Both stores were slowly filling. Furniture made by the carpenter, who was allowed lumber from the woods of one who owned land with thick forests of oak, cedar and pine. His charge for the wood, was furniture for his home. To others wood was provided for fuel or fire in exchange for anything they had to trade with. This grew to the extent, that everyone’s home was filled with food. New curtains, strong sturdy furniture. Beds and bedding. The men had haircuts, the women’s hair was styled to the T. Their clothing was immaculate. Their homes began taking shape and looking like they were owned by someone of wealth. Due to the type of trading they did, the money they had could be traded in as credit between them. It wasn’t long before the idea of their very own bank was born. Where they within that community could borrow to purchase tools, equipment, or whatever was needed to continue in what was happening. Next thing that went up, their very own dance hall - juke joint. Out came the talents, the dancers, singers, various ones who could play the guitar, lay beats on the drums, play a sax or blow the trumpet. They also decided to expand their school house, teaching their children the very things they knew to keep things growing and moving in the right direction, by preparing the next generation for it.
Within a year of Virginia’s entry into that little community it took on a life of its own. There - within, came to be economic growth, prosperity and wealth. There, within - joy, laughter, ready assistance or aid, togetherness and a sense of community that flourished with colorful brilliance. If anyone within, didn’t have the money for their property tax, the community pooled their resources to pay it. The slogan rule was, “No One Does Without! No One Goes without!” In dedication to her bringing them back to life, the men came together and made a sign, naming their small corner of the world - New-Town Virginiaville. Making them a bit nervous however, was that they were drawing the attention of various folks passing by. Whether stopping for directions or something to eat or drink - without even trying - New-Town Virginiaville was being praised for the food at the little restaurant there. Praised for the various dresses - men’s clothing items and outstanding quality furniture. They were making money without even trying - the intent had been for them only, but they couldn’t block outsiders from coming in. Simply put, there were some white folks who treasured well made things, who loved a well cooked meal, and who had an eye for stylishly fashioned clothing. They wanted what they wanted, and were willing to pay for it.
Money… was coming into New-Town Virginiaville. While that was certainly a good thing, it made some of the inhabitants nervous.
Elsewhere, Lida Bell with no other choice, spent most of her time trying to find a decent hair stylist for the shop. So far, she’d gone through three who just didn’t have what she felt matched what Virginia did. As for the fashion part of it, she hired the original shop owner and together they were able to crack on - using fashion magazines and catalogs. That was coming along better - and they in fact sold a few gowns and dress suits. Even so, Lida-Bell felt the Bell of the Ball wasn’t the same, its originality was gone. Secretly she seethed with hatred against Virginia and resented her husband for not backing her in bringing the woman back. If that weren’t bad enough, a woman came into the shop to get her hair done saying she had to have it just so. Continuing to jabber on, she boasted that she’d found the most incredible little shop out Greenville way, with a Negro seamstress whose style for fashion was out of sight. She went on to say that she purchased two outfits and got fitted for a couple others shown to her. Lida Bell’s eyes got enormous, heat stole over her face, burning her to a red she could not hide.
“Well you don’t say?” She asked, wishing more information, “Where might that be exactly, I’d love to see it for myself.”
“Ohhh no-no-no - sorry ladies - not sharing. Keeping her all to myself. This gem is special, why - I go to telling you all, and there goes me standing out in the crowd.” She laughed shaking her head, “Sorry, she’s my own lil’secret.” She bragged joyfully.
Lida Bell was so hot she could have burst into flames - because she knew that could be no other but Virginia Piercey.
As for GM, he was occupied with events that kept him from locating his son. He knew that he was alive and well because Mr. Hunter said that he had dropped in on him from time to time asking him one thing or another on how to do things. He also said that he looked just fine. Therefore, GM could hold his focus on his secret bootleg business and gun running - and other illegals as well while battling to keep his hardware store afloat - his time was well used. Were it not for his illegal operations and the nuts and screw business, they would be in financial trouble. In order to keep his financial totals, he’d had to bust up a few stills in the fight against competition as well try and expand to a wider commerce.
