God, Is This My Man?: Part I

By Hilda A. Stephens

Sheena Renee Jackson the high profile attorney is
on an unbelievable journey. The move to Washington
DC to open a new law firm is a simple task compared to
the seven men Sheena meets along the way. It’s no doubt
one case Sheena is having trouble winning.
It is a matter of the heart and Sheena finds herself
against the odds as she tries to find true love. Sheena is
in a state of confusion and things change for the worst.
Will Sheena find true love or will true love find Sheena?
It all depends on the support from her four friends and the
lessons learned along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479710317

Hilda A. Stephens

Hilda A. Stephens is a published author of two books: “God is This my Man” and “God is This my Man part 2 The Saga Continues.” Hilda is a graduate of Ashworth University with a degree in Psychology and certification in writing children’s books. Hilda’s gift has inspired her to write four children book, three stage plays and thirty-five song lyrics. Hilda is the mother of one daughter, Latesha, son-in-law Terrance and three grandchildren MonTerris, Shayla and Jahvon. Hilda resides in Durham, North Carolina.

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Copyright © 2012 by Hilda A. Stephens.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2012916187

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4797-1030-0

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4797-1029-4

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4797-1031-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

THE INTRODUCTION OF SHEENA RENEE JACKSON

SHEENA’S FRIENDS

THE PARTY

THE DEPARTURE

THE WEEKEND

FIRST WEEK IN WASHINGTON DC

THE GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY

NEW CHAPTER

CHURCH INVITATION

THE CALL

THE THIRTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY PARTY

THE FRIENDS’ GET-TOGETHER

THIRTY-FIFTH BIRTHDAY PARTY CELEBRATION

THE INTRODUCTION OF SHEENA RENEE JACKSON

Attractive, tall, and slim with big brown eyes that light up a room like moonbeams. A bright, dazzling smile and some incredibly lean long legs are just a few words to describe the amazing Sheena Renee Jackson.

A thirty-year-old, only child, raised in New York City. She is smart, outgoing, hardworking, refined, friendly, and down-to-earth. Most people think Sheena’s personality is the total opposite of this description until they get to know her. Sheena best describes herself as the average all-American girl and nothing more.

Sheena’s parents instilled in her that with hard work and believing in God’s help, all things are possible. A belief that has kept Sheena grounded. Graduating top of her class from a prestigious Ivy League law school, Sheena holds a JD degree. There is no doubt Sheena comes from good stock and is well bred. She’s a hard worker, always striving for perfection, has never had anything handed to her on a silver platter. From the beginning, her parents taught her that you can obtain the impossible, and that is what Sheena has based her life upon, by using the Good Book.

The beautiful and charming Sheena Renee Jackson amazes most people. However, there is only one thing missing in her life. There is no way Sheena can get this man by Mrs. P. He is Dr. Santiago Cruz. Sheena has dated him for the past two years. Yes, Dr. Cruz is everything a woman desires, but not Sheena; she says they are calling it quits, and she is moving on. Mrs. P thinks Sheena is making a big mistake breaking up with Santiago Cruz.

It is the night before the big move to Washington DC. Sheena Renee Jackson is excited about the opening of her new law firm in DC. She is planning a party with her proud parents, Mr. Theo Alexander Jackson III, who is the CEO of the Jackson Banking and Finance Company, which he started at the age of twenty. By his side is his wife, the sassy, always-on-the-move, cutthroat attorney, Pinkly Brooks Jackson, better known to her closest friends as Mrs. P.

SHEENA’S FRIENDS

Tonight is special; Sheena’s friends will be attending her new law firm celebration. There is Ms. Shavonna Mayweather, forty-five, from Jackson, Mississippi, the mother of five, who has been married four times and thinks she is an authority on men. According to Vonnie, as she likes to be addressed, marriage keeps her young.

Deirdre Faye McCoy, a native of New York City, thirty years old, the wannabe got-to-have-all-the-attention best friend from high school that definitely gets on Mrs. P’s nerves. Deirdre is smart and talented, but you are definitely going to know when she is about the room. Talking about a show-off, Mrs. P cannot understand why Sheena needs a friend like Deirdre. By the way, Deirdre McCoy has a new man every season.

Isclie Denise Briggsman, age thirty-two, Sheena’s former college roommate from Dayton, Ohio, is the dreamer of the bunch. She is quiet, reserved, beautiful, and somewhat engaged to a college professor named Tyler Vaughan. Tyler cannot make up his mind if he is ready to settle down with Isclie.

Isclie is waiting patiently, while Tyler takes his time going through life at his own slow pace.

