Love is in the Cards

by K. L. Brady

  "If both sides were on fire, I wouldn't spit on one, so they could save the other, especially not Things One and Two," she said of the sisters, Renee and Regina.

  "The girls were good kids...once."

  “Good. The way an eagle is good to a rabbit. They went straight witch—north to west—ever since Devon divorced their mother and married Cody's," she said.

  "The thing is," he said, "these sibling personality clashes mean zero-zilch-nada. What matters, truly, is the people—the staff and the consumers. If you keep their interests first, you will always succeed."

  "You've always said we don't build companies; we create families."

  "Devon and I differed on many issues, but this principle was never one of them. We were brothers in every way except blood." He appeared wistful, exposing the ache in his heart. "I didn't stop loving my brother. We quit speaking. My greatest regret is that I stopped trying. I gave up on us, and maybe I shouldn't have."

  "What more could you do?"

  "Who knows? The point is, I shouldn't have stopped. It’s our job to do all we can do until our loved ones are gone," he said. "I realize the rocky past you two shared clouds your view of Cody, but I've watched him over the years."

  She tightened her lips and narrowed her eyes as if to warn him to limit the compliments.

  "He's grown to be an honorable, smart young man, Buttons. More importantly, he makes good decisions. In Devon’s and my tradition, he puts the future of the business and the employees before personal feelings."

  High praise for the perpetrator who broke her heart and jacked her company.

  "These shares give you an influential stake in Hart Enterprises—the business and the people. With this control, the Harts will be invested in you, too."

  "What about Jackson?" He was Cody's quirky missing-in-action brother. He maintained residence under the radar and out of the press. "He could return to stake his claim at any time."

  "Haven't you heard? He's a psychic now," her father said. "Whatever he is, he's not engaged in the day-to-day business. Cody controls his shares, so he keeps a slight edge. Even still, he needs an ally to even up the fight with his sisters."

  "He views me as many things, Dad; I promise you an ally isn't one of them. If he does, maybe he shouldn’t.” She shrugged. “One thing's certain, I'd never vote with the Cruella Twins. And rest assured, they'd never ever side with me. He knows that. So, for my purposes, the shares are all but useless."

  "Don't devalue them too soon. You won't know how useful they are until you need them."

  "I spoke to Cody before coming here...as you’re aware." She exhaled a heavy sigh and bit her lip before saying, "He's going to change my vision for Keep It Real, Dad."

  "Really, Buttons? Don't tell me you're afraid of change. Do you think I could build Hart and Sweet Media without it? You're standing in the middle of one of the most significant changes in our professional lives. Sweet Media. It's all about how you respond."

  "You didn't give me a choice. When you sold my company, you didn't include me in the decision."

  "No, I did not, but how you respond is one-hundred percent under your control. Ten years ago, who would've thought we'd be offering pumpkin lattes, cranberry muffins, and free Wi-Fi in our Ebony stores? Yet, here we are. Businesses evolve and rebrand every day. It's called staying current and relevant to your customers. You'll be fine." He offered a reassuring nod and smile and glanced at his wrist. "Our time's almost up; I’ve got a business to run. You seem calmer now."

  "Oh, I'm calm, all right. Like the quiet space between thunder and a lightning strike. That's where strong women live—a lesson you taught me well." She balled her fingers into a tight knot and allowed the spirit of an overaged hip hop artist to surge through her. "I'm about that life. When the thunder rolls and the lightning strikes, stand back."

  He tilted his chin to the heavens. "Lord, help this child."

  Tessa stood to make a grand exit on the heels of her self-empowerment speech, but she paused before she left. "Dad, can I ask you something?"

  "Anything, Buttons."

  "Have you heard what they call Keep It Real in industry circles?"

  "An award-winning company?" he replied.

  "I mean, behind my back."

  "Truth?" he asked.

  She nodded.

  "Bitter Witch Greetings."

  She resumed her trek toward the door and then looked over her shoulder again. "Do you think I'm...that?"

