by Zuri Day
There was a pause before Kathryn asked, “Where’s his father?”
“In Denver raising another family.”
“Did his mother ask you to do this, and, if so, does she have a more personal stake in the matter?”
“Nicki was my neighbor in Chicago, and became a good friend. We were never more than that. I’m not attracted to her in that way, and she knows that isn’t going to change. Her son, Cameron, is a smart, funny kid with a bright future ahead of him. I want to stop him from messing it up.”
Kathryn asked a few more questions about Nicki and her son and then said, “It takes a village to raise a child, Jansen. And it takes a real man to step in and help somebody else’s seed. So I say take it slow the way you’ve planned and remember that I’m here to help. Oh, and one more thing.”
“Yes, Mother?”
“While you’re out there taking care of other’s kids, will you please think about having some of your own?”
45
“I don’t know, Jansen. Taking care of a child is a huge responsibility, especially a teenager.” Eden and Jansen sat in his living room where he’d shared his heart about having Cameron come to Los Angeles. “Not to mention the fact that there are drugs and violence here, too. If the boy wants to get into trouble, he’ll find it no matter where he lives.”
“That’s just it, Eden. I don’t think Cameron is in trouble because he went looking for it. I think he’s just trying to belong somewhere, and he’s looking up to the men who are paying him the most attention. This is a good kid, reminds me a lot of myself when I was growing up. I think I can make a difference in this child’s life. In fact, after the earlier conversation he and I had on the phone, I’m sure of it.”
Eden took in Jansen’s serious, thoughtful countenance, and her heart swelled. How many did she know who would step up to the plate and make the future of another man’s child his responsibility? Not many. As much as she loved Michael, and as good a man as she thought he was, she couldn’t see him doing it. And any child would want to run the other way if her ex, Gregg, offered his services.
“I think you’re wise to start with the Christmas vacation, see how that goes.”
Jansen nodded. “I’d already planned to ask for some time off around that time.” Jansen had planned to surprise Eden with a New Year’s Eve getaway in Las Vegas, but he decided she didn’t need to know that. He felt within himself an urgency to help Cameron. If he didn’t, and something happened to the boy, he’d never forgive himself.
“You’ll also want to start planning for the possibility of him spending the summer. Who’s going to watch him while you’re working? How will he socialize? Things like that.”
“I know some good kids through the basketball program, and a few guys on the force have boys his age.”
“What about Alberto? He probably knows some as well.”
“Yes, he does. His older sister has a son around Cameron’s age. So he’ll do all right. As for my working, Cameron has been a latchkey kid since he was six, seven years old. He’s very responsible. I won’t expect anything less while he’s a guest in my home. Plus, Mama said she’d help out. She doesn’t have the energy to keep up with him—heck, she could barely keep up with us—but she’ll be a good influence around him . . . as will you.”
“Me? I don’t know about that.”
“I do. All that positivity and good vibrations? You’ll be great. Plus, it will be good practice.”
“For what?”
“For when our son gets his age.”
Eden lay back on the couch and put her feet in Jansen’s lap. He immediately began to massage her feet. “Jansen, I have to ask you something.”
“What’s that?”
“What about the guns you have all around the house?”
“What do you mean ‘all around’? Wait.” Jansen dropped her foot and crossed his arms. “Have you been snooping?”
“Not purposely,” Eden replied. “Well, a little,” she added.
“Uh-huh.”
“It started that day I stayed here and used your computer. I was looking for cleaning solution to wipe the screen when I saw the gun in the top drawer. Then I noticed the gun cabinet and became curious as to just how many weapons you have around the house. I didn’t dig deep, mind you, just opened a drawer here and there. I couldn’t believe how many were in the house. Actually, it freaked me out.”
Jansen picked up her foot again, thoughtfully massaging up to her calf and back. “Is that why you don’t like staying here anymore, always trying to get me to come to Santa Monica?”
Eden hesitated and then decided to be truthful. “Yes.”
Jansen let out a deep breath.
“I’m working on it,” Eden hurriedly continued, “this abhorrence I have for violence in general and weapons in particular.” She shared Ariel’s story about life on a Nebraska farm and learning to shoot. Then she told him about her coworker’s brother being killed and how it had affected her. Not wanting him to feel judged, Eden conveniently left out the fact that his killer had been a man in blue. “Have you always liked weapons? I don’t remember you and Michael playing cops and robbers growing up.”
“No, but we played the hell out of cowboys and Indians.”
“Ha!”
“You don’t remember our plastic six-shooters?”
“No, but now that you mention it, I remember the water guns.”
“You should. We napped up your hair more than once with a spray-down.”
“That you did. I still owe payback for those showers.”
“Ha! Forgive me, baby.” Jansen placed a kiss on the sole of her foot.
“Okay, I do. But forgiving ain’t forgetting. . . .”
“Guns are to be respected,” Jansen said after he’d finished massaging one foot and picked up the other. “I’ll teach him about guns—how to load and unload them, how to make sure there’s no bullet in the chamber. He’d probably love the shooting range. I’ll decorate one of the paper dummies with all of Cameron’s bad habits—have him kill ’em.”
