Heaven Right Here Read Online Free PDF Page B

some of it. Maybe he’d be willing to sell you a few acres.”
    Cy had been researching property in the area for the past twelve months and, even with his deep pockets, had seen how difficult it was to acquire pristine, unobstructed oceanfront land. It would be the height of irony if the spot for his dream home came by way of his former nemesis. But as Millicent had said, God worked in mysterious ways.
    Millicent looked up to see a nice-looking older man with thick salt-and-pepper–colored hair heading in their direction. He waved his hand to Cy in greeting. Cy waved back.
    “Sorry I’m late,” Charlie said before he’d fully reached the now standing couple.
    After handshakes and introductions, Millicent turned to Cy. “It was great to see you again, Cy. Please keep in touch. I’m sure my husband will be delighted to hear from you.”
    Just over an hour later, Cy rolled down the 405 in his brand-new cream-colored Bentley Azure convertible, the sounds of vintage Miles Davis pouring from the top-of-the-line speakers. True to his word, he’d phoned Jack shortly after his meeting with Charlie had ended, and as Millicent had anticipated, Jack was very interested to discuss real estate and possibly other business ventures, including rebuilding communities for the displaced in Darfur.
    Cy’s stomach growled as he anticipated what was sure to be a delicious dinner flawlessly prepared by Derrick’s wife. He couldn’t help but smile as he imagined their varied reactions to his surprise meeting with Millicent and of God’s sense of humor when he disclosed that his newest business partner may be one they’d never guess . . . her husband.

8
    The Devil’s Playground
    Hope’s reaction was not as he’d imagined. Granted, he knew Millicent was not her favorite person; he hadn’t thought she’d do cartwheels over hearing he’d run into her. But neither had he expected the anger she was now displaying in front of their hosts, not even hiding her immense displeasure for the sake of appearances.
    “I can’t believe her nerve, though I shouldn’t be surprised,” Hope spat out between tightly clenched teeth. “Coming up to chat as if you were friends. Will that bi— witch ever be totally out of our lives?”
    A subtle look passed between Cy, Derrick, and Vivian. Vivian took a sip of tea before responding. “Given your history, I can understand your reaction, Hope. But God expects us to forgive. It’s obvious she’s moved on, and I, for one, am happy to see that.”
    “I am too,” Derrick quickly added.
    Cy, wisely, remained silent.
    “Once you forgive her, Hope,” Vivian continued softly, “you’ll be able to truly wish her happiness and find your peace as well.”
    “Look, I’ve forgiven her, okay? But I’m not going to sit here and act like I like her. And since you haven’t been through what I have, Vivian, maybe you should keep your holier than thou opinions to yourself!”
    Vivian’s brows raised in surprise, while Hope’s unapologetic glare dared a response. Her sharp retort to Vivian was uncharacteristic, not to mention disrespectful. Cy looked at Derrick, who subtly shrugged his shoulders and continued eating. For a moment, silverware clinking on china was the only sound heard.
    “This chicken is grilled to perfection, baby,” Derrick offered. “Was there lemon in the marinade?”
    Vivian nodded but didn’t yet trust herself to speak. She sympathized with Hope as well as all the other women with issues she faced through counseling the congregation. But even Jesus got angry. And that Hope dared to check her while sitting at her table eating her organic food . . . well, it was almost too much.
    “I love these grilled vegetables,” Cy said. “What’s all in here, Vivian? Zucchini, squash, and what’s this?”
    Vivian chewed and swallowed her forkful of food. “Eggplant,” she said simply.
    Figuring a joke about how eggs get planted might not be appropriate, considering the circumstances and