PROMISE KEPT
PROMISE KEPT
STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
For Nicole (my dear friend).
Best friends are supposed to keep their promise!
Unfortunately, not all do.
Take comfort in knowing, my strong friend,
that God is with you.
As we go through, may we all remember
that He always keeps His word.
Acknowledgments
Doesn’t it just tick you off when folks don’t keep their word? Some mess you up so much when they back out of their commitment that you don’t want to fool with them anymore. Guess God has a right to be angry with us when we back out of what we commit to Him, huh? Well thankfully, He gives us grace. Unfortunately, the judicial system isn’t so kind. You break the law, you pay.
I was watching the news the other night and saw a case where someone was accused of something he didn’t do and needed a good legal team to get him off. I got to thinking, in writing a book I always need a good writing team to help me get out a good novel. Now that I’m at the end of the series I feel like I’m on trial. I promised to be committed to a series that would move young people to walk right for Him. Did I stay true to my cause? Well, I think so. And here is a thank you for all the folks that held me accountable to doing just what I said I would.
To my family, parents Dr. Franklin and Shirley Perry Sr., brother Dennis and sister-in-law Leslie, my mother-in-law Ms. Ann, and extended family Bobby and Sarah Lundy, and Walter and Marjorie Kimbrough, and Paul and Tammy Garnes, you remind me of a great defense team. You always back me up. Like a tenacious defense law firm, thanks for keeping me out of trouble.
To my publisher, Kensington/Dafina Books, and the distribution companies that move the product, especially Pam Nelson at Levy Books. I appreciate you constantly helping me get my books out there. My message is heard with you on the team. Like the truthful broadcaster ready to tell the world the events that unfold, you help me make sure the world knows they need to get behind what I’ve got to share.
For my writing team, Calvin Johnson, James Johnson, Ciara Roundtree, Jessica Phillips, Randy Roberts, Ron Whitehurst, Vanessa Davis Griggs, Larry Spurill, John Rainey, Carolyn O’Hara, Jason Spellen, Teri Anton, and the Georgia Tech Parent Buzz organization, you hold me accountable to every word. Thanks for combing over the pages to make sure it will hit home to many. Like an accurate court reporter, you help me tell it like it is.
To the dynamic and talented authors that were with me on the historic first African-American Levy Bus tour: my Dafina cohorts Daaimah Poole, Earl Sewell, Rochelle Alers, Brenda Jackson, Francis Ray, Lori Bryant Woolridge, Teri Woods, Donna Hill, Nina Foxx, Selena Montgomery, Grace Akallo, Francis Ray, Naleighna Kai, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Nikki Turner, Crystal Hubbard, Trisha R. Thomas, Tracie Howard, and my dear author mentor Beverly Jenkins, you are my witnesses that writing isn’t in vain. Thanks for your support and I pray your books keep blessing many. Like a good witness, we can attest to the impact our books have on the world.
To my girlfriends Jackie Dixon, Jenell Clark, Loni Perriman, Gloria London, Taiwanna Bolds, Tabatha Palmer, Deborah Bradley, Cynthia Peace, Vickie Davis, Kim Monroe, Jan Hatchett, Veida Evans, Joy Nixon, Lakeba Williams, and Perlicia Floyd, you are the best parents I know. I know God placed you in my life for such a time as this. Like a sound therapist, you confirm to me that though I live mostly in a made-up world and write about much drama, I’m sane.
To my children, Dustyn Leon, Sydni Derek, and Sheldyn Ashley, I wish I could give you the world. Though I can’t, I can give you the key that holds everything you’ll need…Love and serve God and you’ll be more than fine. Like the posse that surrounds most defendants, you keep me going when the going gets rough.
To my beau, Derrick Moore, I’m stronger with you by my side. Though you are swamped, please keep your word and read more of my stuff. Like a prison guard that any defendant tries to befriend for lenience, you are strong, never waver, don’t bend the rules, but protect me well.
To my readers, I’m hoping you all get on my writing bandwagon to stay. I pray each book in the Perry Skky Jr. series stirred your soul to live for Him. Like a unified jury, always stand for justice and lock the enemy away.
And to my precious Savior, You helped me complete another series. I pray I have pleased You with each book. You are the only judge that matters.
Contents
1. Trying to Win
2. Dealing with Trouble
3. Clinging to Hope
4. Recruiting New Ideas
5. Showing True Feelings
6. Following the Soul
7. Checking Things Out
8. Getting into Danger
9. Calming My Heart
10. Running from Love
11. Circling the Wagons
12. Spreading God’s Word
13. Pouting for Sure
14. Feeling Real Joy
15. Finding Our Way
Trying to Win
Okay, I couldn’t believe that Savoy just slapped me. It was Christmas break and everyone was hanging out at Howard’s Bar-be-que, in my home town. I was with my boys, Cole and Damarius and some chicks were hanging around us, but I was being a good boy. I only had a few days till I had to head back to school and get ready to play in the National Championship college game.
