Mercy, Mercy Me

by Ronn Elmore

  Dwayne paused, not quite sure. “You embarrassed both of us. Besides, Sean had already sent me passes. I gave them away.” Exasperated, he charged, “Are you trying to set me up with Nina?”

  “Is that what you think I’m doing?” He shook his head. “Look, I just thought it was a good idea. I’m sorry if I put you in a bad position. You two are friendly, aren’t you?”

  “There you go again.” Dwayne glared at his brother.

  Lafayette held up his hands. “Hey, you and Nina are going to be working closely together. I thought it might be a good way to break the ice, but just for the record, you couldn’t do any better.”

  Lafayette had a point, but Dwayne said nothing.

  “Okay Dwayne,” Lafayette gave in. “Look, it’s getting late. Just take the invite, think about it, and if you decide to go, go. And if you don’t …” He shrugged, then picked up the phone. “I have a call to make before I leave.”

  Without a word, Dwayne stood and walked out the door.

  Lafayette shook his head before smiling. His baby brother was interested. He hoped whatever was going on between him and Nina would flourish. Nina might be just what the doctor ordered.

  It took Dwayne twenty-five minutes to drive home, reflecting on the question Lafayette posed—and he still couldn’t answer. What was the problem? What his brother had said made sense. He just wished Lafayette had checked with him first. But even if he had, Dwayne would have said no. He wasn’t sure that he was ready to date.

  But it wasn’t really a date, the other side of his brain argued. In fact, if he did decide to go to the concert—after all, Sean was performing and was expecting him to come—Nina was a safe choice. She’d never be able to look at this as a date, at least not seriously, and maybe taking her to the concert would be a great way to break the ice—with Nina and his new life. By the time Dwayne handed his keys to the valet and took the elevator to the penthouse, he’d decided.

  He clicked on the lights and headed for the bedroom. Turning on the lamp on his nightstand, Dwayne pulled the card that Nina had given him from his wallet and dialed the number before he could change his mind.

  “Hello.”

  “Nina, this is Dwayne. I hope it’s not too late to call.” He looked at the clock. He hadn’t thought of the time.

  “No, it’s okay. I was just getting Omari settled in. Hold on?”

  As muffled sounds came through the phone, Dwayne closed his eyes. It wasn’t until that moment that he realized his leg was shaking. He held it still. A few minutes later, Nina returned, sounding rushed. “I’m sorry, Dwayne. I’m back.”

  “That’s okay.” He cleared his throat. “You left before we could talk about the concert.” Dwayne wondered if he sounded as awkward as he felt. Why did it feel so unnatural? Maybe because he hadn’t talked to a woman in this fashion in over fifteen years, and the silence he felt from the other end of the phone did little to ease his awkwardness. He realized in that instant that he really was asking her out on a date, but it was too late to back out now.

  “I think Lafayette had a good idea. So if you’re not doing anything next Saturday, I would be most honored to have you attend the concert with me.”

  There was a long pause. “I don’t know what to say. I really would like to go to the concert, but earlier this evening, you—”

  “Please, no more about that. It was just a little awkward for me.”

  “Believe me, I understand and I’d love to go to the concert with you,” she said softly. “I’ve been wanting to see Beverlyn Boudreaux for some time.”

  Dwayne took a deep breath and relaxed, leaning up against the headboard. “You know, Sean has spoken so highly of her, I’m anxious to see if she’s all people say she is.”

  “Then we’ll go. I’m looking forward to it, Dwayne.”

  “Well, I don’t want to keep you.”

  “Good night.” Nina clicked off the phone before he could say another word, and for several minutes, Dwayne sat clutching the receiver. Slowly, he dropped it into the cradle, then walked to the dresser. He lifted Yvette’s picture and stared at the photo as his fingers traced the lines of her face. She had truly been beautiful, and for all of his noble and spiritual priorities, he was undeniably drawn to her. With her at his side, he had been the envy of every man he’d known. The thought of that had bothered him, causing him to examine his own superficial yearnings.

  What, he thought now, had been so very wrong with wanting, as she had, the best of life? There they were again, the second thoughts that had clouded his grief with self-doubts. Perhaps, if he had been more aggressive, she would be alive. He placed the picture back, sighing as he always did.

