Heart of Gold

by Beverly Jenkins

  C H A P T E R

  4

  Bernadine and Mal had a standing dinner date at her house every Saturday night, and she wasn’t looking forward to her sister being a third wheel. But there was nothing she could do about it, so she began the preparations. Diane had yet to show herself after her nap. Bernadine hoped maybe she’d had second thoughts about the visit, climbed out of a window, and was on her way back to wherever. It was a ridiculous fantasy, but a girl could dream.

  No such luck. Diane walked in and took a seat on one of the stools.

  “You don’t have to cook dinner on my account. I’m still full from lunch.”

  “This isn’t for you,” Bernadine pointed out as she seasoned the catfish and placed it in a dish. “Mal and I always have dinner together on Saturday night, but you’re welcome to join us if you want.”

  “You and Mal? That fine piece of man from the diner?”

  “Yes.”

  Her sister looked stunned. “Why would someone like that—” She stopped.

  Bernadine finished the sentence for her. “Why would a man like that be interested in someone like me?”

  Diane squirmed. “I mean, other than for your money, of course.”

  Shaking her head, Bernadine covered the dish with plastic wrap and stuck it in the fridge. She’d cook it later. “I’m sure if you ask him, he’d give you an answer.”

  Apparently that wasn’t something Diane wanted to discuss anymore, because she changed the subject. “Who told you about the foreclosure?”

  “Doesn’t matter. I know about the divorce and the fact that you’ve alienated all three of your children.”

  “I had my reasons.”

  “All bogus.”

  Diane’s eyes flashed angrily. “What would you do if your oldest son married a ghetto queen, your daughter married a man from Germany, of all places, and your youngest prefers men to women?”

  “Try and be supportive.”

  “Bullshit.”

  Bernadine shrugged.

  “Your adopted child’s run away from home, so you’re the last person to be judging me.”

  “Not judging. Just stating fact.”

  “And so am I.”

  Tension crackled in the air like summer lightning.

  Bernadine sought the high road. “Di, look. I took you in because you’re my sister. If you don’t want to be here, there’s the door.”

  “So how long have you and Mal been together?” Another subject change

  “A couple of years.” Bernadine wondered if her sister would ever face the fact that the reason her life was such a mess could be determined by one good look in the mirror. Bernadine was the eldest of the three girls born to Ernestine and Emery Edwards. Cecily, who’d died of cancer in her twenties, had been the middle child. Diane, the baby, always acted like a spoiled only child. It hadn’t been cute when they were young, and now that they were in their fifties, it was head-shaking sad. She would’ve given anything to have Di as a true sister. Bernadine and Cecily had always been partners in crime, and her death had torn Bernadine apart. With both their parents now deceased as well, she and Di were the only ones left. Bernadine would’ve loved sharing her travels and taking her shopping and buying her the fancy little baubles she knew Diane loved, but as it stood, she could barely stand being in the same room with her, let alone a nine- or ten-hour flight to anywhere.

  Mal knocked on the door precisely at six. The kiss and long hug he gave Bernadine in greeting did much to salve the bruising day. “I really needed this,” she told him while he held her against his heart.

  “That’s what I’m here for.”

  Arms wrapped around each other’s waists, they entered the kitchen. “Di, you remember Malachi?”

  “I do,” Diane said, her tone tinged with flirtation. “Bernadine says you’re eating dinner with us.”

  “She and I have a set date every Saturday night.” As if emphasizing his commitment, he squeezed Bernadine’s waist and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. “What’re we having?”

  “Broiled catfish, rice, and a salad.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Diane’s plastered-on smile looked so fake, Bernadine felt sorry for her, but the feeling lasted only until Diane asked Mal, “Did Bernie tell you about the time I stole her date for the prom?”

  The pain of that memory seized Bernadine by the heart and twisted.

  “No,” he replied. “She’s never told me anything about you.”

  “Oh.” For a moment she appeared stricken by that but quickly recovered. “Well, let me tell you what happened. It was really funny.”

