But Tyrese had stayed away as long as he could. He missed seeing Messiah, if only observing him from a distance. Messiah was his tonic and the source of his pain; the juxtaposition of those feelings rendered Tyrese incapacitated, stuck in a space of emotional warfare. He wanted to get out of his own head, to put the needs of his child above his own feelings, his own needs. It had been too hard to manage. So, Tyrese remained in the periphery, a passive observer to his son’s life, cheering for him from the sidelines. And in a lot of ways, that was all Tyrese could manage. Siobhan made it clear that she needed nothing from him, and after six years of raising Messiah on her own, the resurrection of a father, a man Messiah didn’t even know existed, could be more damaging than not having a father at all.
Tyrese accepted that, hell, he counted on her position to remain justified in his. Yet, seeing his son with another man, who Messiah clearly knew, and from the looks of it, clearly had a relationship with was a deep stab to Tyrese’s heart; well, the place where his heart had been. Losing Safiya ripped Tyrese’s heart from his chest, leaving a big gaping hole. But he felt something seeing the three of them, smiling, seemingly happy. There was another man in Messiah’s life. Tyrese knew that showing up uninvited to Messiah’s school wasn’t the best way to handle the situation. Siobhan didn’t know that many nights Tyrese sat outside her home, catching glimpses of them through the window. She’d never confronted him about it. So, when she did chastise Tyrese at the school for his pop-up visits, he stopped showing up where she could catch him; instead, focusing his efforts on watching them at night.
But when the truck the man drove pulled out of the school parking lot, Tyrese didn’t hesitate to follow. He had to see more, to know more. If Messiah had a substitute, Tyrese wanted to know who he was and what the man’s intentions were regarding his son. He hung back, not wanting to crowd the truck or give Siobhan the opportunity to notice his car behind them. Where did this guy come from? Clearly, from how he attended to Siobhan, they were in a relationship, but for how long? Tyrese hadn’t been absent that long. He hadn’t seen the guy at her house. So, when did he come into the picture? When did she start seeing him, and how long did she wait before letting the man around his son? Tyrese had never known Siobhan to be reckless when it came to Messiah or her own life, for that matter. That’s why it had always been easy not to interfere because Tyrese knew without a shadow of a doubt that Siobhan would take care of Messiah, put his needs first at the expense of her own. What changed?
“Where are we going, Mr. Ameer?”
“We are almost there, little man,” Ameer replied, smiling in the rearview mirror.”
“Now, when we get here, Ameer, don’t be showing out okay?” Siobhan playfully warned.
“I can’t make any promises,” Ameer laughed.
“Hey Messiah, what I can tell you is that the place we are going to is historical.”
“What does that mean?” Messiah inquired.
“Well, historical means that either a person was famous or something important happened, that maybe never happened before. Understand?”
“I think so,” Messiah commented.
As Ameer pulled the truck into the parking lot, he explained more of what he meant.
“Messiah, John A. White, was the first Black man to open a driving range in Atlanta. This is his place. Have you ever played golf before?”
“Yes, mini put-put when mom and I went on vacation last year.”
“The driving range is kind of like that but not quite,” Ameer explained. “But I think you’ll like it, at least I hope so.”
Ameer turned his attention to Siobhan. “Are you ready, beloved?”
“Yes,” she answered, offering a smile.
Ameer turned off the ignition and stepped out on the driver’s side. Messiah had ridden in the truck enough to know to wait until Ameer opened his door before getting out. Ameer rounded the back of the vehicle, opening the door for Messiah and helping him to climb down before doing the same for Siobhan.
“Before we get started, there is someone I want you to meet,” Ameer said, guiding the trio to the small building that sat on the property.
The trio entered the building.
“Well, look who decided to show up,” an older gentleman sitting behind the desk said.
“It hasn’t been that long has it, Mr. White,” Ameer smiled.
“Long enough,” Mr. White answered.
The two men exchanged a warm handshake that solidified they were familiar.
