Free from Guilt

by Pat Simmons

  “You were an idiot back then, but I plan to finish what I started.”

  “As long as you don’t become an idiot this time, Professor Jamieson. Well, you’d better up your game because, from what Tay tells me, big brother is watching you. And I would say literally,” Ace replied half-jokingly.

  Cameron massaged his goatee. The judge was going to be an obstacle to Gabrielle, but not a roadblock. He estimated her brother to be six-three or four. Drexel wasn’t buff like him—okay, maybe a little. But Drexel could stand to lose some inches around the mid-section. Anyway, the man appeared polished, from his signature clothing and shoes, to the smell of his high-priced cologne. Not too worry. Cameron could easily exceed or match his bank account.

  What really irked him was Gabrielle had barely acknowledged him as she smothered her brother with all the affection. Women were just more emotional. He loved Malcolm and Parke too, but they had some kind of unspoken rule on how long brothers’ hugs should last.

  Cameron considered a conniving thought. He could always bring up the pepper spray incident again to garner her sympathy. But he didn’t play games. Honestly, he didn’t know if he could resort to that tactic again.

  When the duo were on their way out, Cameron followed the brother and sister outside and stood on the porch. Watching them descend the steps, he didn’t know if Drexel purposely tried to bait him, or if it was a personal conversation between siblings. Either way, Cameron’s ears were keen when they needed to be.

  “I can’t believe one of those Boston men hasn’t snapped you up,” Drexel had said. “Move to Springfield and I can introduce you to some movers and shakers.”

  “The pickings are slim in Beantown,” Gabrielle had the nerve to say.

  What? Cameron was ready to follow them in his car and show her that whether he was a native of St. Louis or a transplanted Bostonian, he could make Gabrielle eat her words.

  He hadn’t figured out the how-to yet, but he would. Whether it was her rejection that propelled him or her beauty, Gabrielle had some unexplained pull on him.

  At the wedding, she had been stunning in her flirty pink dress and stilettos, which showcased perfectly manicured toes. Today, her attire was casual in denim and shorter heels. She was still gorgeous.

  Cameron could see why she and Talise were friends. They were both classy women. Although he was no stranger to sassy women, Gabrielle was a mystery. If only he could get her off to himself, he could solve it. Hopefully, the flight back home would do the trick.

  As luck would have it, Cameron finally met a woman who piqued his interest, but it was only after he’d already decided to move back home. He had only two months before he would officially report to St. Louis’s prestigious Washington University as chairperson of the School of Engineering.

  Evidently, Gabrielle wasn’t impressed with his professional status, so he would have to go after her from another direction. He was searching for a companion, but he didn’t want God to be an issue that stood between them.

  Talise walked into the living room with the baby. She didn’t question the smirk on her husband’s face.

  “Cameron, you’re welcome to stay for lunch. Ace made chicken quesadillas. They’re not too spicy.”

  He snorted. “Ace can’t cook.”

  “You would be surprised at what my husband can do.” She lifted a brow, as if taunting him to ask. “I also made a Greek salad.”

  All of a sudden, he was becoming an outcast in his own family. Married relatives were starting to make him nauseous. God knows he wanted a wife. Women had no idea the criteria a man searched for in securing a life partner. Physical attraction was only part of it, the feeling of completion with that special someone sealed the deal.

  Chapter Six

  You may be sorry that you pepper sprayed Cameron when he got in the line of fire,” were Drexel’s first words, as he settled behind the wheel of his Benz. “But I don’t think you should have any remorse. There’s something about him I don’t like, including the smell of his cologne.”

  Actually, Gabrielle liked the scent. The musk tickled her nose. She’d been thinking it would have made a wonderful birthday gift for Drexel. Scratch that now.

  Clicking her seat belt, Gabrielle wasn’t surprised by her oldest brother’s assessment. He was a circuit court judge in Springfield, and a good one. Even before he entered the political sector, Drexel was known for giving his opinion and then reaching a verdict without a jury.

