A Father's Love

By Lawrence Cherry

Tim Russell knows he’s been blessed. He’s been restored from debilitating disease, had broken family ties mended, and has now become a rising star at one of New York’s most prestigious financial consulting firms. Now he’s starting to wonder what all these blessings mean. Then a figure from Tim’s past re-enters his life offering him the opportunity of a lifetime. As Tim begins his journey to discover God’s particular purpose for his life, he’s forced to consider whether the opportunity is the blessing it appears to be or something else.Trials and tests are at the heart of A Father’s Love. Tim must learn how to discern between what is God’s will and the voices and desires that can lead us away from Him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shawn James
• Release date: Oct 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463317761

Lawrence Cherry

Lawrence Cherry is a pen name that is used by the author who is a born again believer whose purpose in writing this work is to give glory and praise to God and his son Jesus Christ. It is the author’s fervent desire that God will use this work to inspire others to come to the knowledge of Christ and be saved, and to encourage the faith of those who already believe.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Tim was typing furiously on the keyboard at his desk. His occasional glances toward the clock overhead hardly interrupted his frantic pace. For a moment, he was tempted by the iced latte to the right of his screen, but he dared not. There wasn’t even a nanosecond to waste. The meeting with his new client was in half an hour and Tim still had several slides of his presentation left to amend. He had been praying for guidance on how to handle this account ever since it was assigned to him. Earlier in the week, Tim had created an investment strategy that seemed solid, his boss liked it, and he was certain the prospective client he was courting would go for it. It was basically a safe deal: your typical 40/60 – 40% stocks and funds while the other 60% would be invested in securities in the form of bonds, money market accounts and CD’s. However, Tim knew that there was something about it that wasn’t quite right. He didn’t know how to articulate it, or rather he did, but not in a way that his colleagues at H&M would understand. Then suddenly, as he was reading over the research and recommendations in the file to prepare for this afternoon’s meeting – the illumination came.

The original strategy had been too safe to generate a sizeable yield. Stock investment needed to be increased to 50% with some picks cut, and others added. A bond ladder created, the CD’s reduced. It all seemed so exactly perfect. I can’t believe I never thought of this earlier, he mused. But then he knew why he hadn’t. This wasn’t his idea at all.

Unfortunately, or fortunately enough, it was only the morning before the big meeting when this happened, which didn’t leave much time for the substantial revisions that would be necessary, not to mention going over the plan with his boss – Meyer Anderson, the president of business consulting. Meyer was booked solid in back to back meetings making it impossible to get a hold of him, but Tim knew from experience that there isn’t anything that’s impossible –especially when you have faith.

Miraculously, Meyer had popped in to check on Tim just before noon, which gave him the break he needed to pitch his new idea. At first, Meyer was taken aback by the sudden change in direction Tim suggested, but after the latter explained his rationale, Meyer agreed. Tim only hoped his client would like it and things would go well. No, I don’t have to hope, he said to himself, It will go well.

Are you done yet? said a young brunette who suddenly appeared in the doorway of Tim’s office. She was dressed in a navy skirt suit, beige camisole, and heels. Tim had been so focused on what he was doing that he hadn’t noticed when she approached.

Just one last slide, said Tim, who kept his gaze focused on the screen in front of him.

There’s only twenty-five minutes left – and remember, we have to make copies and assemble everything. Carrie grabbed a handful of dark hair near the crown of her head before releasing it and running her fingers through it.

Don’t worry Carrie, we’ll get it done. We always do.

Carrie Cipriani was the administrative assistant for the Investment Services department. She was young and full of energy along with a commensurate amount of anxiety.

Please tell me you’re on the last sentence, like right now.

Even better - I just clicked the print icon. You can breathe now, said Tim now turning to face her. She had a hand on her hip and she looked very annoyed. Tim couldn’t blame her. He wasn’t the only one who had been working on this deal.

I don’t get how you can be so calm right now. You’re dumping a week’s worth of hard work for somethin’ you just pulled out of your…

I know, you put in a lot of hours helping me out the past couple of days, but – I don’t know how I can explain it to you. It’s like I just got this, this…revelation of what was missing from our strategy, said Tim as he pushed up his glasses on the bridge of his nose. Then he quickly grabbed his suit jacket off the back of his chair and slipped it on.

A revelation? said Carrie looking at him strangely.

Yes.

