Meeting Mariposa Urbana On The Interview Spot

New Upcoming Author Mariposa Urbana

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Well I'm from Jacksonville, NC and now I live in south Texas with my husband and my daughter. While working on my writing and seeing how far I'll get with it I'm also going to school for my Associates in Paralegal studies.

2.) I'm interested in the background of your name. How did you come up with pen name and what made you want to write under a nickname?

Mariposa Urbana is like a reflection of me back in Jacksonville. Even when I was surrounded by negativity I still remained who I was and I didn't let my surroundings change me. So the name Urban Butterfly came to mind. And I chose to write under a pen name because honestly I think my name sounds kind of drab, ha-ha.

3.) Tell us about your book D&K?

D&K is a love story/ street tale. Dyce is a the typical Nuyo-Rican (Puerto Rican from New York) and he's like the 'it guy' as far as the drug game goes but then he meets Kimori and then its like he starts to see life a whole new way. But unfortunately when they first meet Dyce is way to old for Kim so they become like brother and sister. Eventually the two hook up and become like the King and Queen of the streets. Their romance is like a crazy web of lies,drama,passion, and a whole lot of other craziness but I guarantee you that you will fall in love with these two.

 

 

4.) How does it feel being a first time author & where did your passion for writing come from?

I feel really really excited! I couldn't be happier.

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was younger I was always in a corner somewhere with my little notepad or journal writing poems or short stories. But I got really really serious once I read a few of the books published by Urban Books. I was like wow, you really can make it out there even if you aren't mainstream. So I said what the hell, I'll give it a shot.

5.) I did a little research and found out that you are also the co-host of AAMBC Radio Show! What is that like being a co-host and tell some of the readers who dont know what AAMBC RADIO SHOW talks about?

Oh my goodness I am so honored that Tamika was nice enough to let me do this with her and Anna. It's crazy fun! Its almost like just getting together and gossiping with your girlfriends sometimes. On the show we discuss the latest in book news, the hottest book of that week and have on amazing authors to talk about their newest projects.

As far as how it is to co-host it is really fun. Tuesdays are always hilarious, especially with Tamika. She cuts up every time, thats why you'll see that sometimes I call her 'Simona' because on air sometimes she is the Simon Cowell of the group. You just never know what she's going to say. Especially when she doesn't like the author or shes bored.

Here lately we had on Chunichi and it was amazing how chill she was. That's like the main thing that I love about co-hosting is getting to discover the person behind the book and then picking their brain about this topic or the next. Being on the show is definitely a great learning experience for me.

6.) Is your book based on a true story? If so, why did you decide now was the right time to tell your story?

Hmm answering this question could get me into trouble, just kidding. But yeah a lot of the things in the story are based on my life in Jacksonville. There was an actual Dyce in my life at one point in time but for one reason or another things just weren't mapped out right and the page was turned. I had started writing about Dyce when I first met him, I was a sophomore in high school and I'd write like in a journal and eventually the things from that journal along with my daily life because D&K.

7.) What, if anything do you want your readers to take with them after they turn the last page of your novel?

I'd hate to seem like I'm pro-illegal activities but the main thing I want people to understand is that if you do get caught up in the game be smart about it. And ultimately its important for everyone to know which moves to make and which ones not to. And mostly for the ladies, never allow a man to become your entire life. Don't forget about yourself.

8.) What are five fav facts that you would love to share with readers?

I'm a complete book junkie. I carry my notebook with me all the time in case inspiration comes. I write short stories almost everyday based on different scenarios i experience. I can also sing in 5 different languages. I'm completely obsessed with going green and natural hair.

9.) How do you feel about seeing your first review on Amazon and other websites that sell your book?

I have mixed emotions. I'm not really sure what to expect but I just hope that people aren't too mean. I'm a really big softy.

10.) What's next for you career wise and just personally?

I plan on continuing to write and working on getting my degree. But until my family and I settles on one town I'll just be the (not so typical) housewife ^_~

11.) Tell the readers how to keep up with you.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/mariposa.urbana.7

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMariposa

AAMBC Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aambc

Website: WildAtMidnight.com

Instagram @MariposaUrbana

 

 

Check out an Excerpt from Author Mariposa upcoming novel D&K

 

Synopsis

 

Dyce sees Kim arguing with her boyfriend one night and decides to step in. Kim is taken aback by the actions of this kind and handsome stranger. Soon a bond develops between Kim and Dyce. He takes her under his wing as a big brother would his sister. Dyce begins to notice a change in himself when he is around Kim. Being around each other all the time takes its toll and feelings develop and one day the two hook up.

