Tura continues after staring at her upheaval look in the mirror and asks “Didn’t you say he’s from some small hick town in Missouri? Do they even have people of color where he’s from?” “I really can’t answer that question, Tura. I know his best friend he met at college is African American. He doesn’t talk much about his family or background.” “Well, maybe the next time you go out with him it is time for the twenty questions game and finds out more about this man. Better yet talk to your friend Lovely to see if she knows anything about him or if her husband can find out anything for you.”
Lena smiles thinking Tura always gives her the best advice. Changing the subject, she asks “So have your parents returned from India?” “No. They called yesterday saying they are staying until the first of the year. So I’m all by myself for the holidays once again. My brother, Tamilko and his wife Pechi invited me to come to Los Angeles, California to spend the holidays with them and their kids. At this late date, I don’t want to deal with the crowd and the airfare will be so expensive for this time of year” Tura says with a heavy sigh.
“Why don’t I see if Ms. Maddy will mind if I bring you to the Christmas dinner so that you won’t be alone? Afterward, you can come and stay with Tami and me for a while. My mom is visiting my brother and sister in Detroit, Michigan and their families for Christmas but will be home for New Years. We always have a New Year’s Eve dinner, and you welcomed to join us.”
Excited Tura replies “Oh Lena that would be wonderful and sounds like a great plan. Since you got me up and moving around now, I’m going to get off this phone and begin my day so I can get to class on time; get this last test over and done. Call me when you get home from work tonight. Who is watching Tami?” “Honey, my child has abandoned me for a few days wanting to hang out at Robin’s with the twins and Paloma’s daughter, Sabella.” “Are you working the rest of the week since you've completed your exams?” “Naw, Ms. Maddy gave me the time off with pay until after Christmas so that I can make Tami’s first Christmas in our new home memorable. I love working for her, and I see why no one quits their job.” “Well since you’re off and you have no kid to take care of, there is a Christmas party at Club Latoya’s hosted by Delta Sigma Phi Thursday night. Why don’t you go with me and have some fun for a change? You just might enjoy yourself.” “Okay Tura, just this one time since it is the holidays.” “That’s what I’m talking about, my sister. I will holla at you later.” “Holla” Lena replies back before disconnecting the call.
CHAPTER 4
Fahim Zavala sits in his brother’s den looking out the large window watching his nephews, niece and Lena’s daughter, Tamisha, playing in the snow. Tennessee received a few of inches that morning, and they were enjoying themselves immensely since they’ve wished for a white Christmas. He’s come to realize how jealous he is of his brothers and sisters. They are all happily married with kids they love and cherish. He, on the other hand, is still on the dating scene chasing after skirts in all the wrong places enjoying the single life, or so he thought. Seeing Tamisha playing and enjoying herself reminds him maybe it is time to consider seriously settling down with Lena and becoming a family. Looking at how much she favors her mom makes what he’s been contemplating clearer in his mind. There is only one woman he loves, who has his heart and he wants to share the rest of his life, that woman being Lena.
A hand touches his shoulder taking him away from the deep reflection of his life. He looks out the corner of his eye to see his baby brother, Rodrigo, standing behind him along with their brother Salvador. “You look to be in deep thought Fahim. What’s got you distracted looking so pensive?” Rodrigo asks. “Just thinking about my life and how I’m missing out on the love of a good woman and having children to love and take care of.” “Man, you go through this melancholy the same time every year. Once the holidays are over you are back to living the single life you been hanging on to for dear life all these years not wanting to be tied down to one woman.” “That was before I met Lena Campbell and spending time with her.” “Oh so now the truth comes out. All these unannounced visits here lately weren’t because you missed seeing my handsome face?” Rodrigo teases.