Weird – just weird, said Carrie shaking her head and staring blankly at Tim. But I guess I should trust your judgment by now. It’s not like you haven’t come through before. But next time you have a revelation, could you make sure it happens at least a week before deadline?

I don’t think it works that way, said Tim as he grabbed the freshly printed pages and handed them to her.

Oh, of course not, she said snatching the papers playfully. Anyway, would you mind having all the binders out when I get back?

Not at all.

As she walked away, Tim checked the clock again: twenty minutes left. The binders had to be amended and the conference room had to be set up. Tim wasn’t worried. He knew everything would go well.

******

So now that we’ve gone over the plan, are there any questions or concerns that you might have? asked Tim, bracing himself for the intense scrutiny that was certain to follow.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a moment to review the summary you have here, said Jerome Harper-Hill, as he flipped through his copy of the binder he’d been given.

Of course, said Tim.

Jerome Harper-Hill was a well-established entrepreneur that was looking to invest the profits of his growing real estate business. In fact, it had accrued nearly seven hundred million dollars in assets, some of which would be entrusted to the firm. One thing Tim had learned about Harper-Hill was that he was very meticulous. Even his clothes bore witness to this fact. He was dressed in the traditional executive garb: starched white shirt, navy blue seasonless wool suit with a bold, gold colored silk tie, and black tasseled cordovan loafers that matched his belt, watch and briefcase. Harper-Hill studied his copy of the report in front of him in a very pensive manner as though he was still trying to make up his mind. At times, he leaned forward and squinted at the pages, his tan colored brow furrowed as if he were reading every line twice. It did not escape Tim’s notice and he tried to fight back the anxiety that was trying to take hold of him. Harper-Hill had been shopping around and had placed several top-tier firms on his reject list. The last thing Tim wanted was for H&M to be added to that record.

Many of the investments you’ve recommended are fairly long-term, but what if something unexpected arises and I need to raise capital? asked Mr. Harper-Hill, as he raised his eyes from the page and settled them on Tim.

Though they’re long-term investments, the majority of them are fairly liquid. In the event that you’d need to cash in on any of them, you wouldn’t have to worry about wading through much bureaucracy other than contacting us, said Tim summoning as much confidence as he could.

And would I be right to assume that there would be fees and penalties involved?

All transaction fees are covered by the firm. We don’t make money from fees – we get paid only when you turn a profit.

Harper-Hill leaned back in his chair and rested his arms on the rests.

The investment formula that you’ve mapped out seems sound enough. I mean it looks like you’ve done some very thorough research and you all have been very accessible with regard to the initial consultations and such. I really appreciate that a lot.

That would continue should you choose to partner with us, said Meyer. It was the first time that he had spoken during the meeting since making introductions to Tim, and Carrie. Until now he had let Tim take the lead.

Based on what’s been presented…I believe I will, said Harper-Hill finally managing a half smile.

Welcome aboard, Jerry, said Meyer beaming as he extended his hand across the table toward Harper-Hill to seal the agreement.

Thank you, he said as he accepted it. Then Harper-Hill offered his hand to Tim. I look forward to partnering with you and…Tim, right?

That’s right, sir, said Tim giving Harper-Hill a firm shake.

Will you continue to handle my portfolio or will you be handing things to someone else on the team?

It is customary procedure that the associate who designs the initial plan would be the one to follow through, so, yes, I would.

Is there any particular reason why you ask? said Meyer.

Actually, it was what I was hoping for, said Harper-Hill as he turned back to Tim. You’re knowledgeable, and I like your energy. I can’t pin down exactly what it is, but you’re different from a lot of the others I’ve met in this business.

Thank you, said Tim. He was taken off guard by the compliment and struggled to find words to respond. I hope it’s because you know you can trust that I’ll always keep your best interest in mind, was all he could manage.

Harper-Hill smiled as he studied Tim’s face. It always unnerved Tim when people did this to him because most of the time their motives for doing so were dubious, though he hoped this wasn’t the case with Harper-Hill. He didn’t want any respect to be lost between them. Tim only hoped that his discomfort was not outwardly discernable.

Do you mind if I ask how old you are? It’s just that you look very young to be so seasoned.

I don’t mind at all, said Tim feeling more at ease. Just turned 27 this past March.

You are young, indeed. I heard this firm has managed to snap up all the financial prodigies, and I see that reputation is merited. I might need to take some tips from your human resources department.

