“Six and a half years. My bond with the kid I mentor is awesome. Relocating here was hard, he didn’t want a new mentor. I told him I’d try to get up to Oakland about once a month so we could hang out.”
“Oakland. Is that your hometown?”
He folded one leg over the other. “Yes, it is.”
“Mentoring kids can really make a difference. I used to be a reading tutor for elementary school kids. Between my job and personal life, it was too much.”
“What counts is you tried. That’s why I volunteer for Big Brothers. I believe in giving back. So many kids need role models to look up to, especially in our communities. Listen, have you eaten dinner yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Why don’t we go somewhere to eat…talk…chill?”
She looked at him with a wary expression. “You asking me out?”
“Unofficially, I guess so. I’m hungry, and I’m sure by now, you’re hungry, too. Correct?”
She nodded. “Starved.”
“You like seafood?” He pushed his dreads back and bit his lower lip.
“Seafood is one of my favorites.”
“Well, let’s bounce.”
Jada touched her jaw with an index finger. This wasn’t a good idea. How could she go out with this man? They couldn’t stand each other, had come close to blows this morning, and now they were going out for dinner. This was insane.
“I–I’m sorry…I can’t. I need to go home.”
Antoine’s smile faded. “We’re just going to eat. Come on, I feel bad about what happened. I owe you.”
Jada pondered his offer as she shut down her computer and gathered her belongings.
“Two hours. I know you’re tired, and I have to be in the studio by 5:00 a.m. What do you say?”
Jada gazed into his hazel eyes, recognizing sincerity and kindness in a man who truly wanted forgiveness. Honestly, Antoine and Gordan had crushed her spirit, and she didn’t feel up to dinner, talking, or anything else after two eventful altercations, but maybe this might officially end their feuds.
“I must say… you’re sharp at persuasion. I’m going to the bathroom to freshen up, then I’ll be ready.”
Chapter 10
JADA
Jada entered her car and waited for Antoine to reach the end of the block. They had agreed that driving their own vehicles would avoid rumors in case someone saw them together. The time interval gave her a chance to rethink their date. Maybe she should call and cancel. She picked up her phone and remembered she didn’t have his number, and then texted Celine to cancel the return call. She threw the phone on the seat and pondered over barely knowing this man. Did she really want to go out with Antoine?
At Harold & Belle’s, Antoine paid the valet for both cars. Impressive. They walked into a jovial crowd of people who were laughing and socializing. Thank God. This was far from a romantic setting, and the presence of other people would provide a haven. After being seated at a table, the waiter handed them menus.
“Have you eaten here before?” Antoine asked.
“A few times. The food is tasty. I live close by, and I’ve had dinner here, or picked up takeout.”
“Well, that’s convenient. How about a glass of wine or whatever you prefer?”
Jada shook her head. “I’m fine with water. A drink might spoil my appetite.”
After placing their orders, Jada scanned the restaurant. People poured in either coupled up or in groups. A little on edge, she mulled over what to say. Within seconds, the waitress broke their awkward silence, bringing a glass of water for Jada and red wine for Antoine.
“Should we do cheers to a new friendship?” He asked lifting his glass.
Jada lifted her glass. “Sure, no more feuding.”
Antoine sipped his wine. “So, tell me something about Jada.”
She shrugged. “What do you wanna know?”
“Whatever you feel like sharing.” He removed a windbreaker, exposing his tattooed arms.
Jada fought hard to prevent her wandering eyes from focusing on those gorgeous arms and his dimpled smile. “Uh, I’m from L.A., graduated from Dorsey High School…” She went on to tell him about losing her parents in an airplane crash and how she’d cared for her teen sisters while finishing college. She also told him she’d started her internship with the radio station while she was doing her undergrad degree in Communications at Pepperdine University, and from that experience, she was hired full-time.
“Back then, I wanted a job as a newscaster. After the internship at KTLM, I knew the radio station was where I belonged.”