After the slap, I didn’t know how to feel. First of all, it hurt. So I was pissed. Second, my boys were just sitting there looking at me like they knew I wasn’t going to take it. So I was angry.
Then I looked into Savoy’s eyes. Through the tears that began to fall from her lashes, I could see she was hurting. So I felt bad. There was a little crowd of honeys watching and though I didn’t want to be punked, something was going on with my girl.
“You two, don’t even say anything to me!” I shouted to Damarius and Cole.
Damarius jerked me by the back of my shirt and said, “I know you ain’t gon’ just let her talk to you like that.”
“It’s obvious that something is wrong with her. Can’t you see? Come on, man. Give me some space,” I said as I pulled away from Damarius.
“Aight, aight! Whatever, but you the one that’s gonna miss out on all the fun,” he said as he tapped Cole and they walked a few feet away.
Savoy just looked at me and wiped her face. I knew she was disappointed and for whatever reason she thought I had let her down. I could understand her being upset and all, but to come at me swinging and hitting me in public was unacceptable.
Her first semester in college must have been harder than I thought for her to lash out at me this way. Her bold gesture was dumb. We were working on rebuilding what we had after deciding to get back together. Just because I didn’t play things her way she was going to pitch a fit, like some out-of-control toddler. I took a deep breath and motioned her to talk to me. After all, since she’d made such a bold stand to call me out, she certainly had something to say.
Savoy angrily snarled, “I can’t believe you! You haven’t talked to me in two days. And before that, you claimed you were so busy. Either you got to work out or you got to hang out with the guys. You’ve got to do something for your mom or dad. Shucks, you don’t even have time for me. Then my brother gets me out of the house and I find you flirting with a whole bunch of high school girls. You better be careful, or else you’ll be in jail for child molest…”
“Okay, see, I’ve had enough,” I told her quickly, cutting her off. “Why are you being the over-jealous type?”
When she looked down, unable to respond, I figured maybe every girl had it in her. I cou
ld relate. I was certain that I didn’t want to see her with another guy, but she shouldn’t just assume that I was dissing her. I knew that no matter what I said, there was no way I was going to win. “So you can’t answer me? You can’t respond.”
She shook her head. “Naw, I know you won’t understand.”
I said, “Try me. Say something. I don’t appreciate you trying to humiliate me.”
“You care more about what everybody else thinks instead of what I think.”
“No, you don’t respect me.”
“Like you respect me,” she said. “Please, Perry, if you did you wouldn’t lie to me. We’d be together. You’d make me a priority.”
She just went on and on whining. It was so annoying. I had a lot of pressure on me. A lot of people were pulling on me from all different kinds of directions. We said we were going to be an item, wasn’t that enough for her?
“Just forget it, Perry. I don’t even know why I try. I don’t even know why I cared.”
She left the restaurant. Like a nut, I followed her. I thought about my sister Payton. If there was one thing I had learned from her, it was that during a certain time of the month girls went cuckoo. Maybe that was the case with Savoy, so I went over.
Gently, I stroked her soft brown hair. “So is it that time of the month for you or something?”
“Why does it have to be all of that? Can it be that I just want you to care? I don’t understand why it’s so hard for you to understand.”
“You can’t put limitations on me.”
“I didn’t.”
“I’d think you’d understand that I haven’t seen my friends or my family in practically months. With all that I have had to balance—from trying to be an A student to showing out on the field—it’s just been one thing after another. Finally, I get the good news that I’m going to have the chance to play in the big game and I can’t even celebrate.” I sighed. “I mean, if you want to know everywhere I go, if you want to sign off on every little thing I do, then honestly this might be too much for me.”
“Okay, forgetting me, putting me aside, Perry, could you honestly say that the Lord would be pleased at what you’re doing right now? Don’t you think that He would see your actions as a little suspect for a guy who is supposed to have a girlfriend?”
“Savoy, the Lord knows what’s in my heart and I know He wouldn’t condemn me because of something Damarius does. Yeah, he has five girls hanging on him, but they ain’t hanging on me.”
“Whatever. They are not around him because of him. Everybody knows who you are. I have heard the buzz. Every girl in this barbeque joint wants you smothered between two slices of toasted bread. You’ve got ‘potential millionaire’ written all across your forehead. Are you stupid? Do you not see?” Savoy came at me worse than an attack dog.
Standing my ground, I said, “I told you I didn’t want a jealous girlfriend.” It was almost like she was about to hyperventilate, so I paused.
“Well, excuse me, but if you would be more of a boyfriend, and give me the same things that you expect from me, we wouldn’t have these issues. And to answer your question from earlier, yes, I’m on my period right now. So I’m sorry for hitting you in public and all that. I wasn’t trying to embarrass you. I was trying to get your attention; either you want to be in this relationship with me or you don’t.”
“Well, it can’t be just your way. If you’re saying those are the terms, then bye.”
She turned around and threw her hands up in the air. Deep down I cared a lot about her. Way more than I ever did for Tori. I loved her, I just wanted to be cautious and keep my heart guarded. I wasn’t trying to downplay all that she was saying, but I didn’t see myself as all that either. Maybe God could help me to check myself.
