Soulful Strut

by Emery, Lynn

  Monette gave them both one last nod, and then turned to leave. She walked fast enough to put space between them quickly, but not so fast as to seem rude. Jayson had made his way to the exit When Jayson and Monette got outside, he hit the remote alarm. “What was that about with you and Candi? I get the feeling that lady has an issue with you.”

  “Tell you about it sometime.” Monette tried to call back the good vibes she’d had before dealing with Candi’s attitude. She glanced around, confused. “Where’s your truck?”

  Jayson approached a silver Jeep Liberty. “At home. Picked this up yesterday. Like it?” He held open the passenger door for her, wearing a wide smile.

  “Just like that. You picked up a new vehicle like some folks stop by the store for a loaf of bread.” Monette stared at the shiny SUV. Sunlight bounced off the custom wheel covers.

  “I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I shopped around for two or three weeks. Made up my mind Saturday. Wanted it to be a surprise.”

  “Surprise is right” Monette climbed in. The interior upholstery was a light gray fabric with a pattern of darker gray and maroon stripes. She rubbed her hands along the smooth surface of the seat.

  Jayson climbed behind the wheel. He turned on the engine, adjusted the temperature controls, and turned on the stereo radio. “So, what do you think?”

  “Please. You shouldn’t even have to ask. This thing is fine.” Monette stretched her legs out in the roomy space in front of her. She inhaled the wonderful new car fragrance. She’d never owned a new car in her life.

  “Good. Since I plan to take you riding in it a lot. Besides, we’ll need more room eventually anyway when I take you and Lenae out,” Jayson said in an offhand manner.

  “Huh?” Monette snapped out of her new luxury SUV daze and gaped at him.

  “My daughter. You know, the one I’m always bragging on. Shouldn’t exactly be news I’d want the two most important women in my life to meet.” Jayson patted Monette’s knee, then put the Jeep in gear. He backed out of the parking space and drove while whistling a tune.

  “Me meet your daughter,” Monette mumbled.

  “Then we’ll have dinner with the family.” Jayson steered with his left hand and put his right one on her knee.

  Monette closed her eyes as a queasy feeling of dread took hold in her stomach. She had visions of all those eyes staring at her, of seeing Jayson’s father gaze at her with disapproval. But that scene did not inspire the horror of meeting a possessive eight-year-old daddy’s girl. Lenae would no doubt loathe the idea of sharing Jayson. All Monette could think of was how complicated her life was already. She knew that family was important to Jayson. He’d also made it clear that his feelings for Monette ran deep. Now if she could hold onto this good thing without dragging his kinfolks into the mix just yet

  “Jayson,” Monette started, and then couldn’t think of what else to say. She blinked hard; hoping that if she strained something would come to her.

  He gave her knee a little squeeze. “Yeah, baby. What were you about to tell me?”

  Monette pushed harder to come up with a way to back out that wouldn’t seem like she was backing out. What she got was a heavy sensation that felt like the beginning of a headache. She massaged her temples with her fingertips, then faked a yawn. “Uh, nothing. Lost my train of thought. Guess I’m more tired than I realized.”

  Jayson looked at her with a slight frown. “Here I was just thinking about me. You’ve had a long day. In fact, this week must have been a killer. Maybe we should plan on taking up this celebration on the weekend.”

  “Yeah, well, I do have a lot on me this week. Got to meet with my parole officer, too.” Monette needed to remind Jayson just who he was about to present to his family. The reception at Second Chances, the radio show, the book deal were all one part of her life. A notorious past was part of Monette’s life as well.

  “Sure, sweet thing. Another time, but we’ll have just as much fun.” Jayson smiled at her. He turned the truck down a street that took them in the direction of the halfway house.

  “Thanks.”

  Monette did a seamless transition back to her con artist ways and let Jayson think it was all his idea. Back in the day she’d had no qualms about using her wits to get what she’d wanted. Now she felt a prick of guilt. Still, she needed breathing room. She wanted Jayson, but everything seemed to be pressing in on her. Monette took a deep breath and let it out to combat the sensation that she was suffocating.