  Nina stared at the phone. She certainly hadn’t expected that call. In fact, after she had left Dwayne, her only prayer was that he wouldn’t back away from Man-to-Man. But as she drove home, picked up Omari, and checked his homework, nagging questions distracted her.

  As she filled the teapot and then put it on the stove, she wondered aloud, “So what is this all about, Dwayne?”

  She knew about his wife’s death, though she hadn’t said anything about it. It just hadn’t seemed appropriate. She hadn’t really known Yvette, but couldn’t help but wonder if Dwayne’s reaction tonight had something to do with his wife. Could it be that he hadn’t been out socially since her death?

  No, Nina thought. That wasn’t possible. It had been over a year, as she remembered, and as good-looking and successful as Dwayne was, surely there were legions of women swarming, ready and willing to do his bidding. The shrill of the teapot’s whistle made Nina jump and she grabbed the handle.

  “Ouch!” she shrieked, and dropped the kettle back on the stove. She shook her head, scolding herself as she looked at her reddened palm. If only she had been paying attention, instead of daydreaming about Dwayne Grandison.

  After blowing on the tips of her fingers, she put a Mint Medley tea bag into a cup and, this time using a pot holder, poured the hot water over it. She placed the cup on a saucer and gingerly carried it to the couch. After taking a small sip, she sat down and curled her legs under her.

  She continued to contemplate the phone call, replaying every word. Then suddenly, it hit her. She couldn’t get involved with Dwayne, or anyone else for that matter. No, she would concentrate on the ministries and Omari. She was after all on track, and the tests had, for now, indicated that the treatment was working and the tumor had not returned, but she was not yet out of the woods and she knew it. No, she had enough on her hands without the added drama of a relationship. Besides, she wasn’t moving, in any area, without God. And He hadn’t yet said anything to her about Dwayne Grandison. She stared at her reddened palm. Why—she shook her head—had she said yes?

  Chapter Six

  Dwayne felt as if he were a young man again, preparing for his prom. He straightened his bow tie, then stepped from the limousine after the driver had opened the door, and looked up at the Spanish-motif building before moving toward the entrance. He buzzed the button next to 2F, Nina’s apartment number, then stuffed his hands into his pockets. As he waited, his eyes glanced across the block that was lined with middle-income apartments. When Nina had given him her address, he’d been surprised, expecting a luxury building, similar to where he lived.

  Instead, he was standing in the small entryway of one of the look-alike buildings that sprinkled the Westside of L.A. Nothing about it suggested a former child star who’d once had her own series and become a household name.

  “Hello.”

  Dwayne smiled at Omari’s voice and leaned closer to the speaker.

  “Hello, Omari. It’s Dwayne Grandison.”

  “Hi, Mr. Dwayne,” Omari responded as if he were settling in for a long conversation.

  “Dwayne,” Nina spoke over Omari, “I’ll be right down.”

  “Okay.” Dwayne was surprised at his disappointment. Once he heard Omari’s voice, he’d hoped to get a chance to see the boy.

  The door behind him opened
and he turned around, relieved that Nina had come down so quickly.

  “Dwayne, I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”

  A smile instantly filled his face. He’d only seen Nina dressed in the most professional business suits, but standing before him now, she was both elegant and sexy in an off-the-shoulder beaded cocktail dress. A matching shawl was draped over her arm, and her hair was pulled out of her bun, and the way it fell softly onto her shoulders made her look like she had not lost the unmistakable star quality he remembered.

  “You look great, Dr. Grandison.”

  “I was just thinking the same about you. I’m glad we decided to go tonight.”

  “Me too. I’m surprised I’m so excited.” She folded her hands under her chin. “It’s going to be fun.” Yet, as the stretch limousine turned onto the 10 Freeway, Nina and Dwayne found themselves unable to resist the urge to turn their talk to business.

  “Did you imagine growing up that you would ever be in ministry?” Dwayne asked.

