The Real Housewives of Adverse city 3 Read online

  The Real Housewives of Adverse City 3

  Shelia E. Bell

  © 2018

  Smashwords Edition License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced mechanically, electronically, or by any other means without prior consent of the publisher, except brief quotes used in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people living or dead, or to real locales are intended are to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity in other names, characters, places, and incidents is purely coincidental

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  The Real Housewives of Adverse City 1 and 2 Reviews

  “Excellent Reading. I enjoyed all the characters. In this book. It shows that regardless if you are well off financially that if God is not in the midst, you can still be poor in spirit…” Mrs. A.

  “Well written sequel. The sequel immediately placed you back in the lives of the housewives. The drama from the original picks up after the aftermath and everyone is trying to piece their lives back together. When you think healing is possible. Pastor Carlton’s secrets always find a week to creep out and impact the circles and the community. This is a good read and I’m sure we all can relate to some of the characters.” Flenardo

  I absolutely love this author. Shelia Bell breathes life into every character. By the end of the book, they become friends. And you can't wait to see what they'll be doing next. Kym Hooper-Moore

  “Fast paced and exciting but still spirit-filled. I enjoyed both of the books in the series and look forward to the third. They deal with the struggles we have in life, albeit in a more glamorous and sensational way, lol! But I think there were some real nuggets of truth because designer clothes and

  I enjoyed both of the books in the series and look forward to the third. They deal with the struggles we have in life, albeit in a more glamorous and sensational way, lol! But I think there were some real nuggets of truth because designer clothes and fancy cars can't cover the ugliness in our hearts. Only God can deal with that. Reviewed by LuvAGoodBook

  I met this author in Memphis a few years ago and was truly impressed with her work. Once I dove into the lives of the housewives. I was freaking hook. She designs every character to leave a permanent stain on your brain. This book was better than watching any reality show on TV. Author Shelia Bell always starts her work off with a fascinating quote to jump start the chapter. These ladies are rich, famous, and scandalous. Each one has secrets and their husbands are no better. From the church to the closet. This book will have you gasping for breath with every page turn. It’s a good thing I was behind because I order the sequel as soon as I finish the first one. Love it! Flenardo

  This book was drama from beginning to end. I don't usually read or watch anything regarding Housewives, but this piqued my interest. Meesha, Peyton, Avery, and Eva had a lot of secrets. Can't wait to read next book Reviewed by Ms. A

  Acknowledgements

  I acknowledge you Father God for being the amazing God that you are. I thank you for your provisions, for your protection, for your power in my life. I thank you because you have blessed me with gifts and talents that are beyond my wildest imagination.

  I thank you, God, for loving me enough to bless me with the best sons, grandsons, and great grandchildren in the universe! I thank you for my family and for my friends. I especially thank you for your favor, God, and for your constant provision.

  I thank my readers because you continue to support me, believe in me, and push me. Thank you for having the desire to read my work. Thank you for supporting me and encouraging me to keep doing what God has called me to do. I remain eternally grateful.

  I thank my editor and publisher, Lacricia A’ngelle, of His Pen Publishing. Lacricia, thank you for your prayers, your belief in what I do and for always giving me a word of inspiration or telling me what ‘thus says the Lord.’ Thank you for speaking life into me. You are a true gem and one of my dearest and bestest friends in the world. May God richly bless you and pour out blessings in, over, and through your life that you won’t have room enough to receive.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Words from the Author

  Chapter 1

  “God ain’t made nobody that he can’t handle.” Pastor Gladys Surles

  The ladies gathered at Red, The Steakhouse, one of Avery’s favorite eateries along St. Pointe Beach. It had been some time since they’d had ladies’ day out and the four of them were looking forward to catching up on what had been happening in each of their lives.

  Peyton had her driver to bring her to the restaurant since she was still immobile because of her car accident a few months prior.

  Meesha arrived first, followed by Peyton, then Avery, and last Eva.

  Eva approached the private glass enclosed VIP room of the restaurant where the other three ladies were seated. She walked in wearing large sunglasses and a stylish Stella McCartney jumpsuit.

  “Hey, girl,” Avery said first, followed by the others.

  Eva pulled out her chair and sat down at the table, speaking to each of the housewives.

  “Aren’t you going to take your glasses off?” Meesha asked.

  “I’m good,” Eva said. “I have an eye infection and the doctor advised me to keep light away from it as much as possible.”

  “The lights in here are low. You should be just fine,” Peyton said.

  “I’d rather not take any chances,” replied Eva.

  They waited on the servers to bring their appetizers and made small talk during the wait.

  “So, how have you been doing, Peyton?” asked Avery.

  “I’m good. Just tired of not having the freedom to get around like I want to. But the doctor says it shouldn’t be too much longer before I’m able to put weight on my legs.”

