Forgive Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

relief from hugging the rolls of fat on her stomach. Five-inch stilettos help boost her short stature, but rings on each finger and too much perfumereminded Victoria why she kept her distance from her mother. She held tightly to the cane she’d been carrying since suffering a mild stroke. “And before you ask, Emory asked me for those photos of you when you were little,” said Lillith. She tossed her shoulder-length weave to one side and flashed Victoria a wide, veneered smile.
    Victoria hadn’t noticed the wide-screen television displaying images of herself and Emory on dates, as children, with friends, and alone. She looked to Emory for an answer, but he worked the room with his usual magnetism as he greeted guests.
    â€œGo on and say hello to everyone,” said Lillith as she grabbed a glass of Moscato from one of the servers. Lillith bopped her head to the rhythm of the smooth jazz playing.
    Victoria worked the room greeting people from her church, the gym, and her office. Two co-workers, Jasmine and Cassidy, gave her the thumbs-up sign and nodded their heads in Emory’s direction. When she approached Yvette and her husband, Carl, she hugged her, enjoying the warmth and sincerity of Yvette’s joy.
    â€œYou look so lovely tonight, Victoria,” said Yvette. “I told Carl if I had to pretend I didn’t know what was going on for another week, I’d die.”
    â€œI’ll let it slide this time, but you know I don’t like secrets. The last time I was at a surprise party…” Victoria’s voice trailed off.
    â€œWhat happened?” asked Yvette.
    â€œI don’t have enough time or liquor to tell you about it,” said Victoria.
    Yvette observed Victoria walk away with the sullen face that appeared when the past came up. They’d been acquaintances three years, going back and forth to each other’s homes, double-dating, and attending Nicolette’s games. Yet, there was something missing from their time of fellowship. Yvette couldn’t put her fingeron it. The few things Victoria shared, she kept them in confidence. She was quick to listen, slow to speak. She wanted Victoria to know she could trust her, but somehow, she couldn’t get the message across.
    â€œCarl, did you see her face? I wish I knew what made her so sad sometimes,” said Yvette.
    â€œGive her some time, baby. Didn’t you say she was divorced?”
    â€œYes, but I don’t know much about it. Whenever the subject comes up, she becomes evasive or stops midsentence about the topic of divorce. I want her to know she can talk to me about anything—especially after tonight.”
    Carl and Yvette smiled at each other and reflected on the reason they’d all gathered at the restaurant.
    Emory stepped to the makeshift stage built a week ago for the occasion. A server handed him a microphone as guests gathered together in a semi-circle. His business partner, Pearson Loft, escorted Victoria to the stage.
    Emory held Victoria’s hand. He gazed into her eyes and lifted her chin with his free hand. “Your birthday is two weeks away, but I wanted to do something special for you because you deserve so much. You’re beautiful, intelligent, and everything I prayed for in a woman.”
    Victoria looked around at their enthralled guests, still unsure of Emory’s motives. He captured her attention once again. “I can’t erase all the things that happened to you in the past, but I wanted tonight to be a new beginning for you, for us.”
    Emory slowly removed a Tiffany ring box from his pocket and got down on one knee. “Victoria Faulk, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? To share my world, to share my life, to share my vision?”
    Victoria’s blank stare caught Emory off-guard as did the freshtears flowing down her face. He knew the surprise would overwhelm her, so instead of waiting for her yes, he slid the ring on her