  “Not until after I’d made every mistake known to man, it seems. Then I realized how alone people feel when they’re going through things. That is when I knew I had to do something where I could have an impact. If they only knew they are not alone, they might feel more comfortable facing their shortcomings head-on. When I think about what I went through, the things that I did …” Her voice faded, and she shivered thinking back.

  Dwayne recognized the look of life’s pain. It was one he saw often in his clients who claimed Hollywood as home. Gently, he covered Nina’s hand, and even though her eyes remained on the window, he said, “When you think back to all of those times, all you have to remember is that what you’ve gone through is helping others now.” He kept his voice soft, soothing, professional. “That is your purpose.”

  A moment of silence passed, and when she turned toward him, the brightness in her eyes had returned. “Always the doctor.”

  “Well, I don’t want to be tonight. I just want us to have a good time together.” He reached for her hand and entwined her fingers in his.

  “Thank you.”

  The limousine exited onto Prairie Street, and they slowed to a crawl. The streets surrounding the Inglewood Forum, recently purchased by a pastor friend of Lafayette’s, were lined with hundreds of other stretch limos. And though the silence had returned, their hands remained entwined on the leather seat between them.

  As the limousine moved slowly away from the curb, Nina and Dwayne walked forward at the same slow pace, crushed between the bodies of the music world’s royalty.

  “This is a madhouse,” Dwayne yelled, though he was barely audible above the hovering hum of the helicopters. He squeezed her hand tighter. Nina tried to keep her head high, though the lights continued to blind her. The crowd on the sides screamed names that melted into a continuous drone.

  “Who’s this coming toward us?” Nina heard one of the cameramen from E! Entertainment Television ask the young woman with the microphone in her hand.

  Nina watched as the young woman with short blond hair moved her microphone into position. She squinted in their direction. The young woman’s shoulders dropped. “Isn’t that Nina Jordan?” She paused, then turned to the cameraman.

  “Who?” he replied.

  “Never mind. Maybe we should move further to the front.”

  Nina smiled. There was a time when she would have demanded the attention of the cameras, but she was pleased the cameras no longer sought her, though at times she wished they did—to make up for all the compromising photographs they had captured in her past. However, there was little real desire to seek redemption from the tabloid press. The work that she now did had helped her to find a personal peace, which years ago she’d been sure would never be part of her life.

  Nina was so deep in her thoughts that she didn’t realize Dwayne had maneuvered them to the front, where they were blocked by two men, dressed in matching black suits and wearing earphones. The larger one stood sullenly as the tall, thin, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar look-alike checked VIP passes. When his partner nodded, the burly one stepped aside and directed her and Dwayne through the security barriers.

  Though they were now inside, the outside commotion had followed them. The entry, adjacent to the backstage area, was thick with celebrities mingling with other VIP ticket holders.

  “Should we find our seats? Or would you like something to drink?” Dwayne still gently held her hand.

  “Let’s find our seats.” But before they took two steps forward, they were stopped by a voice.

  “Hey, Dr. Grandison.”

  Dwayne turned toward the voice. Arden Parks, an actor and one of Dwayne’s clients, stepped toward them.

  “Arden, how are you?”

  “Great, thanks to you.” His words were directed toward Dwayne, but his eyes were focused on Nina. He squinted, then his eyes opened wide in recognition. “You’re Nina …” He snapped his fingers as if his memory would return with the action.

  “Jordan.” Nina completed Arden’s sentence and stretched her hand forward. “Nice to see you again, Arden.” Years ago, they’d worked together when Arden made his acting debut in an episode of Everyday People. The ten-year-old Arden had swooned over the thirteen-year-old Nina, who was already a star.

  “It’s been a long time.” Arden’s eyes moved from Nina to Dwayne.

  “Yes, it has,” Nina said softly.

  “Well, Arden, we’re going to find our seats. Good seeing you.”

  “Yeah, Doc. It was good seeing… both of you.” He tapped Dwayne’s arm as if he were sending him a coded message.

  They hadn’t gotten two feet before they heard Dwayne’s name called again. As they turned, Sean Wiley, gospel music’s reigning sensation, approached. Eyes turned as the six-foot-two, handsome, thirtyish, blond-haired, blue-eyed man approached, wearing a trendy Armani slacks set. Dwayne dropped Nina’s hand and extended a warm embrace to his friend.

