Lights were on in the living room when the driver stopped in front of Derrick’s house. It was possible that Derrick didn’t have company. And even if he did, after a long day of activities and traveling, Antoine was set on relaxing in his room and calling Jada.
“Thanks for the lift,” Antoine handed the driver a fifty-dollar tip. The man deserved it.
“You’re welcome and thank you.” The driver lifted the trunk, and Antoine picked up his bag.
He walked to the door and put his key in the lock; chatter and laughter emanated from the dining room area. He strolled in.
“Well look what the wolves drug in,” Derrick said with a drink in his hand.
“What’s up?” Antoine said.
“Not much. How was your trip?” Romero asked.
“I think it was productive.” Antoine placed his bag on the sofa and removed his jacket.
“We had dinner and Romero made martinis. You want one?”
Antoine sat down. “No alcohol for me. I have to be up by 4:00.”
“Any positive news regarding your situation? If you don’t mind talking in front of Romero.”
Romero rolled his head around to face Derrick. “Oh, I can go in the other room.”
“Bro’ you’re cool,” Antoine crossed his arms over his chest. Whatever Derrick hadn’t told Romero didn’t matter. Surely, he’d given him the whole spiel by now.
“What I will say is…I have a lot more information. Kiley has slept around with a lot of guys, and she gave me a date rape drug. Now, I have to take a DNA test.”
All the color drained from Derrick’s brown face, and Romero looked the same but with his mouth gaped open. Antoine found it fascinating that they both reacted similarly as if they had telepathic qualities.
Antoine lifted his bag and jacket and started walking to his room.
“Oh, no, you can’t walk off. Was that a joke or part of the book you’re writing?” Derrick cocked his head to the side.
“Believe me, I wish it was a joke, and I’d never include that in my book. I’m tired. We had meetings with Pop, Joy, and Merlon all weekend, and then I met with Fiona. She provided a lot of valuable info, but…this is a tangled web, and I’m not sure what’s next.”
“Well, Joy and Merlon didn’t have suggestions?” Derrick said.
“No detailed legal advice, but options and the PI’s findings. I’m okay with that. I just want to figure this out so I can move on. I have people I care about, and my responsibility to them is to be at one-hundred percent, not half-cocked.”
“How’s Jada taking this?” Romero asked.
“Oh, my girl is supportive. I couldn’t ask for a better woman.”
Derrick smiled. “Uh, I told you so. Listen, Ant. You know I’m here if you need me. I’m glad you listened to me about Jada.
“Yeah, you waved your magic wand on that one. “I’m checking out. Goodnight.”
His phone rang after he walked in the bedroom. He removed his cell from the jacket pocket and answered. It was Jada.
“Hey.”
“Are you standing or sitting,” Jada said.
He sat on his bed. “I’m sitting now. What happened?”
Denise just called me from the station. She’s there putting together a client’s package. Kiley came in and cleaned out her office but didn’t say why. She may have quit or got fired.”
Antoine dug his fingers into his thighs and didn’t move. He sat perfectly still for a minute, not sure of how to react. Was this positive or negative?
“Talk to me. How do you feel?”
“I don’t know how to feel. I found out everything except if I’m the father of her baby.”
“I may be wrong, but this could be best.”
“How? I don’t see it that way now.” He chewed his lower lip, “What if…there was another human being in this world that could be a part of you? Would you want that person in your life?”
“That depends on the circumstances. Honey, I get where you’re coming from. If it’s that important to you, we’ll find Kiley. If we locate her, and the DNA test is positive, consider how this pregnancy happened.”
“I’ve done that already. Is Denise still there?”
“She was a few minutes ago, but I’m not sure for how long. Call her.”
“No, I’m going down there.” Antoine pulled on his jacket.
“This late? You’ll be there early tomorrow.”
“I won’t sleep until I make sure Kiley didn’t play any games before she left. See you tomorrow.”
He quietly walked out of the door without being noticed, hopped inside his truck and drove to the radio station. The big question was what transpired and why? Had management discovered that Kiley arranged the delivery of the pictures. Or did she really do that? As he pondered, a deep feeling of concern for an unborn child that might be his became a reality. He’d have to figure out a way to get the DNA test and to get back his peace of mind.
Antoine drove into the parking lot and parked close to the entry. He hit the alarm and made his way to the building as Denise was exiting.
“Antoine? You workin’ tonight?”
“No, I talked to Jada. She told me Kiley’s gone. What happened?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I was working when she came in with boxes. I asked why she was here. She barely said two words. Said she’s leaving and had a strange look on her face.”
“No indication of where she was going?”
Raising her brows, Denise said, “No, when I called Griff, he didn’t know what was up. He said she hadn’t notified him. I checked all the mailboxes after she left.” She looked at Antoine. “Uh, yours is the only one with an envelope. I just texted Jada to inform you.”