  “Yes, he does have a knack of rubbing people the wrong way. But I guess I can’t really bad-mouth the man after he came to my defense,” Gabrielle responded.

  “I can, and I did. My advice is to stay away from him when you return to Boston. Cameron’s definitely not the type of man to take home to Mom and Dad.” Drexel punched in places to eat on his GPS. Shifting the subject, he remarked, “I heard this Crown Candy Kitchen is a St. Louis landmark.”

  “Before I satisfy my sweet tooth, I’d rather have some real food.” Gabrielle’s stomach growled to prove her point. They could have eaten at the Jamieson’s, but Drexel wanted to spend some alone time with his baby sister.

  “That’s the name of the diner, but my colleagues say it serves great food.”

  “Then let’s go.” Relaxing, Gabrielle noted the scenery as he wove throughout Talise’s neighborhood and onto the main street. So far, she liked St. Louis. That reality began to set in as she reflected on job offers from two of the city’s major employers, Nestle Purina and Brown Shoe Company.

  Her mind switched to Cameron. Why was she continuously avoiding his question about going out to dinner? Could it be her lips were ready to say no, but her heart cautiously said not so fast? She smiled, reliving his act of chivalry at the reception. It was definitely a “wow” moment for her handbook. At the time, Gabrielle had no idea he was paying any attention to what was going on with her. That endeared him to her.

  “Sis, I’ve been talking to you.” Drexel pulled her back to the present. “What’s got you smiling?”

  She glanced at her brother and knew he wasn’t going to like her answer. “Cameron, actually. I didn’t like him at first, but there’s something mysterious about him that makes me want to solve the hidden clues.”

  “You’re not going to listen to me, are you? There is no mystery. He wants one thing from you and God wants another. Take my counsel, please, and stay away from him. Give the Lord what He wants, your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, and—”

  Gabrielle finished with verse two of Romans 12, “‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.’ I know the Scripture, Drexel.”

  “I’m just a concerned brother.” As the oldest, Drexel took his role seriously growing up.

  “And a loving one too.” Gabrielle sighed as the St. Louis Arch came into view. The voice of the GPS guided them off Interstate 70. The neighborhood wasn’t far from downtown and was a mix of old and restored buildings. Nothing appeared new.

  She was surprised to see that Crown Candy was a corner establishment with a metal green awning and old lettering. It wasn’t a huge restaurant. The place reminded her of a drugstore from days gone by. Locating a parking space, Drexel’s Benz seemed out of place.

  Gabrielle waited for him to get out and come around to assist her. It was etiquette her father had drilled into all three of her siblings. He said that if Gabrielle’s brothers didn’t treat her like a lady, how would she know what to expect from other men?

  Gabrielle didn’t escape her mother’s favorite lecture either. Veronica Dupree often reminded her daughter, “Carry yourself like a lady. If you expect chivalry, then the right man will shower you with it.”

  That was one of the many life lessons her parents instilled in her. She had listened to 99 percent of their wisdom when interacting with her suitors.

  Thanking Drexel for his assistance, she missed the
pamper treatment that her brothers showered on her. Whoever snagged them would have jewels. Now, if only God would send a prince her way. It seemed like she’d been waiting all her life for him to come along.

  When they walked inside the diner, it was a throwback to an era before her time. The vintage setting was personally appealing, though, considering that she loved to visit ancient ruins when she traveled.

  As they waited for seating, Gabrielle scanned the memorabilia, which included several nostalgic Coca-Cola posters displayed on the walls. Her interest was piqued when she read that two Macedonian immigrants opened the business one hundred years ago. She was further impressed to read that Crown Candy was considered one of the oldest remaining places with an operating soda fountain.

  “Wow,” she said, taking it all in.

  Drexel leaned over her shoulder and grinned. “I know. I thought you would like it.”

  Turning around, she gave her brother a hug. He knew how much she enjoyed visiting foreign countries and cultures. While Drexel preferred American soil, she and her brother Philip were considered the family’s world travelers. Since he was an evangelist, Philip seemed to be traveling out of the country more than living within the states.

