Collin gave her another look. Embarrassment flooded his face, coloring his cheeks a deep shade of red. London reached a warm hand out, laying it against his forearm. “You might as well go face the music. We need to get to the office, so you should go change.”
“I am so sorry,” he said, apologizing profusely.
London chuckled, “You don’t need to apologize to me. I’m going to sit right here until you get back.”
He opened his door and stepped out. “I don’t think so,” he said. “It’s your fault we’re late, so you’re going to have to face the music with me.”
He closed his door and moved around the back of the car to the passenger side. He pulled her door open and held out his hand. London’s eyes widened as he laughed heartily. “I’m serious!” he said. “Let’s move it!”
Before London could respond, Matthew called out to them. “Good morning!”
“Hey, Dad! Mom! Good morning,” Collin said as he helped London out of the car, closing the door after her.
London muttered under her breath. “I am so going to make you pay for this!”
He pressed a hand against the small of her back and whispered back, “It’s going to be fine. Just don’t panic.”
“You’ve got me doing the morning walk of shame and telling me not to panic.”
Collin chuckled, “I never thought about it like that.”
“Your mother is going to hate me!”
He laughed again. “My parents are going to love you,” he said as he leaned to kiss her cheek. He entwined his fingers between hers and pulled her along. They climbed the short flight of steps to the front porch. “Good morning,” he said again.
Matthew looked at his watch. “You’re out and about early this morning.”
Collin nodded. “London’s car broke down last night and I had to help her get it towed to the garage for Aunt Mitch to look at. She needed a ride to work this morning, so I volunteered to give her a hand.”
He gestured toward the young woman. “Mom, Dad, this is London Jacobs. London, this is my mother, Katrina Stallion, and my father, Matthew Stallion.”
London extended her hand politely. “Mrs. Stallion, Mr. Stallion, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Collin has told me so much about you both.” She smiled sweetly.
Katrina was still clutching her coffee cup tightly. Her eyes skated across her son’s face and back as she watched her husband shake hands with the young woman. She forced a smile to her face. “It’s nice to meet you, London. Please, come inside. Would you like a cup of coffee?” she said as she turned abruptly. Her gaze narrowed as she gave Collin another look.
Matthew gestured for London to follow his wife and as he brought up the rear, he slapped his son against his back, the heavy-handed gesture accompanied by a bright smile.
London stood nervously in the foyer, her hands clutched tightly together in front of her. “Thank you for the offer,” she said, “but I don’t want to be any trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all,” Matthew said. “There’s a full pot already brewed, and Katrina made blueberry muffins, as well. You’re more than welcome to join us.”
London looked toward Collin. Before either could respond, Katrina was peppering her with questions.
“So, how do you and Collin know each other? We didn’t know he was dating anyone. How long have you two been acquainted?”
Collin wrapped his arms around his mother’s shoulders, hugging her warmly. “London and I work together,” he said. “And we’re just friends. Please, don’t scare her!”
Matthew laughed. “Your mother’s just excited to meet your new friend,” he said.
Katrina’s stare shifted from one to the other, her jaw tightening ever so slightly. She didn’t bother to respond.
Collin shook his head. “I just need to grab some files I forgot,” he said, the little white lie spilling from his mouth. “Then we need to get going. I’ve already taken longer than I planned.” He turned toward London. “I’ll only be a quick minute,” he said as he excused himself, heading toward the back of the home and the guesthouse in the rear.
London smiled, her eyes shifting toward the matriarch, who was still eyeing her too closely. “You have a beautiful home,” she said, hoping to ease the rise of apprehension that billowed between them.
Katrina nodded. “Thank you,” she answered. “Please, come sit. Collin may take longer than a minute. Are you sure I can’t get you some coffee?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine. Thank you.”
“You may not remember,” Matthew said, “but we met briefly a few years back when you were being honored by the Association of Black Women Attorneys. I was impressed by your accomplishments, Ms. Jacobs.”
“Thank you, sir. And, please, call me London. I do remember. I was honored to hear you speak. We’ve met before as well, Judge Stallion. I participated in one of your clinics at the Girls Club when I was in high school. Your story was one of the reasons why I became an attorney.”
Katrina smiled, a moment passing between the two women. “I’ve met so many girls since I started participating in that program. It makes me happy to know I’ve had an impact.”
“You’ve been a wonderful influence on many of us.”
Collin suddenly moved back into the room. He had changed into a black suit, gray dress shirt and matching necktie with black, gray and red stripes. Black leather loafers adorned his feet. At the sight of him a full grin pulled at London’s lips, the wide smile filling her face. Collin grinned back, and the duo burst out laughing, seeming to share a secret only they were privy to.
Collin’s parents exchanged a look. “You clean up nicely,” his mother said, an air of sarcasm in her tone.
He moved to her side and eased his arms around her in a warm embrace. He kissed her cheek, then extended his arm to shake his father’s hand. “We really have to run,” he said.
London stood up, sauntering toward the door to meet him. “It was very nice to meet you both,” she said again, looking toward his parents.
