"What about Shawn and Derrick?"
"Derrick lives in Madison - and he has his own family to see to. Shawn just moved back here. I have always been here. Every year, harvest time, I'm out there with my dad. I will be this year as well."
"School courses don't start until September anyway Jake. It doesn't take forever to bring in the crops, or - whatever it is you do. I'm sure you can do that with him, and then school."
"I thought about it last night. This morning, I'm not about to be supported by you. I can't do it. No way. I don't care about it being temporary, okay? I don't care."
"Jake, if you went to school in Chicago, no one has to know!" She argued.
"I'll know! Okay? I would know! Did you hear what I said about my parents? They're not going to want me to move to Chicago."
"Then why did you tell me you would see Jake? What was that all about?"
"You had a face on!"
"Oh please! So what are you saying?"
"Read between the lines Vivian, you're a very intelligent woman, lacking nothing upstairs - what do you think I'm saying?"
She could only stare at him and then turned away looking out of her window, she moved away from the center of the seat and crossed her arms over her breasts, sulking.
"You gonna do that all the way home?"
"If I feel like it." She snapped with the roll of her head, refusing to look at him.
"Well I don't feel like it. So bring your ass back over here, and quit being that way."
"Excuse me, you talkin' to me?"
"Only you and I in this truck! And you know what, I'm telling you now - if you and I are getting married, we're going to have to get something clear right from the start, as I've told you before, I'm not that fuckin' kind of white man! You're not gonna run roughshod over me! You're not gonna be stomping and having these little tantrums to get your way! I am what I am! Get that through your head right now! You're gonna learn, that if we say vows, I'm the leader of the goddamn pack! None of this, whiney-weeny - yes dear, right away dear, anything you say dear! Screw that! I like my balls and I'm keepin'em! You're a goddamn woman, and that's how I'm gonna to treat you - like a woman! You got plenty enough attitude as it is - imagine if I were to live with you supporting me? No - way! You're gonna have to live off of what I can provide for you, and that's that! I'm not a fuckin' doctor -..."
"I know you're not a doctor Jake! Of that I am certain! I never asked you to be! All I asked is that you be the best of whatever it is you WANT to be! And don't start throwing him in my face every time you get on this high of defending your manhood - he has nothing to do with this!"
"Bullshit! I bet you if he asked you to leave your job and accept the lifestyle he could give you, you wouldn't hesitate! Know why? Because he makes the big bucks baby! Nothing to be ashamed of being married to a fuckin' doctor! Yeah! You'd be talkin' it up, about your plans and what you're gonna do! The house you're gonna buy, your decor and design! Lets see how many you tell that your future to be, works in a goddamn lumber yard!" He hurled back.
"Obviously, you're in the mood for a fight. So I'll just sit here and shut my mouth."
"That's right, you do that baby. Because you and I both know, I'm right! I didn't grow up in a big city - no - but I know how people are! I know how women are! I haven't lived this fuckin' long without getting to a know a few things about people. Competing with the Jones's - the car you drive - name brand clothes - and how many fuckin' bathrooms you have in your goddamn house! Its all bullshit! Its all a façade! It don't mean - shit! And it doesn't make that fuckin' doctor - better than me!" Jake spat, and then blew out taking a deep breath to calm himself down, afraid that he'd said too much, but finished saying, "And he don't - fuckin' love you - like I do. He may be able to shower you, will all the shit you like - but - he'll never - make you feel the way - I make you feel. And - I - I'm telling you now - I - I will match everything he can do for you - everything! I'll better it - but I'll do it - my way! Understand, my way! You hear me?!" He reached over and grabbed her hand, holding it, squeezing it.
"Look at me - dammit! Look at me."
Vivian sat quiet, turning her head, she faced him.
"I - will do it - my way. You chose me. You said to me, that you - were meant for me. I will hold you to that! Because with you, I'm going all the way. God as my witness knows, what I've given you, I'v given no woman. Now dammit - you - you give me a chance. Give me time. You swore that you were for me. So - that's that. Now - move your ass back over here, and - get that face off."
