The Retreat Read Online Free PDF Page B

because of her mistakes, Chantel did not feel worthy of love. Jamal felt that she was worthy of his love and redemption. He hoped he could squeeze all of the sorrow out of her and replace it with the love that he had for her.
    It was a love too strong to ignore, but not strong enough to trump principle. There was a shortage of good women in the hood. The same could be said for men, but Jamal was certain that the woman whose arms were firmly wrapped around his shoulders was one of a kind. Jamal broke away from her grip and reached into his front jeans pocket. He removed a white envelope.
    â€œThis is for Jamir’s day care.” Jamal extended the envelope to Chantel.
    â€œI can’t accept this.” Chantel pushed the envelope against Jamal’s chest.
    Jamal did not even attempt to put the envelope back in her hands; he just laid the envelope on the white kitchen counter.
    â€œI still want to be in Jamir’s life, and if Clay were here, I know he would want the same.”
    Clay had been Jamal’s best friend, and the test results showed that Clay was probably Jamir’s father. He wished Clay were here, even if that meant things between him and Chantel would be different. The test results brought forth another frustrating matter. Jamal and Chantel would have to have a candid talk with Clay’s parents and let them know the truth.
    â€œI can’t ask you to take on a responsibility that’s not yours,” Chantel said with her hands on her hips.
    â€œLook, Momma!” Jamir said from the living room.
    Both Jamal and Chantel turned to see that Jamir had started to put together a tower.
    â€œThat’s great, baby.” Chantel wiped more tears from her eyes.
    Jamal now knew that part of his best friend lived on through his son. Maybe in Jamir, Jamal would get a second chance to right a wrong.
    Sometimes God’s opportunities for redemption came in the most unique packages.
    â€œYou want some coffee?” Chantel asked.
    â€œSure,” Jamal accepted.
    Chantel’s eyes were edged with tears. She put a teapot on the stove, then went into the cabinet next to her refrigerator and produced two fire engine red cups. Moments later she handed Jamal a cup with the steam evaporating like a snake.
    â€œThere’s something else,” Jamal said after he took a sip.
    Chantel started to wipe down the counter to appear busy. She looked up to let Jamal know that he had her full attention.
    â€œThey offered me the promotion.”
    Chantel gave Jamal a look like her world had just spun off of its axis. “Well that’s great, isn’t it?”
    â€œI don’t know. It would mean that I wouldn’t be able to spend much time with Jamir.”
    â€œDon’t throw your future away,” Chantel said as she looked at Jamir.
    Jamal gazed at her profile. Her hair was in a ponytail with bangs like curly fries.
    â€œYou look—” Jamal started.
    â€œI know.” Chantel shot Jamal a smile.
    Chantel put her palm underneath her chin as her eyes rotated up and down at Jamal. He recognized that smile as utter content, but he could not find anything that she would be content about in this moment.
    â€œWhat?” Jamal asked.
    â€œLook at you, all grown up. I’m proud of the man you’ve become,” Chantel stated.
    â€œYou act like I was a player or something,” Jamal said with a smile.
    â€œYou were a player. You and Clay used to run around school thinking y’all were some pimps.”
    â€œYou got with Clay,” Jamal reminded her.
    â€œThat’s because he had better game than you.” Chantel followed her comment with a laugh.
    Jamal put his hands over his heart, as if he were going into cardiac arrest. “I didn’t want you anyway, chickenhead,” Jamal said.
    â€œOh, you know you did.” Chantel stood up and walked over to Jamir.
    Jamal followed Chantel to the floor where the two sandwiched