Antoine listened attentively. “Yes, radio broadcasting is boss. Our station reaches so many people in urban communities, that’s the main reason I love my career. It’s powerful.” He pressed a finger to his temple. “I’m sorry to hear about your parents. Seems like you’ve been through a lot, finishing college must’ve been a challenge.”
“It was, but I survived, and a year ago, I broke up a bad relationship.” Jada pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m stronger, and that’s what survival is about.” Survival is also getting past the catastrophe with Gordan today.
“True. I haven’t been through trauma like yours, but I have experienced a few hard knocks here and there. My philosophy is we’ve got to keep on living. I’m writing a book about healing and survival. Up until I was thirteen, my family lived in East Bay, Oakland. I grew up in a two-parent home with two sisters and one inherited older brother.”
“Inherited older brother?” She chuckled and cupped her chin.
“He’s actually my cousin, but more like a brother. My parents adopted him after my aunt passed away.”
“That was kind of your parents. Where did you go to college?”
“UC Berkeley. And guess what? My major was Communications and Media studies, then I attended Columbia for a Master’s in Journalism. But…that didn’t settle well with my father, though.” He tapped his fingers on the table. “Pops went from selling insurance to real estate; after his business prospered, we moved out the hood, and he made it clear that all the kids should work for his business. Only one of us did. My mom is…uh, I mean was a music teacher. She’s retired.”
“Mmm…Columbia and Berkeley. Impressive,” Jada took a sip of her water. “No desire to follow your father’s footsteps? Take part in his business?”
His shoulders dipped slightly; he gazed at his wine glass for a second and then at Jada. “Selling real estate wasn’t my niche. Fresh out of Columbia, I stayed in New York, worked in the corporate world a couple of years until the right break came along. When an opportunity at a radio station popped up, my career took off.” He picked up his wine glass and sipped. “I guess I can say I’m fortunate. What I do for a living is cool and I love it. I’m a spoken word poet and I play music. I’ve written six poetry books, and I’m out in the community giving back. Oh, and I told you about Big Brothers.”
“Yes, you did. Kudos on Big Brothers.” She leaned forward. “Six poetry books?” What kind of poetry do you write?”
“Mostly spoken word,” he pushed a finger to his temple. “It flows naturally. I use a few notes, sometimes none, when I speak. I write page poetry for publications, and this year, I was offered a book deal for a nonfiction book. But I need to finish it before they cancel my contract.” He laughed.
“Wow. Your memory bank must be vast. Which poetry is your preference?”
“Well…think about it this way. Many people are great listeners but reading and writing doesn’t stimulate everybody in the world. To me…spoken word bridges the gap between written poetry and storytelling. I love seeing people’s reactions at my spoken word sessions. It’s priceless.”
“Makes sense. I’m a music lover, and I love reading fiction books.”
“What a coincidence,” Antoine sucked his bottom lip and pointed at Jada. “We share too much in common to be battling like wild animals.”
A smile crossed Jada’s face. “Those days are over. Do
you agree?” She lifted her glass, and he lifted his, and they clinked them together once more.
“I agree. And no more poking your tongue at me.”
Jada’s mouth dropped open; her face flushed. “You saw me do that?”
“Yep,” he chuckled. “Watch what you do behind people’s backs.”
She cast her gaze at her glass and back at him. “I’m sorry. I was wrong,” Jada sipped her water. That smile on his flawless face, the dimples, those arms… Spellbinding. How her opinion of him had switched so rapidly carved a question mark in her mind. Maybe it was the experience of his mellow side or the offer to end their silly quarrels.
“No. Seriously, I was on a gripey binge for a minute, so I deserved the hits. I’m glad we had this opportunity to get to know each other better.”
She didn’t know whether this date would just tie up the ripped cords or lead to something extra special. After dinner and several hours of sharing information, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company, Jada had a feeling this wouldn’t be their last date.
She pulled up in her driveway much later than planned and parked her black Honda Civic behind a yellow Corvette. Now, whose car is this?