In the midst of it all, he heard of a new black town seeming to rise up and flourish out of nowhere. Was said to be on the outskirts of Greenville, and where there was prosperity, there should also be celebratory booze. When shopping for new customers, GM always made the contact himself. He already supplied to two other black communities, he saw no reason to limit his area. Entering the small makeshift town driving his Cadillac, he could see that most certainly something was different about New-Town Virginiaville. From what he could see, they could afford his liquor.
Just as he turned his motor off he looked toward the mercantile shop that had been converted from a home. Stepping down the stairs, speaking over her shoulder was the lovely, one and only Virginia Piercey. George couldn’t believe his eyes. She was as lovely as ever, if possible, even more stunning. Something about her seemed improved, better - perhaps her maturity - her carriage and confidence. His heart took off watching her speak, smile and laugh. Her slender being was animated, happy and alive. She was carrying who he knew to be his grandson on her hip. Then he thought about the name of the town and couldn’t help but wonder - ‘Virginiaville’? Coming down the few stairs, bursting into laughter once more, she waved her goodbyes and turning she immediately saw his Cadillac and then, him - sitting there looking straight at her. Her girls weren’t with her, just his year or more old grandson who was squealing and jabbering out loud as a happy well developed toddler would do. It was easy to see that he was mixed, much lighter than his mother and sisters. He knew that it was his blood that flowed through his veins, via his son.
He opened the car door and slowly stepped out, never taking his eyes off of her.
She was frozen in place, stunned by his appearance.
It was back to winter once more, and growing cool that particular late afternoon - it would be dark soon as well. With their eyes locked, he cautiously approached her, not wanting her to misunderstand his presence. The closer he got, the more stunning she became, her skin simply glowed. Her eyes sent heat through his system. Her lips - those full luscious and moist - because she’d just licked them. He wanted to lick them too. A year had gone by and from what he could see, the year had been really good to her. Taking in all there was about her, GM worried about himself. Followed by that thought, came the brief thought that it was a shame she was a woman it was against the law to marry. For the thousandth time while thinking about her virtues, he concluded that Virginia had a quality about her that was all class. Class that was a part of her make up - not learned or copied, but deep in the flow of her blood. GM knew he was up against a mighty fight finding her once again. He didn’t call out to the Lord much, but he did this time because this woman was beautiful beyond words and on top of that, smart as hell. She knew how to make her own way in life if given what she needed to do it and that - along with everything else, turned him on.
He offered her a crooked sexy smile, “Well would’ah’ya know, imagine running into you - here,” GM started once close enough - looking down at his grandson, he touched his leg gently, “…isn’t he handsome.” He went on to break the awkward silence.
Breathing deeply Virginia couldn’t believe he found her. He was the last person she expected to see, and honestly wished he hadn’t. Speaking past her t
repidation, she tried to calm her nerves, “Mr. McPherson I don’t know what you looking for, but…I don’t owe you nothing, I left-…”
“Have I made mention of any debt? Money? No, you owe us nothing.”
“Wha - why are you here? How you find me?”
“If you must know, by accident to be honest. I didn’t know I would find you here. It appears you’re doing just fine in any case. My son - where is he?”
“Don’t know if he wants me letting you know that.” She wasted no time answering.
GM exhaled, unable to take his eyes off of her. Amazed at how much he wanted her, still - he wanted her, more.
Dusk was moving in on them followed by a cool breeze, “I need to get him in out of this night air.” She turned from him to head home.
“Mind if I - come along?” He chanced to ask.
Over her left shoulder she advised, “You best go on with the business you came here about. No need you wasting time about me.” Walking off she never looked back - afraid of the things she was feeling at just the sight of him. She’d forgotten, forgotten what she used to think and feel about him and now - suddenly, it was all coming back at the sight of him. She felt ashamed of her thoughts, of her feelings - she felt that she was betraying Jacob with the sensations coming over her. GM was his father, she had to stop the thoughts going through her mind.
