by Skylar Ward
As everyone headed toward the exit, Leyland came down the stairs.
Yasmine slipped her hand from Ace’s hold, and ran over to Leyland, hugging him. “Bye, Cousin Leyland. Are you coming to visit me?”
“Yes, sweetheart,” Leyland said, “I will.”
“Yeah,” Yasmine said.
“Go on with your mommy,” Ace said to Yasmine. “I will be right out.”
Ace waited until Yasmine and Efia were through the door before saying to Leyland, “Don’t make promises to my daughter that you have no intentions of keeping.”
Chapter 30
Three weeks later, Efia had not only signed the contract on the New Condominium, but she had also closed the deal as well. With the interior designer busy at work implementing her vision, she was now working at home sorting out hers, and Yasmine’s clothing into a donate pile, a throwaway pile, and a keep pile.
Ace inspected the three piles. He picked up a black jersey dress with the tag still attached from the keep pile, placing it in the collection labeled donate.
“Don’t put that dress in there,” Efia said. “That’s brand-new.”
Ace appeared as though he wanted to say something, but thought better of it. He placed the dress in the keep pile. He picked up a pair of jeans from the couch, tossing them into the throwaway pile.
Efia reaching into the pile, removing the jeans. “You are messing up my system.”
“I will help you, Mommy,” Yasmine said.
“Thank you, sweetie. I bet you’ll do a better job than your dad.
Ace laughed and lifted his hands. “I will be in the bedroom if you need me.”
<>
In the room, Ace called his mother to ask if she could find a stylist for Efia.
“Don’t worry, son,” Bonnie said. “I will have someone by tomorrow afternoon.”
“Thanks, Mother. I will speak to you then.” Ace hadn’t noticed Efia standing in the doorway until he glanced up. And by the frown on her face, he knew she had heard far more than he would have liked.
“What is Yasmine doing?” he asked.
“Coloring,” Efia replied.
“How much of my conversation did you hear?”
“Enough,” Efia replied. “Are you ashamed of me?”
“Not at all,” Ace said without hesitation.
“So why the stylist?”
“What type of man would I be, If I were to continue wearing custom clothing while my lady wears off-the-rack?”
“That problem can be easily solved,” Efia said sarcastically. “I can find off-the-rack clothing for you.”
“We work our butts off, don’t you think we should spend a bit of the money before our kids spend it all?”
Efia glanced sideways at Ace, her face breaking into a smile. “You know how to sweet talk me, don’t you?”
Ace drew her into his arms. “Does that mean you won’t fight me on this?”
“No,” Efia said, “I will allow the stylist to help me upgrade my wardrobe.”
<>
The following day at work, Efia welcomed Alejandro Fernández, the interior decorator, Cobb had recommended into her office.
“Have a seat.”
“As I told you before, my boyfri … Mr. Davenport wants to fast-track this project.”
“I understand,” Alejandro said.
He and Efia spent some time examining several design options for the new space before they were interrupted by a knock on the door.
What now? Efia wondered. It’s still 1:35. I am on my lunch break, folks. “Come in.”
The door opened, and Viktor entered. “Did I miss a meeting?” he asked.
“No,” Efia said. “I am at lunch, and this is personal.”
Viktor lingered. I can’t keep hiding, Efia thought.
“Viktor, this is Alejandro Fernández. He is an interior designer who is helping me with my apartment in Manhattan.”
Viktor and Alejandro shook hands, exchanging pleasantries before Alejandro sat down.
“We have been so busy around here, I didn’t know you had moved,” Viktor said.
I have never discussed my business with anyone here. “In the process of.”
“Well, keep us abreast of the housewarming party,” Viktor said. “I will let you get back to it.”
“Thanks,” Efia said.
Efia watched Viktor leave. “Where were we?”
“The window treatments,” Alejandro said.
“Of course,” she said, her thoughts still on Viktor.
As much as Efia hated others in her business, she realized it was becoming more difficult to hide her involvement with Ace Davenport.
