by Pat Simmons
“Thank you, Miss Karyn, and Happy Thanksgiving.” Tiffany grinned and turned to leave. Before she did, she found Patrice and stuck out her tongue before racing out the door.
CHAPTER 12
Whew. What a difference a couple weeks, a few sermons and a lot of prayers made. Rossi witnessed Levi overcoming doubts about a new relationship. As a matter of fact, his cousin had more gusto toward Karyn than a double helping of jalapeño peppers.
Rossi smiled as he stood at his living room window, overlooking the city. Downtown living always enchanted him. As the lights went out in businesses’ windows, closing for Thanksgiving, the night life on Washington Boulevard came alive: the bowling alley, eateries, and bars began to bustle with patrons.
The snowfall had just begun to mesmerize him when a knock at his door interrupted his tranquility. As a youth pastor, Rossi wasn’t a stranger to unexpected visitors, but this time he wanted some quiet time.
Opening his door, Rossi was amused at the sight of Levi who stood cocky in a larger-than-life stance even though his cousin was shorter. Rossi suspected the cause—or rather person—behind the radiance oozing from his cousin’s face.
“What’s up?” Levi strolled inside, removed his jacket, and tossed it absentmindedly on a chair. He had changed out of his white shirt and tie into a dark turtleneck, blazer, and slacks.
“Didn’t I just see you a few hours ago at work and where’s Dori?” Rossi frowned.
“True, you recently saw me, and Dori’s at Mom’s to help with the baking.” Levi performed a slow turn as if he was at the end of a runway. “I have time to kill until I have to pick up Karyn.” Levi meticulously adjusted his glasses on his nose.
“Umm-hmm.” Rossi closed his door and strolled to his fireplace where he stirred the logs until the flames danced higher. Glancing over his shoulder, he silently observed Levi handling family photos as if he had never seen the snapshots. Seemingly bored, he walked to an oval mirror on the wall and prepped his appearance.
“Great. That means I’m babysitting you,” Rossi stated sarcastically.
“Funny.” Levi smirked. “And here I was trying to spend time and chill with my cousin.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way—no, take it the wrong way. I spent six hours with you today, beginning at seven this morning. It would’ve been longer if we hadn’t closed the office early. I don’t want to see you again until after Thanksgiving like…say at Sunday’s morning worship. Is that soon enough for you?”
“You’re way too uptight. You need a little lady around here.”
“Really?” Rossi barked his laughter.
“Umm-hmm. A woman could do a brother good. Forget the milk.” Levi’s expression hinted that he was about to burst with news as he flopped on the sofa and snugly folded his arms.
Let him stew, Rossi could tell his cousin wanted him to grill him. He headed for his kitchen. “Hey, do you want some eggnog or juice?”
“Nah. I’m good. Karyn may want to stop and grab a bite to eat.”
Karyn again. Rossi opened the refrigerator, grabbed the carton of eggnog and poured a generous amount into a mug, then took a slow sip. When he returned to the living room, Rossi reached for the remote. But Levi beat him to it.
“What’s wrong with you?” Rossi dived for and snatched back his remote. His cousin was starting to grate on his nerves.
“Do you want to hear this or not?” Levi balled his fist at his side.
“Man, if you don’t get to the point, either I will put you out or I will leave you out here by yourself.” He gulped down his eggnog.
“I see you’ve lost your patience.” Levi grunted. “Anyway, I went to Karyn at the bookstore. After she gave me one of her pretty smiles, I knew I hadn’t struck out after I ruined our first date. To make a long story short, I’m taking her home after her shift. I don’t like her on the bus.”
Rossi was amused by Levi’s animated expression.
“Funny, I still don’t know if she owns a car or if it’s in the shop, but I will. Wait until you meet her. Karyn also has the backing of one other special lady in my life.”
“Dori.” The only girl in the family, Rossi loved his little cousin who seemed more like his niece. Stretching his sock-covered feet out he rested them on his coffee table. “Don’t you even think about it.”