You’re too kind, Jerry, really. How about we set up another appointment to get the paperwork done to put the plan in motion? said Meyer.

Of course.

Carrie does all of the scheduling, she’ll take you to the front office and finalize the appointment.

Thank you, gentlemen.

No, thank you, Jerry. It’s a privilege to work with you, said Tim.

Until next time.

See ya, Jer, said Meyer.

Right this way, sir said Carrie as she began to escort Mr. Harper-Hill out of the room.

Once Carrie and Mr. Harper-Hill had left, Tim felt he could finally exhale.

And Russell scores another three-pointer at the buzzer! said Meyer. He pretended to make a shot into the air before settling himself into the chair at the head of the table and propping his feet on top of it.

I don’t know about that, began Tim as he perched on the table near his boss.

I do. Word on the street is Jerry’s tough. Fisher & Schwartz were tricking themselves out to get him on board, but we bagged him – thanks to none other than you.

Getting clients is easy, keeping them happy is the real challenge.

What are you talking about? All of your clients are making money, and quite a bit, I might add.

For now.

Don’t doubt yourself, Tim. I’ve seen you work. It’s puzzling – I work with you and watch you every day and yet I have no clue how you do it. Meyer put his hands behind his head and trained his gaze on Tim. Tim felt as if he was being admired as a curiosity and it made him feel a little uneasy.

I can’t take any credit for my successes. I believe I get a lot of help from our Creator above, said Tim, smiling.

You would say that, laughed Meyer. I always thought it was the environment you grew up in. Just assumed you came from a long line of business savants. I know you said your mom has a firm not that far from here.

While she has her own business, she’s a system’s analyst first and foremost so technology and systems are more her area of expertise. Her father was a judge, and her mother a realtor. That’s not to say they didn’t have their investments, but neither of them ever specialized in it. They relied on firms like this one.

What about your old man?

Tim’s smile faded. He swallowed hard and looked away.

Can’t really say. He wasn’t around that much, said Tim. He got up from his perch at the table and began to busy himself by taking down the projector and picking up around the conference room.

Oh, said Meyer softly as his eyes followed Tim. Well, even if you don’t have the pedigree, you’ve certainly got the talent.

Thanks, Meyer.

You’re welcome – by the way how has the series 63 and 67 stuff been going?

They’re done. I’m just waiting for the results to come back. I also arranged for them to be forwarded here.

Good. How’d you feel coming out?

I’m optimistic, said Tim looking up briefly after collecting the leftover paperwork, and stacking it into a pile.

You’re better than I was. The 63 and 67 are some tough tomatoes to stew. I considered myself lucky to pass on the first try. I know a lot of guys who’ve had to go at them more than once.

Even in the event that I have to, at least I’ll be more familiar. That should make it easier. But I hope that won’t have to be the case.

So do I. You’re going to be able to handle a lot more once we get you licensed.

Suddenly a beep from the office intercom interrupted their conversation.

I know it’s tight, but can we squeeze Jerry in for Friday at 10:00? said Carrie, her voice blaring through the speaker. It’s the only time he has this week and he’s booked straight next week.

Isn’t there a department meeting for Friday? asked Tim.

No, that’s on for Thursday, said Meyer getting up from his seat. He reached into his pants pocket and grabbed his smartphone to check the schedule. Yeah, we can manage it.

Great. We’ll set it. Oh, and Tim, your mom is on line 1.

Tim took a deep breath and ran his hand across his face.

Is she that bad? chuckled Meyer.

No – it’s just – I don’t think an eternity would be enough time to explain it, began Tim Carrie, can you take a message? – No, better yet, tell her I’ll call her back.

Tried that already. She insists on holding, said Carrie.

Would you mind? said Tim, looking toward Meyer.

Of course not. I’ve got to get upstairs for another meeting anyway, said Meyer as he began to head out. See ya later, Tim.

Until next time, Meyer.

Tim left after Meyer and headed to his own office and closed the door. He sat down in his chair and bowed his head.

Thank you, Lord for the blessings you have bestowed upon me this day. I pray that you continue to guide me and help me to be a blessing to my coworkers and clients. For there is nothing that I do on my own, but my strength, wisdom, and understanding come from you… Then he added hastily, …and please watch over my thoughts, my heart, and the words from my mouth during this phone call. Amen. Once he had finished his prayer he picked up the phone.

Yes, mother? he answered trying to sound as pleasant as he could. Tim knew that if his mother detected the faintest hint of annoyance in his voice the conversation would soon become an argument.