Fahim smirks throwing back “Bro, you can go to hell with that bull shit. If anything, I missed hanging out with my nephews and seeing your beautiful wife, Robin.” That comment wiped the smile off Drigo’s face making Salvador laugh. “But seriously, Lena is a breathtaking woman with her priorities straight in life. She’s raising her daughter, going to school and working. The time we’ve spent together only makes me want to be with her more. I know deep in my heart she is the one, the woman I’ve been waiting to steal my heart and share the rest of my life with her. I miss Lena so much when I’m home in New York.”
He’s quiet for a few seconds before continuing. Turning to face his brothers, he says “I was going to wait until after Christmas to tell the family my plans. But since I’m baring my soul, I might as well say what I may be putting into action soon.” Both Rodrigo and Salvador raise their eyebrows at his comment. Fahim clears his throat and continues. “My regular visits to Tennessee have not only been to see my lady love but to meet with attorney Carlton Petawang to discuss opening a restaurant here in Tennessee. We’ve discussed how successful it can be as the initial projections seem to indicate. I may open a couple more in the surrounding areas if this venture is profitable. The first ‘Salsa Puerto Rican’ may be opening soon in the Murfreesboro or Brentwood areas. I’ve met with a few realtors recommended by Mr. Petawang, and we’ve looked at several potential sites for the new restaurant. All signs point to my Latin Puerto Rican cuisine being very popular and profitable in these areas. It’s not set in stone yet, but a huge possibility.” He looks directly at Rodrigo with a smirk on his lips and adds “And I’m not sorry I had to deflate that massive ego of yours little brother!”
Rodrigo frowns saying nothing as Fahim continues to speak. “I still have more meetings with a few of business advisors and accountants also recommended by Mr. Petawang to see how lucrative this new project will be from a business perspective in the long run. My four ‘Salsa Puerto Rican’ restaurants in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City and Staten Island will continue as usual. I’m just expanding down south seeing the potential here in Tennessee.”
Rodrigo speaks up asking “Why didn’t you let me in on your plans when you decided to undertake this new project? I could have introduced you to the people who helped with the bakery openings of “Mi Amor” as well as Robin’s boutique “Dreams Come True.” “Don’t take this the wrong way baby brother but I’ve been opening businesses a lot longer than you so I believe I know a thing or two about setting things in motion for my new project.” Folding his arms across his chest feeling insulted Rodrigo replies “I was just trying to be helpful, Fahim.”
“I know Drigo, but that’s just part of the equation. I know Lena likes hanging out with me, but I’m unsure if she is ready to become involved in a seriously committed relationship. We’ve discussed the previous relationship she was in and without going into all the details, it wasn’t a pleasant one. I don’t want to push her away if she’s not ready for another romance. I love this woman, but I also value our friendship, and I don’t want to lose it by pushing our friendship to a romantic level.
“Damn Fahim, this must be legit about esta mujer if you’re using the ‘L’ word. I’ve never heard you speak like this about your acompañantes femeninos.'” “That’s because I’ve never felt this way before about any other female I’ve dated the way I feel about Lena. It’s hard to explain, you know, how this smart and beautiful woman has crept into my mind, my blood, my soul.” “We understand what you’re trying to say exactly and it is hard to put into words bro’. We’ve all been through it” Salvador states confidently. “The thing is you need to have ‘the talk’ with su amada since your heart has claimed Lena. You need to find out where her heart and mind is on the subject.” “I know Sal,” Fahim smirks “but I’m scared of what her answer will be
. It may break my heart if it’s not what I want to hear.” “Fahim, I hate to tell you, but she can’t read your mind, and it is all about taking chances. You will never know what her true feelings are unless you talk with Lena” Rodrigo states boldly.