“Wait, don’t get out yet.” Charmaine yelled from the porch. “We’re leaving.” Standing behind her was a tall lanky man Jada had never seen before.
“Well, come on,” she huffed. “I’m ready to go inside and please park on the street next time.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the young man opened the door for Charmaine.
Charmaine waved to Jada. “Be back later.”
Jada started her car and backed out of the driveway until Charmaine and her guest pulled away. She drove back into her spot. Once inside, she entered the living room and threw her purse on the couch and headed for the kitchen. “So, who’s the new guy and where are they going at this hour?” she asked Celine.
“Maybe out to eat… they didn’t eat here,” Celine poured French dressing on a salad.
“That girl dates too many new men. I told her once and I’ll tell her again, I don’t want guys running in and out of here like we’re running a brothel.” Jada uncovered a steamy pan of sizzling hot chicken. “Mmm…Chicken Marsala. Thanks for cooking. You’re eating late.”
“Yeah, I got some studying done and decided to cook later. Who’d you go out with, Gordan?” Celine sat her food on the table and poured a glass of apple juice.
“Nope. I went out with DJ Ant. AKA Antoine Bailey.”
“What?” Celine jutted her chin. “After all the chaos with him?”
Jada sat next to her sister. “Girl, that’s what I told myself. He apologized from the heart, then asked me to dinner, so I accepted. This evening was unbelievable,” she shook her head. “I couldn’t believe he was the same man. We talked nonstop. I still don’t know where the time went. Oh, and I also went to lunch with Gordan earlier. You didn’t call me back”
“My classmate picked me up for a study group, and I left my phone at home.” Celine dropped her fork in the plate and wiped her mouth. “Sissy, don’t tell me you two are together again.”
“Nothing like that. You won’t believe this; he gave me an engagement ring.” Jada informed Celine about what happened. As she explained, a frown spread across Celine’s face.
“He finally said the ring wasn’t yours? That man is simple and outrageous. Why did he leave Roscoe’s and not tell you?”
Jada flipped her hand. “Who knows. He said he was sorry, but I’m done. Char picked me up and took me to the station. I haven’t answered his calls. I sent him a text and told him to skip my office whenever he’s at the station.”
Celine clapped Jada’s palm. “Way to go, girl. I would’ve done the same. Shoot. Don’t you dare renege either. Sorry I didn’t get your call earlier,” she scooped up another forkful of food. “How could he date you and another woman at your job? That’s shoddy.”
“Yeah, it is. This takes me back to Momma’s old saying of when you call it quits, it’s over, and no second helpings.” They both laughed.
“Momma and her catchy words,” Celine said.
“I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” Jada went back to the living room, picked up her purse, removed the letter and read it. “What the… Oh, no. Celine, come here.” She flopped on the couch.
Celine walked from the kitchen holding her plate and glass. “What is it?”
Shaking her head, Jada held out the letter to Celine. Celine placed her plate and glass on the coffee table and reached for the letter. She eased down on the edge of the sofa as she read it. “This can’t be true. They’re evicting us in six months. Why?”
“I can’t say. We’re paying the rent on time. And the letter is dated over thirty days ago.” Jada paused and touched her forehead. “You know what…that letter was in Char’s car all this time.”
Celine handed the letter back to Jada, exhaled an exasperated breath and dropped her head. “Over twenty-one years as a tenant and they’re kickin’ us out the dress shop? We can’t afford to move. How will we find another reasonable location?”
“No, this is unfair. We’re not moving,” Jada threw the letter on the table. “Overhill Drive is a prime area. If we lose our site, we lose clients. I don’t know how, but we’ll fight this.” She turned to Celine, “Let’s not say anything to Aunt Dee until later.”
Celine nodded. “I agree. She’ll get all stressed, and that shouldn’t happen.”
