After dinner, everyone gathered in the family room to enjoy eggnog, listen to music, and play scrabble. The crackling wood in the fireplace gave off a warmth that put Cedrick at ease.
Sierra laid Lena down, then joined everyone. “Are y’all ready for this butt whipping? The champ isn’t here, and I’m the next best player.”
“The Champ?” Victoria echoed, tucking several strands of hair behind her ear.
“Sierra’s mother,” Cedrick answered. “She massacres us every time.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Mom, are you and Mitch going to play? I can sit this one out.”
“We’ll pass,” Priscilla responded, sitting on a cozy sectional in the corner, conversing with Mitch.
Cedrick, Sierra, and Victoria shared a glance like the one they had when Mitch and Victoria arrived.
Midway through the game, Carrington asked if she could be excused. Her best friend, Brittney wanted to video chat with her on FaceTime. Cedrick gave her permission. As a result, the game moved a little faster, but he could barely keep up for staring at his mom and Mitch while eavesdropping on their conversation.
“I did what you wanted,” Mitch said, sipping his eggnog. “Although I hated every minute of it.”
“You staying away wasn’t what I wanted, but it was for the best,” Priscilla countered.
“How can that be?” Mitch asked. “I’ve been miserable all these years. I lost my longtime friend.” He leaned in closer to Priscilla. “I know I wanted more than you were willing or able to give at the time. I’ve always put your needs first. We aren’t getting any younger, and nothing is keeping us from pursuing a loving relationship now,” he said reaching for Priscilla’s hand, but she pulled away.
Cedrick’s eyelids narrowed at that gesture.
“Hey,” Sierra said nudging his arm. “It’s your turn.”
“I’ll pass,” Cedrick replied with the wave of the hand, never taking his focus from his mom and Mitch.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Priscilla said with a frown. “It would make things too complicated, Mitch. Especially, considering Haashim.”
What seemed like two friends catching up on old times quickly turned into a serious discussion. Their expressions were questioning, and their voices dropped to a whisper. Cedrick could no longer hear what was being said.
“Excuse me,” Cedrick uttered, getting to his feet, approaching Priscilla and Mitch. He didn’t like what he’d been seeing and now, his mom seemed upset. “Mom, is everything alright?”
“Yes, son,” she replied, patting his hand with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Are you sure?” he asked, with his full attention on Mitch.
“I’m sure.”
Cedrick bent down and kissed her on the forehead. “Let me know when you’re ready to go. It’s too late for you to drive home by yourself.”
“I’d already considered that,” Priscilla commented. “I asked Mitch if he and Victoria could take me home, and he said yes.”
“Oh, okay.” Cedrick sauntered back over to the scrabble game.
Two hours later, everyone said their goodbyes.
“Crisis averted,” Sierra whispered, slipping her arm around Cedrick’s waist, waving as the car pulled off. “Mitch nor Victoria are a threat to our family. They seemed genuine. If not, they both need to win an Oscar for best performance.”
“Maybe.” He frowned, shutting the door. “Did you catch that weird vibe between my mom and Mitch?”
“What do you think it is?” Sierra asked.
“I don’t know. Something’s up,” Cedrick mumbled, straightening the family room.
“You should sleep better tonight, knowing they aren’t aware of the situation with your father,” Sierra concluded, taking the empty glasses into the kitchen. “Did you see the look on Victoria’s face? She couldn’t fake that shock if she tried.”
“You’re right about that, but my mom and Mitch …”
“Yeah, I saw how chummy they were. Maybe there’s some history between them that you don’t know about.”
“It’s definitely something.” Cedrick scowled, taking the glasses from Sierra and placing them in the dishwasher. “I’m not sure what it is, but I intend to find out.”
* * *
You staying away isn’t what I wanted. What did that mean? Cedrick wondered while he laid on the couch in the family room, gazing at the spot where his mom and Mitch had their not so private conversation. I’ve been miserable all these years. What exactly was Mitch unhappy about? And what did his father have to do with any of it?
