Jezebel (29 page)

“You'd be very good for my Holt. I think that a marriage between our families would unite our churches and make ours one of the most powerful ministries available.”

“I think my father would be pleased—this has always been a dream of his.”

“That dream will be a reality if I have anything to do with it.”

Natalia smiled. “I can tell we're going to be good friends.”

Two weeks later, Jessie Belle held a dinner party to celebrate Traynor's birthday. John Winters and his daughter were in attendance.

Jessie Belle pointed Natalia out to Holt. “She's beautiful, isn't she?”

He agreed but didn't look that interested in meeting her. Jessie Belle wasn't ready to give up, so she said, “Her name is Natalia Winters.”

“I met her when I spoke at Mount Olive.”

“She seems like a lovely girl.”

“She's nice.” Holt glanced over at his mother. “I hope you're not trying to set me up. I already have a girlfriend. You do remember Frankie, don't you?”

“She's a nice girl, but I have to be honest with you. I'm just not sure Frankie is your soul mate, son.”

“It's not your decision, Mother. Frankie and I have been together for almost three years—I love her.”

“Sometimes it's best to be with someone that loves you—instead of someone you love.”

“So you're saying I shouldn't marry for love?”

“Holt, a marriage between you and Natalia would unite our churches. John and your father are considering a merger.”

“Why?”

“Well, we see the blending of the two church bodies as an opportunity for each. We need more space and they need members to fill the sanctuary. Uniting with Mount Vernon will help us both.”

“It makes sense,” Holt stated. “Pretty much we match theologically and in things like preaching style and stability.”

“And you know that we're kind of landlocked where we are. There's no room to build a new sanctuary.”

“You've got to present the idea to the congregations,” Holt said. “A group of representatives from both churches could come together to form some type of study committee and look into it. But what would we do with our church?”

“I'm sure we could sell it to a ministry looking for a bigger place of worship.” Jessie Belle pulled her son over by the huge picture window in the dining room. “Holt, if you and Natalia were to get together…well, people from both churches would embrace the idea of the merger totally.”

He gave her a look of pure astonishment.

“You'd be doing it for your father. And Natalia, she's stunning and intelligent. You two would make a beautiful couple. She already adores you, Holt. She told me so.”

“Mother, I don't know what to say to you,” he uttered.

“Churches split all the time, Holt, but rarely do two ever come together like this. It's a rare opportunity. You just have to look at the big picture.”

“So what you're saying is that I'm the deal breaker. Is that it?”

Holt was angry. She could hear it in his tone.

“I wouldn't exactly say it like that,” Jessie Belle responded.

“Mother, you're trying to pimp me, and to be honest, I resent it. I am in love with Frankie and she's the woman I want to be with.”

“All I'm asking is that you give Natalia a chance. That's all. Just spend some time with her.”

“Drop it, Mother.”

A few guests standing nearby glanced in their direction, prompting Jessie Belle to tell him, “Keep your voice down, Holt.”

“I wish you much success on your venture, Mother. I'm going to say goodbye to my father and I'm going home.”

“Holt, don't you dare embarrass me. I've supported you through everything you've done and wanted to do. I'm just asking you to spend some time with Natalia and just see what happens. Frankie's in Los Angeles and you're here. What's it going to hurt? Besides, how do you know for sure what you're feeling for Frankie is real? Has that love been tested?”

Holt didn't respond.

“I didn't think so. You won't know unless you test the waters some.”

Traynor walked over to them. “You two look intense. Is everything okay?”

Jessie Belle eyed her son. “I was just explaining to Holt that I feel he should see other women socially—just to be sure Frankie is really the one he wants.”

“Frankie actually said the same thing to me last night.”

“She's being smart, Holt.”

“I'll think about it, Mother.”

Jessie Belle smiled. “That's all I ask, sweetie.”

Holt walked across the room to where Natalia was standing. Soon the two were in deep conversation.

“You're trying to fix him up with Winters's daughter,” Traynor accused.

“What kind of mother would I be if I didn't try to set him up with someone? It's a part of the job.”

He chuckled. “You just can't help yourself, can you?”

“Traynor, I just want our son to be sure that what he's feeling is love. Frankie's getting ready to pack up her belongings and move across the country. Don't you think they both need to be sure?”

“I agree with you, Jessie Belle. It's just your tactics I'm not very comfortable with.”

“I didn't say he had to marry Natalia. Just get to know her a little bit.”

Jessie Belle didn't add that she hoped that Holt's dating Natalia would speed up the merger. She didn't want Traynor thinking she was pimping her son.

H
olt met his mother for lunch.

“So, how are things going with you and Natalia?” Jessie Belle asked as soon as they were seated in a booth near the huge picture window.

“She's a nice girl,” he responded with a slight shrug. “And we have a lot in common.” Holt picked up his menu and scanned it.

“See…”

“But she's just a friend, Mother,” Holt quickly interjected. “I think she's beautiful, intelligent and funny. We have fun together, but I like her just as a friend.”

The waiter came over.

Jessie Belle ordered lemonade and Holt ordered iced tea.

