A Heart Not Easily Broken (The Butterfly Memoirs)

by M. J. Kane

  “Thanks.” I pushed my aching bones up off the floor, stretched, and sat at the opposite end of the couch. I patted my knee; it was my turn to reciprocate. “What’s new with you?”

  A funny look passed over her face as she rested her feet in my lap. “Work is okay, I guess. I talked to my sister the other day.”

  I fought the urge to let my curiosity be obvious. We had barely talked about her family since our first couple of dates. She’d made it known they probably would not approve of our relationship. To counteract that negativity, I made sure she met mine. My mother adored her. Every time we talked, one of her first questions was about Ebony. Were we still seeing each other? Was I happy? To each of those questions my answer was a resounding yes.

  “How’s your family?” My focus stayed on her foot.

  “Okay, I guess. The conversation dealt more about me than her.”

  I risked a glance and saw her staring down at her fingers. Uh oh.

  “I told her about us.” Her gaze met mine.

  “And?”

  “And…she thought I had gone crazy. She called Trevon, and well, it was a very interesting phone call.”

  Nervousness grew in the pit of my stomach. I’d been down this road before, and the consequences had not been good. A fact I had yet to share.

  I held my breath while she continued.

  “Trevon said he predicted I’d end up dating a white man.”

  I creased my eyebrows. “Are you serious? How did that happen?”

  Ebony lips turned up, her eyes brightened slightly as she giggled. “The night before my family drove me out to L.A., I was in my room stuffing every article of clothing in my suitcase. Well, he walked in as my bag popped open and my underwear fell onto the floor. I’m a tomboy, remember?”

  I nodded, giving her eyes, and her foot, my full attention.

  “The year before, Shana talked me into wearing thongs, something I hated. Well, to my surprise and embarrassment thongs of a variety of colors fell onto the floor. Tre picked one up, a white one, and makes this crazy joke. Now that I think about it, I’d rather not repeat it.” Her face screwed up as if she’d said too much.

  “Oh no, you don’t. You brought it up, and now you’ve got to share.”

  “No, never mind it’s stupid.”

  “You said he predicted our relationship. I want to know how that happened.”

  Ebony covered her face and groaned. “You’re not going to let this go are you?”

  “Nope.” I put on the most evil grin, which made her crack a smile.

  “Okay, fine, you asked for it.” She paused and took a deep breath. “Do you know who Mr. Ed is?”

  I thought about it. “You mean the talking horse? My parents watched reruns of the show on Nick at Night years ago.”

  She bit her lip. “Yeah, that’s the one. He said since I wore thongs, I would get a boyfriend named Mr. Ed because I was studying to become a veterinarian. And since Mr. Ed was white…” Her voice trailed off as she chewed her lip.

  “Since the horse was white and I’m white, that makes me Mr. Ed?”

  She nodded.

  I laughed so hard I could barely breathe.

  She snorted. “Are you okay?”

  I held up a finger and nodded as I regained my breath. “When can I meet him? I like him already.”

  Ebony looked relieved. “Not anytime soon since he lives in Atlanta. Unless you hurt me, then he’ll fly out here and kick your ass.”

  That statement hit a little too close to home and quickly sobered me up.

  “Oh, man, did I say something wrong?” Ebony’s eyebrows creased as the smile left her lips.

  I realized my thoughts must have been obvious on my face.

  “No, you didn’t. Something you said reminded me of a bad dating experience, that’s all.” I tried to wave it away, but the expression of concern and curiosity on her face made me reconsider.

  “About a year ago, I dated a woman and things were going pretty good. We’d been seeing each other for over six months. Well, one evening we were standing at her door kissing. The next thing I knew, someone grabbed me and started punching. I fought back thinking we were being mugged until I heard her screaming for the men attacking me to stop. It turns out, two of her brothers decided I wasn’t the right man for their little sister.”

  Her eyes widened. “Was she black?”