Watching her GM was assaulted by those old fantasies. That deep craving was back and then some. Immediately upon contact with her, her aura glowed and flowed surrounding him. He wanted to follow her home - see where she lived. Yet he stood in place - watching her turn a corner and out of his sight. Adjusting his black leather gloves he turned away, his mind swirling with thoughts of what he’d like to do. His objective was now altered from his original directive. He stood a moment in a literal tug of war, fighting following her, or going to the mercantile she’d exited. He finally chose to tread carefully, there were things he needed to know first.
Catching his hat before the wind took it, he set his steps toward the make-shift store. It had once been a home he could see, but they’d put it to good use recycling it. Inside, as one came in the door, sitting to the right was a bench and table, three old men occupied it, one with a guitar, one with a harmonica, the other with spoons. They hummed and harmonized a catchy tune - all comfortable within the humble shop. Pulling his eyes from them, GM spotted three made up straw body dummies, two for women, one for men. Draped on them, clothing that he knew beyond a doubt was made by Virginia. Price tags hung. He walked to one of the ensembles lifting the tag, on the front was a cash price and on the back, a trade for list of what would be accepted in exchange for the clothing, at the end - her signature initials - VP. He smiled, impressed. Behind the counter, stood a familiar face. It took him a few minutes to remember her name, but knew her from his wife’s shop - she’d helped Virginia sew and keep up at the ‘Bell of the Ball’.
Once more he was immediately recognized - the dismay on her face couldn’t be any clearer - he didn’t hesitate to dispel her fears. “I’m here on business, nothing more. You have nothing to fear from me. I need to speak with whomever owns the club here, the dance hall - juke joint, whatever it’s called.” He got right to the point.
Bonita gave a sigh of relief and gave him the name of the one he would need to see about anything having to do with their club or dance hall. After twenty minutes of a great sales pitch, GM knew they weren’t biting. Simply put, they were scared to do anything that might jeopardize their new town, so breaking the law was out of the question. Nothing he said would make them bite, and then they went on to say, the final say wasn’t with them, but with their town founder. To his shock, that would be none other than Virginia Piercey, thus - New-Town Virginiaville. To hear it and know it only confirmed the fleeting thought that went through his mind when he read it and then saw her. He was surrounded by proof of the type of woman he’d known for a long time that she was. GM’s inner alter self-reared its head in a big way. He now knew where she, Virginia Piercey lived. Those that said she had to give the last word - but it would be no - gave him her address so he could ask her himself. By the time that GM pulled up outside of her home, there were 3 black men stationed out front - as if expecting him and protecting her. Amused by them, but respectful GM stepped from his vehicle once more and smiled at the three nodding his head as he walked to her porch where they stood.
“I assure you, this is business only.”
They looked him over and then glanced back at the window that was cracked open. Sitting behind it, slightly hidden behind the barely parted curtains was Virginia. Sighing she stood, closed the window and went to the door. Opening it she looked at the men, smiled and nodded her head that they could go. She had become without any votes involved the automatic mayor of the little growing town. All those involved with its growth, went to her because she was the spark that got it all started. She stood in the door gazing at George McPherson.
“May I come in?”
She didn’t want to let him in, but he was there. Sighing deeply, she backed up and allowed him entry.
GM noticed that her home was very well decorated - splendidly done out. Better in fact, than they’d done the one she put up for sale and he later bought. Without a doubt she was doing much better here than at ‘Bell of the Ball.’
“This not gonna take long is it - whatever you come for?” Virginia asked right away, closing the door behind her. Baby Jacob sat in his little square playpen contentedly playing with his toys.
GM held his hat between both hands. Looking around a moment, “You’ve done well Virginia, really well. Hear that you kind of run things around here.”
“I don’t run nothing. I just reminded everyone who we were. How our lives have been and that this thing white folks are suffering under, doesn’t have to affect us, that’s all. Gave a few ideas on what we could do and here we are.”
He stood a moment simply staring into her eyes. George wanted this woman in the worse way possible.
The silence between them grew. Virginia broke the eye contact, swallowing nervously, she broke the silence, “You need to get to why you here, and then … go.”
