Rhythm Bay Love

by Patricia A. Bridewell

  “Did she hear from Jada?” Antoine asked.

  “Yes, but as I said, I did too.” Griff steepled his fingers. “Man, I understand you and Jada are close, and that’s none of my business. But she’s like family to me and I’m concerned about her.” He stirred a sugar packet in his coffee and drank some. “Just thought you might have an idea of how she’s doing or when she’s coming back. It’s unusual for her to take off. In fact, she never takes off.” He paused and wrinkled his forehead. “She… She’s not pregnant, is she?”

  Taken aback by his boldness, Antoine’s heart skipped a few beats. He pulled his shoulders back. “No… I mean, I have no idea.” He extended both palms. “Why are you drilling me about this?” he said with an edgy tone.

  A broad grin broke out on Griff’s face. “I thought you’d be the first to know.”

  Antoine’s anguish shot up to the sky. Hands clammy, stomach doing backflips, he wished he could shrink into the floor. He rubbed his chin. “Well, I’m not,” he snapped. “Why didn’t you ask her that question? I need to run.”

  Griff’s phone rang again, he checked the number on the office phone. “It’s Shamika. Sit tight and cool off. I’ll be right back.”

  Embarrassed at being a little short with Griff, Antoine bent down, his elbows dug into his knees. He should’ve left right after he got off, and then he would’ve avoided this meeting with Griff and his intrusive questions. No disrespect to Griff. Antoine knew it was important to keep strong ties with the management team, but why was he snooping in their business? What he needed to be doing was checking on his secretary, Kiley, who obviously has major issues going on. What makes him think Jada’s pregnant? We made love for the first time a few days ago. So, that can’t be true. He thought of Gordan, frowned and sat up. Or can it be true? Griff entered the office a few minutes later and took a seat.

  “Uh, man… I apologize for being short,” Antoine pulled his earlobe. “But your question was surprising and way off base. This morning Jada was upset, then she bounced without saying anything.”

  “Hey, no explanation necessary,” Griff ran his finger down his coffee cup. “Uh… What I will say is, Jada’s like a daughter to me. Do me a favor and make sure you treat her like a queen. She deserves that.”

  Antoine’s gaze met Griff’s. “Absolutely. She means the world to me.”

  “If I hear from her again, I’ll suggest that she call you.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that.” Antoine got up and offered Griff a brother-to-brother handshake and hug before he left. He strutted down the hallway and saw Kiley walking toward him.

  She summoned him with an index finger. “Can we talk a minute?”

  Don’t answer—breeze right past her and leave now. His conscious kicked in, his mom raised him to be a gentleman. He glanced around and walked up to Kiley.

  “What is it?”

  “Call me this evening.”

  Antoine’s lips tightened, he whispered. “That won’t happen. Back off me or you’ll hear from my attorney.” He turned around and walked in the opposite direction, cutting through the breakroom to exit out the back door. A longer route to his truck was no big deal to get away from that woman.

  Frustration made his mind spin as he rushed to his car. Griff asking personal questions. Kiley asking him to call her. He released the alarm, got inside the truck, and threw his head back against the headrest. Kiley’s lies about her pregnancy. Why was Jada so upset? Griff’s inquiry about Jada being pregnant still bothered him.

  He removed his cell from his jacket and dialed Jada. The voicemail came on. “Babe, it’s me. Call me back ASAP. I’m concerned about you. Let me know that you’re safe. Love you.” He waited, but when she didn’t return his call, he tried again two more times. He retrieved his shades from the sun visor and decided to drive to her house and park in front.

  Jada’s car wasn’t in the driveway, and neither was Celine’s or Charmaine’s, but he got out, walked to the door, and rang the doorbell. “Why hasn’t she called me back?” He mumbled. Maybe she went to the hospital. No. A thought like that was worse than being hit upside the head with a bat. He was certain Denise would’ve called if that happened.

