Rhythm Bay Love

by Patricia A. Bridewell

  She looked into his eyes. “Honey, talk to me,” she squeezed his hand. “What is it?”

  “I should’ve told you at Roscoe’s, but the good ol’ Cheer Team revved up.” He licked his lips. “Bae, I’m sorry. The ring is Kiley’s. I plan to ask her to marry me. I wanted your opinion of the ring.”

  The bottom dropped out of her world, and Jada’s forehead crinkled. Her mouth twisted. It felt like she’d been kicked in the chest. The heat in her body started rising as her eyes widened. “Kiley? Not Kiley Henson at KTLM?”

  “Yeah, that Kiley.”

  Before his lips parted, she whacked his face with a palm and jumped to her feet.

  “So, you’ve been taking me out and seeing Kiley, too?”

  Appearing dazed, he frowned and pushed a hand against his face. “Was that necessary? We need to talk.”

  “No!” Jada waved her hands. “I don’t wanna hear it.” She twisted the ring off and threw it at him. “Take your ring,” she said with tight jaws. He tried to catch the ring as it bounced off his chest and hit the ground. “How could you do this to me?”

  “Do what? You got this twisted. I didn’t ask you to marry me. Just your opinion of the ring.” He picked up the ring and placed it inside his jacket pocket.

  “My opinion?” she screamed. “You brought me out here for lunch, smooches in the car, and now you wanna ask my opinion of another woman’s ring? You must’ve lost your dang mind.”

  Gordan looked around before standing up, then he stepped in front of her face. “It’s not what you think,” he said in a calm tone. “Would you calm down? Listen…instead of putting our business in the street, let’s go to the car.”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you!” Jada shouted. “For all I care, the whole freakin’ world should know. Now leave me alone. I’m calling for a ride.” She pulled out her cell and started dialing.

  Multiple people walked past, turned their heads and started whispering. Several others stopped, watching the action like they were Jay Z and Beyoncé – center stage attractions.

  “Don’t do this, J. Let’s go somewhere and talk.” Gordan tried to grab her phone.

  Jada jerked her hand away. “No.”

  “You ended our relationship last year. Why would you expect a ring?”

  Jada popped a fist to one hip. “I didn’t. You dropped the ring in my hand. You wouldn’t leave me alone. All that talk about companionship, missing me, and remember our last date? We made love in your bed. But you know what? I wouldn’t have married you anyway,” she snapped.

  “Whoa, that’s cold,” a young man laughed, covering his mouth. Additional people with curious stares delayed their walks, lingering nearby. The whispers started to grow, but Jada didn’t care. In her mind, the more who listened, the better.

  Gordan gave the young man an evil eye and glanced over the small crowd. “And what is everybody looking at? Mind your own business and keep it pushin’,” he said with an irritated voice.

  Jada narrowed her eyes, “Kiley should be here; not me.”

  “I was wrong, okay? You’re my confidante, J, my best friend. This is about more than just the ring. Give me a chance to explain what’s going on.”

  “That’s unacceptable.”

  “Word?” he extended his hands. “You won’t give me five minutes?”

  “Can’t you understand?” Jada pressed a hand against her face. “I don’t owe you five minutes.”

  Gordan had no idea how she felt. If she could only make him feel a piece of her pain. She used deep breathing to try to keep it together, but her conscious mind said no. She needed to leave. She placed her Bluetooth in her ear and started walking down the pier. What had she done to deserve this kind of treatment? She was such a fool.

  Gordan ran after her and clutched her from behind, lifting her off the ground. “J, I still love you.”

  “Stop it. Let me go,” she yelled.

  He held on to her. “Give me a chance to explain.”

  “Take your hands off me.” She attempted to pry his arms from her waist and dropped her purse and cell phone. They wrestled as she struggled to get away, until Gordan let go.

  Wiping away tears, Jada squatted to pick up her cell and threw several items back in her purse. She scurried down the pier. “Go on. Be stubborn,” Gordan yelled at her. “I had your back, stuck by your side to get you past this kinda behavior. No matter what, I’ll always love you.”

