by Tina Martin
Carter grew quiet. The thought of her going alone and telling Jacqueline about their marriage was unsettling. Under normal circumstances, it would’ve been fine. But Jacqueline knew too much, and he needed to ensure that his aunt didn’t slip up and say anything about Jacob. “How about you call her back and tell her you’ll be there at six-thirty then I can join you?”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. We can tell her the news together.”
“Okay. I’ll call her right now.”
Shayla hung up and immediately called Jacqueline back, informing her that Carter wanted to come by as well and that they’d be there after six.
* * *
Carter left work on time so he could meet Shayla at Jacqueline’s house. And although he was with her now, he still felt leery about what Jacqueline might say. But that’s the price he had to pay for a guilty conscience.
He held Shayla’s hand as they walked up to the door, and ringing the doorbell he whispered to Shayla, “So how do you think we should tell her?”
“I’m not sure. She’s your aunt.”
“Oh, so I’m telling her?” Carter grinned.
“We can tell her together. We shouldn’t be nervous. It’s not like we’re telling our parents or anything. Besides, I think she likes me so she would be totally fine with me being your wife.”
“Hey,” Jacqueline said, opening the door. “Come on in. Good to see you guys.”
“Something smells good.” Carter rubbed his hands together, ready to eat dinner after a long day at work.
After they sat on the couch, Jacqueline said, “Y’all might as well come on to the kitchen because dinner is already done. I made a homemade chicken and dumpling soup with collard greens and corn bread. I know food like this is probably a little old for your taste but that’s how my generation likes to eat.”
“That’s fine with me,” Shayla said. “I could stand to add a little meat on my bones.” She glanced at Carter and watched him smirk.
Jacqueline took the liberty of making their plates, then as they sat eating dinner Jacqueline took a long look at the both of them. “It’s good to see you two together.” She glanced at Carter watching him smile. Shayla had a smile on her face too. “Okay, what are you two up to.”
Carter and Shayla both laughed together.
“Um, Jackie, we have something to tell you,” Shayla said, cringing.
“What is it?”
“Um…”
Carter barged in. “Shayla and I are married now.”
Jacqueline dropped her spoon and while she processed this, Shayla extended her hand to show Jacqueline the ring. “Oh my word, Carter. Are you kidding me?”
“No ma’am,” he replied. “We’ve been married for over a week now.”
Neither Carter nor Shayla expected Jacqueline to start crying but that’s what she did as her hands trembled in front of her opened mouth. She dabbed her eyes then stood up to walk around the table and hug both of them.
After dinner they set at the table still talking when Shayla excused herself for a bathroom break. That’s just what Carter needed so he could talk to his aunt in private.
“I’m so proud of you,” Jacqueline said. “I’m glad you finally told her about Jacob. Now you guys can live happily ever after.”
“Actually, I didn’t tell her.”
“What?”
Carter looked over his shoulder to make sure Shayla wasn’t coming. “I haven’t told her. I never could bring myself to do it and I don’t think I ever will. As long as she doesn’t know our marriage will be fine. Everything will be fine and Jacob will become someone she used to love. Now, I’m the man she loves.”
“But Carter you have to think about her feelings. How do you think she would feel if she found out tomorrow that Jacob is your brother? What do you think she would think of you for keeping that from her?”
“I’m hoping she would see how much I love her instead of focusing on something bad I’ve done. I do love her. I love her very much, Jackie.”
“I’m just worried that she’ll find out.”
“No, she won’t find out.”
“Shh,” Jacqueline whispered when she saw Shayla approaching.
Shayla sat down, took a sip of water and looked at the both of them sitting suspiciously quiet. “Everything good?”
“Yeah, baby.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Everything is perfect.” That’s the lie he told her and himself. But how long would he be able to keep it up?
Chapter 21
“Leaving on time today, Mr. Williams?” Julie said, but it sounded more like a statement or observation than a question.
Carter was heading home, right at five-thirty. “Yeah…got plans,” he said thinking about how excited Shayla was to go grocery shopping with him. Cuddling last night, she’d brought up the fact that they didn’t have any wheat bread and were out of milk and eggs – Carter finding it strange she brought this up while they held each other.
Carter waved bye to Julie and told her not to stay too late. She had no clue he’d ran off and gotten married. He didn’t tell her for fear she’d have a heart attack right there in front of him. Besides, he hadn’t told anyone. Not even his best friend. All in due time.
He pulled up in the driveway, tooted the horn and waited for Shayla to come out. Grocery shopping – apparently it was important for her that they do it together and Carter welcomed the idea. He wanted to experience everything with Shayla and if shopping together for groceries was an important marriage milestone for her, then it was just as important to him.
Shayla came running outside wearing a white tank top and some floral print skinny jeans and sandals. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She opened the passenger door and jumped in.
“Hey baby,” she said, leaning over to kiss him.
“Hey, you.” Carter put the truck in reverse and backing out of the driveway. A few turns later, he pulled up in the parking lot at Harris Teeter, found a close parking stall and shut off the truck.
