Redemption (Iris Series)

by Lynn, Rebecca

  Seeing the pain Jonathan was experiencing with his mom made her start to think. Life was indeed short, as Ryann had experienced firsthand with the loss of her late husband a few years back, or Jeremy when he’d lost his dad as a teen.

  Ayanna had begun feeling like she needed to reach out to her own parents. She had no expectations, and no matter what happened nothing could erase the years of hurt or bitterness still sitting in her gut. But Jonathan’s situation had brought home the fact that at some point someone needed to make a move, and if Ayanna was ready to make it then she should be the one to do it.

  She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and pulled out her phone, dialing her mom’s office number instead of the cell number. If her mom was in court, she didn’t want to be blamed for potentially making her cell ring and have her get in trouble if she had forgotten to turn her volume down.

  It had been almost a month since she’d talked to her mom which was not uncommon for them. The last time they’d talked was when Ryann had been shot.

  “Ina Sarin’s office. This is Lydia.”

  Ayanna took a deep breath.

  “Hi Lydia,” she said to her mom’s administrative assistant. “This is Ayanna.”

  There was a pause.

  “Ina’s daughter?” Ayanna clarified with a roll to the eyes.

  “Of course, of course. Let me see if your mom is available, Ayanna.”

  Lydia put Ayanna on hold. She was beginning to wonder if this phone call was a good idea.

  “Ayanna? What’s wrong?” her mom asked in a slightly panicked voice.

  “Nothing’s wrong, Mom.”

  “Oh. Well, okay. You just never call here, so—”

  “I know. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “Okay. So. Did you need something?” her mom asked after a moment.

  Here goes nothing.

  “I know it’s your wedding anniversary next week and I was wondering,” she paused, “if you and Dad wanted to come to my place for dinner. You know, like a family dinner.”

  God, this was awkward.

  “Oh. Well. I’m not sure what your father has planned, so—”

  Ayanna let loose a quiet sigh.

  “Okay.” Ayanna paused. “I was just asking.” There was some more silence. “Well, have a good rest of your day then.” Ayanna was about to disconnect when her mother stopped her.

  “Why don’t I talk to him tonight and get back to you. Did you have a day in mind?”

  Ayanna could feel the butterflies in her stomach. This was the longest she and her mom had talked without arguing since Ayanna could remember.

  “I was thinking next Saturday night. I would invite Dev, too,” Ayanna said, referring to her younger brother. And Jonathan, she thought. If he was home. She was so proud of who he was that she would love for her parents to meet him.

  “Yes, that would be good. We haven’t seen him since he’s been studying for his exams.”

  “Okay. Why don’t you call or text after you’ve talked to Dad.”

  “Fine.” Pause. “How are you?”

  Surprised by the question, Ayanna responded. “I’m good. I’m really good, Mom.” She paused and decided to go for broke. “So, you know I moved into Ryann’s old apartment.”

  “Yes, you told me you were planning on doing that when we talked a while back. She moved in with her boyfriend then?”

  “Yeah. I moved into her apartment a little over a week ago.” She paused. “I got a new job.”

  “Oh? You’re not working at that restaurant anymore?” Her mother didn’t hide her distaste very well.

  “No, I had another opportunity present itself. Ryann introduced me to her boyfriend’s cousin, Janie. She’s a chef and owns her own catering company. She studied in Europe too. She was looking for a right hand man, if you will, and offered me the position. So, I’ll be cooking more now. And she and I have been talking about me potentially becoming a partner down the road, after we’ve had a trial period first.”

  “Huh. That’s interesting,” she said with hesitation. “And how is the pay?”

  They had been doing so well. Ayanna tried not to get annoyed and kept her voice even.

  “It pays well enough for me to have my own apartment in Manhattan, to put food on my table, and to allow me to do what I love to do. That’s what matters to me.”

  Her mother sighed. “Alright. Well, I need to go, Ayanna. Thank you for the invitation. I’ll discuss it with your father tonight and let you know tomorrow.”