Chapter 31
Sitting with Mr. Kwateng over bowls of porridge and hard dough bread, Efia couldn’t recall the last time she’d had a one-on-one conversation with her father. And since Mr. Kwateng had taken a few vacation days off from his job with New York Transit Authority, she thought it was a perfect time.
“We should be moving in another week or so,” Efia said, breaking the silence that had surrounded them.
“So, your mother told me,” Mr. Kwateng said. “How do you think Yasmine will handle, leaving all her friends behind and moving to a new school?”
“She will adjust,” Efia replied. “Yasmine is not shy.”
Mr. Kwateng smiled. “That is true.”
Efia broke a piece of hard dough bread, dipped it in the porridge, and popped it into her mouth. “Umm, this is good.”
“Your mother was up early,” Mr. Kwateng said. “She thought it would be like old times for us to have breakfast together.”
“Too bad, today wasn’t Mom’s day off.”
“A little peace in my ears is not a bad thing,” Mr. Kwateng said. “Never underestimate the sound of silence.”
Efia’s eyes disappeared as she laughed loudly. “How come you don’t say that about Yasmine?”
Mr. Kwateng’s face lit up. “Now that is the sound of life.”
“Yasmine has so much life, sometimes I want to hide from her,” Efia said.
Mr. Kwateng reached across the table, squeezing Efia’s hand. “See, we are very much alike.”
Though Efia enjoyed the light banter with her father and hated to change the subject, she knew there was another reason for her early morning visit. And as she had been known to do, she got straight to the point.
“Ace will be moving in with us.”
Mr. Kwateng continued to eat without comment.
“Dad, please say something.”
Mr. Kwateng placed his spoon in the bowl and lifted his head. “Seems like you have made your plans.”
“We love each other,” Efia replied. “And Yasmine deserves to have her father around.”
Mr. Kwateng’s eyes bore into Efia. “And what about you, what do you deserve?”
Her father’s words stung, causing Efia to lower her lids. And Long after Efia had left her parents home, his question thundered in her head.
Chapter 32
Ace entered the attached brick home and was immediately in the small dining area off the kitchen. Mr. Kwateng closed the storm door and the wooden front door before turning to Ace.
“Let us sit in the drawing room,” Mr. Kwateng said.
Ace smiled at Mr. Kwateng’s British use of the word for living room. In silence, he followed Mr. Kwateng around the dining table and through an archway into the cathedral-ceiling living room.
“Have a seat,” Mr. Kwateng said, extending his hand to the black, leather couch.
“Thank you.” Ace sat and opened the button on his jacket.
Mr. Kwateng sat across from Ace on the leather recliner. “So, what brings you here?
“I am here to ask for your daughter’s hand.”
Mr. Kwateng regarded Ace for several minutes. “And if I don’t give it, what then?”
“Efia and I will still be married,” Ace stated matter-of-factly. “I love your daughter, and I know she loves me.”
“It appear
s the two of you have it all figured out,” Mr. Kwateng said.
“We have a special bond,” Ace said with a broad smile. “And a beautiful little girl who we love.”
“Then there is no need for this visit, is there?” Mr. Kwateng said.
Ace observed his future father-in-law. He was under no illusions they would ever be friends, in fact, he believed Mr. Kwateng despised him.
“I will be the first to admit, Efia and I had an unconventional start.” Ace sat forward. “Life’s circumstances brought us together. I overcame a lot to get here. And at this juncture, I won’t let anyone or anything tear us apart.”
Ace paused before continuing. “I hope you give us your blessings. Not for my sake, not even for Efia’s sake, but for Yasmine’s.”
For several minutes, Mr. Kwateng seemed deep in thought. Ace never expected the encounter to be a walk in the park, but the silence was deafening.
“You can like a person and not respect them,” Mr. Kwateng finally said. “Similarly, you can respect a person and dislike them. Which one do you think is more important, Mr. Davenport?”
Without hesitation, Ace replied, “Respect, sir. I choose respect every time.”