  Jayson drove on in silence for the fifteen minutes it took them to arrive at New Beginnings. His hand stayed on Monette’s knee, feeling warm and supportive. She gazed at it then covered his hand with hers. He glanced at her with a smile full of devotion. The prick of guilt Monette had felt moments ago turned into a sharp stab. This man truly cared for her.

  People lounged on their porches in the poor neighborhood around the halfway house. A few waved to them as the truck slowed down. Jayson smiled and waved back. He pulled into the driveway. The van was not there. No doubt Sherrial had stopped with the ladies for one last treat to celebrate. Monette sighed with relief. She would have a few more precious minutes to be alone. Jayson shifted into park, and then turned to her.

  “Honey, you’ve got a lot going on with the book, radio show, this new program and everything. We can put off the whole official meet-the-family stuff for a few weeks.” Jayson brushed her hair back with one hand in a tender gesture of affection.

  Monette pretended to consider his suggestion for a few seconds. The knots of anxiety in her midsection disintegrated. “Maybe that would be a good idea. You’re so thoughtful.”

  “It’s all about you, honey. Get some rest. You can continue saving the world tomorrow,” he gently teased with a smile. Jayson kissed her forehead before they exchanged goodbyes.

  Monette waved to him as he drove away. Just as his truck rounded a corner two blocks away, Sherrial drove the van down the street. She grinned at Monette, who walked down the driveway to the back of the house. Sherrial parked the van under the covered carport Monette leaned against the railing that led up the back steps and waited for them. Sherrial jumped down to the pavement first.

  “Wonderful reception. Now I’d better finish up some work and get out of here. Gotta pick up my baby from my mama’s house. Talk to y’all later,” Sherrial said over her shoulder as she rushed past them.

  “Whew! Some party, huh? I never seen so many important people up close. I feel kinda like a big somebody myself.” Tyeisha lifted her nose in the air and did a strut across the driveway.

  Lenore slid from the seat and stepped down. “Yes. We’re society ladies now.” She did her version of a high-class prance with her head held high.

  Monette caught Candi by the arm before she could follow the others. “What’s up with you? Seems like you got a problem with me, or something.”

  “Or something,” Candi shot back. “Ms. I’m doin’ y’all a big favor.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make it sound like that. This stuff shouldn’t come between us. You know me, girl. I really am just trying to help. But maybe I went about it the wrong way.” Monette let go of Candi’s arm. “I thought it was a good idea. If you don’t want to be in the program, I’ll understand.”

  Candi rubbed her forehead, and then glanced sideways at her. “Yeah. Guess I’m bein’ paranoid. I’m sorry for actin’ like a hater back there. Just sometimes I feel left behind. By everybody.”

  “Which is why I thought you’d be perfect for Opportunity Knocking. Girl, you got crazy skills. Use ’em.” Monette shook her by one shoulder.

  “Yeah, you’re right.” Candi shrugged. “I’ll put some effort into it.”

  Tyeisha danced over to them. She grabbed each of them by one arm and tugged. “C’mon now. Show us what you got.”

  “Y’all trippin’. One party ain’t changed nothin’,” Yarva retorted as she watched them from the doorway.

  Candi snorted and waved a dismissal at her. “Some
folks just can’t have a good time. Y’all ain’t got the right ‘rich bitch’ attitude. Here we go.” She affected a snooty sneer, then swung her hips as she walked ahead of Tyeisha. “You gotta have a look that says ‘This is my world. I’m just letting you scrubs live in it.’ ”

  Monette laughed. Seeing her friends dressed up and full of hope restored her. Lenore seemed more relaxed than she had in days. Tyeisha’s face glowed from the positive attention she’d gotten from her mother and everyone else. Candi seemed to have shaken Yarva’s bad influence, at least for the moment. Monette no longer felt drained or boxed in.

