He hit the automatic window button, and the passenger side rolled down. “Pretty girl, I’m crazy about you.”
She smiled, offered him a wave and walked into the elevator.
Chapter 40
ANTOINE
Sunday Afternoon
Walking into Starbucks, Antoine scanned the coffee shop and spotted Fiona standing next to a table waving at him. He strutted across the room with his hands in both pockets, somewhat ambivalent after Jada’s heedful warning. The second he checked out Fiona’s attire, his eyes bulged at the short pink halter dress, exposing way too much cleavage and bare legs. But then…that was Fiona, always ready to show off her tits and fine body. This meeting would be brief, and neither had strict dress codes.
She smiled and threw her arms around his neck. The hug between them lasted longer than expected. Antoine stepped back to avoid getting too cozy or implying false notions.
“It’s so great to see you again,” Fiona surveyed him up and down. “Hey now. I like that UC Berkeley shirt. I see you’ve still got movie-star looks.”
“That’s nice of you to say. I’m not sure about movie-star looks, though.” He tugged at his earlobe. Fiona had always been intrigued by his appearance, clothes, vehicles, money, and whatever his money bought.
“Are we ordering drinks or snacks? I think we should if we’re taking up space,” Fiona applied lotion to her hands and rubbed them together. She smelled like fresh peaches out of an orchard.
“I’m straight, but order, and I’ll cover it.”
“No, I’ll pay.” She bent to remove the wallet from her bag but seemed to have a hard time finding it.
Antoine’s eyes dipped in her bosom for a half second before he moved his attention away from her size thirty-eights. Surely, she must have known that he was on to that losing the wallet gimmick to get his attention. He’d be mindful about keeping his eyes above her chest during their conversation. Removing his cell from the jean jacket pocket, he busied himself with text messages and social media.
“Be right back,” she said, returning to the table within a few minutes with a Venti-size cup. “What did you get?”
“Iced green tea. It’s too hot for warm beverages. Come on with it. What’s this meeting for?” Fiona tossed her long ponytail off her shoulder.
“It’s like this…I’m caught up in either a blackmail, a set-up, or both. I thought you might know why.”
She smiled, raised a brow and said, “Are you kidding? We’re not together. I don’t keep track of your life.”
“Well, why didn’t you give me a heads up about Kiley? Personally, I would’ve done that for you.” He gave her an intense stare.
Fiona’s smiley face disappeared in seconds, and she stared at Antoine. “I had no idea. Remember, I live in Oakland. Where would I get information about Kiley working at the station?”
He brought his hands together on the table. “How do you know she’s working there?”
Her lips puckered. “Look…what I meant is if she’s working there, I didn’t know.”
Antoine had already begun to lose patience. He had hoped Fiona would cooperate and give him the information he desperately needed. He sighed and leaned forward. “Well, where’d she get those pictures of you sitting on my lap while I slept?”
She reached for her drink and sipped but said nothing.
He rubbed his shadow beard, waiting for a response. “No answer?”
‘LIAR’ should have scrolled across Fiona’s face. Crossing and uncrossing her legs as she sipped tea, her body language clearly demonstrated guilt. Old habits don’t die, and that’s when he knew he’d nailed her. She never was a good liar and with minimal prompting would eventually confess to gain a clear conscious.
Avoiding eye contact, she bowed her head and squeezed both arms. “I gave them to her,” she said softly.
Bingo! He was right. Leaning forward with flared nostrils, he stared through her shallow countenance as if she were glass. Angry enough to tear down the Great Wall of China, he didn’t speak, restraining himself from sputtering foul language. Take your time and stay calm.
With both hands on top of his head, Antoine said, “I need answers. Why’d you do that to me?”
“I wanted you back, Antoine. I missed you so much I—”
“Stop,” he hit the table lightly with his palm. “I can’t focus on that. What’s important is Kiley. I want anything you can share about her. When she moved to Oakland, L.A., whatever you can offer to resolve my dilemma.”
