All of My Love by Francis Ray

Author:Francis Ray [Ray, Francis]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Women, African American
ISBN: 9781466837768
Google: 17hpE-HfK7kC
Amazon: B00AZGEDVG
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2013-05-13T22:00:00+00:00

Paul had always thought Stella’s life after she left him was one glamorous party and fabulous trip after another. Now, he wasn’t so sure. Not long after she’d left, he’d been channel surfacing and happened to land on one of those nightly entertainment programs. He’d seen Stella and her husband at some glitzy movie premier. He’d turned the TV off, gotten his truck keys, and ended up at a bar.

“This has been wonderful, but I have an early faculty meeting in the morning.” Ruth picked up her purse from the seat beside her. “Thanks, Brandon. Stella and Paul, I can’t wait to see the end results of the house. The love, pride, and joy you’re putting into the remodeling are priceless. I can think of only one thing that would top it.” She stood. “Brandon, please walk me to my car.”

“Sure, Mama.” He immediately came to his feet.

Faith rose to take his hand. “I’m staying here tonight. Mama, whenever you’re ready, I’ll take you back.”

“It’s a nice night. I can walk back by myself.” Stella scooted out of the booth and slung the wide strap of her big black purse over her shoulder.

Besides the big purse, Paul noticed she had on black jeans and flat shoes. He didn’t recall seeing her in either since she’d gone away. Usually he didn’t look at her.

Tonight he didn’t seem to be able to stop looking. With no makeup he easily saw the dark smudges beneath her eyes and the little lines around her mouth, her eyes, and on her forehead. Maybe it hadn’t been easy for her. However, he couldn’t forget that she’d brought it on herself.

“I can drop you off,” Ruth suggested.

“You live in the opposite direction.” Stella hugged Faith, Ruth, and Brandon. “I had a wonderful time. Good night.”

“Daddy, I’ll be back.” Faith caught her mother’s arm. “Despite what Mama thinks, she’s not walking back to the hotel alone.”

Paul sat there and watched them leave. He didn’t know whether to be insulted or ashamed. Did any of them actually think he was so petty as to let Stella walk back to the hotel alone when he was going to the same place? The answer wasn’t long in coming. Muttering under his breath, Paul left a generous tip and hurried after them.

Luckily, they were standing on the street in front of the restaurant. “I’ll walk Stella back.” He hadn’t meant to snap the words out and expected Stella to shrink inside herself the way she always did when he let his temper get the best of him.

“Thank you, Paul. Good night, everyone.” Stella started walking toward the hotel.

“I think you’re getting left, Daddy,” Faith said, affection and laughter in her voice.

Paul muttered under his breath and hurried after Stella. He’d gone several steps before he remembered he hadn’t thanked Brandon or said good-bye. He walked faster. The area was well lit and safe, but people were crazy these days. “Stella, stop.”

She stopped immediately and turned around. He didn’t expect the smile or the way it warmed his heart.

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