He had his eyes on the road, flicking them back and forth from her to it. With a sigh of acceptance, she moved back close to him. Jake moved his arm up and over the back of the seat, his hand at her arm, pulling her closer. "That's a good lil'girl... right there, is where you belong. Don't ever forget that."
* * *
Shawn was speaking with one of the builders on sight of the house. Discussing with them other things that he needed done. He showed them the wall he created, minus a door, stating that one needed to be put in as soon as possible, and also went over the plans for the small apartment over the garage. There were two guys that were eager to get on that project while the foundation for the studio, lot and house was being laid. They would put the door in for him, and get the structure above the garage started as well. Happy with that, he went into the basement and started laying out a plan for getting his work done.
Sylvia was across the road with Shanna. The kids were gone. Angela at school, Crystal and Mundo off for whatever they had to do. He thought before he started full swing, he should check his emails. When he opened it, "Oh shit!" He gasped. It was an email from Lowell James. There were three more authors added, and he was asking for a progress report. It was the last thing Shawn needed to see. He checked all of his emails, and the folder where he kept his assignments, after checking them all, he realized he had to finish up the book covers for the James's and also, now - all together, eight book covers for new authors. Which meant, eight websites, and a marketing packet for each. Two of which were due next week.
"FUCK!" No sooner had that come out than the phone started ringing. Sighing, he went to it, answering. "McPherson's."
"Everett Styles?"
"Yes... Mr. James?"
"I haven't heard from you. Never received confirmation on my emails and the book covers for the new authors. Is everything running according to schedule? You have anything for me yet? Mainly speaking, the two I stated we feel are best sellers?"
"I ah, have fallen a bit behind. Lot of things taking place with my family."
"I see. Your load too heavy Everett?"
"No... things are settling down, and uh - I'll have those two ready on schedule."
"You sure about that? Because if you can't carry the load, I need to know. Now you assured me, when you were here, that you had a method of doing the work that would make the results quick and efficient, while retaining the quality. We need to maintain our scheduled release dates; its not a good idea to bite off more than you can chew."
"Mr. James, I assure you - everything will be on time. That's a promise. I will deliver the two and wrap up the remainder of the work due on your wife's book covers."
"Web sites and marketing packets? We're talking the posters, the bookstore brochures and novel cards - we need to get those out there as soon as possible. I would like to see the websites of the two authors up by this weekend so that we can add a link to them on the main site. Which means, the book covers. I want a rough draft by Friday. I should have received them by now."
"I know. You're right - I'll have them by Friday."
"Yeah well - I hope so. I like your style, Everett Styles. My wife and I signed you to a contract for good reason. As you know, most publishers pay flat rates for works done from artist, we didn't go that route because we wanted to be familiar with our artist to work close and personal. I hope we've made the right decision in that."
"I think my past work speaks for itself."
"True enough, but we can't gain revenue from works in the past done for someone else, we need you to put the work out in the present and future for us, and on time. Having said that, I've used enough of yours - can't wait to see what you have for us Friday."
"I'm sure you'll be pleased." Shawn returned.
"I hope so. Okay and good-day to you."
The phone went dead.
"Shit!" Shawn took a deep breath, and put the phone down.
No sooner had he sat down to start organizing things to get moving on them, when the phone rang again. "DAMMIT!" He fumed. Snatching it up and hitting the talk button. "McPherson's!"
"Chad Withering, anger management, may I ask with whom I'm speaking?"
"Shawn McPherson." Shawn answered, with dread, knowing already what this meant, he'd forgotten.
"Mr. McPherson, this is just a quick reminder call. You and your daughter are due for your anger management appointment this evening. This meeting is at 7:30, just wanted to remind you, you both missed last weeks."
Shawn ran his hand over his head, "Uh, yeah - uh - we'll be there."
"Glad to hear it, see you tonight."
