What's Blood Got to Do With It?

by Shelia E. Bell

  What’s Blood Got To Do With It?

  Copyright 2016 Shelia E. Lipsey

  Published by Shelia E. Lipsey at Smashwords

  Smashwords Edition License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Acknowledgements

  To every reader, book club, every person who has ever taken the time to read one of my books, I must tell you how deeply grateful I am. To everyone who ever thought that I could do the unthinkable, reach the unreachable, attain the unattainable, and live the dream that only a good God could place in my heart and within in my spirit – I cannot go without saying, thank you. To my mother, my late father, my sisters Sandy, Vette and Vonne, my sons Kevin and Jay, my grandsons Kevin, Jr., Leland, and Kaleb, I thank you for loving me, believing in me, and always thinking the best of me. To my goddaughter, Ladetria, who takes tremendously good care of me, and to my one and only bright, smart, beautiful, intelligent, kind, loving, and outstanding niece, Shante’, I love you so much. To my family, my friends, and loved ones, I love you and praise God for feeding my spirit, for helping me become the person God already sees me as being.

  God’s Amazing Girl, Shelia

  Prologue

  “Blood is thicker than water.”

  November 1, 1989

  Upon exiting the womb, the newborn uttered a barely audible cry. Was it born of prophetic significance? Everyone nearby heard it. Immediately, it was whisked away. A flurry of nurses preened, sucked, injected, and wiped this one so small, so fragile, and so precious. The difficult delivery had left the mother’s braided hair a glowing, damp mess.

  Tears slowly cascaded down the mother’s pinkish cheeks as she whispered, “Adanya.”

  “Come again?” said a nurse nearby.

  “Adanya.” The teenage mother nodded and repeated the name. The hard delivery, coupled with a sedative, put the mother into a deep sleep.

  Chapter 1

  “Pity is stronger than love.” Unknown

  2012

  Tar black heels attached to shapely brown legs click-clacked across the cement floor. Self-assuredness marked each step. She was the personification of confidence. A black and white thigh-length dress typified her aura. A high-powered executive? She was not. A self- made millionaire? She was not. A well-kept mistress? She was not. A successful businessman’s wife? Not that either. A high-priced call girl? Nope. Born with a silver spoon? Sort of.

  Adanya Katherine Anniston lived in a world of her own. A world surrounded by lushness, where the sight of money and power was an everyday occurrence, but also a world that included love of God and family. She graduated from a prestigious all girls' preparatory school in Memphis at the age of sixteen and soon after entered Spelman College.

  Adanya appeared to have everything a twenty-two year old Communications and Cultural Master’s graduate could imagine. She was raised by loving parents who were not severed by divorce like so many other families. The Anniston’s were successful in their own right.

  Adanya adored her naturally curly, coarse, brown hair, along with her pronounced Puerto Rican and African ancestral facial features. She was gorgeous in her own classification of how physical beauty is often defined.

  Her Puerto Rican mother, born in the Bronx of New York; and her father, a black man from the heart of Memphis, the Bible Belt some called it, defined her in ways she would come to learn more about throughout life.

  Her maternal grandparents, Eva and Maurice Kaplan, Sr., much like a storybook tale, met and fell in love while attending Lemoyne Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. For years, the Kaplan’s played a pivotal role in education as teachers, fought for civil rights as people of color; and stood boldly to proclaim their faith and belief in what was right. They were the proud parents of identical twin girls, Annalisse whose name carried on the Puerto Rican heritage of their family, and Anaya, the African side.

  ◊

  Adanya strolled in the small classroom full of college students. Many were like her, from the affluent, society driven, upper class sector. She gracefully approached her desk, placed her phone on top of it, and set her laptop tote next to it.

  “Good afternoon. I trust each of you had an adventurous and pleasant weekend.” Adanya smiled slightly. Without further salutations, she began lecturing the class of fourteen students.

  Adanya had initially considered teaching public high school, but quickly decided against it after she consulted with her dearest confidante, her father. He was glad she wanted to continue in the field of Education like her grandparents, but he also encouraged her to increase her vision and not settle for being a teacher.

  Adanya and her father, Kenneth John Phillip Anniston, were definitely a close pair. He absolutely adored his only child and daughter. He loved her infectious smile, the innocence she portrayed, her gracefulness, and the love she had for him, which was immeasurable. Anything he could do for her, Kenneth was willing to do.

  Adanya, after all, was a precious gift from God. Her name alone appeared to instill within him a sense of pride because of its Nigerian meaning - ‘her father’s daughter.’

  The family background and how her name was derived was not a talked about subject, nor was it part of Kenneth’s past that he chose to discuss. But true to his heritage, and much like his wife, his spiritual beliefs had brought him through the steep, tough rungs of the past.

