- Home
- Davis Boyles, Kym
His First Lady Page 6
His First Lady Read online
Page 6
“I’m on my way home to rest,” Evan said opening the door and walking out.
“I’ll walk you out. I need to run to the grocery store,” Mimi said following Evan out.
Mimi walked outside with Evan then veered off toward the trash can where she dumped Ariel’s pie.
Evan shook her head. Mimi walked over to Evan and gave her a hug. “Trash belongs in the trash can, right? I’ll call you after my date,” Mimi said walking off toward her car.
Evan climbed in her car then waved to Mimi. She looked in the rearview mirror at her eye; it was still dark and puffy. She just wanted to hide beneath her covers.
Chapter 12
Leon leaned back in his large dark brown leather chair watching with great disgust as the members of the board squabbled on his development plans for the church. He wanted to pull them up one by one by their collar and tell them that their opinions meant nothing to him and either they agree in this matter or resign. He was determined to grow with or without them and if they didn’t move then he would move them.
The meeting had been more treacherous than he had even imagined. There hadn’t been this much opposition in building the current sanctuary which was massive compared to the old one. The sounds of discord and combativeness filled the room as he and Greg sat with the fifteen board members around the large table to discuss the church’s growth and future. Irritated, Leon put his hands in the air shushing the muttering members.
“Gentlemen, it’s this simple. We need to utilize this chance that has been given to us because this provides us with additional opportunities to reach out to the masses that demand it.”
Deacon Byron Mark seemed to stare at the pastor in disbelief. “No, it’s not that simple. This sanctuary we have is only two years old. This is not a matter of need. It is a matter of want. We don’t have the money to purchase the 100 acres outright at this time and we aren’t financing something that isn’t a need.”
“Why don’t we have the money?” Leon asked.
Byron shrugged. “Let’s just say that it’s not that the church doesn’t have it, it’s just not functionally feasible.”
Minister Bishop put his hands up in the air. “Let’s be respectful, gentlemen and at least hear the pastor out before we start attacking the idea.”
Leon nodded acknowledging the man. “Thank you, Minister.”
Byron huffed. Leon stared into Byron’s eyes causing the man to look away. Leon was ready for this battle and he wanted to make sure that the coward knew it.
“I’m done with the idea,” Rick said leaning back in his chair. “It’s not happening.”
“It’s going to be a group decision, not an individual’s,” Minister Bishop said addressing Rick.
Deacon Sam cleared his throat distracting from the tension. The old man, who was a pillar at the church, and on the church board since its inception, had sat and listened quietly but had clearly decided now to have his say.
“Pastor,” Sam chimed in resting his hands on the conference table. “I appreciate your vision for growth but right now, we’re not filling the top level at the 8:30 morning service. Filling the seats could make a difference; if we did, maybe we could at least consider the additional 100 acre campus. This could generate additional income for these additional opportunities as you put it.”
Everyone, including Leon knew that Sam knew the ins and outs of the church including its financial health. He had been on the board and headed the church treasury for 23 years. Respected and adored, this man’s opinion would be the deciding factor and Leon knew that all too well. The winds of the board would blow whichever way Sam decided.
“If you want to build a bigger sanctuary then you need to prove that we need it. Then we can develop a definite plan for this vision. But first you need to get the people in the seats, on the website watching the services, and collecting the tithes.”
Leon eyed Sam and smiled. “I’m filling the seats. Now what you’re doing with the tithes is another issue.”
“What are you implying young man?” Deacon Sam asked leaning in toward Leon.
Leon snickered but refused to answer the question knowing that challenging Sam would be seen as disrespectful and he wouldn’t win that game.
“Whoa….” Greg interrupted as he stood up from the table. “Gentlemen, we are here to discuss this as a possibility for the church; not to attack each other.”
Leon paused before speaking. He didn’t want to sound onerous but he didn’t take kindly to Sam’s insinuation that his age was somehow associated with ignorance.
“I may be young but as a pastor, I know that I’m bringing the people in,” Leon said sternly. “The offerings and tithes are strong.”
“Yes, and they were sufficient when we didn’t have so much overhead. But now we have the daycare, the cafeteria, the new health and fitness center, including IT upkeep, we need more to come in.” Rick interrupted.
Hearing Ariel’s husband’s voice sent chills down Leon’s spine. He looked over at Rick who sat close to him with his crisp checkered navy shirt and matching navy slacks looking like something his mother had picked out. He was sitting there determined to see Leon fail but what he didn’t know was that his wife had been blowing up Leon’s phone all morning. Rick was often spared for Ariel’s sake but he would be sure to remind her that she needed to tighten the leash on her puppy.
“People who eat at the cafeteria pay for the food, parents are paying for daycare and aftercare so that’s not our money issue.” Leon folded his arms.
“At a discount,” Rick corrected it.
“Then eliminate the discounts, what are we discounting for anyway?” Leon asked. “Adjust some of the money.”
“To assist people,” Sam said.
Leon looked frustrated. “Whether you good men realize it or not, economic growth is pertinent in any ministry including ours. You don’t reach people for Jesus without some sacrifice. Upgrade the website, make sure the apps are working properly; get the message out on the social Medias like Twitter and Facebook. Get out of this rut. This church must grow and buying this land to expand this ministry is my first priority.”