  “Bull! Love’s not supposed to hurt,” she shouted back, walking even faster.

  “You lost control. All that counseling for nothing. Be reasonable, J,” he pleaded.

  Keeping her pace, Jada didn’t answer. No matter how much he begged and attempted to rationalize at this point, it didn’t matter. Jada’s mind was full of conflict and unanswered questions. Not the right place to be. Although she’d exploded with just cause, she knew walking away would’ve been a better solution. Sure, she wanted marriage and kids, but not with Gordan. The gall of him to do what he did was what hurt. She’d conquered old weak points, but violence wasn’t one. This time, her ‘act first, think later’ action overpowered sound judgment.

  Jada tried Celine’s cell twice. Why she hadn’t answered or texted back was a concern. This was her day off, and she never failed to get back to her immediately unless she was on duty in the Emergency Room. Desperate to quickly escape Gordan, Jada initially hadn’t given a thought to how she’d get back to the radio station. Now, she’d have to call Uber, which meant a chunk of money she couldn’t afford or call her last resort, Charmaine. She texted Griff that she’d gone to lunch and would be back in an hour, and then looked back. Gordan had stopped following but stood in one place watching her from afar.

  Walking until she could no longer bear the discomfort of her aching feet, Jada stopped and kicked off her heels. She carried them in her hands, and after a few minutes, she glanced behind. No Gordan. But in her distraught state, she had forgotten to check her text messages and her phone was on silent. Charmaine had texted saying she’d be here in twenty minutes. Knowing her sister, she hoped that was true. Jada responded to Charmaine, found a bench and sat to rub her feet. She laid her black heels on the bench. “This really sucks. Our relationship was over. Why did I believe this friendship would work?”

  Dating after their breakup was the biggest mistake she’d ever made, but Gordan should have confessed about Kiley long before today. There was no way she’d give him the benefit of explaining this catastrophe.

  Chapter 9

  JADA

  Friday Afternoon

  Jada tugged the collar of her blouse up to her chin attempting to block a spritz of ocean air that grazed her face. The weather had cooled down, but she had not. Huh. Accidently giving me a ring that was Kiley’s. What was he thinking? Not in the mood for Gordan’s pitiful excuses, she ignored his barrage of calls and texts while waiting for Charmaine. What was taking her so long when she claimed to be twenty minutes away? Jada heard a car horn and stood, quickly strutting in the direction of her sister’s white Kia.

  She opened the door and climbed inside. “It’s about time.”

  “Aww dry up! I told you I’d be here.”

  “Yes, in twenty minutes. Not an hour later. I could’ve called an Uber.”

  “Traffic jam. Why’d you let Gordan bring you here, anyway? Thought you were over that loser. He’s nothing but a playa.” Charmaine tossed her honey-blond weave over her shoulder.

  “I can’t talk about him now. Drive and be quiet.”

  “Look. You called me to drive wa-a-a-y over here. Do yourself a favor and listen to me. Gordan is scum.”

  Jada dismissed her sister with a wave. “Yeah, yeah. You giving me advice about men is a joke. I called you because I couldn’t reach Celine.”

  Charmaine dug her foot in the pedal, swerved around the corner and slammed on the brakes.

  “What the heck are you doing? Trying to kill us?” Jada’s heart raced; she started wagging her foot. Remember, cool down. She wants
to agitate you; don’t act like the fool she is.

  “No. I did it to make a point. You should be grateful I’m here.”

  “Grateful? Is that what you think after you took your sweet time? It’s cold out here, and

  I was in severe distress. You know I can still call an Uber.” Jada sighed, rummaging through her bag for her phone.

  “Sissy, throw the cell back in your bag. I’m here now.”

  Charmaine opened a pack of Doublemint and removed a stick of gum. She tossed the wrapper out the window, and then rolled the window all the way down before resting her arm on the door. “Where you wanna go?”

  Jada agonized over the pop, pop of Charmaine’s bad gum cracking habit. It was so ghetto. “I’ll tell you what… take me to the station.”

  Charmaine gunned the engine. “Why’d he leave you stranded? That was stupid. And taking an Uber home? You’ll be broke.”

