Read Online In Times of Trouble by Yolonda Tonette Sanders - Free Book Online Page B

mischievously, producing a chuckle from Lisa.
    â€œListen to us talking crazy. This thing with Kyle really has me stressed out if I can start joking about killing folks.” Lisa ignored her work phone when it rang and seconds later the familiar number danced across her cell phone. “That’s Eric.” She sighed. He was calling about their plans that evening. Lisa had informed Chanelle about their expected guest yesterday after church. Though both her mother and daughter were okay with him coming, Lisa still had reservations because she’d never brought a guy home before. “I hate to do this at such short notice, but I’m going to cancel dinner tonight. I’m too stressed.”
    â€œDon’t do that; canceling your date will not solve this issue with Chanelle and Kyle, but I know something that will. You should speak with Kyle’s mother.”
    â€œAnd say what?”
    â€œAnything you want. Just be sure that when you leave, the ghetto chick understands that she better find some way to keep her son away from your daughter or else.”
    â€œI don’t know about that, Liv; it sounds too much like a threat.”
    â€œIf no one else hears you threaten her, it didn’t happen.” She winked. “Seriously, either talk to her or allow this entire thing to keep eating away at you.”
    Lisa toyed with the idea in her head. “It’ll be like pulling teeth to get the number from Chanelle. I guess I could sneak and get it out of her cell phone. I’ll give his mom a call later this week.”
    â€œForget about calling. You remember where he lives, don’t you?”
    Lisa nodded affirmatively. The night the police officer took her to get her car, he’d pointed out the house where Chanelle had been picked up. The picture of the Section-8 complex was branded in her mind like pornographic images on a computer’s hard drive.
    â€œThen go talk to her. And don’t wait until later this week. Do it as soon as you get off of work so you can get it over with. Shoot, girl, leave now.”
    â€œI can’t possibly go today. I need to get home because Eric’s coming over tonight; and leaving now is not an option. With Megan out of the office, I’m pretty much holding down the fort on my own.”
    â€œYeah, and it’s really in danger of falling, right? That’s why we’ve been sitting here talking for an hour and the fort is still intact. Girl, it’s only three o’clock. You have plenty of time to go confront the chick and get home in time for dinner.”
    â€œWhat if she’s not home? Most people work during the day, you know?”
    â€œWhat if she is? You’ll never know until you knock on the door. What’s the real reason you’re hesitant to talk to her?”
    â€œI don’t know; I want to think more about what to say. I’m worried that interfering may escalate Chanelle’s interest in him.”
    â€œNot if you’re persuasive enough, it won’t. Girl, remember. . .Kyle’s ghetto mama doesn’t have anything on you. I really shouldn’t be calling her names when I don’t know her, but real mothers don’t allow their teenage sons to have parties where underage kids get drunk. Kids will be kids, but no matter what they do, we must look out for their best interests. Justin has not been perfect. The bottom line is that when he was in trouble, there was nothing Isaac and I didn’t do to help him. A mother will do anything to protect her child. Chanelle hangin’ with this thug is trouble. Now, do whatever you have to do to keep her safe.”
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    Olivia’s pep talk had encouraged Lisa quite a bit. Leaving work about a quarter after three, she took a deep breath and knocked on the screen door. The neighborhood was infested with trashy streets and boarded homes. The environment wasn’t completely foreign to Lisa. She and