A Lassiter's Christmas (The Gems & Gents Series Book 4) Page 8

  Theo was shell-shocked. He had never heard anyone speak to his mother in that manner. She deserved it, but it had never been delivered in that manner. He stood slowly. “I’m going to check on Pearl. Dad, will you…” His father waved his hand

  “Well.” Edward stood. “I guess she told you.”

  “Edward,” Leonora huffed.

  “Oh come on, Nora. You were egging that young woman on from the moment she arrived.” He kissed her on the cheek to soften his rebuff. “I dare to say, you have met your match. Now, come and dance with me so I can seduce you into some birthday loving later tonight before you have to clean up this mess you’ve created with Theo.”

  Theo walked out the door and slowed when he saw Pearl waiting for the valet. He stood next to her with his coat over his arm. “Do I still get my dance tonight?”

  Pearl looked sideways at him. “Your mother and I will probably never get along.”

  He took her coat from her and put it on her. “Of course you will. As soon as you both realize you love me as much as the other.”

  Pearl froze. “I never said that. I never said I love you.”

  “You did one better. You showed me.”

  “When and how?”

  “Tonight when you stayed after the first insult my mother issued. Then again when you did not hold me accountable for my mother’s actions or thoughts.”

  Pearl just stared at him until the valet pulled up with her car. “Nice car.”

  “Thank you.” She hesitated. “My boyfriend helped me pick it out.”

  He kissed her. “I’ll see you at the condo.”

  “Don’t you think you’d better check on your mother?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “That is my father’s problem to handle tonight. I have my own angry woman to soothe this evening.”

  Chapter 9

  “You do not come into my home to humiliate my daughter.” Sally Lassiter was sitting, actually a little excited that Theo’s mother had called and asked if she could come by to talk until the woman spoke. That’s when all hell broke out.

  “Mrs. Lassiter, please hear me out.”

  “Hear you out? You just called my daughter a gold digger and you want me to hear you degrade her further.”

  “No, I expect you to listen to reason. You are a mother just like I am. You want the best for Pearl just as I want the best for my son. Look around. I’m offering you a better life, all you have to do is convince your daughter to stay away from Theo.”

  “I’m not in the habit of interfering in my children’s lives. I’ve raised each of them to be strong, successful individuals. They are capable of deciding who they will allow into their lives and who they will not. Frankly, I’m questioning if Theo is worthy of Pearl after meeting you.”

  “What’s all the yelling about?” Phire asked as she walked in from the kitchen. She placed her book bag on the table and stepped into the living room. “Good afternoon,” she said to the woman her mother was clearly angry with. She kissed her mother on the cheek.

  “Good afternoon.” Leonora saw the cheerleading short skirt. “Do all of your girls walk around so barely clothed?”

  “What did cheerleaders wear in your day, long gowns and potato sacks?” Phire shot back.

  “Mind your manners,” Sally reprimanded. “Mrs. Prentiss.” Sally sat down and tried to calm down. “What exactly do you have against Pearl?”

  “Well for one, she is very opinionated. She lacks manners and she doesn’t respect people above her as she should.”

  “Above her?” Phire questioned. “Who is above her? You?”

  “Of course I am.” Leonora flipped her hair over her shoulder.

  “Pearl Lassiter is not below anyone.” The voice came from the stairs behind them. “She is top rated in my book, Mrs. Prentiss,” Cynthia Thornton said as she walked into the room in a robe.

  “Cynthia, sit before I have to kill that son of mine.” Sally helped her to the opposite sofa from Leonora.

  “Cynthia, what on earth are you doing here?”

  “Recuperating with my soon to be mother-in-law. Why are you here? And please don’t tell me it’s to protect Theo. Theo will be the first to let you know he’s a big boy and can make his own decisions. In fact, I called him to let him know you were here when you arrived. I’m certain he will be knocking on the door soon.”

  Leonora looked out the window. “Why would you do something like that? Theo did not have to know about this.”

  “Mrs. Prentiss, I just went through this battle with my mother. I’m debating on inviting her to my wedding. Theo is your only child. Don’t put him in that position.”

  “Theo is not considering marrying that woman.”

  “Oh, but he is not far from it,” Theo said from the doorway. He looked around. “Please tell me Pearl is not here.”

  “No.” Sally stood and walked to Joe who was standing behind Theo.

  He put his arms around his wife. “Theo and I met for lunch. He had something he wanted to talk with me about.”

  Theo walked into the room. He checked Cynthia’s pulse then stood. “I don’t want your pressure rising. You understand?”

  “Yes, Doctor, but you are not here for me.” Cynthia stood. “You need to speak to your mother before Phire beats her down for talking about her sister.”

  “Damn right.” Phire rolled her eyes at the woman sitting on the sofa. “Cynthia, I’ll help you back upstairs.”

  Theo took Cynthia’s seat and simply stared at his mother. “Why?”

  “Because it’s been five days and you haven’t so much as called to apologize for leaving my birthday party with that woman.”

