by Alia Thomas
His voice became deep and authoritative. The contents of his next statement though, may have been the last scoop of dirt on his grave.
“Sure, you have had issues and though I didn’t grow up poor, I suffered pain too. Suffering is not committed to one race or social status!”
Kimberly’s neck coiled. The statement may have been innocent but the fact that he was mentioning race and social status led her to believe that Richard thought she used her past and culture as a crutch. Kimberly didn’t accept pity from anyone. A small voice inside her whispered, “Maybe he didn’t mean it that way. Wouldn’t you want to protect your child too before you brought someone new home?” Kimberly answered herself silently. “I can’t have children though. I would mess them up the same way Camilla did me. This is my exit point.”
The pangs of guilt and embers of anger glowed as Kimberly ate her meal in silence, ignoring Richard’s pleas to talk to him.
*****
Kimberly was a professional and nothing outside of work would stop her from delivering a stellar performance. It was Friday and she was due in court. Via email, she had informed Richard of the proceedings and her final argument. He made a few changes and gave her his blessing. Visibly absent from the office for the past few days, Richard decided that maybe a little time apart was best. He called a few times to test the waters. Kim didn’t answer.
The wormy lawyers were there and the stammers were coming hard and fast as they painted a tainted picture of Tabletop. Negligent, dismissive and even combative were used to describe their company policies. Kimberly suspected bruised egos after they were nearly escorted from the building.
When it was her turn, Attorney at law, Kimberly Walsh spoke clearly and concisely. The truth could not be questioned after expert witnesses confirmed that Mrs. Thomas was definitely at fault for her fall. Doctors for her, engineers for them, the experts spoke without reservation about their findings. It was the last doctor who revealed new information. The injured woman had been drinking just before she fell into the chair, drunken and unstable.
In her final appeal to the jury for justice, Attorney Walsh spoke about honesty and truth, sincerity and transparency. It was when she got to the last part that she didn’t believe it was written by her own hand.
“Look inside yourselves and ask this question, 'Can we forgive this woman?'”
The ‘not guilty’ verdict was back in an hour and Tabletop’s side of the court erupted in cheers of joy. They had won, but Kimberly felt like a hypocrite. Appealing to the jury for forgiveness toward a woman who had lied and wasted the court's time, all the while she punished a man who had shown her nothing but love.
*****
Fifteen minutes past four and the red sports car was gunning down the highway. The wind zipped pass Kimberly’s hair as she passed cars going nowhere. She, however, was on a mission. Richard’s estate sat on a plot of land just on the outskirts of the bustling city. She had been there once, late at night for a drink. How did she not know he had a daughter? Feeling low and very angry at her own childish tantrum, she pushed the accelerator even harder. It was in a cloud of dust that she arrived at the gates and wasted time talking to the security.
Who was she? What did she want with Mr. Damask? He had not mentioned he was expecting her. The large men in dark suits watched as she dialed Richard’s number. He answered on the first ring. Maybe he was waiting for her call.
“Tell your security people to let me through. I want to speak to you… now.”
Without responding, the line went dead and the majestic white and gold gates swung open. The security men stepped aside and Kimberly was admitted to the castle guarding her Prince Charming.
Richard waited on the steps of his mansion, pacing back and forth, glancing at the approaching red car. Screeching to a halt only inches from the fountain in the middle of the brick layered driveway, the vehicle stopped and Kimberly sprang from the driver’s seat. Never one to be reserved once she was convicted in her decision, Kimberly made quick work of bounding up the stairs before closing her arms around Richard’s neck and rubbing her wet face into his cheek.
“Richard I am so sorry. I am sorry I reacted so harshly. I don’t want you to go away. Your daughter… Jasmine… I can get to know her…”
He stopped her sentence by pulling away from her embrace. Hurt and disappointed he gazed into her brown eyes. He started to speak and then stopped again before blurting out. “This is why I don’t date. You fall in love with someone and then one hiccup and they are gone.” His voice lowered considerably before he added, “I really wanted you to be different.”