Chapter 11
JADA
Saturday Morning
Loud Reggae music forced Jada from the sofa. She had dozed off while watching the news or attempting to watch the news, while mulling over the eviction notice. She tied her robe and trudged to the window to see who was disturbing the peace at almost 1:00 a.m. Charmaine exited the yellow Corvette that she’d left in earlier.
Jada opened the door, and Charmaine walked in. “Was that you at the window spying on me again?”
“Why would I spy? I met the strange guy you left with earlier. I assumed you’d come home with him.”
“Funny.” Charmaine flipped her long weave over her shoulders. “So funny I’m not even laughin’. Where’s Celine?”
“She’s in her room. We need to talk.”
“Only a minute ’cause tomorrow’s my workday, and I’m tired.” Charmaine slithered onto the couch and pulled off her large gold hoops, dropping them on the coffee table.
Jada sat at the end of the couch and shot Charmaine a stare that should’ve made her duck for cover. “You don’t leave for work until late afternoon. We’re talking right now. First, please tell your dates to keep the music down. We don’t want the neighbors calling the police.”
“Okay. Anything else?”
“Yes, a lot more. That mail you forgot to give me a month ago? It was related to the dress shop. We may lose the lease, and now we have less time to settle this.”
“Well dang, calm down, Sissy,” Charmaine lifted her hand. “I’m sorry, okay? It’s not the end of the world.”
“Really?” Jada snapped. Then she paused, reminding herself to think before saying something that would cause a backlash. “Sorry won’t get it. That was irresponsible and inconsiderate of you to hold my mail, which now has Touch of Class dress shop in jeopardy. No, you know what?” She shook her head. “I’m not saying another word because I’m not sure you care.”
“I do care. But the way you comin’ at me is wrong.”
“Like I said, I’m done. That wasn’t what I wanted to discuss anyway. What new plans do you have for a better job?”
“And what’s wrong with Huckabee’s? I make good tips, especially on weekends.”
“You told me that before. We said you’d try to find another part-time job for more income or full-time work. Have you tried?”
Jada pulled her legs up on the couch and watched her little sister twirl strands of hair around her fingers. Charmaine had become the Queen of Hair Weaves. When Jada asked why she didn’t go to cosmetology school, Charmaine said worki
ng on nappy heads all day wasn’t her thing. Like her own natural hair wasn’t nappy.
“Where am I supposed to look? I don’t have any experience.”
“There’s other jobs out there.”
Charmaine pointed at Jada. “You always say that, but I don’t have the skills you and Celine have.”
“You’re talented. We’ve discussed potential career goals, and Aunt Dee said you’re rarely helping at the shop lately.”
“Here you go again. Much as I loved Momma and appreciate what she and Aunt Dee taught me, makin’ clothes is not my style.” Charmaine crossed her legs.
“Yes, but you’re good at it. Lots of people dislike their money makers. Those jobs keep food on the table. Many people work full-time and part-time jobs before they get their dream jobs. You can do that until you figure out yours.”
Conversations about career goals and better job opportunities had been endless. Charmaine hadn’t grasped the importance of finding a real career, and Jada would not back off on encouraging her to do better. Charmaine had relied on her sisters for too long. She was no longer a child; she was a grown woman with responsibilities.
“Since you got all the answers, tell me where I should work. Just ’cause you have a degree and Celine’s working on another one—”
“Lower your voice and stop comparing yourself to me and Celine. This is about you.”
“I’m fine. Aunt Dee knows I’m pickin’ up extra shifts at Huckabee’s this month. I’ve gotta make my car note.”
“You’re not fine. Now that we have a situation with the shop, I may have to hire an attorney, so all of us need to contribute. I’ll let you know when. This home belongs to all of us, but now we stand to lose Momma’s dress shop location.”
Charmaine’s pouty red glossed lips made Jada want to cancel handling this topic with class and get straight up ghetto, but she didn’t.
“I get tired of hearin’ what I’m not doing. And you know this house is really yours. A few more years and it’ll be paid off. Then what?” she batted her false eyelashes.
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