Rhythm Bay Love

by Patricia A. Bridewell

  “You up?”

  “I am. What’s going on?”

  Celine walked over to the bed and sat down. “I kinda thought that was it. You know…your reason for not traveling with Antoine. That’s a tough subject, and temptation is a sniper that will wipe you out. If he asks you for a little sumptin’ sumptin,’ tell him no.”

  With her back to Celine, Jada placed a hand against her mouth and fought the urge to laugh. “Sis, I gotcha.”

  Celine crossed her arms. “Darius knows he ain’t getting nothin’ until we’re married.”

  “Right, I understand.” Jada sat up and stretched. “Uh, I’m getting sleepy.” She threw the robe at the foot of the bed and slipped under the covers. “Can you turn the light off?”

  “Okay, but think about what I said. Update me after you talk to Antoine.”

  “Sure will,” Jada turned on her side. “Goodnight.”

  After she heard the squeaky door close, Jada rolled on her back and slapped her forehead. Mercy.She’s a virgin. I can’t believe I didn’t pick up on that. But…twenty-six and never had sex? Her eyes stretched to the size of dinner plates as she tried to absorb a dictionary of advice from her sister.

  Jada hadn’t talked much to her sisters about premarital sex. She didn’t have to. Long before their parents passed, Momma, but mostly Aunt Dee, had preached from sunrise to sunset, and then sunset to dawn about marriage first, sex afterward. No options. This part of my life will be a well-kept secret.

  Chapter 18

  JADA

  Sunday Morning

  Jada managed to get five hours of rest and hoped that would suffice. After waking up three times, it really didn’t add up to a whole five hours, she showered and dressed. Then she and Celine were on their way to pick-up Aunt Dee. Greater Saints Church of Christ held two services every Sunday. Why they preferred the first service at 8:00 a.m. instead of 11:00 was her question? Their breakfast meeting with Aunt Dee following the service would work. Then she’d have time to rest before seeing Antoine this afternoon.

  Celine surprised Jada with the best Sunday morning blessing ever and volunteered to drive. Usually, she was too tired, and Jada understood. Working three twelve-hour shifts in a row in the emergency room and attending school had to be exhausting. Aunt Dee strolled to the car while putting on her glasses.

  “Mornin’, ladies. How’s the world treatin’ you?” Aunt Dee pinned loose strands of salt and pepper hair with a bobby pin. Healthy and active, she didn’t look like a sixty-seven-year-old woman. She’d maintained a trim figure from years of daily morning walks and strict eating habits.

  “I’m well,” Celine said.

  “I’m mediocre,” Jada said.

  Aunt Dee frowned. “Uh oh! What’s that Charmaine up to now? I bet this meeting is about her,” she turned to face Jada, who sat in the back seat.

  “Her problems are ongoing. It’s not Char this time, though. We’ll talk later,” Jada attempted a weak smile.

  Aunt Dee tilted her head. “I know y’all ain’t holdin’ nothin’ back from me.”

  “We’ll tell you at breakfast. Okay?” Celine quickly added, “I’m sure church comes before business.”

  Aunt Dee grunted, “Huh,” and mumbled under her breath while gazing out of the window.

  Celine turned on the Bluetooth player, and Brian Courtney Wilson’s song, “Increase My Faith” filled the car. She stopped at a red light, humming and clapping to the song.

  After Aunt Dee regained her composure, she turned around again. “Jada, I understand you’re datin’ one of the DJs at the station.”

  Celine glanced at Jada through the rearview mirror and shrugged. “I didn’t tell her.”

  “No, you didn’t,” Aunt Dee said. “I ran into Gordan at church a few weeks ago. I think you worked that weekend, Celine. Now, you girls are grown women, and I don’t get in your business,” she clutched her black Bible, “but if you need guidance, I’m always available for a chat or to pray with you.”

  Jada caught Celine’s gaze in the rearview mirror before covering her mouth to stifle her giggles. Celine let out a brief laugh.

  Aunt Dee furrowed her brows. “What’s so funny?”

  “Don’t mind us. It’s something we talked about earlier,” Celine said.

  Not only was Aunt Dee in their business, she was in all their business, personal as well. With no children of her own, their aunt had played a huge role in helping their parents with the girls, before and after their deaths.

