“Where’s Char?”
“She should be up. I heard her in the bathroom not long ago. She’s been helping Aunt Dee.”
Jada lifted her brows. “Really?”
“Aunt Dee was swamped with formal dresses and alterations. Char volunteered.” Celine sat a plate of salmon croquettes, hash browns, and zucchini squash on the table.
“That’s great to hear.”
“Did you have a doctor’s appointment?” Celine asked.
“No. I went to see Valerie.”
“The therapist Valerie?”
“She’s a mental health nurse practitioner, and she does therapy. I felt I should start therapy again for a while.”
“You’ve done well until recently. If you need therapy, that’s a positive choice. How’d the session go?”
“Well. She wants to put me on medications.”
“Remember, I told you at times medications are essential. You’ve been a little irritable lately. I know she told you mental health can affect physical health and vice versa.”
“Yeah, she went knee-deep on the meds and health situations. I agreed to go back on the Melatonin for a week. If it doesn’t help me sleep, she’ll write a prescription for sleep and Buspar for anxiety. Talking to Valerie was refreshing.”
“Bottom line is taking care of yourself. These fried hash browns and croquettes sure aren’t helping us.” Celine let out a soft laugh.
“Exactly. We eat enough healthy foods.” Jada held her left hand up and wiggled her fingers.
Celine pressed a hand against her chest. “Oh, Sissy. He proposed?”
“No, he didn’t. This is my three-month anniversary gift.”
“Look at you. It’s beautiful.” Celine studied Jada for a moment. “You sure that’s not an engagement ring?”
“It’s not. We’re not there yet, and I’m ashamed that I don’t know what to say to him about my behavior.” She picked up a croquette and scooped up hash browns and zucchini squash.
Celine sat down and fixed her plate. “Yup, your problem is complicated. You should give him a break, though. Also be upfront about your diagnosis and how it affects you.”
Jada slanted her head. “Whose side are you on?”
“Nobody’s. From what you texted, sounded like the picture was some fanatic groupie’s prank. You’re not sure, so why’d you get so angry?”
Jada poured a glass of cranberry juice. “I let my anxiety overwhelm me. Now, I’m confused on whether I should apologize. I went to the photo shop to validate authenticity, but I changed my mind. What do you think?”
“Can I see the picture?”
Jada removed the picture from her purse and handed it to Celine. How had she allowed her disorder to misconstrue a senseless act that could’ve destroyed her relationship? Did Antoine know about the photos? The burden of guilt was frustrating, and regret filled her head. Why had she acted so foolish? Still…she was uncertain. The pictures.
“Huh. At least he’s not naked. I bet this is an ex-girlfriend’s shenanigans. And who took the picture? Ugh!” Celine scrunched her face. “Nowadays, great relationships are golden. Lord knows me and Darius have our ups and downs. Relationships are hard work, but a healthy level of trust, respect, and faith in God keeps the flame burning.”
“It’s just… that picture bothers me,” Jada said.
“It should, but you can’t let worry interfere with your life. Until you have proof that something is wrong, don’t let circumstances or anybody blow out your flame. Pray, then you and Antoine need to get busy on those picture issues.”
“You’re right,” Jada wiped her mouth. “Denise shared a similar opinion.”
“Good Mornin’. ”Charmaine walked in with her hair pinned up in a bun.
Jada quickly picked up the photo and stuffed it in her purse. “All right now. No hoop earrings, long hair down to your butt, or short skirt today?” Jada joked.
“No, ma’am. Not when I’m workin’ with Aunt Dee. I don’t wanna hear her mouth. Pin that hair up before it gets caught in the sewing machine, take off those hula-hoop earrings, and on and on,” she mimicked her aunt. “Whew!” Charmaine spun around. “I look okay?”
“You’ll pass Aunt Dee’s dress code,” Celine said. “No boobs showing, and you’re wearing pants. Fix a plate before you leave.”
“Nah, I’ll wait. Aunt Dee brings food every day, and if I bring McDonald’s or any food, she’ll say, ‘you knew I was bringin’ food. Why waste money?’ I’ll take a croquette though.” Charmaine laughed, lifting a croquette with a paper towel and taking a bite. “I’m leavin’. When you comin’ home?” she asked Jada.
