Broken

BROKEN

The sequel to The Preacher’s Son

B.D. Anderson

Copyright © 2015 B.D. Anderson.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of both publisher and author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-2769-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-2768-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015904259

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 04/23/2015

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

This book is

dedicated to two people: my mother, Joyce Penn whose strength of character I admire and whose love and generosity towards others knows no bounds.

To Faye Brown, my children’s Godmother whose positive calm in the midst of storms truly amazes me; whose biting wit grounds me, and whose ability to appear unruffled and stoic during adversity humbles me.

I would like to take the time to thank Karen Saunders who is my real life Dr. Nelson in this book. With her help I was able to make this story more realistic and I appreciate all the time she gave me more than I can adequately express.

I’d also like to thank Dr. Julia of Edit 911 whose grasp of the written word, her teaching abilities and warm demeanor made the journey to complete this project bearable. Her help was more than I could have ever hoped for in an editor and I am eternally grateful.

Finally, I’d like to say that with God all things are possible. He continues to prove it to me over and over again.

PROLOGUE

…He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed. – Luke 4:18

September 2008

Matthew walked into the side door of the church and looked out into the congregation waiting for the wedding to begin. He glanced around at the full church that was surely at capacity. He certainly didn’t see any empty seats. He smirked to himself as he observed that most of the groom’s side of the church was white, while the bride’s side was mostly black. The church was cool and he could hear the air conditioning humming. Purple flowers were attached to the end of each pew matching the bride maids’ dresses. Matthew was surprised at the number of Ferguson family members who were there. Even the press was in attendance to witness his cousin Jeremy and Aura Vanderleigh as they were joined in holy matrimony. His eyes roamed over the bride, who was standing at the back of the church with her father, ready to walk down the aisle. He resisted shaking his head and hoped that Jeremy knew what he was doing.

His wandering eyes fell on his mother, who was sitting close to the front with her hands in her lap. She was the reason he was here after convincing him that, if he didn’t support his cousin’s decision and agree to be a groomsman, she’d never forgive him. He had relented just to satisfy her, but he didn’t like it. Truth be told, Matthew knew that a small part of him was angry and jealous even though he’d never admit such a thing out loud, especially when he didn’t understand his own feelings about the marriage.

First his brother and now his cousin had married black women. It surprised him that his brother Eric hadn’t cared about the ruckus he’d caused in their family with his decision to marry Nadine James, his high school sweetheart. Now his brother and wife had a set of twins to take care of! The fact that Eric seemed so happy in the midst of all the stress and tension his marriage had caused the family didn’t seem to bother him in the least, and Matthew couldn’t understand it.

He glanced at his father, who was sitting next to his mother with a frown on his face. Matthew knew that his father still hadn’t accepted the union of his youngest son. There was no doubt in his mind that his father was there under duress. Matthew watched as Aura walked slowly toward the altar. His brother Eric stood beside Jeremy as the two exchanged a few words while their eyes were fixed on Aura. Matthew couldn’t help but feel that Eric was much too young to be married and a father with twins. Yet his brother seemed to be happier than he’d ever remembered.

His father had stressed to him years ago that interracial relationships weren’t acceptable and that they would cause a major upheaval in the family. Matthew knew back then that he had to push aside the attraction he felt for the black girls he interacted with in school and give his total attention to more acceptable girls, namely, white girls. Now a part of him felt cheated. While he had conformed to his father’s demands, Eric, the youngest of the brothers, had followed his heart, and it bothered Matthew more than he cared to admit.

He remembered what his grandmother had said about how Ferguson men were attracted to black women. Why had his father forbidden him for getting involved with a black girl if he knew the family history? He could easily see that his father was upset by Eric’s decision. He wasn’t about to bring the subject up to his father now and add fuel to the fire.

Matthew’s good looks attracted a lot of women. He was over six feet tall, though not as tall as his baby brother nor as slim as Eric. However, he worked out at the gym a lot and was proud of his body. His blond hair was now combed back, and his large brown eyes always caused women to pause and take a second look. It seemed that none of the many women he’d dated affected him in such a way that he’d want to be in a serious relationship with them.

He’d lost count of his one-night stands. He’d slowed down some, but he still dated a variety of women, and most of his so-called dates were just booty calls. He still looked at black girls with longing on the sly, but he felt that getting involved with one would be social suicide. His mind wandered to Max before he pushed the thought away. Why was he thinking about her? Max had too many issues and had too much mouth. He conceded she was pretty.