Scratching his unshaved chin, he answers “Well Drigo, there may be another way, but your wife will have to agree to help me pull it off.” Rodrigo frowns at his brother asking “What’s Robin got to do with this? What are you trying to get my wife mixed up in Fahim? She doesn’t need to be caught up in the middle of some scheme of yours against her friend!” Rodrigo stares his brother down becoming angry. Defending himself Fahim explains “I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize Robin’s friendship with Lena. All I’m suggesting is she casually bring my name up during one of their conversations and see how Lena feels about me, that’s all.” “I’m against the idea, but it’s not my call to make. You have to ask Robin yourself if she wants to be a part of your sneaky scheme but I’m giving you fair warning big brother. If hers and Lena’s relationship becomes jeopardized, you won’t like how I handle the situation. Do we understand each other?” “Yes, Rodrigo” Fahim answers reluctantly.
CHAPTER 5
Gerard Conway sits in his office at Hearst Trucking contemplating if he should call Lena Campbell and ask her out on a date over the weekend. He wants to have some one on one time with her before Patrick’s in-laws Christmas dinner he’s been invited to attend. Lena is a beautiful African American woman he’s had the opportunity to spend time with. He would love to get to know her more intimately. His only concern is if they do begin a romantic relationship how his family, friends, and the people from his hometown will react to him dating outside his race.
He was born and raised in a small village in Dadeville, Missouri. When he graduated high school having a 3.8-grade average and receiving a full scholarship, he moved to Kansas City to attend Maple Woods College receiving his degree in business administration. His move to a metropolitan city is the first time he physically saw people of color and became fascinated. Being raised the way he was, Gerard didn’t know how to converse with people whose skin color was different from his own or if they spoke the same language. It showed how sheltered his life has been and his blatant ignorance about the real world.
Of course, he quickly found out the hard way how ridiculous his thinking was. He studied and learned about different races and their cultures with the help of his friend, Foster Miles, an African-American who was also a student. Foster who was born and raised in the tough streets of south side Chicago. He was attending college on scholarship with a 4.0-grade average. They became roommates, and he noticed how naïve Gerard was about people and life. Foster taught him how to survive outside the sheltered surroundings he was brought up in. Gerard eventually learned how to socialize with people from all walks of life particularly the women. He began dating women from different races, and he’s been hooked on the berry juice ever since.
Dating Lena and seeing what a remarkable woman she is, makes him want to take their friendship to the next level to see where it will lead. Witnessing his employer, Patrick Alcoa, happily married to a beautiful African-American woman, gives him hope he and Lena can maybe build the same kind of relationship, Picking up the office phone receiver, he dials Lena’s number and waits for her to answer.
He hears “Hello.” “Hi, Lena. How are you this beautiful morning?” “Hello, Gerard. I’m doing well and yourself?” “Now that I’ve heard your delightful voice my day has become much brighter.” “You sweet talker you,” Lena says with a smile on her face. Gerard hears the smile in her voice and confidently asks “I was wondering if we can get together over the weekend and go out to dinner and maybe catch a movie?” “That sounds fantastic Gerard. I will have to get back with you though before confirming. My daughter is away for a few days with friends, and I believe she’s scheduled to return home on Saturday. Is Friday good for you?” “Friday is good Lena. How is Tamisha doing by the way? I can’t wait to put a face to the name.” “Tami is doing fine. I don’t know if you remember the Zavalas, but she’s spending time at their home hanging out with their children and niece.”
“Splendid” he answers trying to remember who the Zavalas were. Unable to remember them, he says “Give me a call later to let me know if Friday is good for our date. I’m looking forward to us spending some alone time together before the holiday festivities begin. Once I know you are available, I will make reservations at an excellent restaurant.” “Sounds like a plan Gerard. I will call you later this evening when I find out when my daughter will be returning home and confirm our date. I’m looking forward to spending time with you as well. Thanks for calling Gerard. It’s a joy to my day hearing from you.” “Mine too Lena, mine too.”
Patrick knocks on the semi-open door to Gerard’s office before walking inside having a seat in front of his desk. His eyebrow raised, he’s curious what’s going on between him and Lena after hearing the tail end of the phone conversation. Gerard acknowledges Patrick presence with a nod of his head and says to Lena “Well I guess it’s time for me to get back to work. The boss is sitting in front of my desk at the moment.” “Okay,” Lena says. “Have a great day and tell Patrick I said hello.” “Will do. Goodbye Lena.” “Bye Gerard.”