Fiona wrung her hands. “Kiley separated from her husband, moved here from St. Louis, and stayed with me for several months. Then without notice, she took off. I didn’t know where that girl went.” She shrugged. “I swear…at first, I had no clue she was in L.A. Until she flew up here one weekend and told me she got a job at the radio station. I asked for a favor and gave her two sealed envelopes. She was supposed to place the pictures and my notes in your mailbox. That’s all.”
“That wasn’t all. What she did was make copies and distribute them to management.” He explained all the tricks Kiley had played, and how they affected his life. “Now management knows, and I’m walking a tightrope trying to save my job and relationship.”
She sighed. “That heifer is up to no good. The photos were meant for you only,” she said with a sad expression. “My cousin is a little weird at times. When she claimed you got her pregnant, I was furious. Then…I figured out she was talking trash. You wouldn’t date her.”
“Question? After she told you all those lies, you couldn’t text or call and warn me?”
She cupped her chin. “Didn’t think about it. I—I was busy prepping for a gig to dance in Brazil. Kiley was dating guys in Oakland; her husband came out here a couple of times, too.”
He told Fiona what had transpired at Kiley’s place and her accusations. By the time he’d finished speaking, she’d blinked back a few tears.
“Date Rape? That’s awful, and you getting her pregnant is nonsense. I think she has mental health issues. You know… I still have much love for you, and I’m sorry this happened.”
“Well, thus far, my managers don’t know that part about the date rape and pregnancy allegations. Recently, she asked me for ten-k.”
Fiona’s mouth dropped open. “What? I wouldn’t give her a penny,” she said in a haughty voice.
“If you’re sorry, do me a favor.” He bit his lower lip. “Talk to your cuz; tell her I know what she did and to back off me or my attorney’s coming after her, meaning jail time for what she did.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I’m calling her today. I have some words for her behind. She opened my envelopes. Expect a text from me after I speak with her.” Fiona’s gaze moved to Antoine. “So…you’re in another relationship now?”
His eyes softened as he caught her gaze. “Yes, I am. That’s the main reason I’m on top of this. I don’t want to lose her.”
“I’m glad you’re happy.” She attempted to force a smile, but the sorrow on her face was apparent. Antoine knew this would come up if he met with her, but their relationship was over.
“This means a lot to me, and I appreciate it. I’ve got to bounce; we have a flight to catch. Take care of yourself and find some help for Kiley.” Antoine rose and kissed her cheek. “Ciao.” Strolling toward the door, he tossed a quick glimpse back, catching Fiona’s sad look. He turned and kept moving.
Relieved that he may be closer to accomplishing his goals, Antoine disarmed the car alarm and climbed inside. He hoped he hadn’t been too assertive with Fiona, but his desire was to let her know he was serious. To some extent, she was responsible for this whole fiasco with the pictures. Was she truthful? Possibly. If she wasn’t, she knew what he knew. And that should influence her to have a conversation with Kiley. His iPhone signaled a text that came from Joy.
Per Jeanie, Yes re: DNA test now.
He texted back. Awesome. Any info on where to go?
Yes, after you speak with Kiley, send 2 dates.
<
br /> Will do.
BTW – Pop called. Extending Jada’s lease for 1 year. Take it. Offer to buy building after you marry her.
Antoine’s eyes widened, and he laughed.
He texted, Marry her? Are you kidding? Lol.
No, I’m not. You can’t fool me. You’re in love. Sweet girl.
He texted, Super sweet and smart . We’re in love. Can’t wait to marry her and have babies.
Yes, and that means a new house.
That was incredible news, and Joy most likely played a major role in that decision. It was also great that his finicky sister liked Jada. Joy was protective and seldom connected with his former girlfriends, especially Fiona. But she and Jada seemed to get along well.
Chapter 41
JADA
Sunday Afternoon
“Hold on, J. Pizza Hut is at the door,” Gordan said.
“Okay, I’ll wait.” Jada slid her feet into a pair of flip-flop sandals and walked to the sliding glass door to the deck. She adjusted the Bluetooth, pushed the sliding glass door open, and stepped outside. A halo of sun rays beamed in the slow rhythm of blue water pooling near the sand. Inner peace heightened her outlook as she stared at the Pacific Ocean and listened to the waves.
