Read Online Humbled by Patricia Haley - Free Book Online Page A

generated a spark in him that was not easily quenched. He couldn’t say it was romantic, although there was an undeniable chemistry between them. He accepted that there wasn’t a clear way to define his connection with Sheba. Words seemed too limited. He preferred leaving the definition open, precisely as their relationship was. As far as Joel was concerned, she had a spot in his heart that no one would ever touch.
    â€œThose happy days seem so long ago. So much has happened since then,” he mused.
    â€œMany good things have happened,” Sheba said, sitting on the couch and gently pulling Joel’s hand. He followed suit.
    He drew in a long breath and let out the air. “This is it. I’m hitting the road tomorrow.” He had no idea what was in store for him, but whatever was waiting, he believed it was in Detroit.
    â€œI’m sure your wife will be glad to see you. The two of you have some big decisions to make.”
    â€œShe’s another story. Honestly, I’m not sure what’s going to happen with us.” He leaned into Sheba. “I am smart enough to finally realize that I need God to give me some direction.”
    â€œAbout the marriage?”
    â€œThat too, but I was really thinking about my business venture. God put me in charge of DMI once, and I can’t go back to doing nothing.”
    Sheba laid her head on him. “Don’t worry. You’ll find your way. Go home and do what you must. My place will be here for you whenever you need a place to rest, and so will I.”
    She grabbed the remote and cued the music system. The evening had glided in, so Sheba dimmed the lights. The two gazed out at Lake Michigan, nestled on the couch. Tomorrow was certain to have challenges, but tonight was theirs.

Chapter 12
    On Friday morning Joel crept down I-94, the gateway to Detroit. Before leaving Chicago, he’d contacted Zarah. Countless times before his Lamborghini had sped down the road, cutting the five-hour ride down to four. Anticipation generally forced him to press down hard on the gas pedal. The trepidation he was feeling now wasn’t to be confused with anticipation. Instead of pressing hard on the gas pedal for this trip, Joel had actually driven in the slower lane most of the way, stopping at each rest station. His sense of urgency didn’t propel him. Finally, after nearly eight hours on the road, Joel turned onto his street. He slowed the car too abruptly, nearly forcing it to stall. He eased to the side and put on his hazard lights. Joel rested his head on the steering wheel. This was it. Within fifteen minutes he’d be facing Zarah and possibly the repercussions of his choices.
    Time clicked by, with Joel showing no signs of movement. He went back and forth in his mind about what to say, how to feel, how to act once he was in the house. Nothing made sense. His thoughts were just jumbled. Tired of fretting, he did what he should have done the entire ride home. He clutched the steering wheel and cried out.
    â€œGod, I’m . . .” he mumbled. “I mean, I need help. I messed up, but I’m asking for your mercy and grace in getting this fixed. Help me, Lord,” he shouted aloud. “Please help me,” he said, easing the car into gear and up his driveway.
    Joel sat in the car awhile before eventually going inside. He left his suitcase in the car in case an overnight stay at a hotel or at his mother’s was warranted.
    Zarah must have been listening for the door to open. Like flies swarming a corpse, she homed in on him, refusing to give him much space. “I’m very pleased to have you home. We have so much to discuss,” she said, grabbing his hand and leading him toward the library. She didn’t attempt to hug him, which wasn’t surprising to Joel, given that the act wasn’t a natural expression or greeting in her family. Gentle nods were more commonplace.
    Joel was relieved. They sat down