Somebody's Gotta Be on Top

by Mary B. Morrison

  “Yes you do. And no he’s not.”

  “Whew. Coulda fooled me,” Ashlee said, relaxing.

  As instructed by the chef, Kevin placed the platters on the table mats along with the proper serving utensils. After holding Ashlee’s hand and saying grace, Kevin asked, “So do you enjoy working for Darius?”

  “Sometimes. Most of the times. But we agreed not to talk about work.”

  “Fine. Then let’s talk about us. How do you feel about exclusively dating me?”

  “Whoa, that’s a lot to ask. Right now I could use a really good friend. Umm. The vegetables are tasty.”

  Kevin smiled while biting his bottom lip. “Are you seeing anyone?”

  Ashlee’s eyes traveled toward the ceiling then back to her plate. “No, not really.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? Either you are or you aren’t. I’m interested in you.”

  Ashlee shook her head. “No, I’m not.”

  “Good. Then give me a chance to prove myself to you. I’m living in this big-ass house all alone. Move in with me.”

  “I can’t. I’m in the process of looking for a place to buy of my own. Besides, I need my space and we barely know one another.”

  Kevin carried the plates to the kitchen and returned with two slices of chocolate triple layered cake a la mode.

  Raising the fork to Ashlee’s mouth, Kevin said, “Let me feed you.”

  “Whoa.” Ashlee gripped his wrist. “No, thanks.”

  “Fine. Let’s go to the family room.”

  All the money Kevin had spent on the meal and Ashlee ate the vegetables, sampled the duck, and never touched the potatoes. Her red wine sat in her glass on the kitchen counter. She didn’t want to talk business. She didn’t want to talk personal. If Ashlee didn’t want to have sex with him, she might as well leave and stop wasting his time and money.

  “Okay. But do you want me to help with the dishes?”

  Hell, no. Either do the damn dishes or leave them alone. Help? Kevin said, “It’s cool. I’ll put them in the dishwasher later.”

  The way Ashlee acted, Kevin may as well ask, “Have you had sex with Darius?”

  “What? What kind of question is that? He’s my brother. Of course I haven’t. What’s it to you?”

  “Darius is as much of your brother as I am. Can’t you see I’m seriously interested in getting to know you better? A whole lot better.” Kevin leaned to kiss Ashlee. His hand cupped her breast. Ashlee placed his hand in his lap, and then quickly turned away. “I apologize. I shouldn’t have done that. It’s just that you’re so beautiful.” And either we have sex or leave my damn house.

  Ashlee stood, massaged the nape of her neck and said, “Thanks for inviting me over for dinner. I have to go.”

  Kevin politely escorted Ashlee to the door and retrieved her red pullover from the coat closet. “I apologize if I offended you. I thought we were both consenting adults. I’ll see you at work Monday. And don’t mention any of this to Darius.”

  Ashlee looked back at Kevin standing in the doorway and said, “I do like you. Maybe next time. Good night.”

  Ashlee had mentioned she needed a friend. So instead of trying to date Ashlee, Kevin decided he would work on becoming her best friend. If Ashlee learned to trust him, she could also learn to love him.

  CHAPTER 33

  Life had become more like the Universoul Circus. Kevin was jumping through hoops for Tony and damn near standing on his head trying to entertain Ashlee. Ciara had vanished. She wasn’t at the meetings. No phone calls. She wasn’t at her home or office. Monica and Megan claimed they had no idea where Ciara was. Liars. Darius’s mother had become a mime. Each time he saw her Jada was speechless, at least toward him. Wellington by default was proclaimed the ringleader.

  Darius tapped on Ashlee’s door. “You ready?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t understand why you insist I accompany you on this trip to San Francisco. I just got back from San Francisco last week.”

  “I told you. I need you. Isn’t that enough?”

  Ashlee remained silent. Pressing the lever of her carry-on suitcase, she lifted the handle and left her bag in the doorway for Darius. “I’ll be in the car.”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  How had Darius managed to screw up his relationship with Ashlee? Understandably, he hadn’t located Desire but where in the hell was Ciara? Unbeknownst to Ashlee, this trip to San Francisco was primarily pleasure. Darius had to distance Ashlee from Kevin to renew Ashlee’s faith in him. Lately Ashlee spent more time away from his house. When Darius came home late nights or early mornings, Ashlee’s bedroom door was open but she wasn’t in the room.