How can we forget, off-the-hook, loud, tell-it-like-it-is, do-not-give-a-hoot-about-your-education-or-where-you-come-from, cannot-keep-a-job Saundra Maxwell? Saundra is thirty-five, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, a sister, who is too busy for her own good. Saundra is petite, with hazel eyes, dolled-up red hair, a sister that keeps it real. Sheena considers her a good friend. They met on a business trip five years ago, and nothing can keep them apart. Sheena is very particular about her friends. No matter what Mrs. P thinks of Sheena’s friends, they are her friends. They have stuck by one another for years, and it does not look like anything will keep them apart.

THE PARTY

Sheena is waiting for the last guest to enter through the wrought iron gates, before sharing her big announcement. The party is going great. Everyone seems to be mingling and having a great time. Mr. Jackson is holding everyone’s attention while Saundra is being her usual busy self, loud, but friendly, keeping everyone straight. Mrs. P is keeping an eye on Saundra and watching every move Dr. Cruz makes tonight.

Sheena finally enters the room and makes the announcement about her exciting move to Washington and the opening of her new law firm. She thanks everyone for attending the party on such short notice. Dr. Cruz is very surprised by the announcement, but he has a trick of his own. Listen up! Dr. Cruz announces. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. Sheena, could you please ask your parents to move closer? There is something I need to ask of them. Sheena looks surprised.

Mrs. P’s heart is pounding. She cannot take her eyes off the dark-skinned, light-eyed, six-feet-four, medium-built, handsome Jamaican/Latino doctor, as he makes his way around the room to center stage. Sheena, I know we have had our differences over the last six months, but there is no way I’m going to let you move to Washington without me. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, if you will give me this opportunity… it would be an honor to have Sheena as my wife, Dr. Cruz says.

The room is quiet, Sheena is stunned, and Dr. Cruz turns to Sheena holding a four-carat diamond ring. Please say yes, you will marry me, utters Dr. Cruz. Before Sheena can say anything, Mrs. P faints and needs immediate medical attention. The shock of the announcement is too much for Mrs. P. Sheena is furious and cannot hide her emotions from Dr. Cruz and the rest of the party. She tends to her mother and ignores Cruz.

Mr. Jackson returns to the living room and announces that Mrs. P is fine. She is resting and might return to the party in a bit. He insists the party continue. Everyone is waiting for Sheena to answer handsome Dr. Cruz. It becomes obvious; Sheena has no intention of saying yes to Dr. Cruz.

Have you gone mad? Sheena yells, as she drags Dr. Cruz to the side on the terrace. Why are you playing games with me tonight? The handsome Dr. Cruz drops his head and then gives Sheena a look she has never seen before.

Over my dead body if you think this relationship is going to end this way. You cannot walk away from me like this. Didn’t I mean anything to you? Isn’t this what you wanted? Make up your mind, do this for your mother, can’t you see you will be breaking her heart? he says. What about my heart? Sheena interrupts.

Sheena pulls away from Dr. Cruz, who has a firm grip on her left arm. Mr. Jackson is looking over near the door; he does not like what he sees and immediately interrupts. Mr. Jackson asks, Sheena, is everything okay? He motions for Dr. Cruz to excuse himself quietly from the room. Did he hurt you? Mr. Jackson asks. Listen, baby girl, you don’t have to do anything that doesn’t feel right, not for your mother or anyone else. This is your decision. I am going to stand by you regardless. I love you, go back inside, and enjoy your party, he says. Sheena nods, turns, and goes inside and joins the guests.

Deidre pulls Sheena aside and asks her directly, What is your decision? I know you are not going to walk away from his proposal, not from the handsome Dr. Cruz. Sheena fires back to Deirdre, Why don’t you marry him? Deirdre is very surprised by Sheena’s response. Sorry, I didn’t know you would bite my head off, she says. Well, mind your own business, Sheena implies. This is between Dr. Cruz and me, and the first people to know my decision will be my parents. Let’s continue with the party.

The party is a complete success. The food is delicious, and the music is fabulous. The conversation is no longer about Sheena and Dr. Cruz. Mrs. P returns to the party and heads up the dance contest. First-place winners are Saundra and Big Willie. The party ends at about 2:00 a.m. Sheena is a quite tired and decides to stay with her parents before leaving for Washington.

Sheena’s friends hug and kiss good-bye as they leave the party. They plan to meet in the morning, for a breakfast farewell, at the airport. Things are going smoothly, and the house is in order. Mr. Jackson kisses his daughter good night and heads to bed.