“That's too bad,” she said after the waiter walked away. “I think she's more suited to you.”

Shrugging in nonchalance, Holt replied, “I can't help the way I feel, Mother.”

After bringing their drinks, the waiter pulled out a pad and pen to write down their entrées.

“I'll get the fried catfish, macaroni and cheese, turnip greens and corn bread.” Jessie Belle handed him the menu.

Holt placed his order next.

The waiter left.

“Mother, you need to stop eating all that fried food. It's not good for you. Father told me that your cholesterol levels were high.”

“I grew up on fried food, and so did you.”

“Just cut back,” Holt advised.

Jessie Belle smiled. “I love how you take care of me. You're such a good son.”

“And you're a great mom when you're not trying to control my life.” Holt sipped his iced tea. “Oh, I forgot to tell you—Frankie's coming to town tomorrow. She's got a second interview with IBM.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “I think she's going to get the job. We've been praying about it, but if not, then it's not the one God has for her. I can't wait to have her here in Raleigh permanently. Being on different coasts is hard on a relationship.”

“Does she know anything about Natalia?”

“I told her that we were friends.”

“How did she take it?”

“She was okay with it. Natalia and I weren't dating or anything. Frankie's best friend is a male. One of the things I love about her is that she doesn't freak out over stuff like that. She's a very secure woman. I love that about her.”

“I can see that,” Jessie Belle murmured. She had to find a way to break up Holt and Frankie permanently.

The next day, she felt like fate had intervened when she ran into Frankie at the mall.

Jessie Belle tapped her on the shoulder. “Frankie, dear, how are you?”

She turned around. “I'm fine, Mrs. Deveraux. And you?”

“Blessed and highly favored,” Jessie Belle responded. “So what brings you way over here this afternoon?”

“Holt and I had lunch together. I just dropped him off at the church. Since I was so close to the mall, I thought I'd come pick up a few things.”

“I see.” Switching her Louis Vuitton from one shoulder to the other, Jessie Belle added, “With you looking for a job, you might want to save money.”

Frankie stiffened. “I'm not planning on buying anything I can't afford.”

They stood there staring at each other in tense silence.

Frankie spoke up first. “Mrs. Deveraux, is there something you want to say to me? It doesn't take a brain scientist to see that you're not exactly fond of me.”

“Frankie, I just don't want you to get hurt in all this. You're a sweet girl, but, dear, I have to be honest. You are not the one for my son.”

“Does Holt feel this way?”

“Of course he does,” Jessie Belle lied. “As you are aware, Holt's met a lovely young woman and they've been seeing each other socially.”

“Holt's always been very honest with me. He told me about Natalia. They're just friends, Mrs. Deveraux. He'd tell me if it was something more.”

“Frankie, he doesn't want to hurt you. He thinks of you as a very dear friend and he knows how much you care for him.”

“Holt loves me,” Frankie stated. “Mrs. Deveraux, he even told me that he wants to marry me.”

“That will never happen.”

“Mrs. Deveraux, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I've had enough of this conversation. If Holt wants to break up with me—he'll have to be the one to do it.” Placing her hands on her full hips, she added, “Not send his mama to do it for him.”

“Holt feels something for you, Frankie. I won't deny that, but you are just not the woman for him.”

“How can you say that? You don't even know me. Not once have you ever tried to get to know me.”

“I didn't see any point, as you weren't a permanent fixture in my son's life,” Jessie Belle responded.

Frankie walked away without another word.

Humming to herself, Jessie Belle strolled through the department store.

She spent the afternoon just going from store to store browsing. Jessie Belle left the mall around three thirty and headed home.

Traynor requested lasagna for dinner, so she went through her kitchen, pulling out the ingredients and the lasagna pan.

Jessie Belle had just stuck the casserole into the oven when the doorbell sounded.

“What did you say to Frankie?” Holt demanded when Jessie Belle opened the front door.

She stepped back to let him enter the house. “Hello to you, too.”

He brushed past his mother. “What did you tell Frankie? She was very upset when I spoke to her earlier.”

“I simply told her the truth—that she's not the woman for you.”

“Frankie is the woman I love.”

“That doesn't mean she's the one for you,” Jessie Belle insisted. “The poor thing should really consider losing some weight. If she looks like that now—what do you think age and childbearing will do to her body?”

“I love her spirit, Mother. I love her heart—she's beautiful to me and it doesn't matter that she's not a size two.”

“Natalia is stunning. Her honey-colored complexion, those soft brown eyes and that long beautiful hair coupled with your handsome features—my grandchildren will be beautiful.”

Holt sighed in exasperation. “I'm not interested in Natalia, Mother. I told you that from the beginning. My heart belongs to Frankie. I'm sorry if you can't accept that.”

“Why is it you don't know what's good for you?” Jessie Belle demanded.

“No, it's you who doesn't have a clue,” he countered. “I know what I want. It's Frankie.”

“So what about Natalia?”

“What about her?”

“Have you told her that you're not interested?”