  Ashlee sat so close to the limousine door, if the driver would’ve made a sharp turn, Ashlee would’ve fallen out of the car.

  “How’s your dad?” Darius asked, breaking the silence.

  “That’s funny, you inquiring about Lawrence. He’s fine. Wants to know if I’m coming home for Thanksgiving or Christmas and if I’ll stay.”

  “And? What did you tell him?”

  “I don’t know. Labor Day hasn’t passed yet. My dad wants to take me to Vancouver.” Ashlee continued staring out the window, watching the summer sunrise cast orange, red, and yellow hues up into the sky. “He says I don’t seem happy.”

  “Well, are you?”

  Ashlee turned toward Darius then looked away. Darius knew the tears in her eyes reflected the pain he’d caused.

  Sliding closer, Darius hugged Ashlee. “What’s wrong?”

  “Everything.”

  The driver parked in front of the skycaps at curbside check-in. He stood outside the door but didn’t open it.

  “Do you need a raise? What?” Any reason except Darius being held responsible for Ashlee’s sadness was acceptable.

  Ashlee folded her arms. “Darius, you are so selfish. You never admit when you’re wrong. You’re always right. And everyone else is always wrong. You’re a pathological liar. You lie all the time.” Ashlee sniffled. Tears rolled down her red cheeks. Refusing to look at him, Ashlee kept staring out the window. “Darius, you lie so much I don’t think you know how to tell the truth. We’re not kids anymore. I’m a woman. A woman with feelings.”

  Darius placed his hand on Ashlee’s chin. Turning her face toward his, he kissed each eyelid. “I’m just trying to play this game of life. It’s hard for a black man to stay on top. I gotta be hard. Or everyone will think I’m soft. And since I control what people think about me, I can’t allow anyone to believe that Darius Jones is a weak man.”

  “You don’t have to be weak to be honest.”

  “You don’t understand. Honesty has no place in this world. I can’t trust anyone. Not even my own mother.” Darius paused as Ashlee’s big red-and-brown eyes pierced into his. “Of course I can trust you. But only you. Why do you think I want to marry you?” Damn, he didn’t mean to slip and say that.

  “Marry me? Darius, you can’t still be serious.”

  “Why not? We already had sex.”

  “See, that’s what I’m talking about. To you we had sex. To me we made love.” Ashlee shook her head then whispered, “And we made a mistake.”

  Darius objected. “No, you’re wrong. We didn’t make a mistake. We did make love. It was beautiful. I want to make love to you again. I love you.”

  “Stop it Darius Jones. Just stop it! You’re telling me what you think I want to hear. Not what’s in your heart. Sometimes I don’t think you have a heart.”

  Darius tapped the window. The driver opened the door.

  “We’d better go before we miss our flight,” Darius said, drying Ashlee’s face with his white monogrammed handkerchief. The initials DL—representing Darius’s Law—were engraved in gold to constantly remind him of his ten rules.

  Darius rocked Ashlee in his arms from takeoff until landing. From Los Angeles to San Francisco. One hour and ten minutes. And again in the limo until Ashlee fell asleep.

  Ashlee opened her eyes. S
he squinted. “Where are we going?” Her head rested on Darius’s shoulder.

  Darius lounged on the long leather seat. “It’s a surprise.”

  Ashlee read, “Welcome to Napa Valley?” as they rode past the sign. “Darius, I’m not spending the night with you in Napa.”

  “If you don’t want to spend the night, we’ll leave. But let’s enjoy the mud baths and massages I’ve scheduled.”

  Darius had their bags delivered to the room while the receptionist directed them to the spa. Darius removed all his clothes, put on the thick white cotton robe, and entered their private room where Ashlee was already waiting. She was beautiful. Her hair was tied behind her head with one of those pink stretch bands. Her robe was wrapped tight. Darius stood behind Ashlee and untied her robe. Gently he slid the soft cotton over her shoulders, down her arms, off her body.

  “You are so beautiful.” Darius turned, removed his robe, and hung both on the electric warmers.

