“No, but I can see why.”
“The Pacific Ocean, the atmosphere… this is why I love the Bay Area. Our time is limited, and I can’t show you much. But next time you come up, we’ll do more.”
“Honey, don’t worry about it. I’m satisfied being here with you.”
“That’s encouraging.” He reached for her hand. “You’ve got to meet Ellis and his wife. And if I can catch up with Rashad, him too. I didn’t know if I’d have time to get with him this time around.”
“You’re up here earlier than usual, right?”
“True.”
You might want to check in, see if he’s okay.”
Antoine nodded. “I’ll call him before we go in the restaurant.”
They arrived at Souley Vegan at 10:30. Antoine called Rashad, and they entered the restaurant. Seated shortly after they arrived, Jada ordered blueberry pancakes, and Antoine chose zucchini crab cakes and sweet potato waffles. Within ten minutes, the waitress brought out the steaming hot food.
“Can I get you anything else?” The waitress asked after she set the food on the table.
“I’m straight,” Antoine said.
“Me, too,” Jada smiled at the lady. “Thank you.” Jada poured maple syrup over her blueberry pancakes and cut them up. “Where are we heading after breakfast?”
Antoine rolled his wrist to check the time. “Hmm, it’s almost noon. “Why don’t we go Uptown? You want to do some sightseeing and shopping?”
“Boy, no way,” she laughed, pointing her fork at Antoine. “You think you’re slick. I don’t want you to buy me anything else; the tickets and money were enough. Besides, I don’t want to haul anything back on the plane.”
He lifted a brow. “That’s not a problem. I can have the items shipped.”
“Shipped? Honey, you know I appreciate you,” she ate a bite of pancake. “But I don’t think so. I shopped enough before I left.”
“I appreciate you too, babe.” Antoine kept his eyes on Jada attempting to rationalize why she didn’t want to go shopping. Didn’t all women like to shop?
“Let me get this out my system,” Jada placed her fork on the plate. “At this point in our relationship, you don’t have to prove anything to me.”
He cocked his head to the side. “What do you mean?”
“I bet you already know.” She held up her left hand and wiggled her ring finger with the flashy diamond ring. “The ring, hotel, expensive gifts. I don’t love you to get anything from you. I fell in love with you, not your money.”
“I see. Now that you know I have money, I can’t spend any on you?”
“That’s not what I said, Mr. Bailey.”
Leaning forward, he clasped his fingers and lifted them to his chin. “I wasn’t sure about exposing my wealth. But the way your face lit up at the Montage, I thought I’d hit ten jackpots. I want to make you happy.”
“Frankly, I was happy before the Montage. You told me you were frugal and that was impressive.”
“I am frugal. Not with my woman, vehicles, or my clothes. Remember? I live with Derrick?”
“Yeah, yeah. Probably to throw people off. Be yourself, that’s all I want. And breakfast is on me today.”
He raised two thumbs. “I hear you on breakfast. I love Derrick; unfortunately living with him drives me mad sometimes. That’s why it’s temporary.”
She laughed, pressed her fingers to her lips and blew him a kiss.
“Got it. Okay, next up. We’ll ride through Uptown so you can see the area, and then to my old neighborhood in East Bay Oakland. I touched base with Ellis and told him we might swing through later.”
“I’m loving the tour already, and whatever you decide, I’m ready. Do you think Rashad was disappointed that he won’t see you this time?”
“He’s cool. Rashad is mature and he understands. He really wanted to meet you, though.”
“Aww… I want to meet him too.”
After they finished eating, Jada paid the tab and tipped the waitress, which was different for Antoine. The divas he’d dated expected him to be the big spender on every date, but he understood where Jada was coming from and would try to consider everything she’d said.
Nothing in the world could ever replace a relationship based on love, respect, and honesty. That’s why it was so important to him that this ongoing situation with Kiley was eradicated. He hadn’t been able to function at full speed because of this irritating blotch on his life. And holding it back from Jada made it worse.
