A Time To Love

by Lynn Emery

  “Chandler,” Neva whispered.

  She savored the way the scent of soap and after shave smelled on his smooth brown skin. She tasted his lips, still sweet from candied yams. At the sound of Mama Jo and Tariq returning, they pulled apart.

  “Miss Jo–”

  “Call me Mama Jo, child,” Mama Jo corrected him.

  “Mama Jo, can I take a piece of pie with me? And some turkey? And some rolls?” Tariq seemed content to have her hand on his shoulder.

  “Course you can. We can’t eat all that stuff by ourselves.” Mama Jo patted his back. “I’ll fix you a plate right after we watch the game.”

  “Great!”

  “Why don’t you football fanatics get settled and watch the pre-game show. I’ll start putting away the food.” Neva waved off a beginning objection from Chandler. “Go on. This is tradition.”

  “That’s right,” Mama Jo put in. “Neva ain’t one for watching ball games. Me and Dub would be glued to the television while she washed dishes. Smart eh?” She nudged Tariq with an elbow.

  Tariq giggled and followed her to the den. Chandler watched the two new friends, an unlikely pair on the surface.

  “I’ll help you.” Chandler placed a firm hand in the small of her back to push her toward the kitchen. “Don’t argue, woman. Besides, you owe me a kiss,” he whispered.

  The rest of the day passed pleasantly enough. Mama Jo had completely charmed Tariq by the time game was over. Her knowledge football and sports history made her a giant in his eyes. Neva and Chandler sat together as entertained by their antics as the football game. Finally it was time for them to leave.

  “Let’s go, tough man. Don’t wanna wear out our welcome.” Chandler rubbed his hair with affection.

  “Okay. Thanks, Mama Jo. I had a great time.” Tariq beamed at her.

  “Me, too. Come see me ‘fore you leave now.” Mama Jo planted a hearty kiss on his cheek.

  “I will.” Tariq turned to Neva with a more restrained demeanor. “Thanks for inviting me, Miss Neva.”

  “I’m glad you had a good time. I’ll see you Friday. A friend told me the fish are biting at Lake Rosemond.” Neva felt awkward. Though this stiff interaction felt uncomfortable, she doubted he would welcome a show of affection from her so she held back.

  Tariq only nodded. “Bye,” he said more to Mama Jo than her. He went outside and got into the car.

  “Bye, babe.” Chandler hugged her. “Things went well.”

  “At least he likes Mama Jo. Maybe she can put in a good word for me.” Neva tried to make a joke of it.

  “It will get better,” Chandler murmured.

  “Come on, Dad,” Tariq called from the car. “We’re supposed to call Gran and Papa, remember?”

  “I told him we’d call my parents today.” Chandler looked apologetic for his son’s behavior.

  Neva smiled. “Sure. I’ll see you later.”

  As they drove off, Neva waved to them one last time. She hoped Saturday would an improvement.

  As usual, Thanksgiving dinner had been elaborate at the Bellows household. Now their guests were gone, they went back to their usual sparring. The last couple had barely gotten through the door when the subject of business came up. Hollis had gone to take his ailing wife upstairs for a rest. Ted was once again feeling left out and angry.

  “Is that all, Mrs. Bellows?” Sarah had taken off her apron, a hint that she would leave shortly to be with her own family.

  “I suppose,” Marian said. “We can help ourselves to more dessert and coffee.” She looked at her housekeeper.

  “What is this plan, Kate?” Ted spun to face his sister.

  Clinton glanced from his sister to his mother with a slight frown. “I’m interested to hear this myself.”

  Kate strolled over to the bar and poured herself a glass of sherry. “Simple really. I plan to meet with Desiree Sterling and explain why she should help her grandmother come to the right decision.”

  “Waste of time,” Ted burst out. “Everyone knows old Miss Jo has handed over all the power to Neva.”

  “He’s right. Neva Ross is running the store.” Clinton said.

  “That will change.” Kate smiled at him.

  “How would you know?”

  “A little bird told me,” Kate said.

  “Don’t give us that!” Ted shot her a look of irritation. “As top management, Clinton and I have a right to know.”