“We hope you’ll visit again,” Matthew said. “Maybe stay a little longer next time.”
“You two have a good day,” Katrina said, a little less enthusiasm in her tone.
London felt the woman’s displeasure rising like morning mist and could only imagine what his mother had to be thinking about her. Collin grabbed her hand and pulled her along beside him.
The couple practically raced from the house. Hand in hand they descended the steps, giggling like grade-schoolers. It was only as Collin backed his car out of the parking space, tossing one last glance toward the family home, did he realize his mother was standing in the doorway, watching them both intently.
Chapter 5
Paula and Felicia both rushed into London’s office minutes after her arrival. Their excitement was palpable. Across the room Collin was standing in conversation with Perry, the two discussing the likelihood of the Dallas Cowboys making it to the Super Bowl. Paula eased the office door closed, tossing a quick look over her shoulder before dropping down into one of the cushioned chairs in front of the oak desk.
“So, how was it?” Felicia gushed, her voice a loud whisper.
“How was what?” London looked up from the file she was reviewing, eyeing them both curiously.
“Your date, of course,” Paula said, looking over her shoulder a second time.
“We had a very nice dinner,” London said. Laughter flickered in her eyes. She was bemused by the interest that painted her friend’s expressions. “I had a good time.”
Felicia shook her head. “Nope. We want details. Who did what? Who said what? Leave nothing out!”
London laughed, “He made dinner reservations. I showed up. We ate the most amazing rib eye and shrimp. Talked, laughed and just got to know one another.”
“So, why didn’t you call us when you got
in last night? At least to let us know you were safe.”
London giggled, “I forgot. Sorry.”
Paula’s head shook slowly. Her gaze narrowed as she leaned forward in her seat. “No. You didn’t forget. You never forget anything. You didn’t call because your date never ended, did it?”
London rolled her eyes, a slight smirk pulling at her full lips. “Of course it ended!”
Felicia gasped. “You got you some! Look at you! You’re glowing!” She jumped up excitedly, then pressed a hand over her mouth to stall the squeal that threatened to spill past her lips.
London laughed. “Shush!” she said. “Are you trying to get us all fired?”
“Was he good? He was good, wasn’t he? I have so many questions!” Paula jabbered.
“We had a very nice time,” London said. She sat back in her seat, folding her arms over her chest. “There is absolutely nothing else to tell!”
“Oh, I’m sure there is something to tell!” Paula quipped.
“He’s got her sprung!” Felicia interjected. “She likes him! Just look at her!”
“She really likes him,” Paula added, her eyes locked on London’s face, searching for just the faintest hint of agreement.
“You two need to get back to work,” London concluded.
Her two friends exchanged a look, then turned their attention back to her. Paula waved her index finger at her BFF as she stood up on her very high heels. “Drinks. My house. Tonight. You’re not getting off the hook that easy!”
London chuckled again. “Sorry. I can’t make it. I have a date.”
“See!” Paula exclaimed. “You are so wrong!”
“Girl, she’s getting some! There is nothing at all wrong with that!” Felicia interjected.
Laughter rang warmly around the room. London waved a dismissive hand in their direction. “I’ll say this, and don’t you dare tell him I said it,” she started, the other two pausing with bated breath for a hint of tea to be spilled. “Collin Stallion is pretty damn special,” she concluded. “He’s all that, the bag of chips, the cherry on top and Christmas in July.”
“If it sounds too good to be true, it might be too good...” Felicia started, a sliver of concern in her tone.
London shook her head slowly from side to side. Her eyes were bright, shimmering with elation. “No,” she said, “he is sheer perfection!”
* * *
Collin entered the county courthouse building through the rear door, the entrance for employees only. He eased his way down the short length of hallway to the county clerk’s office. There was a party of sorts happening inside, people standing idly about with cups of fruit punch in hand. Trays of cookies and brownies rested against the high countertop and the energy in the room was euphoric.
Mrs. Nettie Banks waved a wrinkled hand, gesturing for him to come inside. She called his name from where she stood holding court on the other side of the room. “Attorney Stallion! You made it!”
Collin greeted the woman warmly. “I told you I wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world,” he said. “It’s not often we get to celebrate someone’s retirement after forty-five years of public service.”
Mrs. Banks gave him a warm hug, reaching up to whisper in his ear. “You keep reminding people of my age and you and I are going to become bad friends!” she said teasingly.
Collin chuckled, “Mrs. Banks, now, you know you don’t look a day over twenty-one!”
She tapped him against his arm. “That good-looking daddy of yours taught you well, sunshine!”
“I’m sure he’ll be by before the day is out to say goodbye.”
The older woman nodded. “Your mama was just here a few minutes ago. I think she said she was headed upstairs. Something about needing to catch up with one of the mediators before they disappeared.”
“Thank you. I’ll run up and see if I can find her before I leave.”
“Get you something to eat, baby. We have plenty of food.”
Collin leaned to give the woman another hug. “Thank you, Mrs. Banks. And thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I appreciate how you helped me learn the ropes around here.”