  I nodded. “Apparently she hadn’t told her family about us. Somehow they got wind, and her brothers decided to take matters into their own hands. Luckily they didn’t break anything, and I didn’t press charges. I just wanted the chance to meet her family and talk. She didn’t return my calls for a few days. Then one day she shows up at my door with a small box of things I’d given her and told me she couldn’t see me anymore. I spent the next two weeks trying to convince her to give us another try. I begged her to let me speak to her family. She insisted they would not listen. Then one day, she changed her cell number, and I knew it was over.”

  Ebony sat in silence. Her voice was soft when she spoke again. “Did you love her?”

  That was a tough question. How did I tell the woman I was falling in love with I had loved someone else, not several years ago, but just last year?

  “I can’t lie and say I didn’t have feelings for her. What I feel for you is nothing like that. You’re so much more of a woman there is nothing to compare. I believe things happen for a reason. Dealing with her and her family was just a practice run before meeting you. I’m glad things ended or else I wouldn’t be here with you.”

  Ebony had a wary look in her eyes as she studied me.

  “It sounds corny, but I’m serious, baby. I’m glad we’re together. You don’t know how much it means to me that you shared our relationship with your family. What did your parents have to say?”

  “I haven’t talked to them yet.”

  Before I could ask her why not, my cell phone rang. I checked the caller ID. The number wasn’t one I recognized, so I chose to ignore it. It was nearly nine P.M. and no reason for any potential clients to be calling. But money was money. I apologized for the interruption and hit redial.

  “Hello?” an unfamiliar male voice answered.

  “I missed your call.”

  “Ah, yes. Is this Brian Young?”

  My business cards didn’t give my full name. Great, a bill collector managed to get my private number. I didn’t have many outstanding bills, but it didn’t mean I felt like negotiating a deal on what I did owe.

  Too late.

  “Yeah,” I didn’t hide the resignation in my voice.

  “Mr. Young, we’ve never met, but I got your name from my great grandfather, Harry Lieberwitz…”

  “The name is not familiar.”

  The man chuckled. “According to him, you played in a band at a dance he recently attended. He said he was about to get lucky when you came and stole his girl.”

  Immediately the image of good old Harry at the retirement home with his hands on Ebony’s derriere came to mind.

  “You mean Harry, the man whose hands were all over my date,” I corrected. A quick glance showed Ebony watching me in confusion. I shrugged.

  “That would be him. My name is Abe Lieberwitz. I’m with B and D Records.”

  Curiosity replaced irritation. B and D Records, a well-known label, represented several of the hottest musical acts in Southern California.

  “I’m putting together a promotional tour right now. Have you heard of…” he rattled off a few of the artists.

  “Yeah, I’m a fan of their music.” I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants and tried to stay cool and avert Ebony’s questioning stare.

  “Good, you’re familiar with our sound. I’m in a bind. In a month we’re going on tour for twelve weeks. We’ll be hitting major cities in Cali, of course. We’re also going up north and hitting a few spots in the Midwest. I got my band together, but my bass player broke his leg last week. He’s out, and I need someone, ASAP.”

  This could
n’t be happening, could it?

  “Long story short, I’ve auditioned a few guys but they don’t mesh with the band. My grandfather mentioned you, so I got your number from Mrs. Devero at the home. I did some checking around and you come highly recommended. I’d like for you to come audition for me.”

  Disbelief took over and made my hands numb. The expression on my face must have been dumbstruck because Ebony gripped my knee and mouthed ‘what?’

  “Let me get this straight. You want me to audition for a spot on a twelve week concert tour with your record label?”

  I stared wide-eyed at Ebony, whose hands shot to her mouth.

  “Yes. Will that be a problem?”

  “Hell no…I mean, no, not at all. Tell me when and where.”

  “Good, give me your email address and I’ll send you the information. It will include sheet music for the tour. Be prepared to play at least two of the songs. The members will decide which ones.”

