“I don't know maybe?”
“That’s not going to fly. They are giving us our night. Tonight.”
Jayla stood but Scarlett pulled her back down. “Tonight.”
“Yeah why not?”
“I can give you a thousand reasons why not.”
Chris walked over to them and laid a kiss on Jay.
“And what are you beautiful women talking about over here?”
Jayla stood up on the bleachers. Two bleacher steps allowed her 5’9 height to become eye to eye with Chris’s 6’4 height.
“You and Christian seemed to have backed out of our date and Scarlett and I believe it’s time you paid up.”
“What?”
“Six months ago? The basketball game? You and your brother owe us a night out and you are going to give it to us tonight.” Chris shook his head no.
“Tonight? Have you forgotten what tonight is?”
“Nope tonight its poker night but I think you can forget that for one night.”
Scarlett stood. “Jay I.”
“No Scarlett they have stalled long enough.” Chris laughed.
“Can’t we get a rain check?”
“Nope already gave you six. Pay up now. We haven’t been out in a month and I know you’ve been busy but you’re not tonight so hook us up. We have been working really hard and it’s time you and your brother pay up.”
Chris looked at her and folded his arms. She did the same staring at him just as long and hard as he was doing her. Giving in knowing he would never win Chris sighed.
“Fine. You and Scarlett be ready at six.”
“Great we will be.”
Chris walked away and Scarlett pulled Jayla down to her.
“What did you just do I don't have anything to wear I am a mess. Jay I can’t go on a date with Christian.”
“Why not a bet is a bet and hey you don't want Christian remember.”
“I am going to feel.”
“You are going to feel beautiful now come on let’s get the girls and go to the mall. I am sure Devon won’t mind getting a ride with the guys.” Jayla stood and called over to Chris.
“You can pick us up over Scarlett’s when you drop Devon off. Girls you are with us.”
Before Scarlett could protest, Jay pulled her out of the gym. Angel and Maggie followed. Christian looked at the door then to Chris.
“What was that about?”
“Well you remember how we have been dodging taking the girls out well we can’t dodge anymore.”
Christian shook his head. “Chris tonight is not a good night. We have that dinner at mom and dad’s.”
“When did that happen?”
“I told you last night.”
“Yeah I didn’t hear you.”
“Well we do.”
“So what do you want me to say Jay is very demanding and she used that oh we haven’t spent any time together. I don't have a choice and neither do you so I suggest you call mom and dad and tell them we need to reschedule.”
Christian laughed. “You’re the oldest you do it.”
“You’re their favorite you do it.”
“Mom and dad have no favorites.”
“Yes they do it’s you and I am ok with it.” Devon laughed.
“You two are wimps afraid to call your parents?”
They looked at Devon then back to each other. Devon put the ball on his hip.
“Look when Maggie and I don't want to do something. We do rock paper scissors.” Chris held out his fist.
“Three out of five?”
***
Scarlett stared in the mirror. She shook her head at the outfit they had her try on. It was a purple pants suit.
“No I don’t think so. This outfit makes me look like Barney’s mistress.”
Maggie laughed. “Yeah I have no idea what I was thinking.”
“This is the ninth outfit I have tried on nothing works. I thought this body shaper was supposed to help me.”
“Scarlett it will with the right outfit.”
“I am just going to call and say forget it.”
Jayla brought back a short black dress. “No you’re not you are going to try this on.”
Scarlett’s jaw dropped. “A little black dress? Really?”
Jayla smiled as Scarlett shook her head.
“I think it will look cute on you.”
“I don't do little black dresses.”
Jayla smacked her teeth. “Just try it on.”
Maggie smiled. “Come on Scar live a little.”
Scarlett took it and walked into the fitting room. Angel shifted in her seat.
“I’m hungry mom. Can we get something before we head home?”
Scarlett stepped out of the room and everyone stood silent for a moment the dress on her looked exquisite with the intricate ruche design and plunging neckline she felt beautiful. Angel smiled.