There was no denying the electricity that had passed between them, and she had every attribute he liked in a woman. He thought about her full lips, something that had always attracted him to black women. Plus, she was tall and slim with curves just the way he liked. Matthew felt that her best feature a full, round set of hips that jiggled when she walked. He’d always loved a big round behind on a woman. However, there was no way he was going down that road. Besides, it was no secret that Max despised him. He pushed the thought from his mind again and turned his attention back to the service.

Max sat in the waiting room of Dr. Nelson’s office wondering how many more sessions she was expected to attend. She had been visiting Dr. Nelson weekly now for two months. She’d stopped coming to sessions with Dr. Nelson once she turned eighteen and no longer needed her parents’ permission. They hadn’t liked her decision, but Max felt that she just wanted to put the past behind her and move on.

Now she was back seeing the doctor again because she’d promised Nadine and she was determined to keep that promise even though she didn’t feel that psychotherapy was going to be her cure-all.

She now realized that talking to the doctor over the last few weeks had helped her to some degree. After all, she had made progress by talking with her father while she’d practiced the techniques Dr. Nelson had suggested and she had gotten through that better than she’d expected. She had even hugged Eric when he was leaving for New York to attend his cousin’s wedding and when he’d left town recently, which had been a big step for her. She felt that having Eric and Nadine living with her had helped tremendously.

Dr. Nelson now stood in the doorway of her office and motioned for her to come inside. Max got up and followed her into the familiar setting. Pillows were all around to decorate the sofa and two oversized chairs. It seemed Dr. Nelson loved fall colors as the chairs were burnt orange, while the sofa was chocolate brown. Large pillows of red and gold adorned the sofa. The smell of apple pie filled the office from the burning candles. The smell relaxed her, which she realized was the whole idea. It was her choice where she’d sit, and the doctor would follow her lead. Today she chose the sofa, and Dr. Nelson pulled up a chair and sat in front of her.

The therapist hadn’t changed much over the years. Her red hair was as bright as Max remembered, and her bright red lipstick was still distracting. Dr. Nelson had to be at least fifty, yet she dressed like a hippy with her long broom skirt and peasant blouse.

Maxine, I am happy that you are doing so well, Dr. Nelson said, smiling. I understand that you spent some time with your father.

Yes, I did, Max said, looking around the office.

How is that relationship coming along?

Fine. We talked. He told me that he missed me. We went out to lunch together one day. She looked at her hands. I know I’m getting better.

Even as she said the words, Max didn’t kid herself. She still had a long way to go and stared down at her hands in her lap as they shook a little. That’s great. Do you still feel as nervous being around men, or has that improved? Dr. Nelson asked.

It’s improved somewhat. That’s why I’m wondering why you called me in here before our next appointment. Things are moving in the right direction, don’t you think?

She tried to keep her face stoic even though her hands trembled in her lap. Max couldn’t meet Dr. Nelson’s intense stare knowing that she could see right through her lie. She stared at the wall of degrees situated behind the doctor instead. Dr. Nelson leaned forward. Maxine, I think you are ready for the next step. We’ve been talking, and while you have been resistant to my diagnosis and treatment of PTSD, I feel that we are making headway. I want you to step out of your comfort zone and accept the fact that, while you are a strong woman, you have been through a trauma and that trauma needs to be dealt with. I want you to work toward dealing with men on a social level and to even consider dating, even if it’s with another couple. Exposure therapy is the next logical step. When we discussed this years ago, you quit coming to see me. I don’t want you to do that again. Just be honest with me and please tell me what you’re afraid of.

Max straightened up in her chair. I’m not ready to date, Dr. Nelson. I stopped coming to you after I turned eighteen because I was going away to college.

Yes, but I offered you information on a counselor in Virginia, yet you refused.

"That’s because I didn’t need to continue seeing anyone!" Honestly, she didn’t want to be here, and she didn’t want to date! She realized after the words left her mouth that she had raised her voice. She looked away from Dr. Nelson’s startled expression.

After a moment, she looked back at Dr. Nelson. She raised an eyebrow and responded in a calm voice, You may have felt that way back then, but you still haven’t dated, Max. You’re still where you were seven years ago when you stopped coming to your sessions with me. That’s not progress. I can see that you’re upset even at the mention of dating.

I know, Max admitted, not meeting her eyes. She took a deep breath and held it. She looked down at her hands shaking in her lap and slowly exhaled.