  “No thanks.” He pointedly turned his back on her and, looking down into Bernadine’s pain-filled eyes, asked, “Anything I can help you with, babe?”

  She shook her head. “No.” Her voice was far quieter than she’d intended. Diane had pulled some cruel stunts back in the day, but convincing James Headly that it would be more fun to take her to the movies than honor the commitment he’d made to Bernadine for her senior prom had been at the top of the list. “Would you like some coffee? We could take it out on the deck.”

  “I’d love that.”

  Patently ignoring Diane, he stood silently while she went about the prep, and once the coffee was ready, the two of them stepped outside and closed the door.

  Bernadine took a seat. She couldn’t ever remember seeing Mal so outraged.

  “Are you sure she’s blood?” he asked, standing by the deck’s rail.

  “Wonderful, isn’t she?”

  “Was she like that growing up?”

  “Yes. And yes, she did leave me without a date for the prom.”

  “And your parents let her get away with it?”

  “They knew she was going out that night too, but they didn’t know it was with my date until he showed up. Neither did I.” She ignored her coffee as the awful memory rushed back. “Had on my new prom dress. Had my hair done—the whole bit. It was my first real date, and I came down the stairs from my bedroom feeling like a princess until I saw the confusion on my parents’ faces, and Jimmy standing there looking all sheepish, with Diane hanging on his arm. And she says to me, ‘Oh, I forgot to tell you, Jimmy and I are going to the movies.’

  “My parents stared at Diane, and I’m not sure if it was the smug glee in her eyes or the horror on my face that made my mother slap her so hard you could hear it across town. It was the first time she’d ever chastised Diane for her behavior.” She paused for a moment as the chaos of the next few minutes replayed itself in her mind. “Daddy was yelling at Jimmy about honor, and threatening to call his father. Mama was yelling at Diane, and she’s holding her face and screaming like someone had chopped off her head.”

  “And you?”

  “I went back upstairs, took off the dress, put it back in the box so Mama could return it to the store. Then I got into bed, pulled the covers over my head, and cried.”

  “Aww, baby.”

  Bernadine shrugged and sipped. “Hated her.”

  “But you’re letting her visit?”

  “No, stay with me, temporarily. Crazy, right?”

  “Uh, yeah.”

  “Her husband’s divorcing her. Over the years she’s managed to piss off all three of her kids. She lied to me to get me to take her in, but truth is, she has no place else to go.” The reality of that saddened her, even though there was no good reason it should. “She’s my sister, Mal. I knew from the moment she called me this wasn’t going to be fun, and I was right, but—”

  “She’s your sister.”

  She gave him a small smile. “Now, granted, I may have to kick her out eventually, but until then she’s welcome.”

  “No good deed goes unpunished.”

  “That’s exactly what my nephew—her son—said to me when I spoke with him earlier.”

  “Maybe you should send her over to stay with Tamar.”

  Bernadine laughed. “That would be something, wouldn’t it?” Bernadine’s phone rang.
Seeing DALLAS POLICE DEPT. on the caller ID made her heart race, and she quickly answered. A woman on the other end identified herself as Sergeant Sandra McCall and asked if she had a daughter named Crystal. Bernadine’s racing heart jumped into her throat. “Yes, I do. Is she okay?”

  The next voice she heard was Crystal’s, asking through what sounded like tears, “Mom, can you send me a bus ticket or something so I can come home?”

  Elation soared through her blood. “Oh my god! It’s so good to hear your voice.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Crystal cried. “I’ll understand if you don’t want me back.”

  “It’s okay. We’ll figure this out. Are you okay? You’re not hurt or anything?”

  “No, I’m fine. I just want to come home,” she said softly through her sobs. “And can you have my phone turned off? It was stolen, along with some of my other stuff.”

  Bernadine was struck by that. “Okay, honey. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. Let me speak to the officer again.” She turned tear-filled eyes to Mal.

  “Good news,” he whispered.

