Love Me Now

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  “I’m still working on it.”

  “You’ll figure it out. You always do. Oh, before I forget, Sidney called yesterday when you and Shelly were out shopping.”

  “Please don’t tell me you two are arguing again?”

  “No, but she told me that you were seeing someone.”

  “What, she told you that?” Kenya said.

  “Yes, so who is he?”

  “I’m not seeing anyone,” Kenya lied.

  “Remember that conversation we had about you not being a good actress,” Asia said, implying the obvious.

  Kenya sighed heavily. “It’s nothing, trust me.”

  “Anybody I know?”

  “No, he’s just some guy,” Kenya said. Asia smiled. “Don’t get all excited. I told you it was nothing.”

  “But nothing from you is major. Do you realize you haven’t actually dated in almost a year?”

  “Why are you keeping tabs on my personal life?”

  “Somebody has to. You’re not. If you’re seeing someone, I think that’s great. It’s definitely about time. I was afraid that after Craig, you were gonna become a nun.”

  “Hey, guys,” Shelly said, rushing over. “Sorry I’m late, traffic is brutal out there. We ready to go?”

  “All set,” Kenya said, shifting the bag and grabbing her purse.

  “I thought we mailed everything to the boutique yesterday.”

  “We did. This is something else.”

  Shelly was just about to respond when their train was announced over the loudspeaker. “That’s us,” she said.

  Kenya hugged Asia and said goodbye then the three of them hugged. “Be safe. I’ll call you when we get there,” Kenya promised.

  “Okay, bye,” Asia said and waved.

  Shelly and Kenya got on the crowded train and actually got a seat together. They stored their overnight bags and prepared for the train ride home. As soon as they settled in, they started talking about the Youngin’s meeting. They were both still excited. By Philadelphia, they were talking about the items they’d purchased and the different new ideas they had for the boutique and the new line.

  By the time they got to Baltimore, the conversation had shifted again. “I forgot to ask you the other day, how did your first date with Trey go?”

  Kenya smiled instinctively. “It was a business date and it was incredible.”

  “Really?” Shelly said. “Okay, details, details.”

  Kenya’s smile broadened. “The note read formal attire, so I wore the champagne-colored strapless gown with a shawl. Trey, in a tux, picked me up in a limo.”

  “Ooh, elegant. Where did you go?” she asked.

  “We went to a political fund-raiser for a friend of his, Senator Randolph Kingsley. I met his wife, Alyssa. She was really nice. We had a private booth at the Cirque du Soleil performance, and then we slipped backstage to the costume workshop.”

  Shelly’s mouth dropped opened as she gasped. “For real, are you serious? You went backstage and saw the costumes up close?”

  Kenya nodded. “Girl, up close and personal. They were unbelievable. The actual costumes are just astounding. They took my breath away. The colors and the textiles were unreal. I found out that eighty percent of the fabrics are treated and dyed in-house. They employ over three hundred professionals in the workshop. I spoke to a couple of the designers in the show. They were great. One of them told me about the dyeing process they use.”

  “What process do they use?” Shelly asked excitedly.

  “They use a mixed-media mixture of silk-screening, bath-dyeing and a few others—even hand-painting. I was speaking with one of the designers and she told me of a technique she learned while studying in Ghana. She was wearing a shirt she designed using the technique. It sounded pretty easy to duplicate and her shirt looked amazing. The colors were so vibrant and incredibly rich.”

  “From Ghana, for real. Great. You know I love African dyeing techniques. They change the whole look of fabric.”

  “I know. Anyway, I got her e-mail address. You two need to chat. Maybe she can give us some new ideas.”

  “That would be fantastic,” Shelly said. “We seriously need to try that.”

  Kenya chuckled. “I know it was tacky, but I took some serious notes.”

  “Tacky? Don’t even try it. I would have grabbed somebody’s camera and got all Coppola on them. That was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

  “I know, I still can’t believe it.”

