For the Sake of Love (7 page)

Bria perused the Sunday paper and felt a sense of accomplishment when she saw an article about The Spa Factory. She thought the picture of her and the mayor cutting the ribbon was a nice touch. She immediately called Nya to share the news.

“We made the Sunday paper,” Bria boasted.

“That's exciting. I hardly slept a wink last night with Chance wanting a late-night rendezvous.” She yawned, and then apologized.

Bria was so used to hearing about Nya and Chance's love life that she turned a deaf ear. She read the entire write-up to Nya, and they agreed to meet in front of their church at their regular time.

When Bria got off the phone she warmed up a bagel in the toaster and spread a generous amount of whipped strawberry cream cheese on top. She ate upstairs while getting dressed in a dark colored outfit as a TV evangelist sounded in the background, preaching about prosperity.

She laughed when she saw her reflection in the mirror because she had a flashback to her college days. While in college, she favored the color black so much that her wardrobe was exclusively black, and people started calling her Elvira. It did not matter the season. Even her nail polish and lipstick were variations of black. It was not that she was depressed or morbid; she simply loved the hue. Eventually, her mom and Nya took her shopping and convinced her to add some color to her wardrobe. Hesitant at first, she eventually conceded. She stuck with it after Spade told her how vibrant she looked. His opinion meant a lot to her.

She felt a tinge of sadness thinking about Spade but quickly did a paradigm shift. She thought about the successful opening of the spa and felt somewhat better. She figured that if she and Spade were meant to be, they would be. And she was not going to stress about it anymore.

She grabbed her purse and keys and went to church. She prayed for a good parking spot because she didn't want to mess up her shoes by parking on the unfinished overflow lot filled with dirt and gravel. Sure enough, someone from an earlier service had parked close to the door and was backing out. She mouthed the words “Thank you, Jesus” and whipped her Honda into the spot.

An usher wearing a vest that read, “How may I serve you?” handed her a program at the door. She grabbed it and stood off to the side waiting for Nya and Chance. They arrived ten minutes later, both out of breath. They must've speed walked.

They entered the sanctuary through double doors and took three seats near the front. The services began with prayer, and the congregation stood on their feet. Then the choir gave their rendition of a few selections. The words to the songs appeared on a projector screen, and Bria sang along, raising her hands in praise. By the time the pastor came out to preach his sermon, Bria felt uplifted. When the pastor used the analogy between life and riding an elevator, Bria was not sure where he was going with the message until he broke it down and simplified the meaning.

He said, “When we ask God for something, it's like pushing the button on an elevator. You know it's coming, but you have to wait a moment. And when you're on an elevator that's going up, hallelujah! If you stop on different floors and people tell you they want to go down, let them. You stay on the elevator and keep going up.” He used his handkerchief to dab sweat from his brow. “And there will be people who are on the elevator with you who will end up getting off before you reach your destination. Let them. Don't carry people with you who don't believe in where God is taking you.”

The message resonated with Bria. She wondered if it applied to her and Spade. Was he not supposed to be a part of her lifelong journey? Had their season together really come to an end?

At the end of service they headed back to Bria's house to talk and watch a movie before it was time to go to her parents' house for dinner. Imagine Bria's surprise when she pulled up and noticed her parents' car parked outside on the left side of the driveway. They never came over unannounced.
What are they doing here?
she thought as she pressed the button on her remote to open the garage door. She hoped everything was okay. She drove in on the right side while Nya and Chance parked behind her outside. Together, they entered through the garage and Bria pressed the button on the wall to close the garage door.

Bria's mom was in the kitchen preparing another one of Bria's favorite dishes, meat lasagna. Her dad was in the family room half-asleep on the couch with the TV watching him. The gentle breeze from the open kitchen window permeated the smell of freshly cut flowers, which Bria loved, and a combination of meat, cheese, and sauce through the air.

“What are you doing here?” Bria asked.

Nya and Chance interjected with their greetings and sat on the love seat.

“Since you usually come to our house for Sunday dinner, we decided to bring it to you.”

“That was sweet. Thanks, Mom.” Bria hugged her. She offered to help, but Mrs. Murray told her that the meal was almost finished, so Bria joined everyone else in the family room.

