The Appraisal

by Brielle Montgomery

  She could tell Jocelyn was somewhat appeased, and she nodded, turning her lips up in a slight smile.

  “Okay,” Jocelyn said. “I just panicked. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been all up in your business. I just stumbled across it when I was in the kitchen, and I was worried.”

  Jayla nodded and headed toward the front door.

  “I noticed how you conveniently didn’t answer me,” Jocelyn added.

  Jayla sighed. “What didn’t I answer?”

  “What do you do? You’re not doing anything illegal are you?”

  Jayla stood by the steps, her hand on the bannister. “Not necessarily.” She paused, and when Jocelyn made no move to speak, she went on. “It’s not drugs or anything like that, Joce. I promise. But I do have my own business.”

  Jocelyn nodded and gestured toward the card pieces scattered on the floor. “A business that would prompt someone to want to kill you?” she whispered, her eyes downcast. Bitter silence.

  “Jocelyn, I would prefer you keep this between us,” Jayla said, instead of answering the question. “I don’t want Jackie or anyone all in my business. Just know that I’m very successful, I’ve done it for a long time, and everything has been fine.” She paused. “In fact, I may be getting out of it soon,” she revealed, even as the thought crossed her mind for the first time.

  Jocelyn nodded. She stood, stoic, her face unreadable.

  Jayla studied her. “You’re not judging me, are you?” she asked, not realizing she needed an answer.

  Jocelyn shook her head. “Of course not,” she assured her. “I just love you. I want what’s best for you. And I definitely don’t want to see you in any trouble.”

  “Don’t let those hormones get you all stressed about me,” Jayla teased. “I’m three years older than you. I got me. You just worry about my little man in there. He is plenty.”

  Jocelyn nodded and turned to sit on the couch. Jayla watched her pick up the remote, flick the TV on and, without a word, begin flipping through the channels. She wasn’t really satisfied with the way the conversation had ended, but at least it had ended.

  Jayla stepped outside. It was a gorgeous day. Sunshine and blue skies. She almost could hear the birds chirping. But damn it if she wasn’t upset. And now frustrated, thanks to Jocelyn.

  * * *

  Jasmine was standing outside the clinic, her arms crossed over her flat stomach, her eyes swollen from crying. Jayla immediately noticed how different her niece—well, daughter—looked from the past few times she’d seen her. Jayla immediately thought about Derrick. Knew she needed to call him. But there was no way in hell she could tell him she had a child.

  Gone was that dramatic weave, the heavy makeup, the skimpy clothes. Hell, now Jasmine looked basic in some jeans and a sweatshirt, despite the seventy-five-degree weather.

  Jasmine squinted at the truck when Jayla pulled up to the curb, and her grateful smile bloomed as she trotted to the passenger-side door. She got in and closed the door, then immediately turned to hug Jayla. “Thank you,” she murmured against her hair. “I’m so sorry.”

  Jayla patted her back and pulled away, putting the truck in park. This was her daughter. Damn, the shit was surreal. “Have you told Jackie?” she asked, not quite able to refer to her sister as Jasmine’s mom anymore. It just wouldn’t be the same.

  “No,” Jasmine answered on a sigh. “She would kick my ass. I know I fucked up. That’s why I was trying to get the abortion.” She glanced out the window at the clinic. “I went in there and got sick, Auntie. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.”

  Jayla nodded and took a breath. “I know,” she said, remembering her own abortion the second time she got pregnant. “I understand. But you have to do it, Jasmine.”

  Jasmine’s eyes were desperate when she turned to gaze at Jayla, and she had a look of horror on her face. “Wh-what?”

  Jayla sighed her regret. It had to be done. “I’m sorry, Jasmine, but what the hell do you want me to say? I’m trying not to be angry, but you damn sure can’t think you’ll be able to keep this baby. You don’t even know who the damn daddy is.”

  “I . . .” Jasmine struggled to formulate the sentence. “I know, but it’s probably Alex . . .”

