“And beyond, really,” Cecily jumped in as if she’d been itching to get back into this fight. “You know the African American religious community may be spread out over this country, but what happens to one, affects us all. If a pastor steps down under suspicious circumstances, it shines a bad light on all pastors. If a First Lady leaves her husband, again, it shines a bad light on all pastors because obviously, the pastor must have done something wrong.” She shook her head. “This is bigger than you, First Lady. There are so many others that you must consider in this situation.”

“Nope,” I said in a tone that I knew would put them more on edge. But it was because I was so pissed. Who did they think they were to come into my office and make demands on my life? “The only people I’m considering in this matter are me, Jasmine and Jayden. Not even Jeremy counts in this situation. This is all about me and my children.”

“And I’m telling you it can’t just be about that.” Cecily slammed her palm on my desk and I was just a little too happy when she flinched. “That’s the most selfish thing I’ve ever heard.”

“I’m sure it’s not. I’m sure you’ve heard other things that are truly selfish.” I sighed and shook my head at the same time. “Ladies, I don’t know what else to tell you. I don’t have another way of saying this.” I stood up, but neither Sonya nor Cecily followed. “But I thank you for all of your concern, and now, I have so much work to do.”

“And we have work to do, as well,” Sonya said. “We are the black church trying to make a difference in this world for our people. On the First Ladies Council, we’ve done so many things, but much of what we do depends on outside donations and financing.”

I folded my arms and tilted my head. “What does that have to do with what’s going on with me and Jeremy?”

“This is what you don’t understand. It is all intertwined.” She clasped her hands together. “We are all connected. If this were to get out, if New Kingdom Temple were to fall because of you....”

Because of me? Me? I did nothing wrong! I held up my hand, stopping her. “I doubt if that would happen.” It took everything in me not to roll my eyes.

“Don’t underestimate your power or the force of this kind of scandal. There’s a church not too far from here who lost seventy percent of their membership behind an embezzlement scandal.”

“Exactly!” Cecily said, sounding like she was cheering Sonya on. “And there’s a church in Los Angeles that split right in half after their pastor had a scandal similar to this.”