tide Greetings”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight: “Angel” Tree

  Chapter Twenty-Nine: I’ve Been There

  Chapter Thirty: Literary Divas

  Chapter Thirty-One: This Is Not a Test

  Chapter Thirty-Two: Study and Show Yourself Approved

  Chapter Thirty-Three: Hoop Dreams

  Chapter Thirty-Four: Girls’ Night

  Chapter Thirty-Five: A Dream Deferred

  Chapter Thirty-Six: Coming Clean

  Chapter Thirty-Seven: B. F. F.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight: Birthday Sweeps

  Chapter Thirty-Nine: What Happens in Vegas . . .

  Chapter Forty: Can I Go to Vegas?

  Chapter Forty-One: One Woman’s Trash . . .

  Chapter Forty-Two: VIPs

  Chapter Forty-Three: Revelation

  Chapter Forty-Four: High Rollers

  Chapter Forty-Five: Lay Your Head on My Pillow

  Chapter Forty-Six: Confessions

  Chapter Forty-Seven: Godmother Connection

  Chapter Forty-Eight: Fireworks

  Chapter Forty-Nine: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

  Chapter Fifty: Rain on My Parade

  Chapter Fifty-One: Double Blessings

  Epilogue

  Readers’ Guide

  About the Author

  Also by Norma L. Jarrett

  Previews

  Copyright

  All references to the Bible are from the New International Version.

  TO

  Norman D. and Ethel Jarrett

  ALWAYS & FOREVER

  “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”

  —Mother Teresa

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  To God, my heavenly Father, for allowing me to be used for His glory. Lord, help me to stay strong in this literary journey. May I continue to be a good steward over Your gifts and remain faithful in what You have ordained for me to do. For only what You have purposed in my life will stand.

  For my earthly father, Norman D. Jarrett, you are the ultimate fan! Your love and support is never ending. To my husband to be, Clarence K. York, our meeting was nothing less than divine intervention. Because of you, I’m able to experience unconditional love—“I have been blessed and divinely favored.” As always, love, peace, and blessings to my family, Stephen Jarrett (Bro.), Paulette (Sis), Big Al, Little Stephen, Quiana, Al (II) Ashley and Ariel Jones. To extended family far and wide, especially (Quinne Ewing, Bessie Crutchfield, Leroy and Alfred Page, Arlene Jarrett, and the rest of the Jarrett-Page family). To the York family, thank you for making me feel so welcome, I feel extremely loved!

  To faithful friends who are just like family: Mary Upshaw, Michele Austin, Tracy Hines, Carol Guess, and Quinella Minix.

  To the Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., much pink and green love. Especially Alpha Phi Chapter—Fall 86 (shouts out to Cynthia Throckmorton, Michelle Baker, Andrea Walbrook, Audra Foree, and the rest of my line). Special shout out to Soror Sheila Cash and Erica Lowery. Always love to North Carolina A&T State University—Aggie Pride!

  To literary friends: Anointed Authors on Tour (Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Vivi Monroe Congress, Tia McCollors, Vanessa Miller, Michelle Stimpson, and Shewanda Riley), Victoria Christopher Murray, Jacquelin Thomas, Trisha Thomas, Tiffany L. Warren, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, and many others. To Rawsistaz and other book clubs across the nation who have supported me. To media entities that have featured my work, including but not limited to: Essence, Ebony, Upscale, Gospel Truth, USA Today, Houston Chronicle, Houston Defender; Special thanks to: Majic 102, Yolanda Adams Morning Show (Don Corbett, Marcus Wiley, Larry Jones, and of course Ms. Yolanda Adams!), Madd Hatter Morning Show and many others!

  To Lakewood Church and Pastor Osteen for blessing me weekly. To my favorite artists for constant inspiration: Israel Haughton and New Breed, Ce Ce Winans, Yolanda Adams, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and others.

  Lastly, special thanks to my publisher, Broadway Books at Doubleday, Janet Hill, Clarence Haynes (first editor), and Victoria Sanders. If I have forgotten anyone, charge it to my head and not my heart! Blessings . . . Norma

  The Sunday Brunch Diaries

  CHAPTER ONE

  Shock and Awe

  It’s Monday and you’re listening to the Yolanda Adams morning show with Brother Larry Jones and Marcus Wiley, “92.1 Praise!”

  Jewel was starting her Monday morning after a busy weekend coordinating two major events. In the midst of listening to one of her favorite radio shows she realized the mail hadn’t been checked in the past several days.

  She jumped up and headed outside toward the mailbox station. As soon as she stepped outside she noticed the August heat was still in full force. She retrieved the mail, her fingers quickly sorting through envelopes as she walked back in the house. Off 5th Annual Sale, Victoria’s Secret—free pair of panties . . . I’ll keep that one. Ohh . . . What’s this? Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at the stamp and mouthed, “Cayman Islands?” She rushed inside, tore open the envelope, and pulled out a card. Her eyes grew bigger with each word she read. Her heart pushed and pounded as if it was about to bolt out of her chest. The breaths started coming quickly and her hands were shaking as she stared at the picture. “Nooooo!!!” she cried.