  “Alex!” Jayla spat. “Well, then, you damn sure can’t expect shit is going to be sunshine and rainbows. What will Jocelyn say? She is about to have his baby. Let alone you tell her you drugged him and slept with him, so she’ll leave him. Now you’re pregnant by him. Really? Don’t be stupid.”

  Jasmine drew back as if she’d been slapped.

  “And what about Jackie and Quentin?” Jayla asked, pushing, wedging the knife in deeper. “How do you think they’ll feel, knowing you’re about to make them grandparents? And you know Alex ain’t about to do shit for that baby, so you’ll be a single mother.”

  “I got money.” Jasmine had let loose another bout of tears as she clung to shreds of hope.

  “Okay. And how long do you think that’ll last?” Jayla shot back, lifting her eyebrows as she posed the question. “You damn sure can’t do evaluations anymore. Or are you going to be doing that afterward, with a newborn baby? So where is your income stream, because it damn sure won’t be child support. And school. Have you thought about that? You’re supposed to be headed back for your third year in a couple of months.” Jayla lifted her hands, not at all expecting Jasmine to answer any of these obvious questions.

  Jasmine just remained quiet. Her sobs had been reduced to sniffles once more.

  Jayla shut the car off. After getting out, she rounded the hood and opened the door for Jasmine. “Let’s go,” she prompted, perhaps a bit too forceful, when Jasmine didn’t budge.

  Obediently, Jasmine climbed from the truck and dragged her feet back up the stone walkway toward the building.

  Jayla followed behind. She was glad she’d made her point. Jasmine had fucked herself up, but Jayla would be damned if she’d let her daughter fuck her shit up too.

  Story of my life.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Jayla could barely contain her excitement as the plane began its descent. Of course, she had been to the Bahamas before. But the thrill of the spontaneous vacation with Derrick had had her nearly bouncing out of her seat the entire two-hour ride. Derrick had dozed off shortly after they took off, and that had allowed Jayla to relax in her first-class window seat, sip her complimentary champagne, and assess the increasing seriousness of her feelings for this man. As she had watched him sleep, she’d had to admit one thing. She was, indeed, falling for him.

  The wheels touched down with a quick jolt, stirring Derrick awake. Jayla smiled as his eyes fluttered open and his lips curved in response. “Hey, sexy,” he murmured as he stretched.

  “If I’d known you were going to sleep, I would’ve suggested we stay home,” she teased, with a wink.

  “Just getting it out of the way.”

  His smirk had the color rising in her cheeks. No words. Only emotions. Damn, what had he done to her?

  “I’m glad you were able to come with me,” he added. “I just had to spend a little more time with you before I left town.”

  Jayla nodded her appreciation and ignored the tug of disappointment. He’d be gone nearly four weeks, overseeing his company’s branch in California. She was never one to get into her feelings, but she would damn sure miss him.

  The beautiful rooftops and the palm trees outside the plane’s window, coupled with the gorgeous weather, had the couple looking forward to a few inviting days.

  Jayla waited patiently as Derrick maneuvered their carry-ons from the overhead compartment. She then followed him from the aircraft, nodding her gratitude to each of the smiling flight attendants, into the crowded airport. He’d apparently called for a car to meet them. As they emerged into the blazing sun, he gestured toward the stocky chauffeur gripping a sign that said derrick lewis.

  “Welcome to Nassau, Mr. Lewis,” the chauffeur greeted, his words thick from his Bahamian accent, wh
en they made their way over to where he was standing. “Mrs. Lewis.” He nodded to Jayla, and she smiled in response, not bothering to correct him. The man took their bags from Derrick and placed them in the trunk of a glistening silver Infiniti. He then opened the back door, and Jayla slid onto the plush seat. Derrick stepped in after her.

  As the chauffeur drove, Derrick’s hand loosely gripped her thigh, and he had his other hand thrown around her shoulders. Jayla felt good speeding down the island streets, observing the vast array of tropical foliage, listening to some reggae mix blaring through the speakers. She could even smell the beach, as the scent of salt water wafted in through the open car windows. All her problems felt like they were miles away, back in Atlanta, and she welcomed the peace.

  Since she had promised to touch base with her baby sister when they landed, Jayla pulled her phone from her purse and punched in Jocelyn’s number.