  "We who love you realize you're neither of those things." He shook his head. "You, Buttons, are still heartbroken, after all this time. There was no clean break, so you never healed, and you channeled your pain the best way you could. It's okay if hurt and anger are a part of your journey; just don't make them your final destination. If you ask me whether you’ve extended your stay in the heartbreak part of your journey for a little too long? I think, yes."

  She hated to admit it, but he was probably right. The time had come to release the past and the pain that had become central to what remained of her and Cody. Too many challenges lie ahead.

  "Some days, I feel like what was supposed to be a quick round-trip became a one-way," she replied.

  "You can choose a different path whenever you're ready. You only need to allow it for yourself, your team, and your company."

  Miffed though she may be, Tessa couldn't leave without a hug. Losing her mother taught her early that life was too short. She kissed him on the cheek before heading out.

  "You're not going to quit, are you?" he asked.

  Tessa shrugged. "I'll call you tomorrow."

  A new direction. That's exactly what she wanted, what she needed. She’d devised a plan to salvage what was left of her dream, restore her control over Keep It Real and, rebuild her reputation.

  Where would the road lead? Now that was another question altogether.

  Chapter Five

  Cody

  * * *

  Out of control!

  Cody wanted to revel in his new position. He'd ascended to become the chief boss in charge of his father's legacy. But his heart, his mind, they never stood a chance. His father had gotten one thing wrong all those years ago: Tessa was no chicken. Only a full-grown eagle could swoop in his office as if hunting baby goats and put him on the defense when he was winning. Cody's meeting with Tessa ignited a feud that he had no plans to fight.

  He didn't expect things to go well, but his abrupt pivot from hunter to hunted caught him off guard. Tessa delivered a tongue-lashing and then practically burned the color off of her red-bottom shoes screeching out of his office, leaving nothing but the scant scent of lavender and jasmine.

  Still, he owned Keep It Real; she might not like that fact, but she couldn't deny it. Acquiring Keep It Real Cards was only the first phase of his plan. He needed to work on the next, but she'd robbed him of the opportunity when she made a threat he didn’t consider idle.

  In the wake of her fury and threat to quit, he leaned forward and banged his head on the acquisition agreement, more as a sign than a coincidence. The monotonous rhythm of the thunks soothed him somehow, even if he'd given himself a migraine. He fumbled through his clouded thoughts, trying to determine his next right move.

  That's when a sound from the doorway got his attention.

  "Oh-Em-Gee!" a familiar voice called out.

  Cody peered up and caught a rare sighting—his brother, Jackson. He watched Cody from the doorway. "What did I tell you about talking to me in Internet?"

  The split image of a young Sinbad, the comedian not the sailor, his youngest sibling had appeared dressed as if he'd come fresh off the 18th hole without swinging a club. "Is that any way to talk to your favorite brother?" Jackson flitted into his office and filled the space Tessa had left vacant moments before.

  “You're my only brother."

  "Potato. Potahto. Listen, I'm not here for the usual small talk. I come bearing words of caution.” Something different, maybe even useful. Since Jackson's shift from H
art Publishing to prognosticating, Cody gave little credence to any word his little brother spoke after "hello." He usually came asking for money, not advice. For the first time in ages, Cody wouldn't have to pretend to listen. "I had a dream about you. Look at you—Same tired suit. You sat in that chair, doing exactly what I witnessed when I rolled up to the door."

  "What? You mean banging my head against the desk?"

  "Exactly," Jackson said. "But—plot twist—in my dream, you'd just made the biggest mistake of your life. You didn't just make the biggest mistake of your life, did you?"

  "Well....jury’s still out."

  "And check this out—there was a four-headed dragon. At some point, you knocked yourself out, but you're still conscious right now, so that's got to be a good sign, right?"

  "Jury’s still out on that one, too. And?"

  "And what?" Jackson replied.

  "What's the mistake?"

  "I dunno. I woke up—bathroom,” he said.

  Cody shrugged and rolled his eyes.

  Jackson snapped his manicured fingers in a moment of recollection. "But I do remember one thing. On the spot where you banged your head, there was a greeting card with a circle on it—perhaps a square, too, but definitely a circle."

  Cody bolted upright. "What'd it say?"