He looked at Shayla then leaned over to kiss her. “Mmm…you smell good. What you wearing?”
“Just some Victoria’s Secret lotion.”
“Oh yeah?” Carter asked, sneaking more kisses.
“Mmm hmm.” Shayla squirmed while Carter kissed her jaw, down her neck a little.
“Can we please go back home?” he begged. “Or we can get in the back seat.”
“Carter…” Shayla said, slapping his arm.
“What?” he said, locking the doors to the truck when he saw her reach for the handle to get out. “You’re mine now, woman.”
“I realize that,” Shayla laughed, “But right now, we gotta go buy some food.” She unlocked her door then got out.
Carter followed suit.
Shayla took a grocery cart, pushing it ahead while Carter trailed her. “Hey, Carter, you drink skim milk, right?” She looked at him, waiting for him to respond, while thinking that stuff like this – the type of milk a person drinks – is learned during the course of a relationship, something a person should probably know well before marriage. Then again, they hadn’t had a long courtship. Actually, they had no courtship, just an amazing friendship that evolved into a love neither of them saw coming.
“I’m not a big milk drinker, but I do use skim milk for cereal.”
“Okay. Skim milk it is then.” Shayla took a gallon size jug from the refrigerator section and placed it in the cart.
“Sweetie, if you prefer something different, get it. We don’t have to only buy the things I like.”
“Okay,” Shayla acknowledged, but didn’t bother to select anymore milk, even though she preferred two percent. “Carter, what brand of yogurt do you like?”
“Um…doesn’t matter,” Carter said, noticing an old co-worker heading his way. From working with Robert, Carter remembered that the guy was long-winded, and he hadn’t seen him since the deaths of his Mother and brother. He was almost positive Robert knew about it. Everyone he worked with did. S
o instead of waiting until the guy was near him, Carter decided it would be better if he walked closer to him instead. That way, they could have a conversation without Shayla having to hear what was being said.
“Shayla, I’ll be right back, sweetie.”
“Okay,” Shayla said, still not paying much attention but instead, digging through an assortment of yogurts – key lime pie, black forest cheesecake and blueberry.
Carter walked the aisle, scanning the ice cream section, pretending not to have seen Robert approaching.
“What’s up, man?” he finally heard Robert say.
He looked up and pretended to be surprised. “What’s up with you, man…haven’t seen you in a while.”
They slapped hands and Carter turned around to see how close Shayla had come to meet him. She was still browsing yogurt. He had a little time for catch-up chit chat with Robert and hopefully a quick goodbye.
“I see you lookin’ sharp…you still running things down there at corporate, huh?” Robert asked him.
Carter laughed it off. “If that’s what you call it. But yeah, man, I’m still there…still doing the thang, you know. How’s your new gig?”
“It’s good…less stress on my head. I don’t know how you do it.”
Carter turned around again, saw Shayla pushing the cart his way. He had to cut it short with Robert before he brought up anything about his brother and the funeral.
“Well, ah’ight man, I’m gonna actually get going…just doing a little grocery shopping with my wife. Good seeing you though.”
Robert frowned. “Wife?”
By that time, Shayla was standing there watching the two of them.
Carter cleared his throat. “Um…Robert, this is my wife, Shayla. Shayla, this is Robert. He used to work at corporate with me.”
“Hi,” Robert said with a look of shock on his face initially, but Shayla’s smile made this real. The infamous Carter Williams had gotten hitched.
“Hi. Nice to meet you,” Shayla said.
Robert glanced back at Carter. “Man, I didn’t know you had gotten married.”
“Yeah. We’ve only been married for a little over a week now.”
“Well congrats, man,” Robert said flabbergasted.
“Thanks,” Carter told him.
“Oh, and excuse my manners, darling,” Robert said, looking at Shayla. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”
“Ah’ight man, well we’re gonna get back to shopping,” Carter said, hoping Robert would walk away from them.
“Ah’ight. Catch you later.” Robert turned to walk away then stopped abruptly and said, “Oh, Carter, sorry to hear about your brother, by the way, man.”
Busted.
Carter was speechless. He only gave Robert a slight nod and watched him walk away finally. But the cat was already out of the bag. Now, Shayla knew he had a brother.
When Robert was completely out of sight, Shayla said, “What did he mean about your brother? I didn’t even know you had a brother. You have a brother?”
“Yeah…it’s nothing.” Carter took a few steps near the butter and cheese.
“Nothing?” Shayla pushed the cart behind him. She vaguely remembered Carter mentioning to her that he didn’t have any siblings. So where did this mysterious brother come from?
Carter rubbed his head. How was he going to get out of this one? “Hey, did you get some cheese?”
“No, I didn’t get cheese. Carter, you have a—”
“What kind do you like?” he asked before she could say anything else.
Shayla recognized what he was doing by trying to quiet her, but why? Suddenly, her happy grocery shopping trip with hubby was becoming more like an episode of Unsolved Mysteries. Where was this brother of his? Why had she never met him and most importantly, why did Carter keep him a secret?
“Shay,” Carter said looking at her. “What kind of cheese?”
