Brickhouse

by Rita Ewing

  It had been Dr. Rutherford’s idea for Kelly to attend the video filming.

  “Of course, school is important, Ms. Simms,” the doctor had explained yesterday over the telephone. “However, having Kelly participate in major projects such as this will make her feel included. That will only help. And I’ll be looking forward to getting her insight on the filming. I think it will tell us a few things.”

  A security guard motioned for the SUV to pass through the barricades, allowing Ray to drop Nona and Kelly right behind the stage. Before they were out of the car, Derrick rushed to their side.

  “How are my two favorite ladies?” He grinned.

  Nona knew those words were not meant for her. It was a greeting for Kelly. In the two weeks since she’d changed the venue, her daily conversations with Derrick had been short, strained. Sometimes it sounded to Nona as if Derrick was ready to croak with pain just from speaking with her.

  But this morning his greeting was filled with cheer, as if they’d never had any challenges. No one in sight would suspect they’d had so many differences.

  “Hi, Mr. Carter,” Kelly said. “This all looks so beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Kelly.” He turned to Nona with a glance that made her think he was glad to see her and said, “I have a few things to finish up before the taping starts. You can look around, and then I’ll go over everything with you.”

  Nona nodded, but before she could move away, he added, “Kelly, I could use a little extra help. Would you mind being my assistant for the day?”

  Kelly looked to Nona, her face filled with a hopeful grin.

  “Go ahead,” she said spotting Anna on the other side of the stage.

  Nona watched as Derrick handed Kelly a clipboard, then the two trotted toward a team of cameramen. When they were out of sight, Nona sauntered toward Anna, while she took in the park sights around her.

  This section of the park was already packed–there had to be more than one hundred people here, and that was just the crew. But Nona knew it was nothing compared to what she expected for the afternoon taping. She prayed the community would respond to the radio ads that she had placed on WBLS, the press releases she’d sent to the Amsterdam News, and the announcements she made at Riverside Church, Abyssinian Baptist Church, and several of the smaller churches. This could be a very good day.

  But the bit of joy she felt turned into concern as she edged toward Anna. Her friend stood close to her husband, her stance stiff and combative.

  “You’re my wife,” Nona heard the mayor hiss through lips that barely moved.

  “Suddenly that means something to you, Anthony?”

  “Whatever position I take, you’re supposed to be behind me.”

  “Not if something illegal is going on.”

  Nona swiveled, changing directions. She’d taken only a few steps before Anna called her name.

  When she turned around, Anthony was gone. Nona paused, smiled, and said, “Anna, I didn’t see you.”

  Anna looked at Nona knowing they both knew the truth. She kissed her friend’s cheek. “This is going to be fabulous, Nona,” she said with excitement and not a trace of the argument with her husband showing.

  “I know. Derrick’s done a terrific job.”

  “Doesn’t he always? Listen, I have the petitions.” She handed half of the pile of papers she held to Nona.

  Nona glanced through the sheets. She couldn’t believe Anna had designed these official papers in less than a week. This would be the community’s voice to the Harlem Empowerment Office. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”

  “I told you I’d do everything to save Brickhouse. We’re going to win.”

  Her words were so different from the ones Allen uttered. So different from the thoughts she held in her own head. She hugged Anna. “Thank you, sweetie.”

  After a moment, Anna leaned away from their embrace. “Don’t worry.” She glanced around the park. “I’ve hired a few political science students from Barnard who will be gathering signatures–some are assigned here at the park and others will be walking the streets.” She glanced at her clipboard. “It’ll take me all weekend to verify the signatures, but then you can march right into that final public meeting on Monday with the people of Harlem behind you.”

  Nona breathed deeply. She’d been thinking about not attending the meeting. After all, what purpose would it serve? But Anna had just handed her a glimmer of hope.

  Nona hugged Anna again and noticed Leila leaning against a tree across from the stage. She motioned for Leila to join them.

  Leila took slow steps to them. “Hey, you guys,” she said.