We could start by talking about dating. At least, exploring the idea, Dr. Nelson ventured quietly.

I don’t want to date—

Now, Maxine, Dr. Nelson interrupted, her voice calm but firm. Let me finish.

Max sat back in the chair uncertainly. The thought of dating filled her with dread. She didn’t want to date. Dating led to kissing, and kissing led to sex, and there was no way in hell she was going to let a man do that to her, ever.

Maxine, you are a grown, twenty-six-year-old woman, but sexually you are stuck at the trauma that happened to you at thirteen. I understand that you are afraid to interact with men on that level. We are not rushing into anything. We’re going to take it slow. Dr. Nelson took her hand, and Max looked up from her lap. Right now, I just want you to consider the possibility. I want you to stop putting on earphones in restaurants and pretending that you’re deaf in order to keep men from approaching you."

How do you expect me to interact with men? Max asked. I can’t see myself approaching men, Dr. Nelson.

Just open yourself up to the idea, Maxine. Things will naturally progress in time.

I don’t understand why I have to do this! I don’t like being bothered during my meals. I don’t want to hear men’s lame lines when all they want is sex. Max pulled her hand from the doctor’s.

Don’t think so negatively, and try not to be judgmental of men. All men do not immediately want to have sex with a woman just because they initiate a conversation. At least open yourself up to the possibility of meeting someone you’re attracted to. Dr. Nelson stood up. I have some material I want you to read over. Perhaps after reading it you can bring me your questions, and I can help ease some of your fears. We need to move forward. I’m sure you’re aware of that. Read this, and it will help you prepare for the next step.

Max didn’t say anything but took the package that the doctor was handing her. She saw that her hand was still shaking a little and held the packet close to her chest as she walked quickly toward the door.

I’ll see you next week, Maxine, Dr. Nelson said.

Max left the office with a sigh of relief when she reached her car. She couldn’t wait to get home to talk to her sister. Talking to Nadine always grounded her. After twenty minutes, she quickly pulled into the parking lot hoping that she would find the twins napping and her sister free for conversation.

Walking in the door, she was relieved to see Nadine sitting on the sofa watching TV.

So, how did it go? Nadine asked, looking up at her.

Max waved the packet at her sister and let out a loud sigh. Dr. Nelson keeps insisting that I have PTSD. I don’t think I have that at all. Plus, she’s given me this information to read over. I want you to look it over for me first.

Why not read over the material Dr. Nelson gave you before you decide?

Max lowered her head. I’m afraid, and I don’t like her labeling my personal feelings as PTSD. I refuse to be put in a box like that. I mean, I feel that it was perfectly logical for me to respond the way that I did. Just the thought of going out with a man makes me nervous. After being raped, who would want to be touched by a man? I’m not crazy!

Of course you’re not crazy, Nadine agreed. Dr. Nelson is just trying to help you. I’m sure that she’s trying to find the treatment that will work for you. Every person is different, you know.

You read it first, she told Nadine, shoving the package of information at her. Help me out here.

Nadine took the packet from her and glanced over at her daughters who were napping.

All right.

She scanned the material as Max watched, trying to be patient as Nadine read through some of the pamphlet and skipped others.

Well? she asked.

Nadine exhaled. Basically, there are pamphlets here that talk about learning about your own body and discovering what pleasures you. It talks about your exploring that option and that you have to be comfortable in your own sexuality and know what pleases you before you can let your partner know what pleases you. There’s also information on PTSD and the treatments for the condition.

Max eyes grew big. I don’t know. I’m going to the doctor. We talk! Why isn’t that enough? I mean, I don’t think I need treatments for a condition I’m not convinced that I have. I’m not a war veteran!

Nadine held up one of the pamphlets that she’d scanned. Well, try to keep an open mind. You said that you wanted to move forward. This is a big step. How long do you expect the doctor to just talk? You have to let her guide you through this.

Nadine opened one of the pamphlets. Dr. Nelson has a sticky note on this one saying that this is the next step she plans for you: prolonged exposure therapy.

I know. Max nodded. We talked about it a little.

It says here that repeated exposure to thoughts, feelings, and situations that you have been avoiding helps you to learn that reminders of the trauma do not have to be avoided. With this therapy you and your therapist will identify the situations you have been avoiding. You will repeatedly confront those situations until your distress decreases. She looked up at her sister.

That sounds like just what you need.

Max took several of the pamphlets and warily glanced through them.

There’s stuff in here talking about masturbation, Nadine, she said, hardly able to whisper the words. Why would I want to do that? I know I’m looking at things she’s proposed down the road, but still!