“Mom you look incredible.”
Maggie’s eyes widened. “Scar you do you really do.”
Scarlett looked into the mirror and was taken aback. How a simple black dress could make her feel and look so beautiful, she didn’t know. It flowed down with her curves with ease. Jay smiled at her.
“I think you have found the perfect black dress every woman has one.”
“I think you’re right.”
Scarlett walked back into the fitting room and got dressed. Jayla smiled as she walked out.
“Ok now let’s figure out what shoes you are going to wear.”
Scarlett looked over to her phone. “It’s four now you think we have time for that?”
“There is always time for shoes.”
Angel grabbed Scarlett’s hand and began to whine.
“Mom please can we get something to eat. I am starving here.”
“How about a pretzel form Auntie Anne’s right now and then on the way home I will get you dinner.”
“Thank you. Wait can I have Lemonade too?”
***
Christian sat nervously inside the limo. Devon smiled.
“Thanks for the limo ride boys! I’m going to hold you to letting me use this for prom.”
Chris smiled. “I told you Dev anytime you need to impress the ladies I got you.”
Devon laughed. “I will let the girls know you are ready.”
Christian pulled Devon back into the car as he tried to exit.
“Devon wait. You really think the white roses will work?”
“I told you she loves them. Why does it matter anyway its just dinner?”
Chris grinned. “Because and don't tell Scarlett but Christian is crazy about your sister.”
Devon lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “And why shouldn’t he be? Scarlett is the best but why is it a secret?”
Before Christian could speak, Chris chimed in. “As much as my little brother likes Scarlett, he is kind of a ladies man and your sister knows that.”
Christian raised his hand. “You think I can speak on my own life?”
Devon looked at him. “Well do you like her?”
“Yes I do. Can we get inside now?”
Devon stepped out the car but stopped.
“If it’s any help to you she likes you too. Just give her time she is very careful with her heart and trusting people with it.”
He stepped out the limo and Chris and Christian followed suit. They both were casually dressed in Khakis. Christian wore a blue cashmere sweater and Chris wore a Black blazer with a white dress shirt. They followed Devon into the house. Maggie smiled when she saw the guys.
“Don’t you guys look handsome? Scarlett and Jay should be down in a minute. It’s a shame you don't have a younger brother.”
As if on cue, Jay walked down the stairs followed by Scarlett. Devon smiled.
“You ladies look beautiful.”
Scarlett wearing her little black dress added Black heeled boots and silver dangling earrings and silver heart necklace. Her hair was in shoulder length Shirley temple curls. Jayla wore
a stunning red dress with a solid body, surplice neckline with cinch bust and padded cups. The pinched rhinestone clips on the tank top straps and a banded bottom hem fit her like a glove. She wore a matching purse and long black boots her free flowing long locks were strait down to her back. Chris took Jay’s hand.
“Baby you look beautiful. You both do.”
Scarlett smiled. “Thank you. You both look really handsome.”
Christian wanted to speak but nothing he could say could do her justice. She was beautiful. The way the dress clung to her curves made him want to explore her body.
His mother was right she was no size four but even at a size 16, she was breath taking. She walked over to the den.
“I am going to go say bye to Angel I will be right back.”
She walked out the room and Jay and Maggie followed her. Chris looked at Christian.
“Dude please wipe the drool from your mouth.”
“I am not drooling.”
Devon smiled. “You’re standing there like you lost the ability to speak. You got it bad.”
Scarlett and Jay walked out the den. “Ok we can go now. Devon we will be back a little bit later.”
“Have fun go out and don't worry about a thing we are fine here.”
Scarlett hugged Devon as she grabbed her shawl. “You are the best little brother ever. The girls have eaten you got a key to the car and pizza money is where it always is. I love you!”
She followed Jay, Chris and Christian out the door Christian pulled her to him.