  “I hadn’t heard from you. I wasn’t sure you’d come.”

  “I got your message late and thought I’d just see you here. This is Nina Jordan.” Dwayne introduced the two.

  Sean hesitated for a moment, then a wide smile crossed his face as he shook Nina’s hand. “It is a pleasure.”

  “Excuse us a minute.” Sean pulled Dwayne to the aisle.

  “Man, you’ve been holding out. You’re dating Nina Jordan?”

  “Sean …”

  Before Dwayne could continue, he was interrupted by a voice behind him. “Sean, where have you been?” The voice echoed through the stadium. Beverlyn Boudreaux floated down the aisle toward them. Her gold chiffon gown sailed behind her, as did Kim Steele, elegant in a black satin Tuxedo slacks suit, an earphone accentuating her coiffed pageboy. Beverlyn held out her hands and Sean took them. “I looked for you at sound check,” she said.

  “Sorry, I just got here.”

  Her eyes had already left Sean’s and were fixed on Dwayne. “You must be Dr. Dwayne Grandison,” Beverlyn said, smiling broadly as her face lit up.

  “I’ve been trying to get the two of you together,” Sean said excitedly. “Beverlyn, this is a man I have the pleasure of calling my best friend, Dwayne Grandison.”

  Beverlyn’s eyes dropped to Dwayne’s feet and slowly moved up. Photos didn’t do him credit, she thought to herself. She extended her hand. “It is incredible to finally meet you. Sean tells me such wonderful things about you.”

  “He speaks well of you too.”

  “We’ll have to get together and compare notes.”

  “Hello, Ms. Boudreaux. It is an honor to meet you.”

  All eyes turned toward Nina, who suddenly appeared at Dwayne’s side. The wide smile on Beverlyn’s face faded, but only for a moment.

  She took Nina’s hand. “You are …”

  “Nina Jordan, and I am a big fan of yours.”

  “Thank you.” Beverlyn’s eyes lingered on Nina, but then she returned to Dwayne. “Dr. Grandison, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you for some t
ime now. There are some things I’m working on that I’d like to discuss with you. You will be at the after-party, won’t you?”

  “Beverlyn, you need to get to your dressing room.” L.W. stood behind his niece, for the first time entering into the small circle they’d formed in the backstage lounge.

  “You’re right, L.W.,” she said before turning back to Dwayne. “I hope you can join us later.”

  “We’re not sure.” He looked at Nina and then looked back at Beverlyn. “But thank you for the invitation.”

  “Well, I hope to see you later.”

  “Beverlyn, we really have to go,” L.W. said strongly.

  She hugged Sean, then smiled and walked away with her uncle and entourage in tow. All eyes followed her as she stopped every few feet to greet her friends and fans.

  “I’ve got to go too,” Sean said as Beverlyn finally disappeared through the stage door. “I’ll see you at the party. Try to make it so that we can… chat.” He grinned.

  “Okay.” Dwayne patted Sean on the back.

  Sean gently took Nina’s hand. “I’ll see you later.”

  Dwayne put his hand in the small of Nina’s back and led her to their seats.

  “I didn’t know it was going to be this kind of evening,” Nina said, exhilarated as they took their near-front-row seats. “How long have you known Sean?”

  “Years. It started as strictly professional, but we really hit it off and became friends.”

  “Well, he sure can sing,” Nina exclaimed. “From what I’ve read, though, he’s had a pretty tough time.” When Dwayne’s eyebrows furrowed together in question, Nina continued, “You know—from the streets of Hollywood to the pews of the church.”

  “Yeah, Sean has made quite a turnaround.”

  “So are you going to accept Beverlyn’s invitation?”

  “Do you want to?”

  “It’s not a problem if you want to go.” She paused, then added, “Besides, aren’t you the least bit curious about that . . . proposition she has for you?”

  Seconds later, the lights dimmed three times and there was darkness. The music began and the crowd sat back waiting for a rousing and spirited two-hour performance that, during its course, brought the crowd to their feet at least a half dozen times, culminating with three standing ovations.