“Now there’s a thought,” Eden sarcastically muttered.
“And here’s another one. You should come, too. If you’d handle firearms a little bit, you’d stop being so afraid of them.”
“No, thank you. I’ll let that be you and Cameron’s male-bonding time.”
Jansen gently pulled Eden down farther on the couch and then covered her with his body. “Speaking of bonding, can we do some of that right now?”
“We can, but it’s that time of the month, and I’m cramping. Let’s make this a cuddle night.”
Jansen groaned. “Oh, God. Not the C word.” He kissed her neck and then began nibbling her ear.
“I’m afraid so.”
“Baby, you know I want it.”
“Jansen, stop it!” Eden exclaimed even as she wrapped her arms around him.
“I read somewhere that making love is good for stopping cramps.”
“All righty then. The next time you’re cramping, we’ll try it.”
46
Eden made a beeline for the green tea as soon as she stepped into the office. I have got to stop spending the night at Jansen’s during the week. Even though they hadn’t done it, he’d kept her up half the night anyway. The more he’d talked about Cameron coming to visit, the more excited he’d gotten. She didn’t even know the boy, yet looked forward to his visit.
She reached her office but, noticing that the light at the end of the hall, kept walking. “Good morning, Alex,” she said, peeking her head in the doorway.
“Good morning!”
“What time did you get here?”
“About ten minutes ago.”
Eden’s eyes widened. “And your desk looks like that?” There were papers strewn from one side to the other, along with folders, magazines, and the LA Times.
“You’re looking at organized chaos; it’s a masterpiece.”
“If you say so.” Eden took a sip of tea. “What time
are we going to see the dancer?”
“Two o’clock. I figured we could do lunch first and go from there.”
“You said she’s at Agape, correct?” Agape was a large spiritual center founded and directed by The Secret’s Michael Beckwith.
Alex nodded.
“Then I know the perfect spot for lunch. Ariel turned me on to it. It’s in Redondo Beach.”
“Perfect. Let’s leave at, say, noon?”
“Sounds like a plan!”
Eden walked down to her office with pep in her step. Since meeting Christina, she felt more comfortable around Alex and had relaxed her guard. They hadn’t come out and said so directly, but even Stevie Wonder could have seen that the two were lovers. And even though Ariel had told her he flirted with everybody, Eden still felt better knowing he was seeing someone. She liked Alex, understood why women went gaga over him. Heck, if she weren’t dating Jansen, she probably would have been among them. Now she was happy to have him as a colleague—technically her boss. She pulled up her to-do list and began tackling projects, already anticipating good company, a great meal, a fabulous time at Agape, and whatever wonders the day would bring.
“Hey, where’s the Prius?” Eden asked when Alex stopped in front of a sporty Mercedes.
“I wasn’t in a Prius mood,” Alex responded.
“I like the Prius because of its environmental benefits. But this is gorgeous!”
“Thank you.” He pressed the unlock button, opened Eden’s door, and closed it once she was safely inside. Moments later they were on the road.
“Do you attend Agape?” Eden asked.
“Not regularly, but Christina does. She was there recently when Maash-t Amm Amen was a guest.”
“The dancer?”
“Yes. She’s the one who created this healing dance called het heru. I watched a DVD of her with Christina and knew she’d be the perfect finale for our fair. She’s in demand all over the world. We’re lucky to get her.”
“I can’t wait to meet her and see the dance.”
Alex merged onto Sepulveda from Lincoln at sixty-five miles an hour. The car handled so smoothly it felt more like thirty-five. He saw a patrol car and tapped the brakes.
“Aside from Jansen, I’m usually not happy to see the police, but in this case—thank you!”
Alex laughed. “Sorry, bad habit. We drive much faster in Europe, and it’s easy to speed in this car. You can’t even tell you’re going fast.”
“I’ve heard about the autobahn, but I haven’t had the pleasure—or pain, depending on how you look at it—of being on it.”
“It’s not so bad.”
“I’m sure race-car drivers say that about the Indy 500.”
“Ha!” They reached a light, and another patrol car sat on the side of the street, its lights flashing. A policeman exited the vehicle and walked ahead to the parked car in front of him, his hand on the butt of his gun.
Eden and Alex watched in silence. “You know,” Alex said once the light turned green and they proceeded through it, “most European police don’t carry guns. And percentagewise, our crime rate is lower. Isn’t that interesting?”
“Very.”
“I hate guns.”
Eden looked at Alex. “Me, too!”
“I really do. I think all weapons should be outlawed, thrown into a heap, and burned.”
The conversation turned yet again after that. Eden learned more about Alex’s idyllic childhood, and she shared her growing up amid the urban sprawl. Later, Alex raved about the Green Temple, Eden’s restaurant choice, and Eden fairly beamed as she watched the het heru healing dance. They met with the dancer, and after securing her for the health fair, headed back to the car.
“Would you mind if I make another stop?” Alex said. “It’s a little out of the way, but he’s a doctor friend of mine I’d like you to meet.”
“Sure,” Eden said, buckling up and tilting her seat back after she’d put on her shades. It was a stunningly beautiful California day, and she was in no mood to hurry back to the office. Alex turned on the radio and cruised up the Pacific Coast Highway.