“Chris give us a second.”
Chris led Jay to the limo and Christian stared at Scarlett. She tried to pull away but Christian pulled her back to him.
“Christian we need to go.”
“Wait.”
He turned her to him and bent down to her. “I didn’t get to tell you inside but you look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
“No I am serious. Scarlett you are.”
He pulled her to him. He placed his left hand on her cheek and pulled her face to his then kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and he pulled her closer to him. She pushed him away and tried to catch her breath.
“Scarlett we need to talk.”
“Christian we really need to go.”
“Ok. I get it. But unlike last time we will finish this later.”
They walked towards the limo and Scarlett smiled as she stepped in it. The limo was spacious. She sat next to Christian and her face lit up.
“This is my first time in a limo.”
“Really?”
“Yep.”
“So what do you think?”
“I will let you know.”
As they drove, Scarlett finally allowed herself to relax until they arrived at an estate. Scarlett frowned.
“Where are we?”
Jay looked at the estate and then back to Chris.
“Chris what are we doing at your parents’ house?”
Chris cleared his throat.
“Yeah about that I know I said that we would paint the town red tonight but I forgot we had a dinner party planned with our parents so when I called this afternoon to explain we would not be joining them my dad suggested we just make an appearance.”
Jay shook her head. “You’re just going to feed me to the wolves you know your mother hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you she just doesn’t know you.”
“Chris.”
“Jay please do this for me. Please.”
He gave her his puppy dog eyes and Jayla rolled hers.
“Fine.”
Scarlett sat back.
“I don't think this is a good idea.”
“Scar we will be in and out I promise.”
“I don't think I can do this. Christian I thought we were going out not coming to your parents.”
“I know but please I will make this up to you. I promise.”
“Christian how is this going to look?”
“It’s going to look like I have a beautiful woman on my arm. We will be in and out I promise.”
Scarlett rolled her eyes as Jay and Chris stepped out the car. She and Christian followed. They walked into the house and Scarlett was immediately greeted by a tall African American man.
“Good evening Chris, Christian may I take your coats and the coats of your lovely ladies?”
Scarlett and Jay smiled and said a simultaneous “thank you” to the man. Chris and Christian led them to the main room and everyone turned to them. Helen smiled as she walked over to the guys. She nodded at the girls.
“Jayla, Scarlett so glad to see you all again. Can I steal my sons for one moment?”
Chris frowned. “Mom we just got here.”
“I know it will only be a minute.” Christopher walked over to them.
“Ladies you look beautiful. Please come in and enjoy the party.”
He pulled Helen away from them and Christian looked at Chris then Scarlett.
“We are only going to stay an hour or so. Then the rest of the evening is ours.”
As the party got into full swing, Scarlett and Jay smiled as they watched the guys mingle. Helen walked over to her sons.
“Having fun boys?”
“Yes mom we were just about to head over to the girls.”
“Why are they here?”
Christian rolled his eyes. “Mom come on. This is getting really old.”
“I’m sorry guys. Chris, Rebecca is here to go over the proposal and Christian can you please talk to Izzy she is seriously considering coming on the board.”
“Mom come on we promised the girls we would leave shortly.”
“You guys have a job to do. Work comes before play and you know that. I will keep them company.”
Chris bellowed a laugh. “You will? Yeah no thanks mom.”
Helen gave a sweet smile. “I'll behave go.”
She shooed the boys while they looked at her. As she walked over to the girls they walked over to their prospective set ups. Helen smirked.
“Ladies, how are you enjoying yourselves?”
“We are having a great time. Your home is so beautiful.” Jay smiled.
Scarlett nodded. “Yes it is. Thank you for inviting us.”
Helen gave a little smirk. “I didn’t invite you my sons did but you’re welcome.”
“Well either way we appreciate you letting us stay here.”
“Well what kind of host would I be if I made you leave?”
Scarlett and Jay looked around as Helen continued to speak.