Cedrick glanced down at his watch and deeply sighed. It was almost one am, but he couldn’t wait any longer. He needed answers. Grabbing his phone from the coffee table, Cedrick dialed Victoria’s number.
“Hey, Vicki. I know it’s late, but–––”
“It’s alright. I’m up packing. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah––– no––– not really.”
“What is it?” she asked with concern. “I know it’s been years since you’ve confided in me, but I’m still here when you need me, and it looks like this is one of those times.”
Still the same Vicki.
After a brief silence, Cedrick said, “There’s a lot of things about me that you aren’t aware of, Vicki. Certain things have happened and––– please don’t take this the wrong way, I wasn’t sure if I could trust you.”
“I’m not sure how to feel about that.”
“Hear me out for a minute,” Cedrick insisted. “You dropped in town out of nowhere, and your father-in-law just happens to be Sierra’s boss. Then you show up at my house; got angry after our conversation,” he whispered, glancing over his shoulder. “Then kissed me and stormed out. Next thing I know, my wife invited you to dinner. All of that transpired within seven days. What am I supposed to think?”
“Well, damn, Cedrick. When you say it like that; it does sound like a conspiracy.” She released a hearty laugh. “But I was equally surprised to run into you at the restaurant. I’d always wondered what happened to you and where you’d been. Then I run into your wife in Edward’s office of all places. Sierra’s a sweetheart, but she wasn’t that day. She murdered me ten times over with an icy glare and sharp tongue.”
“That sounds like my baby,” Cedrick commented, and the corners of his lips turned upward. “She goes hard for her family.”
“She’s protective of you, and that’s good. You need someone like that in your corner.”
“Sierra’s so good to and for me––– that’s why I’m going to tell her about that kiss,” he said in a low voice. “I don’t want to keep anything from her.”
“Don’t do that, Cedrick,” Victoria implored. “I was emotional and stupid. It never should’ve happened. Don’t cause Sierra any unnecessary pain over a kiss that meant nothing. I’m sorry that I put you in that predicament.”
“Babe,” Sierra called out from a distance. “When are you coming to bed?”
“Soon, honey. I’ll be up in ten,” Cedrick responded, shifting to a sitting position.
“I’ll let you go. Our flight leaves at six, and I have to finish packing. I’m glad you called though; I’ve missed talking to you.”
“Hold on, Vicki. Don’t hang up,” Cedrick said hurriedly. “I have something to ask you.”
“What’s up?”
“Is there anything going on between our parents? I know you saw what I saw. A blind man could see the connection. It definitely appeared to be more than two old friends catching up. Right??”
“I noticed that, too, but I don’t know about them ever having a relationship. My dad’s quite fond of your mother. I didn’t realize how much she meant to him until we started talking about old times and his eyes lit up every time he mentioned her name. It’s possible he’s sweet on her. Why are you asking?”
“I overheard them talking, and it struck me as strange. I didn’t know they were attracted to each other.”
“Dad was excited to come to Chicago wit
h me, but he didn’t know your mom would be here. He was ecstatic to see you,” Victoria said in a cheerful tone. “As am I. I’ve missed our friendship.”
“Same here,” he admitted. “I’m glad we’ve had the chance to reconnect.”
Cedrick wanted to express how sorry he was for leaving like that, but that would mean he’d have to explain why they’d gone. He refused to bring Victoria into that madness, especially now that he knew in his gut that she didn’t know what happened.
“You never told me why you moved?”
“It’s complicated,” he replied while rubbing his hand over his goatee. “Can we rebuild our friendship starting from where we are today, and leave the past in the past? Is that possible?”
Cedrick could hear her breathing on the other end of the phone. He prayed Victoria would be able to do what he asked because he would very much like to renew their friendship.
“I can do that, even though you’re holding out on me. I’m sure you’ll tell me one day, but I don’t ever want to lose touch again so from this day forward, we’re cool.”