  “That’s too awesome,” Shelly whispered softly in true amazement.

  “Anyway, afterward we had a nice quiet romantic dinner in town.”

  “Aw, that’s so romantic, talk about a perfect first date.”

  “Yeah, it was. It was amazing.”

  “Then what?” she asked, smiling.

  “We went back to my condo and after a while, he let me sketch him,” Kenya said. Shelly smiled. “And before you say anything, don’t.”

  “I didn’t say a word.”

  “Good, because I feel guilty enough as it is. You were right. I shouldn’t have started this whole thing. It’s getting way too personal.”

  “So have you given up on the revenge thing?”

  “Yes, maybe, I don’t know,” Kenya answered. “To tell you the truth, I don’t know anything anymore, everything’s all confusing. The man depicted in the press isn’t really made of ice. The truth of the matter is so different. He’s not like that at all. It was all PR and I fell for it.”

  “Kenya, we all did. That’s what newspapers and lawyers do. They shift sympathies. They make the bad guys the good guys and vice versa.”

  “Well, it’s wrong. They made Trey out to be this cruel monster that stole his father’s company out of spite. In reality, the truth is nothing like that.”

  “But isn’t that what you thought he did to your father’s company?” she asked.

  “Is it, but I don’t know anymore.”

  “That’s what your dad told you.”

  “I know, but…”

  “Kenya, the only way you’re gonna find out what really happened is to talk to him. Get both sides of the story, and then go from there. Tell him now before it’s too late.”

  “I can’t, Shelly, not now. I’m too far in.”

  “Kenya, you obviously really like him,” she said. “Just make it right.”

  Kenya half smiled. “It’s a trip, isn’t it? I was gonna get him to fall for me, then dump him. And now look at me. I didn’t even see it coming.”

  “Love sneaks up on people.”

  “Love, no way,” Kenya said.

  “Yes way, girl—love. It’s all over your face.”

  “It’s not love,” she vowed. “I like him, that’s all,” Kenya said firmly. “So much for my diabolical plan, I should have just talked to him and told him everything after the first night.”

  “You can still do that. Just call the man when we get back home. You two can have a heart-to-heart and clear the air,” Shelly said.

  “No, it’s too late for that. I think I’ll just leave well enough alone. It’s been three days since we were last together.”

  “Call him, get it over with. It may not be as bad as you think.”

  Kenya looked out the window. The train was coming to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The next move was hers.

  Chapter 17

  Work had long since ended as early evening found Trey at home sitting at his desk considering the past few days. His thoughts were muddled with everything that had happened. He mindlessly looked over the reports Regina brought by earlier. They pertained to the merger, a business proposition that had once been the sole focus of his days. But that was before.

  A concerned Joshua had called several times and questioned a few things Trey hadn’t yet attended to. They were inconsequential so he told Joshua to let them wait. He let everything wait. That was the problem. Nothing held his interest anymore, including business.

  He wasn’t sure when it happened, but some
thing had definitely changed. He wasn’t himself. He could feel it and he knew that everyone around him was starting to see it, too. On any given day, business was his life. It came first and foremost, always. It was the heartbeat and pulse of his world, and he never let his focus waver, until now.

  He wondered if this was what had happened to J.T., to Tony and to Raymond? Was this what it felt like to be consumed? Having never felt the spark of love, Trey was lost. He still couldn’t believe he’d let her sketch him nude. He grabbed his phone and pressed the auto-dial. It rang twice then the call was forwarded to the message center. He left a quick message then hung up.

  He touched the mouse pad, bringing his computer to life. Then he arbitrarily grabbed some paperwork and began reading. Moments later, hearing laughter, he stood and walked over to the window. Mrs. Thatcher and the twins were outside playing in the yard. He watched them awhile as she blew bubbles and the twins watched in amazement as they floated above them.

