“Is the house on fire?”
Christopher chuckled. “No, your mom is making … scratch that … is trying to make cookies. The first batch didn’t come out so well, but the second is edible.”
“Mom’s making cookies? Where did that come from?” Fredrick asked as they walked through the house toward the kitchen. His mom barely boiled water; the family had eaten in restaurants constantly when he was younger—another expense they could have avoided.
“She signed up for those cooking classes Janiyah recommended. Now she’s trying to make cookies.”
Fredrick suppressed a groan, but clenched his jaw. Even here he couldn’t escape a conversation about Janiyah.
The haze in the kitchen was thicker. Smoke and noise greeted them when they entered the spacious area. The vent over the stove blasted, along with the ceiling fan and a floor fan propped in front of the open sliding door to the patio. His mom hummed happily as she pulled a pan of dark brown cookies out of the oven. When they entered, her brown eyes lit up. His dad beamed back at her. He’d never seen his dad look at his mom without resembling a lovesick fool.
“Oh, Fredrick, you’re here. Just in time to try one of my cookies.” Even in a smoke filled, hot kitchen Viola Jenkins was beautiful. Taller than his dad by two inches, her mocha skin didn’t show a hint of her real age, thanks to the dermatologist and personal trainer his dad paid for.
He went over to the bar where she laid the cookies and kissed the cheek she held up for him. “What kind of cookies are they?”
“Peanut butter,” she said, scooping the hot cookies off the pan.
Fredrick cringed. “Not my favorite. Aren’t you supposed to wait for them to cool?” he asked, when half of the last cookie fell off the spatula onto the plate.
She lifted a slim shoulder. “Your dad likes them hot.” She grinned at Christopher. “Don’t you, sweetie?”
“You know it, honey,” Christopher agreed, taking the broken cookie and stuffing it into his mouth.
Fredrick shook his head. They were sickening. “So, Dad tells me you’ve taken up baking because of Janiyah?”
His mom propped a hand on her hip and leveled him with a stare. “Fredrick, I don’t know why you don’t just marry that girl and make us all happy.”
Fredrick held up his hands. “Whoa, where did that come from? Janiyah and I aren’t even dating.”
His mom tsked. “I know. Such a shame, too. I ran into her a few weeks ago and we just started gabbing about this and that when I mentioned how upsetting it was that I couldn’t bake your dad’s favorite cookie. Then she told me about this fantastic cooking class she took.” She leaned across the bar and put a hand to the side of her mouth. “And the good looking instructor.”
“You know Dad can hear you?”
His dad shrugged. “Window shopping never hurts. It helps when she comes home to me.”
His parents both laughed, and Fredrick shook his head. “Janiyah dated the cooking instructor.”
His mom frowned. “I know, and while I agree the man is gorgeous, I can see why she dumped him. All that knowledge of spices and the man has no flavor.” She shook her head as if it were a shame.
“Mom, in case you forgot, I’m an accountant. I have even less flavor than a chef.”
His mom waved the spatula at him. “Oh hush, you’re full of flavor. And fire, according to your last girlfriend.”
“Mmmhmmm,” his dad added and stuffed another cookie in his mouth.
Fredrick’s eyes darted between the two. “Excuse me?”
“Oh, please, Fredrick, I wanted to make sure my son knew how to please the ladies. So I discreetly ask all your girlfriends.” She winked at him. “You’re definitely your father’s son in that department.”
“I can’t believe this,” Fredrick moaned, placing his face in his hands.
“Don’t be ashamed, son,” his dad said with a laugh. “We may only brush on the door of six foot, but we more than make up for it in the bedroom.”
Fred raised his head. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
His mom waved a hand. “If it makes you feel better to believe that, then suit yourself. I’m just saying if you grabbed Janiyah and … ” She looked at his dad. “How do you say it, sweetie?”
“Put it on her,” his dad said, lifting another cookie.
“That’s right. Once you put it on her and show her what you’re blessed with, she’ll come around.”