  “Thanks for sticking up for me, dear brother,” Clinton said drily. “Your concern is touching.”

  “Don’t be such a smart-ass. If she convinces Mother to let her take over you could lose out, too,” Ted retorted.

  Clinton paused in the act of raising a cup of coffee to his mouth. He looked at his older sister. “Katherine, do tell us more.”

  “Simple really. I have it on good authority, though I’ll confirm it later, that Desiree is the one we’ll be dealing with soon.” Kate was quite relaxed in the face intense scrutiny by her two brothers.

  “Strange. I thought Neva was the favorite grandchild.” Clinton rubbed his chin.

  Hollis came into the living room. “Desiree is determined to get what she wants.”

  “And what she wants is money, lots of money. Greedy little thing. Right, Cousin Hollis?” Kate raised an eyebrow at him.

  “So I’ve heard.” Hollis wore a blank expression. He went to the bar without glancing at her.

  Marian seemed uninterested in the personalities or digressions from the main topic. “How soon will you meet with this Desiree Sterling. I want this concluded in a satisfactory manner within the next month,” she said in a clipped tone.

  “It will be,” Kate said without hesitation.

  “Then that’s all we need to discuss.” Marian looked content.

  “Wait a minute.” Ted scowled. “I don’t think–”

  “What else is new?” Kate cut in.

  “Ted, Katherine has done a thorough job of finding out specifics about all the dynamics we’re dealing with here.” Marian stared at him hard until he closed his mouth. “Clinton, you start the ground work with Hanson Industries. We can go ahead with the projections on wood pulp revenues.”

  “Yes, Mother. I’ll get on it Monday morning.” Clinton played the obedient son to perfection.

  “Goodnight.” Ted stomped from the room. Moments later the engine of his Mercedes convertible roared to life outside.

  “I promised to drop by Stefie’s house.” Clinton kissed his mother goodbye. He nodded to the others then left.

  “I hope Ted doesn’t do something stupid.” Hollis stared down the hall in the direction the angry young man had gone.

  “Ted can always be counted on to do something stupid.” Kate lifted a shoulder.

  “Quite true I’m afraid.” Hollis let out a long breath.

  “He’ll sulk, drive too fast and get a ticket. Better than making a blunder on a big deal that could affect the company,” Kate said.

  “Ted will be fine. I’ll talk to him,” Marian added.

  “If you say so.” Hollis did not pursue the subject.

  “Things will progress nicely soon. Yes.” Marian stood. “I’m going to get a fresh cup of coffee.” She picked up the silver tray and headed for the kitchen.

  Hollis turned to Kate. “About that little bird you mentioned,” he said.

  “Hmm?” Kate returned his gaze.

  “Be careful. We’re getting into deep waters here.” Hollis spoke in a soft voice. “Don’t underestimate the danger of having this blow up in your face.”

  “You mean in our faces, don’t you Cousin Hollis? You’re playing with fire yourself.” Kate’s expression was hard.

  “Desiree can be manipulated, but she’s not a fool. With careful handling, we can make this work just right.” Hollis looked around to make sure Marian was not approaching.

  “I’ll leave ‘handling’ Desiree to you since you enjoy it so.” Kate gave a throaty laugh that made Hollis blush. “I don’t care what you do. Just don
’t let it interfere with family interest.”

  “Is that a threat?” Hollis sat very still.

  Kate did not answer him immediately. After a few seconds of staring at him without flinching, a slow smile spread across her face. “What would give you such an idea? You said yourself caution was in order.”

  “Then we understand each other.” Hollis nodded to her.

  “Oh yes.” Kate let the smiled stiffen her lips until it was not a pleasant sight. “We certainly do.”

  Chapter 10

  Tariq rushed over to her with a shout of delight. “You got a big one, Miss Neva!”

  Neva grabbed the wriggling perch from the end of the fishing line. She let the cane fishing pole drop to the ground as she took the hook out of its mouth. “He’s a good size for the frying pan all right.” She held up it up. “Big as the palm of your daddy’s hand.”

  “Yeah!” Tariq looked envious. “Guess I’m not going to catch one.”

  “We’ll see about that. Just have to pick a good spot for you.” Neva dropped the fish into the cooler on a bed of ice along with six others.

