Finding Love At Life's Crossroads: An Interracial Novel

by Skylar Ward

  “Please baby, give mommy a chance.” Efia leaned over the kitchen sink. “I am trying my best. I really am.”

  She ran the bottle under the cold tap and squeezed a few drops on her hand testing the temperature before hurrying from the kitchen. Efia paused in the doorway of her bedroom, stunned to see her father lifting his crying granddaughter from her bassinet. Yasmine stopped crying. Efia remained still.

  “I am your grandpa,” Mr. Kwateng said, swaying the now quiet child. Mr. Kwateng cradled Yasmine’s head more securely.

  This was the moment Efia had hoped for, prayed for. She held her breath as Mr. Kwateng examined his golden skin grandchild.

  “Oh, my, let me see these toes,” Mr. Kwateng said. “These are Kwatengs’ feet. Just like your grandpa and your great-grandpa. I’ll tell you a secret, your mother has your Grandma Rosina’s toes. Rosina’s parents were from Ethiopia. Your grandpa is a true Ghanaian. I can trace my whole kin to Ghana.”

  Yasmine yawned.

  “Are you hungry?” Mr. Kwateng cooed.

  Clearing her throat, Efia entered the room. She placed the bottle on the desk and picked up a clean bib from one of the floating shelves. “Thanks, Dad.” She opened her arms. “I have to give her a bottle.”

  “I can feed her if you allow me,” Mr. Kwateng said.

  “Yes, of course. Why don’t you sit in the rocker? Let me put her bib on.”

  Mr. Kwateng held Yasmine upright. Efia put the garment in place then handed the bottle to her dad.

  Mr. Kwateng squeezed a few drops onto his arm. “It’s too hot, run some cold water on the bottle.”

  Now that her prayers had been answered, Efia wasn’t going to contradict her dad. Instead, she took the bottle and obediently headed to the kitchen. When she returned, she handed the bottle to her father, and turned to leave, giving him time to bond with Yasmine.

  “Efia?”

  “Yes, Dad,”

  “Don’t leave. I am a little rusty.”

  Efia joined her father and daughter. She knelt and tilted the bottle in her father’s hand into the right position. “Just like this, Dad.”

  “She has a good appetite,” Mr. Kwateng said. “Look at her.”

  Efia released the bottle, allowing her dad the honors. “Yes, she does.”

  “Just like you did,” Mr. Kwateng said. “You loved your feeding times.”

  Efia smiled, enjoying the interaction with her father. “And I still do.”

  A somber expression covered Mr. Kwateng’s face as he regarded Efia. Looking down at Yasmine, he lifted a strand of hair from her forehead.

  “Yasmine is a beautiful child,” he said. “I see a lot of you in her. Rosina was right, we are your parents. And it is our responsibility to be here for this little one.”

  Efia’s chest tightened, and she squeezed her father’s arm, too choked up to respond. When she finally got her breathing under control, she grabbed her cell phone. “Dad, let me take a picture of you and Yasmine for her memory book.”

  “Go ahead,” Mr. Kwateng said. “We are united. Today, I stand with my wife, my daughter, and my granddaughter.”

  PART II

  Chapter 1

  December 2015

  Ace drove his Diavolo red 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish into the guest’s parking spot at Haley Hollingsworth’s condominium to the admiration of several onlookers. He nodded, understanding their appreciation, because, he, too, had become an avid fan, since his first introduction to the luxury brand back in 2011.

  He removed a gift-wrapped box from the storage compartment, placing it on the passenger’s seat. He couldn’t believe it had been four years since he had started his uncommitted relationship with Haley, and even more shocking was the fact she had kept her word and never pressured him for more than he was willing to give. As time marched on, Ace worried about his personal life.

  God knows I am not getting any younger, he thought, glancing in the rear view mirror.

  He reached for his iPhone and opened the website of The Biltbury Hotel. He checked the assistant manager’s profile, something he had been doing with more frequency as the years went by. He ran his thumb over Efia’s lips on his cell phone’s screen. He blew a hard breath, closed the application, and threw the phone over his shoulder. Leaning his head on the headrest, he shut his eyes. Efia was still the one he yearned for, but he had vowed a long time ago not to saddle her with his issues—a promise he had kept.