  “Hey.” Nona placed her hand on Leila’s shoulder. “You look terrific,” she said as her eyes roamed over Leila’s raw silk bronze-colored pants suit that perfectly matched the color of her hair. Nona looked down at the jeans she was wearing. “But I guess I should have mentioned this was casual.”

  “Oh.” Leila pressed her hand along her jacket, smoothing it against her hips. “This is nothing.”

  “I haven’t seen you in the gym in I don’t know how long. What’s been going on?”

  Leila fluttered her fingers in the air. “I’ve had the flu, or something.”

  “You should come to the gym and sweat that out.”

  “I have a sauna at home, Nona,” Leila snapped. “Brickhouse isn’t the only solution.”

  Nona glanced at Anna, who frowned.

  “I’m sorry.” Leila sighed. “I haven’t been feeling well.”

  “I understand,” Nona said, although she didn’t understand at all. She hadn’t forgotten the way Leila had spoken to her a week ago when she was at Dr. Rutherford’s office. But in the last week, with the rushed preparations for this filming, there hadn’t been time to find out what was troubling her friend.

  “Uh, Nona, I guess there are going to be a lot of important people here today.”

  Nona shrugged. “I guess.”

  “The commissioner, City Council members, maybe a senator,” Leila rattled off a list. “We might even get a glimpse of President Clinton.” She chuckled as if she’d told a joke.

  “I doubt if we’ll see the former president,” Anna said. “I think you’re going to have to settle for just the mayor, Leila.”

  The three laughed.

  Leila said, “I’m going to take a walk around.”

  “I’ll join you,” Anna said. “You can help me get some signatures.” She waved the petitions in the air.

  Nona watched her friends walk away. There was a time when she, Leila, Anna, and Toni had been so close. They shared weekly dinners, monthly outings to Broadway plays–even a few long weekend jaunts to London and Paris for shopping sprees and girlfriend time. And they shared one another’s secrets.

  But life had stepped in the way. And time had passed, shifting their lives. Anna and Anthony were clearly at odds, and Leila and Shawn–Nona wondered just how many days were left in that marriage.

  Then there was Toni. Something was definitely going on with her. Suddenly she was unavailable whenever Nona called and she’d spent her time since the premiere rushing in and out of the gym, never having even a moment to chat. Nona looked around now; she had not yet spotted Toni. That was strange–her thespian friend never missed an opportunity to primp for flashing cameras.

  It seemed all of them had troubled lives, and as soon as the taping was complete and the zoning issue was resolved, she’d get them all together. Even if she were living in LA. She shuddered at that thought.

  The park began to fill, and Nona moved through the crowds, with the collar of her tailored shirt pulled high over her neck and her New York Yankees cap pulled low over her eyes. She didn’t want to be recognized–she wanted to enjoy the environment as everyone else seemed to be doing. Excitement charged through the park like an electrical current.

  She spotted Derrick in the middle of a six-person circle, probably his production team. And Kelly stood by his side. Nona smiled when Derrick turned to
Kelly, and she jotted notes on her clipboard.

  This man was a riddle wrapped in a mystery. He had disagreed vehemently with her desire to change venues, yet he’d kept the filming schedule on track. He moved through the park as if Marcus Garvey had been his idea. The consummate professional.

  In the years since she’d known him, there had been times when she’d wanted to cut him open and prove that he was a man who lived without a heart. But as she watched him now, working, yet taking time with Kelly, she felt herself softening toward Derrick, and she wondered if she’d been wrong. Maybe there was something beating inside his chest.

  “Okay, people,” Derrick yelled to his team of assistants. “I’m going to take a short break for lunch, but let’s be ready to begin taping at two sharp.” He turned to Kelly. “Let’s find your mom and we can have lunch together.”

  Instinct made her pull back and disappear into the crush of the crowd. She was close enough to hear Derrick and Kelly, but they hadn’t seen her. She blended with the swelling mass, hiding, but watching.