Fredrick frowned. “What if I don’t want to do that? Have you ever stopped to consider that Janiyah isn’t my type?”
“Take it from me, Fredrick,” his dad said. “Janiyah is just what you need. She’s like your mother, beautiful and full of life. Have you ever seen me unhappy?”
Fredrick didn’t answer. He’d seen his dad frowning over a mountain of bills. Working extra hours and hustling for new clients just to pay for the latest thing his mom wanted. Telling Fredrick there wasn’t enough money to pay for college, but still insisting that he go to Duke because it would look good and make his mom happy. His dad didn’t remember any of that. It all disappeared whenever his wife smiled at him.
He nodded. “You’re living the life you want.”
“And I love it. Janiyah will make you happy,” his dad said.
Or drive me insane, he thought. She drove him crazy now. But even when she was annoying she made him smile. The way she fussed whenever he ate ice cream was cute. She always teased him about being stuffy, but never tried to change him. Except for his wardrobe. And he couldn’t deny how much she drove his body crazy. She’d done that since he’d come home from college that summer and she’d forever altered their relationship. After looking at her finances, he had to concede she was better with money than his mom. He could tell it was killing her to work behind a desk, but she was doing an excellent job.
But those good traits didn’t change the fact that keeping up with what she wanted was akin to riding a rollercoaster. Her mood changed so much. Not to mention she’d break off their relationship in a heartbeat when someone more interesting came along. His parents, no matter how dysfunctional, loved each other. He hadn’t seen Janiyah put up with someone who wasn’t related to her for longer than a few weeks, much less love. The closest was the damn violin instructor, and she’d dumped him.
“Can we drop this subject? I’m not interested in Janiyah. She’s not interested in me. In fact, she’s dating some college professor now.”
His mom raised an eyebrow. “So you’re watching who she dates.”
“She’s right across the hall from me and barges in whenever she pleases. I can’t help but notice.” He took a deep breath. “It’s a good thing I’m moving.”
His mom dropped the spatula and put a hand to her heart. “Where? You can’t leave me, Fredrick, I’d just die.”
He shook his head. “You won’t die, Mom. You said the same thing when Debra and I went to college.”
“I nearly cried every night,” she said, wiping an imaginary tear from her eye.
“No you didn’t, because Dad took you on vacations.”
“Only to stop the crying,” his dad said.
“I’m not moving out of town, just looking at getting my own home. My business is growing, and I’m tired of living in the apartment.”
“What will Janiyah do?” his mom asked, her crying over before it started.
“Live. She’s got a dad, three older brothers, and any man she bats an eyelash at who can help kill her spiders and buy her bananas. My moving doesn’t concern her.”
His mom scowled, but didn’t say anything.
Fredrick stood. He’d gotten his reality check. “I just came by to see how you two were doing. I’ll leave you to your baking and call later this week.”
His dad held up a hand. “Don’t bother; your mom wants to visit her sister. We’re going in a few days.”
“But Aunt Melena lives in California. Don’t you have an important meeting with that potential new client next week?”
“I moved the date.” Christopher wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist. “Gotta keep your mom happy.”
“And you do daily, sweetie,” his mom gushed, kissing his dad’s forehead.
Fredrick rubbed the bridge of his nose. “You’ve already postponed that meeting three times. How do you expect to get their business?”
“See, there you go worrying again,” Christopher said, shaking his head and darting his eyes at his wife. “Everything is under control.”
“You always handle things, sweetie.” His mom wrapped her arms around his dad’s shoulders.
Why waste his breath with a lecture? His dad never listened. “Call me when you get back.”
They didn’t answer and he knew they were wrapped up in an embrace. He should be grateful to have two parents still together that obviously loved each other. But watching his dad ignore the basic responsibilities of adulthood to make his wife happy, and the way his mom treated any aspect of reliable behavior as a chore, put a sour taste in his mouth for that type of love. No matter how much his body wanted Janiyah, he feared his heart would take over and override his good sense. He refused to risk everything he’d achieved just to have her.