Hello, darling. I won’t keep you long because I know you’re very busy. It’s just that I wanted to remind you about my little soiree on Saturday night.

Trust me, mom, I don’t think I could ever forget. There was no way he could since she sent him texts and twitter updates about it almost every day since she had initially announced it. It’s at 7:30, right?

Yes. But don’t think you have to be fashionably late or anything like that because, at the risk of exposing my purpose, I must say that this will primarily be a family function.

Oh, really?

Now, please don’t ask me to explain because the rest will be disclosed at the party. Oh – I also wanted to ask you if you were thinking of bringing anyone along with you.

Not really. I was just going to come with Ally.

What a relief! It seems the planets are finally aligning in my favor.

Mother, why do I get the feeling that you have another one of your ambushes planned?

Timothy, I am just trying to help you expand your circle of acquaintances. You are aware that you don’t have to limit yourself to socializing only with church folk.

If that’s the case, then why is every new acquaintance you want me to meet a female?

Frankly speaking, dear, you are now very close to approaching 30. It’s time for you to begin to think about settling down. You’re going to need a woman of high caliber to help you establish yourself…

I’ve told you, I don’t need a woman to -

Yes, yes, yes, Jesus fixes everything. Since you insist on being biblically dogmatic, I thought you Christians were big on marriage. Didn’t Jesus say marriage was a good thing or something like that?

It’s good if that’s what His plan for a particular person is.

Well, I think it’s his plan for you. You’re too well bred for it not to be.

Mom, I’m not really trying to think about marriage right, now. I’ve enough on my mind with work as it is.

I’m not asking you to get married right now, or to this particular girl. I mean, is it too much to ask you to consider all of your options? she said almost sounding like a whining four-year-old. Tim could tell she was getting irritated which usually preceded a verbal tantrum.

Fine. Who is she?

You’ll find out Saturday.

Aww, c’mon, mom. Don’t do this to me.

Tim, I’m your mother. You can trust that you won’t be disappointed.

Tim began to massage his forehead with his free hand. He was starting to get a headache. Then he heard a knock on the door.

Hold on for a second, mom, someone’s at the door, he said into the receiver before turning his attention to the person at the door. Yes!

Mr. Brisbane from IRC Express is on line 2 said Carrie as she peeked into his office.

I’ll be with him in a sec. said Tim, his hand over the receiver. When she left, he uncovered it and continued his conversation.

Mom, I have to go. I’ve got a client on another line. I’ll see you Saturday, God willing.

See you then, dear.

Tim handled the conversation with his client and when he was done, he sat back in his chair and stared at his project pile, which seemed to stay the same size no matter how much he was able to get done in a day. Then he noticed the small stack of mail on his desk. Carrie must have brought it by after she scheduled Mr. Harper-Hill’s appointment. Amongst the letters he recognized the return envelopes containing paperwork from new clients and a small, crème colored one, which looked like it might be a greeting card. Upon a closer examination of it he noticed the familiar address label with the fancy script font. Immediately, he grabbed a letter opener from the caddy on his desk and used it to break the seal.

On the front of the card were two children, a little boy and a little girl who were holding hands while eating ice cream cones. Inside was a handwritten message.

Dear Tim,

Though it’s been a while since we’ve shared any quality time, I just wanted to let you know that you’re still in my thoughts and prayers. Please remember to take care of yourself and don’t skip lunch. Call me if you need anything. Wishing you the best of God’s blessings.

Your best friend,

Tamiko

On the other side of the card was a gift card to one of his favorite places to go to for lunch. Tim smiled as he basked in the warmth that radiated from the words he’d read and the kindness of her gesture. He closed his eyes and tried to picture her as he last saw her last Sunday – her hair upswept with a few loose strands hanging playfully about her neck. Her soft brown dimpled cheeks that had a radiant glow, while her large expressive dark brown eyes always seemed to penetrate his soul. Without warning his mind wandered back to that fall evening outside the Gospel Grill.

Don’t go there, man, he said to himself.

Despite the chiding he gave himself, he could not help but admit that he missed her – a lot. Tim shook his head as if he could shake off his feelings. Yes, you miss her. So what? You miss all your friends, he thought trying to keep his subconscious at bay. Tim had been so caught up with his work lately that he didn’t get to see much of his friends outside of church. But Tim wasn’t the only one who had been busy lately.

