One of a Kind, page 30
“My car is right outside. Why don’t I take you over to his grandmother’s?”
The other woman shook her head. “No, it’s only been a couple of hours.”
Just long enough to drive a young mother out of her mind with worry, Anthia fumed. “Why don’t I make us some coffee? That might calm us both down.”
“Please,” Dana said trying to smile, but failing.
While Anthia worked in the small, but spotless, kitchen she thought of Dexter. He would be upset with her. She had stayed much longer than expected. It was after nine. Picking up the extension, first she called the community center. When she didn’t receive an answer, she called her own number and left a message for him on the answering machine.
When Anthia returned with the coffee mugs she heard a key rattle in the lock before the door was pushed open and the children rushed forward to greet their mother.
Dana’s eyes briefly locked with Jerome’s before she looked away. He’d been either drinking or using. She was infuriated that he could be so reckless with the children. He was supposed to know better.
“Mommy! Mommy!” The girls exclaimed, giving out hugs and kisses. “We missed you.”
“Hi babies,” she giggled, holding them close. She checked each one in turn, assuring herself that they were safe and well. “I expected you hours ago. Did you guys eat?”
With four little girls all talking at once, it was hard to decipher the information from baby talk. Gina, one of the older girls said, “We ate at Granny’s house.” Then noticed Anthia looking on with an affectionate smile. “Auntie!” she called. Soon Anthia was on the receiving end of all those hugs and wet kisses.
“What’s this ‘B’ doin’ in my house?” Jerome said, insultingly. “I told you before I didn’t want her up in here!”
The kids stiffened, wide eyes moving to their mother. Dana said, “Go ahead girls. Time to go change into your pajamas. I’ll read your story before you go to bed. Go on.” She urged them out, then she closed their bedroom door.
The tension was so heavy, it was like a thick fog murking the atmosphere.
“I asked you...”
“Look, it isn’t necessary for you to go there Jerome. I’m leaving.” Anthia began collecting her things. “Dana, I’ll call you soon,” she said, having placed the important letter in her purse.
“Not so damn fast!” He stood glassy eyed, leaning against the door. “I have a few things to say to you. And you are going to stay and listen!”
Dexter was so excited by the time he reached Anthia’s place he was almost bursting with good news. He had considered going in to the center to get in a few hours’ work, but the anticipation of seeing Anthia’s face wreathed in smiles proved to be irresistible. This experience with Tina had been difficult for Anthia. She was so special to him. She had not jumped to conclusions or believe the worst of him. She believed in him.
He could not suppress a chuckle. He was looking forward to her sweet kiss of congratulation. He was worse than a green boy with his first serious crush. He had to see his lady.
Damn straight! That was exactly how he felt about her. The lady was his from her soft dark curls to her small red-painted toenails. It was way past time he told her how he felt. He hesitated staring out into the seemingly cloudless sky.
Was he rushing things? Was he pushing her into a relationship that would possibly result in disillusionment and hurt for both of them? It was one thing to know about his past, it was quite another to actually live with it day in and day out. And that was what he wanted from her. He would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit the unvarnished truth to himself.
The full disclosure of his past had very nearly cost him the only job he valued. He had become an architect to please his father. He had headed the community center to please himself.
He felt a keen sense of accomplishment that he had not come close to duplicating while he worked in his family-owned firm.
What he did at the center made a difference in this troubled world. Plus, it was like a cool balm that soothed his painful past and thus allowed him to go on with his life. The community center had done more to help him than he had ever done for anyone there. It gave him focus, direction when he needed it the most. It validated his worth as an African-American man.
“Anthia,” he said aloud. A slow smile graced his strong bronze face. It drew the corners of his mouth up and caused his eyes to sparkle. As he parked his car in her driveway he forced himself to face his own difficult situation.
Even though he could not offer her his name, he did not want to ever let her go. He loved her too much. The weight of his own selfishness had him swearing beneath his breath. What he was asking was ridiculous. He wouldn’t be surprised if she turned him down flat. She had a right to expect the man who claimed to love her to also be willing to marry her. It wasn’t like she didn’t know his situation. Surely, he could coax her around to his way of seeing things?
Dexter was disappointed when he discovered that Anthia was not at home. He walked around to the back of the house, dropped down to search in the flowerpot beside the rear door for her spare key.
He grinned with satisfaction when he found it and unlocked the door. He quickly disengaged the alarm in the rear hallway outside the kitchen. He grinned when he didn’t see a single pot on the stove. The kitchen was squeaky-clean. Were they eating out, or was he supposed to be bringing their meal? He didn’t have a clue.
He had been distracted when they last talked. There were no messages on the message board in the kitchen, only the beginning of a grocery list. In her studio, he glanced around but found no indication as to her whereabouts.
Returning to the kitchen, he got himself an ice-cold beer then settled in an armchair in the living room. He made a quick call to Quinn and explained what happened with Tina. The longer he waited for Anthia the more he brooded, wondering if she were all right. Surely, she hadn’t gone over to Dana’s, not after he had warned her about that place after dark? She could have stopped by to see Diane? Or gone shopping?