            Kim gets into an argument with her mother and decides she’s had enough and she leaves. Dce has a condo he doesn’t use so Kim moves in there. When she is cleaning up Kim finds a tiny package of cocaine and begins putting two and two together. Right in the middle of confronting Dyce Trey comes with Kaila and tells Dyce that Lisa has been kidnapped. So Dyce sends Kim and Kaila off to another town while he and Lisa’s kidnapper goes at it. While they are away Kim and Kaila form a sort of mother-daughter bond. Kim gives the little girl all the love and attention her mother never gave her. Meanwhile Dyce rescues Lisa and things go too far between the two.  Lisa sees it as her opportunity to begin worming her way back into Dyce’s life. However it does the opposite and brings Dyce and Kim closer.

            Three months later after everything returns to normal Kim discovers she’s pregnant. Then once Dyce nearly dies because Trey didn’t have his back it comes into light that Trey was missing in action because he’d been sleeping with Lisa. This discovery of course results in Trey being exiled from Dyce’s crew. Trey doesn’t take the news too lightly and decides its time for him to have his own, including everything that belongs to Dyce. Trey now begins assembling his crew and becoming an informant for the police.

            In the meantime Dyce and Kim take a trip to New York. Being with Kim and knowing that they have a child on the way makes Dyce realize he’s ready to call the game quits. So he pitches Kim the idea of them opening a store in New York and leaving Jacksonville behind for good. But when Dyce sees his other ex he cheats on Kim and she calls it quits. She then goes into labor when she’s boarding the plane to go back home. Luckily, one of Dyce’s friends is on the same plane and he rushes her to the hospital. Kimori is so hurt over catching Dyce cheating that she doesn’t even bother trying to reach out to him.

            The next day Dyce’s uncle calls and tells him that he saw Kim and one of Dyce’s friends, rapper Voltio, on the front of a magazine. The story was an exclusive on Voltio and his girlfriend’s new born son. Dyce was beyond hurt as he read the details and saw pictures of Voltio by Kim’s side. Voltio was holding the baby and kissing Kim on the forehead. So now not only had he cheated, he missed their son’s birth.

            Once they got back home Dyce and Kim were more like roommates than husband and wife  Trey then begins, with the help of the police, s small but hostile takeover of Jacksonville. At first Dyce doesn’t acknowledge Trey until things get too real. First Trey breaks into Dyce and Kim’s house and takes their son. But then to prove exactly how easy Dyce is to get to Trey kidnaps Kim and Dyce is sent into an all-out kill mode.

            Dyce at first tries reasoning with Trey but once Trey forces Dyce to listen while he is violating Kim everything and everyone associated with Trey is marked for death. Dyce is all over town looking for Kim and killing off Trey’s mini mafia. Trey forces Kim to cooperate with everything by lying saying that he has her son and grandmother as well. But once she realizes that it’s a lie Kim uses her head and seduces Trey, distracting him so she can survey her surrounding and steal his cell phone.

            When Trey makes his second attempt at raping her Kim gets the better of him. Dyce arrives to find Trey badly beaten and his main sidekick dead. Kim then plays out a master plan to make it seem as if Trey had kidnapped and raped and beaten her. Then a kingpin he owed a debt to came to collect, beating up Trey and killing off what remained of his crew. When the cops came around Kim played her role perfectly and everything went smoothly. It was the perfect setting for them to begin their new legit life.

            In the end Kim finally gets the formal wedding of her dreams and they make plans to move away from all the craziness. But first they’ll go on a honeymoon in Puerto Rico where unbeknownst to Kim, Dyce is planning on setting up another operation. And the drama continues….

 

SAMPLE CHAPTER

While he was driving, Dyce imagined her hot and ready waiting for him. Little did he know that Kim was ready to light into his ass the moment he walked through the door.

“Hey ma-”

“What the fuck is this, Dyce?” Kim stood with one hand on her hip and the other held out the baggie. Dyce was dumbfounded. What the hell is that doing in here?

“It’s cocaine baby.” He sat on the couch. It was no use in lying. Kim wasn’t stupid.

“Glad you didn’t lie about it. Why didn’t you tell me about this?” She had tears of anger in her eyes.

“Kimori, if I had told you, would you have ever fucked with me?”

“Hell no!” She tossed the bag on the table.

“Exactly! Mami, from the moment I saw you, I knew I wanted to be with you. So I had to lie to you.”

“Save it, Dyce! Do you not know or care that being with you is dangerous?”

“Kimori, please.” Dyce pleaded just as someone knocked on the door.

“Dyce, man open up!” Trey said with urgency.

“Man, now isn’t a good time.” Dyce opened the door to see his friend holding Kaila.

“They took mommy!” Kaila cried.

“What?” Dyce took his daughter.

“They got Lisa man, Duke took her.”

“I saw them take her. Mommy made me hide in the closet but I saw them.” Kaila clung onto her father.

