Free The Fall of the Prodigal by Michelle Lindo-Rice Page A

“No!” Verona stepped forward, but Gina pulled on her hand.
    Verona and Gina watched as Keith pressed through the crowd to lunge and save Michael from falling. Every one watched the embrace knowing they had front row seats to brothers who had found their way back to each other. Cameras flashed in rapid succession. The reporters in the crowd pulled out their pens, glad to have found something newsworthy.
    Verona found her voice once her heart slowed. “Looks more like the return of the prodigal to me,” she said, enjoying the verbal sparring. Was she starting to like Gina a little bit?
    Gina rolled her eyes. “Bible Study. Wednesday night. Seven p.m. Don’t be late.”
    She was in! Verona kept her features cool but she wanted to dance a jig. “I’ll be there. On time.”
    Yes, Verona admitted, in spite of her jealous notions, she liked Gina. In fact, Verona applauded Gina knowing how difficult this must be for her. She would be scared too if she had faced the possibility of losing her children. Even if it was farfetched, it was still scary. “I’ll be there,” Verona responded with her most humble tone.
    Gina took a couple steps then turned. “Oh, and, Verona, you can bring your Bible, but don’t bring that face with you.” She swirled her index finger in circles as she commented.
    â€œWhat face?” Verona creased her forehead.
    â€œThe face of a woman in love with her boss.” With a click of her heels, the shorter woman left Verona standing there to pick her face up off the floor.
    She did not appreciate that barb. So what if the barb had hit its mark? Verona swung her head from left to right paranoid her face reflected her emotions like a light bulb. She touched her cheeks in a self-protective gesture, feeling like all eyes were on her.
    Common sense spoke to her brain. She was being dramatic. No one was paying her any attention. No one could tell. Her eyes connected with Gina.
    She was wrong. Gina Ward could tell. Gina knew Verona was in love with her ex-husband.

Chapter Thirteen

    T HE P REACHER AND THE P RISONER !
    O NE B ROTHER FOR THE P ULPIT, A NOTHER FOR THE P RISON !
    N O S ECOND C HANCES FOR HIM !
    F ROM P ROSPER TO P AUPER !

    â€œBlah, blah, blah. They’re all the same.” Verona read the headlines as she plopped one paper after another on the on the kitchen table in Michael’s penthouse. “The press is marching in a grand parade with this.” She pointed to a picture of Michael and Keith embracing. Outraged, she exclaimed, “They’re making a mockery of a tender moment.”
    â€œAs they should.”
    Verona had not been prepared for Michael’s response. “Don’t you care what they are saying?”
    â€œNot if it’s the truth,” he said. “Look at me. I look like a wuss having to clutch my brother for help. My old business partners must be enjoying a laugh at my expense.” Michael snatched the paper to examine the picture before slinging it to the floor in disgust. “I wish they hadn’t captured me at that exact moment. I look—”
    â€œVulnerable?” Verona filled in. And cute, and hot, and human.
    Michael shoulders slumped. “Yes, vulnerable.” He grabbed his head. “I hate it! For years I’ve prided myself on not needing anyone. I climbed to the highest rung on the proverbial ladder of success and now look at me. I’m practically on my knees.”
    If only he would get on his knees. “Humility never killed anyone. It’s pride that goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall,” Verona said.
    With a question in his eyes, Michael asked, “Did you quote the Bible?”
    She gulped. “I did.”
    He looked at her with suspicion. “I didn’t know you were into the Bible and stuff like that. I don’t ever recall hearing you say you go to church.”
    â€œThat’s ’cause I