A Lassiter's Christmas (The Gems & Gents Series Book 4)

by Iris Bolling

  Pearl hesitated, but for the first time the memory of the time did not sadden her or make her feel guilty.

  “His name was Lionel Jackson. I loved me some Lionel. I ate, slept and dreamt Lionel. He was king Lionel to me.”

  “Okay, okay, I get the idea.” Theo smiled.

  “Yeah, well, I was stupid. He said he loved me and we would be together forever.”

  “Hmm.”

  “Yeah, hmm. Well forever was until he laid eyes on Cynthia Thornton, the green eyed vixen that is now engaged to my brother.”

  “Samuel?” Pearl nodded. “That’s who you were visiting in the hospital the night we met.”

  “Yep.” Pearl leaned up on her elbow, propping her head up so she could see his expression when she told him the rest. “He broke up with me at the prom, because after one dance with Cynthia he declared himself in love with her.”

  “Ouch, he broke up with you at the prom?”

  “In the middle of the dance floor when I approached him with her standing there.”

  “Ooooh.”

  “His words were, ‘Pearl, you’re okay, but I have a chance with Cynthia Thornton. She is more than okay. Hell she’s beautiful.’”

  “What did Cynthia do?”

  “She laughed and walked off with her friends to tell them what happened.”

  “What did Lionel the wonderful do?”

  “Ran after her.”

  Theo sat up on his elbow, facing her. “What did Pearl do?”

  “Stood in the middle of the floor looking like a fool. My brother Mathew was there and took me home.” She licked her lips. “A few days later I was having cramps and bleeding so Ruby took me to the emergency room. I found out I was pregnant, but had miscarried. My parents were so hurt when I told them. I could see the disappointment in their eyes. Samuel and Ruby took care of me while my parents worked. No one else knew about it. I was sixteen years old. I have spent every year of my life since that time trying to make them proud of me again. Everything I do is geared towards seeing that pride I used to see in their eyes when they look at me. I’ve stayed away from any man who I thought would be able to control me like that.” She looked up at him. “Until you.”

  Theo exhaled. He put his hands around her waist and pulled her to him. He kissed the tip of her nose, then stared down into her eyes. “I see nothing but pride in your parents’ eyes when they talk about you. I can’t speak for them, but I’m pretty sure they forgave you the night you came home healthy to them. I think it’s you who needs to forgive yourself.” He pulled her under him. “I don’t know what I’ve done to earn it, but I treasure you and the trust you’ve placed in me. It’s more precious than silver and gold.”

  “What about platinum?”

  He rubbed his thumb across her brow. “There is not a metal that can compare to you.” He kissed her with a gentleness that surged through every pore in her body.

  This kiss was different from the others. This kiss felt euphoric. The feeling you get when you know it’s the beginning of true love and it scared her senseless. Pearl closed her eyes. She knew she was lost. Theodore Prentiss had gotten under her skin.

  Chapter 8

  The Confederate Country Club was filled to capacity to celebrate the birthday of Leonora Prentiss. The elites were in the house dressed in their tuxedos and gowns. This was a birthday celebration, but since it was so close to Christmas it was also the annual gathering to ring in the holidays. The who’s who of the socialites were in attendance.

  Theo could see his mother’s spirits were high and she loved the attention. He wondered if he should wait to introduce her to Pearl. It was at that moment his father walked up behind him.

  “Too late to change your mind now. Your mother is expecting her and you’ve already invited her.” Edward Prentiss, III clapped his son on the shoulder.

  Theo’s height, hazel eyes and temperament all came from his father. Edward was one of the most easy-going people a person would ever come across. His patients loved his bedside manner. The hospital applauded his diplomacy and society loved his openness. No one in his immediate circle was surprised when he married a real live Pam Grier figure, Leonora Greene. The two fell in love on the University of Virginia’s campus during a time when stares were their greeting at just about every establishment they entered. But neither cared. His parents’ union was based on love. That’s the one thing he wanted in his life, a love like theirs. He believed that wish was in the making.

