When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody Page A

advise your husband that he needs to tend to the business of his church and leave the politics to me.”
    Lenora’s mother had gone to glory ten years ago, but she held fast to her mother’s rule to not say a word if you can’t say something nice.
    She stared at Charmayne. “I’m leaving now, let me out.”
    Charmayne unlatched the locks on the door.
    Lenora moved past her and quietly said, “Good-bye, Charmayne.”
    As she walked down the driveway, she ignored Charmayne calling out her name. For some odd reason, Charmayne lost her mind and forgot they both were grown women. When they were younger, Charmayne had to control the friendship and being the sheltered girl she was, Lenora followed.
    Not anymore. This time, Lenora meant it. She didn’t need to be disrespected by a woman who, time and time again, she’d been there for—both good and bad. Where was the reciprocity in their relationship?
    As Lenora opened the door to her Lexus, her mind switched to the man she had married. She knew her husband. Next to Charmayne, Jonathan was the most ambitious person she knew. Long before Jonathan took over the church for his father, he had dreams.
    She slammed the car door shut and hit the steering wheel. Lenora couldn’t understand why she seemed to be the last person to know about a possible decision that could be the final straw of their marriage.

Chapter Eleven
    Serena threw her hands up and shot out her question, “What about the Hudson Housing Development? You, Mayor Carrington, were really looking forward to that funding being approved before, but you don’t approve now when you did a few months ago. Why not? What changed?”
    Mayor Carrington eyed Serena. “That funding would be better suited to other projects here in Charlotte, in particular, transportation.”
    Despite the other reporters around her, Serena glared at Mayor Carrington. Knowing she had his full attention, she continued her badgering. “But the Hudson Housing Development has been on the city council’s agenda for many years now. Bishop William Hudson was an important civil rights leader, not just in that district, but in the city and state. Are you planning not to honor the wishes of this great man and for all that he fought for during his life?”
    The mayor looked like he wanted to walk from behind the podium and strangle her. The room grew quiet as he shuffled his papers. He reached for the microphone and started to speak, but then shut his mouth. Mayor Carrington finally responded with a strained voice.
    â€œMs. Manchester, we all loved Bishop Hudson and what he did for Charlotte. We have had much funding appropriated to several housing developments the past few years and now it’s time to invest in transportation. It’s vital to this rapidly growing city.”
    â€œBut—”
    Mayor Carrington glared at her. “Ms. Manchester, I believe you have asked enough questions. Please let someone else have a turn.”
    Not to be put in her place, Serena pounced back. “Well, I’m sure everyone here has the same questions that I have. I mean, it’s known that there is a split on the council right now and with it being an election year, the people need to know where you and other council members stand on this issue.”
    The mayor gripped the sides of the podium. “There are some disagreements, but we are dedicated to making the right decisions for the city that we serve.”
    A host of reporters suddenly held up their hands and began to shout questions.
    Mayor Carrington said, “This press conference has come to close. Thank you for attending.” He walked away from the podium, leaving the unanswered questions lingering in the air.
    Serena smirked. “Just like a politician, never giving all the facts . . . or the truth, for that matter.” She placed her notepad and phone in her bag. Inside her bag was the folder Lance Ryan gave