All of them had become entangled in the necessities and obligations of their professions and vocations. Allen was juggling work and law school classes. Davis was doing a lot of independent projects on the weekends as he tried to establish his contracting business. Jim was preoccupied with raising Darius and managing things at the seminary admissions office. Chris was starting a new job and trying to finish his GED. Tamiko was up to her neck in end of year assessment work and Richard was busy getting his hustle on, as usual. This left none of them with much down time, which meant less time for hanging out on the weekends and even Sunday dinners. Yet, despite his feelings of loneliness, Tim wasn’t so sure that this current drifting of ways was such a bad thing.

Tim took the gift card out and put it in his wallet, before placing the card back in the envelope and carefully stowing it in one of the inside flaps of his briefcase. He knew that he would call her and thank her for her kindness, as he always did whenever Tamiko would do nice things for him. But he had to remember to keep his pot of emotions on a low simmer. Their busy lives and the brevity of time he spent with her had made this relatively easy for the present. He hoped that by the time things slowed down again, and they all found their way back to each other, his feelings for her would have dissipated and things would go back to normal. In the meantime, he wanted to keep his focus on walking in the path that God had planned for him.

Ever since his promotion at Hearns and Marshall, it seemed as if the Lord had been doling out blessings on him left and right. Tim believed that it had everything to do with his choice to live a saved life. Ever since he’d been baptized as a Christian and had devoted time to developing a relationship with the Lord, so many things seemed to open up for him. Tim had gone from facing a deadly and debilitating disease to being healed. He went from working a dead-end job to his dream job. The rifts that had been tearing his family apart slowly started to mend. His relationships with others became much more genuine, and the bond between his friends stronger. There was no denying that his life was changing for the better and he was certain that it would continue, so long as he let the Lord be his guide. In fact, he couldn’t wait to see what the Lord would allow to unfold in his future.

Chapter 2

Though it was late, the lobby of the New Towers was bristling with activity as people were returning home from work, or leaving for a night out. When Tim arrived, he saw Bradley’s attention was preoccupied with a couple looking to visit someone in the building. So, Tim gave Bradley a quick wave and a shout out, which the latter returned, before heading to the elevator.

Once he had reached his door, he thought he had heard someone stirring inside, and paused to listen. Silence. Must’ve just been my imagination, he thought before putting in his key and opening the door. Immediately, Tim noticed that something wasn’t right. The lights were on. His laptop was on his coffee table rather than in his bedroom where he’d left it, and the screen was active. There was a half-eaten tray of sushi next to it with an open bottle of water. He started when he heard someone turn on the faucet in his bathroom.

Tim was about to quietly back out and use his smart phone to call the police, but then he saw some clues that helped him to identify the interloper that had managed to infiltrate his apartment. There was a pair of black and white, leather, wedge-heeled women’s sneakers by his couch and the matching calfskin bag was unmistakable.

Tim put down his briefcase before quietly creeping down the hallway toward the bathroom to stand in front of the door. After a moment, it opened and the occupant shrieked in surprise when she saw Tim.

What the -? I could have had a stroke! said Allyson after gathering her wits. She had her curly sandy blonde hair up in a messy bun, and she was wearing a green and navy, animal printed, empire waist tunic and dark leggings.

Now you know how I felt when I came in. What are you doing here? said Tim standing in front of her with his arms crossed.

I needed a quiet place to crash for a while, and I didn’t think you’d mind, she said as she eased passed him in the narrow hallway and headed back toward the living room. Tim was skeptical of his sister’s claim. He had no idea why she felt she would need to ‘crash’ such a long way from campus –unless she was just being nosy in his business, which made more sense. Even when she was a little girl, Tim would often find her snooping around in his room.

I don’t, but you could’ve given me some warning, said Tim following her.

Sorry, but it was sort of a last-minute decision kind of thing. If you’re expecting company or something, you don’t have to worry, I shouldn’t be much longer.

No, no – don’t worry about it. I’m not actually. But I still don’t understand why you felt you needed to crash here of all places. Last time I checked there are lots of libraries at Columbia where you could get some peace and quiet.

I am trying to prepare an application for this internship, which was due yesterday, and I needed a place where I could really relax and think. Besides, you can’t get take out at the library and it’s not the most sanitary place in the world, said Allyson. She resettled into her spot on the couch and sat the computer in her lap to resume her work.