  “Okay. I’ll talk to you then,” Ayanna said.

  There was a pause. “Bye, Yannie,” her mom said then disconnected.

  Ayanna blinked.

  Her mom hadn’t called her by that name in 18 years.

  Ayanna called Ryann immediately after speaking with her mom, and Ryann was both surprised and thrilled that Ayanna had taken the first step toward mending her relationship with her parents.

  “I’m so friggin’ proud of you, Yan. Seriously. I know how hard that must’ve been to do.”

  “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m actually looking forward to it, if they even come to dinner that is. I mean I’m fuckin’ scared as hell, but I kinda want to see if there’s some hope for all of us.”

  “Just remember no matter what they’re like, you’re doing the right thing. You can only control your own stuff. You can’t control theirs. It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be, but at least you know you’re doing right by yourself.”

  “Once again, you should’ve gone into psychology,” Ayanna muttered, then continued with hesitancy. “So, I’m gonna tell you something which is gonna shock the living shit out of you. It might be good if you sat down first.”

  “Geez, louise. Okay,” Ryann said. “Shoot.”

  Ayanna took a deep breath and said, “I told Jonathan I loved him.”

  There was a moment of silence then Ryann let out an enormous scream and started crying. “Yan,” she said in a teary voice.

  “I know. I know. I can’t believe I said it,” Ayanna said, sniffling herself.

  “This is the first time you’ve ever…oh, hold on,” she said. “Jeremy…no, baby. I’m fine. It’s good news, I promise,” she squealed.

  Ayanna heard Jeremy mutter something in the background and she could only smile. Ryann finally came back on the phone. “What did Jon say?”

  Ayanna hesitated then said, “Nothing.”

  “Oh. Well, that’s okay.”

  “I’m not gonna worry about it. The words just popped out. It was at the restaurant the night he’d found out about his mom when we went outside right after the whole ex-fiancé debacle. He smiled when I said it, but I told him not to say anything. I just went back inside so he could check his messages, and that’s when I bumped into Emily, and you know the rest.”

  “Oh, then that’s totally fine. Listen. When he’s home and you have time to talk, you’ll work everything out. You’ll see.”

  “Yeah. He called earlier. His mom had a triple bypass and is in critical condition, so his mind is understandably occupied. But he said he wanted to talk when he got home. And it didn’t sound ominous or anything, so I’m holding out hope.”

  “Oh, sweetie. I love you,” she sighed. “It’s all going to be okay. I’m just so happy you’ve finally found someone wonderful.” She paused. “And listen, I wanted you to know that before Jeremy and I left the restaurant that night and we said goodbye to Drew, I invited him to the art showing at the end of the month. But,” she’d continued in a rush, “Jonathan’s ex wasn’t there to hear. She was in the restroom when I asked, so she didn’t hear the invite. And I get the feeling it wasn’t a love connection with Drew so I doubt he would bring her anyway. Add in the fact that he knows the rest of us would be there and the awkwardness between Jon and her, and I’m sure she won’t be with him. I just wanted to tell you, though.”

  “No worries. She’s nothing to me, and even better, she’s nothing to Jonathan. Still, I hope I never have to look at her ag
ain. Just picturing them together makes my stomach turn.”

  During the conversation, Ayanna mentioned in passing that she wished she had a bigger dining table for the dinner with her parents. An hour later, Ryann and Jeremy paid her a surprise visit, and Jeremy, who was an accomplished carpenter, brought along his measuring tape. He offered to make Ayanna a tabletop to place over her existing table which currently sat only two people. Ayanna was shocked, thrilled, and adamant that she pay him, but he refused even hearing her arguments, so Ayanna insisted on making him a meal in the coming weeks. He promised the tabletop would be complete before her dinner party with her parents.

  The next day, Ayanna heard from her mom. The conversation was a bit stilted, but argument free. Her mother and father would be coming to dinner the next Saturday night, and her brother Dev would be joining them as well. As soon as she called him, she thought dryly.

