Almost Destroyed by Lakisha Johnson
Ava Gentry met Andre, thirteen years ago, when he was the officer who responded the night she was attacked. Years later, he’s still treating her like that scared and broken girl with no self-esteem in need of saving. Every chance he gets, he tries to destroy her with his words and actions leaving her feeling unworthy of love and respect.
The sad reality was it wasn’t the first time she’s felt this way. From being abused by her grandfather to even worse foster homes; suffering has almost destroyed her identity and ability to love herself.
But she’s had enough.
Finally standing up for herself, Andre throws her out, destroying her belongings while almost destroying her. On her own and starting over, she realizes the first thing she needs, besides a place to stay and a job is a relationship with God. Yet, things prove harder than she ever imagined, especially when trouble won’t let go, and neither will Andre.
In Almost Destroyed, follow Ava’s journey from heartache and brokenness to restoration and finding the strength to love herself again.
Targeted Age Group:: 25+
Heat/Violence Level: Heat Level 2 – PG
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
Being a Christian Fiction author, I’m often inspired by my love for God and His people. The majority of my books are centered around topics of faith, restoration, healing and etc. This book is no different. Ava’s story is for those who’ve found themselves picking up the pieces after a bad relationship. It’s for those who need the strength to find themselves again. This book was inspired to give hope.
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
The characters were inspired by the overall storyline. Ava is a 37 year old female whose been in a relationship with an older man for 13 years. Andre is a narcissist with no ability to love anybody but himself.
Book Sample
“Can we start over?” Andre asks.
“This conversation? Sure.”
“No, our relationship. Boo, I’ve made a lot of mistakes concerning you, especially the way I talked to and treated you. I took your presence for granted and now, if you’ll give me the chance, I will make things right. I’ll be a better man and well, here. I have something for you.” He smiles.
I place the napkin in my lap and take the envelope. Opening it, I shake my head.
“A $500 gift card?”
“I know it doesn’t cover everything I destroyed, but it’s a start and I promise to replace your computer too.”
“I’ve already replaced the computer but thank you.” I say putting the card in my purse.
“How? I thought you didn’t have money.”
“No, you assumed.”
We sit in silence as I finish the appetizer before pushing the plate away. “Andre, what’s my favorite color?”
His brows crease. “Um, white.”
“Green. What’s my middle name?”
“Janice, no Jackie.” He snaps his finger, excitedly.
“Justine. When is my birthday?”
“Why are you asking me all this?”
I pause while our food is put in front of us.
“Is there anything else you need?” Fred inquires.
We both nod, no.
“Enjoy.”
“Because you don’t know me. Andre, you don’t miss me. You miss what I do for you. The cooking, cleaning, paying bills and the sex. Any other time I’m fat, ugly, uneducated, sleeping my way to the top and nobody would ever want me. Today, I’m boo. Okay.” I laugh cutting into my steak. “Since we’re laying everything on the table, let’s be all the way real. You’ve never loved or hell, even liked me unless there was something in it for you. It didn’t matter how much I tried or gave it was never enough. Now, I’m supposed to accept the new you who magically appeared in three weeks when you’ve had thirteen years? No thank you. Pass the steak sauce.”
“You’re right. I didn’t put any effort into our relationship because, honestly, I didn’t believe I had too. Ava, you never required me to show you anything else.”
I chuckle. “So, it’s still my fault? If I was in the hospital, unable to tell the doctors and nurses how to care for me, does that give them the right to mistreat me? As an officer of the law, should a person you’ve pulled over have to tell you to treat them with respect?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why should I have to tell you how to treat me?” I say louder than I expected. “Andre, I get my part in this relationship, but you also have blame. Yet, even sitting here, your apology is voided by but. Ava, I’m sorry for calling you out of your name every chance I got, but you never did anything about it. Ava, I’m sorry for ruining your credit, twice, but you let me. Ava, I didn’t love you, but you never said I had too.”
“I’m sorry.” He whispers. “This isn’t going how I planned.”
“Because you expected the same Ava you threw out along with everything I owned. I’m not her. Yes, we both went into this relationship with our eyes closed and expectations low, yet even when I was changing, you were staying the same. My only regret, putting more into you than you were worth. Andre, I’m not the same and you need to recognize this.”
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