Free Going Solo (New Song) by Brenda Barrett Page A

and it was obvious that the neighbors had pride of place. There were verdant lawns and beautiful flowers. All the houses sat on large lots. She was dithering about calling him to make sure that she was at the right place when the wrought iron automatic gate slowly opened. She drove in, feeling strange and wondering whether Carson really lived there. She soon saw Carson standing on the veranda, shirtless, with a towel around his neck.
    "Just came out of the shower," he said, when she stepped toward the veranda.
    Alice swallowed. He was ripped. She could see his six-pack chiseled abs. She had felt them the other night but now she was seeing them in the golden glow of the afternoon sun.
    "I don't know why I am here," Alice whispered. Her throat was suddenly dry.
    "Because I am your booty call." Carson smiled at her. "Do you want a tour of the house first?"
    Alice blushed. "First?"
    Carson took her hand in his and led her through the living room. It had high ceilings and cut stone accent walls. They went up the stairs and into a room that had gray and green accents. The balcony door was opened slightly and a pleasant breeze was making the sheer curtains at the entrance billow in a foamy white stream. The golden sunlight gave the room an almost ethereal glow. Carson tumbled her onto the king-sized bed.
    "Listen to me," he said as he removed her dress and kissed her warm skin, "I can be your booty call anytime."
    Alice opened her mouth to clarify that she was not sure why she was there but he placed his lips on hers. At least he prevented her from telling a blatant lie.
     
    *****
     
    "What time is it?" Alice groaned. The sun was no longer out. The room was shrouded in darkness.
    "Seven o'clock," Carson said beside her. They were in the spoon position.
    "You smell like coconut," he said softly, caressing her hand lightly.
    He twined his fingers with hers. "Do you want to move in? We have lots of space."
    Alice suddenly sat up in the bed with her back to him. "Carson, I think we are moving too fast."
    "No, Alice, we are moving too slow. We are ten years behind. You are my wife. Give me one good reason why we should be sneaking around like love struck teenagers."
    Alice sighed. "Mia."
    "You are still not ready to talk to her?" Carson asked.
    "No." Alice shook her head.
    "She's just a little girl," Carson said. "What's so terrifying about saying hello?"
    "There is hello and then there is me moving in with her and her father," Alice said turning around and looking at him.
    "Okay, we'll take it slowly." Carson said. "May I invite you to church this Sabbath then?"
    "No," Alice said. "I'll never go back to Cedar Hill Church."
    "I thought you are here for healing and reconciliation," Carson said slowly.
    "I came here to move on," Alice said, "make a clean break."
    She lay back down beside Carson. He raised himself up on one elbow and looked down at her. "How is that going for you?"
    Alice giggled. "I am sleeping with my husband."
    "Definitely a step in the right direction," Carson said softly. He kissed her shoulder. "You go to church in New York, don't you?"
    "Yes." Alice sighed. "If it weren't for God's gracious mercy toward me, I'd be dead now. I have to give him thanks for everything. I love my church family there. They are the real deal."
    "What's wrong with us at Cedar Hill?" Carson asked.
    "Is... er," Alice asked reluctantly, "is Pastor Keen still there?"
    "No," Carson said. "He was in an accident nine years ago and is paralyzed from the waist down. I think he is also brain damaged. Sometimes his mind wanders. I try to see him every couple of months when I can, and he gets me mixed up with everybody; sometimes I am Xavier, sometimes Ian, sometimes, Logan."
    Good. Alice thought coldly. She looked at Carson and gave him a half smile. "Oh well, life happens."
    Carson looked at her with a frown. "You never did like him, did you?"
    "Nope," Alice said, "I have wished several times that he would rot in a hell somewhere."
    "Well, he is