Free When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody Page B

expression of disgust on her face. “You were listening to our conversation?”
    Eliza held her hand to her chest. “Of course not. You were talking loudly, and the bedroom is right down the hall from the living room. I got up to remind you I was still here.”
    And when are you going to return to your own home, Lenora wanted to ask. Instead, she took a deep breath. “I have been married to your son for twenty years. I do believe I have shown and proven my support for whatever he decides to pursue.”
    â€œI just want to be sure you wouldn’t stand in his way.”
    Lenora narrowed her eyes. “Stand in his way of what, Eliza?” She crossed her arms. “I want him to make a decision that is best for the family. The boys have had to adjust to becoming a preacher’s kids overnight.”
    â€œThose boys are almost grown men. They are not children anymore, Lenora. The community loves Jonathan, even more than they did Pastor Jeremiah.” Eliza grabbed the remote and increased the volume. Then she exclaimed. “Plus, someone needs to get that woman out of the way so real progress can be made.”
    Lenora looked at the television to see Charmayne’s face on the news. She had to admit Charmayne was an unstable chick behind closed doors, but quite frankly, being in a public office suited Charmayne.
    â€œWhy? You were good friends with Bishop Hudson and First Lady Valerie Hudson. You watched Charmayne grow up.”
    Eliza smirked. “The Hudsons were no friends of mine. Bishop was a big bully behind his fancy robes. That girl walks over people like her daddy did.” She reached for her cane and pointed at the television. “You support your husband. Moving that woman out of office is going to be for the greater good.”
    Lenora watched her mother-in-law leave the room. She never knew Eliza was that interested in politics. Maybe because politics didn’t interest Lenora. One of the reasons she wasn’t sure about Jonathan branching into this area was because that world was unknown to her. She only dealt with an occasional bridezilla or controlling mother of the bride.
    Was Jonathan seriously considering stepping into this arena? She knew when Charmayne didn’t get her way, she could be ugly. What were the ramifications for the church, the boys, and her if Jonathan was attacked publicly in a campaign?
    She couldn’t do this now. It was time to head to the boutique for Candace’s wedding party fitting. Lenora left the kitchen.
    As she grabbed her coat and her keys, she glanced down at the Charlotte magazine on the table. Last summer, Jonathan, Keith, Michael, and she posed for that magazine cover which was accompanied by a glowing article. She picked up the magazine. Jonathan and her sons looked so handsome. The title next to them read, “T HE F ACE OF C HARLOTTE’S F AITH- C ENTERED F AMILIES.”
    She placed the magazine back on the table. There was a sentence in the article that described her as a woman who took care of her family and business. Right now, she was feeling like that toy that spun around and around, with no clear sign of where it would stop.
    Lenora whispered, “Lord, I need you. I’m so troubled in my spirit, and I don’t know how to shake this off.”

Chapter Fourteen
    Lenora stepped back and smiled. “You are all beautiful. Candace, I do believe you picked a bridesmaid dress that works for everyone.”
    Candace beamed. “I believe so myself. Angel, turn around again.”
    The young woman was radiant as she twirled in the lavender cocktail-length dress. “Candace, this is nice. I like how it fits right above the knee.”
    Beulah Samuels, a stylist in Candace’s salon and her maid-of-honor, sashayed. “Girl, even an old woman like me with these hips don’t look half bad.”
    All the women laughed. Lenora noticed tears in Candace’s eyes as she watched the last