  “I’m not nervous,” Pearl kept repeating to herself as she pulled up to the magnificent white building with pillars in the front, lights all around and the history of Virginia inside. Also known as The Confederate Country Club. It was not her first time in the establishment, however it was her first time meeting the parents of someone she was involved with. If Theo was just another man this event would not faze her. After last night, she knew he was not just another man; he was the man who made her toes curl, her stomach flop and her vee-jay-jay cream with joy. If there was ever a time she needed the Lord’s intervention to keep her opinions to herself if was now. Please, Lord, hold my tongue. If not for me, do it for Theo. He so wants this meeting to go well.

  Why did she agree to do this? Pearl thought as she waited for the valet to come to the car. Because Theo caught her in a weak moment when he asked her to attend his mother’s birthday party. And for the last week she had not been able to deny him much of anything.

  She stepped out of the car. “Man up. You’re a Lassiter, dammit.”

  Pearl entered the lobby of the country club and was met by two hostesses. One took her coat, the other searched for her name on the attendance roster.

  “I’m probably a write-in,” Pearl suggested.

  The woman dressed in a floor length black gown raised an eyebrow. “Of course.”

  Pearl started to respond, but remembered she wanted this event to go well for Theo. “Is there a problem?”

  “No problem. It’s a black tie affair. You are sure to stand out.”

  “Black tie, you say?” Pearl nodded. “If I remember my etiquette correctly, black tie affairs call for floor length evening gowns, dressy cocktail dresses or an appropriate little black dress. Well, you see, I have these wonderful long legs so why not show them off.” She stuck her leg out to show the woman. The she looked her up and down. “I choose not to look like my ninety-year-old grandmother.” She smiled. “Did you find my name?”

  The woman nodded her head, clearly offended by Pearl’s comment. “Yes,” she responded as she stepped aside.

  “Snotty heifer,” Pearl mumbled as two men dressed in tuxedos opened the double doors to the main ballroom. She glanced around the room. “Well, the Prentiss certainly know how to put on a function.”

  The room was decorated in ivory and gold. There were no chair covers at this event. No, there were gold chairs with white drapes down the back and tied with gold ribbons. The centerpieces were tall, gold vases with beautiful long stem white roses. The tables were set with gold goblets and flatware. The crystal place settings sparkled where the lights from the chandelier hit them. The place was elegance at its best. Pearl was impressed with the tasteful elegance until she turned to see a blonde a little too close to Theo.

  He saw her the moment those legs took the first step into the room. The little black dress caught his attention so completely he lost track of what Amber was saying. The shoulders and sleeves were lace, the bodice hit every curve, the bottom flared, the heels, at least four inches, added more length to those shapely legs of hers. Theo’s only thought was about the feel of those legs wrapped around him so possessively last night. His eyes weren’t the only ones on Pearl as she walked confidently towards him. All sounds or thoughts of anything else disappeared.

  “Excuse me, Dr. Prentiss. May I have a moment?”

  Theo never looked away from Pearl. Just as he was about to respond his mother joined them.

  “Theo.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Well, aren’t you going to introduce me
to your date?” She turned to the blonde.

  Pearl raised an eyebrow as she saw the frown on Theo’s face. He turned his mother towards her and Pearl smiled.

  “Mother, this is Pearl Lassiter.” He stepped closer putting his arm around Pearl’s waist. “Pearl, my mother, Leonora Prentiss.

  Pearl extended her hand. “Mrs. Prentiss, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Leonora looked from Pearl to the blonde standing to the side. “You’re joking?”

  Pearl lowered her hand. “Amber works at the hospital. She did not come with me.”

  “But you’ve been standing here talking with her. I thought she was with you…with you.”

  “No, and you are being rude to Pearl.”

  She turned. “I don’t mean to be rude. Of course it’s nice to meet you. I just could not fathom you would be here with my son.”

  “Good evening. Who do we have here?” Theo’s father walked up behind his wife and smiled at Pearl.

  “Dad, this is Pearl Lassiter. Pearl, my father Edward.”

  Pearl hesitated to extend her hand and be embarrassed again. She found the action wasn’t necessary. Edward walked around his wife, took Pearl’s hands and held them out.

  “My goodness. If I may say so, I taught my son well. You, my dear, are a goddess. Tell me, can those legs move on a dance floor?”