“Mr. White, this is my friend Siobhan and her son, Messiah.”
“Nice to meet you,” Mr. White said, shaking Siobhan’s hand and then Messiah’s.
“Messiah, this is the man I was telling you about,” Ameer referenced.
“The historical figure?”
Mr. White laughed. It was a hearty laugh that filled the small room.
“I feel historical, young man, as old as I am,” Mr. White continued.
“Not Mr. White, but his place,” Siobhan interjected explaining to her son.
“Oh,” Messiah said, the difference registering with him.
“I’ll tell you something else, Messiah,” Mr. White said, standing up from the seat and rounding the counter. “This one has been coming here since he was about your age,” he added, pointing at Ameer.
“That’s a long time,” Messiah commented.
“What? Are you trying to call me old, Messiah?” Ameer jested.
When Messiah didn’t respond and averted his eyes, Ameer knew that was precisely what the young man did.
“Alright then,” Ameer chuckled. “we’ll see how this old man does on the range.”
“Let’s get you fitted for a club, Messiah,” Mr. John suggested.
They all walked collectively to another section of the hut.
“I have never seen this many clubs in my life,” Siobhan replied.
“Every person’s needs are different when it comes to finding the perfect fit,” Mr. John explained. “We have to take into account height, whether the person is left-handed or right-handed, those kinds of things,” he continued. “And of course, driving clubs are different than other ones. Each club serves its own purpose when playing the golf course.”
While Mr. White worked with Messiah to find a club, Ameer took the opportunity to help Siobhan.
Tyrese was in the parking lot, but he couldn’t see anything. He didn’t know what they were doing. The driving range parking lot was small, so there was no place where he could remain clandestine. The building was too small for him to approach, but he refused to leave until he saw more. He would have to bide his time. Tyrese was willing to do that. And even though he knew implicitly that he had no right to be concerned or to be eavesdropping on Siobhan and Messiah, Tyrese was still Messiah’s father. Whether it was right or not, whether he was entitled to it or not, Tyrese felt he had implicit rights because he was Messiah’s dad.
“You’re right-handed, correct,” Ameer asked as he and Siobhan looked at the rows and rows of clubs.
“Yes,” Siobhan affirmed. When Ameer lifted his hand and raised it over his head, measuring his height and then dropped it dramatically, measuring hers, Siobhan shook her head and gently pushed him.
“Are you calling me short?” She guffawed.
“I didn’t say a word,” Ameer said in self-defense.
“Whatever,” Siobhan scoffed laughingly. “I am a proud five three and a half, I’ll have you know,” she boasted.
Ameer’s hand covered his mouth, hiding his laugh.
“Okay now,” Siobhan threatened. “You are going to pay for that.”
Ameer leaned in, pressing his frame against hers. “Promise?”
She flushed, her breath quickening and her cheeks warming. It was uncanny the effect Ameer had on her spirit, and her body, admittedly. Siobhan was still not accustomed to feeling so much. Ameer stepped over to the clubs, looking for just the right one for Siobhan. When he found it, he brought it back to her.
&n
bsp; “See how that feels in your hands,” he encouraged.
“I’m not even sure I know how to hold it,” Siobhan conceded. “Just what I’ve seen golfers do on television.”
“No worries, beautiful,” Ameer said. “I can help.”
He took a club and demonstrated what the correct grip looked like. Siobhan mimicked the position of Ameer’s hands.
“Now swing it a bit to see if the weight is okay for you.”
She did as Ameer suggested, unsure of what it was supposed to feel like.
“I guess it’s okay.”
“Let’s try it out,” Ameer replied. “If that one doesn’t work for you, Mr. John have plenty more.”
“Well, Messiah is ready,” Mr. John said.
“Great,” Ameer replied. “If we can get a couple of buckets, Mr. John?”
“Sure,” he answered. “I’ve got a few right here.”
“Can you carry one?” Ameer asked Messiah.
“I sure can,” he said.
“I’ll hold your club for you,” Siobhan suggested.