  Derrick and Kelly walked around the edges, searching, while Nona watched them. Finally Derrick glanced at his watch. “I guess it’s just you and me, kid. You wanna grab a sandwich?”

  Nona held her breath as Kelly nodded, and then she stepped just feet behind them as Derrick led Kelly to the catering truck.

  “Do you like tuna fish?” he asked.

  It was one of her favorite sandwiches, when Nona could get her to eat. She watched Kelly nod her head.

  “I’d like mine on wheat, please,” she heard Kelly say. “And I’ll just have water, instead of a soda.”

  Nona’s eyes remained on them as Derrick took their sandwiches, chips, and drinks to one of the park benches. She stayed in place as Derrick chatted, taking the first bites of his sandwich.

  “So, what do you think of the day so far?” Derrick asked Kelly. “Do you like my job?”

  “It’s exciting. You work with a lot of people.”

  Nona held her breath as Kelly sat across from him, not moving at first.

  “Hey, you don’t like your sandwich?” Derrick asked. “I’ll get you something else if you want.”

  Kelly shook her head. “No, this is fine.”

  It took a moment, but Nona almost jumped with joy when Kelly took the first bite. Then the second. And third. Nona cheered as Kelly chatted and ate, until she had finished the sandwich–although she didn’t touch the potato chips.

  “Well, young lady, it’s time for us to get back to work.”

  When Derrick and Kelly stood, Nona turned and rushed into the crowd. She hurried through the mass of bodies to the other side of the park. As she moved, she smiled. She had been wrong–Derrick Carter definitely had a heart.

  Nona closed the back door to the SUV and kissed Kelly’s cheek through the window.

  “Mom, can’t I stay a little longer?” Kelly pleaded. “It’s not like I have school tomorrow.”

  “You’ve been here all day, sweetheart. I want you to rest.”

  “And I promise, we’ll get together soon,” Derrick added. The way Kelly smiled, Nona knew that Derrick’s words were like a judge’s gavel. That was all her daughter needed to hear. “And, Kelly, thank you for being such a great assistant today. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Kelly giggled. “I had fun.”

  Derrick and Nona waved as Ray eased the Escalade from the curb. They stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, until the car turned left into the night.

  “Are you ready to face your public?”

  It took effort for her to nod her head. She wanted to jump in the car right next to Kelly and go home to her waiting bed. She’d moved and danced and lectured for six straight hours. It would have taken much longer if Derrick hadn’t been in charge. Still, her legs ached from the hundreds of side kicks she’d demonstrated, her arms were in pain from the uppercuts she’d shown, her cheeks hurt from keeping that perfect smile for the cameras. And there weren’t any words left inside to speak to anyone.

  But the press, among others, waited. She had to work through this final act.

  Nona turned back toward the park and paused, enjoying the sight of the set now glowing in the night’s darkness. It had been Derrick’s idea to have the wrap party right on the set, and the caterers had accommodated. Around the perimeter, cloth-covered tables lined the area holding an international buffet of healthy fare that would rival the meals of the city’s best restaurants.

  As they moved toward the press circle, Nona noticed the way Derrick’s hand gently rested on the small of her back, guiding her, as if he planned to never leave her side.

  “Ms. Simms,” they screamed when she was in their sight.

  Derrick held up his hands and took control. “One at a time.” He pointed to one of the raised hands.

  “Ms. Simms, I’m Laverne Milner from People magazine. This was quite an elaborate setting for just a workout video. What gave you this idea?”

  “First, this is so much more than a workout tape. The purpose is to inform and educate,” Nona said. “But I’m very aware of how glitz and glamour sells.” She glanced at Derrick, and he smiled as if he approved.

  “Ms. Simms and I, as the executive producer, wanted a balance,” he added. “We both understand the importance of the message, but we both understand the importance of marketing.”

  Liar, Nona thought. She wanted to playfully say that aloud, but she only smiled. If only the press had been privy to their battles. Nonetheless, there was no doubt she was pleased with the results. Even without viewing the final product she knew what Derrick had created.