  Not only were the Annistons wealthy monetarily, but they were wealthy in the blessings of their relationship. A strong couple, Annalisse and Kenneth remained faithful to each other even in lieu of their successful lifestyle. Many times money and power ruined marriages but not the Annistons. They were known throughout their neighborhood and at their church for their philanthropic work and kind spirit.

  Adanya was the type of child that soaked up everything her father told her. She was daddy’s girl, one whom when she was little, loved to climb on his lap whether he was at work in his huge office overlooking the mid-south, or at home resting comfortably in the family library sitting in his pillow-soft, indigo recliner. Adanya may have been an adult, but she still relied heavily on her father’s love, guidance, and direction.

  ◊

  Adanya slowly strolled back and forth from one end of the classroom to the other as she lectured. “Gunther Kress in Communications and Culture states, ‘Communication, the idea is a matter of great interest. Great jobs are linked to the skill level of communication. Promotion in a job depends on it…’”

  Adanya’s form of college lecturing seemed to have a magnetic effect on her students. If one searched around the state-of-the art class room at the faces of the students, all eyes were pointed in her direction with an uncanny type of magnetism. Adanya, after all, wasn’t much older than most of them. Sometimes it was hard for her to make that distinction and to maintain professionalism after being approached by some handsome, smart, going somewhere young men, in not only her class but throughout the college campus. Being an assistant professor at such a young age was tough, but she wouldn’t trade her job or position for anything in the world.

  Her first lecture o
f the day ended right before noon, just in time to meet her friend, Nanette, at the coffee shop less than a block away from the college campus.

  Nanette was a guidance counselor for a private all boys’ school a few blocks away from where Adanya taught.

  “On my way 2 the coffee shop,” Adanya texted.

  “Already here. Goin n now. Will get us a seat. ”

  “K,” texted Adanya, and continued walking toward the coffee shop.

  ◊

  “Hey, girl,” said Nanette when Adanya approached the table. “I already ordered your turkey burger combo.”

  Adanya sat down in the chair across the table from Nanette. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem. So, how has your day been so far?”

  “Umm, pretty calm. Nothing much going on. I have a couple of more lectures before I’m finished for the day. What about you?”

  Nanette shrugged her shoulders. “Same old same old. But I’m not complaining. I’m blessed to have a job.”

  The server brought both of their lunch orders. Before eating, Nanette stretched out her hand and automatically Adanya grabbed hold of it. They bowed their heads and Nanette blessed their food.

  “Amen,” they said in unison after the short prayer.

  “Hey, would you like to go to a Grizzlies game with me and daddy tonight? Daddy has an extra season ticket.”

  Nanette shook her head. “I wish I could but I have college entrance essays to read tonight. You mean your daddy isn’t out of town at one of those tech conventions he frequents. I thought he rarely missed them.”

  “Believe it or not, lately he’s been spending more time in the office rather than flying around the country like he usually does, unless it’s absolutely necessary, of course. He has a good team of loyal employees in place that he hired from some of the cities he frequents, and it’s decreased his workload tremendously.

  “I know you’re glad about that, because you act like you and your daddy are joined at the hip.” Nanette giggled.

  “Yeah, I’m more than glad. I don’t like all of that traveling he has to do and the IT business is so demanding. I don’t want him to be heartbroken because I’m not enthralled with the IT business to the extent that he is. I mean, I have nothing against it, because it’s provided us with the comfortable lifestyle that we enjoy,” Adanya said between taking a bite and chewing her juicy grilled turkey burger.

  “I’ll probably become more involved a few years down the line, but not right now. Too hectic for me.” Adanya smiled, and took a handful of fries and stuffed them into her round mouth.

  “It’s still good to know you have your father’s business if you ever decide to go that route.” Nanette sipped from her cup of iced decaf coffee, followed by a bite of her sandwich. “Hey, forget about work, maybe it’s time we get a love life, girl.” Nanette grinned. “Or should I say, maybe it’s time you get one.” Nanette pointed a finger at Adanya for emphasis.

  Adanya giggled and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Where did that come from? I don’t need a man in my life, at least not right now. I do not have time, even if I wanted one. It’ll only complicate matters. When it’s time, he’ll find me.”

  “Love is never complicated, dawling,” Nanette said in an exaggerated southern drawl and with one hand flowing in the air.

  Adanya waved her off. “You are too crazy for me. Anyway, my daddy says I have plenty of time for a relationship. He wants me to concentrate totally on me for now.” Adanya placed her hand flat against her busty chest.

  “Your daddy, your daddy. To listen to you talk, the only person in your life is your daddy. I never hear you say anything about Mrs. Anniston. We’ve been friends since college, and I can count on one hand the times you’ve talked about her. She’s such a nice woman too. And talking about pretty, you’ve got her looks.”

  “I love my mommy. You know that, but you also know that she can go off on a tangent sometimes. She has select friends she deals with, and you know it. My mother is what I call a social diva. All of her time is spent working on some project or charity, so I do not interfere with that. Plus, I can’t help it if I’m a daddy’s girl. I have his blood running through these voluptuous veins,” said Adanya without a hint of conceitedness. She ran her hand up and down the length of her arm and smiled.