            Kim stood motionless as she watched. She felt so out of place amongst the chaos. Is this what my life is gonna be like from now on, she wondered.

“Mira baby, mira. Daddy’s going to get your mommy back okay? But for now you’re going to stay with Ms. Kim.” He pointed at Kim, who smiled despite feeling like she wanted to vomit. Dyce sat Kaila on the sofa then pulled Kim aside into the bedroom.

“Dyce what on earth-” She began.

“Mami look, shit is crazy right now, okay? Me and this guy been beefin’ for a minute. So you and Kaila are going to Wilmington for a bit okay?” He held her and stared into her eyes.             “Dyce I-” Kim burst into tears. All the drama was new and frightening to her. The last thing she wanted was to fall in love just for it to end over a kidnapped ex.

“Baby don’t cry. I’ll be okay and you will too. I love you, mami.”

            Kim nearly lost it, that was the first time he said I love you.

“I love you, too. Make sure you come back to me okay?” Kim’s heart melted.

“Claro que si. Now get going mami.” He kissed her goodbye.

 

             The ride to Wilmington was awkward. Kaila just stared at Kim and clutched her doll most of the way.

“Are you Daddy’s girlfriend?” Finally the little girl broke the silence.

“Yes.”

“Tu eres muy bonita.”

“Gracias, y tu también.” Kim smiled.

“Are you a geisha? You look like one.” Kaila yawned.

“No.” That made Kim laugh.

“Oh. When is Daddy going to get Mommy? You’re nice. Daddy gave you this?”  

            Kim smiled, she was happy that Kaila was now comfortable with her. She talked and talked. Kim loved her cute little voice. Kaila fell asleep by the time they got to the Sheraton. Kim felt so…maternally in sync as she carried Kaila to their suite. People in the lobby ooh-ed and ahh-ed at Kaila as they passed, telling Kim how beautiful her daughter was.

            Meanwhile back in Jacksonville, Dyce called a meeting at his house. Flat out Duke and his entire crew were going down. Only Dyce’s top goons would do the killing, because Dyce wanted it done brutally, but clean. Nothing left behind. His newer, sloppier recruits would be going out to get information on Duke and his partner Slim.

“And you know my only rule. Leave women and children out of it. I’m not saying if one of his bitches try to bust at you don’t kill her, shit by all means. Other than that, leave ‘em alone. Aite?” Dyce looked around to see if he was heard. “Okay then.” He dismissed everyone.

“Where’s Kim and Kaila?” Trey asked as he and Dyce walked down into the basement.

“Wilmington.”

“Oh. This is gonna be easy. Duke is just a lil’ nigga wit’ a big mouth.” Trey walked around the bar and grabbed a bottle of Skyy.

“I know. If that nigga is as stupid as I think he is, I’ll have Lisa by the end of tonight.” Dyce smirked.

            Later on that night while he and Trey were out checking up on things, one of Dyce’s goons confirmed he was right. Dyce smirked and chuckled. Little loudmouth fools always talk too much. In that short amount of time, they had gotten all the information they needed. So once 3 a.m. rolled around, Dyce and Trey were out front of Duke’s baby mama’s crib. Duke and his crew had gone to a local club and were bragging about how they had finally touched the untouchable through Lisa. Little did they know, Lisa and Dyce had been done for years now.

“Damn, do we have to go get her?” Dyce paused.

“You fucked up man.” Trey laughed.

            As predicted, Lisa was in the basement tied up. Nene, Duke’s girl, and her friends had been instructed to beat up Lisa and toss her in the basement. The girls had gone above and beyond their instructions. Not only did they beat up Lisa, but afterwards they literally sent her flying down the basement steps. Lisa couldn’t wait to get free.

            Duke was truly slipping. He just assumed no one would think to check Nene’s for Lisa. So Nene was alone with nothing but a pit bull, which Trey quickly silenced upon entering.

“Surprise bitch!” Lisa woke Nene with a punch to the face.

“You dumb white bitch!” Nene held her mouth and tried to swing back, but Lisa got the best of her and jumped on her and started wailing on her face.

“Alright, alright. Go get in the car.” Dyce snatched up Lisa and rolled his eyes.

“Thank you!” Lisa snatched the gold locket from around Nene’s neck.

“You better watch your back, hoe.” Nene warned as Lisa walked out. Lisa turned around and started to curse her out, but Dyce interrupted. He was around her for two minutes and already she was getting on his nerves.

“Lisa!” He snapped and pointed to the door. Lisa slung her hair over her shoulder and retreated out past Trey who was rambling through Nene’s things.

“Check this out mama,” Dyce sat on the foot of the bed. “Tell your boy to keep his eyes open. Make sure you get all you can from him now, he won’t be around much longer.” Dyce winked, and then left.