  I stared at the phone when the call ended. Holy shit. The chance of a lifetime materialized out of nowhere. Unbelievable.

  “Brian?” Ebony’s questioning eyes watched me.

  I swallowed hard and relayed the entire conversation.

  “Baby, I’m so proud of you!” She scooted across the couch, into my arms, and planted a congratulatory smack on the lips.

  “Do you know what this could mean? I’ve been trying to get into those closed auditions for years. It’s because of you.”

  “Me? I didn’t do anything.”

  I chuckled and reached for her hand. “Yes, you did. Harry, from the home, is his grandfather. He remembered me because of you. You’re my good luck charm.” I kissed her hand and watched her blush.

  Enough time had gone by so I checked my email on my Smart phone. As promised, the email waited with attachments for the sheet music, instrumental tracks, and directions to the audition location. Then I looked at the time.

  “Damn,” I muttered.

  “What?”

  “The audition’s tomorrow night,” I scrolled through the downloaded information and found three files of music. “I’ve got to learn all three of these songs by tomorrow evening.” I looked up at her. “I have to cancel our date for tomorrow.”

  A hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. “That’s okay, Brian. I’m not mad. This is about you.” She ran a slender finger over my cheek.

  If I wasn’t already falling in love, this would have been the moment my heart decided Ebony was the one.

  “Yeah, well, it also means I need to get started now. I’ve got twenty-four hours to learn these parts.”

  “You can do it.” She smiled. “I’ve got faith in you because my baby’s got mad skills.”

  “Thanks, but those skills have to be worked on all the time.” I looked around the living room at the pile of trash. “I’ll help you clean up, and then I’ve got to run.” My chest stung from regret.

  “No. Go do what you need to do. I’ll handle this, but, Brian.” She held my head between her angel-soft hands. “Get some rest. Don’t push yourself too hard or else you’ll be no good. Promise?”

  I nodded, swimming in the pools of her eyes. Staying the night would have been the perfect end to my day.

  “Go, baby.” She leaned in to kiss me. My mouth opened for hers, and I took the time to savor every drop of her essence for motivation.

  She walked me to the door.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

  Ebony nodded. “I don’t go in to work on Wednesday. Let me know when you’re done, and I’ll come spend the night, if it’s okay.”

  “I’ll be looking forward to it.” I kissed her quick, headed for my truck, and resisted the urge to run. Excitement pumped through my veins.

  An opportunity had presented itself and I was not about to let it go. Even though it fell in my lap, I still had to work for it.

  I put the truck in reverse and backed out of the driveway, but paused and saw Ebony standing in the doorway of her house, her auburn hair illuminated by the porch light. She waved.

  My goal would be to make her proud.

  A sudden wave of energy ignited inside me, and all hints of tired and aching bones disappeared. I was a man on a mission.

  That job was going to be mine.

  Chapter 19

  Time flew by. The day of Brian’s audition had been three weeks ago. Since then we’d hardly seen each other.

  It didn’t surprise me when he announced he’d earned the spot in the band. I was so proud of him and wasted no time calling Lashana to brag. She had been shocked into speechlessness after what she said about his profession.

  But as time went on, he had less time for me. Practices at various times during the night and day made it hard for us to find time to connect. Costume fittings, show rehearsals with the artist, sound and stage crew…the list went on and on.

  Even though I knew from the start the opportunity would separate us for three months, the closer we got to his date of departure, the more anxious I felt.

  Me the woman who’d been queen of having my head in a book for seven years and barely thinking about men did not want to let him go.

  Of course, we wouldn’t be breaking up. The night he came back from the audition bearing the news, our relationship was the first thing we discussed. Neither of us had done the long distance thing, but we were determined to make it work. I sated the both of us by saying my final year in school would be starting around the time he left. With him gone, I could focus on starting the year off right. I would be hitting my stride by the time he came home.