  Gabrielle’s interest in international travel developed during her sophomore year at Howard University. To date, she had visited ten different countries, but Greece and Macedonia would always be her favorites. There was never enough time to see everything. Those countries were not only beautiful, they held biblical significance.

  Once they were shown their seats and handed menus, she didn’t waste any time scanning the food selection.

  “A segment of Man vs. Food was taped here,” Drexel told her, interrupting her decision-making process.

  “You’re just a wealth of information. This must be one of St. Louis’s best-kept secrets.”

  “I’m sure there’s more to the city. My colleagues split their time between St. Louis and Chicago for weekend getaways. Speaking of home and here, how’s your job search coming?”

  Before she could answer, the server asked if they wanted to sample the world-famous fountain sodas. Gabrielle decided to go for it, while Drexel declined and ordered the heart-stopping BLT.

  Her jaw dropped. “Ooh, I’m going to tell Daddy,” she taunted him. Dr. Bernard Dupree would gasp at the damage his eldest was about to suffer to his arteries.

  “Hey, I’m enjoying some time with my sister. I can splurge every now and then.”

  “Don’t put me in it.” Turning to the server, she asked for the baked chicken.

  Once they were alone again, her brother revisited the subject of her job decision. “Mom and Dad would love for you to return to Chi-town.”

  “I know, but the closest I may get could be St. Louis. I haven’t told Talise yet, but three companies here have made me an offer with travel opportunities. I’ve already turned down one. Two are in the running. There are also companies in San Diego and Tucson that are trying to lure me. In both those cases, the pay is good, but the benefits are lacking. I’m almost certain I’ll pass on them.”

  “If I didn’t miss my baby sister, I’d be all for you moving to a warmer climate. However, it would be nice if you lived closer to your family in the Midwest.”

  As Chicago natives, her brother stayed in Illinois and attended college while she headed to the nation’s capital. During freshman year, she debated with her parents about her choice of degree programs. In the end, Gabrielle graduated from Howard with a liberal arts degree and two minors. Then she moved to Dallas where she completed her MBA. After spending a few years in Boston, Gabrielle was becoming restless again. She felt it was time to take flight and relocate.

  Gabrielle smiled at Drexel’s heartfelt request. Suddenly, she began to miss home and her family. She would have to make a trip to see her parents soon. Maybe she was in a sentimental mood after witnessing Denise’s excitement over connecting with siblings she had never met.

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said while once again taking in her surroundings. Spying jars of jelly beans on a shelf, she would definitely have to get some before they left.

  “I’ll pray on it and see where God leads me.”

  “Well, I’m putting in my bid for St. Louis.” He showed a handsome smile. Growing up, she had more girlfriends than she wanted because of her three good-looking brothers. On the downside, she had very few suitors because of them.

  After their food arrived, they said grace and continued to chat about the family. Drexel confessed he was ready to settle down but was trusting in the Lord to find the right spiritual fit.

  “Funny, at thirty years old, I want to be found. Maybe God needs to give my future husband a spiritual GPS.” They laughed. “I’ll accept whoever God sends.”

  Now Gabrielle was blaming Talise’s bliss for her melancholy mood. Sharing in her good friend’s wedding celebration caused her to suddenly want to fill the void in her own life. Perhaps she needed to hang out more with unmarried and unattached friends.

  “I detest women throwing themselves at me. At thirty-seven, I’m so ready to cut to the chase and reach my destination in life. I probably need one of those God-promised spiritual blessing devices myself.”

  “You’re a good catch. You have heartbreaking looks, a solid career—” Her words sounded identical to Cameron’s résumé. On the other hand, knowing how much Drexel embraced Jesus, Gabrielle had no idea about the level of Cameron’s commitment to the Lord. She never gave him more than three minutes—if that—to find out.

  Checking her watch, Gabrielle couldn’t believe how much time had passed. She and Drexel had been there for more than an hour, stuffing themselves and reminiscing.

