My Heart's Obsession: My Stereotypical Love, #1

By B. D. Anderson

What if there was a book in heaven that recorded all the ignorant stereotypes humans created? And what if those stereotypes were returned to earth to be destroyed by love that grows between two people? VaLysia Chamberlayne, the granddaughter of a woman who kept house for a well to do white family, agrees to take Mavis, her grandmother to her former employer's home for dinner. When she meets their son, the sparks fly and so does the preconceived notions they have about each other.

VaLysia Chamberlayne knew that stereotypes about other people were wrong, even though she had a few of her own to work through.

Her grandmother Mavis had worked for the Hendricks, a well to do white family all of her life until the untimely death of VaLysia's parents when she was twelve.

Despite leaving their employ, Mavis had remained close to the family, especially Emily Hendricks. It had been fourteen years since Val had been to the Hendricks' home and now Mavis wanted her to take her there to a dinner she'd been invited to.  VaLysia wasn't thrilled about going, but she wasn't about to disappoint her grandmother.   She made up her mind to grin and bear the situation, hoping that the dinner would pass quickly and without incident.

Matheson Hendricks, the only son of Emily and Gregory Hendricks and heir to the Hannah's Bakery chain, had always loved Mavis who was like a second mother to him.  When she came to dinner, he was surprised to meet VaLysia, her granddaughter.   He found her pretty, but aloof, almost hostile and Matheson made up his mind to keep his distance.

Yet there was an undeniable attraction between the two of them that neither of them could resist. Despite each of their preconceived notions about the other:  black versus white, rich versus poor, they knew that they wanted to be together.

It was hard for VaLysia to accept that a man of Matheson's means could really be attracted to his former housekeeper's granddaughter.  It's hard for her to trust and let down her guard.

Matheson can't get her out of his mind and discovers that his pursuit of her is hindered not only by his family, but by her grandmother Mavis as well. 

Can the two of them overcome the obstacles of they face and find happiness together?

• Language: English
• Publisher: B.D. Anderson
• Release date: Aug 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9780997944402

B. D. Anderson

B.D. Anderson is an Associate Minister at her church.  She is married and has two adult sons and a granddaughter, Chloe.

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This book is dedicated to my brother William, who is both kind and generous and a man after God’s own heart.

Copyright © 2016 B.D. Anderson

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In the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews.  Unauthorized

reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

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ISBN:  978-0-9979444-0-2 (E)

ISBN:  978-0-9979444-1-9 (SC)

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Library of Congress Control Number:  2016913424

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In this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author.

Any people depicted in stock imagery are models, and such images

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Book of Stereotypes

The huge leather bound book appeared to glow as the light of the Creator shone all around, though there were no windows, only walls and walls of books.  Raziel, the librarian watched as the man walked into the library, his gaze on the huge glowing book. Raziel was accustomed to the awe and the questions he knew were coming his way. The Book of Stereotypes that caught the man’s attention was lying on a golden Greek column that was decorated with smiling cherubs on all four sides.   It sat in the middle of the large library and Raziel met the man’s gaze and watched as the visitor’s eyes roamed over Raziel’s attire of white and gold.  He walked up to the book and looked at Raziel who was seated directly behind it on a raised platform.

The shelves of the library lined the walls on all four sides; shelves that extended from the floor to the ceiling, which was about fifteen feet high. Books filled the shelves completely. The doorway where the man had entered was the only exit.

Raziel could tell that the man was impressed with what he saw, but didn’t say anything, waiting for him to speak first.

I’ve never seen such a large collection, the man said finally, still looking around. Such a high ceiling and so many books... His voice trailed off, his head turning from left to right completely in awe of his surroundings.

What can I help you with? Raziel asked, staring over his gold, wire rimmed glasses that were perched on the end of his nose.  He crossed his arms and stood up from his seat, walking down the six steps of the raised platform to greet the visitor. His shoulder length white hair seemed to glow as he smiled at the man.

I didn’t know angels wore glasses, the man exclaimed, taking his eyes off the books to focus on Raziel.

They are for your benefit, Raziel admitted.

The man seemed surprised at his response for a moment, but quickly recovered.  Who are you?

I am Raziel, the angel in charge of the Creator’s library.  I am the keeper of all secrets and mysteries of Him who is Alpha and Omega.

Really? the man asked rubbing his chin.  He looked at the golden stand with the large book placed on it and then back at Raziel. If you're an angel, where are your wings?

I have them, Raziel replied patiently. I don't need them at the moment which is why you can't see them.

The man appeared to digest his words a moment, scratching his bald palate clearly puzzled. He returned his attention to the book on the podium.

Why is this book in the middle of the floor, separate from the others, he asked moving closer to the book.

