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remember? When he helped you during your pregnancy? You told me about the meals he prepared, the comfort he offered? You know how much he loves Darius, which means he loves Darius’s son as well. Maybe if you change the way you look at the situation, the situation will change.”
    “Wise words, Mrs. Taylor, but you might want to take your own advice. What are you going to do about this unproductive jealousy you feel toward Millicent? How are you going to change that situation?”

6
    Long Time No See
    Cy Taylor’s harried spirit calmed as soon as he stepped into the lobby of Hotel Parisi near the shores of La Jolla, California. Perhaps it was the combination of modern designs mixed with Mediterranean old-world charm, or the feng shui practiced throughout the establishment. Perhaps it was the original artwork or the custom designed sculptures and rich walnut furniture. Then again, it may have been the coolness of the marble floors and the tranquil, undisturbed atmosphere that almost caused one to whisper. Whatever it was, Cy was grateful, both for the ambience and for the fact that this was the last appointment on a rarely worked Saturday. He tried to keep weekends free for him and Hope, and he couldn’t wait to head home to his lady love and dinner with two of their favorite people—his pastor and first lady, Derrick and Vivian Montgomery.
    Cy had just taken a seat on a sofa near the fireplace when his cell phone rang. It was his appointment, Charlie Seagram, who was stuck in 405 freeway traffic and running late. Cy was tempted to reschedule, but because this was to be one of the last meetings before deciding whether he was going to become a silent partner in Seagram’s construction company, he decided to wait the half hour Charlie said it would be before he arrived.
    He hit number one on his speed dial. “Hey, baby.”
    “Hey, love! I just got off the phone with Vivian. She invited us to bring our swimsuits and said their grilled patio feast will be followed by decadent homemade ice-cream shakes enjoyed in their Jacuzzi. I told her it sounded wonderful.”
    “You told her right. Besides, you know I never pass up the chance to see you in your famous thong bikini.”
    “Uh, right. Flashing my brown cheeks in front of my pastor is sure to win points with his wife, I’m sure.”
    “She’s got a pretty good-looking set of cheeks herself; she won’t mind.”
    “Since when are you checking out Vivian’s booty?”
    “Since never.” Cy wasn’t even going to go down that road. “I’m just assuming that because they’re universal, she too has a behind.”
    “Okay, Mr. Taylor, I’ll let you slide this time. But if I see your eyes wandering away from my conservative one-piece, you’re going to have some explaining to do.”
    They continued talking for a few minutes until Cy looked up and saw a familiar face coming toward him.
    “Look, baby, I have to run. Tell Derrick and Viv we might be a little late. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
    “Considering Derrick’s always full schedule, I’m sure they’ll understand. I’ll call them now.”
    Cy’s smile was genuine as he rose from the sofa with hand outstretched. It was immediately batted away and replaced with a heartfelt hug. They hadn’t seen each other in a long time.
    “Cy Taylor,” Millicent said, smiling. “What are you doing in my neck of the woods?”

7
    Mysterious Ways
    Cy and Millicent exchanged cordialities and sat on the sofa.
    “Millicent Sims . . . or, actually, it’s something else now, Millicent . . . ?”
    “Kirtz,” she replied.
    “That’s right. Your husband is the man we met in Mexico.”
    Millicent nodded. “Jack Kirtz.”
    “That name is familiar. Isn’t he the one heading up that international alliance to stop genocide in Darfur?”
    “Jack represents our ministry, Open Arms, as a very active board member. He’s especially concerned about the effect of those horrible atrocities on that country’s children and more