Although Ace didn’t care for Mr. Kwateng’s pull no punches approach, he admired his future father-in-law’s style.
“You chose wisely, Mr. Davenport.” Mr. Kwateng stood. “I guess our business here is complete.”
“As you wish,” Ace said, showing no outward sign of flabbergast as he followed Mr. Kwateng out.
<>
After leaving Mr. Kwateng’s home, Ace hit the gym at La Travesta Grand Hotel for a boxing session. An hour later, he returned to his suite, showered and changed for his afternoon appointment.
His cell phone rang. Ace reached for his tie from the wooden valet stand and placed the call on speaker.
“Good afternoon.”
“You are in a good mood,” Mary, his assistant said. “Seems like New York agrees with you.
“That, it has.” Ace placed the tie around his neck. “But I am sure you are not calling to inquire about my well-being.”
“How is Yasmine doing?”
Ace smiled. “She is doing wonderfully well, thank you. My little girl doesn’t cease to amaze me.”
“Your father was in last week. He showed everyone around here her pictures. I can’t remember the last time he was so excited, and I have known him for years.”
“Her grandparents adore her,” Ace said.
“Now that I have all the pleasantries out of the way, it’s time to talk about Ms. Hollingsworth.”
“What about her?” Ace asked.
“That woman has been inundating the marketing department with calls. She has already left three messages with the receptionists this morning.”
Ace adjusted his tie. Satisfied, he pushed a fallen strand of hair off his forehead. “I will give Haley a call.”
“Thank you,” Mary said. “Her calls are becoming rather disruptive.”
“Anything else?”
“No, Cheryl and I have everything else under control.”
“Appreciate it,” Ace said. “Bye, Mary.”
“Bye, Boss.”
<>
Ace speed-dialed Haley. He had deliberately avoided taking her calls, giving her time to stew.
The phone rang twice.
“Darling!” Haley said.
“You called?”
“Only a thousand times.” Haley sighed. “There seems to be some type of misunderstanding with your marketing department. They notified me, ‘all ads with my magazine have been terminated.’”
“That’s correct,” Ace said.
“Darling, what do you mean?”
“I no longer need your services,” Ace said, slowly.
“Why would you do this to me?” Haley snapped. “Don’t tell me this has anything to do with that gal’s cheap purse.”
“I knew you would catch on, quickly,” Ace said. “Her name is Efia Kwateng. And if I have anything to do with it, she will be Davenport soon.”
“You bastard!” Haley screamed. “How dare you? You owe me.”
“Next time get it in writing,” Ace snapped. “And a note for the future, learn how to hide your supercilious attitude, it could have saved you all this aggravation.”
“I hate you Ace Daven …”
“Goodbye.” Ace cut Haley off and ended the call. He grabbed his jacket from the valet stand and slipped into it.
His phone rang.
“Not again!” Ace grimaced and reached for the phone. Efia’s beaming face greeted him. He exhaled. “Hi, sweetheart.”
Chapter 33
“Moving day, woohoo!”
Efia broke into dance complete with heart hands and hip sways in admiration for the modern transitional design of her new five bedrooms five baths home. The designer had indeed captured her vision and executed it well. She loved marrying her taste of modern style and Ace’s taste of traditional together. Now, she hoped they would live happily in their new abode.
Standing at the French doors, Efia hugged herself as she viewed the colorful rays of the sun, fusing over lower Manhattan. In all her years in New York, she had never taken the time to pay homage to the sunsets—and she had seen many. Vowing never to ignore such a majestic scene in the future, she inhaled the crisp air and closed the door to the rooftop deck.
The doorbell rang, wrenching her away from her introspection. Efia hurried over to the entrance door and opened it. Ace and Yasmine dressed in matching blue jeans, jacket, and sneakers, greeted her.
“When did you buy Yasmine these clothes?”
“I have a few surprises up my sleeves,” Ace replied.
“No wonder you took so long,” Efia said.
“We have Chinese food, Mommy.” Yasmine handed over her bag to Efia.