  Gordan had mentioned joining a church several months ago, but never mentioned he was considering her aunt’s. “So, who told you about Antoine?” Jada asked.

  “I’m not givin’ up my sources,” Aunt Dee waved her hand. “I asked Gordan about you. After he said you two broke up, I was so embarrassed. You girls oughta keep me in the loop,” she pressed her hand to her chest.

  “Aunt Dee, our relationship is still new…and, well, I needed time to know him better. I wanted to tell you at the right time. That would’ve been today.”

  “Sooner would’ve been appropriate,” Aunt Dee said with a blank expression.

  “I totally forgot to mention my breakup with Gordan. Our relationship ended a little over a year ago. We still hung out sometimes, but I’m not seeing him anymore.”

  “Well, I hope not. What a shame you couldn’t stay together. You don’t find many men like Gordan these days. He was such a gentleman, treated you well, helped you at a bad time in your life.” She turned and looked at Jada. Then came the bonus question — the one Jada was certain her aunt would ask. “Which Sunday you bringin’ your boyfriend to church? I’ll cook a special dinner that day.”

  Jada sighed. “Soon. Real soon.”

  Aunt Dee liked and respected Gordan, and in her aunt’s eyes, he deserved an accolade for the Best Man in the World. What her aunt didn’t know was the truth, but Jada refused to elaborate on her complicated relationship with Gordan.

  Antoine’s presence in her life opened a new journey of light and joy that no one she’d ever dated could unequivocally match. Not even Gordan. Although Jada and Antoine’s three-month relationship was new, she and her man were like two fresh balls of clay in the sculptured pottery class they’d taken. They’d placed the balls of clay on a potter’s wheel, massaged, structured, and molded their pieces of clay in place. Then came the glazing of their finished products to produce beautiful pieces of artwork that would last forever. That was the shape of their love.

  They arrived at church on time, and upon entering the sanctuary, a sweet fragrance from several multicolored flower arrangements flowed through the air. The atmosphere was set for praise and worship. The head of the Usher Board, Sister Robbins, greeted them with a pleasant disposition. The woman rarely smiled, but her professionalism and kindness were impeccable.

  “Good morning, Sister Burns, I see you’ve got your nieces accompanying you.”

  “Yes, Charmaine couldn’t make it. But we’re prayin’ for her. You remember Jada?”

  “I sure do. We’ve missed you, Lady.” She offered Jada a hug, and then Celine and Aunt Dee. “I’ll be right with you, so don’t move.” She hand-gestured another usher, who rushed to Sister Robbins’ side, listening to her instructions. “Sister Davis will take you to your seats. Have a blessed Sunday.”

  As the usher walked them down the aisle, Jada’s eyes roamed the church. Two months seemed like forever. She took a deep breath to release the uneasy tension, which typically occurred after her absence from worship service. Nothing had changed, and it never would. The same wooden pews, same podium, and the same Bishop Riley, who preached the kind of Sunday morning sermons that had members dancing in the aisles. When they reached Aunt Dee’s favorite section — middle aisle, three rows from the front, the usher extended a white-gloved hand to their seats. Celine whispered something to the usher, and left a seat open by sitting her purse in the seat. Jada almost forgot that Antoine might show up but doubted that he would since he had not called or texted.
/>   Sitting in the pew where her family worshipped every Sunday — memories of Momma fanning her face, Daddy frequently shouting ‘amen’— made Jada’s heart ache. It always did. There was so much about the church that she’d enthusiastically embraced, yet after her parents’ demise, dark patches in life mounted. Despite the hardships, she tried to avoid questioning her faith, but the loss of both parents left her angry. Why them? She closed her eyes and bowed her head.

  A short time later, she looked up and saw an usher guiding Antoine to their row. Thankfully, she had told him where they sat each week, and thankfully he’d worn a suit, which he hated wearing. Celine got up; Antoine hugged, sat next to Jada and kissed her cheek. The look on Aunt Dee’s face was hysterical.

  “Aunt Dee, this is Antoine,” Jada said.

  “Nice to meet you, Aunt Dee, and nice to see you again, Celine.” He rose and hugged Aunt Dee.

