by Emery, Lynn
“See how easy?” Monette took a sip of her coffee.
“Looks simple.” Jayson nodded.
Monette listened as an ad for a local beauty salon ended. “Hello again, Baton Rouge. I’m Monette Victor, host of Hot Topic. Thirty minutes of bringing you the real deal. We’re talking about cars. Ladies, if you’re anything like me, pay attention. Single or paired off, we need to know how to take care of our vehicles. Guys could probably learn a few things, too. Welcome and good morning to Jayson Odum, owner of Quality Car Care Centers.”
“Morning,” Jayson managed to blurt out. He stared at the microphone as though alarmed.
“Jayson, let’s get right to it Women more than men get taken advantage of when it comes to car repairs. Why is that?” Monette asked.
“Well, uh, a lot of ladies didn’t tinker with motors and stuff the way guys did growing up. So typically women come in knowing a lot less than men. But you need to find out more. Ask the men in your life to help so that even when you go in for routine care you’ll know what to expect” Jayson relaxed into the topic that he knew so well.
For about ten minutes Monette took phone calls from listeners. Jason answered questions with assurance. His explanations were simple yet informative. Monette enjoyed the smooth tone of his baritone voice. She’d toss in a joke every now and then. Jayson took her antics in stride and didn’t get flustered.
“We’ll take another short break, but when we come back Jayson is going to talk about the challenges of starting and owning a business. Start dialing, people.” Monette flipped the microphone off. She called one of the station interns and asked him to bring in more coffee.
“This isn’t bad at all.” Jayson loosened his tie.
‘Told ya so. The thing is most of the listeners want you to do well. That’s what surprised me. Where I come from, you expect the worst of folks. I’m still adjusting to the world.” Monette accepted the paper cups of black coffee from the student. He also deposited packs of sugar and non-dairy creamer. “Thanks.”
“The world?” Jayson took the second cup. He poured in generous amounts of sugar and cream.
‘That’s what prisoners call life on the outside. Prison cuts you off from the real world, ya know? Different rules. You learn stuff inside that only applies to life behind bars.”
Monette sipped from her cup. She could tell he was curious. He nodded and seemed to consider how to frame his next question. Before he could ask, the last commercial spot ended. Her producer gave her a go signal.
“In case you just tuned in, you’re listening to Hot Topic. I’m your host, Monette Victor. My guest is local entrepreneur Jayson Odum, owner of Quality Car Care Centers. So, Jayson, tell us how you got your business started.” Monette nodded encouragement to him.
“Well, uh, I had a dream.” Jayson stopped, blinked a few times, and then laughed. ‘That sounds a little self-important. I’m not talking about anything as noble as Dr. King’s dream of equality. I just wanted my own auto repair shop.”
“Dr. King talked about economic power to the people, too. So, your dream is exactly what he meant. In fact, the African-American small-business owner has been critical in our communities. But they face unique hurdles. Tell us about some of those.” Monette sat back to coast into the last part of the show. She grabbed her paper coffee cup to take a sip; sure he’d go on about injustices for at least a couple of minutes.
“Frankly, I don’t think we have it as tough anymore,” Jayson said. “Certainly we have fewer resources, but in many cases we’re not doing our homework. Any barriers thrown at us can be overcome.”
Monette choked on her mouthful of coffee. She caught herself in time to keep from spitting it across the room. Jayson seemed not to notice, he was so intent on giving his point of view. She finally swallowed, cleared her throat, and managed to speak. When she glanced at Irvin, the young producer shrugged, and then shook his head.
“Say what?” Monette broke in.
“Listen, we can’t keep claiming victimhood on everything. Black Americans don’t save enough money or practice some commonsense financial planning. We have to face facts; we’re in a global economy these days. You snooze, you lose as the old folks used to say. No more whining.” Jayson tapped a forefinger on the table as he made his points.