  “I used to be around upper-crust ladies back in the day. Most of those women walked all stiff like something was stuck up their butts. Now me? I’ve got my own soulful strut,” Monette crowed as she smoothed down her skirt, ran her fingers through her hair and sashayed across the lawn.Her hair bounced as she walked, hips swaying to her own jazzy beat. She made a circle, and then came back toward them wearing a self-possessed smirk. Candi hooted and imitated her. Tyeisha squealed with delight and followed them. Lenore shrugged with a shy smile. Soon all four women had their own hip-shaking parade going in the backyard. Janice and Tina, two other residents, heard the noise and came outside.

  “What the hell?” Janice smiled at them as she shook her head.

  “Ain’t nothin’ but a party. Come on.” Candi beckoned for them to join in.

  The staff person on duty peeked out the kitchen window. She grinned, then disappeared. Two seconds later she emerged from the house carrying a portable compact disc player. “Hey, ya’ll oughta at least have some music for a parade. Got this CD of funky Zydeco I been listening to.”Sherrial came out and started for her car. When she saw the fun they were having, she let out a whoop and got in line. “What the heck. Mama can babysit a little longer.”

  “Alright now,” Candi yelled. She danced along, waving one hand.

  “Wait a minute. Y’all can’t do a second line right without this.” Another resident came out with a multicolored umbrella. She opened it and joined at the end of the prancing line of women. They made several circles around the small square of grass, calling out encouragement to each other.

  “Show ’em how it’s done old school,” Tyeisha called out to the older women.

  “Don’t get smart, baby girl. We ain’t ready for the nursing home just yet.” Candi scowled at her over one shoulder. Seconds later she staggered over to the wooden benches beneath the covered patio.

  Monette followed and collapsed into a chair. “We may not be nursing home material, but we sure can’t party like we used to.”

  The noise must have reached Trudy’s office. All the raucous teasing and laughter subsided when they noticed her standing in the back door. “Ladies, I suggest you save that energy for job hunting and group therapy.”

  “I’d call this group therapy. What do y’all think?” Monette looked around at the grinning faces.

  “Very effective, in fact,” Sherrial added, putting on her social worker hat. She wore an impish grin. “Research shows play is therapeutic.”

  “I feel better,” Janice piped up when the other women remained silent.

  “Me, too,” Candi chimed in with her usual boldness.

  “I suppose letting off steam can be helpful, in moderation. I’m sorry I had to leave the reception early, Monette. I had appointments and a meeting with the local interagency council,” Trudy said.

  “No problem. We understand you’re a busy lady.” Monette smiled back at Trudy warmly.

  Trudy tried to maintain a serious expression but lost the fight. “Oh, what the heck. Let’s see if I can keep up.”

  When the director joined in, the women let out a shout of encouragement. Everyone paraded around in a circle. They danced to the music and waved their hands in the air to the beat. An elderly woman who lived in the house next door came outside. She leaned on the fence between the houses. She clapped her hands in time with the music and added her shouts of encouragement. After a few more rounds, everyone stopped. With a grin, their neighbor waved goodbye.

  “I enjoyed the show,” she called, and then went inside.

  “My goodness. I need to take off my dancing shoes.” Trudy hobbled as though in pain as she went into the halfway house.

  Sherrial grabbed her purse and headed home. “I better get out of here before y’all have me jammin’ again. See you tomorrow.”

  “Ya’ll come get some fresh lemonade. Squeezed the lemons myself.” The evening shift staff person beckoned for them to follow her inside.

  “That sounds good. Whew! Worked up a sweat.” Candi fanned her face with one hand.

  “Yeah, we know,” Janice joked. She pinched her nose with her fingers and grimaced.

  Candi aimed a playful swat at the woman’s head. The others filed along behind them to go into the house.

  Tyeisha lingered to walk beside Monette. Lenore joined them. “This was the best day I’ve had in a long time,” Tyeisha said with a sigh.

  Monette felt warm inside, as though she had a true family in the women of New Beginnings. In that moment Monette felt like all complications and tangles in her life would somehow turn out fine. She draped one arm around Tyeisha’s shoulder and the other around Lenore.

  “Yeah. Not too bad at that,” Monette said.