  Antoine jumped in his truck, reared the seat back, and closed his eyes. He did something he hadn’t done since he attended worship service with Jada at her aunt’s church. He prayed, and then fell asleep. By the time he sat up, it was close to 1:00 p.m., and he was still sitting in front of Jada’s house.

  One last time, he stared at the gray house on 10th Avenue surrounded by flower beds and a well-manicured green lawn. Jada’s home was near the Jefferson Park sector of an urban area, much like the Oakland neighborhood he’d lived in for the first thirteen years of his life. He was glad that he’d met Jada’s Aunt Dee and Celine but had not met Charmaine yet.

  He wrote Jada a message on a yellow Post It note and ran back up to the door and placed it on the screen. Antoine glanced down noticing the cracked gray concrete porch steps. He walked to the end of the porch and viewed the cracks in the long driveway leading to an old dilapidated garage that needed painting. According to Jada, they had stored many of their parents’ belongings in the garage, and it was full. He twisted his mouth as sadness set in. This was the first time he’d noticed the defects that badly needed repairing. Other than picking Jada up for a date, he had only visited her home a couple of times.

  He returned to his truck and blew out a breath, turning on the sound system. He waited until a commercial came on before saying, “Siri, call studio.” He hoped Lina would pick up. He’d forgotten about two early morning deliveries that had come in today.

  “Lina.”

  “Sorry to bother you. I need a favor. Two packages came via Fed-Ex this morning for Griff and Simon. Could you make sure they get them? Looks like promo stuff.”

  “Are those the ones in your inbox?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Will do.”

  “Thanks so much. Bye.”

  He had decided to drive to Hermosa Beach for some time alone and to write when his phone chimed. The text from Joy read: Call me when you’re free. Did she really want him to call now? When he’s free meant it could wait. Or could it? What she had to say might interfere with plans to relax on the beach. He tapped Joy’s number.

  “Ant? Can you talk?”

  “Yes? Is something wrong?”

  “It’s about Jada’s business. Touch of Class Dress Shop on Overhill Drive, right?”

  “That’s it.”

  “You won’t believe this. That’s one of our buildings.”

  “One of our buildings? No. That can’t be right.”

  “Pop purchased that building about seventeen years ago. Her mother’s name was…Oh, here it is. Ellen Carson. After her death, the children acquired the lease.”

  Antoine shook his head. “Man!” he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “That’s bad.” This was not what he’d expected to hear. Of all the properties his father owned, he would happen to own Jada’s family dress shop. “What can I do?”

  “Wait a minute. How’s that bad? Pop is no stranger to you, and if you talk to him…”

  Joy’s words resonated, but he didn’t understand the rationale. Talk to his father? They barely spoke to one another. “Pops and I agree on zilch. Not even about me selling my own townhouses. So how am I supposed to negotiate the eviction?”

  “Ant, that’s different. The townhouses are yours to do what you wish. I keep telling you he’s all talk.”

  “Sure. And if I sell without his approval, believe me, the consequences will be steep.” His sister had no knowledge about the agreement their father made with Antoine concerning the townhouses. He could stay in one townhouse and oversee the other three leased townhouses or get his own place. Antoine felt it was his punishment for not working in his father’s real estate business. He accepted the offer because he was granted ownership and income from the leases.

  “Pop’s out of town. He’ll be back Thurs
day. Can you fly up this weekend? Explain the dress shop situation, see what you can work out. And bring up the townhouses again. We should try to resolve these matters quickly. Who knows, maybe this will bring you both closer.”

  Closer? Is that what Pop really wanted? He tossed his shades onto the passenger seat and stared at the street.

  “Ant? Are you still there?”

  “Yeah, uh. I’m not sure if I can do that. Let me give it some thought.”

  “You have no choice, and strongly consider bringing Jada with you. It won’t be that bad.”

  “Jada flying up there won’t happen. She’s off this week. I’m not sure what’s bothering her. She won’t return my calls or texts.”

  “Mmm… Do you think she found out about Kiley?”

  “I don’t think so. But I hope she would’ve told me.”