  When the delicate crystal orbs drifted down, he watched as either Johanna or Jonathan would run to a bubble and hit it. The bubbles burst and they laughed and rushed to another. The dancing bubbles game went on for a while. Trey watched, enjoying the entertainment, until his phone rang. He picked up. “Hey, cuz, how’s it going?” J.T. said.

  “Fine,” Trey said, relieved. “How’s everything there? How’s Kennedy?”

  “She’s great. The baby’s perfect and Juwan is as nervous as a cat at a dog show.”

  “I’d love to see that.”

  “It’s funny, all this time they thought she had a stomach virus. Then they flew all the way to Africa and found out she’s pregnant.”

  “Will she be able to come home?”

  “Yeah, the doctor said that she could possibly go home next week, if she takes it easy and gets right back in bed.”

  “That’s great news. Tell her I’ll call her later. In the meantime do me a favor and give her my love and well wishes.”

  “Of course,” J.T. said.

  “How was the opening?”

  “Everything’s great. The show opened last night and I think it’s going be a huge success. The museum looks incredible. They did a great job on promotions, because the place was packed.”

  “How’s Aunt Taylor doing?” Trey asked.

  “Mom was great and her work is remarkable. She had quite a few pieces I hadn’t seen before. They were very impressive. I have a feeling she might be coming back,” J.T. said.

  “I figured that the second she opened the gallery doors here a year ago. Once an artist, always an artist. Isn’t that what she always says?”

  “You’re right about that,” J.T. said.

  “So when are you headed back this way?” Trey asked.

  “Tony, Madi and I will be leaving tomorrow. Dad’s staying over and of course Mom will be here. Oh, before I forget, everybody says hello.”

  “Send them my greetings,” Trey said.

  “So how are adventures in babysitting?”

  “Challenging to say the least, but I finally got it down pretty good. Mrs. Thatcher is a godsend.”

  “Have you heard from Tony or Madison today?” J.T. asked.

  “Are you kidding me? They called me every half hour the first two days. Now I get at least five calls a day.”

  “It sounds like they’re beginning to trust your babysitting skills.”

  “Nah, they know I have Mrs. Thatcher here with me.”

  “Yeah, I heard about her. Juliet is really anxious to meet her. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mrs. Thatcher might have herself a full-time job,” J.T. said.

  “Not surprising. She’s the best. But you might have a battle with Madi for her,” Trey said.

  “Okay, okay, I get it. So what’s going on?”

  “What do you mean?” Trey asked.

  “I mean what’s up with the panicked message?”

  “What panicked message?” Trey asked. “I don’t panic.”

  “That’s very true and ordinarily I’d agree one hundred percent, but not today. Granted, I have never heard you panic in my life,” J.T. said, then paused. “Until now.” Trey didn’t respond. “All right, man, here’s the deal, we can dance around this for the next fifteen minutes, or you can just tell me what’s going on. Remember, cuz, I know you too well. So what’s up?”

  J.T. was right. He was the older brother Trey never had. He was his confidant, mentor and best friend. Whenever he needed a voice of reason or a clear point of view, he went to his cousin. J.T. always had the answer.

  “Tell me something, with you and Juliet, was it a love-at-first-sight thing?”

  “Interesting question,” J.T. said, then paused. “No, we weren’t exactly falling into each other’s arms, if that’s what you mean. But then our first meeting was pretty unique. It was during the New York City blackout. We shared a moment of opportunity.”

  “So when did you realize you had feelings for her?”

  “Feelings for her or loved her?” J.T. asked.

  “Either, both,” Trey said.

  “To tell you the truth, it happened fast. At first we were just hanging out. I had my agenda, she had hers. Remember I was trying to fool Mamma Lou.”

  “Yeah, I remember.”

  “Well, after a while I couldn’t get enough of her. She was in my blood. Man, I had it bad. I couldn’t focus on work. She was all I thought about. Food was bland, sounds were muted, everything was slightly off. But when she was around, it was a different thing.”

  “Huh, interesting,” Trey said.

  “I suppose all this is leading to something.”

  “Just curious,” he said.