  “That’s good,” said Meesha.

  Peyton, along with the other ladies, sipped mineral water with lemon. She was surprised that she didn’t have the hard urge to drink like so many times in the past. Being out in a restaurant, especially one like Red’s, was a good test for her. Normally, she would be nursing on at least her third glass of vodka, but the craving was not there today, and for that she felt good.

  “Peyton, how is being celibate from drinking coming?” Avery asked, smiling.

  “Celibate? From drinking?” Peyton and the other ladies laughed. “Never heard it
put quite like that, but to answer your question, I’m good. It’s been hard but each day I’ve managed to fight off the cravings. It may have something to do with the meds they have me on for drinking, and I have to admit that the counselor I talk to everyday has been a lifesaver. Initially, I didn’t like the fact that I had to video chat with her every day, but I’ve come to look forward to it. And she makes an in-home visit once a week, so having someone to talk to who understands alcoholism and the struggles with it, has been a blessing.”

  “Won’t He do it?” Meesha said, and raised a hand in praise at the table. “There’s nothing too hard for God. Nothing.”

  Avery looked at her and slightly rolled her eyes. Meesha didn’t seem to notice.

  Avery rubbed her protruding belly in a circular motion. “Uhh,” she said.

  “The baby moved?” Meesha asked, looking at Avery.

  “Yeah. This boy is going to be something else,” she said.

  “I hear you,” said Meesha. “But you still don’t know what you’re having?”

  “If you mean have Ryker and I changed our minds about learning the sex of the baby? No we still want it to be a surprise. I just believe that it’s a boy. I’m calling those things that are not as though they were,” Avery said, trying to quote her own version of a scripture she’d heard in church more than once.

  "I started to do that, too but then Carlton and I talked about it and decided we wanted to know the sex of this little booger." Meesha patted her belly and smiled.

  “Avery, you’re going to be shocked if it’s a girl,” Eva said. “But I know you won’t care, as long as the baby is healthy.”

  “True,” Avery said, nodding. “But I’m telling you, this is a boy.”

  “If the way you’re carrying it is like folks say and like I’ve experienced, then you probably are having a boy. You’re carrying your baby low,” Meesha emphasized.

  “What does that have to do with anything?” Eva asked, still sitting at the table with her sunglasses on.

  “Well, there are several factors that help determine, though it’s not actually agreed on by doctors.”

  “Yeah, it’s old wives’ tales,” Peyton said.

  “What? Tell me,” Eva said.

  “Okay, if you’re carrying the baby out front, carrying it low, you didn’t suffer from morning sickness in your first trimester, and this one is funny,” said Meesha giggling, “if your right breast is bigger than your left, then it’s likely you're having a boy.”

  “I’ve heard it all,” laughed Eva. “We’ll see soon enough. So, Meesha you’re having a girl. Yayyy!

  “Yeah,” Peyton teased. “Your big belly is almost up around your neck. That chick is going to be huge.”

  "We thought it was going to be a girl, but the second ultrasound I had says it's another hard-headed boy. I don’t know what to believe."

  "That can still be wrong," added Peyton.

  "True that, but we'll see soon enough," Meesha stated, picked of her glass, and took a swallow of water.

  The server brought their meals and the ladies continued to laugh and enjoy friendly banter while they dined.

  “How much longer before you two drop those loads anyway?” Peyton asked.

  “I’m thirty-eight weeks,” Meesha said.

  “And I’m at thirty-five,” Avery said afterwards.

  “You have to be forty weeks for delivery, right?” Peyton added.

  “Yes, but I have a feeling Ryker the second is coming early.”

  “Some other old wives’ tale gives you reason to think that, too?” asked Eva.

  Avery shook her head. “No, I just have a feeling.”

  “Well, with each of my sons I’ve carried them to term and for my oldest son, I went past forty weeks!” Meesha said.

  “Okay, okay. Enough of the baby talk. Let's get down to some real nitty gritty. What’s going on with you and Carlton? How are things on the home front?” Peyton asked curiously while Avery’s eyes zeroed in on Meesha.

  The ladies waited for Meesha to respond.

  “I say things are pretty good. He’s doing everything he can to make things right. Ever since I came back from my sister’s it’s like we’re on a second honeymoon or something. Carlton was always attentive even though the church takes a lot of his time. He’s always made time for me and the children, but now it’s like he’s spending even more time with me.”

  “Does that mean he’s satisfying you in the boudoir, too?” Peyton boldly asked.

  “Peyton?” Eva said, in an embarrassed sounding tone.

  “What? It’s not like we’re kids here. Is Harper doing you right, Eva?”

  “Let’s just say that I have no complaints,” Meesha spoke up, while Eva almost choked on her mineral water as she took a deep swallow.