Raziel walked over to the podium and fingered the pages of the book and smiled at him. As he did so, the light illuminating its pages intensified and the man gasped in wonder.   The book was encased in black leather binding with a silver boarder along the edges.  He tentatively touched it as if in awe.  Raziel frowned at this, closing the book almost catching the man’s fingers, and the man quickly dropped his hand to his side.

This is the Book of Stereotypes, Raziel stated reverently rubbing the spine.  You see, human beings have always created false tales and superstitions relating to others of different sexes, races, national origins, and even age groups.  They do this because other humans look different from themselves, or have different beliefs from what they know and this intimidates them.  These false beliefs have caused much turmoil on the earth and have kept the Creator’s people in bondage. There are also stereotypes that are just plain stupid and don’t hurt others but people still speak them.  All of them are recorded in this book.

Why? the man asked. Why is it here in the middle of the floor, on this solid gold stand as if that is a good thing?  I don’t understand.

Our Creator wants to shed light on these misconceptions and expose them to the truth, Raziel replied.  The stereotypes are collected from the human souls who have brought these beliefs with them when they arrived here.  They are then placed in this book and when love manifests itself on the earth where the stereotype is believed, the stereotype leaves this book and goes back to earth accompanied by the truth and loving light of the Creator. It is then destroyed by love and enlightening of those involved.

But the book is so big, the man exclaimed.  Besides, if you destroy one stereotype another will surely take its place. Will there ever be enough love on earth to destroy them all?

Raziel nodded slowly.  It takes time for humans to grow out of ignorant beliefs that were instilled in them when they were young, but all things are possible.

The man looked at the book, thinking that the situation was somewhat hopeless.  It appeared to thicken a bit right before his eyes every few moments and he realized that more stereotypes were being added as more souls were entering the Kingdom. Just then there was tinkling of a small bell and the man looked around.

What was that? he asked as he watched Raziel open the book.

The bell. It indicates that more stereotypes are being sent to earth to be destroyed, Raziel replied.

Can stereotypes really be destroyed? the man asked.

Of course Raziel insisted.  In the eighteenth century, many white humans believed that black humans were incapable of learning and were not really like them, that they were more animal than human.  At one time some humans believed that people of France were all sexually promiscuous  sitting around drinking wine all the time; that Scottish people were all foul mouthed and were prone to physical violence; and that Italians were all connected to the mafia.  A lot of stereotypes have died, but we still have many more to eliminate.  These stereotypes are not destroyed by hate or by war, but by love.

The man watched as several pages appeared to disconnect from the rest of the book.  Raziel took the pages and raised them above his head as light from the book made the pages glow.  Then suddenly they were gone and all that was left was shimmering sparkles in the air where the pages had been. 

Raziel lowered his arms and closed the book.  He looked at the man who was still watching the drifting sparkles slowly disappear.

As you can see, pages disconnect from the book as the stereotypes are destroyed. Even though the book may grow with new stereotypes, it also thins as old ones are destroyed.

What makes it happen? the man asked in wonder.

Raziel smiled.  Love makes it happen. The false beliefs are being destroyed as people learn the truth about one another.

Unbelievable the man replied.

Raziel took the man by the hand pulling him toward the doorway he had first entered.

Come see.

Chapter 1

If you ever invite black people over for dinner, remember you can’t go wrong by serving fried chicken." – Book of Stereotypes

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Matheson Hendricks took a deep breath as he entered his father's office, not ready to hear another lecture, yet he knew one was coming.

His father had always supported his career decisions and he appreciated that. Gregory Hendricks had built a million dollar business with what his own father had started. Matheson’s father was a baker, as was his father before him. His grandfather had founded Hannah's Homemade Products over seventy-five years ago and the business had grown in leaps and bounds since his father had taken it over.

He found Gregory Hendricks sitting behind his desk.  He looked up at his son and smiled and Matheson returned it.  His father no longer worked in the stores, but did the behind the scenes work here at the offices he’d rented. Matheson continued to run the original store his grandfather had started and didn’t want to think about taking over the entire company just yet.

The faint smell of his father’s cologne tickled his sensitive nose and he moved closer to the desk Gregory was sitting behind.

So are you going public, Pop? Matheson asked sitting down across from his father.

His father raised a brow and ran his hand through his salt and pepper curls.  His eyes crinkled at the corners as he grinned at his son.

Never, Gregory replied. This is a family business. I'm living comfortably and you don't want for a thing. I like having control.

Matheson knew that was true. His father still liked running things and would show up at the bakery anytime without prior notice. He felt that his father did this because he missed baking and wanted to get his hands dirty every now and then.

So... Matheson said crossing his arms. You want to tell me why you summoned me here. I know it's not to try to convince me to come up here in the ivory tower of the corporate offices with you.