  “I’m here safe and sound,” she informed Jocelyn after she picked up.

  “Good.”

  Jayla frowned. Her sister sounded preoccupied. “What’s wrong? What are you doing?” she asked.

  Jocelyn took her time responding. “Nothing. Just a little tired. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? Do you need me to call Jackie?”

  “Please don’t. I’m good. I can manage by myself for the weekend.” She paused. “Besides,” she added, “Jackie said she would come over and spend the night tomorrow, so I’m fine.”

  Jayla still felt slightly uneasy, but she didn’t know why. Once Jocelyn assured her she would call if she needed her, they hung up. She didn’t realize she was still deep in thought until Derrick rubbed her arm.

  “Everything okay?” he asked.

  Jayla smiled, remembering she had promised herself she would relax and have fun. “Just fine,” she said. “I’m all yours all weekend.”

  She looked down when her phone rang. It was the hospital again. They called so damn much, she could recognize the number. Always the same message. Give us a call. . . . Whatever it was, she knew she wouldn’t want to hear it. Ignorance was bliss. Jayla swiped the screen to reject the call.

  They checked into a gorgeous beachfront hotel, and Jayla was nearly floored by the beauty of the room. Cushioned area rugs had been placed strategically across the glistening mahogany hardwood floor. Two queen-size beds adorned with red and beige pillows and patchwork linens dominated the airy room. Someone had taken the time to spell out Welcome in carefully arranged rose petals on one of the beds. Two large, dark wood shutter doors were open, revealing the furnished patio overlooking a manicured lawn with hammocks and palm trees. A little farther, but still within walking distance, Jayla saw the white sand and the crystal-blue water of the ocean.

  “This place is like heaven,” she said after the bellhop had wheeled their bags into the room and had left them alone. “Thank you so much. I needed this.”

  Though they both had polished off the complimentary champagne served during check-in in the lobby, Derrick gently tapped his empty glass against hers, anyway.

  “We did,” he said. “So how about we get started enjoying each other?” He fingered the strap of her baby blue bohemian dress. “Was this expensive?” he asked.

  Jayla frowned. “No.”

  “Good.” In one swift motion, he snatched the strap from her shoulder and ripped the dress damn near in half.

  Jayla giggled as he backed her up to the bed and lifted her by her legs, sending her tumbling backward onto the plush comforter and rose petals. Derrick licked her thigh as he guided her legs around his neck. He nuzzled her kitty first, taking a long sniff and sighing from the aroma.

  “Damn, I love your juicy, sweet-ass pussy,” he murmured.

  “Oh yeah? Well, show me how much.”

  As if he was on a mission, Derrick dove in, burying his nose and mouth in her pussy folds, and used his tongue to lick her from the inside out.

  * * *

  One thing was becoming clear.

  As Jayla lay out on the lawn chair, the sun kissing the bits of her skin revealed by the skimpy red bikini, she stared at Derrick from behind her big-frame sunglasses. Yes, the man was absolutely enticing, both mentally and physically.

  She could not believe how much this man was getting to her. Even now, just thinking about him tugged on her heart, some deep place that hadn’t been touched in years. Damn, it was dangerous, she knew, but she couldn’t deny that this man was irresistible. Funny. She had always considered herself as a man’s weakness. Now she had found her own. And she didn’t know what the hell she was going to do about it.

  On a sigh, she pulled the strings loose on her bikini top, and holding the top to her chest, she turned to rest on her stomach. She could get used to this. Maybe Patricia was right. She needed to sit back and enjoy the fruits of her labor. Especially when she had someone to share them with. What was he? Her man? Her boyfriend? Hell, she didn’t know. Neither of them had spoken about labels, and Jayla figured it was for the best. That way, she could still do what she wanted without reproach. But how long would that last? And worst of all, what would she do when he declared that he wanted more? She didn’t want to lose him. . . . She frowned at the thought. Lose him? Was he considered hers to lose?