They rode around Oakland for almost an hour as Antoine showed Jada some of the infamous hot spots for socializing and restaurants. They viewed the Cathedral Building, the tallest building in Oakland, and he explained the history of the city. He also drove down to the Oakland Palestine Solidarity Mural.
Jada snapped a picture on her phone. “There’s a bunch of artistic talent in that mural.”
“I thought you’d like it. It’s a cultural mecca that draws folks. Like I said, I’ll show you more next time. You’ve gotta come back for poetry night and check me out. The Power of Words Lounge is boss.”
“Oh, I’m definitely gonna see your spoken word night.”
Antoine nodded and drove to Skyline Street. He parked near a high school and turned off the engine. “Here we are,” he gazed at the school. “Skyline High School.”
“Don’t say nothing. This is where you went to school?”
“For a while, yes.” He hit the control that made the windows go down and propped his elbow up. “Right there…I played basketball for the Titans, was on the Honor Roll, had a zillion friends. Out of nowhere, Pop comes home, tells us during dinner, we’re moving in a month. I went berserk, yelled, threw things.” Antoine turned and stared at the school. “My mom…she calmed me and my sisters down. She taught at Oakland High School, and she worked it out so I could stay another year. My sisters went to the private school, then I was later transferred there. That was a huge bomb in my life. Ellis graduated from this school.”
“Changing schools is never easy. How’d your sisters take it?”
“Hard. Not as hard as I did, though. We’d lived in that area all our lives.” Antoine shifted his gaze to Jada. “Uh, babe, before I forget… What I told you earlier is strictly confidential. Only Simon knows my family’s background. We worked together at a station up here. Actually, his referral got me hired at KTLM.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that,” Jada lifted both brows.
“Yep, and that’s confidential too.”
“I got it, baby. I bet it’s tough being a rich kid,” she smiled while watching him from her periphery.
He peered over the rim of his shades. “What are you saying, smarty pants?” He started tickling her.
She twisted and jerked while laughing hysterically. “Okay, stop! I’m joking.”
“You better believe it’s rough. That’s why my personal life is private. Some people like me because I’m wealthy. Haters don’t like me because I have wealth and they don’t. Other haters just hate. It’s hard to comprehend if you haven’t lived it.”
“Oh, I know. After I received a scholarship to Pepperdine, some of my friends hated me, too. My bestie, Madelynn, stopped hanging out with me,” Jada waved her hand. “Jealous because she didn’t go to college. Me and Denise are tight; we share our ups and downs. She knows many things I don’t even tell my sisters.”
A quizzical look crossed Antoine’s face; he glanced at Jada, who stared at him as if she’d expected a smart-mouth response.
“Ah hah! You told Denise, didn’t you?”
“Not everything, honey. She’s my bestie; she won’t share.”
“I know she’s close to you, like Ellis is to me.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “But scouts honor you won’t leak this out to anybody else. Okay?”
“I won’t.”
Antoine’s cell vibrated in his jacket, and he checked his texts. “Oh, man. Ellis worked today. I thought he’d be home by now, but he’s still at work. He s
uggested we stop by his crib tomorrow or join him and Sherrie at Osete Bar and Cafe for brunch. What do you say?”
“Either is good for me. What time is our flight?”
“It’s at 5:50. We’ll have plenty of time.”
“Great. Let’s do it.”
Antoine started the car and let it idle. He glanced at his old school and sighed with relief. There were so many fond memories. Awesome teachers who encouraged him to go to college, playing sports, making captain of the Debate Team. His best memory was developing a close friendship with Ellis….and Skyline was where he met his first girlfriend.
“What’s up, Daydreamer?” Jada said, scrolling through the pictures she’d taken.
He grinned. “Just reminiscing.” Placing the car in gear, he headed home.
Chapter 34
ANTOINE
Saturday
Antoine strutted into the living room and draped his suit jacket over the back of the sofa. “Alexa, play “Work” by Drake and Rihanna.” He reflected on their day while bobbing his head and snapping his fingers. It had been fairly productive, minus Jada’s chance to meet Rashad and his friends. He picked up his manuscript notes from the table, sat on the couch and read.