  Smack! A hunk of mud clung to his butt. Darius smiled.

  “No!” Ashlee yelled, racing around the tub. “Not my hair! Anywhere except my hair!”

  “Anywhere?” His eyebrows lifted. Darius smiled, then smeared mud all over Ashlee’s shoulders avoiding touching her breasts.

  Ashlee covered his chest. He painted his name across her belly button. She saturated his abdominals. Darius smeared her butt. They took turns until each of them was blanketed in mud from head to toe. Darius embraced Ashlee. When he released Ashlee, their bodies suctioned apart.

  “So much for relaxing in the tubs of mud,” Ashlee commented.

  They showered together. Darius washed every grain of dirt off of Ashlee. Carefully he rinsed between the folds of her lips. She did the same to him, carefully removing the particles from his locks and hairs. Hours passed like minutes.

  Darius buzzed for the assistant, who led them to a huge room with a Jacuzzi and two massage tables.

  “Your milk-and-honey bath is ready. Press this button to turn the Jacuzzi on and off. Mr. Jones, the temperature is set to seventy-five as you requested. You can adjust the water to your liking. The thermostat is on this wall. Have fun.” She smiled and left.

  Darius asked Ashlee, “So how do you feel?”

  “I’m fine. I must admit I am having fun.”

  “Good.” Darius disrobed Ashlee and held her hand until she was safely in the bubbling water.

  Darius massaged Ashlee’s feet.

  “That tickles.”

  “Relax. Take a deep breath and concentrate on the touch that makes you feel good. Eventually, it won’t tickle anymore.”

  Ashlee whispered, “You’re right.”

  Darius wanted to sex Ashlee so bad pre-cum flowed from his dick into the water. He was careful not to let Ashlee’s feet touch his erection. She was so innocent. Pure.

  After their massages, Darius escorted Ashlee to their room. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I need to make a call. I’ll be right back.”

  “You can’t make the call from our room?”

  “I said, I’ll be right back.” Darius closed the door then walked to the lobby. He dialed Ciara’s home number.

  “This is Monica and no Ciara isn’t home.”

  “What the hell did you do? Transfer her calls to your number?”

  “What’s it to you? I don’t have to answer to your pathetic ass. You don’t want to be a father to your son. But I guess considering your real daddy abandoned you, that’s what you’re going to do to your son too. Just leave Ciara to raise to your baby boy on her own, huh? I’m sorry I told her to date you.”

  Click.

  Darius sat in the lobby staring at the waterfall. A boy. Was Monica just saying that or was he really having a son? The last thing Darius wanted was to treat his son the way Darryl had treated him. Crying is for girls and sissies. Darius forced back his tears.

  “Damn, I’m going to have son. I’m going to be a father.”

  Darius would try contacting Ciara again tomorrow.

  CHAPTER 34

  Darius hesitated. He picked up the cordless. Placed it back on the base. His hands traveled over his locks. Darius held the phone staring at the buttons. He hung up. Darius slipped into his charcoal gray suit and black shoes. He looked at the cordless lying in the center of his bed, then closed his bedroom door behind him. Exiting through the garage, he drove to work in a daze.

  Why did he feel the need to call Darryl today? Darius redirected his thoughts to this morning’s production meeting. Finally, he’d have an opportunity to talk with Ciara. As Darius walked into his office, Angel handed him his schedule along with a note. Darius unlocked his door then unfolded the message.

  Ciara Monroe won’t be attending the meeting today or next week.

  “Damn!” Darius balled the note and tossed it into the trash. He buzzed Angel. “Angel, did Ciara say anything that you didn’t write on this note?”

  “No, Mr. Jones, she didn’t.”

  “Did Ciara call? Or Monica?”

  “Ciara.”

  “Did you get her number from the caller I.D.?”

  “The number was blocked.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Darius hung up the phone.

  Kevin tapped on the door. “What’s up, mein? You ready to discuss the agenda for the meeting?”

  “Yeah, sure. Come in.” Darius dialed Ashlee’s extension. “We need to review the agenda in my office. Now.” Darius hung up.