  She picked up the phone and dialed frantically. I just cannot believe this. She dialed the first number. No answer. Then she dialed Capri at home. “Stanton residence . . . no, Mrs. Stanton no es home. Can I take a mess—? Click. Got to move on. She called Capri’s cell phone. No answer. Okay, relax. She set the phone on the counter for a second. She paused with one hand on her hip and the other rubbing her forehead. She snatched it up again. Angel . . . but Angel hates when I call her at work, oh well, that’s never stopped me before. Jewel’s fingers danced across the phone with precision. She went through all her friend’s numbers and no one answered. This is a serious conspiracy—for real. She took a few deep breaths. Okay, okay, let me think here. She rubbed her forehead and tears welled up in her eyes. She looked at the card and read it again.

  * * *

  Today I married my best friend.

  Please celebrate with us as we take this journey of life Together.

  What Go
d has joined together, let no man put asunder . . .

  Alexis and Chris Reynolds

  * * *

  The phone rang. She exhaled heavily as if holding her breath in protest for the last several minutes. Finally.

  “Yes, Jewel, why have you been blowing up my phone?”

  “Capri . . . I, I just can’t believe it. Did you get something in the mail today? A wedding announcement—it’s a joke, right?” Jewel’s heart slowed its pace as she awaited a response.

  “I don’t know, Jewel.” Capri’s words crawled out of her mouth. Then she paused momentarily. “Girl, I haven’t even checked my mail yet.” Capri’s words sped up. Uh-oh. The Eagle has landed.

  “Have Consuela check for you. Never mind, we don’t have that kind of time. Well, you need to brace yourself. This is big; I mean I can’t believe Lexi did this to me. She promised. She promised me that I would coordinate her wedding. I mean, you saw the beautiful shower I gave her. The horse-and-buggy carriage centerpiece made of flowers, the Swarovski crystal slipper on the cake. I made all her dreams come true.”

  Why me, Jesus? “Uh-huh.” Tap, tap. Capri kept stroking the keys on her laptop.

  “Is that all you can say? You must be working. How could you focus on something else at a time like this? I know. You’re doing freakin’ research on the Internet. I need your complete attention, Capri!” She clapped her hands as if she were standing in front of Capri. “This is a crisis. Our best friend has eloped! Have you no sensitivity?” Jewel was yelling into the phone.

  Capri leaned back in her chair and removed her hands from her computer keys. “Hmmm. Okay, Jewel. First of all, you need to calm down and stop yelling in my ear, or the only thing you will hear is a dial tone. And for the record, Jewel dear, Lexi didn’t do anything to you. Furthermore, you gave Lexi the shower of your dreams, not hers. Lastly, if the girl ran away and got married in peace it’s her prerogative. And I can’t say I blame her!”

  “What?” Jewel’s nostrils flared. “Wait, a minute . . .” she paused as she bit the side of her lip. “You knew, didn’t you?” “W-e-l-l—”

  “You all knew, didn’t you?” She didn’t give Capri a chance to respond. “Betrayal! This is the thanks I get for coordinating your wedding and special events for free?” Jewel started pacing back and forth.

  “Girl, listen. Don’t take it so personally. Lexi and Chris just wanted a private event and, well, you know how you are. Look at how you’re acting now. Just once, let this be about someone else besides you. It’s not about a wedding—it’s about the marriage Jewel. Think about it.”

  Jewel sat quietly. She could feel her skin burning. Like a cartoon character, she felt crimson blood rising from her toes, about to explode out of the top of her head. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.

  Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. I have to remember my event planning creed: “Not everyone will appreciate or utilize even the most experienced and exquisite event coordinators.”

  “Well, I just resent the fact that you all think I’m so controlling that you couldn’t tell me. I mean y’all let me go on and on about their wedding. Even the last two weeks. That’s just cruel. I feel so foolish.” Jewel plopped down on the couch and poked out her bottom lip.

  Capri rolled her eyes and refocused on the screen. She’d left her research site and was now on eBay. After Jewel’s first few sentences Capri had partially tuned her out. The emotional drain attached to a Jewel conversation usually subsided after the first ten minutes.

  “. . . I mean I could have helped with something. I could have made the travel arrangements.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Jewel stood up and began pacing again. “God knows there are some cheap, classless destination packages out there. And a cruise? Puleeze. You know I have the best travel connections and, well, never mind.”

  “Jewel . . .”

  “What?”

  “Lexi and Chris are very happy.”

  Uh, she talked to them? Jewel finally stopped pacing, then plopped down on the large fabric ottoman. “Well, I guess that’s all that matters.”

  “Yeah, I would think that is the most important thing. What a mature way to look at this. I’m proud of you, girl,” Capri said.

  “Well . . .” Jewel bit her quivering lip. “I have grown you know. I’m—I’m happy for her, I mean them. Yes, I—I’m very happy, absolutely ecstatic!” she said as if deciding in midsentence how she truly felt.