“How was church?” her mom hollered from the kitchen.

Bria told her that it was good, as usual, and gave her an abbreviated version of the sermon. Since Mrs. Murray and her husband attended early morning services at a different church, Mrs. Murray reciprocated by telling them about the message she received regarding not being overwhelmed by your blessings.

When Bria's mom announced that dinner was ready, Bria and Nya set the formal dining-room table that seated six and Mr. Murray woke up from his nap. They gathered around as Mr. Murray blessed the food. At the end of the prayer, Chance said, “Eat now,” and everyone laughed.

“Everything looks so good,” Bria said, her mouth watering.

They each ate a side salad before filling up on thick pieces of lasagna and warm garlic bread, fresh from the oven.

“I'm so glad we finally found the perfect dress for me to wear to the wedding,” Mrs. Murray said to Bria. “I was starting to get worried.”

Nya choked on her sweet tea, and Bria's eyes got bigger than the gold hoop earrings dangling from her ears.

Swallowing hard, Bria admitted to her parents, “Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you.” They stared at her, making her feel uncomfortable. “There isn't going to be a wedding . . . at least not right now.”

Mrs. Murray covered her mouth as if someone had smacked her there, and Mr. Murray dropped his fork.

Removing her hand, Mrs. Murray could only mouth, “What?”

“Spade broke it off a couple of days ago.”

As soon as Bria said that it happened a couple of days ago, she wanted to recant that statement. The surprised look on her mother's face said it all. Bria could tell that her mom was hurt and disappointed she had not told her about this as soon as it happened.

“Are you all right?” Mr. Murray asked.

Bria nodded her head in the affirmative.

Mrs. Murray got up and gave her a hug. “I don't understand,” she said. “What happened? Were you having problems?”

Truth be told Bria didn't understand either. She had spent countless hours trying to figure out what went wrong and came up with nothing every time. “He really didn't say. Just that he wasn't ready to get married.”

“Is he seeing somebody else?” Lines formed on Mrs. Murray's forehead.

“He told me he wasn't.”

Mrs. Murray took a seat and continued. “Honey, I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. Sometimes men get cold feet.” She looked at her husband. “Your dad and I went through a bump in the road before we got married.”

“Really?” That was the first time Bria had heard that.

She chuckled. “Oh yes. Your daddy was quite the ladies' man. I went through a lot waiting for him to get his act together.”

Bria had always thought her dad was the perfect guy. Hearing this was surprising, and if she was being honest, a bit disappointing.

Mr. Murray stood up from the table. “I'm going to talk to him.”

Bria assured her parents that she was fine and they did not need to talk to Spade on her behalf. Mr. Murray wasn't hearing it. He excused himself and said he was going for a drive. Bria knew what that meant. A drive straight to Spade's condo. She hoped he wasn't at home. The last thing she wanted was to see her father on the news for jacking up her ex-fiancé. Not that her father was physically stronger than Spade. Just that Spade had so much respect for her dad that he wouldn't dare lift a finger to harm him.

Apparently everyone sitting at the table thought the same thing, because they finished their meal in silence.

Spade was headed to the studio, but Mr. Murray had thrown a monkey wrench in his plans. He had rededicated himself to his music. What choice did he have? He needed to take more tests to determine what stage his cancer was in. He couldn't sit around feeling sorry for himself anymore. In the meantime, he couldn't let his career suffer.

A conversation with his sound engineer reeled him back in and helped him remember why he needed to work around the clock writing and recording.

The engineer had told him, “A lot of artists work really hard recording music when they know they're going away for a while. Imagine what would happen if they had that same discipline day-to-day. Tomorrow isn't promised. If people treated every day like it could be their last, people would stop procrastinating. When you think about it, what are you waiting on anyway?”

That was all he needed to get back on track. He hoped and prayed that he would beat his condition, but just in case, he wanted his music to live on.

