by D. Camille
Brandon agreed. “Is that going to be a problem?”
“Yeah, it probably will be…”
“Why?”
Benjamin closed his eyes and began his story. “When I arrived on the dark continent and told the people I was from Detroit, they told me about a pretty doctor who was also from Detroit and when I finally met her, I was floored completely. She was a younger woman and absolutely stunning with beautiful light brown eyes filled with stubbornness. I was immediately attracted to her and for an entire week, I tried to get her attention.”
“At first, she was very standoffish. She told me that she wasn’t interested in me or any other man…” he opened his eyes. “So of course, that made me want her more.”
“I wore her down and we began to see each other and by the time I had to leave, we were in a full-blown passionate affair.”
Brandon listened in amazement. He’d never heard his father speak of any woman other than his mother in this manner. He heard the emotions in his voice which included both love and pain.
“So what happened?” Brandon asked.
Benjamin lowered his head. “I wanted her to come back to Detroit but she couldn’t.”
“She couldn’t or wouldn’t?”
Lifting his eyes, Benjamin prepared to tell his son the rest. “She couldn’t…she did something that she regretted and felt that she could never return.”
Brandon frowned. “Dad, is she a fugitive?”
Benjamin shook his head. “No son, what she did wasn’t criminal.”
“But she hurt people…” Brandon surmised.
“Yeah, she did and I don’t know if they can forgive her.” Benjamin said quietly. “But she’s not the same person she was before.”
Brandon became concerned. “How do you know she’s not going to do the same to you?”
“Because she was young and irresponsible back then. Now she’s a grown woman who understands the mistakes she made.”
Brandon ran a hand down his face. “So what are you going to do?”
“She sent me a message and she wants to see me,” Benjamin informed him. “She wanted me to meet her somewhere, but I want her to come to Detroit and make peace with her past once and for all.”
“Do you think that will help?” Brandon asked.
Benjamin shook his head. “It’s the only way that we can be together again.”
“And that’s what you want…to be with her?”
“Yes, I’ve waited a long time.”
Brandon nodded. “Okay, Dad. I’ll support you in any way that I can.”
Benjamin paused. “Wait son…there’s more.”
“More?” Brandon asked raising a brow.
“This woman’s name is Victoria Patterson. She’s Tauri’s mother.”
******
Brandon shook his head to clear it then focused on his father. “Did you just say that you’re in love with Tauri’s mother?”
Benjamin nodded.
“The mother who left her as a baby and never returned?” Brandon asked.
“She was young,” Benjamin began as Brandon jumped to his feet.
“And then she grew up Dad! Tauri is almost thirty years old!”
Benjamin took a breath. “So she doesn’t deserve another chance?”
“My mother was taken away from me! Victoria Patterson walked away from her child!”
“This is why I didn’t tell you,” Benjamin said standing to his feet. “I thought that being in love yourself would change your opinion.”
Brandon watched his father. “I’m not in love with a woman who crushed her child along with her parents.”
“I’m not saying what she did was right Brandon! I’m saying that she should be able to make amends and live her life,” Benjamin rebutted. “We even allow hardened criminals that luxury.”
“Dad, do you know what bringing her back will do to Tauri and Mr. and Mrs. Patterson?” Brandon questioned.
“You think I don’t know that Brandon! This is why I’m approaching this whole thing cautiously.”
Brandon lowered his head. “This is amazing. You go all the way to Africa to meet Tauri’s long lost mother.”
“I encouraged her to return long ago but she wouldn’t. When she was in the States, we would meet up, but finally, I had to give an ultimatum. At that point, she chose not to maintain contact until I received this card a few weeks ago,” Benjamin explained. “I think she’s ready now.”
Brandon looked at his father. “But is everybody else?”
“I guess we’ll find out soon enough.” Benjamin told him. “She’s coming next month.”
Shaking his head, Brandon closed his eyes. “This is Rion’s wife and he’s my best friend.”