  Tariq’s slight frown transformed into one of anticipation. “Like where? You’ll help me?”

  “What are fishing buddies for? Now let’s see.” Neva started off down the bank then stopped. “Wait a minute. Better tell Chandler we’re going.”

  “I hear ya,” Chandler called out. He stood about five yards away to their left. “Go on.”

  Neva smiled at him and grabbed a small wire basket. With her hand on Tariq’s shoulder, they walked along the river bank. What a difference a few days made. Here they were acting like pals. Tariq was no longer the resentful young boy of a few days ago. Thank God I know how to fish! Neva laughed to herself as she watched him take up a position she’d suggested. His line was in a spot near the bank several pieces of driftwood, the kind of place fish liked to congregate to feed.

  “Just be quiet and patient,” Neva said in a low voice. “I’m going over there.” She pointed to a spot further up into the woods. Tariq, intense in his pursuit, nodded without taking his eyes off the bobbing stopper.

  Neva sighed with satisfaction. The day had dawned beautifully. A cool morning had given way to a sunny early afternoon. She guessed the temperature had risen to the mid-sixties. With the bright sunshine and very little breeze, it might have been spring instead of winter. Though she stood with her fishing line in the water, her mind turned to the two new men in her life. Neva mused on how permanent that sounded. There was no doubt in her mind or heart that Chandler was the man she needed. While living in New Orleans, Neva had met some of the most interesting men around. Fascinating men who travelled the world. She’d met and dated artists and musicians along with the usual assortment of professionals. Yet she’d found her true love right here in tiny Solitude. How strange and wonderful life could be.

  “I’ve got one!” Tariq jerked his line. The nylon string was taut from resistance.

  “Pull him in,” Neva said. “There you go. Look at that.”

  “He’s almost as big as yours.” Tariq held up his fish proudly.

  “Might be a little bigger.” Neva put both hands on her hips. “Mama Jo is going to be happy to have fresh perch for supper.”

  “Let’s show Dad.” Tariq smiled up at her.

  “Okay.” Neva smiled back.

  Tariq, with a cute frown of concentration, set about the task of extricating the fish hook from the mouth of the still fighting fish. With care, he placed it into the basket. He was a perfect miniature of his father at that moment, all serious and grown-up.

  She resisted the urge to give the adorable boy a big kiss right then and there. Their friendship was still too young for such a demonstration. Instead she gave him a pat on the back the way another boy might.

  “Good job,” Neva said.

  “Thanks.” Tariq held up the basket to take another look at his prize. He strode off with his chest out.

  The afternoon was just as pleasant. After another hour or so, they packed up to leave. They drove down small paved roads with Neva pointing the way. Deep in the woods of West Feliciana Parish they discovered shady old roads that had existed before the Civil War. Roads down which horse drawn carts travelled between plantations. There were hidden creeks and bayous that were as wild as they’d been back then. Tariq was delighted with all the local lore Neva shared with them. Chandler squeezed her hand tightly more than once. Tariq did not seem to notice or care how close Neva sat to his father. A powerful realization struck Neva. They could be a family. As though reading her mind, Chandler gazed at her for a moment.

  “What a great ride,” he said. His ebony eyes were soft with love for her and his son.

  “Yeah,” Tariq chimed in. He was staring out the window at the scenery.

  Later that evening, Alise came back. At Chandler’s urging, Neva went with him to take Tariq back to the hotel. They would be leaving the next morning to go home. Tariq told Neva his favorite jokes right up until they entered the hotel lobby. All three were laughing when Alise came in with Tariq between Neva and Chandler.

  “Hi, Mama!” Tariq crossed to his mother. He kissed her cheek when she bent down.

  “Hello there.” Alise gazed at him. “Had a good time?”

  “Great! We went to a lot a cool places like where black Union soldiers fought.” Tariq’s eyes glowed still with the magic of discovery. “Miss Neva showed us some of the best fishing around. And you should see all the really old houses. Miss Neva–”

  “Sounds fascinating,” Alise broke in. The smile on her face was so tight, her face looked as though it might crack.

