The Wives We Play by Briana Cole

Author:Briana Cole
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2018-10-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

It looked different.

I hadn’t stepped foot in Word of Truth Christian Center in, and I felt guilty admitting this, years. My dad’s church had certainly grown in both building size and location since then. I almost didn’t recognize it.

As I pulled up to the cream stucco building on the hill, set atop a large expanse of beautifully landscaped lawn with a huge gold cross adorning the front, I just remembered when my dad had first pursued what he was called to do.

He had started ministering to folks on the street and opening our home to homeless people in the community to give them access to a warm bed and a hot meal. The first building he could afford was in a plaza next to a check cashing place and beauty supply store, and it only seated twenty-three people comfortably, three of whom were faithfully me, my mom, and my brother. I chuckled as I remembered having to sit on that hard pew in my Easter dress with its abundant frills and lace. I was uncomfortable, but I knew not say anything or my mama would hand my ass to me when I got home.

My dad had moved twice since then, each building growing with his followers. Now this church, between its cushioned pews and even more spilling onto an oversize balcony that overlooked the pulpit, easily accommodated five thousand people.

I maneuvered my car into an available space and started the long hike to the double doors.

It was really impressive what my dad had done with the place. He’d given the entire building a makeover inside and out, and he was constantly updating to high-end finishings and extra accommodations. Like the brand-new playground I spotted on the side, complete with slides, jungle gyms, and a swing set. He was one of the only pastors I actually saw make use of the building fund he was constantly soliciting money for.

No one recognized me at first, and for me that was a good thing. Especially with the newspaper fiasco circulating. No, today’s visit wasn’t me finally taking my folks up on their invitation so much so as it was a social call. This was the only place I could meet Jahmad, and it wouldn’t raise suspicion. After speaking with my parents, I had decided to finally tell him the truth. He still hadn’t come across the article yet, but I wanted him to know what was going on before he saw it sensationalized in the paper. I couldn’t have him assuming the worst about me. Not when we had been making such progress. Since I knew I would be followed and it would somehow get back to Leo, I thought my folks’ church was as good a place as I was going to get. Leo couldn’t really argue with my spiritual growth.

I followed the crowd and found a seat toward the large stained-glass windows. Service had already started, and the choir had everyone on their feet singing along. I just sat and watched them, nodding along with the words I didn’t know.

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