  Chapter 15

  A week later Monette could not believe the difference a few days could make. After a great reception to celebrate the launch of Opportunity Knocking, things had gone south. First she learned the Pardon Board had once again moved her hearing further away. Apparently the board wasn’t looking forward to taking on a high-profile applicant. Monette suspected the influence of Winn Barron’s powerful family played a part. One of his nephews was running for office in New Orleans. At first Jim had tried to reassure her. Finally he’d admitted that her notoriety, combined with the power of the Barron clan, might have something to do with it. Monette had been trying to shut out bad vibes for days. Danica’s executive assistant came into Monette’s office without knocking, the frown on her face announcing the obvious before she spoke.

  “We’ve got a problem.”

  “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me, Kim.” Monette gave a sigh of resignation as she stopped entering notes on the computer. Before she could ask for details, her phone rang. The moment she said hello, the caller launched into a list of grievances.

  “Is that Chancellor Ketchum?” Kim whispered. When Monette nodded, she tiptoed to the door. “I’ll get Danica.”

  Monette nodded again as she listened to the woman complain for a full minute without taking a breath. “I agree totally. We will have a talk with them. Yes, Dr. Ketchum. Of course. I assure you, we’ll handle it. Thank you for calling.”

  Danica appeared a few minutes later. She closed the door behind her and watched Monette’s grim expression. “Did she threaten to end the classes?”

  “No, she’s not at that stage yet I won’t let anyone screw this up for the rest of the participants. We need to have a talk with those women,” Monette said.

  Monette and the counselor she’d hired had weekly meetings with the participants. Dubbed Wrap Sessions, the staff and the participating women discussed progress and any problems. Three and a half weeks into the program, most of the bumps had been smoothed out, but obviously the honeymoon phase was over.

  “I already told Kim to call them in,” Danica said and rubbed her forehead with a sigh. Before she could go, Kim returned.

  “Everybody is here for an interviewing skills session except Julianne and Callie. They’re at their jobs today.”

  “Yeah, well, they’re not causing any real problems anyway. No good deed goes unpunished,” Monette muttered as she stood. She smoothed down her blouse. “Friends or not, I’m going to burn their behinds.”

  “Maybe they’re going through a delayed adjustment period.” Kim tried on a hopeful smile and failed. Her worried frown came back in seconds when Danica shook her head slowly.

  “Bull
. They know the rules,” Monette cracked. She marched ahead of Danica to the small conference room. Kim scurried to her office in the opposite direction.

  “Hey, girls. What’s up? Uh-oh.” Tyeisha’s jolly expression faded when Monette gave her a stony glance.

  Candi looked back at Monette as though refusing to be intimidated. “Look, Tuesday is my only day to kick back because of these classes and stuff. I sure hope this won’t take long.”

  “I can arrange for your schedule to be free,” Monette snapped. She stood at the head of the conference table, hands on both hips.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Candi maintained her casual slump in the chair.

  “I just talked to Chancellor Ketchum. Seems you’ve been smarting off to the instructors, coming to classes late, spending time flirting with the male teachers and more. Say the word and I’ll give your spot in this program to someone who will take full advantage of the opportunity. I have a waiting list.”

  “All I did was question some of that material this sociology professor was laying down. Them egghead researchers been in school all their lives. Hell, I’ve been in the system,” Candi replied.

  “Contributing to a classroom discussion is one thing. But you’ve been disruptive. You argue with every request. You even caused a scene at one of the field sites.” Danica spoke in a composed tone, in contrast to Monette.

  “We worked hard to get local businesses to take part,” Monette went on angrily. “Visits and job placement help you, but they cost them money.”

  “Somebody got it wrong.” Candi stared at the other women. She seemed to be looking for the snitch.

  “We go into any situation with folks expecting the worst. We don’t get the benefit of the doubt because of where we come from. Me included. So any problem we cause—no matter how small—is a big deal. A lot of good people went out on a limb to make this stuff happen. So if you don’t give a damn about the impression you leave, get the hell out of the way and let somebody else benefit.” Monette paced as she spoke. She looked around at all of the women. “That goes for everybody.”