“I've been very honest with her, Mother.” Holt took Jessie Belle's hand. “I know how much you and Father want the merger and I believe it's going to happen whether Natalia and I are together or not. Everyone seems very excited about it. You don't have anything to worry about.”

Jessie Belle sighed in resignation. “You may be right, son. I'm sorry for the way I've been acting.”

“Frankie's my girlfriend. I'd like for you to treat her nice. Mother, can you please do that for me?”

She nodded. “Of course. In fact, I'd like to host a dinner in her honor tomorrow night.”

His eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really? You'd do that for Frankie?”

Jessie Belle nodded. “Tomorrow night at seven. Don't be late.”

Holt gave her a hug. “Thank you, Mother.”

“I'm only doing this for you.”

“I know.” Holt kissed her cheek. “I'll see you tomorrow night.”

When Holt drove away, Jessie Belle picked up the telephone and dialed.

“Natalia, how would you like to join us for dinner tomorrow night? I need you to be here at six thirty sharp.”

Jessie Belle stopped by Traynor's office on her way to Bible study.

“How long are you planning to work tonight?” she inquired.

“I'm finishing up now. I'm going to sit in on Bible study tonight. Why?”

“I just wanted to know if you'd be going home with me. I thought we could have a late but very romantic dinner. Lasagna. We're having oysters as an appetizer.”

Traynor surveyed her face. “What are you up to?”

She grinned. “It's not obvious? I'm trying to seduce my handsome husband. Humph. I must be losing my touch.”

Pushing away from his desk, Traynor stood up. “Sweetheart, it's a date.”

They walked down to the room where Bible study was held.

Jessie Belle sat down beside Traynor. She could barely think about Paul or what he had to say—her mind filled with fantasies of what she wanted her husband to do to her. Traynor still turned her on.

He apparently felt the same way because as soon as they walked inside the house, they tore off each other's clothes. Traynor made love to his wife on the floor in the living room and then again in the family room.

Jessie Belle groaned as she tried to sit up. “My bones never ached this much when I was younger.”

Traynor laughed. “My knees are killing me.”

“This is what I don't like about getting older. I'm still feeling a little adventurous, but my body…”

“Think you can make it to the Jacuzzi tub?” Traynor asked.

“Only if you carry me. I'm a little weak at the knees.”

Jessie Belle made her way to the downstairs bathroom to shower while Traynor heated up their dinner. When she returned, Jessie Belle saw that he'd lit some candles and had music playing softly in the background.

“Oh, I invited Holt and Frankie over for dinner tomorrow,” Jessie Belle announced. “I thought it would be nice to try and get to know her in a less formal setting.”

“That's really sweet of you, Jessie Belle.”

“I'm going to give this girl a chance like you suggested. I'm not making any promises, though.”

Traynor reached over and grabbed her hand. “Thank you, sweetheart. I know Holt appreciates you making the effort.”

Jessie Belle broke into a smile. “I hope so.”

The next day, Natalia arrived at six fifteen. She looked stunning in a bright green pantsuit with her midlength hair pulled back into a ponytail.

“Do you really think this is going to work?” Natalia asked.

“I don't know,” Jessie Belle responded. “It's really up to you. Frankie has to see how well you and Holt mesh. The foolish girl still believes that she and Holt belong together.”

Traynor came downstairs, putting an end to their plotting.

He was clearly surprised to see Natalia.

“Honey, Natalia came by to pick up some copies of the programs I did for Women's Day,” Jessie Belle lied. “She wants to try and plan something similar. Since she's here, I invited her to stay for dinner.”

Traynor didn't respond.

Jessie Belle could tell that he was upset with her. When he left the room, she turned to Natalia and whispered, “Don't you tell him I invited you over here before now.”

“I won't,” she promised. “Just make sure to give me a couple of the programs you mentioned.”

Jessie Belle escorted Natalia to the family room, where Traynor was sitting. “You make yourself comfortable. I'll go get the programs and be right back.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Deveraux,” Natalia replied.

Traynor got up and followed Jessie Belle to the office.

“What are you up to, Jessie Belle?”

“Nothing,” she mumbled while pretending to look for the program. “Natalia was supposed to come by earlier today, but for whatever reason, she didn't.”

“So why invite her to dinner when you know Holt and Frankie are coming over?”

Jessie Belle gazed at her husband. “What is the big deal, Traynor? She might as well get used to seeing them together.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “So you're saying that you have no ulterior motives?”

Waving a piece of paper in the air, she said, “Just this program.”

Jessie Belle brushed past him, walking quickly.

“Did he buy it?” Natalia whispered when she entered the family room.

Nodding, Jessie Belle handed her the program.

Five minutes past seven, Holt and Frankie arrived.

Holt was shocked to see Natalia.

“Mother, what are you doing?” Holt asked in a low whisper. “Why is Natalia here? I thought this was supposed to be a dinner for Frankie. I can't believe you did this,” he whispered.

“Be nice,” she responded. “Natalia came here to pick up something and I invited her to stay. She needs to see you and Frankie together. So relax. It's only dinner.”