Gerard places the receiver on the phone and looks at Patrick with a smile on his face. “So” he hears Patrick asks “how are things going with you and Lena?” “Slow Patrick, really slow. I genuinely like her and want to hopefully take our friendship to a romantic phase in the relationship. It means spending as much time as I can with Lena to let her know how I feel, and to see if she feels the same way about me. The test will be how we both act around each other at your in-laws Christmas dinner.” Patrick nods in agreement and asks “Do you know any background information on Lena? If not, I’m sure Lovely would be happy to help you since they are friends.”
“So you think your wife will mind? Isn’t there some code between women or something like that?” Patrick laughs at Gerard’s lack of knowledge about women. “Yes, Gerry there is code as you call it between women who are friends and believe me Lovely won’t divulge anything Lena doesn’t want revealed. Better yet, why don’t we wait until you have your date; see what Lena says before we involve my wife? No need getting anyone upset if we men overstep our boundaries.” Gerard laughs saying “I was thinking the same thing, Patrick. All right boss man, I know you didn’t come in here to talk about my personal life. Patrick laughs saying “You are correct my man” and they begin their meeting.
As Lena is placing her cordless phone on the base charger so she can do some serious house cleaning, it rings again. She mumbles under her breath “I’m never going to get anything done today. She answers “Hello.” “Hola mi bella princesa” “Fahim, it’s so sweet to hear from you. Are you in town?” “Yes, I am. I was wondering if you would like to go out and get a bite to eat this morning. I know Tami is at Robin’s. I believe you’ve finished with your exams and you are now on Christmas break from school. So the only excuse you can give me is you have to work.” “And I bet you’ve spoken with someone at the restaurant finding out I’m off today” she accuses while laughing.
Fahim laughs at her comment before confessing “I cannot lie my lady love. I admit I did call, but no one at your place of employment would give me any information.” Being bold hearing his endearing comment, she asks “Am I your lady love Fahim?” biting her lip as she waits to hear his answer. His response isn’t what she expected. “Lena, I need to talk to you about that. Why don’t I grab some food instead and come over so we can chat?” Even more curious by his comment she replies “Yes that will be okay. I don’t plan on going anywhere until later this afternoon to do more Christmas shopping for Tami.” “Okay. I will be over in an hour. ‘Adios’ sweet cakes.” “Bye, Fahim” she responds back.
Lena can’t believe she is going to have a discussion about their budding relationship with Fahim. If she speculates at the meaning of his words, the m
an has genuine romantic feelings for her. Remembering the earlier conversation with Tura now will be the opportunity to inform Fahim she’s had a few dates with another gentleman who Lena may have strong feelings for as well. She can point out how she needs to examine these feelings and see how things will turn out between all parties involved.
Lena makes the decision to call Gerard after her discussion with Fahim and accept his invitation to have dinner Friday night. She will tell him then about Fahim and her feelings about both men. A thought passes through her mind remembering Lovely dating two different men before deciding Patrick was her one true love. She decides to give her friend a call later for some much needed advice.
CHAPTER 6
Tura walks out of her last class happy. The final test is complete, and there is no more school for a couple of weeks after the New Year. It’s party time. She’s looking forward to spending time with her best friend over the holidays instead of being alone as usual. What she hasn’t told anyone including Lena is her parents have returned to India to live in their home country for good. They left her with a sizable trust fund to get her through the next couple of years she has left in college.
After graduating she is on her own financially. Her brother, Tamilko, did invite her to stay with them in California but not to spend it with Pechi, his wife and their children for the holidays. Instead, the invitation is for her to come and work in his store wanting Tura to forego completing her college education. Frowning at the thought of giving up her independence and lifestyle will ever happen.
Hypnotic Magnetic Seduction Page 2