I guess. He said giving her some side-eyed that went unnoticed. How did you get in, anyway? I don’t remember giving you a key. Tim took off his suit jacket, laid it on the couch and sat down next to his sister.

You gave Allen one. He loaned it to me so I could help him set up for that little birthday celebration we had for you a couple of months ago, and whilst it was in my possession I thought it would be a good idea to make a convenient little copy for myself.

Well, it might’ve been a good idea to you, but I’m not sure if it sounds so good to me.

C’mon, Tim. Give me some credit. It’s not like you caught me in the midst of throwing a wild party, nor did you find me in your bed with some random dude.

Please, I don’t want the visual from that last part in my head.

Just making a point. Besides, what if you get locked out and Allen’s on some spiritual retreat somewhere.

Fine. Just don’t lose it and don’t let mom know you have it, said Tim.

That kinda was my plan, said Allyson as she rolled her eyes.

Tim rose from the couch and headed toward his bedroom, where he quickly changed out of the rest of his work clothes into a black t-shirt and some grey sweatpants. Once he was done, he sauntered out to the kitchen where he pulled a frozen dinner from the fridge, unwrapped it and popped it into the microwave.

You want anything, while I’m in here? he called out.

No thanks, Allyson called back.

I thought you were going to do that internship at The Realist that Terrence managed to snag for you. Tim called out again as he waited for his dinner to heat.

I am. But mom says I still have to put in an application to make it look legit, said Allyson who was still working.

Oh. said Tim. After several minutes the microwave emitted a high-pitched beep signaling that his dinner had heated and he placed it on a tray before he brought it out to the living room with a fork and a bottle of water he’d gotten from the fridge. Tim sat down next to his sister and said a brief prayer of grace, before starting in on his meal.

Speaking of mom, do you have any idea what her little soiree, as she calls it, is all about? asked Tim as he sliced a piece of turkey.

Nope. She is being very annoyingly coy. But I do know that she invited Aunt Morgan, and her cousin Cressida, so whatever this is about, it’s definitely something she wants to rub their faces in. Like maybe her company is going global or she just broke the billion-dollar mark or something.

I would think it was something like that, only she said it was a family thing, he said. He took a bite of his processed turkey cutlet as he waited for his sister to respond.

Maybe she’s pregnant, she said as she shrugged casually.

Very funny, Ally.

No, I’m serious. You know how unpredictable mother is, said Allyson all the while still gazing at the computer screen.

She’s also 53 years old, said Tim just before he took a sip from his bottle of water.

So? She could’ve had her eggs frozen and is using a surrogate, or she could’ve gotten a womb transplant or something. You know when mom wants to do something…

Don’t remind me, he said. Tim tried to return his attention to his meal, but there was something else on his mind. After a few more bites, Tim put his half-eaten dinner on the table. He swallowed hard before addressing Allyson again.

You think it has something to do with that Terrence character?

Please. He’s just another man-toy.

Lately it seems he’s been given an upgrade. She invited him to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, if you remember.

So? He wasn’t around for that ribbon cutting thing for her new office in Charlotte.

But that was different…

Calm down, Tim, said Allyson, You should know our mom by now.

She’s even started calling him her ‘Terry bear.’

And your point is? She has cute names for her purses, too, but that doesn’t keep them from being sold in an e-bay auction or sent to the local charity office if her mood warrants it.

I guess you’re right, he said as he took another swig from his bottle.

You know I’m right. Who knows? She’s probably got another guy hiding in the shadows somewhere, waiting to replace our good friend Terry.

Like the way she used him to replace Hurst.

Oh, please. Terrence is not a replacement. There were others before him if you remember. I would say he’s more like a cure for mother’s recurring infatuation – and I totally have to give him props for that. Hopefully, we will never have to hear anything about Mr. H. ever again.

You can’t mean that.

Yes, I do. said Allyson, who was now looking up at Tim from her screen. Are you forgetting what a jerk he was to her? To all of us?

Even you have to admit that mom wasn’t exactly miss innocent – and neither were we, for that matter.

Here we go. You know – I don’t get you, Tim. Why do you always feel like you have to try to defend him? Even Poppa couldn’t stand him.

Because the fact remains, we both have 50 percent of his DNA.

So? said Allyson rolling her eyes.

So that means something.

Allyson sucked her teeth.

Maybe to you.

He could have walked away and not even looked back. He had that option.