Dancing her way out of the room, Jada popped her fingers, rolled her shoulders and shook her hips to the beat of the music. She wore a straight A-line royal blue and beige dress with beige heels.
“Nice,” Antoine said. He got up and danced over to her.
“Which dress? This one or the multicolored one?”
Antoine scanned Jada up and down and made a circular motion with his finger. “Twirl around.”
Jada made a few steps and spun around, then posed with one hand on her hip.
“That’s the dress. The multicolored one is boss, but it’s too dressy.”
“We agree, so this it is. I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.”
“Perfect. I forgot to ask if we should take a dish or dessert. I’m calling Joy.”
“Okay,” Jada said, entering the bedroom.
“Siri, call Joy,” he said. She picked up on the first ring.
“Yes, Ant. You on the way?”
“Jada’s getting ready, but we’ll be on the road shortly. Hey, are we supposed to bring food? Or drinks, dessert?”
“No. Just be there at 4:00 p.m. Eddel has caterers handling dinner.”
He snapped his finger. “Ah, man, she always uses caterers. I don’t believe she can cook. Right?”
“Ant, please. You know she doesn’t cook,” Joy said, chuckling. “This is a heads up on the plan. Introduce Jada to Pop and Eddel. You’ll meet with him first, so speak up. At the end of your meeting, text me. If everything appears favorable, I’ll bring Jada in. If not, I’ll step in to intercede. Eddel and Merlon will keep Jada company. Will that work?”
Antoine scratched his chin. “I guess. You’ve mapped this out like we’re meeting with the POTUS.”
“Knowing your father, that’s fairly close.”
“Uh, on the other hand; I don’t know. Jada may want stay with me.”
“Can she be out your sight for thirty minutes? We don’t bite, you know.”
“No, but Pop barks. That’s who I’m worried about.”
“Maybe at you sometimes, but he certainly won’t act that way around Jada.”
Their father was an excellent provider, but his weakness was socializing. He hated it. Their mother worked full-time, maintaining a level of normalcy in the house. While their father worked six days a week, she made sure they attended Sunday services, went on vacations, and supported her children’s interests.
“Yes, but…this is her intro to the family. I’ll check with her. What’s the chances of Pop swaying to the right on the eviction?” Antoine put on his shades and stepped out on the deck.
“I’m not certain. To start, I think a hug and handshake might help. You know what? I catch your shows sometimes. I know why you’re the hottest DJ around. Use your ingenuity and that mellow voice to bring a positive vibe into the meeting. Stay in that mode; you’ll get Pop’s attention and respect.”
“With my audience, a positive vibe flows naturally. Pop is another story.”
“Whatever. I’m saying, it’s time for you and him to bury the swords and make peace. You’ll have kids someday, and they should know Roland Bailey.”
“True. I’ll keep that in mind.” He allowed his sister’s advice to resonate. Kids? With all the madness going on with Kiley, he’d pushed that aside. He did want kids with Jada someday, and his father’s role as a grandparent was something to consider.
“After you meet with Pop, Merlon and I will update you on the investigation. Will Jada be present?”
Rolling his eyes upward, he rocked his head back, “You told Merlon?”
“Merlon is my husband; we’re partners. He compiled a lot of this information, so watch your tongue.”
“Okay, okay…my situation is embarrassing enough.” He paced the deck, “This info is confidential, and the media can’t even get a sniff or I’m burnt toast.”
Joy shared practically everything with her husband, and Antoine hadn’t thought of that when he asked for help. But to tell Merlon about Kiley was stepping outside the boundaries of their sister-brother bond.
“Exactly. Guess what? We’ll be on the air reporting your business on the 6:00 a.m. news. Ant, surely, you can’t believe we’d betray you.”
“No, baby sis. I didn’t mean to come at you like that. Management is in my business, and they’re concerned about those pictures. So am I.” He’d have to force himself to flow with her decision to tell Merlon.
“Stay calm, we’ll work through this. See you soon.”
