Trouble in Paradise

Chapter 43

Since becoming a divorcee and a single parent, Drew has been spending his time either at work, with Joy, or Joy and Shirley. He and his mother-in-law had become closer since he and LaTrice had been apart.

Today was Shirley's sixty-fifth birthday and Drew wanted her to have a very special birthday. He and Yolanda planned her a surprise party. Shirley only had two children, but she had many friends. From church, the casino, bingo hall, or anywhere else she'd made friends.

It was two days before the party and Yolanda and Drew were out buying their gifts for her. They were leaving one shop and vegan walking the streets.

"Trice is going to be at the party." Yolanda said, randomly.

"Oh. Okay." Drew said.

"I just thought I'd give you a heads up, that way there won't be any problems when you to see each other." She said.

"We're not feuding or anything. I've moved on. She's not mine anymore, so there's nothing I need to worry about with her. I expected her to be at the party. It's her mother's party." He responded.

"Did you really love her?" Yolanda asked.

He sighed as his eyes shifted. "I did love her. That's why I married her. Yes, I know I had my problems with cheating on her, but I was really going to stop. I really was. I didn't want to lose my family, but I got caught up." He explained.

"It's just crazy how she pulled all of that off." Yolanda stated.

"I had no clue that her and Brent had anything going on. I felt so dumb. I never even suspected anything going on between them." He said. "Although I did my dirt and cheating, I never would have messed with anyone she was close to or even knew."

Yolanda chuckled. "Of course not! When you play a woman and mess around with another woman that she knows, they'll team up against you and play the game with you and then they'll win."

Drew laughed. "I know! I knew better and I wanted to change and I feel that I have."

"You have." Yolanda said. "You're more involved in Joy's life and even mama's life. They're both happy." She shared a friendly smile.

"I just never thought I'd see the day that you two break up. Nor did I think she'd leave you for your own best friend. I was shocked and disappointed." She said.

Drew glanced at his watch, " we need to hurry up and head back to the house. We have to get ready for dinner tonight." He said. He didn't want to talk anymore about his ex-wife.

"You're right. I need to make sure my husband and son is getting ready as well." She said.

They headed to the car went back to Shirley's house where she was at home with Joy.

When they walked into the house, Shirley was placing pots on the stove.

"Mama, what are you doing?"

"About to fix dinner."

"No, we're taking you to dinner, ma. You don't need to cook dinner tonight." Drew said, taking the pots off the stove and placing them back in the cabinet.

Shirley paused as though she were thinking about something. "Oh yeah." She chuckled.

"Mama, hurry and get dressed, please. I'm going to go home and get ready and make sure my boys are ready." Yolanda grabbed her keys.

"Alright, let us know when you're ready and we'll meet up at the restaurant."

"Now, I told y'all I don't want to go to no fancy restaurant. I rather stay home and have dinner here." Shirley appeared, complaining.