In New Orleans: In the bathroom with First Lady Blake. Sharonne waltzing in. First Lady Blake’s words, “She’s one of those wolves who wants what you have.”

Then in DC: At the District Winery. The woman sauntering past me, staring at me, then finally speaking to me. “I’m just in town to handle some...personal business. Take care of yourself now...Oh, and tell that fine husband of yours, I said hello.”

“I take it that you recognize that name.” I had to shake my head to bring myself back to the present and when I focused, I saw the concern in Sonya’s eyes.

Pressing my fingers against my lips, I whispered, “If he has a baby..."

My words trailed off, but Sonya picked up my sentence. “He doesn’t have a baby. She’s pregnant, and now what you have to do is help him face this head on. I’m not sure how far along she is, but there is still time for you to handle this — one way or another.”

Cecily leaned toward me. “That’s exactly what you will do. You will make sure that baby situation is taken care of and then, you will continue to walk in your place as the First Lady of New Kingdom Temple. You will walk with your head up, shoulders back as you always have and show every woman that no one can come for you. Jeremy Williams is your husband.”

“What?” Both of them sounded as if they were talking gibberish. Before they could respond, I said, “If he has gotten another woman pregnant....”

Again, Sonya didn’t let me finish. She added, “You will make him pay.”

That was exactly what they’d told Rena. It had been ridiculous then, it was beyond ridiculous now.

“I do not want a stupid car or a new coat. And I will not stand by my man.” I shook my head. “Not when he’s not standing by me.” Never!

“What are you talking about?” Sonya frowned. “I’ve seen you with Jeremy. Your husband adores you.”

Cecily piped in. “And, I’ve only seen you together once, when my husband was speaking at your church and Reverend Williams was singing your praises. I agree with Sonya. Your husband loves you. There is no need to go anywhere just because of this incident.”

“This is not an incident. You said he’s gotten someone pregnant.”

“And besides that,” Sonya continued, once again ignoring me, “there is so much at stake. You and Jeremy are poised for great things. From your church, to the TV show, and then, Jeremy called my husband to get his advice on this Amazon deal. The two of you are about to sign a deal for a million dollars or more. You can't throw all of that away. You can’t walk away. For a baby?”