  “Ms. Simms, David Lang, with the New York Post. We were a bit surprised by your message before the taping began this afternoon when you asked people to sign the petitions supporting Brickhouse. So, you are concerned that Brickhouse may be closing?”

  Nona made sure that the confidence she had worn throughout the day stayed with her now. No one could know that as she danced on the stage that afternoon, she was filled with doubts and fears that this would be her last event in Harlem. “Am I concerned that Brickhouse may be closing?” she repeated the journalist’s question. “I know there are many who want to close Brickhouse, but I know that it will not happen. Brickhouse is here to stay.”

  “Then why the petitions?” the reporter persisted.

  “We just wanted to make sure that as the Harlem Empowerment Office looks at the community and moves forward, they understand the importance of Brickhouse to the residents of Harlem.”

  “I understand that it’s already been decided.” The reporter refused to stop. “With the rezoning plan, your club will be closing. This is the end for Brickhouse.”

  Nona smiled and waved her hand in the air. “Rumors.”

  “More than rumors, Ms. Simms.”

  Derrick interjected, “Ms. Simms has more than answered your question, Mr. Lang.” He looked through the crowd. “Does anyone else have any questions pertaining specifically to why we’re here today?”

  The questions continued, without David Lang, and Nona answered. It was so comfortable having Derrick by her side. He fielded the rest of the inquiries, allowing Nona long moments of just standing, listening, taking it all in. She watched him and finally decided that she would allow herself to change her mind–she really did like this man.

  But her thoughts about Derrick were overwhelmed by her feelings for Brickhouse. As she stood in the middle of the park, surrounded by admirers, Nona thought about David Lang’s words, and she prayed this wouldn’t be the end.

  “Nona, I’m so excited,” Anna said as she approached her. She waved the pile of petitions in front of her. “At first count, we have almost one thousand signatures. Not bad for one day.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Nona and Derrick spoke together. They glanced at each other for a long moment, then turned back to Anna.

  “I still have to verify the signatures,” Anna said, speaking so fast that she didn’t notice the exc
hange between Derrick and Nona. “So I’m going to get out of here now.” She hugged Nona. “I don’t want you to worry,” Anna whispered in Nona’s ear. “You’re going to walk into that meeting on Monday with Harlem right behind you.” She stuffed the petitions into the bag slung over her shoulder.

  “Hey, wait a minute,” Derrick said. “You didn’t get my signature. And I’m Nona Simms’s number one fan.”

  While Nona raised an eyebrow and wondered why her heart fluttered, Anna smiled and handed Derrick the clipboard. “Well, sign right here.” When he finished, Anna said, “Well, I’m gone. You two enjoy the rest of the evening.” She waved before she disappeared into the night.

  “Thank you for doing that,” Nona said.

  “Of course. I wish I could do more. But it looks like the mayor’s wife has it under control. You really have some great friends.”

  “I do.”

  Nona glanced through the crowd that still swelled to more than two hundred even in the late hour. She searched for her other friends. She hadn’t seen Leila since the taping began, and Toni … Nona wondered if she had ever shown up.

  “I saw Leila earlier, but I haven’t seen Toni,” Derrick said as if he read her mind. He followed her gaze through the crowd.

  She shrugged. “There are so many people here.”

  He nodded.

  For the next hour, Nona and Derrick moved through the crowd, giving thanks to the crew and answering questions from members of the press. Nona tried to concentrate, but it was difficult with Derrick by her side. She noticed the way he stood so close, the way he touched her gently, the way he whispered in her ear.

  “Are you cold?” Derrick asked softly as he guided her toward the catering tables.

  She glanced up at him. “No, it’s a beautiful night,” she said, although she buttoned her cashmere cable sweater. She sipped a cup of Calypso punch, giving her time to watch Derrick. She’d seen him in the sexiest of outfits, but the jeans and black turtleneck he wore today was the best yet.

  “I grew up right across the street.” She pointed to the redbrick, six-story building. “Right there.”