  Ace opened his eyes and checked the mirror in time to see Haley making her way to his car. “This relationship works for me,” he whispered. “Haley provides the passion, and I provide the trinkets. We are a perfect match. We understand each other.”

  Exhaling, he exited the vehicle, meeting Haley halfway. He held both ends her blue cashmere wrap, tugging her closer. He kissed her cheek as the wind lifted her choppy bob hairstyle. Ace released Haley, and they headed to the passenger’s side door.

  “Oh, my God, what is this?” Haley gushed when Ace opened the door. “Aww!”

  You are such a lousy actor! “There is only one way to find out. Why don’t you get in and open it?”

  Haley entered the luxury vehicle. She opened the oblong shaped box with care. “My God, Ace. This is exquisite.”

  “I thought you would like it. Here, let me help you.”

  The diamonds glittered as Ace fastened the safety clasp of the Art Deco period piece.

  “Thank you, darling.” Haley blew a kiss.

  “It suits you,” Ace said.

  Haley stuck her hand out the window. “I can’t believe you bought this for me.”

  “It reminded me of you,” Ace said.

  She eyed Ace without speaking.

  “Shall we go? Ace asked.

  “Yes,” Haley whispered, patting the corners of her eyes.

  “Would you like me to close the windows?”

  “Yes,” Haley sniffed. “I think something blew in my eyes.”

  Ace glanced at her hair. “That’s a big chop. What made you go this short?”

  “I needed a change. My stylist felt, shorter hair would make me appear younger.”

  Haley’s response hung in the air as Ace’s thoughts wandered to Efia’s mass of curls. Ace started the car and backed out of the parking spot, settling into silence.

  Twenty minutes later, he cruised up to the front of a waterfront restaurant where the valet helped Haley from the vehicle. Exiting, Ace place his hand on Haley’s back, guiding her toward the restaurant’s entrance.

  “We had better get inside before my mother calls in the National Guard,” he said.

  “I haven’t seen Mrs. Davenport in ages,” Haley acknowledged.

  “Mr. Davenport.” The maître d’, a man of advanced years with a pronounced Italian accent greeted them. “Your parents are here.”

  “Thank you, Joseph,” Ace said. “This is Haley Hollingsworth.

  Joseph took Haley’s offered hand, and with a slight bow of his head, said, “Madam, it’s an honor.”

  “Thank you, Joseph.”

  “Shall we?” Joseph said, leading the couple forward.

  “Ace, dear, you are here,” Bonnie declared when they reached the table.

  After kissing his mother, Ace said, “Mother, Dad, you remember Haley, don’t you? She is joining us this evening.”

  “Yes, of course,” Steven Davenport said, standing. He shook Haley’s hand. “Representative Gerald Dakota’s niece, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, sir,” Haley said. “That’s me.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Davenport,” Haley said, shaking Bonnie’s hand.

  “Hello, dear,” Bonnie replied.

  After everyone was seated, Steven said, “Shall we order an aperitif?”

  “By all means,” Ace said and signaled the waiter who had been waiting discretely off to the side.

  “I think I will have a Fabiola,” Bonnie said.

  “I will do the same,” Haley said.

  And you, Dad?” Ace asked.

  “I am in
the mood for a little Bourbon and Blood,” Steven said.

  Ace ordered himself a Gimlet, and the waiter took the drinks order and left.

  “How is Representative Dakota holding up these days?” Bonnie asked Haley.

  “He is trying his best,” Haley said. “It hasn’t been the easiest of years.”

  “I know,” Bonnie said. “He barely won re-election to the House of Representatives in 2014 against a relative unknown. Steven, dear, what was the opponent’s name?”

  “Let us leave politics out of our discussion, Mother. We are here to enjoy our meal.”

  Steven and Haley shared a smile.

  “As you wish, son.” Bonnie smiled. “The subject is off the table.”

  Ace winked at Haley.

  <>

  An hour and a half later, with their meals in the history books, and a fresh round of after dinner drinks on the table, Bonnie turned her attention to Ace.

  “Are you through with Vegas, dear?” she asked.

  “For the time being,” Ace replied. “Unless some exciting project comes up that I want to sink my teeth into.”