Jada sprawled on the chaise lounge chair and propped her feet up. She hoped this call to Gordon wasn’t a waste of time.
“You still there?” Gordan said.
“I’m here.”
“Truthfully, I want to forget that woman. Our relationship was warped and I must’ve been tore up when I proposed to Kiley.”
“You must’ve been tore up every day to date her and tore up when you bought that ring.” Jada chuckled.
“That’s not funny. My life would’ve been squashed if I’d married her.”
“Remember, I work with her. So, yeah, you’re right, and she would’ve squashed your bank account. I promise what you tell me won’t be shared. I also need you to keep what we discuss confidential as well.”
“Of course. You said management is aware of the pictures. How can you be sure they don’t have other information?”
“I’m not sure, and neither is Antoine. Here’s the scoop on KTLM. I talked with Toni, and she’s going after whoever passed out those pictures of Antoine. That could hurt Antoine and the station’s ratings.”
“Well, that’s true. But there’s more to the story. Why should I give you info about me and Kiley? KTLM is part of my region; I don’t want my personal life floatin’ through the station.”
“Number one. They don’t care who people are dating. I know Kiley may be trying to blackmail Antoine. My question is… did she tell you she was pregnant before you broke up with her?”
Silence.
Jada tilted her head. “Gordan?”
“Yeah. How’d you know that?”
“I didn’t. Is that why you broke off your engagement?”
“Yeah, that’s why. And I’m only saying this to you. If I hear it again, I’m denying it.”
“If anyone finds out, it didn’t come from me. Think Kiley.”
“We dated briefly; one day, she told me she was pregnant. I said I’d marry her.”
“Is the baby yours?”
“No. I started thinking…we’d only been dating a couple of months. Her due date didn’t add up. So, I asked for a DNA test; she said no. I pushed until she had no choice. I told her I wasn’t dishin’ out no more money without a DNA test. The test came back showing I wasn’t the father. I got my ring back and told her to take a hike.”
“At least she didn’t try to blackmail you. So, one DNA test down, and that likely means no more until the baby is born.”
“After Simon called and asked if I mailed some pictures, I was hot. Putting my name on packages and making me look bad. Who else would’ve done that but her?” I warned her if she even looked my way, I was hiring an attorney.”
“Good for you. This seems to be a vicious cycle. I guess by now you know she dated other men. Antoine wasn’t in that group.”
“I’m not surprised. I hope it all works out for him. Say, I’ve gotta eat before my pizza gets cold.”
“Okay. Take it easy and thanks.”
The door slid open, and Antoine walked out.
“When did you get back?”
“A few minutes ago. I saw you on the phone.”
“That was Gordan. Kiley did the same thing to him. DNA test showed he wasn’t the father. Do you still plan to take one?”
“I’m pondering, but I think I should. I’ll never know everything that happened that night, unless the DNA test is positive. Fiona fessed up about the photos, and I’ll share what she said. Despite the negativity, I have great news, and I’ll reconfirm, but Touch of Class Dress Shop’s lease might be extended for a year.”
Jada glanced up at Antoine, who was standing over her. “Did I hear you say the lease is extended?”
“Yes, Joy texted me. She must’ve done a karate chop on Pop. If Joy told me, there’s a 99.9% chance it’ll go through. That’ll give us some leeway for planning, but don’t share with your family until the paperwork is finalized.”
Jada got off the chaise and hugged Antoine. Thank you, baby. I love you.”
“Love you, too. I bought Thai food and changed our flight to a later time. Now we have time for a few other things.”
Jada smiled at his gargantuan grin that stretched over his whole face. She winked an eye and said, “I can’t wait.”
Antoine warmed the the takeout and brought it out onto the deck. He shared about his meeting with Fiona. When he finished, she told him about Gordan’s experiences with Kiley and asked that he not share the information with anyone else.
After the food, Antoine reached for Jada’s hand; they walked to the bedroom and undressed. She laid across the bed and moaned. The Thai food was sumptuous, but Antoine’s tongue navigating around her nipples was food for a cheerful soul. “Baby,” Jada said in a breathy voice, rubbing his back.
