Read Online Permanent Resident at the Purse Table by Keisha Bass - Free Book Online

purse to the ground and fumbled through the rest of his mail. On every bill and piece of junk mail she read the same address affixed under Ishmael’s name. He must’ve mistaken her for a fool. All those apologies were a product of him blowing smoke. His words, not worth a dime, had to be dealt with immediately.
    After a few more seconds passed and Rene allowed this newfound information to sink in, Ishmael came hopping down the steps carrying a bulky laundry bag. He reached the bottom, and looked at Rene holding the mail with her eyes firing into his. “What’s the matter, babe?”
    Rene pushed the front of one of the envelopes in his face. “So you were at Mike’s house, huh?”
    Ishmael lifted his hands in the air. “Wait, let me explain.”
    She yelled, “Explain what? You were at Shanice’s house and got my car towed. And you lied about it. That about sum it up?”
    â€œI didn’t want you to be upset.”
    â€œWell, you missed the mark on that one. I guess that’s why the flyers were still in my car.” Attorney Jacobs was now present.
    â€œYes, I picked up the flyers from Mike. Then Shanice called and said she couldn’t drop off Isaiah, so I went to pick him up. Nothing happened.”
    â€œIf nothing happened, why couldn’t you just tell me? I’m about to be your wife.”
    â€œI know how you feel about Shanice. So I skipped over that part. Thought it’d be best.”
    Rene needed him to stop thinking and just be honest. “Missed the mark again!”
    Ishmael’s mother made her way into the foyer. “What’s going on?”
    He put his hand in the air. “I got it, Momma.”
    â€œGot what? I don’t understand. You two were fine five minutes ago.”
    â€œSorry, Ms. Carter. That was before I caught your son in a lie.”
    Momma Carter walked over to Ishmael. “Boy, are you lying to this young lady?”
    He turned his mother around and gently led her back to the kitchen. “I said I got it.”
    When he returned to the foyer, Rene threw the rest of the mail at him. She hoped they hurt, too. Maybe there were some credit card offers in the mix that could pop him in the head. Or better yet, an offer for collectors of heavy commemorative coins with some free samples.
    â€œHey, baby, calm down.” He knelt down to pick up the scattered envelopes. “Now what was I saying?”
    â€œUm, let’s see. You were probably about to lie about your lying. But what I’m saying is the wedding’s on hold!” Her uncertainties were abruptly front and center.
    â€œWhat?” He let the mail fall back down to the ground. “Rene, don’t overreact.” He reached out to put his hand on her shoulder.
    â€œOverreact? You smooth lied in my face!” Dipping her shoulder before he could touch her, she picked up her purse. “I need some time to gather my thoughts. I don’t feel good about being in a relationship with someone who can lie that easily. Makes me wonder what else have you lied about.”
    He shook his head as his eyes saddened. “Baby, please.”
    She shook her index finger. “Nope. That ‘baby’ crap is on hold too. I don’t know if I can trust you.” Time apart would be a good thing. The last couple of weeks were filled with doubts and second-guessing her choices.
    As she headed for the front door, he grabbed her forearm. “Rene, just tell me this.”
    â€œWhat, Ishmael?” She jerked her arm out of his grasp. Nothing he said could save his case.
    â€œI understand you need some time. But putting the wedding on hold?” He resembled a sad child who wasn’t getting his way. “For how long?”
    She cut her eyes at him. “Let’s go with the same thing you told me when I asked you when you’d be getting your car out the shop.”
    Confusion settled on his face. “Which