  Pearl smiled at the tall, handsome, dark haired Caucasian with the hazel eyes, and though surprised, many things about him reminded her of Theo. “Yes, they can.” She took his hand then smiled over her shoulder at Theo as they walked to the center of the room.

  Theo returned the smile until his mother spoke. “I cannot believe you would bring someone like that to my birthday party.”

  “Like what, Mother?”

  “Well…” she stuttered. “Take a look at her.” She pointed towards the dance floor. “Look at the dress, it’s disgraceful and her hair. My goodness it looks like she didn’t bother to comb it.”

  “I think her hair is beautiful,” Amber said from behind them.

  Both Theo and Leonora turned and glared at her. Amber looked embarrassed then walked away.

  “How could you?”

  “How could I what, Mother?” Theo turned his back to the dance floor to ensure Pearl did not see him as he spoke to his mother. “Find someone who’s young, vibrant, beautiful and sexy as hell. Look at the men in this room, Mother. They can’t take their eyes off of her.”

  “Because she’s dressed like a … a…”

  “Check yourself, Mother. I care for this woman. I suggest you take a moment to carefully determine your next move.”

  “Theo…”

  “Before I walk away, please tell me you are not upset because she is Black.”

  “I don’t have a problem with her being…Black. She’s just…so natural.”

  “Hun hum.” Theo walked away joining his father and Pearl on the dance floor.

  He took Pearl in his arms, kissed her cheek, then whispered in her ear, “Boy shorts or thong?”

  Pearl’s laughter rang out. “You know you are in trouble, don’t you?”

  “I figured as much.” He smiled into her eyes.

  “You didn’t tell your mother about me. You didn’t tell me about your father and you forgot to tell me what type of event this was.” She leaned in and whispered in his ear, “You want to tell me why you caused this little scene?”

  “I honestly did not consider there would be a scene. Did you notice my mother is Black?”

  “I did.” She smiled. “I also notice she thought you were with a Caucasian. Could it be that is who she is used to seeing with you?”

  “It’s possible, only because I’ve never brought many around my parents.”

  “So I’m a novelty to her.”

  “No, you’re a freaking goddess and you know it. Can I turn you in this dress?”

  “And put on a bigger show than we are right now? I don’t think so.”

  “But I so want to see that show,” he laughed.

  Pearl joined him. “You can turn me when we get back to your place.”

  Theo kissed her lips. “I can’t wait.”

  Edward took Leonora aside. He waved at the attendees with the curious stares and smiled as he spoke to his wife. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. On the inside was a picture of his wife. “I want you to take a good look at this picture. Now take a glance at that beautiful young woman with our son. Isn’t it a joy to know he loves you so much that he wanted his wife to be just like you?”

  “Wife? I think you are putting too much into this, Edward. This is the first time we have even seen her. Why, he’s never mentioned her before.”

  “Yet he brings her to the one event where all of his family and friends are in attendance, including his mother. If that doesn’t convince you, I want you to take a look at them on the dance floor. I see magic. What do you see?”

  Leonora looked over at her son for a long moment. There was something different about the way he was holding… “What’s her name again?”

  “Pearl.” Edward smiled at his wife.

  “Well…” Leonora folded the wallet and put it back in his pocket. “Let’s get to know Pearl.”

  After the ceremony and well wishes were made everyone was seated for a five-course meal. Leonora sat between her husband and Theo. Pearl sat to Theo’s right. A few others joined them at the table, including a last minute addition of a woman named Lauren.

  “So, Pearl, please tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living?”

  Pearl was startled, for the woman had made every effort to keep the conversation flowing without her. She felt Theo’s hand on her leg as she looked up at his mother. This is where she had to make a decision. As much as she cared for Theo, she couldn’t be anyone other than who she was. “I talk to people for a living.”

  “That could cover a range of possibilities. Do you work at a grocery store, a movie theater or are you a comedian? When someone asks a question of this nature it’s an attempt to get to know you.”

  Theo started to speak, but Pearl grabbed his hand under the table.

  “Pearl is the Press Secretary for Attorney General Harrison,” Edward replied before Pearl could.