  “Bye, Jewel,” Capri sang as she hung up, not giving her friend a chance to utter another word.

  Jewel sulked a few minutes more. You just wait until Lexi sails her little narrow behind back into the States . . .

  CHAPTER TWO

  “It’s Not Going to Be Pretty”

  Dear Jesus:

  I finally got a moment alone. It’s so peaceful, lounging here on the Royal Caribbean, as it glides upon a blue-denim ocean carpet. I never would’ve thought I’d elope, but it was the best thing. God, You already know I’m just about the last of my friends to get married; I always had visions of wedding grandeur. I guess over time my priorities changed.

  Well, I’m sure the bomb has dropped by now. Poor Jewel, she’ll get over it. There will be a million other weddings in her lifetime to plan. I do feel a little guilty, but I’ll deal with that when I get back.

  It’s amazing how our lives have changed so much since law school. I miss our weekly Sunday brunch fellowship. Spouses, careers, and life in general have made connecting a challenge, but brunch once a month is better than nothing.

  Jewel’s maturing—well, sort of. Who would’ve thought she’d have a ready-made family and marry a blue-collar man. But Kevin has tamed her little butt (even though she doesn’t want to admit it). I like Kevin, but he is a bit country and soulful at times. That boy can eat and he can work a nerve, but his heart is good.

  Jermane and Rex were destined to be together from the time they locked eyes in our first year of law classes. They’re still going strong, despite Jermane’s close call. God, You really had her back. I guess anyone can be tempted. And Angel finally stopped tripping with Octavio; it’s amazing how you can get it together if you think you’re about to lose somebody. And Octavio was about to shut down their relationship. Thank You, God, for breaking through. Angel finally let You and love in. What a blessing!

  Capri, the anti-diva, is adjusting to life as an NBA player’s wife in that big, gorgeous new house of hers. But I’m thankful You’re keeping her grounded. She’s still the down-to-earth sister and “around the way girl” I’ve come to know and love. It’ll be interesting to see how our law firm comes together. I’m a little nervous, but we plan to make our mark in Houston with the firm of Reynolds & Stanton.

  Anyway, God, thank You for making this time in my life so special. We just left Ocho Rios, Jamaica. After we docked, I gazed on some of the most beautiful azure waters I’ve ever seen. But the island’s poverty almost overshadowed the beauty of the lush vegetation, refreshing waterfalls, and tropical gardens. I still can’t believe I allowed Chris to talk me into climbing up Dunn River Falls. Eighteen feet of waterfalls and I didn’t fall once! God, You know I’m not the most coordinated person. But I need to get back into my Pilates routine!

  I have to admit, part of me wanted my friends here. I talk about Jewel, but her mishaps led me to my husband. What a story to tell my children.

  So, God, what’s up for the next season? Just like me, always wanting all the answers now. I guess if I take care of today, tomorrow will take care of itself. I have to stay in the moment. Anyway, Jesus, You sure can make life interesting and unpredictable.

  When I get back from my honeymoon, we’ll have our first Sunday brunch in some time. I better get all the rest I can, since I’ll have to deal with Jewel and all her drama over our elopement. And then the real work begins. Father, please provide the energy I need so Capri and I can get our law firm up and running.

  God, it’s been a long, lesson-filled journey, filled with lots of p
ain and disappointment. I have to believe the seeds I’ve sown over many years have finally yielded my due season harvest. If only I could bottle up this moment and keep it forever.

  God, above anything else, I want to say I’m grateful. For all of it, even the crazy, inexplicable trying times. I’m thankful because my trials have made me the woman I am today. God, I love You and all, but I’ve got a sexy husband waiting back in our stateroom. Father, as always, may I—I mean we—always honor You and seek to stay inside Your will.

  In Jesus’s name,

  Lexi

  CHAPTER THREE

  Welcome Home

  Clink. All five ladies raised their crystal glasses for a toast. “To Mr. and Mrs. Chris Reynolds. May you make lots of love and have pretty babies,” Capri said.

  “Here, here.”

  “I’m still not speaking to you.” Jewel rolled her eyes slightly, then sipped a bit of her drink. Her mouth slowly curled into a smile. “But I’m willing to make an exception since this is your welcome back brunch and also because it’s Sunday. Besides, an unforgiving Spirit is bad for the complexion.”

  “Jewel, nothing, not even your pouting, could spoil my mood.” I placed my hand across my chest. “Because I, my sisters, have officially ‘exhaled.’ ” Jewel grabbed a chocolate-covered strawberry and waved it in my face before plopping it in her mouth. “Yeah, yeah, we’ll talk later. You owe me, sister. I was looking forward to that check and you deprived me of planning a wedding for my best friend,” she said as she grabbed another strawberry.

  “Jewel, please! Let it go. Nobody owes you a da—I mean doggone thing,” Angel shouted.

  “Besides, you were doing the wedding for free, right?” I said.

  Jewel placed her index finger on her chin, “Did I say that? Oh yeah, I guess I did. Well, this is all I’m gonna say: you just missed out on another Fabulous Jewels event that . . . can you all say it with me?”