Mama's Boy by Reshonda Tate Billingsley Read Free Book Online Page A

babysat Jamal when he was young. Gloria flashed an apologetic look at Elton, then stood and followed Lena out.
    Naomi was sitting on the bench in the vestibule, laid back, her plump legs spread eagle, one usher fanning her, another holding her hand.
    â€œNaomi! Are you okay?” Gloria asked, sliding on the bench next to her.
    Naomi groaned.
    â€œShe peeked in the sanctuary, then she just collapsed,” one of the ushers said. “She said she’s feeling dizzy.”
    Gloria put her hand on Naomi’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever. What’s hurting you?”
    Naomi’s voice was weak as she said, “I just feel faint. Can you take me home?”
    Gloria was about to reply when she noticed the two nosy reporters stepping out of the sanctuary.
    â€œIs everything okay?” one of them asked.
    She tried her best not to be rude, but their intrusion was definitely unwelcome and they hadn’t come out here for any other reason than to see what was going on. “One of our members is sick,” Gloria snapped. “Is that newsworthy enough for you?”
    As if on cue, Naomi moaned again. “I think . . . I’m going to throw up.”
    â€œGet her to the restroom,” Lena said, grabbing her arm. Gloria took Naomi’s other arm and helped her up.
    The usher who had been fanning Naomi spoke up. “Service is about to let out. Can you take her to the restroom in the back?”
    Gloria nodded as she and Lena began walking away
    The reporters watched for a moment, then made their way out the front door.
    As soon as Gloria and Lena got Naomi around the corner, Naomi turned to Lena. “Sister Lena,” she said, her voice weak and raspy. “Thank you, but I think I just need to go home.” She clutched Gloria a little tighter. “First Lady, do you think you can take me?”
    Gloria raised an eyebrow. “Really?” All that she was going through and this woman wanted her to play taxicab?
    â€œI can do it. It’s no problem,” Lena said. “The First Lady is dealing with a lot right now, I can take you.”
    Naomi seemed like she was about to topple over and shegrabbed Gloria’s arms. Her fingernails dug into Gloria’s arm to the point that it made Gloria wince. And then, it hit Gloria. Naomi knew something. This whole passing-out, moaning act was so out of character for her. So it could only mean one thing.
    â€œI’m fine,” Gloria said to Lena. “I can use the air and I know my way around Naomi’s place. I’ll take her home, get her settled, and come back. Can you just let Elton know?”
    Lena hesitated, then nodded. “If you’re sure.”
    â€œI am.”
    â€œOhhhhh, I feel so dizzy,” Naomi moaned.
    â€œDo you need me to help you to get her to your car?” Lena asked.
    â€œNo. I’m okay,” Naomi quickly said. “Thank you, Sister Lena.”
    Lena patted her hand. “You just go get some rest and let us know if we can do anything for you. I make a mean chicken noodle soup.”
    Naomi nodded her appreciation, then turned and draped her arm further in Gloria’s as they walked toward the back.
    â€œLet me get my keys,” Gloria said, trying her best to stay calm.
    Naomi glanced back over her shoulder, making sure Lena was gone. “Let’s take my car.”
    The sudden urgency, and miraculous healing, shut down all of Gloria’s questions and she followed Naomi out through the kitchen, into the side alley, and to her car.
    â€œGet in,” Naomi said, suddenly moving fast as she motioned for Gloria to get in on the passenger side. Her eyes darted around the alley, then she climbed in the driver’s seat.
    A thousand questions ran through Gloria’s mind.
    â€œDo me a favor and lean down,” Naomi whispered as she started her 1990 Lincoln.
    Gloria’s heart began to race, but she did as she was told as Naomi’s eyes