Judging by the sound of Mr. Murray's voice over the phone and the fact that he insisted on meeting, Spade figured he must have finally wanted to talk to him about his calling off the wedding. He suspected it was coming. He had the utmost respect for Mr. Murray and felt he owed him an explanation for breaking his only daughter's heart. That's why he adjusted his schedule and agreed to meet up. After all, getting Mr. Murray to trust him enough to give his blessing for Spade to marry his daughter was not an easy feat. By the time Mr. Murray finished grilling Spade about his relationship with his family, his upbringing, his spiritual beliefs, his career goals, fiscal responsibility, and credit score, Spade felt like he should've been awarded a Top Secret government clearance and hired by the CIA. Later, Bria revealed to him that her dad had run a criminal background check and pulled a credit report on him. Spade wasn't upset about that. If he had a daughter, he felt certain he'd be just as protective, if not more.

He looked around his living room and picked up the clothes strewn on the couch and sneakers on the floor. Keeping a clean place hadn't been on his list of priorities lately. He threw the clothes in the dirty clothes hamper and lined his shoes up in his walk-in closet. He didn't want Mr. Murray to think he was a total slob. Then he sprayed the air with freshener to get rid of the musty tennis shoe smell.

Looking in his refrigerator he noticed that the only things inside were bottled water and cans of Red Bull, which he kept stocked to help keep his energy level up. He wasn't big on grocery shopping, so there was no surprise that he didn't have any food. Most of the time he either ate out or stopped by the grocery store to pick up what he wanted when he wanted. Shopping in advance didn't appeal to him, because he didn't know what he'd be in the mood to eat from day to day. He hoped that Mr. Murray had eaten, because he didn't have so much as a cube of cheese to offer him.

The doorbell rang, and Spade suddenly felt anxious. His palms turned blotchy with red spots. He took a moment to get his mind right before letting Mr. Murray in.

“Hey, Mr. Murray, how are you doing?” Spade shook his hand.

“I've been better, son.” He made his way to the couch and sat down.

Spade was glad he had gone to church that morning and got prayed up. He didn't know what was about to jump off, but he could tell that Mr. Murray was about the business. He offered him some bottled water, but Mr. Murray declined. Spade sat down too, but he didn't get too comfortable.

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed a thin layer of dust on his wooden coffee table. On a regular day he couldn't have cared less. But the way Mr. Murray came across like he wanted to grind him in a meat grinder made him conscientious of minor details.

“I'm going to get straight to the point,” Mr. Murray said in a serious tone. “What's this I hear about you calling off the wedding?”

His right leg started shaking, something that happened whenever he felt nervous. For a brief moment he considered telling Mr. Murray, in a respectable manner, to mind his own business, but he knew that wouldn't go over well. Knowing how close Bria was to her father, he knew that if he stood any chance of getting back with Bria in the future he couldn't alienate Mr. Murray. He needed him to be on his team, so he decided to confide in him.

He leaned forward and pressed his hands together in the praying position. “Mr. Murray, I love your daughter.”

Mr. Murray cleared his throat as if to say, “That remains to be seen.”

“I didn't used to believe in love at first sight, but I can honestly tell you that I felt something for your daughter the first time I laid eyes on her. Then after I got to know her, I knew in my heart that one day she'd be my wife.” He put his hand over his heart, then placed it on his lap. “That was almost seven years ago and nothing has changed.” He shook his head. “I love that girl so much that I'd willingly give up my life if it meant saving hers. If she needed a kidney, I'd be the first person in line volunteering to donate mine. That's how much she means to me.”

Mr. Murray propped his elbow on the arm of the couch and used his index finger to prop up his head. “If what you're telling me is true, son, then I don't understand what could've happened between you and my daughter that the two of you can't work out.”

Spade sighed. “What I'm about to tell you I need you to promise me you won't tell Bria or Mrs. Murray.”

“Well,” he hesitated, “I don't feel comfortable making a promise like that without knowing what I'm agreeing to.”

“I understand that, but I need your word.” Spade looked him in the eyes.

He clasped his hands together. “Just tell me this. Did you cheat on my daughter?”

He shook his head. “No, sir,” Spade assured him.

“Did you break the law? Are you going to jail?”

“No.” He shook his head.

Mr. Murray pressed his back against a sofa cushion. “I can't imagine what it could be, but in that case, you have my word. Now, lay it on me.”