“Baby, you are family. I’ve known your mama and daddy since forever. There was no way I was going to let you flounder around here by your lonesome. This place is a challenge even for the more experienced attorneys. I just wish my friend Maxine could have been here to see you now that you’re all grown-up and practicing law like your daddy. She would have been so proud of you.”
Collin had known Mrs. Maxine Bright. She’d been another staple in the Dallas judicial system, ensuring the clerk’s office ran smoothly. She’d died his sophomore year in college, while he’d been away at school. The two old women had been the best of friends. His parents still spoke fondly of the woman. Together, Mrs. Banks and Mrs. Bright had left an indelible impression on the legal community. He leaned to give the older woman a kiss on the cheek.
He smiled. “So, what’s next for you? Anything exciting planned?”
“I’m leaving on a cruise to Alaska in two weeks. Then another to the Mediterranean after that. I never had any kids so it’s just me and my husband, Gerald. We plan to cruise and travel until the good Lord calls us home.”
“You’re going to be missed, but I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Take care of yourself, Mrs. Banks.”
“You, too, baby! You, too!”
* * *
Collin and his mother bumped into each other on the landing between the first and second floors. He was headed up as she was making her way down. Katrina was only slightly surprised to see her son.
“Collin!”
“Mom, hey! Mrs. Banks said you were here.”
“I closed a case earlier and just wanted to speak with Ms. Daly. What brings you here?”
“I promised Mrs. Banks I’d come say goodbye before she left.”
There was an air of awkwardness that wafted between them. Collin sensed something on his mother’s mind and he knew what that was without her having to tell him.
“You’re mad at me.”
Katrina shook her head. “Not mad. Not mad at all. But I am a little disappointed.”
“Why?”
“Because we didn’t raise you to be so casual about your romantic relationships, Collin. Since you didn’t come home last night I can only assume you spent the night at Ms. Jacobs’s.”
“Are you asking me?”
“Well, did you?”
Collin took a deep breath. “Please, don’t do that.”
“Do what? I just asked you a question.”
“Please, don’t treat me like I’m still twelve. I’m almost twenty-seven years old and you still treat me like a child.”
“That is not true.”
“It is, Mom. Not only do you treat me like a child, but sometimes I think you don’t trust that you did raise me right. You keep waiting for me to make a mistake and do something stupid, so you can sweep in to fix it. But I don’t need you to fix anything for me. I’m not a child anymore.”
Katrina took a deep breath. She and her son stood staring at each for a quick few minutes. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I never intended for you to feel that way. I just worry about you. I don’t want you to get hurt and I don’t want you to be taken advantage of.”
“Just trust me, please.”
“I do trust you. But I’m not okay with you sleeping around. Your father and I have both discussed with you the ramifications of you having casual sex with no regard for yourself or your partners. I will never support you hopping from one woman’s bed to another. Never!”
Collin chuckled, “I’m not sleeping around, Mom.”
“You know it’s quite inappropriate for you to be in a relationship with someone you work with, right? Especially since you’re just beginning to build your career.”
“I have every intention of following the example you and Dad set. I’m sure there were plenty of people who thought your relationship was inappropriate and look how it worked out for you.”
“Those were very different circumstances, Collin.” His mother gave him a slight eye roll, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re trying to compare apples to oranges.”
“I’m trying to point out that you and Dad knew when it was right for you. You fell in love and you didn’t let anything deter you from having the relationship you have today. I can only hope to be half as happy as you two are.”
Katrina brushed a hand down the front of her son’s suit jacket. “And you think Ms. Jacobs is the one for you? Collin, you barely know her!”
“You’re right. I don’t know her. What I do know is that I want the opportunity to get to know her better without worrying that you won’t support me.”
“I will always support you, son. Even if I don’t always agree with your methods. Just make sure you protect yourself, please!”
Collin grinned and wrapped his mother in a deep bear hug. His cheeks were flushed with excitement. “London is an amazing girl, Mom! I really think you’re going to like her.”
Katrina blew a soft sigh as she hugged her son back. “I’m sure she’s very nice.”
Collin gushed. “She’s more than that! She’s incredible. London Jacobs is everything!”
* * *
When Collin walked into the headquarters of Stallion Enterprises he had no doubts his mother had already called his father to share their discussion. He also knew with a fair degree of certainty that he was sure to get a lecture. He stole a quick glance at his watch, cognizant of the time. He had just under an hour before he was to meet London—they’d planned earlier to catch a movie and dinner. His day had been long, but he knew hers had been longer and he wanted to give her a bit of a reprieve. She’d been in court for most of the afternoon and court had a way of wearing a person down. Just a few hours could easily feel like a lifetime if things weren’t going well for all involved.
He rode the elevator to the twelfth floor and took a left and then a right to reach the legal department. His father ruled from the large corner office that faced downtown Dallas. The prominent views of the city were breathtaking, and Collin had marveled at the magnificence of it since he was a boy. He’d promised himself once that one day he, too, would have what his father had. And it was about respect, more than the fame and wealth. Because his father was highly respected in the community.
A Stallion Dream Page 7