Kimberly’s face turned from sadness to seriousness as she answered. Walking over to a wicker patio chair and pouring herself slowly into it, she matched his solemn tone.
“You know, you and I play for the same team. I try so much to keep people out, try so hard to be strong, try so viciously to protect those we love. Sometimes it’s that same passion that kills the very things we hold dear. It is because of that one fact that I am afraid of being anyone’s mother. I have scars deep and raw that I don’t want to pass on to anyone. The girl I once was survived, but she’s battered.”
Quietly, Richard spoke as he gazed into the distance. The sun was setting and the light on the patio was orange.
“Why can’t you see yourself the way I see you? Humble beginnings, but strong resolve, ambitious, proud, forthright… and damn sexy. The old you is dead. You need to see yourself as you truly are… and that’s absolutely remarkable.” Joining her on the two seater lounge he added a now familiar statement, “We are sitting in the present so we can stand in the future.”
Their eyes locked and held. It was Richard who initiated the kiss, but it was Kimberly who took it to the next level. Both were hungry for the touches and kisses that were withheld and stored for the past few days.
Tires rolling down the driveway made them come up for air. A black town car driven by a burly white man came to a stop and a tall, slender woman emerged, not waiting for the driver to open the door. Rushing to the other side, he was in time to pull the handle before a raven haired little girl leapt to her feet. It seemed that regardless of her readiness, Kimberly would be meeting Richard’s most precious possession.
*****
Barbara trailed her daughter who bounded up the steps, her sneakers hitting the tiled stairs two at a time.
“Daddy!” She yelled, as she jumped into his outstretched arms. This was his treasure. The woman behind bore striking resemblance to Jasmine and it didn’t take a scientist to determine that this was her mother.
Richards ex wife was a thin woman with soft features. Her raven hair fell to her waist. Though well maintained, she seemed unaware of her beauty.
After the father and daughter reunion, Richard lowered his daughter to the ground and cleared his throat. He always did that when he was nervous. Stepping closer to Kimberly and bringing Jasmine with him, he knelt to be on the child’s level.
“Sweet heart, I want you to meet someone special to daddy. You will be seeing her around more often and I would like it if you two could be friends.”
Jasmine looked up optimistically and threw Richard’s killer smile Kimberly’s way. Stretching out her hand like a young business mogul she said, “Hello my name is Jasmine. What’s yours?”
Glancing at the still silent mother and Jasmine’s anxious father, Kimberly grasped the small girl’s hand and said, “My name is Kimberly. I am so very happy to meet you.”
Jasmine’s face lit up in a smile decorated with pink braces before she disappeared inside for ice cream. The housekeeper was very intuitive and sensed the adults needed time alone.
The exchange of words between the adults was short and simple. Everyone walked away with a sense of who played what role. Kimberly was glad that there was a cordial but silent agreement. Baby mamma drama was something she had heard about but never cared to experience. Brenda was alright in her books. Never being one to impose, and especially since thi
s was all too new, Kimberly decided it would be best to go home, but Richard said she could leave only under one condition.
“Come with me tomorrow Kimberly, I need you in my life.”
Bowing her head and staring at their clasped hands she whispered, “I will come where ever you need me to. You never have to ask me that again.”
Chapter 8
The elegance of Damask estates was heightened by strung lights around trees, small reflective pools of color dotting the lawn and the flamboyance of the people already in attendance. This family was large and well established. It had doctors, lawyers and businessmen- all earning more than a six figure salary and all white.
Usually the prospect of a lone black face in a pool of white ones would never trouble Richard’s mind, but tonight it did. Lena was already there with her contingent of black maids and he had a sick feeling in his stomach. She insisted on planning the family reunion and because things had picked up after the trial, he relented.