Sheena is finalizing some last-minute details, when Mrs. P knocks on the door. Hi, honey, is this a good time to talk before you leave? she says. Sheena quickly looks up from a list of details and answers abruptly. What’s on your mind, Mother? Mrs. P does not care for Sheena’s harsh tone and immediately corrects her. Sheena, all I want for you is happiness. Just because you are moving to Washington doesn’t give you the right to think you can say what you please to me in any way. I want what is best for you and nothing less. Can’t you understand that you are making a big mistake? she says. Dr. Cruz loves you. What has gotten into you lately? You made a fool out of yourself and your parents. This is not the child we raised, she mutters.

Are you finished, Mother? No disrespect, but why would you want me to marry a man that is not in love with me and who couldn’t care less about what I think? says Sheena.

Mrs. P. replies, This can’t be true. It’s all in your mind. I know he loves you. He told me a thousand times. Then, Mother, why can’t he tell me instead of you? says Sheena. Have you ever asked him, Sheena? Mrs. P replies. Do I really have to? Love is something you feel in your heart. I cannot feel that from Santiago. He is selfish, self-centered, controlling, and a neat freak. Mother, I cannot marry someone like that. Please respect my decision, Mother, Sheena states.

Oh, Sheena, Santiago can’t be that bad. That’s not the Dr. Cruz I know, says Mrs. P. I know, Mother, you have spent more time with Cruz than me, Sheena snaps. What’s your point, what are you trying to say? says Mrs. P. Mother, could you be in love with Dr. Cruz? utters Sheena. Shut your mouth, there is only one man for me, and that is your father!

I dare you to think that way about me. You have really gone mad, yells Mrs. P. No, Mother, I’m sick and tired of trying to please you. Please excuse me. I am going to bed. Good night, Mother, yells Sheena.

This isn’t over.

Mrs. P closes the door as Sheena screams from the bed. I hate you, Mother. It’s over for me! Mrs. P leaves the room. She is not pleased with this situation. This is not the end of the conversation about the handsome Dr. Cruz and Sheena, as far as she is concerned.

THE DEPARTURE

The clock alarm rings at 5:00 a.m. Sheena quickly showers and hurries to get dressed to meet her friends for an early breakfast. The conversation with Mrs. P is still lingering on Sheena’s mind. I cannot believe my mother questioned me about Santiago Cruz, she thinks. That is the hot topic over breakfast, as Sheena butters her toast.

What did you expect? Saundra says, as she looks over her cat eyeglasses. Mrs. P, well, she is nice, but you know… , she utters.

Know what, that is my mother, Saundra, says Sheena. Always sticking her nose in places it does not belong.

That’s what we know. Saundra laughs. It still doesn’t make it right for Mrs. P to meddle in your affairs, says Saundra.

You got a point; let’s not make this more difficult, says Sheena.

Did you make a decision? Shavonna asks. Marry the man and take all of his money. Make sure you have one child, she states.

Vonnie, I cannot believe you would say something like this. I am not that kind of girl, Sheena says.

"What kind of girl are you? Vonnie replies.

I know, Deirdre answers, the kind of girl that is going to be lonely in a big city with no man or friends. Not even Mrs. P.

Sheena replies, I won’t be lonely for long. God has my back. If I did not know you, guys, I would think you were jealous.

No way, Isclie replies, I have a wonderful man that loves me.

Saundra could not wait to reply. Yes, you may have a man, but he will never marry you.

I will be getting married soon after Tyler finishes his last degree, Isclie responds.

That’s enough, it’s too early in the morning for all this. Sheena laughs. We’ll all be fine.

The conversation continues, and in walks Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. Good morning, ladies Mr. Jackson smiles. I could hear the laughter a mile away.

Good morning, Mrs. P, how are you this morning? Isclie smiles back as she asks.

I have had better days, Mrs. P responds. My baby is moving far away. I cannot believe this is really happening.

Please, Mother, trust me, you will be okay. You can come and visit anytime you want, says Sheena.

That’s nice to know, after last night’s discussion you’ll still speak to me, says Mrs. P. Mother, don’t be silly, it was something I needed to say. You are still my mother, and you will always have an opinion, says Sheena.

I am going to miss you, Sheena, I mean… truly miss you. Mrs. P cries. Mother, please do not cry. Everything is going to be just fine.

Do not worry about Santiago and me; we will work out our problems, says Sheena. Oh my, look at the time. I must get to the airport. Daddy, please take care of Mother, and I will call you when I am settled. I love you, girls, I will see you soon, Sheena says as she leaves for the airport. Sheena hops in the cab and waves good-bye to her parents and friends. Sheena looks back, blows a kiss to her parents, and softly says I love you.