“But since you are going to be here ladies, can you do me a favor and look around you. Do either of you really belong here?”
Scarlett looked at her and frowned.
“Excuse me.”
Jay put her drink down. “And what does that mean?”
Helen stepped closer to them. “Well let’s just be honest here. Jayla dear you are a schoolteacher, not even an English teacher or math teacher you’re an Art teacher. While I applaud the effort it takes to get young people to paint on paper do you really think it is appropriate for the President of such a major corporation to be with the likes of you?”
Scarlett’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me I am sure I didn’t hear you correctly.”
“I am sure you did and as if Christian bringing you Scarlett is any better. Look at you. You’re his assistant. If he brought you here for work I would understand that but as his date it is just not acceptable. Look around for me ladies. In this room, there are lawyers and doctors daughters of wealthy parents. My boys being with girls like you are just rebelling against their future against nature. Because we all know, girls like you are fun to be with just not to marry and it's about time my boys thought about marriage and having kids. I mean really do you think you two have the makings of being the mothers of strong businessmen or women? I think not.”
Jayla was about to say something but Scarlett beat her too it.
“In all of my life I have never met such a stuck up
arrogant woman. How you made such wonderful sons is beyond me. They must have your husband’s kind heart. You have boys who can look past a person’s faults and see their soul. How dare you talk to Jayla like that? She is one of the most upstanding women I know. By the way, not that it is any of your business but being an art teacher is a remarkable accomplishment. You are a phony self-absorbed hatful woman because when it suits you you’re all smiles but when it comes down to it only a really selfish woman would be this evil.”
“Evil? Selfish?” Helen laughed. “I am looking out for the best interest of my boys. Don’t get me wrong I like you girls very much. You both have overcome things that most women would have thrown in the towel for, but I just don’t like you for my sons. I mean really girls they are each millionaires in their own rights. But I am sure you both know that.”
Jayla shook her head.
“Are you calling us gold diggers?”
“Well why else would your type be with my boys. Now if you know what is good for yourselves you will go back to your little world and stay out of the big leagues? If you care anything about my boys you will bow out gracefully.”
Jay looked at Scarlett then back at Helen.
“I love your son and I know he loves me and you think you can intimidate me? Us?”
“I will call you both a cab home. If you don't mind, there are women I need to introduce my boys to women who have something going for themselves something great to offer my sons. Take Isabelle Cart over there talking to Christian. At 27, she is CEO of a Top selling Magazine with a Master’s in business. Or Rebecca Rice talking to Chris, at 29 she is a multimillionaire Heiress who has her PHD in Psychology. Both are very beautiful smart and talented women. How can either of you compare?”
Scarlett and Jay glanced over the ladies. Isabella was 5’7½ she looked a bit how Scarlett imagined snow white might look in human form. She had jet-black hair that reached just below her ear lobes. She wore heavy makeup but it worked for her. Rebecca was the complete opposite she was 6’0 even. She had long flowing blonde hair that went down to her waist. She wore light makeup and jewelry on every open piece of body she had. Her eyes were baby blue as Isabella’s were brown.
Scarlett shook her head. “I really just don't understand. How can you possibly?”
“I am going to cut you off right there. I am not interested in being nice. I have an empire to protect and sons to watch over. I know all about you girls Jayla Princess Monroe first of all its bad enough your parents named you Jayla but Princess as a middle name. But I am getting off point. You were born October 26th 1982 to Claire and Paul Monroe. You graduated 20th in your high school class. You took out forty-five thousand dollars in loans to pay for school and graduated in the middle of your College class. You make less than 50,000 yearly and that is on a good year. Now look at my Christopher. He graduated top of his class in both high school and college. He gives 50,000 away like its candy. You drive a 2001 Toyota corolla. He drives whatever his heart contents. You are a recovering anorexic. Do I really want my son or grandkids to inherit that?”
A Passion Rekindled Page 9