  “Really?” Leonora appeared to be a bit surprised. “How on earth did you meet someone working for that man, Theo?”

  “That man?” Pearl questioned. “JD Harrison is one of the youngest Attorney Generals in the country. He was also elected by one of the widest margins in recent history. I think he deserves the respect of being called by his name. If you can’t bring yourself to do that, simply call him Mr. Attorney General.”

  “I actually voted for him,” Lauren offered with a shrug of her shoulder. “He’s a good man.” The redhead nodded to Pearl. “I’ve seen you at a few press conferences. Very impressive. Did you help with his acceptance speech?”

  “The AG likes to write his own speeches, most of the time it’s from the hip. We develop a message and pray he stays the course when he speaks.”

  “Well, whatever you are doing the message is being received.”

  “By whom, the people who want us to take care of them and highjack our cars if we don’t? The only thing I ever hear him talk about is saving gangbangers.”

  “Mother, it’s your birthday, let’s find another topic other than criticizing Pearl’s employer.”

  “So, did you go to school to learn to talk to people, Ms. Lassiter?”

  “Of course she did,” Edward replied. “Master’s in Public Administration. I like that, brains and beauty.”

  “Edward,” Leonora interrupted, “let Ms. Lassiter speak for herself.”

  “Yes, please do.” Pearl glared at Leonora. “Was it when I said hello, or the moment you realized your son was with a Black woman that you decided not to like me? Don’t get me wrong, the feeling is mutual at this point, but I was wondering what exactly set you off?”

  “For one, it was the way you came dressed to a form
al event.”

  “I love that dress,” Lauren stated. “Wish I had the legs to wear it.”

  Pearl smiled. “Thanks, Lauren. How did you get pulled into this?”

  “I’m so happy you asked. You see, Leonora feels the more she pushes me in Theo’s face, the chance of probability will kick in and we will have sex, marry or do something. What she doesn’t know is we tried that and though he was good, we are just not compatible. You on the other hand are a good match for him if for no reason than you will stand up to his mother and her meddling.”

  Theo laughed as did Pearl. “You thought you were the first smart mouth woman in my life.”

  “Lauren, I have never seen this side of you,” Lenora huffed.

  “I know, Mrs. Prentiss, and I’m sorry. Anyone in this room can see there is something special between these two.” She wiped her mouth. “I say leave them alone. Let them explore the possibility of finding happiness, just like you did.” She stood. “Please excuse me.”

  “Well, I never knew she was such a liberal.”

  “You say that as if it’s a bad thing.” Pearl smiled. “It’s a wonderful thing to care about others who happen to be less fortunate than we are.”

  “Why would I care?” Leonora snapped back. “I depended on me to get my education to raise my status. I did not use affirmative action or student loans to make my way through college. I worked to acquire what we have today, as I expect every other person to do. The one thing I did not do was send my son to college to become a doctor, only to be pulled backwards by an around the way girl with kinky hair and long legs.”

  “You’re a Republican?” Pearl stood with a look of outrage. “How in the hell can you be a Republican in this day and time? Oh, wait.” She looked around. “You don’t believe there’s a struggle going on? You think because you have the wealth and means to do things you consider important, that all doors are opened to you.” Pearl leaned across the table into Leonora’s face. “Let me enlighten you. My boss is a damn good man. He believes in serving all the people in the commonwealth, including over-opinionated, right wing conservatives such as yourself. As Attorney General he ensures you have the right to drive in any neighborhood without being stopped for driving while Black. You want to know something else, the moment you step outside of your little box and venture into an area above your means, and there are a quite a few, you too will be pulled over and questioned, arrested or possibly killed for the color of your skin.” She picked up her purse. “The struggle isn’t over. It’s just dressed differently. Now, you think about that while you are celebrating the very liberties JD Harrison is trying to protect the next time you want to judge him or me. Oh, and by the way, I love my kinky hair. Can you say the same or are you too busy trying to hide who you truly are with the piece of crap human being you’ve become?” She didn’t bother to wait for a response or Theo to catch up with her. Pearl strolled to the coat checkroom, retrieved her coat and headed towards the valet.