Thomas had her rapt attention, and he knew it, the slick bastard. “Seems like an uneven exchange to me. As much as I want the foundation to grow and expand I don’t want to do it at the expense of others.”
“Oh Constantina this is one of the things I love about you. You have a lot of heart, and you always want to play fairly. My client is going to make a large profit with the town houses he plans to build on your property. It would be beneficial for both of you to agree to a land swap. No money exchanges hands, no realty fee involved, and no escrow. It would be a straightforward contract, and everyone’s a winner.”
Connie took another swallow of her beer. “Yeah I’m sure the community will embrace the town house project with open arms.”
Her hardcore exterior was raising its ugly head. “Come on Constantina.” He whispered. You and I both know some things that are taboo for a residential neighborhood. No one wants a group home, women’s shelter, homeless shelter, half way house, liquor store, or a discount store in their neighborhood. Level with me, would you want a youth home in your quiet neighborhood?”
“What do you know about my neighborhood?”
“I know where you live Constantina; a nice middle class neighborhood, not too far from a grade school and park.”
“I would give up my house if it meant that troubled kids had a place of refuge and a new way of life.” She swallowed the rest of her beer, wishing she had another one to douse the flames of her rising anger.
“Now you got to the heart of the matter. Given, there are many caring people in Omaha; however, their empathy will dry up quickly if it came to sacrificing their homes or families so that the underprivileged can have a better way of life. You are the real deal Constantina. You believe in the Cabbage Patch Foundation, and that’s why this land swap will allow you to achieve even greater things.”
Connie hated feeling as if she were being handled. “I’ll have to bring this before the board of directors before I would even think about signing off on this land swap idea of yours. One more thing quit calling me Constantina! How did you find out my real name anyway? I never use it.”
“Now who’s playing games? Your friends Samantha Graham and Jenna Johnson are the board of directors. They will go along with whatever you say. As far as your name, I like the way Constantina rolls off my tongue.” Thomas leaned in towards the center of the table, grabbing one of her hands. “Can you imagine the first time I make you mine Constantina? Will you give in gracefully or will I have to fight you to stake my claim.”
Connie snatched her hand out of Thomas’s grasp. “How long have you been planning this lousy seduction scene? Does the land swap deal depend on me dropping my panties and screwing you? What do you get out of the deal?”
“Tisk, tisk Constantina, you’ll drop your panties for me because I turn you on and you can’t wait to feel me moving deep inside you. I would never use a business deal to intimidate you into submission. My pride wouldn’t allow it.”
“Conceited jerk! You’ll be the last man I drop my panties for.” She felt the flames of embarrassment in her face as people stop eating as they caught her last statement. It didn’t help that Thomas’s was laughing for all he was worth. Connie grabbed the bill, her coat and purse and left Thomas sitting at the table.
***
Chapter 3
Connie checked the clock on the wall. Only five minutes had passed since the last time she checked. The New Year’s Eve party was in full swing and the champagne was flowing. Of course, Samantha and Allen were running late. Not surprising considering that Samantha nearly missed her appointment at the courthouse this morning to marry Allen.
After a celebratory lunch at the Courtyard, Connie went to the Hilton to check on Allen’s family and see to their comfort before tonight's surprise. Samantha wanted to incorporate them in the brief ceremony, but there was no way she could do that without ruining Allen’s surprise.
Connie shook her head in amazement at Samantha’s determination to reunite Allen with his family. Allen’s father, US Marine, stationed in Viet Nam when he met and married Allen’s mother. His father lost a leg in combat and was sent statewide losing all contact with his wife and child.
Allen’s mother went in search of her husband and left Allen in the care of her aunt who was killed during an enemy attack. Allen was placed with an orphanage and later adopted by Americans never to see his mother and father again.
Connie let her gaze rest upon Allen’s parents. They held hands waiting so patiently to be reunited with a son they have not seen in nearly thirty years. She wondered how Allen would feel about Samantha’s surprise. He was a demanding man who liked being in control, and the stage Samantha set was destined to be fraught with emotion and tears.
Connie left the reception area in search of Samantha and Allen. It was close to midnight, and the party revelers had their noisemakers ring in the New Year. Connie finally caught a glimpse of them; they were greeting Jenna and Mike when Samantha made eye contact with her. She nodded at Samantha giving her the thumbs up sign and went back to the smaller reception room where she was hiding Allen’s family.
She opened the door only to see the letdown expressions on their faces. “Don’t worry Samantha is bringing him over.” She gave them a quick hug and then faded to the rear of the room to watch the reunion from a distance.
Connie held her breath as Samantha and Allen stepped into the room. Allen stood there transfixed, he had trouble comprehending the sight before him. His eyes narrowed at the older woman and the man standing in the center of the room. They were surrounded by a younger woman who had two little girls standing in front of her and a man standing at her side. A taller man who could have been his twin stood on the other side of the older man.
He eyes went back to the older woman. It had been thirty years, but he would recognize his mother’s face anywhere. “Mẹ thân yêu!” He whispered. “Mẹ thân yêu is that you?” She moved slowly towards him uncertain how she would be received.