  Nanette shook her head. “You are so silly.”

  The two friends continued eating lunch. They commented in whispers about several cute guys that walked into the coffee shop. Some of them were total hotties, whom they tried to guess if they worked at the Executive Plaza a couple of blocks away, or on campus, or some of the other nearby businesses. A couple of them Adanya had seen before, eating lunch at the popular spot. Then there were one or two Adanya recognized as students she’d seen on campus.

  A few minutes into their girly game, Adanya’s eyes engaged with eyes that reminded her of the ocean and skin that reminded her of the sands of Siesta Key.

  Nanette followed Adanya’s eyes. “Who are you looking at?” Adanya didn’t have time to respond because those ocean eyes were gazing into hers.

  “Hello, how are you ladies doing this afternoon?”

  Adanya shifted her gaze and locked eyes with Nanette.

  Nanette, speechless, looked at the hunk standing before them and shrugged her shoulders.

  “Are you talking to us?” Adanya glanced up.

  “Of course,” he answered. “Definitely you.”

  Nanette cleared her throat, then took her napkin and poised it over her mouth to shield the smile Adanya saw form on her face.

  “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  “Me too,” quipped Nanette and took a sip from her straw.

  “I’m Bleak…Bleak Blessinger,” he said and extended his hand toward Adanya.

  Adanya hesitated then glanced over at Nanette like she was pleading for help. Nanette gave none so Adanya shook his hand.

  “Hello,” answered Adanya without giving up her name.” Uh, how can we help you?”

  “Well, you can help me out a lot if you would tell me your name,” he said in a flirty manner.

  “I don’t think so.” Adanya suddenly felt a light but swift kick on her shin from Nanette.

  “Ouch,” she said.

  “Something wrong?”

  “No, not at all. But if you’ll excuse us, we only have a few minutes to finish our lunch and get back to work.”

  “Oh, of course. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. But I’ve seen you somewhere before. I can’t quite remember where. I thought knowing your name might trigger my memory.”

  “Ohh, that’s ashamed.” Nanette continued to sip on her coffee, not mumbling a word. Adanya made a mental note to let Nanette have a mouth full as soon as she could get rid of Bleak.

  “Well, Bleak, I’m not sure where you’ve seen me, but I really don’t have the time for conversation right now.”

  “Sure. Understood. Maybe I’ll run into you again.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” Adanya then turned away. Bleak walked away and headed out of the crowded restaurant.

  “Girl, he was fine. I can’t believe you wouldn’t tell him your name.”

  “Are you crazy? That was nothing more than a cheap pick up line. He’s probably one of the college students on campus. Just being a flirt, that’s all.” Adanya took the last bite from her sandwich and washed it down with her remaining soda. “Let’s get out of here.”

  They paid their checks and proceeded outside. Stopping on the side of the entrance to the coffee shop, they chatted some more.

  “Since you’re going to the game, I guess I won’t be talking to you tonight.” Nanette huddled herself inside her thick top coat to ward off the biting winter weather.

  “Probably not. I’ll be enjoying some daddy-daughter time while you spend your night, let’s just say, reading.” A glow spread across Adanya’s face and she grinned.

  “Don’t rub it in. Anyway, we’ll talk. Do you want to meet back here for lunch again tomorrow?”
r />   “Sure. That sounds good.” The two friends hugged each other tightly.

  “Maybe you’ll run into Bleak again. Wouldn’t that be cool?”

  “No, but if I do, I’ll give him your name and phone number,” Adanya teased.”

  “Come on, Adanya, you have to admit that he was a cutie. Those curly locks of blonde hair and those dashing greenish blue eyes, girl he had it going on.”

  “I won’t deny that, but I’m not about to entertain the thought of getting involved with anyone from campus. Honestly, I’m not interested in being involved right now, and most definitely not with some white boy. I have too many other things on my mind. Having a boyfriend or dating would only complicate matters.”

  “First, you don’t know whether he’s from the college or not. Second, you need to stop shooting down men before you even give them a chance. And third, I know you are not trying to play the race card. You’re the one that’s always talking against prejudice. You are so green. It’s time to have some fun, get a boyfriend, go on a few dates, and enjoy your life.”

  “Just because you like having a boyfriend and doing the dating thing, don’t try to put that label on me. Anyway, I don’t have time to stand here and indulge in useless banter. It’s cold out here, and we both have to get back to work. I’ll see you tomorrow,” said Adanya. “Whatever.” Nanette waved one hand in the air. “But one day you’re going to be swept away and when it happens, I’m going to be bouncing off the ceilings with I told you so’s.” Nanette laughed and walked off.”

  Chapter 2

  “The trouble with the future is that it usually arrives before we’re ready for it.” A. Glasow