“I’ll be here tonight, my overprotective sisters. Tell Aunt Dee I said hello.” Jada said.
“I will. And yes, we’re overprotective. I guess you and Antoine had a nice time.” Charmaine smiled.
Celine raised her brows and looked at Jada.
Jada popped a fist to one hip. “Who said I was with Antoine, missy?”
“Who else would you be spendin’ nights with? Not Gordan I hope,” Charmaine said.
“Char, time to leave for work. Scoot out the door so you won’t be late,” Jada said, hand gesturing her to the door.
“See yah,” Charmaine said, walking out. “Oh, by the way, Sissy, I found your hotel bill on the floor, so I put it on your dresser.” She smiled so hard her face almost cracked. “Payback,” she said, cackling all the way out the door.
Jada’s eyes landed on Celine, whose head stayed down while she ate. She’d planned to keep her intimate life wrapped and in the closet, but Charmaine shot a bullet in that plan. Now Celine knew, and they’d have to chat about their differences. Jada hadn’t reached the same magnitude of faith as her sister, nor was she sure that she wanted to. Celine needed to understand that while she was always striving to maintain a healthy life, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, she was still a work in progress.
Since Celine barely said more than a few words on their way to the movies, Jada reflected on Celine and Denise’s heartfelt pep talks. They had given her a lot to think about. She decided to let the issue related to the photos rest until she and Antoine discussed them. Nothing would blow out her flame with that man.
Chapter 28
ANTOINE
“Hey, L.A. This is your favorite champ DJ Ant, the Prince of Romance, getting ready to check out with Earth, Wind, and Fire’s tune, “Imagination.” Join me tomorrow, same time, same place from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. KTLM 101.3 on your dial. Next is Lina Reshawn. Peace and Love. Ciao.” Antoine removed his headset, jotted down a few notes, and turned to see if Toni was still in the hallway bending Lina’s ear. As the general manager, Toni came in late and stayed late, she was rarely in her office before he left for the day.
Lina walked in. “Good Morning.”
“How’s it going?” Antoine said. “I see our GM is here. Why is Toni in early?”
“I’m not sure. Toni was venting like she does frequently.” She removed a small hand mirror, stroked her short hair, and applied orange lipstick.
As the last word slid from Lina’s mouth, his phone started buzzing in his pocket. He removed it. It was as though Toni had overheard his inquiry, which was next to impossible from the hallway. He viewed her text.
Please stay for a 10:30 meeting. My office. Thx Toni.
Then he vacated the chair so Lina could prepare to go on the air. He gathered his belongings and stared briefly at Lina. What makes her brain function? She didn’t know about the meeting. Right. Standing in the hallway allowing the GM to vent, and there’s nothing about to go down. Tell that to the rookies. Toni didn’t come in early without a reason. Antoine couldn’t blame Lina for not sticking her nose in the station’s politics, but she could’ve given him a warning. His preference was staying on top of projected changes or issues related to his position, and he paid it forward to colleagues when necessary. Their team had a solid pact to work collaboratively with each another, and they worked extremely well with manag
ement. Being the new DJ on stage with the lowest seniority, it would be nice if Lina tried being more collegial with fellow employees.
He would try to catch Denise in reference to a note he’d left in her box. Griff normally had a sales meeting on Thursdays around 11:00, and she should be in soon. He flipped through the station directory for the sales team and found her number, then walked to another empty studio room and called her extension.
“Good Morning,” Denise said.
“Hey, Denise. This is Antoine. How’re you?”
“I’m well.”
“Did you get my note?”
“Yes. Perfect timing because I got here a little while ago. When can you talk?”
“I’m off the air. Can you meet me in Studio Two? It’ll be brief; I have a 10:30 meeting.”
“I’m on my way.”