Suddenly remembering the message light blinking on the answering machine, he retraced his steps. Perhaps, she have called and left a message for him. The telephone rang just then, he practically snatched it off the hook.
“Jenkins’ residence?”
“Dex?”
“Yeah. Jeff?”
“Yes, how are you?”
“Better. Your mom passed along your message. Thanks. Your support means a lot to me,” Dexter ended quietly.
“It’s how I feel. I’m hoping everything works out in your favor. I can’t believe how Tina has been jerking you around.” Jeff growled in disgust.
“Yeah, but I think I’ve gotten it settled. She admitted the truth to me this evening in front of her mother. I think they’re willing to do the right thing without having to go to court.”
“Hey, that’s great!”
“Yeah. Look, I’m grateful for your faith in me. I know you love your mother and are concerned about her welfare. Now that you know the truth about my past, you have every reason not to want me with her,” Dexter said guardedly.
“Hey, hold up! This is Jeff you’re talkin’ to, man. I’ve known you longer than a few days. Ma explained about the manslaughter conviction. I agree with her. It was an accident. Dex, you are not a killer,” he paused as if struggling to keep his emotions in check. “How can I ever forget that you stuck by me when I was at the lowest point in my life? How could I do less for you?”
Dexter had trouble swallowing the lump forming in his throat. “Anthia, has done a good job with you, kid. By the way, she isn’t home. But I’ll tell her you called.”
“Thanks. Aw... by the way... I aw... have gotten past the problem we talked about.”
“Huh? I’m drawing a blank here.”
“I was concerned... aw... about a personal problem.”
“Oh, yes. I remember.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever find someone who didn’t have a problem with my limitations,” he laughed. “I was wrong.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Her name is Cora. She’s Cynthia Montgomery’s roommate. She has agreed to go out with me this weekend.” Dexter grinned, imagining he could hear the smile in Jeff’s voice.
“That’s the way, my man! Good luck.”
“Thanks. I must admit I’m a little nervous. We’ve talked a couple of times this week on the phone. That’s helped keep me calm.”
“You have nothing to worry about. Have you considered talking to your doctor about that other concern?”
“Sexual?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“No... but I’m sure I won’t have a problem if the situation presents itself.”
“Tested yourself?”
Jeff laughed. “Something like that. The usual way. She kissed me and while she was close I responded immediately. Oh, man, it felt good.”
Dexter cautioned, “Don’t rush it, kid. You’re there to get a degree, not get laid.”
They both chuckled.
“I’ll remember that. Got to go. Tell Ma I called. See ya.” After Dexter replaced the receiver, he pressed the play button on the answering machine. Anthia’s voice was soft and sweet to his ear. “Hi Dex. If you’re listening to this then I know you are worried. Sorry, honey. I stopped in to visit with Dana and have stayed longer than expected. I hope you’ve brought dinner, I’m starving. See you soon.”
Dexter ground his teeth in frustration. “Hell!” That woman could be so stubborn! Why didn’t she realize that just because he had taught her a few self-defense moves, she was no expert.? She could not protect herself against the thugs that liked to hang out around that building. This was not a play thing. Her safety was at stake. “Damn! ”
Grabbing his jacket, then fishing his keys out of his pocket, he muttered to himself, “I don’t care if she does get mad, I’m going after her.”
“What’s wrong with you Jerome? Anthia wants to leave.” Dana put herself between the two of them.
“You think I don’t know what you two were talking about? You think I’m stupid,” he said glaring at her. “She doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.” His words were somewhat slurred. To Anthia, he snapped, “What you tryin’ to do? Ruin my life like your precious son ruined my brother’s?”
Anthia stiffened, her back straight as if trying to make herself taller than five-one. “My son is not responsible for Eddie’s troubles. Eddie holds that honor. You know that’s your problem. You’re always blaming someone else for what goes wrong in your life, rather than looking at yourself for not trying hard enough.”
Dana looked anxiously from one to the other. She didn’t need this, especially since Jerome was not sober. She could smell the liquor on his breath. To be honest, she was relieved it was alcohol and desperately hoped it was not drugs. She said, “Anthia don’t. Let me handle this.”
But Anthia was not listening. All she could see was how this young man was carelessly hurting someone she cared deeply for. Her tone was sharp when she went on to say, “You’re right, Jerome. I don’t think you’re the right man for Dana. She’s too good for you. But I would be the last person to tell her to leave your sorry butt. That’s her decision, not mine.”
“Shut up! Shut the hell up!” he yelled at her, moving his shoulders and flinging his arms menacingly. “I don’t like you, lady! I want you out of my house... now. Out of our lives. Dana’s not going to be doing anymore work for you.”
“What!” Both women said at the same time.
“You heard me! I don’t want you near her! Don’t come back here!”
Dana was shaking, but she did not offer a word of protest. “Dana, are you going to let him decide for you? Dana?” Dana looked away, unwilling or unable to meet Anthia’s eyes.
Anthia was so upset she, too, was trembling. As she looked from one young face to the other, she fully accepted that when it came to this man, he could do no wrong from Dana’s viewpoint.