“We’re working on all of that, Pastor,” Rick said.
Leon’s demeanor and talk of adjusting money riled up the men around the table as their disgruntled mutterings began to turn the meeting ugly.
“Calm down everybody,” Sam said in his usual low tone. He was never loud and even with his calm tone and even mannerism; he always managed to get everyone’s attention. “Now Pastor, we can’t just adjust money. The daycare is beneficial to this church and the community. There are people that because their children attend the daycare are now members. There’s no way to touch that money. The cafeteria isn’t just for banquets and lunch; it’s also used for ministry like providing free meals. This church services our community and….”
Leon interrupted. “The land is to service the community. The larger sanctuary is to service the community.”
Greg cleared his throat. “I think we can come to a prayerful solution so we can agree on what’s best for the church.”
Leon looked over at Greg who he had thought was 100% behind him with the purchasing of this land but who hadn’t said a supportive thing yet. It was as if the proverbial peace maker Greg hadn’t recalled their conversation. Leon shook his head; he should have figured that Greg would turn out to be a Judas and his weakness was the one reason why he wouldn’t ever be a pastor.
“Gentlemen, I do appreciate Associate Pastor Greg’s thoughts but I do believe we are beyond just prayer; it’s time for action.”
“You want to do something that we’ll never agree to do,” Rick said furiously. “We won’t rob other parts of the church for this dream that can wait.”
“Dreams are for children Rick, this is a matter of urgency and I want a vote on this,” Leon said.
“Pastor, this is certainly not a matter of urgency and there’s no way this can be done right now,” Sam said shaking his head
.
“Then find a way,” Leon said pushing his chair back from the table as if the discussion was over. “Borrow the money.”
“We aren’t borrowing money!” Rick responded.
“No way.” Deacon Howard concurred.
Rick’s tone caused Leon to pause and their gazes met. In Leon’s mind, he had so much to say to this little man whose obvious Napoleon complex controlled his life but there would be a time, he thought and patience was a virtue.
“That’s absolutely not an option,” Another board member spoke up. “The members will never go for it.”
“This church has sacrificed to be debt free and this is where we will remain,” Sam said. “If we must borrow then it must not be for us at this time. God’s plan will be accomplished and if it’s for us to buy this land then the money will come without borrowing it.”
Leon stared around the table. The meeting was pointless especially with this group that was being run by men who had held their positions in the church for far too long.
“Let’s vote,” Leon stated. Leon knew that there were some that were against him but there were always a loyal few that would back him no matter what.
“With all due respect Pastor,” Sam said, “to make concessions to appease you for something so large could put immense strain on other areas of the church which is not feasible.”
“I agree,” Rick said, “no vote needed.”
Leon stopped, looked around the room and grinned. “There are things that God wants us to do in this church and God will move anything and anybody that prevents his work from being accomplished.”
Sam nodded. “Yes son you are correct, but you are not God.”
Chapter 13
Evan sat uncomfortably in the large cream chair looking around Nina’s museum of a home. Not that the chair was uncomfortable because it certainly wasn’t but Evan was uncomfortable meeting First lady Nina Rimes for the first time. Nina seemed oblivious to Evan’s angst as she poured green tea into a flowered ceramic cup and handed it to Evan.
Evan tried not to watch her too hard but Lady Rimes was flawless. From the makeup on her face to her immaculately tailored green suit; she was as impeccable as a mannequin in Niemen Marcus. The puke green might have looked awkward even gross on someone else but Nina Rimes wore it like God himself had made it just for her.
Evan remembered that her mom was always well put together but Mrs. Rimes was on a whole new level of a pastor’s wife. She was what was considered the perfect pastor’s wife; exactly who Leon wanted her to be like and exactly who she wasn’t.
Nina sat across from Evan and sipped her tea before looking up at Evan with a smile.
“So, how long have you and Pastor Ladson been married?” Nina asked.
“Um,” Evan answered before feeling a wet tingle on her foot. She looked down at the little Yorkie smelling her foot. She inadvertently tried to move her feet to divert the Yorkie’s attention to no avail. Nina seemed to notice.
“Peaches, go sit down somewhere,” Nina said scolding the dog. She then looked back up at Evan. “You were saying.”
“Eight years.” Evan picked up her cup and attempting to hold her cup just as Nina did with her perfect polished pinkie sticking up and out just a little. In trying so hard, the cup tipped slightly causing Evan to make a quick recovery preventing it from spilling all over herself.
“That’s wonderful. But you’ve been at JMC for such a short period of time and your congregation has grown unbelievably and it just keeps growing. How did you two do it?”
Evan shrugged in embarrassment. “Leon’s like that. He sees a vision and nothing stops him from achieving it.”
Nina looked bewildered. “Leon? Just like a good First lady.” Nina smiled. “It’s hard for us to take any credit isn’t it?”
Evan took another sip.
“I find it amazing that such a young pastor has this huge church and doing such big things. God has no limits.”