  “Well, she needs to know, so work that out and bring her with you. She should be present at the meeting. Pop has been asking about you for months. Oh, and the private investigator is completing his research on Kiley. I’ll text you when I hear from him.”

  “That’s fine. Look, I’ll get back to you on the trip.” He ended the call.

  He loved his baby sister with all his soul, and he’d never say or do anything to hurt her. Joy was right about Jada being present, and Joy was right about most issues she pursued. She was the chosen one — smart, a heavyweight in her league. Out of the three kids, she was the only one who revered Roland Bailey so much that she forfeited her dreams of practicing criminal law to specialize in real estate law and work for him. If anyone could persuade their father to the right on Jada’s family business, it would be Joy.

  Chapter 26

  JADA

  Thursday Morning

  Exhaling a long breath, Jada pulled out the photograph and pressed her lips together. Every view of that woman sitting on Antoine’s lap was worse than the one before. Her stomach churned; she couldn’t sleep, and she wanted to scream. She’d vacillated between taking the photo to a photo shop to have the picture validated for authenticity or waiting. Finally, she decided to contact the shop.

  What if it’s not photoshopped, then what? This was the question her brain kept replaying like an old video.

  She removed a pink and white sweat suit and tennis shoes from the closet and gathered her toiletries and hair products from her overnight bag. She checked her texts again, surprised that Antoine hadn’t sent another round. Jada hadn’t figured out her next steps yet, but she was grateful Denise allowed her to use her spare bedroom for a few days.

  She walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower. As she removed her pajamas, she heard her cell. She slipped on her robe and ran to the nightstand.

  “Hi there.”

  “Well, hello stranger,” Celine said. “I got your text. Sissy, why aren’t you coming home? We’ve missed you.”

  “Sorry for the long text. I was hot and not feeling up to a chat.” Jada sat on the edge of the bed. “There’s a lot of drama in my life right now.”

  “Yeah, I hear you. That stuff was bizarre. Did you tell Antoine what happened?”

  “That’ll come later; I’m not ready to face Antoine, but I got his note you left me. What are you doing later today?”

  “I’m off, but I have to go to the bank. You wanna catch a matinee?”

  “I might take you up on that offer. I have an appointment, though. Can you check for times around 2:00? ”

  “Why don’t you stop by for breakfast? I’m cooking. I can check on movie times while you’re here.”

  “After my appointment, I’ll be there. Probably won’t be until after 11:00. Just save me a plate.”

  “Okay, will do.”

  Jada brought her hands together in a quick prayer, then rushed back to the bathroom to ready herself. After gathering the items she would need for the day, she took a paper cup from the cabinet and poured herself some orange juice before leaving Denise’s apartment.

  She found a parking spot near the photo shop and added coins to the meter. Parking in Inglewood was horrible, and by the time all the shops opened, part of her parking fee would be exhausted.

  Jada got back in the car and removed the picture from a manila envelope. Did she really want to take this photo in? Would it make her feel any better, and would it resolve the issue at hand? She turned the radio on, something she would ordinarily do on the way to work. Nostalgia swept over her, and she realized the emptiness of not having Antoine around. Provoked with intense cravings, thoughts of those bulky arms, Mr. Sweet Lips, and his dimpled smile that swung across his face compromised the serenity she desired.

  “Good Morning, L.A. You’re listening to KTLM 101.3. I’m DJ Ant, Prince of Romance, playing music for you – Monday through Friday, 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. You’ve been listening to the sounds of Musiq – “So Beautiful,” and Drake – “God’s Plan.”

  Antoine’s poetic voice cheered up her soggy mood. She stuck the photo back in the manila envelope, started the engine, and drove off. Pulling into the medical building parking lot on Santa Rosalia, Jada pushed the button for a ticket and found a spot close to the entry. She entered the elevator and exited on the fourth floor. After a brisk walk down the hallway, she paused in front of the door that read Valerie Purdue, MSN, R.N., DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, Natalia Simms, MSN, RN, FNP-C, AGNP-C. She was relieved that her nurse practitioner agreed to a visit for a therapy session. She opened the door and entered the office.