Denise’s words “had a strange look on her face” sparked tension. Heart racing, he turned the corner and headed for the mailroom. Did he really want to know what was in the envelope or should he discard it? Staring at the mailbox, he paused and then removed the manila envelope with his name handwritten on the front. He held his breath and let out a long sigh while he opened the envelope. What appeared to be a sonogram of a fetus was distinct. Inside was an eight by eleven piece of paper that was folded in half. He unfolded it and read the giant red marker letters – 20 WEEKS – IT’S A BOY!!
He stuffed the sonogram and paper in the envelope and rushed to the door. This was too much. Now he was on the verge of giving up hope. So many raw emotions started circulating — ambivalence…fear…disgrace… Jada. She was sitting in the lobby.
She walked over to him. “What did she leave you?”
Antoine handed her the envelope and looked off into space as if in a daze. Jada removed the sonogram and paper, checked them, and handed everything back. She turned away, covered her face and cried.
He placed his hands on her shoulders, “Babe, please don’t do this. I promise, we’ll be okay.”
She shook her head and glanced into his eyes. “I’m not crying for me. I…I’m crying for you. You deserve to know the truth.”
A tear hit Antoine’s cheek; he flicked it away and gently cupped Jada’s face between his palms. He had deep love for this woman, and watching her cry was painful. “Babe, we still love each other, right? Nothing will stop us from being together.”
She nodded. “I know.”
“When I was growing up, my mother always said, love never fails. We can’t forget that.” He pulled Jada closer and they embraced.
Chapter 43
JADA
Two Months Later
Jada entered her office, and when she saw what was on her desk, she was elated. A large bouquet of red roses was in the center of her desk with a card attached. Antoine. What had this man done now? Their sixth-month anniversary of dating, and she already had an idea there was something he’d planned other than just dinner. She lifted the card from the roses. Good morning, Love. Happy 6th month anniversary. I love you! Ant.
Rosa strolled in, and her eyes widened. “Welcome back. How was your vacation, a
nd what’s the occasion?”
Jada wore a shy smile. “Two weeks flew by, but I enjoyed my time off. And this is a gift from my man for our sixth month anniversary. Aren’t they nice?”
“You got a real special man. My husband remembers birthdays, Mother’s Day… uh, let me see. Oh, and Christmas.” Rosa sniffed the flowers. “You look pretty in that dress. I love black dresses for evening wear.”
“Well, thank you. We’re going out after I get off.”
“Good morning,” Ervin said. “Flowers? Someone sent you flowers? Who might that be?” He laughed.
“Quit playing, you already know. Where’s Denise?” Jada said.
“She’s at her desk. Just stopped by to say it’s great to have you back.”
“Hi, Jada, welcome back,” Will, the News Director waved as he walked by.
“Thanks, Will. I guess I was missed.”
Jada removed her burgundy coffee cup from a side drawer and walked to the closed door of the lounge. She smelled coffee, but when she turned the knob, it was locked.
“Hey, girl,” Denise said. “That’s off limits today. The coffee’s in the kitchen.”
“What happened in there?”
“I don’t know. Whatever it is, they’ll be here to fix it soon.”
Jada walked to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee.
When she walked back to her desk, she opened her computer and started working, but within an hour, seven more people had stopped by her office. Darren, one of the sales execs who was rarely in this early, along with Alisha and Denise, for that matter. Must be a meeting today.
Toni stuck her head in the door. “Good morning, Jada. It’s nice to have you back. How are you?”
Toni’s here? “Uh, I’m fine. Is there a meeting? I don’t recall getting a notice.”
“No meeting. Just checking on you,” she said with a smile. “Those flowers are lovely.”
Suddenly, a voice that sounded like D.J. Rocky’s came over the intercom. “Jada Carson, please come to the studio. Jada to the main studio, please.”
Jada tilted her head “Me?” Okay, why is DJ Rocky calling me? She checked her watch. 9:40 a.m. Antoine is still on the air. Jada got up from her desk and rushed toward the studio. Is something wrong with Antoine? The hall was packed with people from Sales, the new sales secretary, Linda, and others. She’d never seen that many people in the office at the same time, unless they had a meeting. Something must have happened.
“Excuse me, I was summoned to the studio.” Jada zigzagged around employees who divided into two sides, creating an open entry faster than Jesus parted the Red Sea. When she got to the studio, she was out of breath and sweating. Lina was in the room, and several people had cameras. “What’s going on?” she asked Ervin, who smiled.
Antoine opened the door. “Hi, babe.”
“Why was I called in here?” She pulled two Kleenex from a box and patted her forehead.
“I have something for you. Take a seat right there,” he pointed to a chair.
Jada still didn’t understand what was going on. “Why are all these people here?”
“You’ll see in a minute.”
Jada ran her eyes over Antoine who was dressed up like he was going to a party. That sharp burgundy suit fits him well. Dress shoes, too?