“Con trai.” Hong Hahn whispered to her beloved son.
Connie felt the tears on her face as Allen hugged his mother. The whole scene made Connie wish for a mother who longed for her and spent years trying to find her. The reality is that Connie’s mother wasn’t a mother in any true sense of the word. She was an alcoholic, drug addicted whore who left Connie and her brother in a burning house.
Connie grabbed her purse and stole, quietly taking her leave. She was unable to keep her emotions intact, and her tears blinded her way. She left the reception room and ran into a man spilling a drink on his jacket. “I’m so sorry!” Connie took some tissues out of her purse and blotted the wetness from the jacket. When she was through, she looked up to offer another apology only to be captivated by the most stunning sea green eyes. “Thomas!”
Of all the people, she had to bump into why did it have to be Thomas Galvin. He’s arrogant, obnoxious, and a severe pain in her ass. Unfortunately, for her, his flirty green eyes and sexual magnetism made her feel all shivery inside.
“Constantina, are you okay?”
She didn’t respond right away as she blotted the alcohol on his tuxedo trying to hide from him. “I’m sorry about your suit. Send me the cleaning bill and I’ll take care of it.”
“Don’t worry about it. There's no harm done.” He couldn’t help but notice Constantina’s distress. He lifted her face and wiped away her tears with his fingers. “What’s wrong honey? Did someone here say something to upset you?” He looked around the ballroom for the guilty culprit. The bastard that made Constantina cry would pay.
Connie was at a loss for words. For a moment, she almost believed that Thomas Galvin gave a damn about her feelings. “It’s nothing Thomas. I want to go home.”
He liked the sound of his name coming from her full, shapely lips. Usually she called him councilman as if he were some nasty infectious disease. They’ve had many run-ins the last year, and they were always on the opposite side of the bargaining table. A hard positi
on to be in when the woman you desired above all others thinks your slime. Thomas reined in his lust as his protective mode took over. He wrapped his arm around her waist and steered her out of the ballroom.
Connie tried to pull away from his embrace, but Thomas wouldn’t let her go. “Where are you taking me? I want to go home!”
“I don’t think so blue eyes, I won't let you drive home in your condition. That is unless you want me to take you home. Let’s go have a seat in the lounge it seems to be thinning out in there.”
Connie didn’t put up much of a fight as she sat at a table ordering a soft drink. Thomas sat across from her ordering a soft drink too. “Thomas this really isn’t necessary, I just had an emotional breakdown, but I’m okay now.”
“I’ve seen you in various situations, and you always seem to have you emotions in control. What caused this emotional breakdown tonight?” Please don’t let it be another man, Thomas thought to himself. Getting Constantina to trust him was an uphill battle. The last thing he needed was another man in the picture.
Connie took her time answering Thomas’s question. It's not as if Thomas is her friend. Every time she wanted to move forward with the foundation Thomas and the rest of the city council blocked her way.
She was grateful for the interruption when the waitress brought their drinks. She took a sip of her drink and studied him over the rim of the glass. “I saw something so beautiful tonight. When I realized I would never have that experience it tore me up inside. There does that make you happy?”
Something painful happened in her past, and he hoped that one day she would share it with him. “You’re a phenomenal woman Constantina. You deserve every beautiful thing that life has to offer.”
“Thank you Thomas. I almost believe that you mean what you say. I honestly do need to go home; I have a big day in Kearney tomorrow.”
Thomas’s eyebrows knitted together, “What’s in Kearney?”
“I’m cooking dinner for my aunt’s birthday.”
“Want some company? The ride to Kearney would be an excellent opportunity for us to be alone.”
Connie laughed aloud, “There’s no way I’m taking you to see my aunt. It’s an overnight trip, and there wouldn’t be a place for you to sleep.”
It was good to see Constantina laugh. “I thought you would share your sleeping accommodations with me. I’m willing to give it a try.”
“Nice try councilman. I’m staying with my aunt and your presence would raise a lot of questions.”
“Constantina, you truly do deserve the best things in life. In fact, I intend to be there to make it happen. When you get back from Kearney, maybe we can have lunch. I would like a chance to know you better, and I want to be more than that dreaded councilman.”
Connie had to leave now, Thomas was weaving a spell, and if she didn’t clear her head, she would be a goner. “Thanks for the drink Thomas, but it’s time for me to leave.”
“No problem. I’ll walk you to your car.”
“That isn’t necessary.”
Thomas wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to remain in her presence for just a little while longer. He helped her with her wrap, followed her out of the lounge and took the back exit of the hotel. He grabbed her hand before crossing the street. “Where are you parked?”
“The next block.” Connie could feel the strength in his hand just by the gentle touch. “What made you come to this particular party tonight? I doubt seriously that you were on the guest list?”
Thomas raised her hand and kissed her fingers. “I’ll have you know that I received and engraved invitation from Samantha Graham herself.”
“What! Samantha sent you a personal invitation! Why would she do that?”
Thomas turned her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. “Well I am a client, but I also think she picked up on your feelings for me and decided to throw us together.”
Connie snatched her hand out of his grasp, took her car keys from her purse, and marched towards her car. “I don’t have any feelings for you!”