            During the next few days, Dyce and his crew wreaked havoc on Duke’s spots. As soon as Duke’s crew realized that it was Dyce’s men running up in their spot, most of the time, they just gave up. Duke’s micro empire was falling like dominos under Dyce’s command. Duke didn’t know what moves to make anymore. Dyce had him beyond shook as he proved just how easily he could get at him. Then just as quickly as all the assaults started, they stopped. Dyce fell back for a few days to let Duke’s mind wander.

            Dyce really wanted to call and talk to Kim and Kaila, but during times like these that was never a good choice. He didn’t want to somehow put them in danger by talking around the wrong people, or be distracted by them and endangering his own life. He smiled as he looked at pictures of Kim on his phone.

“Hey.” Lisa came into his room.

“What do you want? It’s one in the morning.” Dyce’s smile faded.

“I miss you, and,” She sat in his lap. “I wanted to thank you for saving me.” She slid off his lap and got in between his legs on the floor.

“Lisa, what the fuck you doing?! Stop!” He pushed her away as she reached for his belt buckle.

“Dyce, you know you want me.” Lisa opened her robe and let it fall to the floor.

“Bitch! Don’t think for one second I forgot how you tried to set me up. The only reason your money hungry ass is still breathing is because of Kaila. Get the fuck outta my room.” Dyce shoved her away.

“Fuck you, Dyce!”

“I know you want to, but that’s Kim’s job now.” He smirked.

“She can’t handle this better than me.” Lisa rubbed her hand against him and nibbled on his ear. She knew that used to drive him crazy. Once again, she slid down to her knees.

“You know it is true what they say about white chicks. Ya’ll are quick to give head.” Dyce laughed. “Get the hell outta here with that.”

 

            Duke was completely caught off guard as Trey and Dyce kicked open his bedroom door. His eyes were closed as he gripped his girl’s hips as she rode him.

“Get the fuck outta here.” Trey tossed the girl out of the way.

“What’s hood Duke?” Dyce sat on the foot of the bed and watched Duke tremble. “Look, I’m just gonna get right to it. You fucked up big time, bro. I could care less that you kidnapped Lisa, but you scared my daughter.”

While Dyce was talking, he looked into the mirror on the headboard and saw the girl trying to sneak up holding a shotgun. Before she could even get into the room, Trey slumped her. Duke jumped.

“Stop shaking, you lil’ bitch!” Trey spat at him.

“50% of everything you make comes to me. Understand? We’re business partners now. Don’t mess up a good thing. I don’t want to ever have to come look for you.” Dyce stood about to leave, but then paused by the door. “Big brother know that you was fucking his girl? Good luck explaining this to him.”

            Duke threw up all over the floor once Dyce left. He thought his heart would burst from his chest he was so scared. He couldn’t believe Dyce had found him, and on top of that Gina was dead. How was he going to explain it to his brother what she was doing over there anyway?

 

 

 

 

 

The Talented Author Hannah Spivey On The Interview Spot

 

Bio
Hannah has always been an imaginative young girl since her early years in middle school. Like many young introverted girls, she experienced bullying from her peers. She found comfort in being able to escape through her writing and found it as a way of release. Fiction has always been her specialty and she invites readers into her world of fantasy, realness, and rawness. Hannah has a way of influencing her readers and emotions and making them expect the unexpected. She enjoys pushing the grain and stroking her pen until it's empty. By then, the story is complete and is saturated with everything in a nutshell.
Ms. Spivey was raised by her mother and father in South Florida and she has one sister. She obtained her Associate's degree in Business Administration. She is a continuing ghost writer and freelance writer. Hannah is a strong advocate against domestic violence and plans to continue spreading the word against it through her novels, she is currently working on her second novel called "The Bold and The Ugly Truth" and her fourth E-book "Perspectives". In addition to her first novel "Ebony the Beloved", Ms. Spivey has previously written and published three short story e-books: "My Sherry Amor", "Payback is an S.O.B" and "Lloyd Tube". Hannah's favorite authors include: Tracy Brown, Carl Webster, Mary Monroe, and Kimberla Lawson Roby. She enjoys listening to R&B and watching old television shows. She is also an advocate for natural hair and natural beauty.

 

1.) Hi Hannah I am glad to finally have this interview with you.
Could you introduce yourself to the readers for us?

Thanks, Jana. It is an honor. Well, my name is Hannah D. Spivey and I am the author of "Ebony the Beloved" and I am working on my second novel called "The Bold and the Ugly Truth." :)

Synopsis

Ebony has been condemned and rejected by her parents and peers all of her life. Like many other black girls who grew up weary to face life, she struggles with the adversities of being impoverished and accepted for who she is. After being mentally, emotionally and sexually abused, Ebony still struggles to fight her way to the top, never fully realizing what her worth is until she finds love and acceptance from one of the faculty members at her school. From that point on, things began to blossom for her until she meets a smooth operator named, Desmond Waltz.