Messiah gave his mom the club Mr. John helped him pick and then eagerly picked up the bucket, holding it with both hands.
“It’s not too heavy, is it?”
Messiah shook his head. He was determined to handle it. Fortunately, they didn’t have too far to go. The range was brightly lit with a raised edge. Messiah took the slight incline like a champ, not dropping a single golf ball. When the trio stepped into view, Tyrese sat up in his seat.
“Alright, Messiah,” Ameer started, sitting the bucket down. “Let’s get you started, okay?”
Messiah was eager to get started. He watched intently as Ameer demonstrated how he should hold the club. Messiah was a quick study, adjusting his hands until his grip was nearly perfect.
“Okay,” Ameer continued. “Do you see those big white signs out there?”
Messiah nodded his head.
“The goal, Messiah, is to see how far you can hit the golf ball. Let’s get in a few practice swings and make sure you know how to stand for maximum output.”
Siobhan watched as Ameer showed her son what to do. She took notes herself on how to stand and the proper way to swing the club.
“The key to a good swing is to keep your eyes on the ball, lift the club high overhead and then with your eyes still on the ball, strike it.”
“Can you show me how you do it, Mr. Ameer?”
“Sure,” Ameer smiled.
He made sure they both stood back far enough not to be accidentally struck. They watched as Ameer executed his golf swing like a professional and continued to watch the golf ball sail high into the air before coming down far down the range.
“Wow,” Messiah uttered.
“That comes with practice,” Ameer smiled. “Now, let’s see what you’ve got, Messiah.”
Tyrese’s eyes narrowed as he watched the stranger standing behind his son, teaching him how to handle the club. He felt a tinge in his chest. Tyrese recognized what that feeling was. He was pricked even harder by that pain when he saw a beautiful smile on his son’s face when he hit the golf ball. They were high fiving and having a great time. And he wasn’t included.
“Look at you, Messiah,” Siobhan exclaimed, watching her son levy a ball out onto the range. “Great job!”
They were both proud of his effort.
“Do you feel like you’ve got it, Messiah,” Ameer asked.
“Umm-hmm,” he hummed. Messiah was focused.
“Okay, mom, are you ready?”
“Yes,” she smiled.
Siobhan and Ameer moved to the next spot, giving Messiah plenty of room to work out his swing. He was totally engrossed, paying them absolutely no attention.
“Do you feel comfortable with your swing, babe?” Ameer asked.
“I don’t know,” Siobhan guessed. “Maybe you could show me how to line up my swing one more time.”
Ameer was more than willing to help. Ambling up behind her, his mountainous frame imposing over her petite one. Ameer’s extraordinary eyes blazed with familiarity of the last time Siobhan’s body pressed sultrily against his. With a shiver of vivid recollection, she too was reminded of that brush with carnal desire. A wry yet indulgent gleam appeared in Ameer’s eyes as he enclosed Siobhan in the circle of his arms. Siobhan felt the breath she intended to breathe caught in her throat as she felt the magnetic force of Ameer cradling her. Her eyes lids slipped down over her eyes, the mink of Siobhan’s lashes kissing her flushed cheeks. Gently, Ameer lifted one hand, fingering a loose tendril of Siobhan’s hair, tucking it behind her ear as he inclined himself, bringing his face down to meet the smoothness of hers. Ameer’s fingers drifted sensuously over the bareness of Siobhan’s arm as he aligned his fingers with hers, gripping the club together.
“Ready, babe?” He breathed against her flesh.
The warmth of Ameer’s breath sinfully scorched his heart on her soul. Siobhan couldn’t muster words in response, her essence shaken from his nearness. Her nod was acknowledgment enough as Ameer felt the same sensual pull on his soul for her. They stayed in that moment mentally touching, physically reflecting, mindfully pondering the possibilities. With Ameer leading, they lifted their arms together and executed the swing. The significance of the actual movement and the purpose of it faded against the all-encompassing experience of connection.