  “I said I’m going back to work,” Jada raised her brow.

  “Huh, you’re not going to the station with those red-bull eyes. If you know what’s best, stay your behind in this car. I wouldn’t wanna hear about some crazy dude snatchin’ you up while you’re waiting on an Uber.”

  Jada twisted her lips and tried to avoid laughing. She rested her head against the headrest, “Girl, shut up! I’m not in the mood for laughing.”

  “What?” Charmaine shot a glance at Jada. “Do it. You wanna laugh; let it roll, ’cause you won’t be laughing when that Charles Manson looking guy is after you.”

  Jada covered her mouth to stifle the laughter but let out a holler, and Charmaine did the same. One thing her baby sister had was the gift of humor. Like their father, Charmaine had a plethora of humor underneath her steel armor that could bring cheer to anybody’s bad day. After all they’d been through with losing their parents, Jada understood her sister’s pain. But she wished that she could get through to her sister and help her see what to expect in the real world when she’s on her own. Charmaine would need to grow up and be responsible someday. Jada blew out a huge sigh and told Charmaine about her argument with Gordan.

  “Sis, I’m sorry. I know you’re hurting right now. Oooh…he’s a dog. I would’ve slapped him so—”

  Jada waved her hand. “Don’t say that.”

  Charmaine stopped at a red light, cracking gum so loud, it would’ve been hard to hear an ambulance or a police siren. She tipped her head to the side and glanced at Jada.

  “What?” Jada asked.

  “What’d you do?”

  “Shush! I can’t talk about it.”

  “You got pissed and told that brother off, I bet. I know that look.”

  “I–I didn’t mean to. It’s just…” Jada rubbed the back of her neck. “Kiley and marriage in the same sentence made me snap. Before I knew it, I’d slapped him, but it wasn’t intentional.”

  “You hit him? Girl, are you nuts? I was just joking when I said slap him.”

  She gazed at her sister, then shifted her eyes to the streets, pondering on the mess she’d made of the whole situation.

  “No, I’m not nuts. I made a mistake.”

  “Yeah, you sure did.” Charmaine rolled her eyes. “Wasn’t therapy about change? You can’t hit people. What if he’d hit you back?”

  “I get heated at times, but therapy really helped. I’ve never hit anybody until today. And that’s bothering me.”

  “How’re you gonna move on? You said he’s at the station a lot, and that wacky Kiley is there.”

  “Don’t remind me. This was my fault because I started going out with him again. When we broke up, that should’ve been the end. No communication, no friendship. Let me tell Celine about this, okay?”

  “I’m not saying a word. You sure you wanna go back to work? Tell your boss you need to leave.”

  “Nope, work is calling my name. I have to finish my day.”

  Charmaine parked in front of the station, and Jada gave her a hug before reaching for her purse. “Thanks, Sis.” She opened the door, and a letter fell from the side pocket on the passenger side. Jada picked up the envelope and frowned. “What’s this doing in the car?”

  “What is it?”

  “Mail for me from some real estate company. Probably advertisement.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I was on my way out one day and picked up the mail. Checked through it and stuck yours in there.”

  Jada stuffed the envelope inside her purse. “Be careful about that. If bill notices are missed, it could mean utilities get cut off. See you later.”

  As much as Jada hated returning to work, she did. She eased in the lobby door of the radio station and glanced around before powerwalking to the bathroom with a bottle of Visine in hand. Maybe she should’ve given Gordan a chance to explain. But Kiley and Gordan? Jada could swear that half the time that woman’s head was on backward.

  She exited the restroom and headed to her office. She shoved her purse inside the desk drawer and sat still for a moment, trying to clear her head. After that catastrophe, she was hopeful she’d be able to finish out the day.

  Rosa, one of the account executives, entered her office. “All right, missy, do you mind informing Kiley when you leave for lunch? I’ve been hunting you down about the O’Connor account. They want additional air time.”

  If she only knew what I feel like telling Kiley. “I left Kiley a message. You know I don’t go out much. Too bogged down here. Why didn’t you text me?”

  Rosa shrugged. “No biggie, but please save them a slot in prime time. I’m leaving to get contracts signed now.”

