by Emery, Lynn
“That’s what everybody keeps telling me,” Monette replied.
Monette wondered if all the pep talks had basis in fact. The Pardon Board was only one step. The governor would have to approve their recommendation. She only hoped Winn Barron’s political influence had finally been killed off by the scandal. Knowing Louisiana politics, she wasn’t so sure.
Chapter 12
Saturday evening Jayson took Monette to a poetry slam downtown at the Shaw Center for the Arts. One of his best friends performed. Monette enjoyed the raw energy of back-to-back spoken word performances. Later they strolled over to a restaurant at the top of another building. Seated near the floor-to-ceiling windows, they had a wide view of the Mississippi River. Cool spring evenings had given way to the heat of June. Hot humid air hung on despite the setting sun. The blue sky deepened into shades of orange and purple. Empty tables at Riverview Seafood soon were filled. Riverview had an atmosphere of casual elegance. In spite of being surrounded by upper-crust types dressed in designer labels, Monette felt at ease. Jayson’s serene grace helped. Thoughts of work popped into her head all night. Monette couldn’t help second-guessing every decision she’d made in the last two weeks. When she realized Jayson was waving a hand in front of her eyes, she blinked rapidly.
“Yes. Sounds good.”
“Do you know the question?” Jayson cocked his head to one side.
“Sure. I’ll have the octopus on rye,” Monette quipped as she dropped her menu. Jayson let loose a throaty laugh that covered her like a satin caress. The room came into sharp focus. Thoughts of work went bye-bye.
“So that’s your game. Make me laugh until I forgive and forget, huh?” Jayson shook a finger at her.
Monette gazed at his smooth bronze skin. She had a taste for something alright, and it wasn’t listed on the menu. She put her craving in check, though. No sense in scaring the poor man senseless. In her old world, mating meant skipping the witty small talk. The fact was she didn’t miss it one bit Jayson studied Monette as she studied him until she blushed.
“Yeah. That’s my game. Well?” Monette tried to be glib, but the way his smile made her insides warm kept getting in the way.
“Forgiven. Now tell me what made you risk getting octopus for dinner.” Jayson put his menu aside.
“Just going over a few details in my mind. Nothing worth spoiling a night out with good company.” Monette lifted her glass of water as a salute to him.
Jayson smiled his thanks at the compliment. “I won’t press. Talking about work isn’t a good appetizer.”
“Well, one little thing before we move on. You don’t have to decide right now. If you can’t do it I’ll understand. Really.” Monette started to go on.
“I got it. Saying no won’t damage my love life. Ask.” Jayson propped both elbows on the table.
“Love life?” Monette got lost in the way his full mouth curved up on one side when he was amused.
Before he could answer, a petite black waitress bounced up. “Sorry for the wait. Y’all ready or need more time?”
“Why don’t we get our orders out of the way?” Jayson said smoothly. He picked up his menu again.
Monette skimmed the list and quickly ordered grilled catfish. Jayson ordered seafood pasta, and they both asked for lemonade to drink. When the waitress left, Monette wanted to explore the comment about his love life. Instead she pretended an interest in the decor. She knew Jayson was watching her.
“We’re alone again. Ask,” he said finally.
Monette cleared her throat because he continued to stare at her. “Some of the girls at Second Chances will be out of high school in May. They’re deciding on college or vocational schools. We know a few don’t want to do either. So, we’re talking to them about careers.”
“Got it. You want them to start thinking about jobs,” Jayson said.
“More than that. I gotta hand it to her. Danica doesn’t come up with the same-old, same-old approach. She wants them to consider starting their own businesses. Would you teach a short course on entrepreneurship?”
“Me teach a class.” Jayson rubbed his chin as he considered her request.
“We’re not asking for a big time commitment. Just maybe a four-hour course spread over a month. I know how busy you are, but Second Chances is only a fifteen-minute drive from your garage.” Monette continued selling the idea as she watched him.
