Boyfriend Season Read Online Free PDF Page B

weren’t for the nationally televised service, her respect for other church members, and the fact that, despite her resentment for her parents’ twisted way of non-parenting, she still honored them as her elders and providers and was a true believer herself—in God, not religion. If she could, she was sure she’d have twisted her eyes in their sockets until she looked like something from a sci-fi movie trying to hypnotize someone. After that, she definitely would have stood up in front of the pulpit, hiked up her dress, bent over, and then patted her behind—inviting all the hypocrites to kiss where her father was doing any and everything he could to prevent the sun from shining. She glanced back over her shoulder one last time, wondering if she should just go for it. After all, she was going to hell anyway. That’s what he’d told her this morning before church when he caught her singing a “worldly” song about love, but Patience knew better. Her father was just mad because he felt the song’s artist had abandoned religious music—and his church—for an R & B music career.
    â€œIt’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man . . .” her father’s melodic voice began preaching Matthew’s gospel.
    Patience rose up on her knees then, grinning and clapping, looking as if she were participating in the service. Well, at least I’m not going to hell alone. Daddy, you’re coming too. You’re filthy rich, filthy, and rich. Three different things, Daddy. Three. She looked out into the congregation, searching for her older sisters, Hope and Faith, hoping they hadn’t left yet. They had driven a separate car and were her ticket to leaving early. She didn’t want to stay for six or seven hours more, then have dinner with a bunch of hangers-on who probably wouldn’t give their family the time of day if her father wasn’t famous.
    Her eyes scanned the crowd before landing on a familiar face. A person she’d been warned to stay away from—the daughter of the singer with the beautiful voice she’d been chastised for listening to this morning. Her one and only best friend in the whole world, Silky.
    Silky cut her eyes at Patience and motioned her head toward an exit, then pointed ever so slightly. She shrugged.
    Patience took the hint, faintly nodded and held up her hand. She splayed her fingers and rocked side to side to the rhythm of the soft music wafting from the speakers. To anyone else it would’ve appeared that she was just feeling the spirit and the beautiful music, but she was signaling to Silky that she’d meet her by the exit in five minutes.
    Pushing through the heavy door as quietly and inconspicuously as she could, Patience almost screamed when she saw her best friend standing on the other side. When the door closed behind her and she was sure no one was watching, she grabbed Silky and wrapped her in a bear hug.
    â€œWhere’ve you been?” Patience asked, near squealing.
    Silky jumped up and down, her voice rising like a stuck pig. “Oh God!” She grabbed Patience’s cheeks in her hands. “I missed you, girl. Why haven’t you returned my calls?” She slapped her thigh when she asked her question, an indication that she was serious.
    â€œI didn’t know you called.” No one told her Silky had phoned, but it didn’t surprise her. Her sisters had their respective cells and she didn’t. Anyone who called her would have to get past her parents or the house staff. And if the bishop said not to put Silky through, the staff wasn’t going to risk their jobs.
    â€œWhat you mean? Never mind. Girl, I’ve been calling and calling and calling. I’ve been on the road with my mom since it’s summertime. I even tried to Skype you. Bishop still won’t let you sign up for it, huh? No Facebook or nothing?” She shrugged.