Antoine drew in a steady breath, which had no impact on the fury he’d experienced for the past three days. He sat down and folded his arms, reminded himself to abstain from being too outspoken. He’d considered sending Jada a text saying their relationship was over. No return calls, no return texts, and he had no idea why. He loved her too much to let her go, but he would not get zapped in another relationship. A burning thought of Kiley telling Jada the lie she’d created would not leave his head.
He heard the doorknob turn and glanced up. It was Denise.
“Hi,” Denise sat across from him.
He smiled and propped one leg over the other. “I’ve been calling and texting your girl ever since Tuesday. Also went by her house and she hasn’t been home. You have any idea where she is?”
“I do. What should I tell her?”
“Absolutely nothing. I have an urgent envelope I want her to receive today. Can you see that she gets it?”
“Of course.”
“After she reads the information, she should correspond accordingly via text only. No more calls or texts from me because I might go off,” he said with an edgy tone. “Honestly, I’m a positive person, and I hate feeling like this,” he interlaced his fingers.
Denise sighed. “You have a right to your opinion. But, Antoine, I think this may have started with you. She was feeling the same way Monday when she didn’t hear from you.” She looked at him. “Uh, I’m not in this, so you and Jada should straighten out your biz.”
“Well, I disagree. FYI, I texted Jada twice and told her I had a business meeting.”
Denise cleared her throat. “Let me get this straight. Jada should open the envelope and read what’s in there. Then text you.”
“Right. When we talk again, it must be in person. Minus whatever her problem is, I’m trying to take care of her business, and she has to cooperate.” He removed the manila envelope from his briefcase and handed it to Denise; she accepted. “I’m leaving town tomorrow. I’d like to hear from her today.”
“Antoine, I’m sorry about the bad karma between you and Jada. I thought she’d called you.”
“Bad karma?” He shook his head. “Life is short. I don’t allow bad in my life for long. They’re catalysts for unhappiness and failure. She’s being unreasonable. I’m in the dark, worried about her… I—” Antoine pushed an index finger against his temple.
“I know. I’ll text her when I get back to my desk.”
“Again. Please make certain she receives that soon. It pertains to her dress shop, and it’s urgent. I started to send it Fed Ex but changed my mind. I think this is best.”
“You know I’ll take it to her.” Denise stood. “Uh, I’m not at liberty to tell you much. Jada got bent out of shape because something funky happened.”
“And suddenly she shuts down and stops talking to me?” He patted his chest. “That’s not cool.” He rubbed the side of his face. “I’m entitled to know what happened.”
“I’m sure she’ll explain.” She leaned against the wall. “See, she’s been through a lot in life, and…” Denise stared at the floor and paused. “After you two talk, you’ll understand.”
Antoine held his breath, hoping she’d disclose what was on her mind.
“Let me stop; I’ve probably said too much already.”
He bit his lower lip, and thoughts of seeing Jada in Gordan’s car at church came to mind. Looking up at Denise, Antoine said, “Is she sick?”
“No, she’s not.”
“Okay. Another question…Is she pregnant?” This, he had to know. Because if she was, that would be another baby that wasn’t his.
Denise laughed and clapped a palm to her forehead. “Jada pregnant? Now that…I would know, and so would you. Is that what you’re thinking?”
“Um…No. Somebody asked me. I mean…I didn’t know, and that’s what I said.” He smiled, happy to hear that response, then picked up his pen and wiggled it in between his fingers. Glancing at his watch, he said. “Thanks for your help, Denise.”
“Yeah, watch for her text. If I must…I’ll twist her arm and then she’ll call you.”
“After she reads the content in the envelope.”
“That’s right. I’ll swing by her house after our Sales meeting. I’ve got a bone to pick with her anyway. She left my orange juice out on the counter this morning.”
Antoine laughed at the look on her face when she made the comments. “Wow! Make her buy you a quart of O.J.”
“More like a gallon.”
Denise closed the door, and he checked his watch again, but it was not time for the meeting. He put on his headset, turned on his MP4 player and earplugs to Earth, Wind, and Fire, “Reasons,” and kicked back.