Desmond is a world renowned entertainer who takes a sudden romantic interest in Ebony. His hidden sadistic and sexually devious desires for her erupt into rage, abuse, and imprisonment. Not only is Ebony's world turned upside down, but she has to deal with Desmond's desire to see her suffer under his thumb, but she is also subjected to his domineering mother, who hates her and abuses her every time she gets, leaving Ebony beaten and bloody and begging for the pain to stop.

Will Ebony be able to break the perpetual cycle of abuse, self-hatred, and anguish? To what end is Ebony willing to go to finally be happy? What happens next in this riveting novel has twists and turns that will have your jaw dropping.
 

2.) I LOVE the title of your novel, "Ebony The Beloved" How did you come up with the concept of the story and what fueled you to pen this novel?
Thank you! I initiated the book based off some of my own  experiences and I was inspired by books I've read by Kimberla Lawson and Mary Monroe, who wrote books about young girls who were abused. While writing this book, I decided to take the plot up several notches and hold nothing back. I wanted to make the plot as relatable, real, and raw as possible. Like Toni Morrison said, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”

 

3.) What do you want readers to learn from the character Ebony in this story?

 I want people to know that they can overcome anything they put their mind to.

4.) When did you begin writing?

I became a serious writer when I wrote "Ebony the Beloved"

5.) Now are you a self-published author and could you tell upcoming writers the process of becoming a self-published author?
I'm not self-published, but I am in the process of self-publishing my second novel. Once you purchase your own ISBN, you're the publisher of your own book. It isn't a lengthy process to become a self-published author. Everything is at your finger tips and you can buy an ISBN within minutes. Then you title your imprint and you can publish your book through Createspace, which I highly recommend because they're very inexpensive.

6.) I also learned that you have written for other's which is known as a ghostwriter. Could you tell us a little about that experience? Well, I haven't really had the opportunity to branch out as a successful ghostwriter, but if I am presented the opportunity, I'd take advantage of it.

7.) What are interest do you have?

I plan to write many more books and I have a trademark word that I cannot disclose at this time, but...it's going to have a lot of people talking, lol

8.) You have attained your associates degree in Business Administration, do you also work outside of writing or is writing a full time career for you?

I work outside of writing, but I'd like to become a full-time writer, though.

9.) It's also nice to know that you are a natural hair girl, what piqued your decision to go natural and was it a difficult journey for you?

No, I've been natural all of my life. So, the process wasn't difficult. I wanted to go natural because I got tired of spending money on relaxers and Janelle Monae inspired me to return to my natural roots.

10.) What's next for you in the literature world?

I'll be publishing more books.

11.) Tell the reader's how to keep up with you and your upcoming projects.

 They can find me on Twitter @Bossladywriter and my fan page is Hannah Dorothy Spivey.

 

 

 

Now Let's Take A Look At Ms. Hannah's Upcoming Novel!

The Bold and the Ugly Truth

Chapter 1.) In Jesus Name, Amen

Samuel looked straight into the camera lenses. His posture was straightened and he stared

into the eyes of America. He looked rather distinguished in his navy blue pinstripe suit.  His

processed hair was sleek like Duke Ellington’s and his stoned  facial expression gave him a

masked look. As soon as he opened his mouth, you would think Billy Dee Williams died and

 reincarnated himself inside of him. Samuel sounded precisely like him—Cool, Calm, and

Collected. When he spoke, it was like the whole atmosphere came to a standstill. 

“To all the soldiers in the Middle East, I’m going to pray for your safe return. I take my hat

off to all of you for selflessly defending our beautiful nation. My heart also goes out to the

families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty. I want to take this god sent

opportunity to praise our father.  Let us all pray. Samuel closed his eyes and he put both of

his hands together. “Dear Lord, I ask if you can lay your hands on the brave soldiers who are

sacrificing their lives for this wonderful nation. I ask if you can bring every last one of them

back home in one peace so that they can reunite with their loved ones. As for those who

weren’t fortunate, I know it was in your will. They are now in your hands and they will forever

live on through their families. You are the reason for the season and I love you more than I

love myself.  I will lay my life down for you. In Jesus name…Amen.

“Amen” The congregation repeated in unison.  Samuel finally opened his eyes.  His prayers

were always powerful and  heartfelt. His members always commended him for his epic sermons

but they had no clue that his prayers and sermons weren’t genuine. If they were mind

readers, they would have been shocked by the thoughts that were jumping around in his

head. Because all the while he was thinking, “Christianity really makes my balls itch!”