“This doesn’t have to affect you and Rion.”
Opening his eyes again, Brandon looked at his father. “It’s not a risk I’m willing to take over a woman I don’t even know.”
“I want you to meet her first,” his father informed him.
Brandon rubbed his temple. “I have to tell Rion and Tauri.”
Benjamin agreed. “I expect no less from you.”
“Dad, I hope this woman is really here to make amends with her family because anything else could find her in some serious trouble,” Brandon warned.
“If she’s not the woman I think she is son, I’ll be the first one to deal with her.” Benjamin promised.
******
Khalil opened his door to find Brandon on the other side. “What’s up my brother?”
“I need to talk to somebody,” Brandon told him and Khalil stepped aside.
“Is Rion out of town or something?” He asked closing the door.
Brandon shook his head. “No, it’s about Rion.”
Khalil looked surprised. “What’s wrong?”
Kyros wandered into the room and smiled. “Hey Uncle Brandon!”
Brandon greeted the boy with a hug. “Hey Kyros.”
“I need to talk with your Uncle Brandon for a minute and then I’ll be back to build some worlds with you,” Khalil told him with a smile. Kyros was a huge Minecraft fan and loved playing with his father.
“Okay Daddy.” He turned to Brandon. “See you later Uncle Brandon. Tell Auntie Mac I said hi.”
“I sure will Kyros, when I see her again.”
The boy walked back into the house and Khalil led Brandon to the kitchen where he had a seat at the island.
“So what’s up with Rion?”
“My father is involved with a woman,” Brandon began and Khalil frowned.
“And Rion is involved?” he asked confused.
Brandon shook his head. “No, will you listen.”
“Okay,” Khalil shrugged. His friends and these women, he was glad he didn’t have that problem.
“The woman is Victoria Patterson…Tauri’s estranged mother.”
Khalil’s eyes widened. “What? How the hell did that happen?”
Brandon explained. “He met her in Africa years ago and now they’re rekindling their affair. She’s coming back to Detroit and now I have to tell Rion and Tauri.”
“So tell them,”
Brandon sighed, this is why he usually talked to Rion. “How am I supposed to tell them Khalil?”
“Uh, Tauri your mother’s coming back to hook up with my father.” Khalil said point blank. “I mean what else?”
“Really Khalil? That’s what you want me to say?”
“Look, you know I don’t play around. I don’t have time for that.” He looked at Brandon. “This has nothing to do with you and Rion and it’s not going to stop you two from being friends, so don’t even go there. We’ve been through way more stuff than this.”
Brandon thought about it. “Yes, we have.”
“Plus Tauri’s momma is probably fine, so we can’t judge the Judge.”
Reluctantly, Brandon laughed. “I swear you are straight, no chaser.”
Khalil nodded. “And you take everything too seriously. This will all work itsel
f out without you stressing over it. You’ve got a campaign and a beautiful woman to focus on.”
“Tell your son to stop looking at her big fronts,” Brandon warned.
Khalil shook his head. “I’m going to hurt Lance and Corvus, for real.”
“They can’t help it.”
“They’re just ignorant, always have been.” Khalil told him. “Always running around getting into shit we had to get them out of.”
Brandon laughed. “Yes, those two.”
Khalil watched Brandon. “Mac is good for you. I’ve never seen you laugh and smile this much.”
“You all act like I was robot,” Brandon told him frowning.
“You were.”
Brandon gave him a look. “Hey, you know I’m going to keep it one hundred with you at all times.” Khalil told him.
“I mean, you were cool and all but we never really kicked it like this,” Khalil pointed out.
“You’re right,” Brandon agreed. “You’d always go on your black history rants and I’d tune you out.”
“You can never know too much of our history my brother. We are so rich in culture that we could go for years learning about the greatness of our people.”
Brandon nodded. “See, that’s what I’m talking about.”
“Keep on and I’m going to put you back on the list with Corvus and Lance,” Khalil told him.