“Thanks for understanding,” Cedrick said with a smile. “Have a safe flight. Let me get off this phone before Sierra calls me again. Bye, Vicki.”
Cedrick disconnected the call and headed toward the bedroom. He felt confident that things between him and Victoria were on the upswing, but he still needed answers. So, he had no other choice than to confront his mom.
Chapter 12
“Okay mom, it’s been two days now, and I’ve been waiting for an explanation, but you’ve been tight-lipped,” Cedrick said, walking along Priscilla’s side as she rode in a motorized scooter. They were in a department store inside River Oaks Mall, Christmas shopping for Sierra and the girls, taking advantage of the post-Thanksgiving sales. “So, it’s time you told me what’s going on?”
Instantly, Priscilla looked uncomfortable, stopping the scooter and shifting in the seat. “I don’t know what you mean, son.”
“I don’t think that’s true, mom. I need to know. Did you and Mitch have an affair?”
Priscilla’s eyes widened. “How dare you ask me that? What kind of woman do you think I am?” She glanced around the department store. “And we’re out in public. What if someone heard you?”
“Mom–––”
“And if I did, it would be none of your business,” she said, her tone sharp and indignant. “I’m a grown woman. I don’t need to keep you in the loop on everything I do.”
“I’m sorry,” Cedrick apologized. “I just… I can’t get the image out of my head.”
“What image?” she asked, zooming the scooter out of the store toward a sitting area along the Santa Claus workshop display.
“When I told Carrington that my dad died,” he whispered, scanning the area. “Victoria was genuinely shocked, but Mitch––– he appeared.” Cedrick rubbed his goatee. “I don’t know what he seemed, but it wasn’t the response I expected.”
Priscilla gazed at several kids playing in the distance. She kept silent.
Cedrick let out an exasperated sigh. “Mom. What aren’t you telling me?”
“It’s nothing you need to worry about, okay,” Priscilla reassured, getting to her feet. “I promise you, as much of a jerk as your father was, I did not cheat on him, with Mitch or anyone else.”
Cedrick nodded but refrained from commenting that she hadn’t exactly answered the question.
* * *
Later that evening, Cedrick received a phone call from Victoria. His eyes lit up when her name flashed across the screen, the same way they did when she knocked on the door when they were kids to see if Cedrick could come out to play. He didn’t realize until now, how much he missed his best friend and was grateful for the reconnection.
“Hey, Vicki.”
She sobbed into the phone. “My father died this morning.”
Cedrick sunk into the bedroom recliner. “What? No,” he replied in anguish. “Vicki, I’m so sorry.”
“And I can’t reach Lennox,” she wailed into the phone. “I’m all alone. I don’t know what to do.”
“Breathe, Vicki,” Cedrick said in a soothing tone. “I’m here. You’re not alone.”
Several awkward moments passed as Victoria cried into the phone. Cedrick listened in companionable silence, intent to remain on the call for as long as she needed him. Many times, Victoria was his place of refuge and comfort. This was the least he could do to repay her kindness and support.
Finally, she composed herself. She cleared her throat a few times before trying to speak. Her voice was little above a deep croak. “This was so sudden. I just spoke to him last night. We had such a great time with your family for Thanksgiving, and he was looking forward to visiting again at Christmas. Please let your mom know.” She sniffled. “I’ll be in touch with the arrangements. I hope you’re all able to come.”
Cedrick covered the receiver, closing his eyes. He wanted to be there for Victoria, but he did not want to set foot in Reno.
“Of course, I want to be there for you, Vicki. Honestly, it depends on what’s happening with The Smokehouse. Get me the arrangements as soon as possible.”
“Okay. Bye, Cedrick.”
He heard the disappointment in her voice at his lack of commitment. He felt horrible. What kind of friend was he, putting his needs before hers? Cedrick knew that no matter what, Victoria would stand by him if the truth were discovered, but the old neighborhood was a different story. People talk, and they had long memories at the most inopportune times. He couldn’t put his family at risk.