“Thank you, sweetie.” Efia peered into the bag. “That’s a lot of fortune cookies.”
Ace and Yasmine followed Efia into the kitchen. Ace placed a large bag on the island as Efia opened a kitchen cabinet.
“There are disposable plates and forks in the bag,” Ace said.
“Since this is our first meal here, why not break out the China your mother gave us as a housewarming gift?”
“Makes sense,” Ace said.
When Efia turned, Ace was on one knee, and Yasmine was on both. Efia’s gaze went back and forth between the pair, but not a sound came. Finally, her focus zeroed in on the open box in Yasmine’s hand. The massive sparkler perched on its velvet lining beckoned her forward.
Ace took the plates from Efia, placing them on the floor. He took Efia’s left hand. He kissed it. “Efia Kwateng will you accept my love in the symbol of this ring and become my wife?”
Efia nodded.
Ace removed the ring from the box and slid it over her finger.
Efia covered her mouth. She examined the stunner whose fit was perfection.
Finally, she found her voice. “Oh, my, God. This is beautiful. I had no idea. How? When? Wow!”
“Say yes, Mommy,” Yasmine whispered.
Efia crouched down, hugging Yasmine and Ace. “Yes. Yes. Yes. A thousand yesses. Wow! I am a mess right now. And I am blubbering. I am a blubbering mess.”
This was the moment Efia had long hoped for. And she had suspected it would eventually come, yet, Ace had managed to surprise her.
Ace pressed his lips to hers before creating a trail of tiny kisses up her cheek and over to her ear. “You are my beautiful mess,” he whispered.
Yasmine patted Ace’s arm. “Daddy, I am hungry, can we eat now?”
Both Ace and Efia laughed. Turning to their daughter, they said in unison, “Yes, we can eat now.”
<>
The next day at work, Efia had just logged off her computer when Viktor strolled into her office.
“I came down here to confirm the rumors that have been swirling around this place all morning.”
The light struck Efia’s ring, creating a shimmerin
g cascade of color.
“What rumors are those?” Efia asked smiling.
“My God!” Viktor exclaimed. “That ring is bigger than the one I gave my wife. Seems like everything is going well in your life. I am happy for you.”
“Thanks,” Efia said. “I can’t complain.”
“I will see you later.”
“Yes, the two o’clock meeting,” Efia said.
Viktor paused at the door. “Is your fiancé in the entertainment industry?”
“No, he is not.” Hoping for a change of subject, Efia said, “I am switching schedules with Rohan for the weekend in two weeks.”
“We have a solid team here. Rohan will keep things together.” Viktor came further into the office, taking a seat. “FYI, the ‘Big boss’ is in town.
Efia shifted uneasily in her chair.
“Ace Davenport,” Viktor continued. “He owns the entire shebang. Word has it, he has been living a hermit’s life since losing his wife. Now he is working out of an office over at La Travesta Grand Hotel with Drew Palmer.”
“I see,” Efia said.
“Today was the first time I met Mr. Davenport,” Viktor said. “If you ask me, I find it strange that he is suddenly working out of New York, so let us be vigilant around here.”
This is your chance to come clean! Efia’s inner voice screamed, she nodded instead.
Viktor got up. “I will be in my office.”
“There is something you need to know,” Efia said.
“You are not leaving us, are you?”
Efia smiled. “No, I will be here for a while. Ace Davenport is my fiancé.”
Viktor laughed. “That’s a good one.” He laughed a little louder. When he realized Efia hadn’t joined in, he whispered, “You? You have got to be kidding me.”
The scowl on Viktor’s face gave Efia flashbacks to their meeting over her pregnancy leave. She extended her hand, showing off, the 10-karat radiant cut diamond surrounded by its platinum band.
“I wouldn’t be so condescending if I were you,“ she said. “Today’s peon could be tomorrow’s CEO with the power to hire and fire.”
The blood drained from Viktor’s face. “Your daughter is mixed race,” he said as a matter-of-statement.