Tyrese continued to play in the shadows, lurking, imposing on lives he was too afraid to be a part of. He tried to deny the tinge that struck his core, seeing Siobhan in the arms of that man. Tyrese was never attracted to her in that way. He loved Safiya even now and had never successfully moved on from her. Seeing Siobhan with him solidified that she’d moved on. Where he was still stuck loving a woman who could not love him back, Siobhan moved on, and by default, Messiah moved on as well.
“Thanks, Mr. John,” Ameer said, shaking the icon’s hand again. “We had a great time.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Mr. John replied. “I have something for the young man if that’s okay with you, mom.”
Mr. John reached behind the counter and pulled out a full set of golf clubs that was just Messiah’s size.
“Mr. John, that is just too much,” Siobhan protested.
“I live to introduce youngsters like your son to the game. Let me do this for him.”
She couldn’t object.
“Thank you so much.”
“Thank you, Mr. John,” Messiah smiled when he was given the clubs.
“You are more than welcome, Messiah. Just promise you’ll come back to see me.”
Messiah looked to Siobhan and Ameer before responding. With their confirmation, he promised he would come back.
As they walked back to Ameer’s truck, something familiar caught Siobhan’s attention. Her steps faltered with the realization of who it was. Even though Tyrese tried desperately to avert her gaze when he realized Siobhan saw him, but it was too late. He felt a momentary sense of shame for what he was doing, but that feeling didn’t last long. Siobhan’s brow wrinkled, and she shook her head disgustedly. But she refused to allow Tyrese to ruin the rest of her time together with Messiah and Ameer. She acted like his intrusion was insignificant as Ameer helped her and her son into the truck. When they drove off, Siobhan refused to look Tyrese’s way again.
Chapter Twenty-One
After getting in late from their time with Ameer, Siobhan let Messiah sleep in. It was the weekend, and she didn’t have any classes to teach. She lounged in her bed for a long while after waking up, reminiscing on how much their lives had changed in the past few months. They were good changes, though, welcomed changes. In a lot of ways, time stood still for Siobhan, too, not allowing herself to move on emotionally to another person after losing her sister. The thought of loving someone so much, and then losing them was why she hadn’t allowed anyone to enter into her personal space. The sting of loss like that had a lasting impact, and Siobhan didn’t know if her heart could take it again. But that was before Ameer.
He entered Siobhan’s life at a time when she hadn’t moved much from her original unconscious train of thought. Somehow though, Siobhan found herself in a situation where love was possible. True sibling love and romantic love are not the same thing. But the feelings derived from that kind of kinship with another person feels much the same. Hurt from that kind of kinship feels much the same. Siobhan didn’t want to be hurt again. She didn’t want to lose anyone else. That prevailing thought was the battlefield she fought on every time Ameer made her feel love like she’d never felt before. And she did love him. She knew that from the depths of her soul that she had fallen in love with Ameer Ali, unintentionally, but she loved him just the same. Siobhan wondered as she climbed out of bed if he felt the same.
It would be the perfect day to cook a big breakfast, relax at home, maybe take a nap or two and relax. Before cooking breakfast, though, Siobhan decided to go outside and check the mail. Turning off the security system, she unlocked the front door and stepped out. Tyrese’s presence across the street from her house halted Siobhan’s steps again. This time though, she had no intention of ignoring it or allowing his intrusions to continue. She marched right past her mailbox and stepped off the curb, crossing the street.
She didn’t need to knock on his window to get Tyrese’s attention. He already saw her coming.
“What are you doing here?” Siobhan demanded as he rolled down the window.
“Why are you here? And please don’t try to tell me that you just happened to be at the golf thing last night.”
“Who was that with my son?”
“Excuse me?” Siobhan quipped.
“Who was that man with my son,” Tyrese repeated.
“You know, Tyrese, the audacity,” she huffed. “Your son. Tuh, he doesn’t even know you exist.”
Ameer (The Brothers Ali Book 5) Page 14