  "I dunno. I was about to read it but—"

  “Bathroom. Yeah, I got it."

  "I've hit on something, haven't I?" He clung to the edge of the silence, waiting for Cody's response. "For someone generally annoyed when I'm in 'psychic mode,'"—he used air quotes—“you seem awfully interested in my visions today."

  Cody resisted the urge to feed Jackson's curiosity. "How can I help you, favorite brother?"

  "Classic avoidance. Fine, have it your way for now," he said. "Actually, I stopped by to check on you, see how you're doing. Thought you could stand a friendly face with Evilene and Cruella lurking about. Besides, you’ve been radio-silent since you hooked up with whatsherface, The Chandra."

  "I wish you'd stop calling her The Chandra. And we didn't hook up. We're engaged."

  "Tomato, tomahto. You and I both know The Chandra is high maintenance like that BMW you drive."

  "Quit, man. I love her. She makes me happy. She—“

  "Warms the cockles of your hesitant heart, blah, blah blah. Are you trying to convince yourself or me?"

  Cody ignored Jackson's jab. His brother never liked Chandra, probably because they were too much alike—demanding and controlling. "Regardless of our disagreement over The Chandra, I appreciate you protecting my interests," Jackson continued.

  Cody glanced up from his desk. "I'm thankful you didn't fight me over the shares."

  "Hey, I'm a proud trust fund baby. The hustle stops here. As long as you keep the company strong and prosperous, it's a win-win as far as I'm concerned," he said. "Besides, you were the only one of us who ever worked at Hart...well, at least until Dad...you know.” Jackson got choked up and turned away. He and Pops were close despite his obvious lack of ambition.

  Pops had a unique ability to love all of his kids in their own lanes. He always said that Cody was the only one of the kids who remained loyal to Hart.

  “Renee and Regina? They’ll want Hart because I didn’t give it to them, not because they love it, not because they’re committed to the mission or the people,” he’d told Cody five years ago on that fateful date. “Jackson wants the stipend, and he’s to continue receiving it. You? You love the thrill of solving problems, of finding success, of bringing joy through our greetings. Most of all, you want the best for the people.”

  Cody wished Pops had more time to grow to love Tessa in the same way. He thought he knew her, but he was wrong.

  “She’s a flighty hippie who will never adapt to the Hart culture,” he’d said. “Moreover, she’s the daughter of my opponent. You can’t sleep with the enemy, Son. You can’t take her where you’re going. I will not trust the future of this company with a Sweet at your side.”

  “Just because you knew her as a child. Doesn’t mean she hasn’t grown and changed.”

  “She’s the same,” he’d replied.

  “Maybe I want the same, need the same,” Cody had countered.

  “Then why haven’t you married her?” he’d asked with a brutal sear in his voice. “I’ll tell you why. You asked, and she said no, didn’t she”—he paused—“You don’t even need to answer. I know the flighty type all too well.”

  He didn’t know anything…at all. Not Cody. Not Tessa. Nothing. And acquiring Keep It Real changed everything…again.

  "Anyway, how's it going?" Jackson asked.

  "Never a dull moment. I ordered a bulletproof vest online yesterday."

  "Nice try. They won't come at you with bullets, and no vest can protect you from catching a knife in the kidney." They let out a loud laugh, and the feeling comforted Cody. He still had an ally.

  He'd been warring with his sisters for so long the bonds of family had strained. He wanted, needed to feel connected to people, to his life, like he used to—once upon a wonderful time.

  "Bruh! You know it's true." The laughs dissipated, and Jackson turned serious for a moment. "So tell me, what did I walk in on? You were clearly in the middle of a meltdown. If it's not the Devilment Twins, it must be something...or someone else."

  "You witnessed the fallout from my confrontation," he said. "The Tessa."

  "Woo! Now, there's a name you haven't mentioned in a month of Sundays. I liked that one. She was my favorite. She was good for you, too. Remember that card she made you back in the day. You kept that thing hanging in your office for a long time.”