  She nodded in agreement. After making arrangements for the pickup, the call ended and Bernadine stood and walked into his waiting arms. “I’m so happy!”

  “So am I.”

  “I need to call Katie and have her fire up the jet.”

  “You want company?”

  “Of course.”

  “What about your sister?”

  “We leave her here and hope she doesn’t rearrange all the furniture while we’re gone.”

  He looked puzzled.

  “I’ll explain later.”

  Stepping back inside, she explained the situation to Diane, who blessedly kept her vitriol under wraps. “I’m so glad it worked out,” she said, although her withering tone made it plain that she didn’t mean a word.

  “We’re going to fly down and pick her up.”

  “That little bitty airport has planes going to Dallas this late in the day?”

  “No idea. We’re taking my jet.”

  Diane’s jaw dropped.

  Bernadine smiled. “You don’t know a whole lot about me these days, do you?”

  “I guess not.” She continued to stare. “Let me grab my handbag.”

  “Just Mal and I are going. We’ll be back later tonight.”

  “Oh. Okay.”

  She looked hurt, but Bernadine didn’t care.

  While Mal did the driving to the Hays airport, Bernadine rode shotgun and sent texts to the Henry Adams family to let them know Crystal was coming home. The replies she received made her smile. From Lily: Whoopee! From Jack James: Excellent news! From Rocky: Tell her her apron is waiting! From Amari: Brain loses bet. Details at 11. From Eli: About time! Forming line of butt kickers. From Marie: Give her my love. From Reverend Paula: God is Good. All the time. All the time!

  Bernadine agreed.

  Upon landing at the Dallas airport, she and Mal were driven by a hired car service to the police precinct. When they entered the bustling station, she identified herself to the desk officer. He pointed across the room. On a bench sat a wet-eyed Crystal, who immediately flew into her arms. Bernadine caught her up and rocked and cried. “Oh, baby,” she whispered. “I’m so glad you’re okay. So glad.”

  “I’m sorry,” Crystal replied as she wept. “I’m so sorry. This was so stupid.”

  “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it. Are you ready?”

  Using the crumpled wad of tissue in her hand to wipe her eyes and nose, she nodded. “Yeah.” Upon noticing Mal for the first time, she walked into his outstretched arms and let him hold her tight.

  “Thank you for coming to get me.”

  “Thank your mom.”

  Bernadine stared down at Crystal’s feet. “Where are your shoes, Crys?” She was wearing an old pair of fuzzy, mismatched socks.

  Her lips tightened and her eyes flashed angrily. “Stolen by the same people who took my phone and the jacket I got in LA last year.”

  “Wow. Okay.” Bernadine was real interested in hearing about this adventure, but she wanted to get home first. She threw a comforting arm around her child, and the three left the station for the return trip to the airport.

  On the flight, while Crystal slept, Bernadine snuggled against Mal’s side. “Somebody stole her shoes? You think they pulled a gun on her?”

  Mal shrugged. “Hope not, but either way it would be enough to make me call home.”

  She smiled. “I’m thinking this is going to be quite the story if she actually tells me about it.”

  “She probably will. I saw those eyes flash when she talked about her stuff being taken. She looked too mad not to talk about it. I’m more worried about her being around your crazy sister.”

  “Crystal can handle herself—she’ll do okay.”

  “As long as Diane doesn’t steal her shoes.”

  When they entered the house, Bernadine was so glad to be home that it took Crystal to point out the obvious.

  “You changed the furniture around?”

  Bernadine stared.

  “I kind of like it,” Crystal told her.

  Bernadine hated to admit it, but she did as well. The room flowed much better. Score one for Diane, she thought grudgingly. “It’s my sister Diane’s doing. She’s staying in the guest room, and may be with us for a while.” She’d have to thank Diane in the morning. “You go on up and get into bed. We’ll talk details after church.”

  Crystal asked warily, “You’re not mad at me?”

  “After having my heart ripped out, of course I am, but I still love you, so go on upstairs and get some rest.”

  “Thanks again for letting me come back.”