“I’m not supposed to be on that list,” Brandon said frowning.
“Yeah, you’ve been there before.”
“Do you care anything about people’s feelings?” Brandon asked.
Khalil smirked. “Grown ass men? Not at all.”
“Now my son is another story,” he softened a bit. “That’s my little soldier and I’d never hurt him in any way.”
“He’s special,” Brandon agreed. “He was asking Mackenzie about police officers killing black men.”
“He told me what you said,” Khalil confirmed. “And you were right.”
Brandon shook his head. “It hurt Mackenzie and my heart broke to see her in that position. She believes in the badge and the badge plotted against her.”
“You know my feelings on the ‘systems’ that are in place to control and oppress our people, but I’m glad that we have people like you and Mac who are trying to make things better,” Khalil told him. “But that only goes so far.”
“At some point, we have to stand up. Power concedes nothing without a demand,” he finished.
“I hear you brother and I feel the same way as Mr. Douglass.” Brandon agreed.
“With you as Mayor, we at least know that some of the dirt will get cleaned up.”
Brandon frowned. “Some?”
“My brother, you are only but a man. We should never expect one man to change the world. It is enough that he tries his best,” Khalil preached.
“So you don’t expect Kyros to change the world?” Brandon asked.
Khalil smiled. “If we do our jobs now, he won’t have to, nor will your sons.”
Brandon nodded. “That’s deep.”
“I’m a deep brother,” Khalil boasted.
“How’s the community center?” Brandon asked.
“It’s good. We’re serving a lot of kids and a lot more teenagers.” Khalil answered. “I’d love for you to come give a “Know Your Rights” camp.”
Brandon ran a hand down his face. “You know I needed to talk to you anyway about something like that. Mackenzie and I have put together an initiative that we’ll be announcing soon and we included the idea of a few programs that will be funded to help our people navigate or avoid the system.”
Khalil looked interested. “That sounds like what I’m looking for and something that’s definitely needed.”
“Mackenzie outlined a lot of the narrative in the initiative proposal. She’s amazing,” Brandon said with a soft smile.
“I think we all knew that,” Khalil told him. “We’re glad you realized it, playing all these damn games.”
Brandon leaned back. “Nobody was playing games.”
“What do you call it?” Khalil asked.
“It just wasn’t the time,” Brandon offered.
Khalil shook his head. “Well my brother, enjoy the time now.”
“I plan to enjoy every moment of every day, that I get to spend with Mackenzie Green in my life,” Brandon vowed.
Chapter 20
Mac parked her car and rushed into the restaurant, late as usual. This time she was meeting with Tauri and Khayla for lunch. Hurrying to the table where they were seated, she hung her bag on the chair and sat down with a smile.
“Hi, sorry I’m late.” She said breathlessly.
Tauri smiled. “It’s okay. Police business?”
Mac flushed. “Brandon business.”
Khayla grinned. “Now that’s a reason to be late.”
“Yeah, it is.” Tauri agreed.
The three women picked up menus and began looking over the dishes. “So Mac, where are you with wedding plans?” Khayla asked excitedly.
Mac lowered her menu. “I’m so ashamed because I haven’t done anything. I’ve been so wrapped up with what’s been going on in my department that I haven’t had a minute to spare until now.”
“Brandon deserves so much better than this,” she sighed.
Both women listened as she began to pour out her heart to them. “I never even thought about getting married or anything that goes along with that, but here comes this brilliant, sexy, green-eyed man who’s always made me feel things and he’s offering me heaven, but I’m suddenly trapped in hell.”
“What do you mean?” Tauri asked.
“I mean; I’ve never been the girl that guys dropped at my feet. I’ve had my share of hook-ups but nothing involving love. I wasn’t the girl who got flowers or asked out on many dates, so to have someone like Brandon love me and want to be with me is amazing.”
“And I don’t want to mess it up.”
“Mess it up how?” Khayla questioned concerned.
