by La Jill Hunt
“What? Hell no. You don’t think she’d be with him. Nah, she wouldn’t do that.” Natalie’s head shook back and forth so hard her long braids fell out of their bun.
“Okay, I’m back.” Nivea returned.
“Great, now sit your ass down and tell us who this dude is,” Janelle told her.
“How about I show him to you instead?” Nivea gushed.
“He’s here?” Natalie began looking around.
“He is. He’s walking over here now.”
Janelle turned around, silently praying she wouldn’t see Jarvis. She blinked at the man walking toward them. A lump formed in her throat, and she slowly inhaled.
“Oh shit,” Natalie murmured.
“Be nice. I promise I’ll explain everything later,” Nivea warned just before welcoming her guest with a big hug and a kiss that left both Janelle and Natalie stunned.
“What’s up, ladies?” He grinned.
Janelle didn’t say anything as she stared at him. It wasn’t Jarvis. The man standing at their table with his arm around her best friend was Hampton Davis. The same Hampton Davis who’d been married to Lynne, Sylvia’s best friend. The same Hampton who Lynne had been excitedly bragging and talking nonstop about the weekend before while they were out shopping for Peyton’s prom dress.
“You guys know Hamp, right?” Nivea smiled.
“Uh, yeah,” Natalie answered for both of them.
“I think they’re kinda in shock, baby,” Nivea told him. “Look at their faces.”
“I understand. That’s how I reacted when you told me you were pregnant too, remember?” Hampton said.
Janelle’s mouth gaped open, and Natalie made a noise that sounded like the squawk of a bird.
“You need to stop playing.” Nivea laughed. “Now y’all know I ain’t pregnant.”
Finding out that Hampton was joking about Nivea being pregnant was a little relieving, but Janelle was still a bit disturbed. She couldn’t believe Nivea was dating Hampton Davis. Not that Nivea and Lynne were friends, but they knew one another. They’d all hung out on more than one occasion both before Lynne’s divorce and after. Hell, if Janelle recalled, Nivea had been at Sylvia’s house one night for a girls’ night when Lynne broke down crying about her divorce after having a few too many drinks. This was messy, and Janelle wanted no part of it, especially after the conversation she and Lynne had days before. Was Hampton cheating on Nivea or Lynne? Because from what she saw, he damn sure was sleeping with both of them.
“It’s good seeing you again, Janelle. How’s Syl and Garry?” Hampton had the nerve to ask.
“They’re good.” Janelle’s voice was noticeably flat, but she didn’t care. She stood up and said. “Excuse me.”
Janelle went into the restroom and began pacing back and forth as she tried to think. A few seconds later, Natalie and Nivea walked in.
“I know this is kinda funny, and I tried to prepare you, Nelle, but he just popped up,” Nivea explained.
“Funny? You think this is funny?” Janelle looked at her as if she were crazy.
“Okay, maybe not ha-ha funny, but funny as in unusual or unexpected,” Nivea told her.
“Niv, this is not cool. We all know Lynne, and she’s really nice,” Natalie said.
“Yes, we do, and you’re right, she’s good people. But this has nothing to do with Lynne, and for the record, they’ve been divorced for years. Don’t act like I’m some kind of side...” Nivea’s eyes met Janelle’s, and she stopped.
“I’m leaving. I’m not staying here for this.” Janelle shook her head. “Nat, can you pay my portion of the bill? I’ll Cash App you.”
“No doubt.” Natalie nodded.
“I said tonight was my treat,” Nivea said.
“Nah, I’m good,” Janelle told her.
“So, you’re just gonna dip? Really, Nelle? You can’t stay and at least have one drink? That’s messed up.”
“What? You think I’m gonna go back out there and pour it up with the ex-husband of a woman I consider a sister? Nah, that’s what’s messed up. You can’t expect that shit to happen, because it ain’t.”
“I expect my best friend to at least spend fifteen minutes with me and the guy I’m in love with. But whatever.”
“In love? Nivea, you’ve only been dating him for a couple of weeks,” Janelle told her.
“About the same amount of time you’ve been seeing Rod, huh? Aren’t you in love with him?”