  “I can’t believe you called them, Yan. What were you thinking?” Dev asked when she confirmed the dinner with him.

  “I know. It’s totally crazy, right?”

  “I don’t even feel like I’m talking to my sister right now,” he snorted.

  “I don’t know, Dev,” she sighed. “I just feel like life is gonna pass us by so quickly, and if I wanna have some kind of a relationship with my parents, I need to make a move.”

  “Yeah, well they can make a move too,” Dev said.

  There was no love lost between her brother and parents either. And that made her sad. Maybe she could start patching things up and help bring the family back together. Stranger things had happened.

  “I know, but I’m kinda at this turning point in my life, and,” she hesitated. “I’m dating someone, Dev.”

  “What else is new?” he said, his words dripping with sarcasm.

  “No. I mean, this guy? He’s kind of a game changer for me. He’s a good guy.”

  There was a long pause.

  “Wow. Okay. Now I really don’t feel like I’m talking to my sister.”

  Ayanna chuckled then got serious.

  “You’re gonna love him. I’m hoping he’ll be able to make it to dinner with all of us. I mean, that’s how good he is, Dev. I’m actually thinking of introducing him to the parental units. Am I fuckin’ nuts or what?” Ayanna pressed the bridge of her nose.

  “Well, you’re definitely fuckin’ nuts, but that’s beside the point. Who is he? What’s his name and all that?”

  “Jonathan White. He used to be a Wall Street investor, but now teaches Business and Finance at a private high school on the West Side, where Ryann used to work?”

  “Wait. He has a job?” Dev asked, teasing.

  “Yeah, right? If that alone doesn’t cause the parental units to choke on the dinner,” Ayanna joked. “He kinda comes off as conservative, but has a great sense of humor and an incredible heart. And did I mention he’s fucking hot as hell?”

  “How hot are we talkin’ here?”

  “Hands off, buddy. He doesn’t bat for your team and he’s all mine.”

  “That’s alright. I’ve been seeing someone too,” Dev threw out there.

  “Yeah? Do you wanna invite him to dinner?”

  “Hah! You’re funny, Yan.”

  He hadn’t come out to their parents yet. She had wanted him to for years now. He continued.

  “One of these days I’ll tell them. It’s getting too hard to hide it anymore anyway. I’ll let you know when it’s time.” His voice was nervous.

  “Listen to us, would ya? We’re finally growing up.”

  Dev laughed. “Well, you’ve always been grown up. You’ve been like a little mommy to me, you know. The best sister anyone could ever ask for.”

  “And you’re the best brother a girl could ask for, so we’re even.”

  “Nah. You totally got me beat. Tell me more about this guy.”

  She sighed, “He’s my dream guy. His mom had a heart attack a couple of days ago. He went back up to Boston to be with her. She’s in critical condition right now,” she said quietly.

  “Oh. I’m sorry, Yan. How’s he takin’ it?”

  “I guess as good as anyone in his situation would be. He’s sad. Scared.” She paused. “He’s my first guy friend, Dev, and I respect him tremendously. And if you can believe this, I haven’t even slept with him yet.”

  “What?! Dear lord, who the fuck is this I’m talking to? Where the hell is my sister?!” he laughed.

  She started cracking up and shaking her head. “I know, I know!” She sighed. “Anyway, let me get going. I have an event that Janie and I need to get ready for, so listen, I’ll call you next week with a time and details and all that about dinner, okay?”

  “You got it. And I’m excited about this catering gig, Yannie. Proud of you. I’ll talk to you next week. Love you.”

  “Love you too, Devvie.”

  Over the next week, The Local Yokel had two huge events. One was an enormous wedding in Westchester which took up Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and even a bit of Monday with prep and everything that was entailed in the cleanup.

  Right after that they had a swanky and large bridal shower for a socialite bride on Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week.

  Wednesday night, when Ayanna got home she received a call from Catherine Diaz, the chef from the restaurant where she had worked.

  When Ayanna saw who it was calling, she immediately answered the phone.

  “Catherine?”

  “Ayanna? Hi!”