  The front office assistant greeted Jada with a smile. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning, I have an appointment to see Valerie,” Jada said while she signed in.

  The assistant checked her name and said, “Oh, yes. She’s expecting you. Let’s see, I believe your recent physical was faxed from your physician yesterday.” She looked through a chart. “Yes, it’s here. Here are couple of forms she wants you to complete, and I’ll let her know you’re here.” She handed Jada the two forms with a clipboard and pen.

  “Thank you,” Jada said.

  Jada completed the forms, and shortly afterward was escorted to Valerie’s office.

  “Hello. How are you?” Valerie asked when Jada walked into her office.

  “Uh, I want to say okay, but that’s not true. My anxiety is back.” Jada sat across from Valerie.

  “Yes, I see that your score is up on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment form. It’s thirteen. Ph-9 form score for depression is in normal range. I received your last physical, and everything is normal.” Valerie browsed the computer as she spoke with Jada. “When you called, you said that you’re having issues with sleep.”

  “My sleep is erratic. Some nights I can get a full night, most of the time I wake up several times.”

  “Are you taking a sleep aid?”

  “Not now. I’ve thought about the Melatonin but wanted to see you first.”

  “Well, let’s talk more, then I’ll decide. Hydroxyzine is for anxiety and sleep. Or Buspar and a sleep aid might be helpful. I know you didn’t want to take medication, but since your anxiety is elevated, that will likely be my suggestion to get the anxiety under control.”

  Jada’s gaze met Valerie’s. Medication was not an option. She didn’t want to get bogged down with filling prescriptions nor did she want to rely on them as a crutch for managing her symptoms.

  Valerie pushed her oversized brown framed glasses up on her nose and said, “I know this will be tough for you. I strongly encourage you to consider the medications to see if they’ll work. We’ll discuss that in more detail later.” She went on to ask Jada multiple questions, and made suggestions about healthy diet, exercise, coping skills as she documented in her computer. “What do you think triggered your anxiety this time?”

  Taking a deep breath and clasping her fingers, Jada said, “Everything. Work, a new relationship, dealing with my younger sister’s personal issues.”

  “You have quite a few. Have you been using the coping skills we discussed previously?”

  “Yes, often. Mos
tly deep breathing, and I try to avoid negative thinking. I mean…it happens, but I try not to stay in a slump.”

  “That’s positive. Remember to assume positive outcomes. When you expect a negative outcome, it will prevent you from trying to reach a positive one. In addition to the other things we’ve discussed, try progressive muscle exercises along with deep breathing for relaxation. I have handouts regarding reframing negative thoughts, and deep breathing and progressive muscle exercise techniques. Read over them when you get an opportunity.” She removed the handouts from a drawer and handed them to Jada. “Cut the coffee, unless it’s decaffeinated.”

  Jada and Valerie talked for nearly an hour, and Valerie suggested Buspar for anxiety and Melatonin for sleep. Although she didn’t want to take medications, Jada agreed to take the Melatonin for one week to see if it would help her sleep, and if not, she would start the Buspar and a prescribed sleep aid. Her next appointment would be in two weeks, but she’d call Valerie in one to report her status and whether she needed a prescription.

  Chapter 27

  JADA

  Celine was in the kitchen cooking when Jada walked into the house. The aroma of fried fish caused her taste buds to sweat. “Hey, whatever you’re cooking smells delicious,” Jada laughed as she entered the kitchen. “You need help?”

  “No, I’m almost done.”

  “I thought you’d eaten by now.” Jada retrieved glasses and plates from the cupboard, and then opened the refrigerator and removed a bottle of cranberry juice. “Girl, you keep throwin’ down the way you do, Darius is gonna to propose one day.”

  “Sissy, he’s been talking about marriage. It’s unofficial, though. I told him when he proposes, I want a ring not talk.”

  Jada slid into the chair and placed her purse on the table. “I know that’s right.”

  “He knows that I’ve got to finish school first.”