“Yes,” Antoine answered, continuing to kiss and massage her breasts. He ran his tongue down her neck, then rolled off her and extended his hand.
“Let’s take a shower together.”
He rolled off her and extended his hand. “Let’s do it.”
They got up off the bed and pranced to the bathroom in naked splendor. He adjusted the shower settings, and they stepped into a soothing warm flow of water. They soaped each other down and rinsed well several times.
Antoine planted kisses on her mouth, neck, and breasts, then her navel. “Mmm…you feel and smell so good,” he told Jada. His tongue slid from her navel down her inner thighs to the G-spot, stimulating the kind of excitement that made her quiver. How did this man learn to make love like this? With her eyes closed, she let out a deep moan. He moaned, they moaned, his manhood exploded to a full size. Spreading her legs, he eased inside her moist space, and they made sweet, passionate love.
Chapter 42
ANTOINE
Sunday Night
The American Airlines flight to LAX touched down at 7:47 p.m. Once the flight attendant announced all passengers could retrieve their items and leave, Antoine reached up and opened the overhead bin, removed their duffle bags, and they exited the crowded plane. Shortly after they reached the customer transportation loading zone, a large black SUV pulled up. The driver called Antoine, who waved to get the man’s attention.
The gentleman loaded their bags in his trunk and introduced himself. “Hello, I’m Freddy. I’ll be your driver this evening. How was your trip?”
“It was nice,” Jada said.
“I have two addresses. Which should I go to first? Don Miguel Drive or 10th Avenue?”
They answered simultaneously. Jada said, “Don Miguel.” Antoine said, “10th Avenue.”
Jada touched Antoine’s arm. “Baby, you have to be at work at 5:00.”
“Nope, we’re going to your house first.”
“Okay, it’s 10th Avenue,” the driver said, pulling away from the curb.
/>
Traffic wasn’t busy, and the flow was smooth. The driver took shortcuts to Jada’s house, made a left on 10th Avenue. Several police cars were lined up in front of a house two doors down from Jada’s. The driver parked in front of her house and popped the trunk. He scurried to the trunk and opened it.
“Oh, wow. I wonder what happened down there,” Jada said, getting out of the car.
“Whose house is that?” Antoine said.
“Mrs. Bennett’s. I’m sure she’ll announce this to the neighborhood. The police are always messing with her sons, especially Lakeel. He used to sell drugs but cleaned up his life years ago.”
Jada got out and walked to the trunk for her bag, where the driver cautiously peeked from behind the lifted trunk. She walked back to the side of the car and watched.
Antoine frowned and let the window down, “A drug dealer?”
“Yeah, but he’s working now.” Jada leaned down and kissed him.
“Babe, are you all right with going home?” He lifted his head, the police had cuffed a young black man as more police cars pulled up. “Aww, man, they need this many police for one man? Who’s the man they handcuffed?”
The driver closed the trunk and got inside the car. “Uh, I think we should go,” he said with a nervous look.
“That’s Lakeel. I’m okay. He’ll probably be home tomorrow. You should leave.”
The driver shifted to drive.
“Hey, Bro’, wait until she gets inside,” Antoine demanded. His eyes shifted between Jada walking up the path to her front door and the police, who’d assembled on the sidewalk. After she opened the door, he gave the driver a cue to leave. That was senseless if the police harassed the man and he hadn’t done anything, but it didn’t have to make sense. That was common in urban neighborhoods.
He twisted his mouth, and frowned when he saw one officer shove the man in the car. Memories of similar incidents in the urban neighborhood where he once lived had never faded. He thought of Rashad. The boy’s safety was of great concern. Antoine offered to move his mother and siblings to a better area, but she declined. He understood. Leaving wasn’t always easy nor was it the answer for resolutions. True to his word, Antoine taught Rashad many techniques on how to behave when approached by the police, and his mother re-emphasized them often. One more year and he’ll be off to college. Antoine let out a shaky breath.
Rhythm Bay Love Page 21