  “God bless you and welcome to Greater Saints,” Aunt Dee said with a broad smile.

  “We’re glad you made it. Did your flight just get in?” Celine asked.

  “Yes, not long ago. I was hoping I wouldn’t be late.”

  Praise and worship started. After an inspirational message and altar call, Bishop Riley ended the benediction precisely at ten. Celine led the way down the crowded aisle to prevent Aunt Dee’s pauses for long chats with the church sisters.

  After they exited the sanctuary, the first question Aunt Dee asked was, “Antoine, are you comin’ to breakfast with us?”

  Antoine extended his hand to her aunt and said, “Aunt Dee, I appreciate the invite. Maybe next time. I have some work at the studio this morning.”

  “Okay. I’ll invite you to dinner one Sunday,” Aunt Dee said.

  “I look forward to that. You all have a great breakfast.”

  He and Jada walked a few feet away. “Baby, thank you for coming,” Jada told Antoine.

  “I wanted to keep my promise. Look, we’re still on for this afternoon, okay?”

  “Sure. We’re going to breakfast and then have a business meeting with my aunt. Call or text me later.”

  He kissed her cheek and said, “I’ll do that. I’m heading to the station.”

  Jada caught up with her aunt and Celine as they walked to the lot.

  “Hey, family!” Gordan called out as they walked. Jada twirled around. He waved her his way. “J, can I speak with you for a moment?”

  Jada searched to see if Antoine was close by, then blew air from her lips. “We’re on our way to breakfast.”

  “Uh, nice to see you, Gordan,” Aunt Dee said. She whispered in Jada’s ear, “Don’t be rude. We’ll meet you at the car.”

  Celine shot Gordan a brief stare and turned to Jada. “Keep in mind, I’m ready to go.”

  “Y’all know we’re in front of the Lord’s house.” Aunt Dee looked at Jada, and then Celine. Jada didn’t move, and Aunt Dee shooed her away. “Go see what he wants. Might be important.”

  “Aunt Dee, what he has to say doesn’t matter. Jada’s with Antoine now.”

  “Give me five minutes. I’ll be right there.” Out of respect for Aunt Dee’s wishes, Jada didn’t want to seem arrogant or rude. Forgiveness came fast, but any unrealistic beliefs her aunt had of a happy reunion were zero. He was with Kiley; she was with Antoine.

  Jada walked toward Gordan. “Hey, pretty girl. How you been doing?”

  “I’m well. I told Celine I wouldn’t be long. We’re riding with her.”

  “I got it. Your sister doesn’t look happy to see me,” he glanced at Celine and Aunt Dee. “We can’t talk out here. Why don’t we walk to my car, and I’ll drive you to the lot?”

  Jada smirked, shifting her weight. “To your car? Uh, I’m not sure I should do that.”

  “I arrived early, and I’m not far away. I won’t hold you up long.”

  They walked to his car, exchanging remarks about how they enjoyed the church service. Jada kept an eye out for Antoine’s truck. Once they were seated inside Gordan’s car, he retrieved a tan bag from the glove compartment and unzipped it. He removed the small box and showed Jada the engagement ring he’d given Kiley.

  “That’s Kiley’s ring. What happened, she canceled the wedding?” Jada said with tongue in cheek.

  “Me and Kiley are through, and I have to get this off my chest.” He placed the ring box back inside the bag, and then straightened the starched collar of his aqua-blue shirt before placing a hand on the steering wheel.

  Jada eyed him warily. Gordan appeared rested, he looked and smelled good.

  “I’ve hit some rough spots. And when you cut me outta your life that hurt.”

  Jada threw up a palm. “Stop right there. I’m not discussing our relationship. That’s in a closed file.”

  “Would you please listen? It’s not what you think. I lost you, and I finally accepted that. You should know my dating Kiley was not to get even or to hurt you.”

  “I never assumed that.”

  “Well, I need to get things right with you. We, uh, clicked…started kickin’ it together, and I admit I was wrong for not telling you.” Gordan touched her hand. “I apologize from my heart for any pain I caused you. I joined the church, and I’m trying to change. I’m asking if you’d forgive me.”

  Gordan begging for her forgiveness was something she’d never expected.