So what? Nadine tried to be patient. Masturbation isn’t an ugly word.

So, I don’t do that!

Exactly, Nadine sighed. At least talk to Dr. Nelson about your fears and apprehensions.

How am I going to talk to her about, you know, touching myself? That’s disgusting! Max put the pamphlets on the table.

You’re a grown woman, Maxine. The doctor is only trying to help you. It’s no different from getting a pap smear. That can be embarrassing, but you do what you have to do.

I’ve never had one, Max confessed. Not since, you know.

What? You’re twenty six years old!

I know that! There’s no need. I’m not having sex.

That’s not good. I’m calling my doctor. Nadine picked up her phone.

Max took the phone out of her hand. Look, let me take it one step at a time. I’ll consider the treatments she’s recommending, OK? We’ve talked, and now she wants to move to exposure therapy. She wants me to face my fears in a safe environment. I mean, how am I supposed to interact with men and still feel safe? I don’t get it.

Nadine crossed her arms across her chest. Tell her what you’ve just told me. Tell her that you don’t have any sexual desires. Tell her, and she will help you. At least promise me that you will tell her that you haven’t had a pap smear. I’m sure she’ll understand your fears, and she may even have some suggestions for you.

Max leaned back on the sofa and fanned herself with a pamphlet.

Her mind instantly went to her father. She wanted their relationship to improve. They hadn’t been close since the incident. She had hurt him with the things she’d said after the police found her. She hadn’t meant to hurt him, but the damage had been done. She knew it was wrong to put the blame on all men for what happened to her. It was wrong to tell her father that she hated all men including him because he had a penis. Her father had been devastated, especially after she avoided being around him. After having lunch with him recently, she realized that going to Dr. Nelson was helping her to help him come to grips with what happened as well. Even though she wasn’t convinced that she had PTSD, giving Dr. Nelson the benefit of the doubt couldn’t hurt anything.

She groaned to herself and picked up the pamphlets. She wanted to get better and move forward, but she could tell that this whole thing was going to be an uphill journey.

CHAPTER 1

Hear you deaf, and look you blind, that you may see.- Isaiah 42:18

Matthew planted himself at an empty picnic table and sipped his beer. He glanced around the throng of people to see if maybe he could see some girl that he could bed that night to redeem this God-awful weekend. He wasn’t feeling this family gathering at all. He hoped that he’d run up on a few single good-looking women to help him pass the time.

However, as his luck would have it, he didn’t see anyone of interest. The females in attendance were mostly from his family, though there were a few he spotted that he didn’t recognize.

His uncle David threw this cookout every year, and attendance had increased gradually until now it seemed most everybody in his uncle’s church and the entire population of Horry County was here at the park. Matthew knew that he’d catch it from his parents if he missed it.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like family gatherings; he did. However, he’d had a very hectic week at work and hadn’t taken the time to bring a date. He knew what that meant. His family would be all in his business trying to match him up with some available girl, and he wasn’t in the mood. Most likely the girl would be some goody-two-shoes that would go crying back to her family or his uncle when he dropped her, and then he’d catch hell. Nope, he wasn’t going to go out with any girl his family brought his way.

He sipped his beer and then threw the bottle in a park trash can. He walked over to the cooler and retrieved another. At least the beer his father provided was cold. He was surprised that the good reverend hadn’t banned beer, but then again most likely he didn’t know about the cooler since it wasn’t over there with the regular drinks.

Don’t you think you ought to call it quits?

Matthew looked around and found his mother behind him. She had that look on her face.

I’m a big boy, Ma. I know how to hold my liquor, he said. Besides, it’s just beer, and this is only my third.

Matthew, you don’t have to be so snippy, Rachel replied. I know you don’t really want to be here.

Yet here I am, he responded.

Jeremy is here all the way from New York, Rachel hissed. Stop being an ass and go over and speak to him and Aura. Why are you hiding out over here by the beer cooler that’s not even supposed to be here? Daniel will have a fit if he finds out that your father brought it to his cookout.

I told you that I’d come, and I’m here. What do you want from me? Matthew looked away. As for the beer, there are so many people here that I doubt if he finds out unless you tell him yourself.

I want you to act like a civil human being! his mother said, crossing her arms across her chest. There are some nice girls here.

Oh God!

Don’t start with me! Why don’t you mingle?

Fine, Matthew replied, walking off.