Shayla felt a painful disconnection from him. Sure, she was married to him, in love with him but other than what he told her, she knew nothing else about his family. A person’s family is what really told the story about the person.
“Okay….well, I’ll grab some…ah…cheddar,” Carter said. “Is that good with you?”
“Yeah…sure. Is that all we need?”
Carter squinted at her, sensing her change in mood. He scanned the contents of the grocery cart. “I guess so.”
They breezed through checkout and outside now, Carter set the bags in the back seat of the truck, then pushed the cart to the return station.
In the truck now, he started the engine, looked over at Shayla and asked, “Is there anywhere else we need to go before we head home?”
Shayla shook her head wordlessly. Carter proceeded to back out of the parking stall, then drove off, silently heading down the street. The drive home was awkward, at first. Shayla didn’t say a word, and Carter could feel the tension building an invisible wall between the two of them. He lightened the pressure a little when he casually said, “I had a brother, okay.”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“Wait a minute. What does that mean?”
“Means you don’t have to tell me anything, Carter,” Shayla snapped. “We’ll just be two people who love with each other, but really don’t have a clue about one another. That’s all. After all, I guess it’s my fault that I don’t know what kind of milk and cheese you like, oh and that you have a brother that I know absolutely nothing about.”
Carter slid on his shades and silently drove the few minutes it took to get home. Telling her about Jacob now would be a crushing blow to their relationship. They’d just gotten married and surely if he rattled off about how Jacob was his brother, their relationship would take a nose dive. Instead he focused on her words – we’re two people who are in love with each other but really don’t have a clue about one another. There was a loud ring of truth with that statement, and he wanted to change that. So after they quietly unpacked groceries, put things away in the fridge and pantry, Carter sat in the den waiting for Shayla to join him.
Once she sat down, he pulled her closer.
“I’m not your enemy. I’m your husband.”
“I know that…”
“Okay, so why are you trying to distance yourself from me just because we had a slight disagreement. Love means working things out, baby. So what if we don’t know every little thing about each other. I’m sure there are things I will learn about you every single day of our lives.”
Shayla remained quiet.
“And just so you know, and to ease this unnecessary tension between us, yes I had a brother. He died.”
“I’m sorry,” she empathized.
“It’s okay.”
“When did he die?”
“Doesn’t matter,” Carter said, threading his fingers together. “He’s dead and so is my Mother.”
“Why are you saying it like that, Carter? Like you don’t care? It’s hard to lose someone you love…especially a relative.” Shayla scooted a space away from him so she could look him in the eyes.
“It hurts but life goes on, right?”
“Are you listening to yourself?”
Feeling pressured, he responded, “What do you want me to say?” He didn’t want to talk about his brother in any more detail than necessary. If he did, Shayla was bound to ask for more details about him – like his name – and he hated to lie to her. Again.
“I want you to tell me what happened without being all blasé about it.”
“I told you what happened,” he said testily. “Why are you drilling me about this, Shayla?”
“Drilling you? I’m drilling you? I thought I was having a conversation with my husband. Jeez, Carter. Can I not ask you any personal questions? Is that it? I haven’t earned the right?”
Carter ignored her, took the remote from the coffee table and powered on the TV.
“You know what…forget I said anything!” Shayla angrily stood up and headed for the door. “I can’t believe this.”
Carter jumped off the couch after her and grabbed her arm before she could leave the den. “You really wanna do this? You want to get mad at me over something trivial?”
“This is our life, Carter. How is getting to know my husband better trivial? How? Explain that to me!” she said, standing her ground.
“Because everything was fine between us before you started all of this.”
“Started what? The only thing I did was ask you about your brother and it sparked all this chaos, but you know what…I promise I will never ask you anything else about your family if this is the response I’m gonna get.” Shayla snatched her hand away from him, leaving the den.
“Fine, then!” he shot back, sitting down again.
“Fine!” she yelled halfway up the stairs. “Let me know when my normal, sane husband returns.”
She hit a nerve. Carter’s mind went blank when he heard her say those words. He was already under extreme pressure – pressure from work, from guilt, from marrying her, from keeping Jacob a secret – it was all too much for him. He jumped off the couch like a mad man, dashed upstairs to catch her. He stopped her in the hallway, just steps from their bedroom.
“Who do you think you’re talking to like that?” He glared at her, his chest quickly rising in and out as his body pressed her against the wall.
“Leave me alone, Carter.”
“No. This is what you want, right? You wanna fight? Let’s fight,” he said yelling.
“I don’t want to argue with you,” Shayla said nervously, her palms flat against his chest, pushing him slightly as he confined her to the wall. She’d never seen him this angry before.
“It’s too late for that, don’t you think,” he said, slapping the wall.
Shayla tried to push him again, but he hardly moved.
“You don’t think talking about my family is difficult for me? You think I don’t care about my family?”
“You act like you don’t care…don’t care enough to discuss anything with me anyway.”
“Did it ever cross your mind that maybe I don’t want to talk about them! Hunh? That it hurts me to talk about them?”
