Christmas Beau by Norma L. Jarrett - An Excerpt

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NORMA L. JARRETT

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EXCERPT - CHRISTMAS BEAU

"God, you have until 11:59 p.m. December 31st to deliver my '+ one'.  I'm not spending another holiday single!"  When Haven's sister Harper joined forces Project + One went in full affect!  

Chapter 6 - Betty Knows Best  

            “Omigod.  Did he really say Michele and Barack kinda love?  That is hilarious!” Harper fell back on her bed laughing hysterically, while Haven stood there with her arms folded.

            “I’m glad you find this all so amusing, but your little Project + One experiment and advice thus far are a fail!”  Haven turned around and stormed out.

            “Wait, wait girl!”  Harper jumped up and grabbed her sister by the arm.  “When you are trying to change something, of course forces at work are going to discourage you at the onset. You can’t give up. We’ve done a lot of prep for this.”

            Haven stood there and rolled her eyes.

            “C’mon, sissy.” Harper grabbed her sister’s arms and shook her slightly. 

            Haven sighed.  “I guess I can’t let one bad experience discourage me.”

            “Now what was that affirmation?” Harper waited for her to speak.

            “I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I thank God in advance that my husband will recognize me.  The beauty and light that is within me has now been released and I attract whatever God has for me.” Haven mimicked like a parrot.

            “Okay, you really need to take this seriously.”

            “After Jungle Fever on crack, how can I?”

            “You know God has a sense of humor.  Okay, we need to step this up.  So you’re going to come with me to the Jingle Ball next weekend, right?  We went through all that trouble to pick out that cute sequin dress at H & M.  You got great legs and you can’t let this dress go to waste! Project Glam is in full effect.”

            Oh brother.  Haven stood there with her hand on her hip.

            “Shake your head yes with me. I will go to the Jingle Ball.  It’s for a great cause – a pet charity.”

            “Okay, okay, I’m going.”

            “And you can’t close your online dating account.”

            Haven poked her lip out, folded her arms and shook her head. “I’m glad you have enough faith and enthusiasm for the both of us.  Excuse me while I head to my second job, where I have the luxury of waiting on materialistic, snobby, and cranky shoppers.” She walked off in disgust.

                        “Haven?”

                        “Yes, Harper.”

                        “You look cute!”

~~~~~ 

            “Ma’am, these are not on sale. They’re two different shoes.” Haven raised her voice.  Patience was definitely not her best attribute.  Why on earth did I let Harper talk me into wearing these heels?  I don’t care what color the bottom is, in a minute they’re coming off and a pair of flats from the shelf are going on! These are going right back in her closet.

            “Well, you don’t have to be so rude about it. You know, never mind.  Where’s Betty? She always gives me superb service,”  the tanned, blinged out and bleached-haired woman said.  

            Betty overheard and was there before Haven could call her.  “Mrs. Culbertson, let me see if we have a promo for that shoe. I’m sure there’s some type of discount.  At least 10%.”

            Haven put her hand on her hip. She knew there was no such discount, but that’s what Betty did for lifetime customers.  After she rung up the lady, she walked over to Haven.

            “You okay?” 

            Haven was straightening up the shelves.  “I’m fine.” She uttered, then rubbed her temples.  She turned to face Betty.  “I’m sorry. I’m just a little tired and maybe I’m not feeling this holiday season.  Just got a little touch of the blues, I guess.”

            “Well, happens to the best of us.” Betty helped her put up some of the other shoes. She started humming and singing, which usually irritated Haven, but for some reason tonight it soothed her.

            “Betty?”
            “Yeah, sugar.”
            “Why are you always so cheerful?  I mean do you ever get upset?  Does life ever get the best of you?  Life can’t be great every day, can it?”

            Betty looked Haven in the face. “Sweetie, when you get to be my age, every day is a gift. You think I’m going to sit here and let these rich, condescending women ruin my day? Uh-uh, no way.  The joy of the Lord is my strength, and the Lord of the strength is my life.  I’ve seen tragedy…almost died myself.  I’m a breast cancer survivor two times over, you know.”

            “I didn’t know.”

            “How could you? You are too wrapped up in yourself. You young people kill me.  You don’t have it as hard as the generations before you.  Especially the people of your generational bloodline.  Are you picking cotton? No.  Are you living on the street? No.  You can be and have whatever you want in this life.”

            “You make it sound so simple.  I mean Betty, look at me. I’m young and attractive and I can’t keep a man to save my life.”

            “A mate is a reflection of you.  Just maybe if you change your attitude, you might attract somebody. You act like you’re a hundred years old.  Positive energy is contagious.  Nobody wants to be around an old stick in the mud. I’ve learned to dance and sing and not worry about who’s lookin’.  I like to wear bright colors and yes, I know sometimes it’s a little much, but I don’t care.  I own it!”  She said, pretending to model.

            “Wow, am I really that bad?”

            “Um, maybe not. But if you’re not careful, you will be.  Promise me something.”
            “What?”

            She slapped Haven on the arm. “That you will get out there and have some fun this holiday season! Just because Mr. Right hasn’t shown up, doesn’t mean you have to live like a corpse.  Besides, God’s not gonna just send anybody.  The man God has set apart for you is looking for you, too.  God’s getting him ready.  In the meantime, you got to make sure you got it together when he finds you.  Take my Harry.  He knows he has a good thing.  Took me to his church last Sunday and I tell you that choir tore the roof off.  We got down, honey! I was dancin’ and shoutin’.  It was a good time.”

            Haven smiled at the visual of Betty in full on praise and worship at a Black church.  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.  And I hear you, Betty…loud and clear.”  She could not believe she was taking advice from a person with a big mistletoe barrette clipped to starched hair, but since Betty was getting more action than she was, she had to know something.