CHAPTER 20
It surprised Fredrick to see Janiyah’s yellow Camaro parked at her parents’ house on Thursday afternoon. She’d called in sick without saying what was wrong. She hadn’t come by his apartment that morning. That wasn’t too surprising. They’d been avoiding each other outside of work since the lunch incident three days ago. He hated to admit how much he missed her presence in his apartment.
He grabbed the folder with the information Roger had requested about Henderson Automotive’s assets and got out of the car. He was further surprised when Aaron answered the door with a tired look on his face.
“Fred, what are you doing here?” Aaron smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“I’m dropping off some papers your dad asked for. Hey, man, are you okay?”
Aaron looked over his shoulder before coming out to stand on the porch. “I’m fine. It’s was a rough day.”
“What’s going on?”
Aaron rubbed the back of his neck. He avoided eye contact, unusual for him. “It’s no big deal.”
“I doubt that, you can barely look me in the eye. If something’s wrong you can tell me.”
“My dad doesn’t want us to make a big deal out of it.”
“Out of what?”
Aaron finally made eye contact. Fredrick couldn’t hide his surprise when he noticed the red rims around his friend’s eyes. “Aaron, man, what is it?”
Aaron sat in one of the large wicker chairs on the porch.
“Might as well tell you. You’re like family. Dad had bypass surgery today. He made it, but for a moment … they thought his heart wouldn’t start again.”
Fredrick dropped into the chair next to Aaron. His relief that Roger was okay was overshadowed by the fear that he almost hadn’t made it. How could Janiyah not say anything to him about this? How had she gotten through the day?
Aaron sighed and pulled the twists on his head. Fredrick cleared his head to focus on his friend. “Damn, man, how’s he doing? What are you doing here? Do you need anything?”
Aaron shook his head. “No, he’s okay now. That’s the only reason we left to get Mom’s overnight bag. She forgot it in the rush this morning.” Aaron paused and frowned. “It was scary when they told us about his heart. Then seeing him in ICU. He looked so … weak. My dad’s always been larger than life, you know? It hit me that he almost didn’t make it.”
“He made it,” Fredrick said automatically. He couldn’t imagine Roger Henderson weak. The man personified everything a real man should be: strong, loved his family, successful, and always kind.
“I know, but he’s talking about dying and getting his affairs in order. He wants to sell Henderson Automotive. Can you believe that?”
Fredrick looked at the packet of paperwork in his hand. He hadn’t questioned why Roger wanted it, but now it made sense. “Do you think he’s serious?”
“I’d hoped he would change his mind, but after the complication, there’s no telling what he’ll do,” he said, shaking his head.
Aaron dropped his head into his hands and Fredrick fell back in his chair. He empathized with Aaron’s fear. Roger Henderson was the male role model he’d strived to be like. More stable than his own father, Roger was the one who’d given him advice on starting and running a business. He’d treated him like another son, which added fuel to the flames of guilt whenever Fredrick thought about how much he wanted Janiyah.
Why hadn’t Janiyah confided in him? Instead, she’d avoided him and called in sick with no explanation. He’d had to listen to Evan complain about her and even Phyllis disapproved that she’d called in. All of that could have been avoided if she’d let him know what was going on.
Or had his actions already ruined their friendship?
Fredrick sat up and placed his hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “I can’t say it’ll be okay, because no one can guarantee it. But what I can say is that your dad is a fighter. I’ve never seen that man give up or let anything beat him. As for Henderson Automotive, it’s too much a part of this family for him to sell. Let him get through recovery, then see what he says.”
Aaron lifted his head. “You’re right. I know it, it’s just hard, ya know?”
Fredrick shook his head. “I can only imagine. I’m here for you. Just let me know if you need anything, and I’ll do my damnedest to get it.”
“I know you will.” Aaron tapped Fredrick’s hand on his shoulder. “Hell, you’re practically family.”
