Free Scandalous Truth by Monica P. Carter Page A

confusion?” she asked, walking to the kitchen to peek under the aluminum foil on the plate he brought. It was loaded with greens, macaroni and ribs.
    He walked up behind her and wrapped her in his arms. “Baby, let’s not do this. You know I think the world of you. And I know you’re stressed about everything that’s going on.”
    â€œWell, why can’t you talk to me about it then?”
    â€œAnd say what? That I’m a lousy provider? That I can’t take care of my family? That my child is ill and there is nothing I can do? That my wife is afraid and I can’t comfort her?” He let go of the grip he had on her and stepped back.
    â€œNo,” Nikki said. “But maybe we don’t need all of this .” Her hand flailed in the air, taking in the vaulted ceiling, the hardwood floors, and the expensive living room set. “Maybe we took on more than we could afford.”
    â€œBut, baby, don’t you see? I want to give you nice things,” William said. “This and more!”
    â€œWill, we’re living in a four-bedroom house, three bathrooms, a pool.” Nikki shook her head. “We were in a tiny one-bedroom apartment in New Orleans. And we were making do.”
    â€œMaking do!” William shot back. “That’s just it. I want to do more than just survive! I’m tired of struggling. And when we had the opportunity to move on up, we took it.”
    They had taken out an adjustable rate mortgage to move into the house they could afford no other way. But now interest rates were rising and their monthly payment had already doubled.
    â€œBut why, Will?” This conversation wasn’t new to them. “Why are we trying to keep up with the Joneses? Who are you trying to impress?”
    â€œIt’s not about trying to impress,” William said, “but it’s a business decision. We have to look the part. I have to look successful, if I want to be successful.”
    â€œBut, baby, you don’t have to drive yourself into the ground,” Nikki pleaded. “We are buried in debt here. We can’t afford our life!”
    â€œYou just don’t understand it,” he told her. “God blessed us with this house. We had that hookup at the mortgage company. How else would you explain us getting approved for a house we certainly should not have been able to afford? That was a blessing.”
    â€œHow can it be a blessing if it’s stressing us out?”
    â€œDon’t talk like that,” William said. “This financial strain is just a temporary inconvenience. You’ll see. All this will change soon. Our business will really take off. Right now, we’re just faking it ’til we make it.”
    â€œBut, Will, we’re only fooling ourselves. It’s—”
    â€œLook, what do you want from me?” William shot back. “I’m doing the best I can! I try to put a roof—a nice roof—over your head. I work extra hard so you can stay home with our daughter, so you can go to school. I am running myself ragged on this campaign so I can build important connections so we can meet the types of people we need. Everything I do is for this family. And you’re telling me it’s still not good enough.”
    Nikki turned to face him. She sighed. “Look, I’m sorry. I know this is tough on you too. I didn’t mean to be so difficult.” She touched his arm.
    He sighed and smiled. “It’ll be all right, baby. I promise.”
    She nodded. “I love you.”
    â€œI love you more.” Nikki’s doubts remained. Love was great. But it wouldn’t pay for her child’s surgery.

Chapter 17

    PASTOR AND MAYORAL CANDIDATE HAS DEVASTATING GAMBLING HABIT.

    The headline screamed from the top of the front page of the newspaper. Below it was a large, smiling photo of Reverend Chance.
    William’s throat constricted as he opened the newspaper bin to