  “Well, it is wonderful to have you close to home,” Bonnie said. “By the way, Judge McDonald’s retirement party is this Saturday, I trust both of you will be there.”

  “I have to meet Drew in New York City tomorrow morning,” Ace said. “I won’t be back until next week.”

  Haley pouted. “I would love to go.”

  Ace tapped Haley on her nose. “You still can.” He looked at his mother.

  “Yes, of course,” Bonnie said. “We will be happy if you join us.”

  At that instant, a toddler sitting in a high chair, a few tables away, threw a knife across the floor, sending a waiter scurrying after it. While the parents apologized profusely and turned several shades of crimson, Bonnie’s eyes soften.

  “Oh, how adorable,” Bonnie cooed.

  Knowing how much his parents desired to be grandparents, Ace felt a sense of guilt. He glanced at Haley but quickly looked away.

  “How is Leyland doing, Dad?” Ace asked, hoping to pull his mother away from her wistfulness.

  “Much better since his last stint in rehab.” Steven’s voice broke, and he glanced away. “He still grumbles about you refusing to fund the last deal he presented.”

  “That was four years ago, for goodness’ sake. And there was no zoning in place for that project. “I don’t know where Leyland finds these scam artists.”

  Bonnie reached across the table and patted Ace’s arm. “Don’t take anything Leyland does personally, it’s not easy for Leyland to live in your shadow, son. He hasn’t had the easiest time in life.”

  “I know, Mother. That is why I haven’t written him off.” Ace drank the rest of his Coffee. “I am afraid I must call it a night, I have to make a stop at home, drop Haley off, and head to the office for a couple of hours.”

  After wishing his parents a good night, Ace and Haley left the restaurant.

  <>

  A short car ride later, Ace welcomed Haley into his home for the very first time. When they entered the expansive foyer with its sweeping dual staircases, Ace watched as Haley’s eyes competed with her lips in an outward show of satisfaction.

  Suspecting Haley expected the grand tour, Ace said, “Make yourself comfortable. I will be right back.”

  As Ace approached the stairs leading to the west wing, Mrs. Edwards appeared from the opposite direction.

  “Mr. Davenport, I didn’t hear you come in.”

  Returning to Haley’s side, Ace said, “Mrs. Edwards, this is Haley Hollingsworth. Haley, this is Mrs. Edwards. She is responsible for making everything around here run smoothly.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Haley said, offering her hand.

  “Ms. Hollingsworth,” Mrs. Edwards said, shaking Haley’s hand.

  “Excuse me, Haley,” Ace said. “Mrs. Edwards will see to your needs.”

  Haley glanced at Mrs. Edwards. The friendly smile that had greeted Ace was now gone as Mrs. Edwards’ drawn appearance made her eyes appear small and cold.

  “No thanks, Darling,” Haley said. “I am stuffed as it is.”

  “Can I get you anything, Mr. Davenport?” Mrs. Edwards asked as Ace climbed the staircase.

  “No, thank you, Mrs. Edwards.”

  When Ace disappeared, Mrs. Edwards turned to Haley. “If you will excuse me, Ms. Hollingsworth, I must attend to Mr. Davenport’s business.”

  “Don’t let me keep you,” Haley said.

  After Mrs. Edwards left the room, Haley moved to the bottom of the sweeping staircase which Ace had ascended. “I feel a sudden chill,” she called up. “Hurry up, darling.”

  Chapter 2

  Bronx, New York

  “OMG, watch me, Mommy!” Yasmine whizzed past Efia on her scooter, pigtails flying from beneath her pink helmet.

  Efia watched her child. Where did the time go? she wondered.

  Together, she and Yasmine had made progress. Moving to their own spacious two-bedroom apartment had given Yasmine the space to sprout—and sprout Yasmine had. Already the child was above average height for her age.

  Efia was proud of her mother, who had gone back to school and was now a Registered Nurse working for a wealthy Manhattanite. Efia thought of her dad, who had kept his promise and stood by his family, especially his granddaughter whom he would give his right arm to protect.