  “This really was nice, G. Seriously think about moving here, and we can do this more often. I’d better get you back to Talise’s now, so I can get on the road before rush hour.”

  “Okay.” She pouted. Their time together made her dread returning to Boston alone. At least she could look forward to her upcoming excursion to Northern Greece.

  How ironic that Gabrielle ate at a historic place with a Macedonian connection. In less than two weeks, she would behold the art and culture of Macedonia. She was excited about being transported back to the places where the biblical churches began.

  The ride back to Talise and Ace’s house seemed shorter, as they good-naturedly argued about who pulled the best pranks on their parents and siblings.

  Before Drexel dropped her off, they sat in the car and prayed for each other’s safe travels back home. After their final goodbye hug, it seemed as if Drexel wanted to have the last word concerning her social life. “And remember, if you see that Cameron Jamieson coming your way, don’t hesitate to use that can of pepper spray again.”

  The next afternoon, Gabrielle sat in Lambert Airport waiting for her flight back to the fast-paced life of Boston. She sighed. Oddly, after one trip to St. Louis, she felt as if she was leaving home and going back to a strange land. If she accepted either job offer, her brothers would be within hours driving time. At the end of the day, the downside of giving up her present position and losing her travel vouchers wasn’t enough to sway her to stay in Boston.

  Her mind then reflected on how happy Talise seemed in her role as wife and mother. She thought about her friend’s stepmother, Donna, whom she referred to only as her father’s new wife. Throughout the festivities, the woman had been eerily quiet, almost like a scared puppy. Talise shared with Gabrielle that Grandma BB had an invisible muzzle on Donna’s mouth, daring her to utter one sound and she would be limping back to Virginia.

  “Donna believed her too,” Talise regaled, and Gabrielle couldn’t stop laughing.

  “See, Grandma BB’s a clown for the devil when she could be a servant for the Lord,” Gabrielle recalled saying, as she and Talise struggled to keep a straight face.

  Remembering the good time she had, Gabrielle would have to return for a longer visit. Next, her mind drifted to her brother. There was no way she cou
ld forget how much she enjoyed spending time with Drexel.

  Still, she had a life back in Boston—at least for the time being. She did have other friends there. And, of course, there was the Spirit-led church she attended. Besides, if she got bored, she could catch a plane to Hartford and visit with Denise.

  “Why am I giving myself a pep talk?”

  Sighing, she shifted in her seat and focused on a plane landing when a deep voice stole her attention.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  “Ah, no.” When she reached over to move her purse, at the same time, she looked up and sucked in her breath. Over the past three days, whenever she saw Ace’s cousin, he seemed to become more handsome.

  “Cameron,” she greeted him cordially, as she swallowed and tried to maintain her composure.

  While he was making himself comfortable, a whiff of his cologne tickled her nostrils. Boy, Gabrielle didn’t care what Drexel said, she liked the smell of his brand. Turning back to gaze out the window, she hoped to be distracted by the activities on the tarmac.

  Her mind raced. So they were on the same plane. Topping that off, she was stuck with him for one and a half hours before the flight even took off.

  “How are you?”

  “I’m well. Thanks.”

  “Looking forward to going home?” Cameron asked.

  Humph. Home was where the heart was, and her heart no longer seemed to be in Boston. She shrugged and turned again to look out the window. This time she focused on a plane about to take off. Although she could feel his eyes on her, which made her nervous, Gabrielle was determined to stay in control.

  After a moment of silence, Cameron called her name softly. When she faced him, his intensity unnerved her. “I don’t believe in playing games, Gabrielle.”

  Coming from him, why did her name sound like a caress to her ears? It was an unusual feeling and she wondered about that.

  “I’m almost thirty-two years old.” Cameron leaned closer, inches from invading her personal space. “I’m attracted to you. I have only two months to prove to you I’m worthy of your consideration. Go out with me and I’ll dispel every myth you have about me.”