“This isn’t about me.”
“That’s my point. All of a sudden, because I’m dating someone you don’t agree with, it’s a problem? That’s what we do now? I never thought you of all people would be this damn hypocritical,” Nivea said as they faced off. Janelle, who was slightly taller, looked down at her, determined not to be intimidated. Nivea had a lot of mouth, but Janelle knew that’s all that it was.
“Niv, hold up,” Natalie tried to intervene. “Let’s all take a step back.”
“What the hell are you getting at?” Janelle’s eyes became small as she stared at Nivea.
“For years, we’ve sat back and watched you play your position with Titus, and even though we voice our opinions on occasion, we let you do you. Now you wanna leave, then fine. All I wanna say is I don’t need you running to Syl and saying shit about me and Hampton. I mean it.”
“Oh, so it’s a secret?” Janelle was baffled by her request.
“No, it ain’t a secret, but it ain’t nobody’s business.” Nivea shrugged. “And we’d like to keep it that way.”
Janelle looked over at Natalie, then back to Nivea. “That’s how you know this is some bullshit. Let me guess, Hampton told you to tell me that.”
“Actually, he didn’t. He just said he’d prefer the opportunity to tell Lynne about us himself, and I agree. So I’m just saying, respect that request.”
“And if I choose not to?”
“You won’t,” Nivea replied. “Because if you do, that huge contract your sister just got from the mayor’s office, and the one that’s in negotiations right now, won’t happen. Trust me, Hampton will make sure that it doesn’t. His words, not mine.”
Chapter 31
Sylvia
“You look beautiful, Peyton,” Sylvia whispered as she stared at her daughter’s reflection in the mirror they stood in front of.
“You do,” Janelle, who sat on Peyton’s bed, agreed.
“Is my hair okay? Do I need to curl it some more?” Peyton asked nervously, touching her flowing waves.
“No, everything is perfect,” Janelle responded. “The dress, the shoes, the jewelry, the makeup, everything.”
“Thank you, Aunt Nelle.” Peyton smiled, then turned around and said, “And thanks, Mom. I know I blew through my budget, but I’m gonna get a summer job and—”
“Stop lying, girl.” Sylvia laughed and shook her head. “It was worth every penny.”
The budget she’d given Peyton for prom was forgotten the moment she’d seen her in the dress she wore. Somehow, they’d also found another dress for Tank’s prom that was just as perfect and cost as much. But the accessories they’d purchased would be worn to both proms.
“Well, at least my going to Mission is gonna save you some coins, right?” Peyton winked.
Janelle hopped up. “Wait, are you serious? You decided?”
Sylvia gasped. “You’re going to Mission? Since when? I thought you were choosing Spelman.”
“Shhhhh, I don’t want Dad to hear. I want it to be a surprise,” Peyton whispered.
“Wait, it this because Tank chose Mission?” Sylvia peered and folded her arms.
“No, Mom. I chose before he did. See?” Peyton walked over to her desk and handed Sylvia a paper.
Sylvia took it and saw it was a receipt from Mission College for Peyton’s enrollment fees and housing dated months before. She turned to Janelle. “Did you pay this?”
Janelle shook her head. “No, it wasn’t me.”
“Aunt Connie gave me most of it,” Peyto
n said.
“Lord, that woman, I swear.” Sylvia sighed. Her aunt never ceased to amaze her. “She ain’t said nothing.”
“It was our little secret.” Peyton giggled. “She’s still not back home?”
“Not yet.” Sylvia shook her head. Aunt Connie left over an hour ago, saying she had an important errand to run, but promised she would be back before Peyton headed to the prom.
“Well, I am so happy you chose my alma mater. It’s the best school in the world, but I’m sure you already know that.” Janelle hugged Peyton. “It’s the school I picked.”
“Our alma mater,” Sylvia corrected her. “And I picked it first, and she followed.”
“Touché.” Janelle took out her phone and began taking selfies of the three of them. “Well, my beautiful niece and future Mission maiden, I want you to be safe tonight and have fun.”