  He seemed to believe me. I pretended I would be okay.

  Unfortunately, the last week became one spiraling disaster after another.

  First, my part-time job at the exotic animal hospital lost one of its partners. As a result, the remaining partner decided he no longer needed a full staff. Since my job was temporary to earn college credits and pad my resume, I was the first to go.

  And there went my additional income for the past two years.

  With fall approaching, the amount of seasonal zoo volunteers decreased. The majority were high school and college kids. With public school and college about to be back in session, those available spaces were filled with fresh interns who needed to be trained. At first it seemed like a Godsend. More hours would cover the lost income and cut back on the amount of time spent between two jobs and school.

  Until my college adviser informed me I needed more hours of experience working at an animal hospital. In order to have the amount needed to graduate in the spring, I had to find another job doing the same thing…immediately.

  And worst of all, my book allowance through my scholarship was short due to budget cuts. I could afford all of my textbooks and supplies, except for one. It would take at least two weeks of paychecks from the zoo for me to afford it.

  Thank God I’d been able to pay off my small car note.

  I was on break at work, staring at my bank statement, bills, and note pad. No matter how many times I blinked, there was no way to fill the amount of empty spaces in my ledger. It was time to make an executive decision. Ask my parents for a loan or pawn the title of my car to have enough money to buy my book and pad my account for a couple of weeks. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

  There was another option. Brian received a signing bonus as a part of his contract with the record label. He planned on putting a majority of it into savings and paying off a few of his debts. He’d asked me if I needed help with anything, and I’d told him no. Man did things change in a few weeks. If I asked him for help he’d do it willingly. But I didn’t want to. I was not his wife and refused to become financially dependent. Period.

  For the past seven years, I’d made it on my own. There were times when things had gotten rough, but this wasn’t as bad as some of the others. This was just a setback. I would manage.

  The chime on my cell phone alerted me of a text message. Brian sent a video of him walking around the practice room, int
roducing some guys in the band. The video ended with him beaming into the camera, promising to call as soon as he could. Seeing his enthusiasm and listening to his voice made me smile. In no mood to send a video reply, I settled for sending a text instead.

  Ask him for help, idiot.

  Maybe…but for right now, I would manage.

  “Ms. Campbell, can I speak to you for a moment?”

  Dr. Jacobs stood in the doorway of the break room, his expression stern.

  Great, just what I needed, more stress.

  I kept my sigh inaudible and gathered my things. “Yes, just a moment.” I stuffed my belongings into my locker and then followed behind him.

  We walked down the long corridor beyond the restrooms, past the infamous supply closet, and stopped outside in the open air. He apparently didn’t want anyone hearing what he had to say.

  “You will be starting fall classes soon, correct?”

  Straight to the point, no small talk.

  “Yes, next week.”

  He nodded, adjusted his glasses on his slender nose. Dr. Jacobs was a decent man, though he lacked a lot in the looks department. He had an over-the-belt belly that reminded me of my dad and a receding hairline. In his day, he must have been a hell of a catch, at least to Mrs. Jacobs. What I could not understand is what a nineteen-year-old college freshman could see in him. What kind of favor did she earn by getting down on her knees for her best friend’s dad?

  I rubbed my eyes and forced the memory away.

  “I take it you’ve finished reading the text books I loaned you,” he continued, pushing his glasses up on his nose.

  “Um, well…”

  “You’ve had sufficient time to study them, nearly three months.”

  It was more like two-and-a-half, but I was not about to correct him.

  “I need them back. I can’t afford for you to be caught with them when school is in session. Someone might think I helped you cheat.”

  “Help me cheat? I’ve never cheated”

  “Shh!” He waved his stubby hands at me and glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot of my brief outburst.

  I ground my teeth and lowered my voice. “Dr. Jacobs, you’ve known me for the last four years. You know I would never cheat. I never viewed your loaning me those books as a way to breeze through my classes.”