  “He can be quite ingenious when it comes to that in spite of this big belly.” Meesha rubbed her belly, looked down, and smiled before looking back up at the ladies.

  “Nobody wants to hear about that,” said Avery, almost shouting. The other ladies eyed her rather strangely.

  “What’s wrong with you?” asked Peyton. “Ryker not handling his business since he got you knocked up?” Peyton and Meesha giggled, while Eva frowned.

  “That’s none of your business,” Avery snapped. “And I don’t want to hear about what goes on in any of your bedrooms.”

  “Since when?” Peyton said.

  “Girl, just leave her alone, will you? Can’t you see she doesn’t want to hear about anything like that.” Eva spoke up.

  “Like what? Since when did we get all shy about talking about our love lives? You all kill me, acting all brand new!"

  “Okay, since you want to talk about love lives, how are you and Derek?” Avery retorted.

  Peyton suddenly turned crimson.

  “Ohhh, so look who’s embarrassed now,” Eva said.

  “Girl, please,” Peyton replied. “I’m not embarrassed about anything.”

  “Your face looks like a red apple.” Avery laughed, joined by the other ladies.

  “So what is it? How are you and Derek?” Eva asked.

  Peyton’s expression grew serious and rather sad. “Nothing’s changed between us. I mean, he’s been really nice and attentive, but we haven’t rocked the sheets since way before my accident. I don’t know what the future holds for us. I’ve been praying about it.”

  “You? Praying?” Avery said smartly.

  Peyton rolled her eyes. “He hasn’t mentioned divorce anymore and we are rather cordial. I mean, I just pray that what I’ve done hasn’t destroyed my marriage. I love Derek.”

  “Remember, nothing is impossible with God. I’ll continue to pray for you and Derek, and Liam too. How is he, by the way?” Meesha asked, sounding sympathetic.

  “He’s good. I think our relationship is on the mend. He checks on me before and after school. And sometimes on the weekends, he spends time with me. We may even watch a movie or two. He has asked me on occasion things about his mother, like the kind of person she was before she got strung out on drugs.”

  “And what do you tell him?” Eva asked.

  “I tell him good things, of course. It’s not like Breyonna and I were road dawgs or anything like that, but I did know her before she got on drugs. She was smart, a little wild, but she had things going for herself. Had she stayed off the drugs, there’s no telling what she would have become. But such is life. It happens to some of the best of us.”

  “Did they ever find anything else about who may have killed her in jail or if it was suicide?” asked Avery.

  “Nope, and to be honest, I don’t think law enforcement is trying to find anything else out about that. To them she’s just another dead dope fiend. It’s sad.”

  “Yeah, that is sad,” said Eva.

  “Well, enough of that talk. Eva, you and Harper still on cloud nine since getting back together?” Meesha asked.

  Eva cleared her throat. “Sure, we’re good.”

  “You don’t sound to
o convincing,” said Meesha.

  “Yeah, are you sure you two are doing okay?” Peyton urged.

  “Didn’t you hear her? She said they’re fine. You all can be so invasive and pushy. Dang,” Avery said. “Back off.”

  “You need to hurry up and drop that load cause you’re cranky as all get out!” Peyton retorted.

  “I’m just saying, enough is enough.”

  Silence suddenly filtered around the table while the ladies focused on their meals. Conversation picked back up toward the end of their meals, but it was mostly about whether or not they would be at church Sunday.

  “I plan to be there,” Eva said.

  “Me too,” said Avery.

  “Do you think Harper will be there?” Meesha asked. “I know how much you say he hates to miss church.”

  “He’ll miss coming home, but he won’t miss attending Perfecting Your Faith unless he has no choice,” Eva said, sounding disheartened.

  No one responded to her comment. Instead, Peyton said, “I hope me, Derek, and Liam will be there.”

  “At least you all still come to church as a family as much as possible,” said Meesha. “That’s a good sign.”

  “I guess,” said Peyton. “I just don’t want him doing anything out of pity. You know what I mean?”

  “I don’t think he’s bringing you to church out of pity. Derek doesn’t impress me to be like that. If he didn't want to come I think he would come out and say that. He’s really a good guy,” Meesha said.

  “Yeah, he is,” said Peyton.

  “What about Ryker?” Meesha asked.

  “What about Ryker?” repeated Avery.

  “I was just asking if you all plan on coming Sunday. You don’t have to sound so mean,” Meesha said, and frowned slightly.

  “As far as I know, we’ll be there.” Avery looked at her phone. “I have to go. It’s almost time to pick up the girls.”

  The other ladies glanced at their phones.

  “Yeah, it’s time I head to pick up the boys myself,” said Meesha.

  They gathered their purses and phones as they ended their ladies’ day out.