Forgive Me by Stacy Campbell Page A

James.
    â€œNobody invited you here, so you can go back to that skinny tramp you’re living with and leave us alone.” Darnella jumped from her seat and stood in James’s face. “You’ve done enough damage to her.”
    Lance pulled Darnella’s arm to quiet her. “I called him here. There’s no cause to make a scene. Let’s step outside to discuss this.” Lance turned to Maxine. “Watch Jeremiah while we go outside to talk.”
    Darnella folded her arms in defeat. She followed Lance and James outside to the parking lot. Lately, Lance had been going behind her back, disrespecting her wishes, and making things difficult between them. Doesn’t he care that our daughter almost died over all of the drama James caused? She would have never gone after her friend’s husband if he had been taking care of his family in the first place. Not to mention that nut he slept with and created a bastard. “Deadbeat,” said Darnella.
    â€œWhat did you say, Mrs. Stanton?” James asked.
    â€œI called you a deadbeat, and I didn’t stutter,” said Darnella.
    â€œEnough, Nella,” said Lance.
    The three of them found a bench outside the facility. Neither chose to sit.
    Lance turned to Darnella. “I’m not saying this more than once. You’ve kept this man away from his child long enough. You’re walking around here all self-righteous and you’re not considering Jeremiah.”
    â€œWhat’s there to consider? James hasn’t been—”
    Lance put his hand up to silence Darnella. Lance faced James. In his desire to make sure his grandson had a father figure, he didn’t want to appear to be against his wife. “Son, in Darnella’s defense, you haven’t reached out to Jeremiah. We know you’re busy with your businesses, but he needs you.”
    â€œWith all due respect, Mr. Lance, I call my son every week. Whenever I call, Ms. Nella says he isn’t available or he’s across the street with Ms. Maxie.”
    They faced Darnella now. 
    â€œMatter of fact, I send him a check every week, so the two of you don’t have to struggle to provide for him. I know you’re doing well in retirement, but I make sure to take care of him. I’m not the villain someone wants me to be,” James smirked.
    â€œDarnella, is this true?”
    Darnella shifted uncomfortably and held on to the bench. She pursed her lips and said, “So what! Look how long it took him to step up to the plate and handle his business. I’m supposed to let my guard down again and let him hurt Aruba?”
    Lance sat now, baffled by his wife’s selfishness. He had no idea James had put forth so much effort to stay connected to Jeremiah. He wasn’t sure the past could be erased, but James deserved a chance, and as long as he was around, he’d make sure he got it.
    â€œWe can’t see her right now anyway. I suggest we see what the doctors say. We can stay here for a few hours and figure out what we’ll do tomorrow.”
    Darnella ignored Lance and headed back inside the hospital. James sat near Lance. They each felt a newfound respect for the other.
    â€œI know I messed up, but I don’t want another man raising my child. Aruba might not want to be with me again, but I think it’s worth a try.”
    â€œI’m no stranger to infidelity. Hell, neither is Darnella. I think she’s sore because she doesn’t want you to hurt Aruba again. But y’all are grown and have to work this thing out yourselves.”
    â€œI’ll be here a while. I booked a hotel for a week, but after the blowup we just had, I might look into renting a house. Jerry can spend time with all of us. If I have to set up shop here to do hair, I will.”
    â€œDo what you have to do to get your woman back, James. You have my blessing.”

Chapter 10

    D r. Outley Shipman met with Aruba at ten the next morning.