Angelia Vernon Menchan is an author, publisher, mentor and creator of the #JUSTLOVEMINISTRY
Angelia’s work
Title: Grounded
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Release date: June 2017
Marissa’s mother had passed away a few years ago and the man who fathered her and had been a secret, showed up at the funeral with his protective entourage. After two days, he disappeared again but several months ago, Marissa received an inheritance from him that changed if not her life, it completely changed her bottom line and she needed to get away. The only thing she hadn’t done was tell Tomas. It no longer mattered how he felt about it, she was done. At fifty-three it was time to become grounded in taking care of Marissa.
Excerpt
Morgan arrived on time to escort his mom to La Sqala, a restaurant they could walk to. Unsure how to dress, Marissa wore a long flowing dress in dark orange that covered her up but was cool. Her locs were pulled up in a simple crown and she looked beautiful and rested. Morgan wore slacks and shirt which was so different from how she remembered her hip son but he was now an agent working on international affairs.
“I’m so proud of you, son.” Marissa said.
“Thanks mom, speaking of proud, my supervisor, General Dawes insisted on meeting us here and taking care of our meal. I kind of had to allow it.”
“No worries. Your supervisor is a general?”
“No, his name is General.” Morgan said, leading her to a table near lots of foliage where a tall, dark skinned man stood almost at attention. His presence was forceful and his face intense and non-smiling. His skin was smooth and his shoulders like boulders, Marissa noted. Damn, he’s good looking she thought.
“Mom, this is my supervisor, General Dawes. General, this is my mom, Marissa Sanders.” Marissa offered her hand and General took it shaking it firmly, looking down at Marissa who stared back.
“Hello Marissa, you must have been a child mother, you are beautiful.” General said, still holding her hand.
“No, I was quite grown. Thank you.” Marissa said, removing her hand from his and taking the chair, Morgan held out. Glancing at her son, she could sense some annoyance. After she was seated, Morgan and General took their seats.
“Marissa, I insisted on joining you tonight. Morgan is one of my most important assets and I needed to meet you. I apologize if it is an intrusion.” General said in a deep voice that sounded whisky soaked.
“It’s okay. I didn’t give him much notice and assets must do what assets do.” She said, picking up the menu. There was something about General that made her feel soft and warm and she was not in Morocco for that.
“The merquez is quite good.” General suggested.
“I don’t eat lamb or ground meat, but thanks for your suggestion.” Marissa said.
Glancing up, she told the waiter she wanted Maqualli which was chicken with citrine, couscous and baghrir, pancakes. She noted General watching her. After the men ordered, both lamb dishes, they engaged in conversation about Morocco and the area in general. General had been there for three years.
“What is it about Morocco you find so appealing General.” Marissa asked.
“I love the culture, the people and the access to other parts of the world. I have no reason to not be here. I’m no longer married and my family; meaning my parents are no longer alive. Work is my life.” He said and Morgan snorted, covering it up by coughing.
“Why are you here Marissa, other than to see Morgan?”
“I am at a crossroads….” She said simply and focused on her food. During dinner, Morgan’s phone buzzed and he excused himself to answer it.
“I’m taking you out tomorrow.” General said.
“Really?”
“Yes. I’m going to show you Morocco. I told Morgan.” Something about his words annoyed Marissa.
“That’s pretty arrogant. You are my son’s supervisor and you tell him you are taking me somewhere, knowing he can’t refuse. You are not my supervisor!” Marissa snapped. General’s mouth turned up in a small smile at her words.
“He could have refused but he chose to allow me to do this. Especially since Femma is graduating tomorrow and he wants to be there for her. What kind of mother would you be to get in the way of that?”
Marissa’s face flushed at his words but she didn’t say anything as Morgan returned to the table.
“Morgan, I told Marissa, I’ll be escorting her tomorrow while you attend Femma’s graduation.” Morgan’s eyes met Marissa’s.
“Mom…”
“It’s fine. I didn’t give you much time. I’m sure the hotel has tours.” Marissa said.
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll pick you up early.” General said.
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