  “Her name is Pearl and you might as well get used to it.” He got up then sat next to his mother. He took her hand in his. “You told me once, you would have moved heaven and earth to be with Dad. I need you to understand, that’s how I feel about Pearl.”

  Leonora shook her head. “Theo, you are making a mistake.”

  “That’s what Dad’s parents said about you.” He raised an eyebrow as he spoke to her. “Dad and I had a long talk after your party. He told me how you two had to battle and finally walk away from his family because they felt you were beneath their son. Thank God, Dad did not listen to them. He married you despite his family’s protests, despite him losing his trust fund, despite them threatening to have you arrested.” He kissed his mother’s hand. “I love you and I love Pearl. Please don’t make me choose between the two of you.”

  Leonora stood. “You say you love her. Does she love you?” She put her gloves on and buttoned her coat. “I won’t make you choose, son. I’ll support whatever you decide to do.” She looked around. “I didn’t raise you to go backwards. This neighborhood, and this house is not what you are accustomed to.”

  “Mrs. Prentiss, I understand you are upset with all of this. However, you have insulted my daughter and my home. Now before I put you out I’m going to say this to you once. This house is a home that was built on love and God’s grace. All of my children are kind, loving, and caring human beings. One day Pearl will learn of this and will forgive you. As for me, you are not welcome in my home and if I ever hear of you bad mouthing my child again, it will be me who gets arrested.”

  Joe opened the door for Leonora. “You have a good day, Mrs. Prentiss.”

  Leonora looked up at him, then to Sally and lastly Theo. “That woman is going to break your heart.”

  Theo stood as his mother walked out the door. He stopped before leaving. “My apologies for my mother.”

  Joe hit Theo on the shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize, son. You are welcome here, anytime.”

  “Theo.” Sally stepped up and kissed him on the cheek. “This isn’t going to be easy for you. If you need to talk, don’t hesitate to call.”

  “Thank you both.” Theo exhaled then followed his mother out the door.

  Chapter 10

  Christmas dinner at the Lassiters was a special time of the year. This was the d
ay that everyone moved heaven and earth to be together. The kitchen was humming with different aromas from the turkey, ham, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, yams, smooth kale salad, potato salad, rice pudding, pound cakes, sweet potato pies, coconut pies, apple pies, German Chocolate Cake and everyone’s favorite, hot home-made buttered rolls. Yes, this is the day everyone had a place at the dinner table.

  This year there was an extra body in the mix. Cynthia was in the dining room decorating the table when Pearl walked in. She took a look around, to see what Cynthia was doing, then picked up the silverware to help.

  “I heard what you said to Theo’s mother about me,” she began. “Did you mean that?”

  Cynthia smiled at the centerpiece she’d just arranged. “Damn I’m good. Look at that.”

  “I don’t think you need me to boost your ego.”

  “No, I don’t. And yes, I meant every word of what I said.” Cynthia stopped and looked at her. “Theo is lucky he found you, Pearl. But you don’t see it…not yet.”

  “How do you know what I see,” Pearl hissed.

  Cynthia sat in one of the chairs at the table. “You are testing him because of what happened in high school. You want him to prove over and over and over that he will never leave. You are fortunate because Theo is the kind that will never leave, no matter what you put him through. He’s like Sammy. He found what he wants and he will not let anything come between the two of you. Not even his mother.”

  “His mother. That heifer can kiss where the sun don’t shine.”

  “How do you think that makes him feel during this, the holiday season? Have you once given any thoughts to what is happening to his heart that he opened to you and had to close to his mother.”

  “I did not put him in that position, she did.”

  “Yes, she did but you have the power to correct what she has done. It’s a magical time of the year. This is when you do everything in your power to make others’ wishes come true. What do you think Leonora Prentiss’ wish is today? I’m pretty sure it’s to see her only child for Christmas. Do you have enough love in your heart for Theo to make sure that happens? Think about it.”

  “Why do you care one way or another what happens with his mother?”

  “I don’t. I care what happens with you.” Cynthia stood. “I’m going to see if I can help in the kitchen.”

  Pearl laughed out loud. Cynthia turned and glared at her. “Sorry, but didn’t Tracy, Ashley and Roz put you out of their kitchens?”

  “That was before your brother taught me how to cook.” Cynthia laughed as she walked out of the room.

  “We are talking food, Cynthia, not in the bedroom.” Pearl smiled but Cynthia’s words were tugging at her heart. Did she love Theo? What would she do if she had to choose between him and her family? “Ha, my family, of course,” she said aloud. Then she started to slowly walk towards the kitchen. Looking in, there were all her sisters, her mother and Cynthia. No one should have to choose between someone they love and their family.

  “Mom, I’m going to run to the hospital for a minute. I’ll be back in time for dinner.” Pearl grabbed her coat and ran out the back door.

  “Your talk worked.” Sally smiled at Cynthia.

