Permanent Resident at the Purse Table Read Online Free PDF

starched handkerchief. “Congregation, God is asking you to choose Him, or choose the world. Living a double life does not please Him. He can’t use you to move His Kingdom forward.”
    In order to fit in with the rest of the congregation, Ava shook her head and raised her hand at every other phrase. Pastor Monroe’s eyes came her way on occasion. She wanted him to look somewhere else. Anywhere else. Thoughts of who else needed to hear this message comforted her.
    Maybe I’ll get the CD of this sermon for Rene and Toni. She brainstormed a couple of more names and completed a mental grocery list, then realized the service was coming to a close. An associate pastor led an altar call for those who desired to get saved. Ava picked up her Bible and straightened the strap on her sandal.
    When the doors of the church opened, she hustled through the lobby, past the floral arrangements and crowd of folks congregating in the lobby. Her feet moved faster than they did when she arrived. She didn’t need anyone asking her how things were going. Especially since things weren’t going anywhere.
    As she turned on the air in her car and adjusted her seat belt, her cell phone’s buzz startled her. Rene’s photo appeared on the screen.
    â€œHey, Ava. What’s going on?”
    â€œNot much, girl. Just leaving church.” The pride inside rose in her chest. Among her close group of girlfriends, Ava was the one who attended church on a somewhat regular basis. She had Rene and Toni beat in that area at least.
    â€œHow was the service?”
    Ava pulled out of the parking lot. “Good. It was one of those messages where you feel like the preacher’s talking directly to you.”
    â€œYeah, I know exactly what you mean. But it probably just felt like that. I should’ve had my backside in the seat next to you.”
    â€œWell, maybe in the seat next to the seat next to me. You know I’m saving one for my future husband.”
    Rene giggled.
    â€œSo what’s up?” Ava believed there was more to Rene’s phone call. She could hear it in her voice.
    Rene’s laughing ceased. “Ishmael’s got me going through some things.”
    â€œAnything I can help you with?” Ava turned the volume up on her cell. What had he done now?
    â€œWell.” Rene paused. “I need a ride to this towing yard over off 59. I need to get my car.”
    â€œGet your car? Didn’t Ishmael have it last night? Where was he that he got your car towed?”
    Rene’s deep sigh spoke volumes. “At some apartment complex. He says he didn’t see the signs about visitor parking.”
    â€œAt some apartment complex?” Ava rolled her eyes. An apartment complex and his mother’s house were two different spots. With Ishmael, plans constantly changed. Would Rene ever get tired of that? “I thought he was at his mom’s house.”
    â€œAs did I. I don’t know, girl. I just want to get my car. Can you take me?” Rene sucked her teeth. “Ishmael’s car is still in the shop.”
    â€œOf course. I’ll be there shortly.” Ava double-checked that she hit the end button on her phone before she spoke. “I can’t believe this. What is his problem?” Tension built up in her as she made a U-turn. “Lord, if Ishmael is not the man for Rene, please remove him from her life. She seems to have more bad days than good ones with him. Your will be done. Amen.”
    Right when Ava was her loneliest, God had a way of sending her a gentle reminder of what she could be going through if she’d still been attached to Xavier. She might have missed the companionship, but she didn’t miss the drama.
    When Ava arrived at Rene’s house, her stomach growled at her. She should’ve stopped off on the way and got something to eat. Rene leaned back on the wooden bench on her front porch, sporting thick black sunglasses. Walking