He looked around and spotted Jeremy with his arm around his wife as they sat eating.

Hey, cuz, he said, approaching them. Glad you could make it.

Glad to be home, Jeremy replied happily.

Are you having a good time, Mrs. Ferguson? he asked Aura.

Yes, thank you, Aura said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Good. He turned back to Jeremy. Excuse me. I see someone I want to meet. Matthew was sure that she was holding it against him that he’d been against their marriage when Jeremy first told him about it. He took another swig of the beer and turned his eyes to a redhead standing nearby. He was careful to stay out of his uncle’s line of vision while he had the beer.

Hello, Matthew said, walking up to her. She wasn’t bad looking. Maybe he could spend some time with her as long as she wasn’t one of those good church girls.

You and Jeremy could pass for brothers! the woman exclaimed. You look identical, well, except for the eyes and he’s a bit taller. I’m Theresa. She extended her hand, and he put on his best smile as he took her hand in his.

Yes, I’ve been told that Jeremy and I look alike all of our lives. We’re cousins. Matthew smiled. How do you know Jeremy?

Oh, I met him at the King of Myrtle Beach modeling contest some years back. He got his start with the agency I work for.

So what do you do for a living? Matthew asked, eyeing her full bosom that was about to explode from her t-shirt. You look like a model yourself.

Theresa giggled. You’re smooth, I’ll give you that much, but no, I’m not a model there.

Matthew watched as an older man with salt and pepper hair quickly walked over to them and put his arm possessively around Theresa’s waist. Matthew looked from Theresa to the man who was staring at him. He raised an eyebrow at Matthew, and Matthew in turn suppressed a chuckle. The man looked old enough to be her father with his hair and round belly. The man pulled Theresa close to him and smiled down at her before looking back at Matthew, who continued to sip his beer, unimpressed.

This is Gerald, my boyfriend, Theresa said happily, unaware of the two men sizing each other up. Gerald, don’t you think he looks just like Jeremy? I was just telling him that they could pass for twins.

The model you introduced me to that’s married to the black woman? he asked, looking Matthew up and down. Yeah, he does look like him.

Gerald! Theresa eyed Matthew to see if he were offended by Gerald’s reply.

What? Gerald asked, shrugging his shoulders. I was just saying.

He looked at Matthew. So, you go that way too? Where’s your wife?

What way is that? Matthew asked coolly.

You know.

If I knew what you were talking about, I’d answer your question.

I was asking if you prefer women like your cousin has, Gerald asked. Since you two look so much alike, maybe you think alike also, and then I wouldn’t have to worry about you trying to pick up my girl.

Matthew sipped his beer and looked at Theresa.

You got a real winner here, he responded coolly turning away and tossing the empty bottle in the trash. Enjoy the rest of the cookout.

Gerald, let’s go get something to drink, Theresa pulled on his arm, clearly embarrassed.

Oh, sure, Gerald replied. See you later.

Matthew shook his head. This was exactly why he didn’t want to get involved in any interracial relationship.

Matthew watched as Eric approached him where he sat. He hadn’t really had much of a conversation with his brother since he married and moved in with his wife and Maxine. He wasn’t about to go over to that house with that smart mouth sister in law of his being there.

Hey stranger, Eric said, sitting down beside his brother.

Hey yourself, Matt said, eying him. I can’t believe that you were able to get away from your ball and chain and come over here to sit with me.

Nadine is not a ball and chain. Her name is Nadine. Use it, OK?

Fine, Matthew replied, not understanding why he was goading his brother other than the fact that Eric looked totally relaxed and happy while he was bored and miserable.

Where’s your date, Matthew? Eric looked around. You normally don’t come to the cookout without some beauty on your arm.

I didn’t bring one, he admitted and stood up. He glanced around and saw Max talking to someone while holding one of the twins on her hip. She had on a yellow pair of shorts and a yellow and green tank top. He loved how the shorts hugged her round behind. The tank top showed off her full breasts, and he couldn’t help but to stare at her.

Why haven’t you been over to see your nieces, Eric asked. They will be a year next month, and I can count on one hand how many times you’ve been over to the apartment.

I’ve been busy, Matt lied, still eyeballing Maxine on the sly.

Yeah right, Eric said as he stretched out his legs. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you were avoiding someone by not coming over.

What are you talking about? I’ve seen you and the babies at Ma’s. I mean, they’re coming around to accepting you guys, right?

Eric laughed. Not really. I mean, Mom is fine. Dad, on the other hand…

Yeah, I know.