Fredrick thought about the way he’d touched Janiyah earlier in the week and dropped his hand. “Not quite.”
“You’re right, but if Janiyah had her way you would be.” Aaron gave him a knowing look.
Fredrick struggled for something to say. “Aaron, look, I promise there’s nothing going on there.” It sounded like a lie even to himself.
“Believe it or not, I’d prefer her with you than some of the other idiots she’s dated.”
Fredrick was speechless. A glimmer of something … excitement maybe … sparked in his chest. If Aaron really meant that, then one of his reasons for staying away from Janiyah vanished. He shook his head to clear it. There were several other reasons to stick to his plan—his dad skipping the meeting he was supposed to have today in response to his mother’s whim, being the biggest of all.
As if summoned, Janiyah came onto the porch. Fredrick’s breath caught in his throat. Her hair was curly today and pulled back in a loose knot. She wore a green tank top with the Mellow Yellow logo on the front and knee length shorts that clung to her shapely thighs. He shifted in the seat in a useless attempt to relieve the sudden tightness in his pants.
When their eyes met, electric heat shot through him.
She gave him a tentative smile. “Oh, hey, Freddy. Sorry about calling in.”
“It’s alright. Aaron told me what was going on.”
She glanced at Aaron, who shrugged. “Might as well let Fred know.”
“I’m glad you told me.” He threw an accusing look at Janiyah.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
He held up the envelope. “Dropping off paperwork for your dad.”
“Oh.” She clasped her hands in front of her while twisting one foot back and forth.
“Are you two okay?” Aaron asked, looking between the two.
“We’re fine. Just like friends who’re as close as siblings should be. Right, Freddy?”
“Perfect. I won’t stay. Just give this to your dad.” He shoved the envelope at Aaron.
“Alright, man,” Aaron said.
Fredrick stood and Janiyah blocked his way.
“Have a good night, Janiyah.” He went around her and headed for his car.
• • •
“Freddy,” Janiyah called.
She rushed off the porch and followed him. She felt bad
for calling in, but hadn’t known what else to do since her dad didn’t want them to say anything. If she’d known Aaron would cave she would have told Freddy.
He stopped but waited several seconds before facing her. “Yes?”
She didn’t know what to say, so she went with repeating herself. “I’m sorry about calling in.”
“I wish you would have trusted me enough to say something, but I guess I understand.”
She walked over and placed her hand on his arm. His muscles hardened as he stiffened from her touch. “No, you don’t understand. After what happened earlier this week, I wasn’t sure what to say to you.”
He shifted his stance so that her hand fell away. “That’s what I was afraid of. I knew it would change things between us.”
“Is that really so bad?”
“I don’t what things to change. I value our friendship, Janiyah, and I regret that I let my actions threaten that.”
“We both want—”
“No, we don’t. We should remain friends. Nothing more.”
She didn’t believe him. “Are you afraid of what’s between us?”
“No, I’m realistic.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“That we don’t make sense as anything more than friends. I care about you.”
“And you want me.”
He hesitated. She waited on the denial, the lie, but to her surprise, he nodded.
“Yes, I do. But I’d rather do what’s right than do what I want and screw everything up. And let’s face it, Janiyah. We’d screw things up.”
Without another word, he turned and went to his car. Janiyah watched him pull away from the curb. He threw his hand up in goodbye to Aaron, but didn’t spare her a glance. It was the last straw. The last squeeze she didn’t need on an emotional day. Tears burned the back of her eyes. She wanted to cry for her dad, for Freddy’s denial, and for herself because she still wanted him after he firmly said nothing more would happen. She blinked several times to stop herself from giving in to her emotions. She might want to cry, but she wouldn’t. Freddy she’d figure out later. Something was holding him back, and she’d find a way to get past that. Right now she had to survive this family emergency. With a deep breath, she slowly went back up the stairs onto the porch.
Just My Type Page 15