“All right, L.A. You’re listening to KTLM 101.3 on your dial. I’m your favorite champ, DJ Ant, the Prince of Romance, playing oldies but goodies with a splice of romantic tunes for your pleasure. You’ve just heard – “You Got it Bad” by Usher; “Girl on Fire” Alicia Keys. It’s almost time for me to check out soon, but before I leave, I’m sharing something special today. My lady, Jada is here in the studio. “Hey, babe, stay tuned. Next is our favorite dance song – “Work It” by Drake and Rihanna.”
Attempting to figure out Antoine’s plan seemed pointless, so Jada rocked back and forth to the music and waited. Guess I’ll find out in a minute.
“Hey, L.A., as you may know, I’m a die-hard fan of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s musical poetry. This next song is dedicated to my girl, Jada. “Love’s Holiday.”
Jada rolled her chair next to Antoine’s. She smiled and waved at the employees peering through the studio window, and then asked, “Boy, what are you doing?”
“Babe, sit tight. You’ll find out shortly.” He faced her, rolled his chair closer, never taking his eyes off her, started singing the song to her along with the record.
She looked up, and the managers, Griff, Simon, and Toni were chatting with the employees. Oh, we’re in trouble now. She knew something was up when Celine, Charmaine, and Darius walked in and waved at her.
“L.A. are you ready to hear my special announcement? Antoine pulled out a light blue Tiffany & Co. ring box from his pocket and dropped to one knee. “Jada Carson, will you marry me?”
Her mouth dropped open as all the employees cheered. “Uh, yes.” He slid the ring on her left fourth finger, gave her a quick kiss on the lips and moved over to his seat. “I’m overjoyed. She said yes. This is DJ Ant, the Prince of Romance, and you’re listening to KTLM radio station, 101.3. on your dial. Until tomorrow, peace and love. Ciao!”
Jada was speechless as she stared at the large diamond on her hand. She got up and hugged Antoine. “Babe, you’ve got to meet Char and Darius.” They exited the studio to applause and congratulations from all the staff and managers. Cameras flashed, they shook hands and received congratulations from their co-workers.
The man with the camera said, pose by the door. She and Antoine did as he asked, and he shot four poses that Antoine said would be announced in the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper. Then she introduced Antoine.
“Baby, this is Darius and Char, and you know Celine.”
“Nice to meet you. Hey, Celine,” he said, hugging and shaking hands.
“Alrighty, folks, we have breakfast in the lounge to celebrate Jada and Antoine’s engagement,” Denise said.
“Baby, I’m going to the office for a minute,” Jada told Antoine. She rushed to her office and opened the desk drawer, removed a white envelope, then rushed to the lounge where everyone had started helping themselves to bacon, sausage, eggs, and pancakes.
“This is our six-month anniversary, and I guess it’s your engagement gift now.” She handed the envelope to Antoine who was surrounded by well-wishers. His whole face glowed when he pulled out two tickets. “What? Earth, Wind, and Fire Concert tickets. This is boss. Babe, you didn’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I did.” She grabbed his hand. “Excuse us. We’ll be back in a minute.” They walked back to her office.
“What’s wrong?” Antoine asked with a concerned look on his face.
“I’m happy, and this ring…” She looked down at the sparkling diamond. “It’s gorgeous.”
“Don’t tell me I spent too much money.”
“No. You could spend whatever you wanted on my engagement ring.” She laughed. “But announcing our engagement at work?”
“Now that was cool. It’s out in the open, so no surprises. I told your sisters, Derrick, Rashad, and Joy, who informed my family members. This is only the beginning. We’re having engagement parties in the Bay Area, L.A., and in D.C. So, get ready.”
“Antoine Bailey. You’re a sweetheart.”
“It’s all about love,” he said kissing her lips. They walked hand-in -hand back to the lounge to have breakfast with their co-workers.
The End
(Stay tuned for the sequel – Rhythm Bay Love II)
About the Author
Reading and daily journal entries were the catalyst to Patricia’s first novel, Reflections of a Quiet Storm, published by an independent publisher in 2009. An avid reader, her previous published work includes two books, multiple short stories, monthly health care columns for an online magazine, and several health care articles for a local newspaper. She also enjoys reading Women’s Fiction and Romance novels, which occupy many seats on her bookshelves.
Patricia is a Family Nurse Pract
itioner and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, she holds Adjunct Nursing Faculty positions at two universities. She is a member of the National Black Nurses Association/Council of Black Nurses – L.A., Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Black Nurses Rock, California Association of Nurse Practitioners, and International Black Writers & Artists. Patricia’s church home is Greater Zion Church Family in Compton, CA. She considers music, reading, and prayer as the keys to relaxation and creativity, and she loves spending time with her family.
Patricia’s short story appears in the Brown Girls Books Anthology Single Mama Dating Drama, an AALBC two-time Best-Selling book.Two Steps Past the Altar is her third novel. Rhythm Bay Love is her fourth novel. She is currently working on her fifth book.
Visit her online at http://www.patriciabridewell.com/
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