Spade told him about his prognosis.

Mr. Murray stood up and paced the stain-free beige carpet. He exhaled. “I'm sorry to hear that, son. Do you know what stage you're in?”

“No, they have to run more tests.” He smoothed his fingers over his lips.

Raising a brow, Mr. Murray said, “Did you get a second opinion?”

“Not yet.”

“I see.” He squeezed the bridge of his nose. “If something happened to you, Bria would be devastated.”

“I know.”

He stopped pacing and sat back down in his previous spot. “Have you been feeling sick?”

“No. That's the tripped out part. I feel fine. None of this is making any sense to me.”

He continued, “I'm glad to hear that you're feeling fine, and I'll be praying for you. Son, this is serious, but you're not giving Bria enough credit. I happen to know she adores you. She's in love with you. She would want to be there for you.”

“I hear what you're saying, but I'm a man.” He patted his chest. “It's my job to be strong. What if I have to get chemo, and I'm all broke down sick and stuff?” He shook his head. “I can't have Bria seeing me like that throwing up and poopin' on myself. She shouldn't have to be my nurse.” That visual popped into his mind, and he shook his head again trying to shoo it away. “No.” He sounded firm in his decision. “I'm going to wait it out.”

“You're making decisions not just about your future but Bria's future too. I know my daughter, and she's not the type of person to leave you while you're down. You shouldn't deny yourself and her the chance to be together. Life is fleeting and isn't guaranteed to anyone. The fact that you have someone willing to go through the tough times with you is a blessing.”

Spade scratched his head. “This isn't just a rough patch in my life. According to the doctor, I could be dead in five years.”

“Don't talk like that. God has the final say-so. And even if God calls you home, you shouldn't rob Bria of precious time and memories with you. She would never get over it.”

Spade held his head down.

“No matter what happens, you need to trust in the love you and Bria share. She's a lot stronger than you think.” He chuckled. “I should know; I raised her.”

Spade lowered his voice. “I miss her, but I have to focus on getting better and creating music. I can't give Bria what she needs right now.”

Mr. Murray got up and patted him on the back. “I can tell she misses you too. Why don't you consider postponing the wedding but staying in a relationship with her?”

“Mr. Murray, I hear what you're saying, and I respect it. Just let me handle this my way. I'm praying to God that everything works out so that Bria and I can get back together. If I beat this, I'll pursue her with a vengeance.” He looked away. “And if I don't, well, it won't really matter because I'll be dead anyway.”

“Let me be blunt, you have a distorted view of reality. You've been diagnosed with cancer. If you survive, you'll still have to tell Bria eventually. Especially if you plan on getting back with her. On the other hand, if you don't beat this, Bria's heart would be forever broken. You would've robbed her of precious time that she can never get back. And what about the position you're putting me in? Because of a promise I made to you I have to stand by and watch my little girl suffer. And when she finds out that I knew she'll hate me. You may be willing to live with that, but I can't.”

Spade rubbed his eyes. “Sorry.”

“And here's some food for thought. What if while you're going through this you wait too long and she meets someone else?”

Spade stroked the lower half of his face. He knew that any man would be lucky to have Bria. Convinced that it was just a matter of time before the sharks smelled blood in the water and circled in for the kill, he became angry at the thought of Bria being with another man. Why did Mr. Murray have to bring that up? He hadn't even considered the possibility of Bria getting with someone else, and the thought of it made him sick to his stomach. What would he do if he lost Bria to some other joker?

Mr. Murray seemed reflective for a moment. “I'll give you six months to tell her.”

“Huh?”

“That should be enough time for you to know exactly what's going on with your condition.” He paused. “Son, I know you said a test confirmed your results, but don't take that as the gospel. Doctors and all the people working in their offices and labs are human beings. That means there's always room for error. Don't just take what they're telling you at face value. Do your due diligence and get a second or even a third opinion.”

Mr. Murray saw himself out and left Spade to his private thoughts. And think he did. What if he had acted prematurely? What if his cancer wasn't in the advanced stages? Or what if the doctor had been wrong and he didn't have cancer at all? Spade owed it to himself and Bria to find out.