His father leaned back in the chair. No, son. I know you don't like sitting behind a desk and you're a damn good baker. I would say you're a chip off the old block, but hell you're better than me or my father.

I wouldn't say that exactly, Matheson replied grinning, though what his father said pleased him.

Gregory leaned forward on the desk, grinning from ear to ear.

I would. You have the advantage of having been trained by both of us as well as going to culinary school and all of your hard work has paid off. Profits are up with the introduction of some of your creations, his father replied standing. However, that's not why I summoned you here. I know you want to get back to the store. Your mother and I want you to come to dinner tomorrow night. Mavis is coming over for a visit.

Matheson grinned. He hadn't seen much of Mavis since she retired from being their housekeeper over ten years ago, though his mother talked to her on a regular basis and the two of them even went out from time to time. She was family as far as Matheson was concerned, and he had never looked at Mavis as just a housekeeper.  She had always been a part of his life and he now regretted how long it had been since the two of them had actually talked.

I'd love to see her, Matheson admitted. It’s been a few months since I’ve been to her apartment and had lunch.  How long has it been since all of us have actually been together?

Ten years or more, I think, his father replied. Can you believe it? She hasn’t been to the house since she retired. Most of the time your mother picks her up and takes her out.  You’re coming tomorrow aren’t you?

I'll be there. Now there must be something else...or you would have called me instead of summoning me over here, Matheson said knowingly.

Well, that's true his father said. Your mother and I want to give Mavis the little summer cottage in Williamsburg, Virginia. You remember we would go there on occasion when you were a boy. She would always take Mavis along to help with you. Mavis loved it there. I just thought that it would be a nice birthday present for her. She's like a mother to Emily and she suggested it, but I had already given it to you and put the property in your name. I can't just take it back.

Matheson looked surprised. Dad, I haven't been there in years. Of course Mavis can have it if that's what you and Mom want to do. Just get the paperwork together and I'll sign. It may need some work though.

I know. That's the other thing. I may need you to go down to Virginia and check it out, he said. We'll talk more about that later.

Sure, Pop, Matheson replied. I thought you were calling me up here to give me another lecture on settling down.

Well now that you mention it... Gregory replied grinning.

Matheson rolled his eyes. He felt that he still had time to settle on one woman. His rugged good looks and blue azure eyes attracted many admirers, but he hadn't met that special lady yet. He was now thirty-one which his father felt was old since he and his mother had married young. They hadn't started pestering him until last year when he’d turned thirty and then they kept asking him when he was going to bring a girl around for them to meet. The truth was that there hadn’t been a girl who’d met his expectations and he doubted if this perfect woman whom he had formulated in his mind really existed.

Don't even go there, Dad, Matheson said walking to the door. I'll see you tomorrow night.

Fine, his father grumbled.

Matheson could tell that he wanted to say more, but he held his peace.  He quickly exited the office.  It wasn’t that he didn’t want to find someone special, it just hadn’t happened yet.  Every relationship he’d been in had ended in disappointment.  He didn’t have that obsession that his mother was always talking about that her family, the Matheson’s, had when finding their soul mate.  He knew that his criteria for picking a woman was a bit strange, so he’d never voiced it out loud to anyone.  He wanted a woman who first of all passed the smell test, a woman whose natural scent was stronger than any artificial one she’d applied.  In fact, he longed for it.  Smell was everything to him and he felt that when the right one came along, he’d never forget her scent; in fact he expected to crave it and that just hadn’t happened.

It hadn’t even bothered him when the casual relationships he’d had in the past has ended.  He knew that he’d never been in love and the women he’d dated wore scents that he could tolerate, but there had been nothing special about them. He’d never met a woman who didn’t wear some sort of fragrance and doubted if such a woman existed.  Yes, there had been plenty of pretty women who had caught his eye, but most grew tired of him working long hours and not having the energy for the attention they demanded.  These women had no problem making demands for gifts to compensate for the neglect they felt.  His last date had been over a year ago and he’d decided to take a break from romantic relationships.  He wasn’t looking for a woman and decided to put relationships on the back burner for now.    

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Emily Matheson Hendricks stood only four feet eleven and weighed ninety pounds soaking wet, but no one crossed her when she was angry, which wasn't that often. She ran her household like a well-oiled machine.

The previous morning she had informed her husband that Mavis was coming over and that she wanted him to leave work on time to be there for dinner and she had no doubt that he would comply.

Mavis was about to turn seventy in a couple of months, and Emily had known her all her life. Mavis' family had worked for hers for as long as she could remember. Mavis’ mother had been her mother's nanny and her father had worked for Gregory's father driving the bakery truck. Emily felt that they were one big happy family. She knew that Mavis' only daughter, Rachel had died of cancer some