Mac looked away. “Honestly, I don’t know. I feel like this is a dream and he’s going to wake up and tell me this was all a cruel joke.”
Tauri grabbed her hand. “Mac, no…Brandon would never do that.” Tauri assured her.
“He really loves you Mac.” Khayla chimed in. “Brandon doesn’t play games. He wouldn’t ask you to marry him if he wasn’t sure.”
“My head knows that,” Mac said quietly. “But my heart is still afraid from things in the past.”
“Do you love him, Mac?” Tauri asked.
Mac looked at her. “I wouldn’t be in all this turmoil if I didn’t and I know that Brandon can still sense my fears.” She paused. “Maybe everything just happened so fast.”
Mac laughed softly. “We’re going on our first date in a few days but we’re engaged.”
“This past month or so has been crazy,” Tauri told her. “Our office is in a frenzy as well as your department.”
“You want to marry him, right?” Khayla asked.
Mac thought for a moment about the man who’d she’d left in bed a few hours ago and smiled. Brandon gave her everything she wanted and needed. The past few days, they’d been able to spend a lot more quality time together and she was even more in love with him.
“More than I wanted to be chief and I wanted that more than anything,” Mac confessed.
All three women looked up as a man approached the table. Mac sized him up quickly and kept her attention on him until he reached them. In his arms was a large bouquet of flowers and Mac smiled before turning to the women.
“Whose husband is sending flowers to lunch?” she asked playfully.
“Chief Green?” he questioned.
Mac turned to him slowly. “Yes?”
He placed the flowers in her arms. “These are for you. Have a good day, chief.”
He walked away and all three women watched him before Tauri and Khayla turned to Mac, who was still in shock.
“Mac?” Khayla called he
r name as she stared down at the bouquet of roses.
“Mac?” Tauri tried then looked at Khayla.
They both looked stunned as a single tear dropped down Mac’s golden cheek. “Mac, what’s wrong?” Tauri asked concerned.
Still staring at the arrangement, Mac answered softly, “I’ve never gotten flowers before.” She looked up at them. “Guys don’t send flowers to the police chief.”
Mac swiped at her cheek. “Sorry, I’m stunned.”
“Read the card,” Khayla prompted and Mac plucked it from its holder. She opened it slowly and recognized Brandon’s handwriting.
Mackenzie,
You can leave my sight, but you never leave my thoughts or my heart. You’re as sweet and beautiful as this bouquet. Think of me today as I think of you. I can’t wait to see you again because I love you Mackenzie Green.
Smiling happily, Mac looked up at two pair of waiting eyes. “So you two want to help me plan a wedding real fast so that I don’t shame my parents?”
“Because this man is about to make me lose my mind,” she finished while pulling out her phone.
******
Brandon sat at his desk waiting for his appointment with Rion. Today he was going to talk to him about Victoria Patterson. He’d decided to speak privately with Rion to see how he wanted to handle it before talking to Tauri and her parents.
His phone buzzed with a message and he checked the screen.
MyBabyDoll: Thank you for the flowers.
Brandon leaned back and smiled: You’re welcome my love.
MyBabyDoll: I’ve never received flowers before.
He sat up quickly: What?
MyBabyDoll: I’ve never received flowers before.
Brandon: Are you serious baby?
MyBabyDoll: Yes. I was really touched.
Brandon frowned and typed: I didn’t know that.
MyBabyDoll: Well you’re my first…for a lot of things lol
Brandon: And the last
Brandon heard his office phone buzz.
Brandon: Rion’s here to see me so I’ll see you later.
MyBabyDoll: Have a good day…I love you a whole bunch
Brandon laughed softly as he replied: I love you too baby…a whole bunch
And he did love this woman a whole bunch. She could make him smile just thinking about her. Her strong Chief persona was what had attracted him initially, but her sweet, shy side is what completely sealed the deal. Mackenzie could be in charge and running things, but she could also be cute and cuddly which is why he’d nicknamed her his Baby Doll.