Lena had a special way of getting things done and it was never pleasant. Barking, insulting and belittling all took a part in her strategy of command. It was ugly to watch. Richard had insisted that Kimberly stay at home and arrive with all the other guests.
She had insisted on helping of course, but a delivery man bearing a gift card from Supreme Sauna and Spa changed her mind. The chauffeur should have dropped her off at home 2 hours ago.
There was glass breaking and loud yelling as Lena ‘assisted’ in laying out the dinner tables. It was time for Richard to intervene. Relieved to find out it was only fallen silver ware, Richard glared at his mother as she hovered over Greta, the maid sobbing as she picked up the knives and forks from the floor.
With the family from the time he was born, Richard had always admired the way Greta stood under Lena’s pressure but today was different. Today she was crying.
“Let me help you,” Richard offered as he dropped his height to help the older woman. “I will take care of it, you go help the others on the back lawn.” Cutlery gathered, Richard returned to his full six foot four stance. Lena sensed danger and retreated to the safety of the fridge where she emerged with a bottle of water. When she closed the door of the chrome Whirlpool appliance, Richard towered there, waiting with a warning.
“Behave yourself old woman. You are my mother, but I will escort you out if you don’t act like a lady- in all regards.”
Lena’s face drained of color as she desperately clutched the plastic blue bottle. Richard retreated to his room.
*****
Kimberly thought this was the best day ever. Surprised during her Saturday overtime by a delivery man, she was still smiling about the relaxing spa day Richard shocked her with.
How he got into her apartment was what perplexed her the most. There on her bed, was the most stunning white dress imaginable. Apparently Richard liked to see the back of her. The dress, strapless and the top fashioned like a bustier, knotted under her full breasts and flowed into an A line maxi. Her figure could not be hidden.
A small velvet box fell from the folds of the dress as it was lifted and upon opening it, Kim found a tiny platinum bracelet. Two hearts formed into charms dangled and she finally read the words ‘be mine’ engraved on each one.
In the limo, Kimberly toyed with her ringlet curls and fidgeted with the charms on her bracelet. Would these people be as accepting of her as Richard? Would Jasmine mind having a black step-mom? Would the dragon witch, Richards’s mother make her life a living hell? Questions without answers filled her head all the way to the estate. As the gates opened, Kim decided that she was good enough as she was.
Heels were left out for wooden thong wedges decorated with shells and beads. Kimberly looked like she belonged in a Bohemian magazine. She certainly was model quality.
Obviously, Richard had been told she was en route and he waited impatiently at the fountain for her to emerge, leaving Stanley the chauffeur with nothing to do but stand. Even he smiled as Richard yanked open the door to welcome his beloved.
Awestruck. Richard was simply awestruck by the beauty of Kimberly. Now that she was his he would have to investigate what it was she put on her chocolate skin. It was delicious.
“You are stunning Kimberly… Just stunning.” His eyes sealed his sincerity and she accepted the compliment with grace, the usually fiery retorts left for another night.
“Thank you Richard. Shall we go inside?”
Never taking his eyes off her, the pair traveled up the stairs. This was a perfect night. Jasmine met them by the door dressed in all different shades of pink. Her flounced skirt bounced as she hopped from side to side before welcoming Kimberly.
“Hi Ms. Kimberly. Would you like to see my room?”
Kimberly was taken back to her own pink room that attempted to mend her fractured childhood.
“Yes, I most certainly would Jasmine.”
In the capable hands of Jasmine Damask, Ms. Kimberly was given a tour of the entire house while a neglected Richard went back to his guests. The girls joined him at the back of the house for the festivities and Lena launched into action.
Before Richard turned to wave at the duo searching for him, Lena made her way over to her son’s side. An angry whisper escaped the corner of her lips as she demanded answers.
“What the hell is she doing here Richard? This is a family affair. There is no reason for her to be here. And why is she with Jasmine? You know how these people are!”