  “Hey! What’s been going on? I’ve seen a couple of articles about the restaurant. Did you really buy him out?”

  “Yup,” she said sounding happy.

  “Holy shit. I can’t even believe this. I just saw an article yesterday in one of the food blogs and nearly fell over. I’m so glad you called me! How are you?”

  “It’s been a roller coaster. He’s really gone off the deep end, Yan, no joking. It’s such a shame.”

  “Oh, fuck,” she sighed. “What’s he doing?”

  “He’s just kinda comatose. There was no emotion, he just signed the papers, and that was that. And,” she paused, “his wife left him.”

  “Shit,” Ayanna sighed.

  “I know. I’m sure you’ve read we’ve closed the doors to the restaurant.”

  “Yeah, I read it in the article yesterday. It said you were hoping to reopen soon? So what’s the plan?”

  “Well, I don’t want there to be a long turn around, so I’m hoping to reopen as Chez Catherine’s in the next couple of weeks.”

  “OMG! Chez Catherine’s? I love it! How are you doing this so fast?”

  She laughed. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, Yan. I’ve had my ducks in a row for a while now, trust me. My brother’s a contractor and things are already being changed on the inside. Not huge changes, but enough to make it look different. I already have a sign out front saying it’s the same chef but under new management, and all that.

  “That’s why I’m calling. Can you talk it up in your blog? I’m calling as many of my contacts as possible because I wanna get the word out fast. I’m keeping the same wait and cook staff and adding a new manager.”

  “Absolutely! I’ll write something up and put little teasers out each day. When’s the opening?”

  “The soft opening is two weeks from tonight. I’m inviting bloggers, critics, and family that night. Then Thursday the next night will be the Grand opening.”

  “Awesome,” Ayanna said, taking notes. “And the cuisine?”

  “Similar to R and R’s, but with some signature dishes, French leanings, same price point.”

  They talked some more details then Ayanna said, “I would love to critique it. Start working on my food critic skills, and all that.”

  “You got it. I’m confident we’re gonna do great.”

  “I am too. You’re a phenomenal chef, Catherine. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Yan. I loved working with you. You’ve got a tremendous amount of talent and versatility. You
could seriously do anything, honey. That’s how good you are.”

  Ayanna was touched by her words. “Thanks, Cat. That means a lot coming from you.”

  “How’s The Local Yokel going?”

  “Great,” Ayanna said, beaming.

  “I hear good things about Janie Callahan.”

  “She’s awesome, Cat. I would love for you to meet her.”

  “Bring her to the soft open if she doesn’t have any plans.”

  “You got it.”

  “And that hottie of yours who charged in like a raging bull that night,” she chuckled. “Bring him, too.”

  Ayanna laughed. “I will.”

  “Call me as we get closer and let me know the definite head count, okay?”

  “Absolutely. I’m so glad you called, Cat, and I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thanks, Yan. And thanks for bloggin’ it up for me.”

  “No prob. We’ll talk soon,” Ayanna said, and they disconnected.

  Ayanna was so excited for her, but at the same time was thinking about what Catherine had said about Robert. He definitely fell fast. It had only been about two weeks since the incident at the restaurant. Catherine must have had a realtor in the wings who was able to do some fancy footwork to be able to close that quickly and get her inspections done.

  She knew it wasn’t her fault, but just thinking about how much the man had lost in such a short amount of time made her shake her head at the stupidity of it all.

  About an hour later as she was preparing for bed, her phone went off and she grabbed it like a lifeline, hoping it was Jonathan. Their conversations over the last week and a half had been few and far between. She missed him something dreadful.

  He had called her one other time after that first call the week earlier to tell her that his mom was finally out of the woods and out of the hospital. The family was getting her settled in the house with a day nurse. It was slow going, but the doctors said she’d make a full recovery.

  She looked at her incoming call, smiled, and answered.

  “Hey!”

  “Hi gorgeous,” he said. He sounded wonderful.

  “I miss you,” she said, not being able to help herself.