Thomas was quick on her heels determined that she wouldn’t get the last word. He pressed his body against hers as she tried to open the car door. “I think you do Constantina. For the past year, you’ve been avoiding me. Tell me baby, why are you afraid? He turned her around crowding her into the car as he kissed her. She opened her mouth giving him the opportunity he needed to taste her. “You have nothing to fear from me, we’re going to be good together.”
Connie wanted to wrap her arms around his neck and lose herself in Thomas’s kiss, but her common sense raised its head. She pushed him away as she collected herself. “I’m not afraid of anything.”
“You’re afraid of how you feel about me. I tried to give you time to know me by the traditional methods, but you ignored all of my lures. I’m putting you on notice Constantina, you will be mine and sooner than you think. This thing between us isn’t going to go away, and I won’t let you ignore me any longer.”
“Do your best Thomas you won’t win.” Connie got into the car and drove off leaving him in the parking lot looking after her.
He had to say one thing about Constantina she's a fighter. She wouldn't win this war. His future happiness depended on the outcome being in his favor. “You can run Constantina, but I refuse to let you hide any longer.” He walked a couple more blocks to his own car, happier than he’d been in a long time. He began whistling as he planned the downfall of his new love.
***
Connie was still reeling from Thomas’s kiss. She had to calm down before she had a wreck. The next time she saw Samantha she was going to kick her ass. She took the North Freeway and turned left on Sorensen Parkway. Another five minutes heading west and she was home. She lived a mile from a major hospital in a quiet neighborhood.
Momma Lettie and her husband Henry purchased the house when she became pregnant with their son, Henry Jr. Connie loved the split-level house she inherited when Momma Lettie passed away. The state tried to sell it from under her, but her Aunt Mabel stepped in. She became her legal guardian and moved in with Connie preserving her home.
She smiled while thinking about her aunt. Her birthday's tomorrow and Connie was driving to the assisted living facility in Kearney to spend a couple of days with her. Aunt Mabel was celebrating 85 years of life, a wonderful milestone for a wonderful woman.
Connie probably should have sold her house. A three-bedroom house with a full basement was a lot of room for one person. The house was a link to her momma that she wouldn't lose. She felt a wave of sadness over come her, every time she turned around, she was losing someone. Her circle of family and friends was so small, when she had a loss the recovery process took longer.
Momma Lettie treated her better than her own mother did. Originally, Momma Lettie took her in as a foster child when Connie was ten and later adopted her. Connie didn’t know how she did it especially in the 1990’s conservative Nebraska. It was almost unheard of for a Caucasian child to be placed with an African American family.
Her momma had been a social worker twenty years before Connie came into her life. Connie figured that her momma probably called in some favors when her adoption came up for review. She remembered the day she arrived, Momma Lettie’s house was like something out of a home & gardening magazine. The purple, pink, and white, Lilac trees lined the driveway. The flowerbed in front of the house hosted an array of flowers: Red Tulips, Marigolds, Peonies, and Violets. None of the other foster homes she’d been in had been this immaculate.
Connie remembered the first time Momma Lettie took her shopping at Younker’s and JC Penney’s stores. It was an all day adventure, and she was overwhelmed with bags of clothes and shoes piled up in the back seat. Momma Lettie seemed to be a pleasant woman, but Connie had problems trusting people. People bought things before hoping to win her over. She could hear her momma's singsong voice saying she was just providing the bare necessities that all children need to attend church and school.
Co
nnie remembered the first time Momma Lettie took her to church; she’d never seen so many black people in one place before. She clung to Momma Lettie even burying her face in her shoulder as people greeted Momma Lettie. Her momma never let go of her hand. She made Connie feel at ease, she said, “honey they’re just curious about my blue eyed child with platinum hair. Once they get used to you, you’ll fit right in.”
In time, Connie did fit in with the other children at church. She became a member of the junior usher board, and she played drums for the youth choir. She viewed church members as an extended family, even when Momma Lettie wasn't around she always felt safe. She still visits the church on 'Friends and Family' day and other holidays, without fail someone will ask her to play the drums.
She cherished the quality time she spent in the kitchen helping her momma with dinner: learning how to make rolls, pies, and cakes. Momma was a fantastic cook. She tried to teach Connie everything she knew, and of course, they did a lot of talking. They talked about family, church, and school. Nothing was ever a taboo subject. They even spoke about her younger brother David who died of smoke inhalation in a fire that she barely survived.
Once, Connie asked her momma why she thought her real mother hated her and David so much. Momma Lettie got this far away look in her eyes before responding. She said, “Everyone we meet comes into our lives for a reason. I don’t believe for one moment that your mother hated you, she just couldn’t be your mother at that time. God saw my need. My heart was bruised when I lost my husband and son. So he sent me a little violet eyed girl to heal my heart and make me whole again.”
It was at that moment a thirteen-year-old gangly girl realized what it truly felt like to love and be loved unconditionally in return. Four years later Momma Lettie was shot on the way home from the grocery store two days before Christmas. The police thought it was gang related. That’s what all homicides were regulated to when the police didn’t have a clue or motive for murder.
No Ordinary Romance Page 3