“No mother, I don’t know how these people are. But I have learned that most are not nasty, jaded and bitter like you. Get a grip before I help you find one.”
The mayor was his great uncle. He and Richard’s group of ancient aunts were chatting and turned to stare at the black woman not dressed like a maid. One by one the groups of chattering people silenced as Jasmine held Kimberly’s hand and lead the way to her father.
The courtyard was completely silent as the three united. Lena glared, disgusted by the scene developing before her. This could not be happening.
Shifting from her position, Lena called, “Jasmine, come with granny. Let’s go set up the chocolate fountain.”
Jasmine bounced over to her grandmother, unaware of the silent daggers being fired. Slowly the crowd returned to normal, but Kimberly and Richard were well aware of the glances. Not all were hostile.
He held her hand as he introduced her to his family members, and they all smiled politely. It wasn’t going too badly. The dinner bell was being rung and people shuffled inside the grand back patio where dinner would be served.
The risotto was creamy and the lobster divine, as people chatted lightly around the table. Dessert was served buffet style, and the options were endless. Sitting in a cozy corner, Richard nuzzled Kim’s neck and tried to absorb her timeless fragrance. He was more smitten than a schoolboy.
The cheese cake was vanilla covered in chocolate drizzles. Maybe it was chosen intentionally. It was in the ten minutes that Richard left to check on Jasmine that the ominous figure of Lena appeared around the Chinese screen meant to provide privacy. Approaching like a snake stalking prey, she slithered into the seat Richard left vacant.
“Ms. Walsh… so nice to see you again. Are you enjoying the evening?”
Intuition was the only thing Kimberly usually relied on and it was screaming for her to flee impending danger.
“I am enjoying it. What about yourself?”
“Oh, splendidly… Just splendidly.”
Lena paused for dramatic effect before she launched into the heart of her speech. She needed to be quick. There was no need for Richard to hear what she had to say.
“Ms. Walsh I know that you have taken an interest in my son. Now I know this is 2015 and many of your type believe that this is your time to be equal and all of that. As honestly as possible, I will tell you that I do not agree. There is a place for everyone under the sun and yours is not with Richard Damask. Consider yourself warned.”
*****
He was standing there th
e whole time. The cheesecake he held for Kimberly had begun to melt- probably from the anger overtaking his senses. Emerging only when Lena left, Richard sat and considered the now troubled face of Kimberly. Setting the decadent desert aside, he held her hand and stared into her dark eyes without a word. Sadness and pain registered all over her face and he was tired of seeing it there.
“Come with me.” He said and the two sprang from their chairs. Richard led Kimberly to the brightly lit gazebo in the middle of the well manicured lawn. The DJ was in his mid fifties and unaware that music had evolved since the Beetles. Kimberly was subsequently informed that he was a distant cousin. The family allowed him to relive his youth whenever they gathered. Yes, it was awful, but they had all become accustomed to his selections. Richard whispered, “Uncle Jed, can I borrow your volume quickly?”
Uncle Jed nodded to the music in his modern headphones while passing the microphone to Richard, who promptly blew into it causing everyone to suffer sudden deafness.
Attention caught, they all turned to listen to whatever the host had to say.
“I just want to thank you all for coming. It’s been a whole year since I’ve seen some of you and it always warms my heart to see family together.” A few nodded their head and others smiled. The majority were fixated on the black woman with the memorable figure holding his hand. Richard continued.
“I have been thinking recently and my mind roamed to many things. Specifically, I thought about love, the miracle of things lost and things gained, the fragility of life. After helping a friend recently with the death of her aunt,” Kimberly looked up at her family reference, “I realized that we are all the same. We feel pain, we feel happiness and loneliness as well. Some of us chose to do good in our spare time, others seek to plant trouble and separation. I am so happy that I am from a family that is progressive and never spares the time to be cruel or unkind. Like my dear mother Lena said, ‘ we are all created equal.’
