The Replacement Wife by Tiffany L. Warren

Author:Tiffany L. Warren
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: African American, General, Christian, Contemporary Women, Fiction
ISBN: 9780758280626
Publisher: A Mass Paper
Published: 2014-02-25T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

Chloe stared across the restaurant table at Quentin. Something was wrong, she could tell. He wouldn’t make eye contact, and he’d said only two words to her since he’d picked her up. She’d asked him to breakfast just to see what he was thinking.

“So the masquerade ball planning is coming along well. We’re meeting with a caterer tomorrow.”

Quentin nodded. “You and my mother?”

“Yes, and Montana too. She’s been my assistant, and we have similar tastes. It helps me to battle against your mother.”

Quentin shifted in his seat at the mention of Montana. Chloe didn’t miss the movement.

“That should be good, then,” Quentin said.

“Yes, the potential caterer goes to church with us. He’s the bishop’s future son-in-law.”

“Darrin’s a great chef. I’ve enjoyed his food before. And he actually cooked for us when Chandra died. We ate gourmet food for weeks.”

Why did Quentin bring up his dead wife? She was the last thing Chloe wanted to talk about. They’d always managed to avoid having conversations about her before, and Chloe didn’t want to start now.

“Well, he’s a great boyfriend too. He put a big rock on Emoni’s finger, and I think they’ll be getting married soon.”

“Good for them. They’ve been dating a long time.”

“Emoni has been punishing him because he cheated on her, but I think she’s noticed the buzzards circling.”

This made Quentin smile. “Buzzards?”

“Yes, those desperate single women who don’t want to work on a relationship. They want to swoop in on one that is struggling, just to capitalize on all the work the other woman has already put in. A good woman always improves a man.”

“Really? What have you done to improve me?”

Chloe scoffed. “What do you mean what have I done to improve you? I’ve done a lot, Quentin. I can’t believe you!”

Quentin leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “Okay, tell me what you’ve done.”

“Well, for one, since we’ve been together you’ve enjoyed life more. You’re more refined. You are more of a gentleman.”

Quentin nodded slowly. “Does it bother you that I don’t go to church?”

Where was this coming from? That nanny was going to ruin everything!

“Why are you asking all of these questions?” Chloe asked, trying to stall so that she could think of an acceptable answer.

“I’m just curious. You go to church every week. Doesn’t it bother you that I’m not there with you?”

Actually, it didn’t bother her at all, but she was sure that wasn’t the answer that Quentin was looking for. Chloe went to church mostly for the social aspects. Their church was the pulse of the upper-class community. It was how she found out who was seeing whom and what charity dinners and golf classics she needed to twist Quentin’s arm into attending. If she got a word every now and then from Bishop Prentiss, then that was all good.

“Well, Quentin, I understand your reasons for not being there. I support you. When you’re ready, you’ll come back.”

“What if I’m never ready? What if I don’t come back? That wouldn’t bother you?”

Chloe sat her fork down on the table.

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