Evan nodded. “We’re certainly a long way from our storefront in Sacramento.”
“I’ll say. How did you two meet?”
“My dad was a pastor and Leon was the youth pastor at his church for years.” Evan sipped her tea feeling like she was on jeopardy. Seeming to sense her uneasiness, Nina scooted toward the side table, grabbed silver tongs and placed a shrimp cake on the saucer plate in front of Evan.
“Please try these, I tried something new and of course be honest and tell me what you think.”
Evan did as she was told. Evan paused after she placed the cake in her mouth. This woman was even an expert chef; what wasn’t she good at?
“They are so delicious,” Evan said embarrassingly as if forgetting where she was as she ate the shrimp cake immediately wanting another.
“Thank you,” Nina said as she sat back and crossed her legs smiling at Evan. “I admire you.”
Evan coughed about to choke on the cake.
“Young First ladies are so different from what we were. Gone are the big hats and dark hose; young and free. You don’t care what people think.”
Evan didn’t know whether to smile or say, ‘thank you’. “I care what people think even when I shouldn’t.”
Nina smiled. “Is your dad still a pastor?” Nina asked allowing Evan to escape the compliment.
Evan shook her head. “No, he retired years ago.”
“Why didn’t your husband take over that church?”
Evan wasn’t ready for Nina’s questions and they all seemed so personal. She also didn’t want to tell Nina that her dad didn’t trust Leon and when he considered retirement told the church that Leon wasn’t the right one to take it over. But that wasn’t all and Evan remembered the encounter with her father as if it were yesterday.
Sitting in her dad’s study nervous with watery eyes; she had never wanted to disappoint him and she had never disobeyed him but she loved Leon. Her father looked at her with his piercing brown eyes as serious as she had ever seen him only when he witnessed to someone about making Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior was he ever more serious.
“Please don’t marry that man.” Her dad sat straight up in his chair with his arms folded and fingers intertwined speaking as if he knew something about Leon but could never tell.
“I love him daddy. Don’t you understand that?” It was as if she begged her dad to change his mind and give his blessing. After all, she was a daddy’s girl and he usually did.
Her dad nodded. “I do understand. I know that your emotions are heavy but you trust me right?”
Evan nodded but didn’t say a word. Her dad would never understand their love.
Her dad leaned forward and looked her in the eye. “I don’t see the spirit of God in that man. Do not marry him or you will be making a huge mistake, baby.”
“How don’t you see the spirit of God in him when he’s been a youth pastor here for so long?”
“I don’t make all of the church’s decisions alone. But please reconsider before you make that vow before God.”
She didn’t reconsider. She knew that she loved Leon and she was going to marry him. Her father reluctantly walked her down the aisle and she could see the pain in his eyes when he kissed her on her cheek, placed her hand in Leon’s, and returned to his seat. The wedding was beautiful, her father never smiled; didn’t even look at her as they passed down the aisle of the church after being declared husband and wife.
The pain was too much for her father’s heart. Her father had a heart attack two hours later at their wedding reception, an emergency triple by-pass, and spent weeks in the hospital afterward. She and Leon didn’t have a honeymoon until months later. She regretted causing her father so much stress and to this day, she could still hear her father’s warnings about Leon. Evan fought to get back to the moment and answer Nina’s questions.
“Um, well Leon had other plans. We just put our trust in God and look where we are.” Evan hoped her answer was sufficient. The conversation was bringing up too many memories and Evan d
idn’t want to relive those events.
“Wow, you were a PK before being a First lady. What a life.”
“Yeah, tell me about it.” Evan chuckled uncomfortably.
“I bet. Oh, I hear that your husband, I mean the church is trying to buy the property around Silas; that’s quite an investment for the church.”
“Leon is looking to make the ministry reach more people.”
Nina smiled at Evan as if pitying her naivety.
“You have a beautiful family,” Evan said admiring the family portraits all over the living room of Nina, her husband and their now teenagers; three boys and girl.”
“No children, yet?”
Evan placed another cake on her saucer. “Not yet.” Evan placed another piece of cake in her mouth. Nina stared at Evan then took a sip of her tea. Evan felt Nina’s piercing stare so she moved her head slightly to prevent her from getting a good view.
“You’re using the wrong cover up for that shiner.”
Evan stopped chewing; humiliated, wanting to run out of the ridiculously immaculate museum far away from this woman.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Nina said sincerely. “Was he having a bad day or did you say the wrong thing? Or did you catch him with a church whore?” Nina took a slow sip of her tea with her eyes looking over the cup completely fixed on Evan.
Evan wiped her mouth with a napkin and remained silent; not knowing how to answer this woman who had uncovered a secret that she had to know would embarrass Evan.
Nina sat her cup down. “I’m a bit forward and I know you’re uncomfortable and I also know that when my husband asked me to contact you that he and your husband had talked. Your husband wants this perfect First lady but he didn’t expect me to school you on this life,” Nina said with a coy smile.
Evan’s eyebrows were raised and although she did have a sneaking suspicion that Leon had something to do with this invitation; she wasn’t sure until now. She suddenly felt like she was a pawn that everybody got a chance to play with.