 

 

Chapter 2.) Overbearing Father

Samuel was glad to finally be home. He sat in his La-Z-Y boy and he removed his shoes, he

was pooped.  “I sure can use a can of Miller Light” He thought. Samuel hadn’t consumed

alcohol since he took the pastoral oath at the World Faith Missionary Baptist Church 

nine years ago.  He released a frustrated sigh. His wife Pauline was in the kitchen preparing

supper while his daughter Chastity was upstairs watching “That’s So Raven.”  By this time, he

was normally in this office working on his sermon but he didn’t feel like doing anything that

night. All he wanted to do was get his mind off church, eat dinner, watch a movie, make love to

his wife, and call it a night. He was flipping through the channels until he saw the infamous

pastor Kerney Thomas acting like a world class fool. Pastor Thomas’s sermons were so devised

and comical, he could have won a Tony award for  “Best fraudulent Pastor.” The way

Pastor Thomas was hooping and hollering, people must have been out of their wits for taking

him seriously.  “This nigga is a fool ass clown but he’s funny as hell.”  Samuel thought.  He

felt a laughter coming on because  Pastor Thomas’s performance wasn’t going to allow him to

sit in his La-Z-Boy without laughing his head off.  As soon as Pastor Thomas screamed, 

“Gawwwwddd!” Samuel almost fell out of his seat.  He was laughing so hard, he nearly

choked on his tongue. His laughter and cough had alarmed Pauline. She quickly stormed into

the living room to see what was going on. “Are you ok, sweetie?”

Samuel finally sat up and cleared his throat. “Yes, baby everything is fine. I’m just

laughing at this silly pastor on television. Pauline screwed up her face as if she caught

Samuel watching pornography. “Lord have mercy. What on earth are you doing watching

that no good clown preacher? The network should pull the plug on his ministry. He’s got a lot of

nerve behaving the way he does. I ought to call that network and complain about his so-called

ministry.  He ought be ashamed of himself. The lord is going to strike the fakeness out of

him.” She huffed.  Whenever Pauline got upset, her nose would turn red like a Beet. 

“I couldn’t agree with you more baby but I give the man props for being a good comedian.”

Samuel laughed again. Pauline wasn’t the least bit amused. She walked over to the television

and turned it off.

“What did you do that for?! He complained. What he really wanted to say was, “Bitch have

you lost your damn mind?! But he didn’t want to incite an argument. Pn argument. Pauline was two months

pregnant with their second child and the last thing he wanted to do was upset her.

“Samuel Lee Baker, you are a man of the cloth.  Watching other pastors mock the Lord

is just wrong. You’re a best-selling author with over 40,000 church minions and a seven year

old daughter. You should be setting a better example than this.  What do you have to say for

yourself?” Pauline angrily asked and folded her arms.

 Samuel loved when Pauline frowned. It made her look even more stunning. Whenever she got

mad, she would wiggle her sharp nose and poke out her pouty lips. She stood at 5’9” inches

tall with her butterscotch complexion, full pouty lips, and striking yellow-brown eyes.

People constantly reminded her that she looked like Jada Pinkett-Smith and Kerry

Washington. Samuel felt his shaft rise like a biscuit. Her sexy frown was turning him on. He

stared at her and remained silent.  She was very familiar with that seductive look.

“Oh no, Mister! You aren’t getting off the hook that easily. Undressing me with your

eyes isn’t going to work this time.”

Samuel continued ignoring her and approached her. 

“Samuel, I’m serious.”  Pauline tried to muster up the most serious face as possible but it didn’t

work. Samuel slowly walked towards her and finally said, “I know baby and I’m sorry.” His 

Billy Dee Williams-like voice was enough to give her goose nipples. 

“Samuel, I’m not playing with you.”

Pauline was finding it difficult to resist a smile. “You look so sexy when you pout.”

He wrapped his strong arms around her waist and began showering her with kisses.

He started kissing on her neck and nibbling on her right earlobe.  She released

a moan and forgot about the way she scolded him earlier for watching Pastor Thomas Kerney.

The scent of Samuel’s cologne was intoxicating. She and Samuel could have

embraced each other all night long in that same spot without moving.  They

stared in each other’s eyes and began kissing. Samuel parted her lips with his tongue.

He picked her up and was about to carry her upstairs until he heard the doorbell rang.

“Ain’t this about a son of a bitch?!” He thought. Whoever it is that’s ringing his

door after 7pm have better have a good damn excuse for derailing his love making plans.

Samuel wanted to cuss out whoever the uninvited visitor was. He really wanted to ignore the

visitor. But the determined visitor rang the doorbell three more consecutive times. “Sweetie

let me go see who it is.”

“Come on, baby I’m sure it’s probably one of the girl scouts again,” Samuel protested

“What if it’s something important, Samuel; it could be a life or death situation.”