Or maybe not. Maybe mom was blackmailing him. Remember that whole game we’ve been playing since forever? You know, the one where nobody’s supposed to know we’re even related to him?

Of course, you had to go there. Tim got up and started to pace the room.

Yeah, I did, said Allyson who had finally stopped her work, closing the laptop. You see, there are facts about the situation, that I can’t just gloss over as easily as you can.

You know what? Just forget it. You just don’t understand.

Tim had lost his appetite. He took the remnants of his meal and headed to the kitchen to dump them into the garbage. Allyson got up and followed him.

No, I do. I used to do the same thing you’re doing – all the wondering and what if-ing. Now I’ve reached step 7: acceptance. Allyson pulled on his arm so that he would face her.

So have I.

I don’t know, Tim. Remember, the Russells and the Hursts aren’t anything like the Sharpes and the Bynums.

Maybe not in every way, but I like to think that when it gets right down to it there has to be something that connects us that’s deeper than money.

Perhaps – in certain cases, anyway, she said taking Tim’s arm in hers. But where mother and the rest are concerned, money and pedigree are about as deep as it gets.

I guess that’s why she’s practically been putting out casting calls for my season on The Bachelor. I hear I get to meet one of the contestants at the soiree, said Tim.

I’ve heard, chuckled Allyson. Mother is absolutely certain this woman is going to be your soul mate. She let go of Tim’s arm and faced him as she perched herself on his counter top.

You know who she is? he asked looking at her expectantly.

I may know of her since she’s an AKA, and may have met her briefly once or twice at different fundraisers…

So can I get a heads-up on what I’m in for?

I told you, I don’t really know her like that.

You know she’s an AKA, and if you’ve met her you must know what she looks like at least.

I met her a while ago and we barely spoke to words to each other. I barely remember her.

Ally, please. I know you better than that.

She’s like all the other girls mom has been bringing you. Tall, wavy hair, light skin, model-like. You don’t have to worry that she’s going to be ugly.

And…

Sorry, that’s all I got. You’ll just have to find out the rest on Saturday evening.

When it’s too late.

Just have fun with it. That’s what I do. It beats sitting around in your apartment all by yourself on a Saturday night.

I don’t want to have fun with it. That’s not how I want to live my life anymore.

I’m not talking about that kind of fun. I’m just saying it gives you a chance to meet different people and see what they’re all about.

Now you sound like mom, said Tim. He leaned back against the fridge and folded his arms.

And you sound like Sammy storm-cloud, said Allyson. Then she made a face and playfully kicked at him with her foot. The face almost made him laugh.

It’s not that I’m not open to meeting new people, but I don’t want to give some woman the impression that I’m ready for a relationship when I’m not.

Oh? Why’s that?

He could tell by the look on her face and tone of her voice where she was trying to lead him, but he was determined not to go there.

I’ve got a lot going on. I mean – I’m trying to find who I am in the Lord, and then there’s my work in the church, and my job…

Here we go with the busy bee song again. You know, you really need to get a new one ‘cause you’ve totally played that one to death.

Come on, Ally…

No, you come on. We both know your reluctance to date has nothing to do with your schedule.

Are you kidding? Ally, for the past two weeks I’ve been working 16-hour days.

To avoid your issue?

To keep everything together!

So, you’re sure this has nothing to do with a certain…preacher’s daughter?

No – no, it doesn’t. Tamiko and I are friends. We have been for years and I don’t expect that to change.

Please, Tim. You have pictures of her all over this place.

And how would you know that? Have you been snooping around my pad?

Who has to snoop? They’re in plain sight, bro. she said pointing to one on the refrigerator just over his shoulder.

Tim looked back. He had to admit to himself Tamiko’s presence was the reason that he liked that particular photo. It was a picture of her with Allen, and himself at a church picnic.

In case you didn’t notice that happens to be a group photo of which most of my photos happen to be incidentally.

Nice save, but…not! And if that’s not enough, you even brought her around mom twice. In fact, I’m surprised you didn’t invite her to the soiree.

Twice is torture enough for her, don’t you think?

Seriously, Tim. You know you like her, and she likes you, right?

Maybe. I don’t know.

Tim retreated from the kitchen to his leather armchair propping his feet on the coffee table. Allyson shook her head and gave him an exasperated look before following him outside.

"Let’s see – she baked you a gourmet level birthday cake and gave you the best gift of the bunch – that very expensive looking leather brief case that you’ve been using every day