“You’re leaving?” Peyton gasped. “But Tank hasn’t even gotten here yet. Don’t you want to see him and take pictures of us together?”
Sylvia glanced at her sister, and they gave one another a knowing look. Janelle had already said she would be leaving right after Peyton was dressed so she wouldn’t run into Tank’s parents. She was happy to hear that Janelle decided to cut off all ties with Titus once and for all. And she understood Janelle wanting to avoid him.
“I’ll make sure to take plenty of pics and send them to her,” Sylvia promised.
“Fine.” Peyton accepted her aunt’s decision to leave with a pout.
Sylvia walked her sister downstairs. Janelle said goodbye to Garry and Jordan, who were sitting in the den watching television while waiting for Peyton’s date to arrive.
“Thanks for coming to help her get dressed.” Sylvia hugged her just before she went out the door. “I’m sorry you can’t stay, but I understand.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. She looks gorgeous. I can’t believe she’s going to prom,” Janelle told her. “She’s all grown up.”
“And heading to Mission. Garry’s going to be ecstatic,” Sylvia whispered. “And to be honest, I am too. A sister can get her retail therapy on with that contract money.”
“Syl, I need to talk to you about something.” Janelle became serious.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Sylvia could tell something had been bothering Janelle all afternoon, but she thought it had to do with possibly seeing Titus and his wife. But she realized it was something else.
The doorbell rang, causing both of them to suck in air. Gypsy ran into the foyer where they were standing and began barking.
“Gypsy, calm down!” Jordan ran behind the dog.
“I’ll call you later,” Janelle said and headed toward the kitchen to slip out the side door.
Once her sister disappeared, Sylvia opened the front door. Tank stood in the doorway, looking like a model in his custom tuxedo with a tie that matched Peyton’s dress. In his hand was a beautiful wrist corsage, and behind him was Titus.
“Good evening, Mrs. Blackwell,” Tank greeted her.
“Tarik, you look so nice.” Sylvia gave him a brief hug as she welcomed him inside. She paused and politely said, “How are you, Titus?”
“I’m well, Sylvia,” Titus replied.
“Wait, you two know each other?” Tank looked confused.
Titus quickly answered, “As much as you talk about Peyton’s family, I feel like I’ve known them forever.”
Sylvia quickly added, “And as many times as I’ve seen your father on television bragging on his son, I feel the same way.”
“Oh, that’s true.” Tank shrugged.
As she closed the door, she saw Janelle’s car still parked in front of the garage and wondered where her sister went.
“You look nice, Tank,” Jordan said, now holding Gypsy in her arms to keep her quiet.
“Thanks, Jordan. Hey, Gypsy.” Tank petted the dog’s head.
“Your mother’s not here?” Sylvia noticed Tricia’s absence, which was odd, but a bit relieving. She had not been looking forward to seeing her.
Tank looked over at his father then back to her. “Uh, no. She was supposed to meet us here, but I guess she’s running a little behind.”
“Well, there’s my future Mission man!” Garry strolled in and announced.
“How ya doing, Mr. B?” Tank smiled and shook Garry’s hand.
A few moments later, Sylvia escorted her anxious daughter down the steps to her date. Tank nervously fumbled to place the corsage on her wrist while they all, including a very emotional Garry, took pictures. After Peyton pinned a boutonniere to Tank’s jacket, Titus adjusted his son’s bowtie, and Sylvia saw him slip some folded bills into his hand before telling him he loved him and to have fun.
“You ready?” Tank asked Peyton.
“Wait, we can’t leave yet,” Peyton exclaimed. “Aunt Connie’s not here yet.”
“Baby, y’all have to get going,” Sylvia told her.
“Yeah, we have dinner reservations at seven, remember?” Tank said.
“I’ll make sure she gets the pictures, and Aunt Janelle,” Sylvia promised, immediately glancing to see if Titus reacted to her sister’s name.
The door opened, and Aunt Connie stepped inside. “Well, hello, everyone.”
“Aunt Connie, I thought you were gonna miss us.” Peyton hugged her. “We were just about to leave.”