“Ciao.” While a stream of light brought warmth, a mild Bay breeze grazed Antoine’s face, bringing a level of relaxation. He and Jada had disclosed a lot of heavy information this morning, and he sensed one apparent fact that bothered him. She wasn’t ready to meet his family. If they could sit on this deck, clear their heads, and enjoy time alone, this trip would be perfect. He stepped back inside the living room.
Jada sashayed out, dazzling the room in the beige and royal blue dress.
“I’m ready,” she draped a beige wrap over her arm.
“Okay, fine woman. Let’s roll to Piedmont.”
Chapter 35
JADA
Saturday
Antoine made a quick right on a street that resembled Paradise City, and Jada gasped. He continued to drive up secluded hills, but the area was so extraordinary, she missed the street name. In awe of the caliber of homes, it was unbelievable that black people lived up here. She’d have to be on top of her game to impress Antoine’s family. What if they didn’t like her? She didn’t come from a wealthy family, nor did she know anybody who had this kind of wealth.
Antoine swerved into the circular gray cobblestone pavement and parked. “You ready for this?”
“As ready as I can be. I’m a little nervous.” She shifted her attention to the two-story house, green trees, sculptured lawns and bushes. The multicolored flower bed landscape expanded around the property and beyond her view. “Jeez, this house is awesome, like the others on this block. Where’d you say this is?”
“Piedmont, it’s in Alameda County, close to Oakland. Wait until you see the inside. Pop’s girlfriend, Eddel, can’t cook, but she’s charming. They’re using a caterer for dinner. Hopefully, it’s Ethiopian food.”
“Oh, Ethiopian food. I’ve never had it.”
“Trust me. It’s delicious. That’s where Eddel is from. FYI – Pop likes younger women these days, and Eddel is about our age. Joy and Merlon will love you, and my father…well, you’ll see how he is.”
“I’ll see how he is?” Jada jutted her chin. “Please explain what you mean.”
“Don’t worry. Before we leave, you’ll know him well. It’ll be all right. By the way. I have a private meeting with Pop. Are you cool with my absence for about a half hour?”
“Yes, but you don’
t think I should be in there?”
“Not until I meet with him first.” He stroked her face and kissed her cheek. “Let’s get going.”
“When will I meet your mom?” Jada knew this was a touchy area, but she wanted to meet his mother before her illness worsened. Joy mentioned their mother hadn’t felt well for the last several days. A visit might ease Antoine’s tension.
Antoine gazed at her. “You must’ve read my mind. I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“One month’s notice is required for every trip.”
“Got it.” He unlocked the car doors and removed the key from the dashboard.
The lengthy walkway to the expansive front door made Jada regret wearing three-inch heels instead of pumps. Antoine rang the doorbell, and a lovely young woman with a pretty smile answered.
“Welcome! I’m Eddel.”
“Eddel, this is Jada.”
“I’m so happy to meet you.” She hugged Jada, and then Antoine.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too,” Jada said.
“Is Joy here? I didn’t see her car,” Antoine said.
“Yes, I’m here,” Joy walked into the room. “Merlon left, but he’s coming back.”
“Joy, this is Jada,” Antoine said, with a broad smile.
“Well, I finally get to meet you, lady,” Joy said, with a mouth full of snow-white, perfect teeth and a smile.
“Yes, nice to meet you, too,” Jada hugged Joy, admiring her print A-line dress, gold chain and cross. She resembled Antoine and carried the same personal warmth.
Joy pressed her hands together. “We changed the plan. Pop’s been detained; he’s on the phone with a client in New York. And Merlon…he’ll be here before dinner. So, we have hors d’oeuvres and drinks on the table. Help yourselves.”
“Is Cheyenne here?” Antoine asked as they walked to the dining room.
“No, she’s with the babysitter. When you’re up here again check in. Either we’ll bring her to your place or you come to ours. I hope Jada will be with you.”
“Oh, she’ll be up here again.” Antoine shifted his eyes to Jada.
Rhythm Bay Love Page 18
