by Zuri Day
He walked over to meet her. “You look beautiful, baby.” They shared a hug. “How are you feeling?” His hands dropped to her shoulders. He lightly kneaded the tension.
“Better now.”
He lowered his mouth to her ear. “Better still, later. I promise.”
The sound of tinkling crystal got their attention. It was Jennifer, standing beside Ike, at the head of a long, rectangular table for twenty. Taking Aliyah’s hand, Terrell led them to empty chairs near the front. Aliyah nodded hello when eye contact was made, and gave a subtle wave to Charlie and Warren, as she and Terrell sat across from them.
“Good evening, family. I’m sure you’re wondering why we asked you here tonight for dinner. First of all I can allay any fears or concerns by saying that Jennifer and I are happier than we’ve ever been so there is no divorce on the horizon.”
This caused a few titters. Everyone in the room knew that the Drakes had one of the strongest marriages on the west coast.
“And while this may be disappointing to some, I must also inform you that Jen is not pregnant.”
A slight gasp and sharp punch to the arm was proof that even Jennifer was surprised at this comment. She joined everyone in laughter, though, and shook her head as she took a seat.
“Everyone here knows that although this is a family-owned business, no family members get a pass. In order to be a part of this company and most certainly to progress to higher levels within it, one must have the proper education, work ethic, natural ability and drive to go above and beyond the call of duty in their endeavors. Such is the case with the person whom I’d like to discuss tonight.”
Terrell’s brow creased. He looked at Ike, Jr., who shrugged. Others in the room showed similar confusion. Obviously very few if any besides Ike, Sr. knew the announcement that was about to come.
“Recently, something has been brought to the attention of one of our executives, which is leading to his unexpected and immediate departure from the firm. It’s unfortunate, but necessary. This person has done exceptional work for many years. I consider him not only a valued employee, but a trusted friend. I’m speaking of Hugh Parker.”
Terrell’s confusion deepened. As VP of Sales, Hugh was his boss. And he was leaving? What had happened that would cause him to leave the company? And why hadn’t Terrell been told about it?
Ike, Sr. smiled at Terrell. “I can see by the look on my son’s face that he is as stunned as I was when Hugh came to me with the news that a family situation was causing him to have to relocate. In a moment, I’ll let him share as little or much as he wants to about this personal issue but right now, I’d like to ask everyone to grab hold of your wine or champagne or shot glass, whatever you’re imbibing, and help me congratulate and welcome Drake Realty’s newest executive and Vice President of Sales, Terrell Drake.”
Stunned didn’t begin to convey how totally unexpected this news was to Terrell. For several seconds, he didn’t move, waited for the cloud of confusion to lift. Only when he felt Aliyah’s hand on his shoulder, and turned to see her smile and extend her glass, did he react to his father’s announcement and the subsequent applause. He slowly rose from his seat and walked to where his dad stood. They shook hands and embraced. Proud father. Humbled son.
Aliyah took it all in, genuinely happy for Terrell’s success. And glad she’d accepted his invitation. He’d been right. The break was needed. Tonight, she’d bask in the shadow of his happiness and the strength of his arms. Tomorrow would be enough time to renew her worries about Kyle, and the future.
Chapter 25
Sunday morning, after their standard pancake breakfast, Aliyah drove herself and Kyle to Sacramento and the movie theater where she and Terrell had agreed to meet. When she pulled into the parking lot, he was there waiting.
Aliyah got out. “Hey, Terrell.”
“Hello.”
She walked around to where Kyle was strapped into his booster seat and opened his door.
“Mr. Drake is here!”
“I see him, Kyle. Now unbuckle yourself and get out.”
“Why is Mr. Drake here?” Terrell walked up next to Aliyah. “Mr. Drake, why are you here?”
“Let’s go, boy.”
“But, Mommy, I—”
“Do you want to see the movie or not?”
“Okay.” Kyle blew out a breath as he unfastened the seat belt.
Aliyah looked at Terrell. “Did this child just huff at me?”
“No, not a huff. We teach them yoga at the center. I think he was practicing deep breathing.”
“I can tell already. You’re going to be no disciplinary help at all!”
Kyle’s kiddie sneakers had barely met pavement before starting up again. “Mr. Drake. What are you doing here?”
“Well, I heard that a certain young man did very well on a test recently. So I asked his mother, Aliyah, if I could come and help that young man celebrate.”
“You’re talking about me!”
“Oh, am I? Was it you who passed the test?”
“Yes,” Kyle said, amid laughter. “You knew that.”
They purchased tickets and after a stop by the concession stand for the obligatory box of popcorn, sweet treats and soda, the trio were happy to find seats together in the crowded theater. Aliyah sat between Terrell and Kyle. She got her son situated with his popcorn and candy, then turned to take the soda Terrell had been holding and placed it in the holder.