“Really?” He smiled at her as one dark eyebrow lifted.
“I’ll get any materials you need, do all the research. Anything to make this easier for you.” Monette took a deep breath. “Just think it over.”
“Yes,” Jayson said simply.
“Well. That was easy.” Monette gave a nervous laugh when she realized he was staring at her again. She fidgeted with a napkin for a few seconds. “I thought you’d put up more of a struggle.”
“I’ve been thinking about doing something like this for awhile. You know, something more than writing a check to some charitable organization. Your work with kids and on the radio has inspired me to get off my butt.” Jayson’s smile deepened until a dimple appeared on his right cheek.
Monette looked away to keep her mind off kissing him. “Remember that I’m doing community service. I didn’t get into this out of the goodness of my heart.”
“You care about those girls and helping other people. It doesn’t matter how or why you got started. At least not to me.”
“I appreciate that” Monette said. She looked at him and was hooked by the kindness in his gaze.
“Okay. Let me know when and we’ll work out the details,” Jayson said quietly.
“I’ll talk to Danica about it and get back to you,” Monette murmured, unable to escape the enchantment he seemed to be weaving around her.
Jayson sat back when the waitress returned. She put down the glasses of lemonade, assured them dinner would come out soon, then left. “Ask.”
“I did.” Monette blinked at him.
“No, you didn’t. You want to know about the love life comment I made earlier.” Jayson smiled at her.
“That shy guy just up and disappeared.” Monette put the glass to her mouth to cover her attack of nerves.
“Not so shy when I really like someone.” Jayson leaned across the table to cover her right hand with both of his.
“I don’t know, Jayson.” Monette glanced away from the intensity of his cocoa eyes.
“We’re not that different, Monette. Don’t even go there,” he said quietly.
“Let’s compare arrest records then. Monette six, Jayson zero. Have you worn leg shackles lately? Spent any time in prison? Tell me all about it.” Monette tried to make it into a joke but couldn’t carry it off.
“Why do you define yourself based on those things?” Jayson would not let go when Monette tried to pull her hand away.
“That’s what the world sees despite my so-called success. I’ve seen too much and done some things … the book I wrote doesn’t tell it all.” Monette choked. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Give me a try. Please.”
Monette looked into his eyes. She wanted to believe in him. Something in the way he gazed at her stirred a protective feeling. “You have no idea what you’re getting into. Tell you what. Why don’t we be friends?”
“No, you didn’t just give me the ‘let’s be friends’ line before we even got started well. Forget it.” Jayson shook his head with a look of resolve.
“Maybe I’ll make the decision for you,” Monette replied. She already knew the answer before he shook his head again.
“No, you won’t. And I won’t make it easy for you either. I’m going to woo you.” Jayson smiled.
“Woo me?” Monette laughed hard. “I can’t believe you just said ‘woo.’ ”
“You’ve got me talking crazy, girl. I’m not even supposed to be here. I decided to concentrate on the business, my baby girl, and just have a nice fling every now and then. Less complicated. You messed up the plan.” Jayson smiled
at her.
“Stick with less complicated. I sure as hell can’t give you that. Look up complication in any dictionary and you’ll see my picture.” Monette loved the way his fingers curled around her hand. The sturdy feel of them seeped into her, making Monette believe that life could be good. “I’m being selfish by not walking away from you.”
“I call it sensible to do what makes you happy. Or maybe I’m assuming too much?” Jayson prodded.
“I don’t know anything about being with a man like you,” she said quietly.
“I’m not an alien from another planet, you know,” Jayson gently teased.
“In some ways you are. You know what I mean. I don’t have experience with nice guys who work hard, live right, and have no dark secrets.”
“School is now in session.” Jayson lifted her hand to his mouth and placed a tender kiss on each finger.
Monette watched him, mesmerized by the action. Head bent down, Jayson’s dark brown wooly curls enticed her to touch them. She was about to when the waitress approached holding a large oval tray. Jayson let go with a sigh of regret. The waitress expertly set the dishes before them.