Levi huffed. “You’re worse than a woman, and speaking of the female species—one name—Jet. Evidently, my little girl talked about Karyn and my sister-in-law dropped off Dori and was ready for interrogation, but I was in no mood for her drama.”
“Jet can be like an unleashed Mother Rottweiler; so what happened?” Rossi grinned and bobbed his head. He loved Jesetta as he would anybody else, but she was too opinionated, domineering, and sometimes rude. After Diane died, she became pit bull, boxer, and Rottweiler personified.
“Man, I’m a Tolliver.” Levi patted his chest. “At times, I may come across like I don’t have it together…”
“A few weeks ago, you didn’t. But I’m glad Karyn kissed you and made you better,” he teased.
“Not yet, but she will. Anyway, back to Jet. I have two things working for me—Jesus and my dad didn’t rear his boys to let any woman run over us.”
Leaning forward, they exchanged fist bumps. Rossi was glad Levi held his ground. “So, tell me about Dori’s reaction.”
“We had one of those daughter-daddy talks as I got her ready for bed. Without knowing it, she was my inspiration to basically get it together. In the past, I was riding on God’s strength.”
Rossi nodded. “Second Corinthians 12:9.”
“Yeah. But God broke down verse seven to me. Despite the devil’s torment, the Lord allowed it to keep me in check. My grief was keeping me in a place that God wanted me in for a season. It seemed like the devil tried to turn the tables and crank up the heat, but that’s when God seemed to say enough is enough.”
Levi glanced at his watch and shot to his feet. “Hey, man, I’ve got to go. I need to do a few things before Karyn gets off.”
Rossi also stood. “Well, by all means, don’t let me hold you hostage.”
“It ain’t goin’ to happen. I’ve got this.” Levi waved and let himself out.
CHAPTER 13
Few cars remained in the parking lot at St. Clair Square mall when Levi pulled up to the curb. Karyn was standing outside the entrance alone. Since Diane had been killed in a public place, he didn’t believe any location was one hundred percent Satan-free.
Levi parked and hurried to her. Masking his concern with a smile, he looked down into her face. “Next time, wait inside for me,” he ordered.
“I’m fine. I catch the bus all the time by myself.” She shivered in her jacket zipped to her chin. Her head was covered by an unsecured hood and her single braid peeped out.
“Umm-hmm. Yeah, I don’t like that either.” He scanned his surroundings. The place was nearly deserted. “Do you own a car?”
She shook her head. If Karyn was his woman, he would buy her a car and change her place of employment. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he steered her to his vehicle. Levi remembered the first time she was a passenger, and he admired her gorgeous legs. Unfortunately, tan uniform pants blocked his view this time. Skirts and dresses were definitely his preference. Since that would cause him to lust, it was better he was distracted.
Once Levi climbed back into his seat, he adjusted the temperature for her. Stealing a glance at Karyn, she blushed under his examination, then faced the window. It only took a few seconds to take a snapshot of her features. Gone were the curls and makeup. Remaining was her natural beauty, plus the dark circles under her eyes.
He concentrated on her body language and expression. “Did Patrice give you any more problems?”
“Not directly.” Karyn closed her eyes and sighed. “Just thinking about something.”
“What?”
“Patrice lashed out at a customer who wanted to send a book to her dad who is imprisoned. Books have to be shipp
ed directly from the warehouse with the prisoner’s identification number, and the young girl didn’t know it. Her mother’s also in prison.”
Levi whistled. Wow. He would never have thought working in a bookstore would have that type of mental torture. “I’m sorry.”
“She was so sweet. I think a little mischievous, but who is raising her? Her grandmother,” Karyn answered her own question. “What type of hope will she have?”
“Maybe she’s better off. Depending on what crime sent them to prison, she and society may be better off,” he snapped before he softened his words.
This time her sigh was very audible. Okay, Tolliver, don’t mess this up, Levi coaxed himself. “I’m sorry.”
“Once I located him, I scanned his release date,” she continued as if she didn’t hear his sarcastic remark or apology. “It’s possible his baby girl will be a mom by the time he’s out. I’m not talking about a teenage mother.”