  “This will always be your home, Crys. No matter what.”

  “Do I have to go to church?”

  “What do you think?”

  “But everybody’s going to be looking at me.”

  “Yeah, they are. Better to go and get it over with now, don’t you think? Aren’t you the cross bearer tomorrow, too?”

  She sighed heavily, “Yeah. I’m on with Zoey and Devon.”

  “Then there you go.”

  Crystal looked over at Mal, who’d been watching silently, but seeing no support there, she offered a departing nod and slowly climbed the stairs.

  Bernadine met Mal’s eyes. “Was I supposed to lie to her about my feelings?”

  “No. The truth’s always the way to go.” He walked over and gave her another strong hug. “You go on upstairs, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks for being you.”

  “Told you when we met we’d be a good pair.”

  “Yes, you did, and you were right.”

  “Love you, girl.”

  She leaned up and gave him a kiss. “Love you too.” After walking him out to his truck, she came back inside, turned out the lights in her rearranged front room, and climbed the stairs.

  When the hired driver pulled the car up to the Garland home, it was almost two A.M. Roni saw lights shining from behind the drapes in the living room windows and from the bedroom window upstairs. She hoped that meant Reg was up and waiting to welcome her home. The driver helped her bring in the luggage and, after receiving his tip, drove off.

  The interior of the house was hushed. Even though she was anxious to see Reg, the urge to see her daughter was stronger. By the soft glow of the race car night-lights that had recently replaced the ones featuring Barbie, Roni stood beside the open door and watched her daughter sleep. It was good to see her. The West Coast gig had been only five days, but she felt as if she’d been away much longer. Who’d’ve ever thought she’d be mother to such an awesomely bright and inquisitive child? Zoey was also a child of incredible strength, and it was that strength that had taken Roni by the hand and led her back to singing, and to life, something Roni would always be grateful for. And in exchange Roni promised to keep her safe and love her unconditionally for as long as she drew breath.

  Zoey continued to sleep with Tiger
Tamar and the night-lights, but Roni didn’t care. Had she been overrun by rats the way Zoey had been, she’d sleep with every light in the house turned on. At least her nightmares from the attack seemed to have subsided. It had been almost a year since the last time Zoey woke up screaming and crying. Roni liked to think that the love of her new parents was helping the healing process along.

  As if sensing Roni’s presence, Zoey’s eyes opened. As they focused, she shot out of bed and ran for her hug. “Mama! You’re back!”

  Roni bent low and held her close. “I am. Missed you so much. How are you, Miss Lady?”

  “I’m good.”

  They grinned at each other in the shadows. “I see the NASCAR pj’s I sent you fit.” The shirt and pants were covered with cars and sponsor decals.

  “Yeah, but they’re boys’. They have a hole in the front of the pants. See?”

  Roni chuckled. “I know, babe. They didn’t have any for girls.”

  “Well, that’s messed up.”

  Roni loved her southern accent. “I thought so too, but I figured you’d still want them.”

  “I did. Do you think if I sent Danica Patrick an e-mail, she’d make girl pajamas?”

  “No idea, but an e-mail sounds like a good idea.” Roni shook her head at her tweenage force of nature. “Let’s get you back in bed.”

  Hand in hand they walked the short distance, and Zoey climbed in. Roni covered her up and sat down on the edge of the mattress.

  “Did you hear about Crystal running away?” Zoey asked.

  “Yes, Ms. Bernadine sent me a text. That was really sad.”

  When Zoey looked away as if something was bothering her, Roni asked, “What do you need to tell me, Zoey?”

  So Zoey told her all that had happened, from the promise she’d made to Crystal to being encouraged by Amari and Preston to spill the beans.

  “I wanted to talk to you about it, but I didn’t know if you were in rehearsal or sleeping or at the airport, so I talked to them.”

  “And sounds like they gave you some straight-up good advice.”

  “I felt bad about not saying anything last night.”

  “And next time what will you do?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. Tell, maybe.”