“Holler if you need me. Enjoy your food.” She left again.
They finished their meal, pausing for small talk. Monette thoroughly enjoyed her fish all the while relishing a serene, normal date. The atmosphere in Riverview became romantic and intimate as the sun disappeared. Small lamps on each table transformed each one into a cozy nook for the diners. In spite of the crowd, Monette felt as though they had a special private space around them. Jayson kept Monette laughing with stories about things he’d found in cars. By the time they ordered coffee, her stomach ached from laughing.
“You’re too much. I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. This is a nice break from my life.” Monette sighed with pleasure.
“One day soon you’ll leave the halfway house. It might seem like forever, but it will happen,” Jayson said.
“I hear that from my lawyer, but when you say it…” Monette stared at him for a time trying to find the words. She put a hand over her heart. .. I feel it for real right here.”
Jayson brushed a finger along her right cheek, then sat back. “Good, because it’s coming true. Now how would you like to hear some great, old-school rhythm and blues tunes?”
“I’ve never been one to turn down a chance to party, but I can’t go in a bar. I’m on parole, remember?” Monette shrugged an apology.
“I’m talking about my place. A very reputable establishment, I assure you. If you don’t want to go, we won’t.” Jayson’s smile faded at the look she gave him. Despite his words, the sound of disappointment was in his voice.
“Well, I uh …” Monette wanted to be alone with him; that was the problem. Once again she wondered if she was wrong to drag Jayson into a life with so much drama.
“Look, since you’re not feeling this right now, let’s just take a walk on the levee instead.”
“I’m not trying to play hard to get, Jayson.” Monette felt a need to explain.
He shook his head as he motioned to the waitress. “Don’t sweat it. I want everything we do to be right for both of us. I’m patient when it’s worth the wait.”
“Damn,” Monette whispered low while he was busy talking to the waitress.
Everything he did and said started a fire deep inside her. Talk about pushing all the right buttons, this man wrote the book where she was concerned. She began to wonder if Jayson had the Monette Victor instruction manual memorized. If so, then what would he be like in bed? Just the thought sent a finger of electricity up her spine. When he turned to her and smiled after pocketing his change, Monette made her decision.
“I’d really like to hear that music collection,” she said quickly before he could speak or she would change her mind again.
“Great.” Jayson stood, held out his hand, and led her out of the restaurant.
They were quiet on the ride to his house. Provocative hip-hop love songs from his compact disc player set the tone for the trip. The speakers thumped from the heavy bass beat, making the leather seats vibrate. By the time Jayson parked the truck at his condo, Monette felt weak with desire. Jayson glanced at her with a question in his dark eyes. Monette slid close to him, wrapped Jayson in her arms, and kissed him hard. Her tongue parted his sweet full lips. He groaned in reply, as though relieved not to hold back any longer. When the kiss ended, Jayson breathed heavily as he touched his forehead against hers.
“We’d better not go in if you’re not ready for more. Because, baby, I couldn’t be alone with you in my house without.” He broke off as if going on would be too much.
“I’m ready.” Monette stroked both his cheeks with her palms.
Despite legs of melted rubber, Monette managed to follow him inside. Jayson closed and locked the door, then turned on the dimmer lights and his sound system, then went down the hall. Music flooded the room, and a sensuous beat led into the rich voice of Gerald Levert singing classic torch songs.