Levi shook his head in disgust. “What a waste of life. Did you look to see what crime he committed?” he asked, turning the corner.
“Yes.”
“Well?” He glanced at her. When she didn’t say anything, he wondered if the information was confidential and he had overstepped his boundaries.
She changed the subject, allowing him to save face. “Thank you for offering to take me home. I’m sure you had other plans.”
Levi chuckled and Karyn joined him. “Ah…I think I more or less demanded to be your chauffeur.” He paused. “I was hoping you were hungry and we could grab a bite to eat before I drop you off.”
Karyn checked her watch. “I’m hungry, but I don’t have time.”
“Sure, we do. There are a few places that haven’t closed early for Thanksgiving.” He scanned across Route 159. Only one fast food’s drive-thru lights were still on. He headed in that direction, hoping the restaurant would leave the light on like Motel 6, at least until he fed Karyn.
“Levi, let me explain something about my lifestyle: I’m single.”
“I know.” He grinned. “And I’m loving it.”
“I’m serious.” Karyn didn’t return his smile, and she appeared a bit flustered. “I live in a very secure building where every precaution is taken for every woman’s safety. I have a set schedule. If I deviate from it, people get concerned and take action. I’m starting over from a bad situation. Until I save up enough money to move, I have to honor those rules. I don’t have the flexible schedule you’re probably expecting.”
Now, some things were becoming clearer. She was on a tight budget—the reason why she didn’t have a car, but what circumstances would cause her to have to start over? Had she been in an abusive relationship? What other reason would there be for tight security? If some loser had touched her, and Levi got a name and address… he took a deep breath. He was getting carried away. Whatever the reason, Levi hoped one day Karyn would feel comfortable enough to talk about her past.
“You don’t owe me an explanation, but thanks for sharing that with me.” He frowned as he struggled to convey his thoughts. “I’ll hold it close to my heart.”
He pulled into Boston Market’s drive-through lane behind another car. Within a few minutes, he ordered them two meals. He wasn’t necessarily hungry, but he didn’t want her to eat alone. “So, Cinderella, what time do I need to have you home?” he teased.
Blinking, Karyn sucked in her breath.
He didn’t expect a stunned reaction. Did he offend her in any way? “Karyn, should I apologize? Did I say something wrong?”
She stiffened. “What makes you think that?”
“I watched your expression change.”
“I never expected to be anybody’s Cinderella. Are you my prince?”
Levi’s cockiness was in full force. She was definitely a boost for his confidence. He toyed with the best Mack Daddy reply, then God brought him down a notch. “You’re the princess, Karyn. I can’t be a prince without you.”
Her eyes watered as he inched to the window and exchanged money with the clerk for their food and wished her a Happy Thanksgiving. He passed the bag to Karyn for her inspection. Once she nodded that their order was right, he drove off.
“I want us to spend as much time together as you will allow me. It’s as if God gave me a rose. You open slowly and become more beautiful at every stage.”
“Ha, me, beautiful?” She chuckled. “No wonder you wear glasses.
Biting his lip, Levi nodded. “I can see clearly now that my rain has gone.”
***
Karyn was convinced Levi Tolliver was a prince. He just wasn’t hers. It was because of her self-reproach, she had ignored his innocent query about the father’s crime.
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not in the flesh, but after My spirit, God spoke Romans 8:1.
By the time Levi parked at the curb of Karyn’s temporary home, her spirit had settled. Although the place was a blessing, it also was a hindrance to any type of romantic entanglement. What did neighbors think of the female ex-convicts living behind closed doors, trying to transition back into the community? What would Levi think?
Karyn blinked as the aroma of their meals interfered with Levi’s cologne. She liked the way he smelled. She glanced at her watch—twelve minutes. Not a minute more or the staff would lock the door for the night.