  The hands on her back had her eyes fluttering open, and then she glanced over to see Derrick sitting down beside her on the lawn chair. “You’ll burn if you keep sleeping out here, sexy,” he murmured, but Jayla didn’t bother budging. His hands felt good. This felt good. Felt right.

  She grinned when she felt his lips gently replace his hands on her skin.

  “Are you hungry?” he said.

  “Yes.”

  “Why don’t we change and get some dinner?” He was already retying the strings on her bikini top. Then he helped her up and, still holding her hand, led the way back up the beach toward their hotel.

  They never did make it to dinner. After a round in the shower and on the bathroom counter, Derrick suggested they order in instead.

  After room service had wheeled in a cart of covered dishes and left, Derrick maneuvered the cart to the patio door and began unloading the dishes on the patio table and uncovering them.

  Jayla accepted the glass of wine he poured from the bottle in the chilled bucket, and made herself comfortable in the chair. Derrick set a dinner plate in front of her, and she took a deep inhale of the large lobster tail, peas and rice, and baked macaroni and cheese. The distinct island spices that enhanced the food nearly had her mouth watering. Derrick placed his own dinner plate close to hers and took a seat.

  Both of them ate in peaceful silence, lulled by the crashing of waves and the distant chatter as people continued to play on the beach. Occasionally, a seagull shrieked overhead.

  Jayla sighed wistfully.

  “I can get used to this,” Derrick murmured, as if on cue. “Traveling, enjoying each other, having fun together.” He gazed at the ocean in the distance. “Why have you never been married?” he asked suddenly and had Jayla’s fork pausing in midair over the food. She laid it down and stalled some more by gently patting her lips with the cotton napkin and taking another sip of her champagne.

  “That just wasn’t a priority for me before,” she finally said.

  He nodded, seemed to be thoroughly evaluating her answer. “And now?” he prompted.

  She eyed him. The look in his eye indicated that he was completely serious. “Why do you ask?” she said, instead of answering his question. “You trying to marry me or something, Derrick?” She smirked, but she was halfway surprised when he didn’t chuckle at the small joke.

  She heard her phone ringing inside the room, and grateful for the interruption, Jayla tossed her napkin on the table and darted inside. She grabbed her phone out of her purse, which lay on one of the beds, and one look at the caller ID had her groaning. She hadn’t had to deal with this issue, and she damn sure wasn’t trying to deal with it now. She made a mental note to power off her phone at some point so she could really relax.


  Jayla swiped her screen to reject the incoming call, but she was not surprised when the phone rang again in her hand. “Hello?” she answered. Better to face the shit head-on.

  “Cherry.” Joi’s voice breezed through the phone and annoyed the hell out of Jayla. “I’ve missed you, oh, so much,” she cooed, lathering her voice with sugar.

  “Have you?” Jayla said simply. A pause. She glanced at the patio door, saw Derrick had walked out a bit toward the beach.

  “Why you acting like that?” Joi now had an attitude. “Does this have anything to do with my brother?”

  “Joi, stop. We weren’t in a relationship or any kind of shit like that, so what difference does it make?”

  “Shit like that, huh?” Joi smacked her lips. “It wasn’t shit like that when I was slurping that pussy like a milkshake, huh? Or when we were bumping coochies in the stockroom, right?”

  Jayla cringed.

  “So you fucking my brother or what?” Joi asked, pushing.

  “Joi, don’t call me anymore,” Jayla snapped and hung up. She waited, not really expecting Joi to comply. When her phone didn’t ring again, she tossed it back in her purse. Good. Maybe that clingy bitch could take a hint.

  She glanced back at Derrick just as he fished his own cell phone out of his pocket. Shit. Jayla could tell by the way he was frowning at the screen that it was Joi. She ran back outside and headed across the grass.

  “What’s wrong, sweetie?” she said, attempting to sound casual, when she reached his side. She froze when Derrick frowned at her.

  “Did you know my sister before I introduced you to her?”

  “What?” Jayla replied in an effort to stall as she plastered a look of confusion on her face. “What are you talking about?”

  “I just got some random, bullshit text from Joi about you,” he said. “I told you I don’t trust her, so I’m asking you, what the fuck is she talking about? Do you know her?”