Jayson returned with a small foil package. Monette nodded gratitude when he showed it to her. Without speaking, he took Monette in his arms and they danced. Their hips pressed together as they swayed to the rhythm. Monette kissed him once, then more. She frantically set out to taste every inch of his neck as she unbuttoned his shirt. Hands shaking, Jayson helped her undress him until he was naked. Still fully clothed, Monette stepped back to admire the smooth bronze prince before her. She took off her top slowly, allowing him to watch. Breathless, she dropped it to the floor, and then unhooked the front of her lace bra. When she rubbed her nipples, Jayson growled but did not move. Thrilled by the raw hunger in his eyes, Monette took a long time to push her dark red lace panties down. First over her hips, to her thighs, and finally she let them fall around her ankles. When she stepped free of them then kicked them away, Jayson dropped to his knees before her. His tongue traced a line of heat down her belly. With a cry Monette leaned into him. He gently brought her down to the floor. Like a connoisseur Jayson licked, nibbled and sucked until Monette called his name. When he’d had his fill of tasting her, Jayson applied the condom and mounted her. Suddenly he was impatient to have it all.
“Let me in,” he moaned as he thrust.
Monette clung to him, feeling that he meant so much more than the physical. And she needed him to be with her in every way. His passion to have her swallowed her whole until she shook deep inside. With every stroke Monette gave up being alone. With every sigh she let go of a past hurt. What Jayson was giving her had the power to wipe away her doubts that love could be like a dream. In a flash Monette knew she’d never made love before. Made love as a phrase became blindingly clear in an instant. She was lifted up, spun around, and left wide open to everything he wanted to give. Monette heard a voice that sounded like hers yet was one she barely recognized. Senseless with desire, she moaned, shuddered and rode a wave that seemed to have no end.
“Monette,” Jayson called out through clenched teeth.
They came together in that instant, both pushed over the edge by the salty sweet taste of pure lust to be one body. Sweat drenched them both. When they finally lay still, all they could do was pant. The cool brush of air from the ceiling fan made them sigh in unison. Jayson pulled away enough to look into her eyes.
“Damn that felt good,” he murmured.
“Me, too,” was the most Monette could get out. She pressed his face against her breast, unwilling to give up any part of him just yet
Slowly she regained a sense of her surroundings. The sleek feel of the carpet beneath her body cushioned her.
Monette breathed in the scent of his skin, perspiration mixed with aftershave lotion. She squirmed against his lean, muscular bulk on top of her.
“I’m too heavy, baby.” Jayson still seemed reluctant to break contact in spite of his words.
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a big-hipped, healthy woman. Stay right where you are.” Monette kissed one of his shoulders.
“Well, I guess we shouldn’t spend the rest of the evening sprawled on the floor like two crazy people,” Monette giggled.
Jayson lifted himself with care from her body. “Okay. How about a shower?”
“Oh, yeah. I better get myself cleaned up before I go back to New Beginnings. Those women will take one sniff and know what I’ve been doing.” Monette put her head back and laughed. After all, she didn’t really care what they thought. Jayson laughed, too. Though she was sure he didn’t quite see the real joke. Not that it mattered. She was too happy having a real reason to laugh for the first time in years.
They walked down the hallway naked and holding hands as though they were strolling through a park. Every action they took for the next hour was deliberate. The way Jayson scrubbed her back, the way she smoothed the soap lather along his thighs, every action brought on a delightful reaction. Monette participated and watched outside herself at the same time. When it was finally time to leave, she did not feel sad.
“Almost eleven-thirty. Guess we better go now.” Jayson held her in his arms and rocked them both.
“Yes, but then we have the pleasure of next time to think about,” she replied and smiled deep inside herself.
Jayson pressed against her hard. “Yes.”
***
The next Monday, Monette had no time to daydream about blissful lovemaking, the weekend, or Jayson. Between ringing phones, the radio show and Chaz’s frenetic energy, Monette had her hands full. After lunch she went to Second Chances to help Danica. She felt as though the entire world was rushing at her. Jim called to remind her that the pardon hearing would be in just two weeks. Of course she didn’t need a reminder. The date stayed with her like indigestion, a burning, sour feeling in the pit of her belly. The hearing would be one more instance of begging upstanding citizens for her future. After a particularly frustrating conversation with a child welfare worker about one of the girls, Monette had to take time to recover. The encounter brought back memories. She sat in her office, rubbing away at a tension headache, soft jazz coming from a small radio.