  “We’re going to make you a Lassiter, yet.” Phire turned back to the potatoes she was peeling as she spoke to her mother. “You know if we keep going at this rate we will eventually have six daughters-in-law and six sons-in law. That’s twelve additional people to the clan you already have.” She looked directly at her mother. “Where in the hell are you going to put all those people?”

  Pearl went to the reception desk in the emergency room where Theo volunteered for the Christmas shift so those with families could spend the holiday at home. It was the noble thing to do, however, she really would have loved spending Christmas Eve with him.

  “Hi, I’m looking for Dr. Theodore Prentiss. Could you tell me where I can find him?”

  The nurse looked at the board. “He’s in pediatrics. Down the hall, to your right. Can’t miss it.”

  Pearl followed the directions and came to a set of double doors with windows. Through the window she could see Theo sitting in the center of the room surrounded by children. Some were seated on the floor, some in wheelchairs, some in beds. His back was to her when she stepped inside the doors. He was reading The Night Before Christmas to them. Nurses were acting out the characters as he read. The children were smiling. It made her sad. No child should spend Christmas in a hospital.

  “Are you here for one of the children?” one of the nurses looked up and asked.

  Theo turned to see her and their eyes met. “I’m here for the big child in the center.”

  “Dr. Theo.”

  “Ohhhh,” the children laughed.

  “Would you take over here for a minute?” Theo asked the nurse. He guided Pearl out the room. “Hey.” He pulled her to him and kissed her hello. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas to you.”

  “Isn’t your family about to sit down for dinner?”

  She nodded. ”In a little bit. You’re good with them.”

  “I enjoy being around them. I love children. I hope to have a boat load one day.”

  “I haven’t thought about children. Never thought I’d have a boyfriend in my life either. I guess I’ll have to think about it. But not now.”

  Theo smiled. “I think you should think about it.”

  “Theo, I know we’re going to meet at your place tonight, but would you do me a favor before we meet?”

  “Seems serious.”

  “It is. Very important to me.”

  “Anything.” Theo pulled her close. “What is it?”

  “Would you stop in to see your mother? You’re her only child and it’s Christmas. Magical things happen at Christmas.” A tear ran down her cheek.

  “After the way my mother treated you, you’re asking me to forgive her.”

  “I’m not good at this so let me say this without interruption.”

  “Okay.” Theo nodded, then leaned back against the wall.

  Pearl exhaled. “I’ve been single for a long time. It’s an adjustment for me to think of someone else in my planning. You’ve grown on me fast and I’m trying to catch up with you. I’m opening my heart to you and it’s scary as hell.” She gave a nervous giggle. “The one thing I know is I couldn’t make a choice of you in my life or my family. No one should have to make that choice. What your mother did, was out of love for you.” She gave him a package. “Wish your parents a Merry Christmas for me.”

  The plan was already in place, but this sealed it for Theo. This woman gave him the gift of Christmas…love. She didn’t say the word, but the sentiment was there. Theo took her in his arms, and kissed her with all the passion and love he had in his heart for her. “Thank you.” He took the package. “Is anything in here for me?”

  Pearl smiled as she stepped away. “No, your gift comes later.”

  Pearl made it back to the house just in time to hear Joshua say grace for dinner.

  “Lord, we’re going to hell for this,” Phire giggled.

  “If I have to speak to you about your language one more time, young lady, you are going to see the backside of my hand,” Sally warned.

  “When was the last time Mother spanked any of us?” Luke asked.

  “There’s a first time for everything,” Joe replied to his NFL running back son.

  Mathew and Timothy laughed.

  “The next person to crack a joke before Joshua can say grace is going to have to deal with me.” Samuel looked around the room to ensure he had everyone’s attention. With that he looked at Joshua and nodded. “You have the floor.”

  “Heavenly Father, we come to you asking for your continued grace, mercy, protection and blessings as a family. For all the gifts given and received on this day are in your name. Second Corinthians 9:15: Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift. That is the gift of life, love and family. As a family we ask together…” The enti
re family recited the Lord’s Prayer:

  “Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.

  Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,

  As we forgive them that trespass against us.

  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

  For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”

  At the conclusion of Joshua’s blessing Joe stood with his wine goblet in his hand. “Before we start dinner, your mother and I have something to say.”

  “Please tell me you’re not pregnant,” Phire said with a shake of her head. Everyone looked at her, exasperated. “Hey, none of you are around here when they be going at it like rabbits. Y’all don’t know. It’s a possibility.”

  “Phire.” Sally scowled. “The corner.”

  “The corner? Mommy, I’m sixteen years old.”

  “Do you want to see seventeen?” Joe asked.

  Phire pushed her chair back from the table and carried it to the corner as her older brothers and sisters looked on.

  Joe held his glass high. “I would like to make a toast to welcome Cynthia to our family. With open arms and hearts we thank you for bringing love into Samuel’s life.”

  “To Samuel and Cynthia,” Sally joined in. “May your love bring you children to love and happiness throughout.”