“Dana, if you are not careful this man is going to take over your entire life. Are you going to let him do your thinking for you?” Anthia wished she could call back the words the instant they left her mouth. It was the wrong thing to say.
No matter how truthful those words were, she had to face the fact that Dana was not ready to hear them. Those hasty words could also serve to drive a wedge between Dana and Anthia. It was possible that Dana may not ever be ready to believe them.
“How could you?” Dana whispered, blinking back tears.
“I’m sorry, Dana. I shouldn’t have said that. Please, can you forgive me?”
Dana nodded, but she failed to look at Anthia. Her arms were crossed tightly against her body as if she needed to protect herself.
Jerome snarled, “Get out!”
Anthia shook her head. “Not until I’ve talked to Dana, privately.”
“I said get the hell out!” he shouted, moving threateningly toward her.
Instead of retreating, Anthia braced herself. “Don’t touch me.”
“Open this door before I break it down,” Dexter said from the other side of the door.
Dana was shaking from head to toe as she hurried to do just that. “Thank goodness.”
“Amen to that,” Anthia mumbled.
Dexter’s tall frame filled the doorway. His dark eyes immediately going to Anthia and quickly moving over her. She was pulled against his side. “You okay?” he asked softly, his gaze on the other man.
“Fine. What are you doing here?”
“You’re here. That’s good enough for me. What was all the yelling about? I could hear your voices all the way down the hall.”
“I want her out of here, man. She was trying to turn my lady against me.”
Dexter’s eyebrows arched inquisitively. “How could she do that?”
Anthia open her mouth to speak but quickly decided to keep quiet. She had already said too much by suggesting that Dana leave the man in front of him.
“Dana listens to her. Believes everything she tells her. How can I compete with that,” Jerome said bitterly.
“You don’t have to. Anthia loves Dana like a sister. She isn’t trying to run your life,” Dexter said reasonably. “As long as you’re the man in your own home, what difference does it make what anyone says? By being the man, I don’t mean how many babies you’ve fathered. I’m talking about taking care of your children and keeping a roof over their heads. A man always takes responsibility for his actions... good or bad.”
Jerome stared at Dexter. “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t know what it is to be out here! You got a good job, man. And a woman who respects you!”
“You can have those same things. But first you have to start respecting yourself and your body. How the hell can you function without being sober? Is the liquor doing the talking for you, my man?”
“Hell no!”
“Then be a man without it! There’s nothing to keep you from making something of your life... nothing but your pride.” The two stared at each other for some time without speaking, one enraged and the other cool and composed. The younger man was the first to look away.
“You have no idea what I am up against.”
“Man, have you read the paper lately? I know what it is to be a black man. But I also know that if you want your lady’s respect and your children’s respect you have to earn it. That means leaving the streets alone.” Dexter paused, hoping to give his words time to sink in.
“I can help you find a job. I can help you improve your educational skills. That’s my job, man.” Dexter shrugged, then said, “Whether I can point you in the right direction, is up to you. Your choice, my man. Come by the center. We’ll talk.” Both Dana’s and Anthia’s eyes were on the younger man. Dana was too afraid to hope while Anthia was filled with pride for Dexter.
Jerome nodded, before he said quietly, “Okay.” The two men shook hands.
“Ready?” Dexter asked Anthia.
“Almost.” To Dana she said, “I’m sorry Dana. Please, don’t hold what I said against me.”
“I can’t,” she whispered, her throat filled with tears, “I love you.” While the two hugged each other, she whispered urgently in Anthia’s ear, “Please, don’t let Dexter stop trying to reach him. Promise?”
Anthia nodded, kissing her cheek. “Shall I come by next week for the new doll clothes?”
“Yes, please. I’ll have them ready and will be ready for more. Good night.”
“ ’Night.”
Anthia was downright weary with relief as she walked into the hallway with Dexter at her side. They were nearly to the elevator when she said, “Thanks for coming. It was getting a little rough there for a while.”
Dexter did not comment as he pressed the button to summon the elevator. One glance at his set features told its own tale. He was not happy with her.
“Honey...”
“Don’t even try to get around me.”
“I’m sorry. I know you asked me not to come in the evenings. But it was important that I see Dana, right away.”
“Evidently, what I asked didn’t matter,” he snapped, holding the doors open so she could proceed him inside.
“That’s not true. If you just, let me explain...”
As the elevator descended, Dexter maintained his silence. A muscle flexed in his jaw as if he were clenching his teeth. “Dex...”
“We’ll talk about it later,” he said as they exited the building. “My place is closer. Let’s go there.”
Although surprised, Anthia nodded her agreement. “That’s fine.”
He did not leave until she was strapped in her seat with the doors locked. Only then did he jog to his own car. He drove slowly, checking in his rearview mirror to make sure she was right behind him.
Twenty-Five
Anthia had been racking her brain for an explanation that might ease his mood. She had barely stepped out of the car when he walked up behind her. Without so much as a word, he reached for her bringing her against his chest. His mouth open and hungry over hers. He was not satisfied with a simple kiss, but took her mouth in a deep, drugging exchange that left her weak in the knees, her body aching for his.