  Jada glanced at him. “I’ve already forgiven you. But had you told me about Kiley, that funky drama at the beach — my misunderstanding — never would’ve gone down.”

  “I get that now.” He huffed out a breath. “J, me and you had parted ways, and I don’t know what came over me. I had some fairy-tale infatuation with Kiley.” He paused. “Didn’t take long to realize that proposal shouldn’t have happened. She lied and told me she was twenty-nine. Turned out, she’s twenty-three and has a lot of serious issues.”

  Jada leaned back in the seat and stared at Gordan. This could be the leverage she needed to validate the issues she’d encountered with Kiley. She wouldn’t ask, but she still didn’t understand what he saw in her. “So, what happened between you two?”

  Gordan rubbed his hands together. “Let me put it like this, Kiley is moody. l’m outta that situation, and I have nothing else to say about that sista. My reputation is important.”

  “Oh, your reputation, huh?” She wondered why he hadn’t given his reputation a thought while he was dating a zoo full of women. Some while they were together.

  “You know what I mean. My business reputation.”

  “I know, I know. Just kidding. She can be difficult, and I try to keep my distance to stay calm.” Jada shook her head. “The problem is, you men pay too much attention to what’s on the outside when it comes to women. Glam don’t always get it.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.”

  “Seriously, if you believe she might bring harm to the station or any of our employees, tap Griff or Simon on the shoulder. I’m sure they’d keep any information confidential. My apologies to you for my behavior. I slapped you, and that was wrong.” She didn’t have the heart to tell Gordan that Denise had informed her of Kiley’s dating habits.

  Gordan licked his lips and looked down. “No, I’m not saying a word. And you didn’t have to apologize. I deserved that punch a long time ago. How’s everything going with you and Antoine?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Don’t go there. Everybody knows you’re his woman. Just like they knew about us.”

  Jada folded her arms. “The key is privacy. Just because people are seen together, shouldn’t automatically be an assumption that they’re dating.” She smiled. “We’re very close, and I’m happy. That’s it.”

  Gordan swiped her cheek with his finger. “Bae, I still love you. But it’s okay, he’s a blessed dude. I wish you two well. You and me? We had a good thang.”

  “There’s no more we; hasn’t been in a while. I refused to admit it and had a hard time letting go.” Feeling slightly uncomfortable, Jada cast her gaze out the window. “I better
go before Celine leaves.”

  Gordan drove Jada to the first floor of the parking structure.

  “Thank you for allowing me to express myself,” Gordan said.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “If there’s anything you ever need, don’t hesitate to call me.”

  “I appreciate that.” She kissed his jaw. “Take care.” She opened the car door and fast walked to Celine’s car.

  Before Jada could fasten her seatbelt, Aunt Dee glanced back and asked, “How’d your talk with Gordan go?”

  “Everything went fine.” Jada shifted her gaze out the window to avoid Aunt Dee’s long stare.

  Celine drove to M’Dears Bakery and Bistro in Carson. The Sunday morning crowd hadn’t drifted in yet, and Jada was happy they’d gone to the 8:00 a.m. service. After the waitress handed them menus, Aunt Dee dived on Jada again about her conversation with Gordan. Jada shared a little, but anything more would have turned into a long back and forth question and answer session, and they were supposed to be focusing on the dress shop.

  After their food arrived, Celine initiated the conversation about the eviction notice. Aunt Dee didn’t take the information very well. She wiped tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. “Three months, and I’m findin’ out now? Doggone it. Why’d y’all wait so long? This is totally unfair to me.”

  “We know, Aunt Dee,” Celine said. “It’s just…we didn’t want to burden you.”

  “Right, and we rely on you to run the shop. So, we tried to handle this with the hope of finding a new location,” Jada said.

  “That’s ridiculous. Findin’ out this late is what burdens me.” Aunt Dee pushed a balled fist to her temple. “Your momma worked hard to keep that business. And I was right by her side when work slowed down at the first shop on Central Avenue. God blessed us with a break.” Aunt Dee smiled. “An opportunity came to move to the west side.” She glanced at Jada and Celine with sad eyes. “We gotta save the business.” Aunt Dee rocked back and forth, “Lord, please help us.”