“Wait a minute. Are you telling me that the playing field is level when it comes to race? Are you serious?” Monette stared at Jayson as though he’d just landed from Mars. “You must have been living in another solar system. Racism is no figment of our imaginations.”
“Of course we’ve faced hardships and racism in the past. But we’re running out of excuses. No—make that we’re already out of excuses. We live in one of the richest countries in the world. Being poor in America is nothing like being poor in Africa, Indonesia and countless other Third World nations. Time to stop complaining and get to work.” Jayson’s brown eyes burned the fire of conviction.
“Every oppressed group has its own unique battle. The fact that we live in a developed nation doesn’t make injustice less real. Black folks are discriminated against every day. Look at the Mack farmers. The feds finally admitted that the Department of Agriculture pretty much conspired to put them out of business.” Monette took a deep breath to keep from losing her temper. “Those brave people lost land that had been in their families for generations.”
“A tragedy that could have been avoided for some with better business management.” Jayson waved a hand as though dismissing her arguments. “Look, past injustices aside—”
“That’s just the point you’re missing. Those injustices aren’t in the past and shouldn’t be ignored,” Monette cut him off harshly. “Hold on. You’re one of those black conservatives?”
“I don’t follow the typical ethnic party line, no. And I don’t buy into blaming everything on race,” Jayson tossed back. Gone was the nervous demeanor of a man not used to the spotlight. He raised an eyebrow at her.
Monette stared at him with her mouth open. Finally she noticed Irvin gesturing at her frantically. She looked at him. “What? Oh, I mean, let’s take a commercial break and pay the light bill. That will give me time to pick my jaw up off the damn floor.”
Irvin’s eyes stretched wide, and then he burst out laughing. He controlled himself quickly. “Stay tuned to Hot Topic, ’cause we’re definitely turning up the temps in here. This program is brought to you by our sponsors.”
Monette tuned out Irvin’s voice as he droned on doing commercials. She made sure their microphones were off. “What the hell was that all about?”
“I’m giving my opinions like you asked me to, that’s what it’s about,” Jayson said evenly. He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms as he returned her gaze.
“Have you lost your mind? You can’t really believe that crap you’re talking,” Monette blurted out.
“I most certainly do believe it,” Jayson replied in a voice that sounded starched, it was so crisp.
Irvin opened the door between the sound studio and his control room. “We’re running overtime, and it’s too bad. The lines are jammed. Monette, you have to wrap up.”
“Thank God. I don’t want to help spread that neoconservative nonsense,” Monette said and glared at Jayson.
“Oh, so you’re going to do the usual black liberal dance. Anybody who disagrees is a traitor to the black community, right? You folks can’t face the hard facts head-on.” Jayson gave a snort of derision.
Chaz strode into the room without knocking. “Unbelievable,” he blurted out
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I didn’t see this coming. He looked so normal.” Monette squinted at Jayson.
“By normal you mean all black people should think alike? Sorry to disappoint you by being my own man,” Jayson shot back.
“Whoa,” Irvin breathed. He let out a soft whistle, and then darted back to his controls. He watched them even as he played another commercial tape.
“You two are great. That back-and-forth between the two sides of
the political spectrum is fantastic. Let’s do it again next week. What do you say, Jayson?” Chaz noticed Irvin waving to them. “We can talk about it later. You’re back on.”
Monette had only seconds to recover from the shock of Chaz’s reaction and proposal. Jayson looked equally dazed. Irvin frowned at Monette with concern as she stared at the microphone in front of her. When Irvin pointed to her, Monette reacted.
“Sorry, folks, but we’re out of time. Thanks to my guest. Jayson Odum. Come back next week to explore another hot topic with me. See ya.” Monette talked on autopilot and hoped she made sense.
“Like I said, I smell a super hit show. We examine issues from two different perspectives. Folks will line up to argue one side or the other.” Chaz rubbed his hands together in gleeful anticipation.
“Boss, the phones are ringing nonstop. People want to either congratulate Jayson or hang him,” Nikki said as she rushed in the door. She grinned at Monette and Jayson. “Rock on, you two.”