Shawn clicked the phone off and knew that he had to get his projects in gear and went back to work, praying that no one else interrupt. He had to make sure that studio was built. Once it was, he would most certainly be moving into it straight away. And Sylvia would have to take all phone calls once he stepped into the studio. He would make it clear, no interruptions whatsoever. This was his job he was playing with. They had a brand new home in progress, a baby on the way, and Mundo and Crystal living with them so they could go back to school full time. He could not afford to lose work, or share it with someone. To assure that he not be interrupted again, he picked up the phone and dialed Shanna's. She answered, "McPherson's."
"Sylvia still there?" Shawn asked right away.
"Yep, hang on." She responded passing Sylvia the phone.
"Yeah?"
"Look, I'm going to forward all calls to Shanna's until you come home. I've got more work to do, and I have a deadline by this Friday to meet. I can't be answering the phone."
"Okay, forward them here, I'll correct it when I come home. Should I fix you some lunch? You hungry?"
"Not right now, I have work to get done. Plus, Crystal has an anger management appointment tonight. Get a hold of her, remind her, we're going. No excuses."
"Okay Shawn, but I'll fix you something, for you to eat in an-..."
"Baby, I'll eat come dinner. When the kids get home, make sure they don't disturb me. I gotta go - love you - bye." He hung up, and immediately did call forwarding, put the phone back on the jack outside the office and went back in, closing himself away.
"What's going on with him?" Shanna asked.
"He's feeling under pressure. I feel bad, with everything going on, work is getting away from him. Give me just a minute Shanna, I need to make a few phone calls." Sylvia explained, and went on to dial Crystal, delivering Shawn's message with the reminder of their appointment that evening, she also wanted her home in time for dinner and told her so. "Dinner is at 6 and for once, we're going to have it together, so be home with the boys, okay?"
"Okay mama, we'll be home for dinner."
She called Mundo next, "You picking up Angela from school? I forgot to ask Crystal."
"Yeah I'ah swing by there and get'er."
"Good, and when you all get home. Quiet, do not disturb Shawn, he's working, and feeling the pressure, come in and be quiet. Dinner is at 6 - I expect everybody home for it. Understand?"
"I'mo be there, and I'mo be hungry! Don't be skimpin' on the meat! What you cookin'?"
"Salisbury steak - and don't be late pickin' up Angela!"
"I ain't never late! I be there."
Satisfied, Sylvia clicked the phone off and turned back to Shanna, they were looking over her plans for an 80 X 80 to be put up for her upholstery business. And discussing Officer Collier. "Now, back to dinner last night. How did that go?" Sylvia grinned asking.
"It was wonderful and Jake was funny! My poor Royce, he's going to have one heck of a time with my brothers I fear."
"He'll get use to them."
"I hope so. Because, I really really - care about him, a lot."
"Enough to marry him?" Sylvia asked.
"Definitely - even though I have no plans of marrying any time soon."
Sylvia stared at her a moment, and then asked. "You still going for the divorce Shanna?"
She glanced at Sylvia, and nodded, then verbalized it, "Yeah ... I am. Just to make sure."
"You - ever think about it Shanna? You ever wonder - what happened?"
"I try not to. I - want to move forward. I want to enjoy the rest of my life, and I - don't wanna think about - my past ... or - him. He's in the past, and that's where he's going to stay. All that matters now, is us. This family, all of us together. Right?"
Sylvia gave a sad smile, taking a deep breath, she nodded, "Right."
Mundo was at the school on time to pick Angela up. She saw his blazer, a bright smile burst upon her face, she waved at him and came running, opening the door, she threw her books in, "Mundo you mind taking Thomasa and her brother home?"
"No probs, tell'em come on."
She turned back, waving them forward.
Mundo turned to watch them climb in the back seat. "Buckle up." Mundo ordered, they all did; he pulled off, heading for the other side of town where they lived. They were quiet, a bit uncomfortable in his presence. "Ya'll mighty quiet. I'on bite you know! What's yo'name again m'man?"
He leaned forward, "Vincent - Vincent St. Cloud."