Alright, Lord, if I’m wrong for having a little time for me, show me. If I’m supposed to be with Savoy, You need to show me how she and I can make it.
Damarius and Cole walked up to me and Damarius said, “That’s what I’m talking about. Let her walk away. You the man!”
When I was back at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Coach Red addressed the team in a frustrated tone. “Men, I’m disappointed in you. You’ve got to be self-motivated to make it to the top. No one can give you the desire to become the best. You’ve got a National Championship game to play and I know most of you went home for the full week off I gave you. Now most of you look like you haven’t even worked out while away from our trainers and the facility.”
The talk was that coach had been going crazy. We knew it was stress from sportswriters speculating that another team should have gotten in the big game, not us. We heard we got voted in because of the politics Coach played. He had a lot of pressure on him.
I didn’t know why he thought we were unfocused, why he thought we didn’t care. Just because we wanted to be around our families didn’t mean that we weren’t taking this seriously. I scanned the room and knew every player in there had the heart to win. Saxon raised his hand.
“Yes, Lee. What do you want?” Coach Red snapped.
“Coach, I just wanted to say that you told us we could go home. If that’s not what you wanted, why’d you say it was alright?”
“I wanted you guys to make the decision to stay. When you’re about to play in a big game, the biggest one you’ll ever play in your life, you forgo some things. This National Championship game is it; you’re getting a chance to play at the most outstanding level. I wanted my men to think, to be in the Championship game and to perform that night while millions are watching. You got to be on your toes. You got to be willing to sacrifice. If you say you want to win, you’ve got to give it your all,” he said, shaking his head. “Yeah, I told you you could go, but I didn’t think you would. But I can’t cry over spilt milk. Y’all are going to clean it up. Get out there and do a hundred suicides up and down the stadium steps.”
We all grumbled.
“GET OUT THERE NOW!” he yelled.
Quickly, we fled out to the stadium. A line formed and we jogged the stairs. Of course, after twenty-five we were all tired.
“This proves my point. You guys didn’t train hard enough this week. But that’s okay because we’re going to be ready for USC. Those Trojans are going to be ready for a war and we’re going to give them one. Strap on your swords, bees, and let’s lead ’em on to the hive,” he said as our team got fired up.
Two days later, we were on a plane heading down to Miami. I had always heard that the bowl games were something special, but to be in the biggest bowl was something special all in itself. And to play in it as a freshman, I truly was psyched.
As soon as we got there, the hotel’s upscale lobby was swarming with press like we were celebrities or something.
Lenard came up to me with one of the other defensive guys and said, “Alright, bonding time.”
“Just because we have the night off doesn’t mean we need to go out on the town,” I said, reminding them of the coach’s philosophy. Just because an opportunity presents itself doesn’t mean you have to seize it.
Lenard grabbed me by my collar and said, “Quit being a wimp. You’re supposed to enjoy this time. You may have an opportunity to come back out here, but as seniors this is our last shot. We are up in the house and Miami here we come. You coming with us?”
“Yeah, I’m coming to keep y’all out of trouble,” I said reluctantly. He was right—we wouldn’t be here together like this again.
Unfortunately, the spot we chose was a bar full of Trojan fans. It wouldn’t have been that big a deal, but Lenard was sporting his Jackets jersey. The crazy looks we got were eerie.
As soon as we ordered from the bar, a drunk bald guy yelled out, “The sorry Yellow Jackets are in the house.”
I said, “Let’s just go, guys.”
“Nah-unh. I’m not about to leave without my drink,” Lenard said.
I didn’t have a good feeling, but what could I do? We sat down at a table, and tried to mind our own business and wait for the waitress to
come and take our food orders. Then the same drunk fool came up to us with a few of his buddies and started a brawl.
He said, “I know you guys don’t think you’re going to win.”
“Alright, man. Whatever. Nobody is mad that you’re a Trojans fan. Just get out of our face and we’re cool.” Lenard said, and held up his hand in a peace sign.
Unfortunately, the guy didn’t go away. “I know your new little freshman quarterback thinks he did good in the ACC Championship game, but we’re gonna smash his head in. Who does he think he is? He’s so stupid that he got himself ejected for betting on the games. Well, you better get ready to lose because your tired defense ain’t much better. Shucks, you all shouldn’t have even been playing in this game.”
“Okay, I’ve had enough of him, y’all.” Markus stood up and pushed the guy into a corner.
It was on then, with everyone fighting from one end of the bar to the other. At first I watched, but if I was anything, I was loyal. There were only a few of us, so my punches had to count. In no time, I heard sirens and folks started scattering.
I grabbed Lenard off of a man, then yanked on Markus. I shouted, “We’ve got to get out of here now!”
But before we could get away, the police herded us into a corner with the rest of the customers. I couldn’t believe the mess we were in. It didn’t take law enforcement long to figure out who we were and haul us away. It seemed like an even shorter time passed before an angry Coach Red showed up at the precinct.