“No way. I’ve got a business to run.” Jayson started to go, but his cell phone hummed as it vibrated in silent mode. “Speaking of which, my brother is probably calling to tell me I need to get my rear end back to work. Excuse me.”Monette watched him walk out and go toward the lobby to get the best reception. She faced her boss with both hands on her hips. “Tell me you were just joking around. You heard that guy. He’s got some brain-dead idea that racial injustice is only something from the history books.”“Uh, ’scuse me. I’ve got a show to do.” Nikki shooed Chaz and Monette out of the studio and into the hallway.
“That’s it, Monette. Keep that sense of outrage. Hone it to a sharp edge and don’t back down. Your passion pitted against his cool conservative approach. Talk-show heaven!” Chaz’s mouth seemed about ready to split he was grinning so widely.
“You said the show was my baby. I don’t want to do it.” Monette huffed in outrage. She went to her office with Chaz right on her heels.
“Calm down and consider the benefits. Remember, we have a management team and the owners to consider. They were listening, and we all are loving the concept. What’s the harm? Besides, the man made some valid points.” Chaz stood his ground. Despite his words, his expression and tone of voice clearly said the decision had been made.
Jayson came back still holding his slim cell phone in his right hand. “My brother said four people have called already wanting to bring us their business. Freaky.”
Chaz slapped his palms together. “So, Hot Topic is good for your business as well. I’m telling you, Jayson, this is a good fit.”
“Forget it. I’m into fixing cars, not spouting off opinions. Besides, my brother also said a few crackpots called to say they disagreed.”
“I’ll bet,” Monette murmured. When Jayson shot an irritated look at her, she lifted her nose in the air.
“Like they say in show business, any publicity is good publicity,” Chaz said. He put a hand on Jayson’s shoulder. “The point is you got new customers because of your performance on Hot Topic.”
“One, I’m not in show business. Second, I expressed my views. I wasn’t performing. Forget the idea, Chaz.” Jayson clipped the cell phone to his belt.
“Hot Topic is my show. We have a contract. Remember?” Monette put in.
“Okay, fine. Just think about being a guest again. We can give you a deal on your ads.” Chaz smiled at Jayson like a salesman making his best pitch.
“No. Thanks.” Jayson smiled back at him, yet his voice held an edge.
Chaz held up both hands. He heaved a sigh of resignation. “Message received. Bye-bye to radio ratings magic.”
“Cheer up, Chaz. People will keep tuning in.” Monette patted his arm to console him.
“Right. We can use tapes from this show to keep interest in Hot Topic high. Yeah, I like that.” Chaz strode off, talking to himself. His secretary emerged from an office, and he gestured for her to follow.
Irvin joined them. He held a large cup of orange juice from a fast-food restaurant. ‘The boss is right. That show kicked butt. People still callin’ in. I’m gonna call y’all the new dream team.”
“Gee, thanks,” Monette replied.
“Bye and have a good day.” Irvin waved to them as he went on his way.
“Bye, Irvin. You deserve credit, too, man.” Jayson smiled when Irvin turned with a raised fist, and then kept going. He looked at Monette. “So, the show went well.”
Monette opened her mouth three times, trying to think of what to say. “Who the hell are you?” she finally blurted out. She was stunned when he laughed.
“I expected we were only going to talk about car repair and owning a business. Remember? You gave it a political slant.” Jayson rested one large hand on his narrow waist.
She glanced at him from head to toe with a frown. Instead of blasting his views, she paused. Monette was reminded of how fine the man looked. From the tips of his polished loafers to the neat collar of his shirt, Jayson looked good. Too good. She forgot the cutting reply on the tip of her tongue. Monette felt a heat wave curling out from his body. Still, the guy hadn’t moved or made some player move. All he’d done was turn that nice guy smile in her direction. Damn. Who knew? He lifted one comer of that delicious-looking mouth and neutralized her bad girl intentions.