  During their trip to San Francisco, Darius had sensed that Ashlee was withholding information. Not something simple like a vacation request or time off. Whatever worried Ashlee consumed most of her thoughts. First she had started out to the airport upset. Then in Napa, Ashlee was happy. Darius needed to make love to Ashlee that night. She agreed that would be their last time but didn’t say why. By the time Darius checked out the next day, Ashlee was upset again. Almost depressed. Women.

  Ashlee entered and quietly sat at the round conference table across from Kevin.

  “Good morning, Ashlee. You look nice as usual.” Kevin nodded. Smiled. Nodded.

  “Good morning,” Ashlee replied.

  Kevin squinted. His meaty forehead buckled. He asked Ashlee, “You all right?”

  “Yes,” Ashlee nodded. “I’m fine.”

  “Okay,” Darius said, sitting between them. What was up with the nodding and bobbing? “Ashlee, brief me on the finances for the film.”

  “Our resources are low. We need to cut the budget in order to make it through this final phase of production.”

  Darius scanned his copy. “Low? Why? I thought the funds Ciara and I contributed were more than sufficient.”

  “They were,” Ashlee said. “Until you contracted with Ny—”

  “Um, um,” Kevin cleared his throat. “We can make it through production without adding any new expenditures. And we can take a look at where we can cut the remaining budget. I’ll get with Ashlee and we’ll prepare a proposal for your review.”

  Darius looked at the clock. Ten minutes before their next meeting. “Don’t either of you leave the office today. We’ll continue this discussion immediately after the meeting. Ashlee, I want a detailed report of every single expense item disbursed from my account along with a brief explanation of everything and bank records of all deposits for this movie production. I want it on my desk Thursday morning. I refuse to leverage funds from The Honey Well’s budget. And, I’ll be damned,” Darius’s fist pounded the table, “if I’m going to contribute another dime! I want to know where my damn money went. You hear me!” Darius stared at Kevin then Ashlee.

  Where in the fuck was Ciara? Who gave a shit about Darryl? Him. Mama. Fuck ‘em all! Darius screamed in his head. “And I’m scratching finance from the agenda,” Darius said, staring directly at Kevin. “We’ll discuss finances at the next meeting when I’m better prepared.”

  “Thursday is only three days away and I have to do payroll on Wednesday.”

  “I’m de
pending on you to make it all happen,” Darius said.

  “Don’t worry Ash, I’ll help you,” Kevin said.

  Darius stared at Kevin. “I’m not paying you to help Ashlee. Ashlee can handle it. Alone. I’d better not, between now,” Darius’s pointing finger hit the table, “and Friday, see you,” he pointed at Kevin, “in her,” Darius pointed at Ashlee, “office.”

  Darius gathered his papers. He handed Angel the revised agenda. “Delete item number one and bring clean copies to the conference room.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Jones.” Angel smiled.

  If she weren’t his secretary, he’d tap that ass. The intrigue turned him on more.

  Darius headed into the conference room. “Good morning, Candice. Tony. Everyone.”

  “Jones, you’re late,” Tony said. “I have another meeting to attend. Production is lovely.” Tony kissed his fingertips. “This movie should be a wrap by Thanksgiving and on the big screen right before Valentine’s Day.”

  “There’s one thing we need to be aware of,” Kevin said, commanding everyone’s attention, especially Darius’s.

  “What’s that, Williams?” Tony said.

  “Don’t add any, I mean any expenses to the last quarter statement without submitting a request to Ashlee, first.”

  “Williams, you run a tight ship. I like that. Jones, it’s a good thing Williams is your family. I gotta go. Angel, e-mail me the minutes as soon as possible, would you darlin’?”

  Angel smiled and nodded.

  Candice spoke. “Darius, I have a question for you.”

  Darius looked at Candice.

  “Now that we are close to the completion of production and since Terrell did not get the part, how is it that Black Diamonds is on the agenda as the recommended PR firm to handle publicity?”

  “It’s simple. Black Diamonds submitted the best proposal. And for this film nothing but the best will do.”

  Candice’s eyes scrolled to her left corners, then right, and finally in a circle. Then back at Darius. “Well, it’s a conflict of interest.”

  “Actually, it’s just the opposite. Black Diamonds has a vested interest.”

  “Well, all I can say is you’d better consider option number two.” Candice stormed out of the room.