“I didn’t expect an afternoon movie to be this crowded.”
“That’s because you don’t have kids. This show will probably break box office records this weekend.”
The movie was clearly aimed at the younger crowd, but while walking out, Terrell and Aliyah admitted they’d both liked it, too.
“What are we doing now?” Kyle asked Aliyah.
“If you’re not too stuffed with popcorn, I thought we’d grab a bite to eat.”
“Mr. Drake, will you come?”
Terrell looked at Aliyah. “If your mother doesn’t mind.”
“No, I don’t mind.”
“All right. Tell me where we’re going and I’ll meet you there.”
The trip to Arden Fair Mall turned into a full afternoon and evening together. The decision to work off an all-American late lunch turned into a mini-shopping spree that included the Disney and Apple stores and one of Aliyah’s favorites for Kyle, Abercrombie Kids. It also included her preventing Terrell from buying whatever she said she liked as a Christmas present. She’d never been overly materialistic and when dating Ernest, costly gifts usually ended up costing something extra. When she told Terrell she didn’t want him to buy her anything, especially something extravagant, she meant it. By the time they headed to the parking garage, weariness had slowed Kyle’s chatter to a minimum. A rare thing.
They stopped just inside the garage. “Where are you parked?” Terrell asked.
“Level two. What about you?”
“I’m down here. But I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Thanks but that’s really not necessary. The elevators are right over here and our car is directly across from them.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Terrell followed as Aliyah headed to the bank of elevators.
“Call me when you head out. Let me know you’re safe.”
“Will do. Thanks for everything. Kyle, did you thank Mr. Drake for the gifts he bought you?”
“Yes, but I’ll do it again. Thanks, Mr. Drake!”
“You’re welcome, little man.”
“I’m not little!”
Terrell took a step forward, towering over Kyle who though big for his age was no match for six-two. “You’re littler than me.”
Kyle looked respectfully sheepish and begrudgingly acknowledged
this truth. “Okay.”
On this funny note the three parted company. As promised, once on the freeway, Aliyah called Terrell.
“Just wanted to let you know we are on the freeway and headed home.”
“How’d you beat me to the freeway and I was on the first floor?”
“I guess it comes with knowing how to drive.”
“Whoa!”
“You forget I’m east coast. When it comes to knowing how to navigate we can teach you westerners a thing or two.”
“Is that right?” Said as his voice dropped an octave.
“What do you think, Kyle?” Asked so that Terrell would know their call was not private.
“I can’t drive so I don’t know.”
“Ha. Good answer. Terrell, we’ll talk later, okay. Thanks again.”
She disconnected the call and was about to turn up the stereo when Kyle spoke.
“Mom, can I ask you a question.”
“Sure, babe.”
“Do you like Mr. Drake?”
“Of course, Kyle. I try to like everybody.”
“No, I mean like him like him. Like a boyfriend.”
At this question, Aliyah was shocked but not surprised. She’d known this conversation was going to have to happen sooner or later. Tonight was as good a night as any. Still, she wasn’t going to say more than necessary.
“I like him like a good friend. Mommy doesn’t have a boyfriend.”
“Do you want a boyfriend?”
“Maybe someday.”
“I think Mr. Drake would make a good boyfriend.”
“You do?” Kyle nodded. “Why is that?”
“Because he’s nice. And smart. And rich, too!”
That last one was unexpected. “How do you know that?”
“’Cause I heard one of the teachers say that.”
“Kyle, were you eavesdropping?”
“No, they were talking loud.”
“Ha!”
“Mommy, if Mr. Drake was your boyfriend, would that make him my dad?”
Aliyah hesitated at Kyle’s jump to this unexplored terrain, which was not only foreign, but stickier than the cinnamon bun Kyle had had for dessert.
“No. If Mommy were to date someone, that person does not become your father. If I were to ever get married, then that person may take on the role of your father. But you already have a daddy, Kyle, even though you’ve not met.”
“Why not?”
“Because he lives far away, on the other side of the country, closer to Grandma.”
“So.”
Indeed. “So it’s a long way to visit.”
“But we visit Grandma. And Uncle Kieran came here.”
“Yes, that is true.” She took the opportunity while exiting the freeway to glance over at her son, gauge his expression. It was one of simple curiosity. About something that, in this moment, Aliyah understood he had every right to know.
“Would you like to meet your father?”
Kyle nodded. “I guess so.”
“So if that were to happen, say in the next month or so, you’d feel okay about it?” Another nod. “I think it would be good for you to know your dad, so I’ll see what I can do about that happening, okay?”
“Okay. But can I tell you something?”
“Sure?”
“If I could choose my own daddy, I’d choose Mr. Drake.”
There was no comeback after a statement like that. So Aliyah didn’t even try. She turned up the radio and joined Kyle in getting happy with singer Pharrell.