“You have a point. But you don’t really believe that” Monette stopped.
“My opinions aren’t that different from yours. You believe in people taking responsibility for their choices. No excuses. Right?” Jayson’s mild expression masked the challenge beneath his question.
“Yes. But racism and discrimination exist,” she countered. “I don’t believe that we use it as some fictional boogey man to avoid responsibility. You do.”
“Injustice happens. But I despise people who play the race card when it’s a lie. Makes fighting real injustice a lot harder.” Jayson offered no apology.
Monette saw past the boy-next-door exterior. Jayson had strong opinions and an even stronger will. A quiet kind of defiance burned in his eyes. The combination made her skin tingle. She brushed her hair back with one hand and wondered if her lipstick had smudged.
“Mind giving me a ride home?” she asked.
***
Monette closed the door of his truck and waved one last time. She watched him back out and then drive away. When the end of the truck disappeared from view, she walked down the driveway to the back door of the halfway house. As she entered the kitchen, the day staff greeted her cheerfully. Monette exchanged small talk with the women for a few moments about her show, and then went down the hallway. Trudy stood in the foyer just a few feet from the front door. She had a stack of mail in her hand. Voices and the sound of the television came from the larger of the two living rooms. Trudy glanced up as Monette approached.
“See you got another ride home,” Trudy said.
“Jayson was a guest on my show this morning.” Monette had a good idea that Trudy had been watching them.
“I know. I listened to it,” Trudy replied.
“I’m going to tour his garage Saturday.” Monette faced her head-on, ready to say just where they could stick their rules.
“Have a nice time. Mail for you.” Trudy separated three envelopes from the stack and handed them to Monette. She went to her office without glancing back.
“Aren’t you going to object or something?” Monette called after her.
Trudy turned. She raised both neatly arched eyebrows. “You want me to?”
“Not really. Thanks. For the mail.”
Trudy nodded with a half smile, and then disappeared into her office. Monette went to the living room. Yarva and Candi were looking at a news show while Lenore sat in a comer with a book. “What’s up, y’all?”
“Hey. CNN is interviewing this guy that just got off death row. That good-looking lawyer of yours saved his butt when DNA proved the guy didn’t rape and kill this college girl,” Candi said, pointing at the television screen.
Monette walked over to
get a better view of the big television. The man had dirty blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail. His huge biceps were covered with tattoos. “Looks like a rough dude, too.”
“He ain’t no angel, but he didn’t do it. That’s what counts.” Lenore had joined them. “You sure were lucky to have that guy Rand on your side, Monette.”
“Better believe it. He’s good.” Monette nodded.
“Yeah, bet you know all about how good he is.” Yarva snickered.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Monette gave her a stony look.
“Nothing. I’m just sayin’.” Yarva shrugged. She smacked her lips as she gave Candi a sideways glance.
“Monette has a gift for the hook-up alright,” Candi put in with a tense laugh. She shot Yarva a warning frown.
“Uh-huh, your girl got game alright.” Yarva ignored Candi’s warning. She grabbed the remote and flipped the station.
“More game than you and that’s damn shame, ain’t it?” Monette strode off without waiting for Yarva’s reply. She sat down in a chair near the window and went through her mail.
Moments later Candi crossed the room. She dropped down on a large pillow and crossed her legs. “I know Yarva is workin’ on your nerves. Try to look over it sometimes. She’s been through a lot”
“Haven’t we all,” Monette replied as she continued to read an invitation to speak at a local women’s club.
Lenore moved to a chair nearer them. “I don’t like how she’s always so negative.”
“She’s not a people person as they say.” Candi shrugged with a crooked grin.
“A big understatement, but whatever.”
Monette read the return address of her daughters on two of the envelopes. A large card from Alisa was pink with a spray of flowers around the words “Thoughts of You” in gold letters. Talia had sent a more conservative card, but it was just as precious to Monette.