  “I don’t buy it. You don’t do curiosity,” J.T. said.

  Trey sighed heavily and breathed out a single word, “Kenya.”

  “Presumably a woman and not the country?” J.T. asked.

  “Yes, a woman,” Trey interjected. “Long story, short version—I took over her father’s company. He somehow found a way to get to me, but I got to him first. He wasn’t happy.”

  J.T. chuckled. “So needless to say, she wants to grind your bones into the dirt. That’s an interesting way to start a relationship. I suppose she wants retribution for her father.”

  “She thinks he deserves it.”

  “Any thoughts on an amicable settlement?” J.T. asked.

  “What fun would that be?”

  “So you’ve been negotiating.”

  “In a manner of speaking,” Trey said evasively.

  J.T. started laughing. “Why don’t you start from the beginning and tell me what’s going on.” Trey gave J.T. the particulars of his relationship with Kenya without going into too many locker-room details. “So it’s like a revenge thing with a twist.”

  “Yes. Although the thing is, she has no idea what’s really going on.”

  “So enlighten her.”

  “I can’t, that would be breaking a confidence. She needs to learn the truth elsewhere.”

  “So she’s trying to beat you at a game that she doesn’t know the rules to and she has no idea who all the players are.”

  “Exactly, but to her credit, she’s doing a great job.”

  “I bet. So, what now?” he asked.

  “Well, we’ve both been as up-front as we can, given the circumstances, but—”

  “But what?” J.T. prompted. Trey didn’t reply. “But something changed,” J.T. finally said, answering his own question.

  “Yeah, something changed,” Trey said. “The game is getting a bit too—”

  “Let me guess, getting a little serious, too close to the heart, perhaps.”

  “Yeah, you could say that.”

  “On her part or yours?” he asked.

  “Both,” Trey admitted. J.T. paused a moment. “Well?” Trey prompted an answer. J.T. began chuckling. “You gonna laugh all evening or you gonna help me out?”

  “I’m not the person to help you out.”

  “What are you talking about?”

 
“Trey, you already know the answer to all these questions. If you need help, I suggest you speak with a professional.”

  “Mamma Lou?” Trey said slowly.

  “She’s the one.”

  “No, there’s no way I’m going to go to her and tell her all this. First of all, that would be admitting that I initially lied to her. Then she’d take it as her cue to play matchmaker.”

  “Are you sure she hasn’t already?”

  “You mean her and Kenya planned this?”

  “No, absolutely not, that’s not how she works. Mamma Lou isn’t about trapping someone. She just opens the door and allows others to freely walk in.”

  “And you’re asking me to invite her in. Are you insane? This is Mamma Lou we’re talking about. Do you have any idea what that means?”

  “I know exactly what that means. Lifelong happiness, a woman that I love and adore by my side, our child on the way—yes, I know exactly what that means.”

  “You’re blessed, J.T., no doubt about that. And the part Mamma Lou played with uniting you and Juliet was substantial, but that’s you. My freedom—”

  “Do you see me lacking freedom?” J.T. asked. Trey didn’t respond. “Well, do you?”

  “No, not at all.”

  “Man, love isn’t about what you lose—it’s about what you gain. Love isn’t an invitation for pain—it’s a promise for the future.”

  “No, you’re supposed to tell me that this is just infatuation, a momentary distraction.”

  “Can’t do that. Bottom line, Kenya sounds like a remarkable woman. She challenged you, kept up with you and will more than likely succeed in getting her father’s company back from you. She’s your other half, your perfect balance. You can’t walk away from that now.”

  “In any case, that solution is out of the question.”

  “Is being with her that important?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is being without her unimaginable?”

  “Yes.”

  “Can you breathe without her?”

  “No.”

  “Okay, then you need to take a long hard look at what you want out of this,” J.T. said. Trey didn’t respond. “So if it was a game, what is it now? It sounds to me like somewhere along the way this game of yours got personal, more than personal.”