  “Call me after they’re signed. You know I can’t save slots.”

  “I can’t even get a favor, Chica?” Rosa smiled.

  “I’m doing my job and being fair,” she said to Rosa’s back as the woman jetted out as fast as she’d entered the office.

  Griff walked in with a harried expression. “Oh, you’re back! Can we meet briefly? In say…ten minutes.”

  “Will do.”

  “Uh, I need you to print up a log and bring it with you.”

  Not waiting for a reply, he swarmed out of the room faster than a scared rabbit. Between him and Rosa, anybody would swear they drank energy drinks all day. Before she could walk to his office, two more account executives popped in back-to-back with new commercials and changes. This was not the best day for the mad rushes. Charmaine was right. She should’ve called Griff and said she was leaving early today, but Jada was too dedicated to leave her boss in a rut. Hopefully, this meeting would be short.

  After her meeting with Griff, Jada had three more hours, and she would call it a day. She walked past the sales office and noticed two account executives at their desks. With most of the sales execs out of the office, she should wrap up on time. She went to the lounge to get water before returning to her office, and rammed into Antoine as she walked in.

  He caught Jada in his arms and broke her fall. “Ooops! I’m sorry. You okay?”

  “Yeah, thank you. I guess I was walking too fast.” Jada pushed her hair away from her face.

  “Actually, it was my fault. I wasn’t paying attention,” he said with a glistening smile.

  “No, really, it’s not a problem.”

  Antoine looked around. “Are you busy?”

  Okay what does he want now? “Yes, I am. Can I help you with something?”

  He pulled his earlobe. “No, but can I stop by your office? Uh, it doesn’t have to be now. But before you leave.”

  Jada filled a paper cup with Sparkletts water. “Sure, but listen… I’m off at five o’clock. So, if it’s about work, can it wait until tomorrow morning?”

  “I wouldn’t say it’s directly related to work, and it’ll only take a few minutes. I promise.”

  Jada was surprised by his request after the squabble they’d had earlier.

  He pointed at the Sparkletts bottle. “You drink that water?”

  Jada lifted her brows and shrugged. “Occasionally, if I forget my own. Why?”

  Ant
oine let out a chuckle and crossed his arms. His striking tattoos seized her attention again. “Hey, I’m sorry. I guess it’s just me. Drinking from that bottle is like drinking from a public fountain. You know… people touching the spout. Potential bacteria.”

  “What?” Jada giggled as she poured the water down the sink and threw the cup in the trash. “I hadn’t thought about that. I’ll finish up in a few hours. It’s okay to stop by around 4:30.”

  He nodded, and Jada watched him walk away. What’s up with D.J. Ant? This certainly isn’t the same man I clashed with earlier. He must’ve consumed a magical drink or stopped by an early Happy Hour for lunch.

  Later, she placed a stack of papers in a folder on her office desk and prepared to leave. After a light knock at the door, Antoine opened it. “Am I too late?”

  “No, come on in.”

  “I was afraid I’d missed you.” He closed the door.

  “I’m leaving soon, what’s up?”

  He walked over to the desk and handed her a Dasani bottled water and a manila envelope. “This is for you. I apologize for the way I acted earlier. That’s not who I am.” He rubbed the side of his face. “I’ve been tired lately, but that’s no excuse for my behavior. I found your note, so that was my oversight.”

  “Apology accepted. We all make mistakes, and I should’ve confirmed that you saw the note.” She opened the envelope and pulled out an eight by ten card with purple flowers on the front and a handwritten poem inside. Jada pushed her fingers to her jaw. “Did you write this?”

  “Yes. I create poetry when time permits. I thought about an apology letter. Changed my mind.”

  “Nah. This is way better. It’s the most beautiful poem I’ve ever read. Thanks for this and the water. How long you been writing?”

  Antoine sat across from her. “Forever. I have a niche for creative arts, so that’s where my time goes. Well… not entirely,” he laughed. “I volunteer for Big Brothers too.”

  “Volunteer work? That’s interesting,” she opened the water and sipped. “How long have you done that?”