“Of course I wasn’t gonna miss y’all. And you can’t leave before your limo arrives,” Aunt Connie announced.
“Limo? We didn’t rent a limo.” Peyton laughed.
“Well, not exactly a limo. But something a little better.” She beckoned for them to follow her as she stepped back out the front door.
“Oh, snap!” Tank yelled.
“Is this for us?” Peyton squealed.
“Oh my God.” Sylvia gasped as she saw what had them so excited. Sitting in the driveway was a beautiful vintage Rolls-Royce Phantom in pristine condition. Standing beside it with the door open was Deacon Barnett, decked out in a tux, top hat, and gloves.
“Now, y’all go and have fun.” Aunt Connie hugged Peyton then Tank as they rushed off to get into the classic automobile.
As soon as they drove off, Titus turned and said, “Thank you all for everything. I appreciate y’all.”
Garry shook his hand. “It’s no problem. It was good seeing you, Titus. You raised a fine young man.”
“He’s a good kid. Thanks.” Titus turned to Sylvia, pointed at Janelle’s car, and said, “Give her my love, Syl.”
When he was gone, they all went inside. Sylvia went upstairs to her room to finally relax. She was about to call Janelle and ask where she disappeared to when Garry walked in.
“Syl, can we talk?”
Sylvia put her phone down and said, “Sure.”
Garry sat beside her. “First, you did an amazing job with Peyton and all of this prom stuff. She looked beautiful. I know it took a lot of time and energy, but you pulled it off, so thank you.”
“She’s our daughter, Garry. I just did what any mother would. You don’t have to thank me.”
“No, you’ve done way more, and not just with her, but with everything. You have pretty much been a single parent in a lot of ways and done a hell of a job raising our daughter while I’ve been away for most of the time. And now, despite the circumstances, you’ve started parenting Jordan. You are amazing, and I appreciate your willingness to do that. You have always been one of the most selfless women I know. But I can’t let you do this anymore. It’s not fair.”
“Garry, what are you talking about?” Sylvia frowned. “What’s not fair?”
“Me expecting you to single-handedly raise a child you never expected to raise, especially at the moment that the business you and your partner have worked so hard to create is taking off. It’s not fair for you to put your dreams on hold to take care of a responsibility I created. So I want you to know that you don’t have to, Syl. I get it,” Garry said. “I thought me being a great provider meant that I wa
s a good partner, and that’s not what I am, or was.”
“Are you leaving me, Garry?” Sylvia asked.
“No, Syl, that’s not what I’m doing at all. As a matter of fact, I’m doing the opposite, I’m joining you.” Garry told her, “That is, if you agree.”
“What do you mean?”
“I want to quit my job, Syl, and be home. I want to be home for you, for us, for our family. To help with whatever you need me to do,” Garry said.
For years, Sylvia had been waiting for him to finally decide it was time for him to slow down and spend more time with her and Peyton. Now Peyton was graduating, and he was having an epiphany. She then remembered his admitting how he hated his job, and even after telling her, he still continued working. Sylvia didn’t know how to respond. Having him home full-time would allow them more time to work on their marriage and help with Jordan, and she would be able to grow their company. All the things she’d been trying to figure out over the past few months.
“Are you sure about this, Garry?” Sylvia asked.
“Only if you think it’s a good idea. It’s not up to me. It’s up to us,” Garry said. “You don’t have to answer right now. Just think about it.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek, then said, “Let me see if I can convince Aunt Connie to make some hot wings for dinner.”
“You know she doesn’t take requests,” Sylvia reminded him.
“I’ll tell her they’re for Tank. Better yet, Deacon Barnett.” He laughed as he walked out of the room.
Chapter 32
Janelle
“When exactly are you going to tell her?”
“I don’t know,” Janelle said to Sherrod as she finally pulled out of Sylvia’s driveway. She’d hidden on the side of the house and watched Peyton and Tank as they got into a Rolls-Royce driven by Deacon Barnett, of all people. Then, once Titus left, she was able to get into her car. “I told her I had something to tell her, but there was so much going on with Peyton, tonight wasn’t the time to say anything. If I even say anything at all.”