  Let’s Bee Friends. When the agony subsided, and Cody regained consciousness following the chicken nuggets kick, he rose to find Tessa propped up in the executive chair, doodling on a sheet of paper. She’d drawn him a card covered with flowers and bumblebees. She was more than a boss; she was an artist. Tessa had ascended to the CEO seat as the victor in their “Game of Thrones.” However, in a far more gracious gesture than the one he’d offered, she’d left sufficient space for Cody to sit next to her. Even after his shameful display of “authority,” she’d still been willing to share the chair with him. That was Tessa’s true character, the core of her being, the girl who grew up to become the stunning woman, the force of nature, he’d come to love.

  “I’ve still got it somewhere, maybe in storage. Who knows?”

  He knew. It was in his office desk drawer.

  “Water under the bridge,” Jackson said. “But facts are facts. So, what did you do?"

  "I bought Keep It Real yesterday."

  "You did what!" His voice hit a soprano unheard in most opera halls. "What in Rhythm Nation were you thinking?"

  Jackson overdosed on 80s and 90s pop, daily.

  "Okay, the optics look...well, shady. But I thought I'd done the right thing," he said. "Then, in you walk, warning me about making the biggest mistake of my life."

  "She and I weren't thieves thick, but you've got to be living with your head all the way in your butt not to understand how much the company meant to her. She invested everything in it—her money, time, heart—especially after you—"

  "After I what?" He rubbed the scruff on his chin. "She's over it. So am I."

  Everyone had blamed him for the breakup.

  "Are you trying to convince me...or yourself?’ Jackson said. “It's been five years. Whether you admit it or not, you've got a death grip on something, and it ain't Keep It Real...I mean, if you and I can 'keep it real.'"

  Cody cut him with a sideways glance.

  "Listen, if there's a right thing to do in this situation, I don't doubt you tried to do it. You can't help yourself," Jackson continued. "The question you need to ask yourself is—the right thing for whom?"

  Cody's head fell back against the chair. The truth hit him like a right hook in the lungs. He recalled when his father had said, “You must understand one key principle, Cody. The position of Hart CEO comes with great re
sponsibility—not only to this company but to our extended family. Our livelihoods, the very financial foundation we leave for future generations, depend on every decision, every choice we make today. Hart Enterprises cannot survive under leadership with split loyalties." When his father later shared his own secret, Cody did the right thing. Maybe his problem had been doing the right thing for the wrong people.

  Jackson allowed him the space to linger in the thought before polishing him off.

  "I suppose everyone's aware of your recent acquisition?" he asked, no doubt referring to the Devilment Twins.

  "If they didn't know before the morning edition, they sure do now,” Cody replied.

  "Did you tell The Chandra?" he asked. "Or have you forgotten how you got sloshed in Punta Cana and blabbed your entire history with Tessa? Guard your Black Card. We don't need a vision to know she'll be angry-shopping before you can say Tessa Sweet?"

  He rolled his eyes. "I've told her about the acquisition. She's over it."

  "Over it?" Jackson scoffed. "Mmm-hmm, when you left the house this morning, she was still a woman, wasn't she?"

  "Of course."

  "Then it's never over. The topic may be paused or on a brief hiatus, but over? Never. Trust me on this one. Armor and gird your loins," Jackson said, before snapping his fingers. "That’s it! You have created the four-headed dragon. Tessa, The Chandra, and the twins—one, two, three, four." Jackson guffawed. "And you doubt you made the biggest mistake of your life?"

  "I don't even know how to respond." Like a sloppy drunk, he slurred his words together. Nausea folded Cody in his seat. "What was I thinking?"

  A knock came at the door, and Cody's Chief Operations Officer, Kyle Anderson, entered. The ladies always said he resembled Boris Kodjoe. Cody couldn't see the resemblance, and Kyle was too mellow and chilled to act the part.

  "I got your message. Everything okay?" Kyle acknowledged Jackson. "Hey, man! What's up?"

  "Me," Jackson replied, standing to his feet. "I've caused enough hate and discontent for one day. I'm out." He sashayed to the door. "Got a date waiting for me at McCormick's and Shmick's." He offered a salute and started for the exit.