"Ah'ight Vincent... so like - what's up?"
"Nothing - just - going to school."
"Naw naw naw - not what's up with school - I mean... what's up? As in my lil'sister?"
"Mundo!" Angela squealed, shocked.
"Hush lil'girl - don't even look at me like that! You think I don't know what the heck goin' on? When dad ain't here, I'm in charge! So uh - what's happenin'?"
"ACH!" Angela made a face and sat back in her seat, arms crossed, glowering at him.
Mundo only laughed, "What? That look s'pose to scare me? Well it don't. So uh - m'man Vincent... what's going on dude? You diggin' on my lil'sis an'thangs?"
"Who me? No - no. They're friends, my sister and her."
"Uh ah, yeah - sure. Just so you know it - Angela ain't datin' yet. She just a lil'girl. You just a lil'boy."
"Mundo! Hush!" Angela squealed again.
"Who you tellin' t'hush! You hush! You think you slick! 'You mind takin' Thomasa and her brother home?'" He mimicked her little girls voice, making Thomasa giggle in the back seat. "I'm tellin' you now - I'on play that! Long as we all friends - every thang be cool! Step beyond that, stuff start t'get ugly. Get my meaning m'man Vincent? Know what I'm sayin'?!" Mundo looked in his rear view at him.
Vincent gulped and nodded that he understood.
Mundo winked at him, and looked at Angela, and started grinning.
If looks could kill.
As Sylvia directed, all were present for dinner. She wouldn't disturb Shawn until his plate was on the table. Angela helped her set it along with Crystal while Mundo was outside with the boys, checking out the progress of the foundation across the road. With everything on the table, she called them in and went to the door, knocking.
"Shawn? Dinners ready." She alerted him softly.
He came right away, he was starving, "Smells good, and I'm hungry as hell!" He warned her, going to the sink to wash his hands, the table was set and all were present. He paused looking at the kids around the table, Darren in a high chair pointing at what he wanted, and shaking his head no, at what he didn't.
Shawn smiled. His family - finally.
His pregnant wife, was pouring everyone something to drink and telling Isaac no, that he would get something to drink once he ate half of his food. The scene brought a lump to his throat as he went to the table and took his seat.
Salisbury steak, smothered in gravy with mushrooms, sautéed onions in butter, asparagus, and small broasted potatoes and herbs, with buttered rolls. His mouth watered.
Sylvia was standing and watching him, "Is everything okay?" She asked.
He smiled up at her, "Yes, sit down so you can eat too."
"Just wanted to make sure before I sat down."
Together, as a family, they all started eating, "Angela, what's wrong with you?" Shawn asked her, noticing her sober mood.
"Nothing." She answered.
"Then why is your lip out?"
Mundo was about to say something when she looked at him with wide eyes, and shook her head, no. He grinned, and poked his tongue in the corners of his mouth; gesturing, that she better smile. She did, sat up straighter in her chair and began eating.
"Mundo ... what was that about?" Sylvia asked.
Shawn looked up from cutting into his Salisbury steak, looking at Mundo and then at Sylvia.
"Nothing mom, I was just saying she need to cheer up and smile. See, it worked."
Shawn's eyes narrowed as he looked at his daughter, who smiled bright at him. He looked back at Mundo, who smiled brightly as well. "Why do I get a feeling we need to be talking later, you and I?" He said to Mundo. Angela's eyes grew huge again.
"We can, when ya'll get back from anger management." He promised, winking at Angela.
"Crystal you're quiet." Shawn observed.
"I have a lot on my mind."
"Like what?" He asked.
"Like - I ah - filed for divorce yesterday."
Everyone at the table looked up and at her.
"You what?" Sylvia asked stunned.
"I - decided - that - well - enough was enough. We were too young anyway, to get married. You said it yourself mama. And I just - want it over with." She stated softly, gave a sad smile and went back to eating her food. Fighting back tears, as she kept her face down, grown quiet.
BOMAW 7-9 Page 89