Chapter 29
ANTOINE
Thursday
Watching the clock until a minute before his appointment, Antoine removed his earplugs and placed them and his MP4 in his briefcase. He opened the door to Studio Two and peered down the hallway, then walked to Toni’s closed office door. He tapped and opened it. Toni, Simon, and Griff were already in there talking.
“Come on in. I was going to text you,” Toni said.
“Oh, sorry. I was in Studio Two.”
“You’re all right. I asked Griff and Simon to come in before we started. You know…to chat.”
Antoine walked in and sat in the only available chair in between Griff’s and Simon’s. Feeling apprehensive, he set his briefcase next to the chair and wondered what happened and why he was there.
Toni cleared her throat. “Okay, I’m going directly to the point.” She tossed three photographs on the desk.
Antoine picked them up. “Whoa! Where did these come from?”
Pushing back in her seat, Toni shifted an intense gaze at Antoine. “We’re hoping you can tell us. Two packages arrived with those pictures. Lina said she saw them in the studio inside your box. Can you share some facts on who delivered them?”
Lina. Suddenly, she’s talking. “Yes, I placed them in my box. Will was doing the news; I saw a young man walking to the front door. I went up front; he showed me two packages, I opened the door,” Antoine shrugged. “The return address was Gordan’s and Air Mist Records, and they were for Griff and Simon.”
“That’s right,” Simon turned toward Antoine. “I called Gordan, he denied sending any packages, though. Generally, Gordan stops by the office to drop off promos.”
“Mmm…Someone hand delivered them. This is very bizarre,” Toni swiveled her chair around to the desktop. She tapped in some information on the computer. “Marisol hasn’t emailed my notification that will go to the employees yet.”
Griff frowned. “This stuff is childish and cut-throat. If somebody in Sales did this, I want first dibs on the consequences.” He turned to Antoine. “Man, you know anybody crazy enough to send those pictures?”
Antoine rested his arm on the back of the chair. “The pictures are familiar. My ex was into photography, and I remember those snapshots. That was years ago.” He twisted his mouth and forced himself to look at Toni. “The picture of her on my lap…I was asleep; she was playing around with the camera. I don’t think she’s behind this,
though.” The last problem he’d need would be Fiona coming after him, and he didn’t believe she’d be that lowdown. But he suspected that someone else he knew would.
“Wow. That’s deep,” Simon rubbed his chin. “What about social media? Hackers are accessing Facebook and other accounts all the time.”
“Nope! I’m not on social media a lot. In her defense, she’s never done much social media. Fiona’s a professional dancer, not a stripper,” Antoine cracked his knuckles. His patience was wearing thinner than a piece of xerox paper. Where are they going with this issue?
“The next step is a plan of action.” Toni removed her glasses. “I’m sorry this happened to you, Antoine. We must ensure this doesn’t go public. Negative publicity can hurt our ratings and yours. That can’t happen.”
Ratings? He hadn’t given much thought about how this would affect his career. He was thinking about Jada. “I understand, and that’s disturbing for me. What we should be discussing is an investigation into this matter. What else do you propose we do?” Antoine asked.
“I’m hoping we’ll determine who was responsible for distributing the pictures.” She paused before speaking again. “After Marisol finishes the email, she’ll send it out to the staff today. I’m asking all employees who have photos to bring them to my office. ”
“Approximately when will that email go live to the team?” Simon asked, crossing his legs.
“After I approve it, immediately. We’re all professionals here. I won’t tolerate these kinds of pranks,” Toni said, writing notes on a lined yellow pad. “Sometimes, I feel like screaming.”
Antoine lifted a hand. “Can I say something? Please don’t mention my name in the email. I mean…who knows? Griff and Simon might be the only ones with pictures. Plus, shouldn’t we evaluate hiring more security?”
Griff nodded. “I agree on the security, and don’t worry. I’m sure your name won’t be mentioned.”
“No, it won’t. My interest is in making employees aware, and collecting all those pictures,” Toni said.
“We’ve got a close team. I think people will cooperate,” Griff said. “The pictures came in express mail packaging and without postage. Think about it. Those packages could have contained rigged pipe bombs and blown this place to pieces.”
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