Chapter 26
“Are you ready for bright lights, big city, babe?”
“I’m more than ready!”
With December had come shorter days, cooler temps and just last night a dusting of snow. Aliyah had barely noticed, so focused had she been on the upcoming trial. Since their time in Sacramento, that and work had been her life. It had taken encouragement, begging and finally threats to pry her away from the computer and researching cases. She’d had several conversations with Mr. Simmons, the man her paternity attorney had recommended, the one who was preparing her custody case. They’d even had a “face-to-face” meeting via the internet. He’d told her not to worry, that the argument for her to maintain full custody was a strong one and that if for any reason the judge forced a joint arrangement, it should be gradual and at her convenience. Those words sounded nice but for all intents and purposes, Mr. Simmons was a stranger who, aside from his professional conviction, had zero attachment to the outcome of this case. This made Aliyah wary. She also met with Terrell’s attorney friend, who’d been reassuring, but for Aliyah that wasn’t enough. By the time they walked into that Rhode Island courthouse, she planned to be almost as well-versed in child custody law as he was. Meanwhile, this one-on-one adult time Terrell had planned was much needed.
They headed into the hangar. A familiar face was there to greet them. “Hello, Terrell. Aliyah.”
“You remembered my name. Hi, Stan.”
“I always remember a pretty lady,” he said with a wink. “What’s going on, big guy?”
“You got it, man,” Terrell replied. They shook hands.
“So is it San Francisco again?”
“You didn’t get my message?”
Stan pulled out his phone. “I guess not.”
“I sent you some pertinent information. Check it out.”
Terrell gave Stan a pat on the back as the three headed to the plane. Within minutes, they were airborne and headed east.
Once they got settled, Aliyah turned to Terrell. “What are we doing this time?”
“I didn’t make plans for this trip. Thought we’d be spontaneous, just go with the flow.”
“It must be nice to take off anytime you want, and do whatever it is you want to do.”
“I don’t look at my situation like that. I have responsibilities and obligations that don’t allow for a leisurely lifestyle.”
“I didn’t mean to imply that yours was a life of leisure, but that when you do have the time, you also have the means to go where you want and do what you want. It’s a lifestyle that most people don’t even think about, let alone dream about.”
“I guess you’re right. When it’s all you’ve ever known, you don’t even think about it.”
“That you had a privileged upbringing yet still treat the average person with decency is a testament to Jennifer and Ike and the way you were raised.”
“My parents never let us think we were better, only blessed. As for decency,” he said, pulling her closer to him and placing his hand on her inner thigh. “I want to change your mind about that by spending every moment in Sin City being as indecent as possible.”
“Sin City?”
“Yes, we’re headed to Vegas.”
“How exciting!” She gave him a hug. “I’ve only been there once before. A weekend with a few of my classmates, to celebrate our graduation.”
“It will only be for a weekend again. But we’re going pack it full of fun.”
He did exactly that. Packed not only with fun, but also with a sense of fantasy, too. Starting with their hotel suite, if one could call it that. Though it was at the top of the Palms Casino, to Aliyah, condo or apartment seemed more appropriate. One of seven luxury penthouses in this popular strip hotel, the suite was over three thousand square feet of pure luxury. From the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered some of the most amazing views in all of Vegas, to the gourmet kitchen, complete with on-call chef, to the 24-hour concierge and car service, everything was designed to make one feel special. Like royalty. Pampered. Loved.
After enjoying the stainless-steel pool table while playing with a special set of balls, Aliyah and Terrell showered and dressed for 7:00 p.m. dinner
reservations at Ceasars Palace followed by front row seat at Mariah’s show. It was a party crowd in the mood for a good time. Terrell and Aliyah joined right in, making friends with the couple next to them and once Mariah took the stage singing along with all of their favorites, and swaying to visions of love. The next day brought a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon, dinner on a bluff and a night of making love in front of the two-way fireplace with the neon lights of the Vegas strip twinkling in the background. It was enough to make a woman lose her mind, fall in love and forget about any problem she’d ever had. Almost.
Sunday came and all too soon it was time to return to California and reality. They arrived at McCarran International Airport and the terminal for private plane customers within minutes of the time Terrell had given Stan that they wanted to take off. One of several advantages Aliyah observed in taking a charter. No security line. No X-ray machine, removal of shoes or jackets. Just a smile, warm greeting from the pilot and on the plane you go.
When it came to the romance of their relationship, Terrell often made the first move. Not today. As soon as the plane had leveled, Aliyah unbuckled her belt and snuggled into his arms.
“This weekend was incredible. I needed it more than I realized.”
Terrell placed an arm around her shoulders, gave one a light squeeze. “You’re way more relaxed than when we left, that’s for sure.”
“Hard not to be, with a man who wanted to make love to me seven ways from Sunday.”
“I didn’t hear you complaining.”