Samuel sucked his teeth and he finally put Pauline down. Pauline walked to

the door to see who it was.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Woodrow, open up the door!”  The deep voice demanded.

“Just a minute, Papa Woodrow!”

Woodrow was Samuel’s overly religious father. He was a proud and righteous man.

You see, Woodrow was a God fearing perfectionist who lived vicariously through the bible. 

No matter how hard Samuel tried to please him, it just wasn’t sufficient enough.

“It’s your daddy,” Pauline whispered. 

“Well, don’t just stand there. Let him in!” Samuel hissed. He wasn’t necessarily hissing at

Pauline. He was really mad at his father for inflicting himself upon him and his family at an

inconvenient time. As soon as Pauline opened the door, Woodrow rudely zipped past her

without acknowledging her presence.

“Hey, pop. What can I do for ya?” Samuel dryly asked.

“Son, I need a favor from you!”

Samuel looked at his father as if he told him he was dying from Prostate Cancer.

He wasn’t used to his father asking him for favors. He was immune to his father’s harsh

criticisms; therefore, being asked a favor by his father was very foreign.

“I need you to visit Sista Rosetta at the nursing home tomorrow morning. Because I plan on

going fishing with two of the deacons from Holy Mary’s Catholic Church.”  Woodrow’s

favor was more like an order.

“Pop, I have a sermon to do tomorrow and I plan to take Pauline and Chastity out for dinner

afterwards. Pauline and I haven’t been spending enough Quality together lately. Shouldn’t

your visit with Rosetta take priority over fishing with the other pastors?” Samuel was shocked

by his last sentence, because he never questioned his father.  Even though Samuel was a

grown man with his own family, he was somewhat intimidated by his father.  Woodrow was a no

nonsense disciplinarian and a pastor. Samuel’s mother died when he was born and

Woodrow had to raise him on his own. Woodrow made sure that his son was in church every

single day.  Whenever Samuel misbehaved, his father would beat him with switches, punch

him, and force him to read and recite the whole bible to him.  Samuel wasn’t allowed to have

friends and his father made him to listen to Gospel music. Samuel loved his father, but

he hated him for every punishment he subjected him to.  He still had welt scars on his back

from the switches his father inflicted on him.

“Are you sassing me, boy?!”

“No, sir” Samuel lowered his head with his hands behind his back.

“Young man, you are never too old to be disciplined. As long as I’m breathing, I’m still your

father. Remember the scriptures---Honor thy father and honor thy mother? Well you better

act like you know! Tomorrow you’re going down to that Nursing home after church and

you’re going to say a prayer for Sista Rosetta. Do I make myself clear, boy?”

Woodrow’s eyes were so wide, they looked like they were going to fall out of their sockets.

He wasn’t taking “No” for an answer. Samuel just stood there looking defeated.  No one said

anything for two seconds.  That was when Pauline finally broke the ice.

“Daddy Woodrow, what Samuel’s trying to say is that, he works very hard

and that he needs to spend time with me and our daughter. Honestly it isn’t fair for you to

renege on your promise to Sista Rosetta  by making Samuel pick up the slack.

“Umm, with all do respect, Pauline.  My boy is the one I’m talking to, not you. So I really

see no reason for you to voice your opinion. I mean, he is the bread winner and the man.” 

“I beg your pardon?” Pauline snapped.

“I’m sure you heard me clearly, Pauline. Perhaps you need me to use sign language to get my

point across.”  Woodrow retorted.

“Let me tell you one thing----”

Samuel intervened, “Pauline, why don’t you go into the kitchen and continue preparing supper.”

Just before Pauline could protest, Samuel wouldn’t allow her to get another word in edgewise.

“Pauline, please! I’ll handle it. Just go into the kitchen and continue preparing our meal, ok?”

When Samuel gave her a reassuring look, she shot a scowl at Woodrow, who was smirking like a

Cheshire Cat. She cut her eyes at him and stomped off into the kitchen mumbling incoherently

under her breath.

“Pop, you didn’t have to be so mean to her.”

“Look here, boy you are the man of this house and she’s woman of this house.

Her duty is to serve and obey you. Not question you or get into your Manly business.”

As Woodrow spoke, spit flew out of his mouth and specks of it landed on Samuel’s

upper lip. Samuel wiped it off with the cuff of his sleeves.” He was trying to choose

his words wisely. He didn’t want to say anything that could fuel his father’s anger.

“I love my wife. She is my rib and I treat her as an equal because she’s an important

aspect to our marriage.  I love her and our daughter very much.”

“Boy, let me tell you something. As soon as you give a woman too much power,

she’ll start bossing you around as if she’s the one with twigs and berries between her thighs. It’s

bad enough these women think they can do anything a man can do.  Samuel was about to

speak up, but Woodrow silenced him before he could utter another word.