Cedrick was in the middle of dialing his mother on the phone when Sierra entered the bedroom with a massive bowl of popcorn and two sweet teas.
“I get to pick the movie tonight,” she insisted, placing the bottles on the nightstand, gazing at her husband. She immediately frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Mitch died.”
“Noooo. He was just here a few days ago.” Sierra placed the bowl on the bed and walked over and sat in his lap. “Are you okay?”
“I’m numb. I was talking about Mitch earlier with mom. She’d been mad at me for asking inappropriate questions about the two of them––– now this.”
“Does Priscilla know?”
“I was in the middle of calling her,” Cedrick said, lifting the phone receiver again.
“I’ll give you some privacy.” She stuck her hand in the popcorn bowl and popped several kernels into her mouth. “I’ll go call and check on Victoria. If you need me, I’ll be downstairs.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.”
Taking a deep breath, Cedrick called his mother. Regardless of what Priscilla said, it was evident that she cared for Mitch in more than a neighborly way.
“Hey, mom.”
There was a long pause, and then Priscilla said, “Cedrick, why do you sound like that?”
“Sorry about earlier,” he said, massaging his temple and trying to buy some time before dropping the bad news.
“It’s forgotten as long as you don’t bring it up again,” she remarked. “Now, quit beating around the bush and tell me what’s happened.”
“Mom … Mitch passed away, today.”
“Dear God,” Priscilla moaned, “We talked last night. He laughed and joked as if he didn’t have a care in the world. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Cedrick listened to his mother struggling for composure. His heart ached for her.
“How’s Victoria?” she finally replied. “Is she okay?”
“No. She’s barely managing. It’s so sudden. For everyone, but especially Vicki,” Cedrick said, running a hand across his jaw. “I feel bad that she’s dealing with this alone. With his hectic schedule, Lennox is rarely at home. Let’s hope he can free up his time to help his wife deal with this sudden loss.”
“When’s the funeral?”
“I don’t know. Vicki said she’d let me know as soon as everything’s set.”
“Good. You can take a couple of days off, and we�
��ll fly over. Victoria’s husband’s a pilot. I’m sure we can get some tickets at a discount. Especially since there’s a death in the family. Granted, we’re not exactly family, but—”
Cedrick took a deep breath and plunged into the deep end. “I’m not going.”
“What? You can’t be serious,” Priscilla questioned. “You have to go. Victoria needs all the support she can get right now. And you’re her best friend, remember? Why wouldn’t you be there for her?”
“I’m not comfortable being there with all the folks from the neighborhood,” Cedrick expressed in a shaky voice. “And Mitch’s a cop. The entire police force is going to be there. Too many eyes––– I can’t risk it, mom. Something could go wrong.”
“How many times do I have to tell you, Cedrick.” Priscilla sighed, clearly exasperated. “You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re safe. We’re safe.”
Cedrick shook his head as if she could see him. “I wish you wouldn’t be so cavalier about your safety, but if you insist on going, I’ll take you to the airport and set up your hotel and rental car while you’re there.”
“You aren’t going to evade your responsibility to Mitch, or Victoria. That’s not the kind of son I raised. They were there for you. Particularly Mitch. More than you’ll ever know. Especially toward the end.”
“What does that even mean? Mom, I know there are things you aren’t telling me. You can deny it all you want, but you’re keeping secrets from me,” Cedrick countered. “I can feel it. And I’m not getting off this phone until you come clean.”
Cedrick could hear his mother’s uneven breathing over the phone line. It was the last thing he heard before the line disconnected.
Chapter 13
“Will you stop looking over your shoulder? You’re starting to make me paranoid,” Sierra whispered.
Cedrick stopped and tried to relax the tense look on his face. “Thanks for coming with me,” he said to Sierra, while speed walking through Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
“I’ve always wanted to visit Nevada,” Sierra commented, trying her best to keep up with the rapid pace Cedrick had set.
Betrayal of Trust Page 8
