To Betray Me

Valencia

"Y'all don't even know how hard it was for me to sit across from him. Like that's my first love y'all."

I was laying on my couch crying to my sisters about my failed marriage. Pretty sure they are tired of hearing this but they're my sisters and that's what they are here for.

Vivian rubbed her hand through my hair, "I'll take the boys from you for the week."

Von walked in with Harrison's shoes, "Who's are these?"

"Girl what are you doing in my closet Von?"

She smirked and leaned on the couch, "Like I said, Who shoes are these?"

Vivian tapped my shoulder and pointed at the shoes. I sighed and sat up, "Harrison."

"Who?"

"Harrison."

Vivian slapped me on the back, "The preachers son! Girl you move fast! You know he plays in NFL."

I looked at her crazy, "He what?"

"The NFL. He plays for the Houston Texans. You didn't know that."

Von nodded, "Yeah I seen that too. He comes here and preaches during the off season. You don't know who you sleeping with?"

"Well we aren't sleeping together for one and two if there was a chance it definitely isn't happening now."

"Why not? Handsome. God fearing. Handsome. God fearing. Von help me I'm stuck."

She laughed, "Uhm no stories in the blogs. Money. I mean baby got bread!"

I shrugged and picked up the baby monitor, "I don't wanna date another high profile man."

"Girl that comes with territory. You are damn near CEO of a major black entertainment studio. Dating a regular guy is not in your resume."

"Fuck a resume! That's not God's plan for you. If he wanted you to date a regular man he would have made you a regular woman. You are outstanding and ambitious. A normal man couldn't handle you baby!"

Looking at my little sister I smiled and wiped a tear from my eye, "Well I still don't know. There is a lot to discuss and plus my divorce isn't final yet so yeah no not even an idea yet."

I stood from the couch and walked over to the window looking at the view from my house on this hill. Life is really testing me right now and I'm not sure I'm strong enough to handle this.

" Mommy is coming back tomorrow has anyone been by the house to clean it?"

They both looked at me and laughed, "Mommy is going to stay with her boo in New York for a while so no worries."

"New York?"

Von grabbed her purse and nodded, "Yes. Even the old lady got a boo so you need to get on board."

"You don't have one."

She unzipped her pants revealing a hickey right above her fruitful area, "Don't worry about me boo."

Vivian grabbed her purse and kissed my forehead, "And I'm out! Love you CiCi and Love you to nasty hoe. CiCi bring the boys when you're ready!"

They left and I went upstairs to check on my kids. They were all taking a nap and they looked so cute. That is the one thing that came out of my marriage that I appreciate. My children. They are literally everything to me.

My phone dinged from a text message from Harrison. Jesus be a fence.

Him: Dinner?

Me: We need to talk

Him: I can come by after this meeting

Me: No I'll come to you later

Here I am about to ruin something else for no reason. Well there is a reason I think. Fuck my head is so messed up.

The boys were gone to my sister and I am here on Harrison's porch about to break my own damn heart.

I kncoked and waited for him to open the door, "Valencia come in."

"Uhm no thank you. I'd rather talk out here."

He nodded and stepped out onto the porch, "Wassup?"

"Good evening Pastor Tolliver Jr and Sister Fox. How are you?"

We both turned and smiled at the women at the bottom of his steps, "Evening ladies."

"Sister Fox we thought you lived up the highway with your husband."

Taking a deep breath I took a step back, "That isn't your business."

"Surely a married woman shouldn't be visiting the single pastor after hours."

I looked at them and back at him, "Harrison do something!"

Before he could speak his mom walked up the driveway, "Surely they are grown adults and know of their steps. Is there a problem?"

"No ma'am no problem. Have a good night."

The next thing I know my car was zooming down the street. I try not to make a scene. I do my best to leave the old Valencia where she is.

This dude must know short cuts because he beat me back to my own house.

"Valencia I apologize."

"I can't do this Harrison. The territory you come with and you play in the NFL. I'm already coming out of a bad situation I don't want the spotlight again."

He sighed, "And you don't have to have it. Let's talk.."

"No! I don't wanna talk. Just go."

"What?"

Walking to the door I pointed down the driveway, "You aren't deaf and I'm not in the mood to speak Spanish. Go home to your house away from mine."

"You're upset."

"I am serious. Goodnight Pastor Tolliver."

--------

Walking into the church I found my spot next to my family. Harrison was up on stage with his father as the choir did praise and worship. I could feel his eyes on me but I ignored him.

Not only that but a couple of the women were eyeing me as well. This is exactly what I was talking about. My time is precious and I refuse to waste it on drama.

The whole service we spent it stealing glances at each other. At one point I wanted to cry. I have been going through so much and the holy ghost was so heavy that when the piano changed chords my feet started moving and I shouted. For the first time in a long time I danced in the spirit and it felt good.

After that was over I grabbed my purse and kissed my kids before heading out to leave.

"That was quite a shout you did in there."

"People will notice you're gone."

He shrugged, "I don't care what people think of me."

"Image is everything."

He nodded, "To you. How you see yourself is more important than what people think."

Church let out and a couple of people caught us outside alone. My body tensed and he laughed.

"They all sin just like you. Trust me I know their stories."

"I can't date another high profile man. O'Neil was enough."

He nodded smiling, "I'm going to show you more. Just wait on it."

Taking a few steps forward he kissed my cheek and patted me on the behind, "See you later beautiful."