“Boy, do not interrupt me while I’m talking.”

“Sorry, sir,” Samuel dropped his head like he used to do whenever her father scolded him for

being disobedient.

“Now as I was saying, ever since these women were granted the constitutional right to

vote and be treated fairly, they want to take over the world! If I had my way, they’ll

be at home, bare footed, pregnant, tending to their men and in church every day. That’s how

it was during the biblical times, son. You of all people should know that.  A woman should

always know her place. Don’t ever let your woman forget that. I didn’t raise no wimp. I raised a

man, understood?”

Samuel didn’t appreciate how his father pigeonholed women as servants. Listening

to his father’s chauvinistic views about women being inferiors was enough to make

him want to strangle him. It wasn’t like Samuel wasn’t physically capable of doing it.

He was five inches taller than his father and he outweighed him by a hundred pounds.

Samuel was built like a gladiator on the outside, but he felt like the same timid little boy on the

inside.

“Boy, look at me when I’m talking to you!”

Samuel obliged and gave his father full eye contact like a soldier in training. There

were times like these when Samuel despised his father for his callous and controlling

behavior.  Getting his manhood crushed by his father felt like a spit in the face. Woodrow’s

blunt words cut straight through the bone marrow. The best thing Samuel could say was, “Yes sir.”

Woodrow changed the subject as if nothing ever happened.

“Where’s my precious grand baby?”

“She’s upstairs watching TV.”

Woodrow shouted for Chastity as if he lived there. “Chastity, come down stairs

young lady. Your paw-paw is here!” He shouted.

Chastity was down stairs within 20 seconds.

“Paw-Paw!”

She ran to him and wrapped her skinny arms around his wide pot belly. You would have

thought she saw Santa Claus. Well Woodrow was like Santa Claus because whenever he

saw her,  he would always give her money or blow pops.

“How’s my only grand-baby doing?”  Woodrow smiled so wide, you could see every last one of

his teeth.

“I’m doing fine paw-paw. “ Chastity was adorable with her two thick long pigtails. She was a

ray of sun-shine and she was the spitting image of her mother.

“Are you reading your bible everyday young lady?”

“Yes, paw-paw” she innocently said.

“Good girl! Your paw-paw got something for you.”  Woodrow reached into his pocket and

pulled out his wallet. His fished 10 dollars out of his wallet and handed it to her.”

“Thank you, paw-paw”

“You’re welcome, doll.” Woodrow gave Chastity a bear hug and kissed her on the forehead.

“You be good!”

“Ok, paw-paw” Chastity was as happy as a lark and she skipped up the stairs.

It broke Samuel’s heart to watch his father exhibit so much affection to his granddaughter.

Woodrow has never been that affectionate to Samuel when he was Chastity’s age. All he

ever did was beat him and belittle him. He never even called him by his first name. He always

referred to him as “Boy” or “Son” He called him “Boy” when he was mad at him and he

called him “Son” when he was happy about something or when he wanted Samuel to do

something for him. One day Samuel promised himself he would never mistreat his future

children the way his father mistreated him.

“When is your wife dropping that little rascal she’s carrying?” Woodrow dryly inquired.

“She’s two months pregnant. The baby is due to arrive on April 15th.”

Woodrow released a grunt. Samuel wasn’t sure what his father meant by that.

“Well she better have a boy this time because males are already outnumbered

by females in this country. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love my granddaughter but I’ll be

completely happy when I have a grandson. On my father’s side, there

was nothing but males.  We baker men only produce males.  You and

Pauline are going to have a boy!”  Woodrow just wouldn’t let up. He was

talking as if he had the authority to decide which gender the baby was going to be.

He was way out of line and Samuel was hoping he would leave as soon as possible.

Fortunately his prayers were answered.

“Welp, like I said before, you’ll be visiting Sista Rosetta while I’ll be fishing with the

fellas.  I’ll make sure that you did what I told you to do. I’m going home to read my bible. I

won’t be having dinner with you tonight. That wife of yours is pretty but her cooking ain’t

worth feeding to the roaches.”  Woodrow chuckled at his own obnoxious comment.  Samuel

wasn’t amused.

“Good riddance.”  Samuel thought.

“See ya later, son.”

“See ya, pop.”

Samuel was crushed. He always allowed his father to get the best of him. In spite of him

being one of the most  richest, prominent and influential televangelists of his time, his father

still had a way of making him feel like a squished centipede.  Yep! Woodrow was a bonafied

mood killer because Samuel lost his appetite for dinner and sex. Those painful child hood

memories sent chills down his spine.  All he wanted to do was, forget about his father’s

impromptu visit and go straight to bed.