As Levi watched her, Karyn wondered at his purpose in her life. Reaching out to massage his chin, she answered his earlier question. “The girl’s dad who is in prison stabbed someone to death.” She focused on his eyes and tried to read his expression. “God is just, and He will judge every one of us. Everyone in prison shouldn’t be there. For those who are, well…well.” Karyn shook her head. “Levi, you’re entitled to your hurt and anger. Let no one, including me, make you feel guilty for being angry about your loss.” She softened her voice. “As you move on, remember to forgive so you’ll be free.”
Say something, she mentally shouted. Oh, how she wished to see the dimples that had a calming effect on her, instead he bit his bottom lip.
“See, that’s the thing. The scrums at my wife’s trial…none asked for forgiveness. They didn’t try to explain why they committed such a hideous, cowardly act. If one in that bunch had asked for my forgiveness,” Levi paused and patted his chest. “God would have to force my lips to say yes.” He looked pained. “Lives were changed forever.”
Lord, please help him to overcome his torment, she prayed. You made a mistake sending me.
“Sometimes,” he choked, “when I read Luke 17:3 about forgiving whenever whomever asks, but I don’t recall any one of them asking.”
Maybe Karyn was asking him to do the impossible. “Sometimes people don’t. When we pray The Lord’s Prayer, we’re telling the Lord we’ll forgive whoever trespasses against us, because He forgives us. I’ve learned something these past twenty-seven years on this earth. Patrice, for example, may never apologize to me or anybody, for that matter, until the day she dies, but what gives me peace is I can forgive her. At times, it’s hard, but I want God to forgive me for all my sins. It’s a trade-off.”
Levi closed his eyes. “You’re incredible. Jesus, where did this precious woman come from?” he whispered, then opened his eyes. “I want to test the waters, then stake my claim. Is it too soon to say I’m in love with you?”
“What?” She caught her breath. Surely Levi was teasing. He wasn’t a bit more ready to fall in love than she was. “Of course it’s too soon. You don’t even know me—”
“Oh, so you’re saying if we took the time to get to know each other, I would definitely fall in love with you?” he asked, smirking.
That sounded like a dare, and she didn’t do dares. “Good night, Mr. Tolliver.” As Karyn turned to get out, Levi stopped her. “I’m sorry. You just do something to me. When I’m around you, I feel everything is all right in my world. I’ll get your door.”
Once he assisted her out of the car, Levi carried her bag to the door. What if he a
sked to come in for a while? Karyn became nervous. When she stepped up on the porch, he didn’t.
“Look, I know you’re tired and have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. You go eat and get some rest. Let the other meal be a leftover.”
Karyn exhaled, not realizing she had been holding her breath. She felt emboldened. “Never tell anybody you love them unless you really do. True love means unconditional love like Christ gives the church.”
She knew what was coming when Levi guided her chin closer. When his lips were inches from her mouth, she covered his mouth with her hand and captured his kiss in her palm. She placed her kiss in her palm and returned her hand to his lips.
“We can do better than that.”
“I really need to go,” she softly pleaded.
Levi stole a kiss, then a second one. When he grinned, his dimples saluted her. Whistling, he turned to head to his car, then twirled around. “Hey, I need your number!”
Karyn giggled. The image of the cool swagger was shattered at his near-panic mode. She shouted the seven digits, hoping he had sonic hearing, then ran into the house. Maybe she could be a princess for a day.
She had made her curfew, breathing heavily. She signed in at the desk and climbed the stairs to her suite. She found Buttercup watching a show on TV that was demonstrating beauty tips. Once she saw the Boston Market bag, her program was forgotten as she jumped up.
“Finally, a doggie bag.” Buttercup clapped.
CHAPTER 14
Jesetta Hutchen’s presence was a reminder of Diane’s absence.
As Diane’s older sister and Dori’s only auntie, the Tollivers embraced her as family, and family tradition was Thanksgiving dinner at Levi’s parents’ house.
It was practically a new house on the same old lot in Fountain Park after Tollivers’ Real Estate and Development got through with the renovations. The city neighborhood was known for its stately two- and three-story brick houses that had been in the possession of black folks, some for more than three generations.