  “Tariq has really been able to relax and have a good time. This week has done him a world of good after the last couple of years.” Chandler looked at Alise hard. “Wouldn’t you agree?”

  Neva glanced at Chandler. She wanted a way to ease the growing tension. “Tariq and Chandler spent most of the time together. Just two guys hanging out.” “Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun.” Tariq seemed to have lost some of his exuberance as he picked up on his mother’s mood.

  “I’ll bet,” Alise said.

  “Mama?” Tariq gazed at her with a puzzled frown. He seemed to be trying to figure out what he’d done wrong.

  “You’ll have to tell me all about these wonderful adventures later.” She turned to Neva, all grace and charm. “I’m not the outdoors type at all. I prefer art galleries and the ballet”

  “My grandparents put a fishing pole in my hands as soon as I could walk. But art is one of my interests, too.” Neva forced a light tone to her voice.

  “Now that you mention it, there is a wonderful exhibition of Louisiana art at a gallery on St. Charles in New Orleans. You lived there for a while, right?” Alise wore an open look with no indication of a hidden agenda.

  “Why... yes,” Neva said. She shot a questioning look at Chandler.

  Chandler cleared his throat. “I told Alise some of the places you said were especially interesting.”

  “I’m starved. Let’s have dinner. What about Miss Annie Mae’s Cafe?” Alise beamed at them all. “I hear it’s got the best down home south Louisiana cooking in these parts.”

  “Well I–” Neva wanted a way off this speeding train. Alise had a true gift for steering events just as she wanted them to go.

  “Sounds good to me. I’m hungry, too.” Tariq looked at his father and Neva. “C’mon.”

  Soon they were on their way to the restaurant. Alise rode in the back of Chandler’s car with Tariq. Neva was amused at the great show she made of being the totally cool ex-wife. Alise kept up a steady stream of banter. She knew Alise was trying to unnerve her, but Neva smothered a giggle more than once. Chandler pressed his lips together and tried not to notice. In a matter of minutes, they were pulling into the parking lot.

  Annie Mae’s Cafe was small and always packed. The delicious food had a loyal cadre of customers, some of whom travelled from as far away as Baton Rouge. Chandler frowned at the cr
owd.

  “Alise, I know how you hate to wait. Maybe we should leave?” Chandler said.

  “Of course not.” Alise shrugged. “I’ve turned over a new leaf. I’m more patient now.” She wore a soft smile.

  “Well, this is a new you.” Chandler chuckled.

  Neva was no longer amused at her act suddenly. She did not like the way Chandler seemed to fit into her groove so easily. “I’m sure we’ll be seated soon,” she said in a short tone.

  Sure enough they were at a table within fifteen minutes. As they talked, Neva began to feel foolish for her flash of irritation earlier. Chandler was so attentive to her, Alise became subdued. Gone was the almost teasing, polite manner towards Neva. Instead she seemed to turn inward. It was evident that she was taking stock. Alise skillfully took note of their interaction without being conspicuous. The way Chandler inclined his head close to Neva’s when speaking to her, how he wore a tender smile whenever Neva spoke. Alise watched even as she pretended her attention was elsewhere. Yet not once did she show anger or even the slightest annoyance. In fact, Neva had to admit the dinner passed quite agreeably. They ate baked chicken seasoned to perfection with Creole spices, tender green beans, rice and cornbread. Home style peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream for dessert made Tariq hum with satisfaction. Chandler delighted in watching him devour his food. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla mixed with scent of hot coffee the three adults enjoyed. After a brief, amiable tussle between Alise and Chandler over the check, Chandler prevailed and paid with his credit card. Strangers watching them leave might have thought they were one big happy family. Tariq was blinking back sleep by the time they arrived at the hotel.

  “You’re going to bed young man,” Alise said. She ruffled his hair.

  “Aw, Mama. There’s this great movie on cable,” Tariq protested around a big yawn.

  “No back talk. Move.” Alise kissed the top of his head.

  “Night, Daddy.” Tariq hugged Chandler tight and looked up at him. “See you in the morning.”

  “You bet.” Chandler spoke in a voice a bit thick with emotion. He wrapped his arms around Tariq for a moment before letting go.