Guilty of Love Read Free Page A

would be bored; so
how’s the job?”
    “ Challenging,” Cheney
said.
    “ Aren’t they all? Is your
family excited to have you back home?”
    “ I guess so,” Cheney
stuttered with a shrug. “I damaged our relationship when I was away
in North Carolina, even with Rainey, and you know how close we used
to be. I guess I need a little more time.”
    “ Well, I’ll pray for
ya.”
    Cheney ignored Imani’s offer. One
thing Cheney knew from experience was not to depend on God when she
really needed Him. That way He couldn’t disappoint her again. How
was she going to get cozy with a family she had rejected? “If
you’re asking if they’ve seen the house—no. If we’ve gone
shopping—no, if we have long phone chats—no,” she answered, trying
to hide her disappointment.
    “ Mmm,” Imani murmured.
“Okay, now that the preliminaries are out of the way, I’m coming
back to how are you really doing?”
    “ Trying to be strong and
get on with my life. I’ve wasted five years pining over Larry, and
the choices I’ve made.”
    “ That’s what I’m talking
about,” Imani whooped, causing Cheney to chuckle. “I just don’t
want to see my girl bitter.”
    “ Me, bitter? Nah, but my
sabbatical from men continues.” When Imani didn’t say anything,
Cheney sighed. “I’m just taking charge of my life. I won’t allow
another man—or woman for that matter—to cause me any more
grief.”
    “ Good for you. I guess that
means you haven’t had any more of those dreams.”
    “ I wish.” Cheney groaned.
“I had one last week. It was the first in months.”
    “ Oh, I’m sorry. I know how
they freak you out. Hopefully, with your new house, job, and
surroundings, those apparitions will stop.”
    “ They will. I’ll be
okay.”
    After another hour, they ended their
conversation when Imani had to get dressed for her next trip.
Inseparable growing up, they parted ways when Imani started a
career as a flight attendant with American Airlines and Cheney
enrolled at Duke.
    Imani had cried with her when she
called and lamented about her pregnancy. Imani made frequent
flights to Durham as Cheney recovered from her surgery. She cheered
when Cheney broke up with Larry. They celebrated with a trip to
Brazil. Opposites may attract, but these friends were attached at
the hip. Physically, Imani was known for her good-looking legs
while Cheney was nothing, but legs. Mentally, Cheney was strong
when Imani was weak, and now Imani was the strong one.
    Later that day, Cheney experienced
first-hand the buzz circulating about Mrs. Beacon. Peering over a
pair of dark octagon-shaped sunglasses, the woman tapped her black
bamboo cane to get Cheney’s attention.
    “ Yoo-hoo, missy. Over here,
chile. You should try Year-Round Green Lawn Care service. My yard
is the best looking one on the block,” Mrs. Beacon
bragged.
    Resembling a midget from the Wizard
of Oz, Mrs. Beacon hobbled down the steps of an enclosed side
screened-in porch. Squinting, Cheney could see yellow-and-purple
floral cushions on white wicker furniture. A cozy setup for
lounging and sipping tea.
    Cheney couldn’t deny that the woman’s
red brick bungalow was commanding as the block’s poster house with
an enclosed area connecting the main house to the garage. Three
large dormers made the half story appear like a full second floor.
The woman had a right to boast.
    Cheney thought about revving up her
weed whacker’s motor to drown out her neighbor who was still
talking, but her conscience and upbringing dictated she be cordial.
She guided the dormant lawn tool toward the old woman.
    “ You know what you doin’
with that thing, missy?”
    “ I do.” Or at least, I
think I do , Cheney thought. Up close, she was surprised to see
Mrs. Beacon’s mocha skin wrinkle-free. Snowy white strands mingled
with silver hair in a tight bun anchored off-centered on top of her
head. Cheney examined the small-framed woman who couldn’t be five
feet in heels. How could she be