Anyway, enough is enough. I have a plan. Eric stood up. Dad left early before Nadine and I got here, and he’s never home when we call Ma and tell her we’re coming by. He’s going to have to face us eventually.

Matthew grunted.

Excuse me a minute. Matthew watched his brother walk over to where Nadine and Max were talking.

He noticed that Nadine had put on some weight since she’d had the babies, but Eric seemed not to mind. He surmised that his brother was totally into her as he watched him pull her into his arms. Matthew could see the resemblance between Maxine and Nadine, but Max had a slimmer build than her sister, and she was a lot taller.

He watched as Eric gave Nadine a kiss. Matthew knew that he’d never loved any woman like that—at least, not like his brothers loved their women. He never felt any lasting feelings for the women he had been with. Sure, he was attracted to them and they enjoyed each other’s company, but there hadn’t been any woman that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. They wanted sex, and he wanted sex, and that was all there was to it.

He was a bit jealous of their happiness, but he’d never admit it. Both of his brothers had found wives and he was the oldest, still jumping from bed to bed, and it was getting to be a bit tiresome. A part of him wanted more than just sex. He wanted a woman he could talk to, someone he could share his life with. Maybe he’d find someone one day, but right now he made up his mind that he’d do what he’d always done, which was to date and sleep with the women he was with.

He watched as Eric walked back toward him with a silly grin on his face, but then looked away as he got near.

Look, Eric said, plopping down on the bench beside his brother. I never did tell you what Nadine said you could do to repay Max.

Matthew gave his brother a wary glance and then returned his attention to the people walking around. After a few moments of silence, he couldn’t take it anymore.

What? What has that wife of yours cooked up in her brain?

We both think that you can help us help Max. We need you to come around to visit, you know, spend time with the three of us at the house, and you can have dinner with us from time to time.

Matthew looked at his brother as if he had lost his mind. You want me to court her? You’ve got to be kidding! I’ll do something to help if I can, but I’m not dating Max, he spat. Go back, and tell your wife that I said absolutely not!

Her name is Nadine, Eric responded calmly, looking down on his older brother from his several inches of extra height.

I’m not doing it, Matthew said firmly. You need to come up with something else.

Eric’s voice was pleading. I’m not asking you to date her. She needs to be around men more. It’s part of her therapy. You can come over to dinner, talk to her. You know, just be friendly. I’m not asking you to marry her!

What if she freaks out? No, thank you, Eric! The woman’s crazy. I knew that when I met her. Matthew shook his head before sitting back on the bench.

Crazy enough to save your butt last year, Eric responded.

Matthew knew that his brother was pulling out the ace in the hole. Max had saved his business from ruin. He was grateful, but did that mean that he had to date the woman?

You’re not going to let me forget that one, will you? Matthew shot back.

Where would you be right now if she hadn’t come to you with that information? Where would your business be? You’d just be another flim-flam victim! You owe her, Matthew. Show some gratitude! Eric said, coming into his personal space.

Matthew sighed and looked up at Eric towering over him. He knew his brother was right. However, he didn’t want to get too close to Max.

What are you afraid of, Eric asked as if reading his mind. You said yourself that you aren’t attracted to black girls. Helping Max ought to be a piece of cake for you. You won’t have to worry about getting emotionally attached to her. Just be a friend to her is all we’re asking.

Matthew had to admit Max had saved him from making the biggest mistake of his life. All he had to do was to be nice to her and talk to her. He could do that. He could come around and try to be a friend. She didn’t have any misconceptions of a romance, and she didn’t like him like that. He’d hidden his feelings all these years, and there was no reason to change now. In fact, this could be the perfect opportunity to get over whatever it was that drew his attention to black girls to begin with. Being around Maxine James was sure to kill any desires in that direction once she opened that big mouth of hers.

All right, Eric. Tell Nadine I’ll do it. What will Max think, though, with me coming around? She and I are like oil and water. How will you explain my presence, he pointed out. She won’t like this one bit.

Nadine is going to talk to her. Max knows that she needs to interact with men, and Nadine is going to tell her that we asked you to come over. We won’t lie to her. It’s just conversation, friendly conversation.

Eric stretched out on the picnic bench. Matthew watched his brother for a moment before he responded. I hope you and Nadine aren’t thinking about trying some sort of matchmaking scheme between me and Maxine James, he warned. I told you—

"I know, I know. You don’t date black girls. That’s fine. I don’t think Max likes white guys either after what