“No need asking, I already know the answer - so I’ll skip it. Just know this, you need me for anything, anything at all - just send someone, and I’ll be here, to see about you. I swear to you I will.”
She nodded, and returned, “I’m just fine thank you -…”
Her girls burst into the back door calling out to her excitedly, “Mama, mama! Look what we made mama!” Josephine was the first to come in from the back.
GM tilted his head placing his hat, gave Virginia one last look and turned quietly leaving.
* * *
That night, Jacob came over. She left off telling him about his father visiting. There simply was no need.
He was struggling, having a hard time staying away from Virginia intimately. As much as he fought it, there were times when he could not deny himself and she did not turn him away. Especially after seeing his father. She thought letting him have her would keep her thoughts from GM. One night a few days later, he lay there with her deep in the night, Virginia was in his arms as he began cautioning her. “I’ve been hearing talk, not so good. There are those who feel uncomfortable, jealous of the way things are going here in your new town. I don’t like what I’m hearing, it worries me.”
“What they saying?” She leaned up over him asking, immediately her stomach reacted.
“Don’t like repeating what they’re saying, just know it’s not good talk. I spoke with Rev. Purde about what I’ve been hearing, and he’s been giving a sermon against any idea some might have. Not sure if they’ll heed his word. In any case, I’m trying to figure out if I need to stay here with you a few nights, just to make sure you’ah be okay.”
“Who - the ones talkin’?”
“White folks that don’t like it that you all doing so well, while they’re hungry and struggling.”
Virginia drew in
a long deep breath, “We ain’t doin’ nothing they can’t do themselves. Why they gotta get angry at us, we just seeing about ourselves.”
Jacob leaned up, palming her head to kiss her lips, “I know… I know.” He murmured gently.
“You can’t be staying here to protect me, they can’t know you come here, you can’t risk it.”
“I have no choice.” He replied.
She hesitated, and sat up in the bed, turning aside from him - searching for her drape she grabbed it, slipping her long slender arms into it. “Your….” She hesitated, and then went on with it, “…father was here three days ago.”
Hearing it made him shoot right up in the bed and out of it, “What? Why didn’t you tell me? What did he want? How did he find you? Why was he looking for you?”
They were both standing in her bedroom now, she lit her night lantern. Though she had electricity, she hardly ever used it because of her habit of turning to a lantern.
“Well?” He asked more urgently.
“He didn’t come looking for me, he was here for something else and saw me.”
Slipping his pants on, Jacob shook his head, “I can just imagine what he was here for. Looking for more to sell his bootleg to, or set up another still.” Jacob grumbled while dressing. After deeper thought, he asked again, “He say anything to you? Try to talk to you?”
She’d always been honest to Jacob, “Yes… he found that I lived here, and came to speak with me. He saw lil’Jake - said how handsome he was. He didn’t stay long, he just wanted to let me know, if I needed anything, anything at all, just let him know.”
Jacob stood a moment taking that in, gazing at Virginia. He walked by the end of the bed towards her, stopping a mere breath distance from her, gazing down into her stunning eyes. He could stand sure that so far, no woman attracted him, held his attention and made him feel such longing the way this woman did. Since their move to Greenville, more and more were trying to attract his attention - he was 20 and filling out. He pretended to be innocent, even simple at times - as if A-sexual and unable to be aroused. He didn’t care what they thought of him, he simply wanted no one but his Ginny. He tried with all his might not to go to bed with her, and at times he went long distances of time controlling his urges. However, once he’d gone a length of time, it became overwhelming. It took over him so that when he saw her, all he could do was touch her, kiss her, lay her down and love her. Once more he would pray to God to forgive him, but felt he wouldn’t have this problem if he could make her his wife. He knew that she’d written a letter to Reginald, telling him that she wanted a divorce from him. She never got a response. She also wrote the black church back home, asking the minister for a divorce from Reginald for desertion and non-support. She explained the slow withdrawal of her husband’s responsibility to her and his daughters. She was still waiting to hear back about that.
Beauty of Man and Woman - Volume 13: Bomaw Page 18