  Life had been good, Efia had to admit. She had managed The Biltbury Hotel for six months, during Viktor’s leave to battle prostate cancer. And she had declined the opportunity to be a manager at one of the company’s resorts on Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadine Islands, preferring to wait for an opportunity closer to home. As Efia pondered family life, Rosina entered the living room, intruding on her daydreams.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hi, my child,” Rosina said, taking a seat across from Efia in the living room.

  Efia’s cell phone buzzed from the coffee table. Checking the message, she said, “Sam is early.” Efia peeped over the side of the couch. “Where are my shoes? Yasmine, where are mommy’s shoes?”

  Yasmine came zipping back into the room on her scooter. “I don’t know, Mommy.”

  “You were wearing my shoes last night. Bring that scooter here, and go find my shoes.”

  Yasmine crossed her arms and pouted while balancing one foot on the scooter.

  “Yasmine, listen to your mother,” Rosina said sternly.

  Yasmine remained on the scooter.

  “Fine,” Efia said. “If I have to look for my shoes. No swimming lessons on Saturday.”

  “No!” Yasmine said. “I will find it, Mommy.”

  “Not it, sweetie, find both.”

  Yasmine handed over the scooter to Efia and ran from the room.

  “Imagine just the other day, you were pushing her out, now she is telling you, ‘No’” Rosina said.

  “I know, right? Efia laughed. “She is a smart child, but she has a stubborn streak a mile wide.”

  “You can’t let it get out of hand,” Rosina said. “You must correct her.”

  “Yasmine, hurry up!” Efia called out. “Sam is waiting downstairs.”

  “What is the matter with Samuel Njoku?” Rosina asked. “Why is it that he can’t stay in a relationship for more than a year? One-minute Sam has a girlfriend, the next minute she is gone. Doesn’t he know that he is wasting his years waiting on you?”

  “On me? Sam thinks of me as his sister.”

  “Um, hum!” Rosina cut her eyes at Efia. “You stay there believing that. Sam considers you and Yasmine his. Don’t you see how much he loves Yasmine?”

  “Loving Yasmine is one thing, Mom. Loving me is not even an option. I already made my position very clear to Sam.”

  “If you are single, Efia, that man will believe he still has a chance with you.”

  Efia’s cell phone rang. Speaking of the devil. “I will be down in a few minutes, Sam.” Efia ended the call. “What’s on your agenda for th
is morning, Mom?”

  “I am taking Yasmine in to see Mrs. Rosenberg for a couple of hours.”

  “Mom, please don’t let Yasmine break anything in Mrs. Rosenberg’s house, okay?”

  Rosina waved Efia off. “Mrs. Rosenberg is always happy to see Yasmine. It’s like having her own grandkids around when Yasmine is there.”

  “How is Mrs. Rosenberg doing?” Efia asked.

  “She has her good days,” Rosina replied. “I wish her grandkids weren’t so far away in California. People nowadays don’t realize how important it is to maintain a close family connection.”

  “I can vouch for that,” Efia said, knowing her parents had alleviated loads of stress from her life. She rose from the couch. “Mrs. Rosenberg is blessed to have you as her nurse, Mom. Even on your day off, you are still thinking of her.”

  “She has a kind soul,” Rosina said. “And I enjoy her company.”

  “Where is that child of mine?” Efia yelled.

  “I am here, Mommy,” Yasmine said, entering the living room. “Here.” She handed Efia her black patent leather heels.

  “Thank you, sweetie.” Efia took the shoes and slipped into them.

  Rosina inspected Efia’s skinny black jeans, partially tucked, ivory shirt, and black heels. “This is how you are going to work?”

  “I am not working today. The company is showcasing the latest technology in the Hospitality Industry, and Mr. Palmer is going to give us one of his pep talks. Plus, I plan to vlog later.”

  Rosina observed Efia’s blood red lipstick, flawlessly made-up face, and her unruly curls. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Mommy is beautiful,” Yasmine said.

  “Come here, you.” Efia reached for Yasmine, removing her helmet. “You are beautiful, too.”

  “Grandma is beautiful,” Yasmine said.

  Efia couldn’t agree more as she remembered the images of Rosina in her early twenties. Efia glanced at her mother. Even without the aid of makeup, Rosina was still a stunner.

  “That’s right, sweetie,” Efia said. “And you have a lot of your grandmother in you.”