Sheena arrives at the airport in time to catch the flight to Washington DC. It is a busy morning; Sheena could not wait to arrive at her new townhome. She quickly finds her seat, tucks her handbag in the corner, and closes her eyes. The flight is one hour and a half. The minute Sheena closes her eyes, the telephone rings. Sheena lifts her head up and picks up the cell phone. There are five calls and five texts from Dr. Santiago Cruz. What in the world does he want? Sheena says to herself. The last text reads, Sheena, sorry I didn’t get a chance to give you a proper send-off. I want you to know that I care a great deal for you; forget that, I am in love with you. I want to apologize for my behavior at the party. Why didn’t you share your decision with me to move to Washington? Sheena, please call me. We need to talk about our relationship, and besides, you did not give me an answer to my question. So I am asking you again, will you marry me? Hope to hear from you soon. Love, Cruz.

Oh, that is so sweet, maybe I moved too soon, she thinks. Sheena looks out the small window on the plane. What have I done? she thinks to herself.

Miss, miss, sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you, but you are in my seat, says a deep voice.

Excuse me, Sheena says, turning around.

Standing there, smiling at her was an elegant dark chocolate man. May I have my seat? he politely asks. This can’t be your seat. I checked my ticket twice, she replies, wiping tears from her eyes.

My ticket reads A5, the window seat, he says. My ticket reads A4, not a window seat. Sheena giggles. If you like, you can stay there, I’ll take your seat, he says.

That’s so kind, Sheena responds. I hope everything is okay, you seem to be distraught, he says. I’m okay, says Sheena. Let me get my things out of the way. I hope to see you again, says the handsome man.

Did he just try to hit on me? He is very easy on the eyes. Oh well, I have other things to contend with. Sheena sighs and relaxes. Sheena closes her eyes again; just when she begins to relax, the flight is already landing in Washington. Sheena grabs her handbag and heads out of the plane, checking her phone for messages, not watching where she is going and runs right into Mr. I don’t know his name. Pardon me, I am sorry. Oh, it’s you again, she says.

Yes, me again, let me introduce myself. My name is Nathan Tidwell, and your name is? he says. Sheena Jackson, she replies.

Nice to meet you, Sheena. Since we keep running into one another, would you like to join me for a quick cup of coffee because I need to get back to the office to review a case? he replies. What’s your occupation?" asks Sheena.

Do not ask, I have my own business, says Nathan. What may that be? she inquires. I am an attorney. I practice corporate and business law here in the Capitol. The pay is great, but it can become a very hectic job, Nathan states.

Tell me something about Sheena Jackson. What would you like to know? Why is a beautiful woman like you so distressed? It is a long story, trust me, she says. I do not want to talk about this with a complete stranger, she thinks to herself. Sometimes, Sheena, a stranger is the best person to talk with, he says.

Don’t get the wrong impression, I just need some time, she says. I won’t push the issue; let me take your coat. Please allow me to get your seat, Nathan replies. Thank you kindly. You are a perfect gentleman, Sheena mumbles quietly. There is more to me than being a gentleman. I hope you give me the opportunity to get to know you better, he replies. Hold on, I just met you. I know, please call me Nat, he says. Okay, Mr. Nat, whatever you say, says Sheena. Now you are being funny, but I love your smile, he replies. Thank you, now, can I hear something about Sheena? he asks. Yes, I am an attorney, open for business on Monday, she replies casually.

You have to be kidding me, he thinks to himself. I’m a federal attorney, replies Sheena. How long have you been an attorney? he asks.

I have been in this profession for five years, Sheena responds. Now I understand why… Why what? Why we met, we have something in common. Would you agree? says Nathan.

Maybe, it is good to know that I… Sheena’s voice drifts off. Are you trying to tell me something? he asks. Oh, I was just thinking. I am glad we meet. Maybe you could give me a tour of the city when you have time, says Sheena. It’s like I said before, I will make time for you. I am never too busy, he replies. Let me give you my number. Call me if you need anything, Nathan says as he slides to her his number.

Okay, thanks. I better get going before it gets too late, Sheena says. Do you need a ride? he asks. Sheena thinks a ride would be wonderful and thanks him again for the coffee. I’ll be just a few minutes, let me call my driver, and we can be on our way. Wait here. I’ll call you when I’m ready, says Nathan. I can do that. Thank you for being so nice. This helps me a lot, she replies. Think nothing of it, glad to be a service to you, Nathan replies.

Sheena glances down at her cell phone and notices that she missed three calls from Mrs. P. Oh, my goodness I need to call my parents, Sheena thinks. Mom is probably so worried by now. Sheena quickly dials the number, and on other end of the phone is a much sweeter Mrs. P.

Hello, baby, how are things going?

"Mother, I’m sorry I haven’t called. You will not believe what happened. First, I was sitting in the wrong seat on the plane.