“Would you prefer that I change the station?” he asked.
“No, I love classical music.”
“Good.”
Alex glanced at Eden once and, seeing that her eyes were closed, took another longer look, as long as he dared while driving. You are a beautiful woman, Eden Anderson. You’ll be the perfect partner, and we’ll make a great team.
Eden and Alex spent the entire afternoon at his friend’s oceanfront home in Rancho Palos Verdes. The doctor and his wife were delightful and ended up writing a six-figure check to the center’s foundation. Even though she knew she had a mountain of work, and had completed only three items on her long to-do list, Eden felt fabulous—she’d thoroughly enjoyed her day. As she drove home she again realized what a great guy Alex was and thought that if she weren’t dating Jansen, she’d definitely go out with the doc.
47
“Hey, baby.” Eden adjusted her earpiece and eased into rush-hour traffic for the short drive home.
“Hey, little garden. I missed you today.”
“Don’t you miss me every day, every second that I’m not with you?”
“No doubt. I called the office on my lunch hour and on break. Then I tried your cell phone. Where were you?”
“Out with Alex.” Eden thought of how that sounded and quickly added, “He and I had meetings all day.” She told him about the dancer and the donor.
“Oh, okay. Cool.” Jansen’s tone was smooth as he battled his emotions. He was jealous by nature, but ever since his heart-to-heart with Eden, he’d vowed to try to keep the green dragon in check. Eden trusted Jansen. The least he could do was return the favor.
Cool? No outrage? No interrogation? There is a God! Eden thought. “So, baby, I thought I’d stay home tonight. I got a little behind in work, and with the health fair coming up, I want to stay on top of things. You have marked your calendar, right?”
“What day is it again?”
“Jansen! It’s the first Saturday in October, and before you tell me you work on Saturdays remember that you already promised to be there. It’s a big deal for me, baby. I want you to come into my working world, meet my colleagues, and see what we do.”
“Okay, weed, guess there’s no getting out of this woo-woo shindig.”
Eden laughed at Jansen’s use of her expression. “Absolutely not.”
“So I’ll let you slide tonight, but don’t think I don’t know when your girl leaves the building.”
“My girl?”
“Your period, woman. It should be over by Sunday morning. Which means I’m going to tear it up on Sunday night.”
Eden stifled a moan, her kitty flip-flopping with anticipation. “You are so bad, Jansen McKnight.”
“But it feels so good, doesn’t it, Eden Anderson?”
“That it does. I cannot tell a lie.”
Eden arrived home and, after preparing a light dinner of soup and salad, plopped down on the couch with her laptop. Christina had sent her the final list of participants. Eden wanted to familiarize herself with all who would be attending and send an introductory greeting to those she’d not yet met. She decided to first check her e-mails and was surprised to see several from Facebook. Scrolling down quickly, she saw a message from her friend Renee and immediately clicked it open.
Hey, girl: Sorry I’ve been MIA—I haven’t been on here for a minute. Been meaning to call you, especially since I had my number changed (stalker, long story, details at eleven). But you know how crazy the Hill can get, especially since my Congressman has decided to change his mind again and run for reelection. Now we’re all scrambling. ::sigh:: Here’s my number. Either you call me, or I’ll call you, and we’ll talk this weekend. Renee.
Eden typed a quick reply:
My number’s the same. Looking forward to catching up.
She went through the other messages, responded to those from holis
tic organizations that pertained to work, prepared for bed, and called her mother.
“Hey, girl,” Phyllis said when she answered the phone.
“Hey, Mom. I’m not going to talk long, just giving you a quick call before going to bed.”
“Kinda early for that, isn’t it? It’s barely ten o’clock.”
“Yes, but I’m tired. I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.”
“Uh-huh, out with the doctor . . . or Jansen?”
“Mom!”
Phyllis laughed. “I’m just messing with you, Eden. How’s work?”
“I love my job, Mom,” Eden said. She told Phyllis about her day and about the health fair. “You should come and stay with me that weekend, Mom—attend the festivities. You haven’t been to LA in a while, and you know Michael is headed back over to London. You could split your time between him and me and come to the fair with Kathryn!”
“I might come visit, but I don’t know about all this new-age medicine. That stuff sounds rather suspect to me.”
“Don’t knock it until you try it. At the very least you could get a nice massage from a very handsome masseuse and eat delicious food that’s healthy for you.”
“Well, you know that fine men and good food will get me every time. And I do need to come there and check out our newest family member.”
Eden laughed. “You’ll love Bridgett, Mom.”
“I do already. I’ve talked to her on the phone several times. She seems like a sweet girl.”
“She is.”
“And I’ll get to see Jansen, too.”
“Uh, yeah.”
This time it was Phyllis’s chance to chuckle. “You know I’ve got Ma-dar.”
“What’s that?”
“That’s a mama’s radar. Sooner or later, I know everything. Oooo, baby, that’s Larry at the door. I have to run.”
Phyllis clicked off the phone, leaving Eden with her mouth open. There was only one reason a man visited a woman at ten o’clock at night. My mother on the receiving end of a booty call? “Say it isn’t so!”
