The Sweet Road to Love

by Jacki Kelly

  “I wouldn’t say I’m ‘dating’. We’re just hanging out until something else comes along.”

  Melissa nodded with her nose in the air. “That could work, if you like sexually transmitted diseases.”

  “I’m not stupid, Melissa.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply you were. I’m just…I… Forget I said that. I’m just upset with Darius. Let’s change the subject. Your place looks good. You cleaned up for me.”

  “Yeah,” But I’m sure the room doesn’t meet your standards.”

  Melissa dropped her head. “I’m sorry. I promised I wouldn’t be a pain while I’m here and so far, that’s all I’ve been. No wonder Darius wants to leave me. I grab hold of something and I can’t let go.” She climbed the stairs. “I’ll be a better houseguest. You won’t even know I’m there.”

  “I doubt that.” Dakota dropped her head and spoke into her scarf.

  §§§

  Dakota looked around the dinner table at her sisters. The three of them hadn’t been together since Asa’s show at Fashion Week in September Guilt tugged at her heart when she glanced at her watch. She should have been enjoying the short time they had together, but thoughts of Bishop kept popping into her head.

  “So how is married life and motherhood? Is it everything you thought it would be?” Melissa asked Asa.

  “Awesome. But you know that. I’m always talking about Simeon or the baby. So what are you and Darius doing? Have you two found a way to be married in the limelight?” Asa beamed while slicing a piece of salmon with her fork and taking a bite.

  Melissa shook her head. “I don’t know. Right now Darius is doing his thing and I’m trying to do mine. While I’m here, let’s not talk about him. I’d rather talk about Dakota and her boy toy.” Melissa picked up her glass of wine without taking a sip.

  “Bishop is not my boy-toy.”

  Both sisters stared at her, as if they were waiting for her to say something profound. “I know this is going to sound ridiculous and I can’t believe it myself, but I’m falling for him. I didn’t mean to. And maybe I’m ridiculous, but what we have feels right.”

  “Oh, Dakota. You know better, honey.” Melissa’s voice was filled with pity.

  “Melissa, you’re being too harsh. You don’t even know Bishop.” Asa put her fork down and glared at Melissa.

  “I just think she needs to slow down. Enjoy her freedom for a while.”

  “I’ve had a year of freedom and being alone while I was supposed to be in a relationship. So going slow is the last thing I want. Pleasuring myself wasn’t any fun.”

  “Ohh, I hear you, girl.” Asa gave her a high five.

  Melissa readjusted her napkin in her lap and surveyed them. The disapproving smile of their older sister was familiar. She was always being the parent, taking life more serious than she should.

  “Asa, I see you’ve gotten over Simeon tearing down the house to build the Community Center.” Melissa pushed her broccoli around her plate without looking up. Asa faced her. “I only thought I wanted the family house. What I really wanted was a family of my own. Simeon’s vision was a good one. The community needed that center way more than I needed that house. I have boxes of memories I can look at any time I miss Mom and Dad or Mim and Pepe. I have no complaints.”

  Melissa shoved her plate away. “Aren’t we supposed to be talking about the community center grand opening?”

  “We’re all set for tomorrow. Simeon’s company handled everything. I gave some ideas, but all we have to do is put on our best dresses and show up.” Asa shrugged her shoulder. “We’ve come a long way from tearing down the family house to watching the center go up.”

  “Hey, guess what? Bishop is bringing his family to the opening too.”

  Melissa clapped. “Oh great. I get to meet the mystery man.” She paused. “And his family.”

  “Oh no. You poor thing. How did that happen?” Asa’s eyes were wide, portraying the same shock that kept zapping Dakota.

  “He’s trying to patch up the relationship between his parents and his sister. The opening is just a way to get them together.” Dakota tried to keep her voice even. There was no need to let her sisters know the thought of meeting his parents had her panicked.

  “Leave it to Dakota to bring the drama.” Melissa raised her glass in the air before taking a sip.

  “There won’t be any drama. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

  “And we will look like a million dollars, because I’ve designed a gown for each of us.”

  Melissa and Dakota squealed in unison.

  “No way!” Melissa smacked the table.

  “Yes, I did. We’ll be in the same color, but different styles.”

  Tears ran down Melissa’s cheeks. She grabbed the napkin and wiped her face. For the tough one, she sure cried easy

  “Okay, you two, that’s enough. We’re supposed to be celebrating. We sacrificed Mim and Pepe’s house in order to have the community center.” Asa reached for her sister’s hands and squeezed. “So, no matter what happens tomorrow, it’s going to be fun.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Bishop turned off the phone and shoved it into his breast pocket. The feel of the black organic wool, Gucci tuxedo was the only comfort he’d had all day. Handling his parents and sister frayed his patience. Since his parents’ plane had landed, his mother had acquired a permanent frown that grew bigger every time Adana’s husband Dennis spoke to her.

  Sooner or later, Adanna needed to stand up and be her own woman. If Mom and Dad didn’t like what she had to say, she’d just have to accept their response and move on.

  He jumped in the car. With a big sigh, he started the engine. With all the careful planning, tonight should go just fine. At least his mother was speaking to Adanna, even if the two of them had fallen back into their pattern of poking fun at him.

  Now if everyone’s good mood could last through the Community Center Opening Gala, then he’d count this as a good evening. But introducing Dakota, his treasure, to his family would be the highlight of the evening.

  He grinned. For the first time in his life, the need for his father’s approval was non-existent. There was nothing shameful about loving one woman and wanting to please her. His father might have been too foolish to realize how important the right woman could be, but Bishop wanted to hold on to Dakota with both hands and make sure she knew how he felt.

  The extra one hundred dollars he’d slipped the driver should ensure his family arrived at the celebration about ten minutes before he showed up with Dakota. He changed lanes and took the Route 273 exit.

  A parking space in front of Dakota’s stylish townhouse made parking easy. He turned off the car and hopped out. After ringing the bell, he adjusted his bow tie.

  She opened the door. The hot pink, off-the-shoulder gown hugged her hips and butt. The deep V-neck neckline exposed the beautiful mounds of her breasts. He wanted to slip his hand under the delicate fabric and squeeze them. “You look amazing, sweetie.” He pressed his lips to her cheek.

  “What? I can’t get any tongue action tonight?” She smiled up at him.

  “I don’t want to muss your glossy lips. But I’m putting in a reservation for extra lips tonight, with all the trimmings.”

  “You mean I’m going to have to wait all night for a kiss? That doesn’t seem fair.”

  “No. I have to wait all night to taste you and to see what’s under that lovely dress, so believe me, I’m the one who’s really suffering.”

  She grabbed her purse and tucked it under her arm. “We better go. I don’t want to be late.”

  As soon as they pulled away, she faced him. “How’s the visit with your parents going? Have Adanna and your mother patched up their relationship?”

  “They’re doing well, so far.” He kept his eyes on the road. “But neither Mom nor Dad have said more than ten words to Dennis. He doesn’t know how lucky he is. But they love DJ.”

  “Do you think she’ll come around?” Dakota’s stomach
cramped. His parents’ approval was important to the him. What would they think of her?

  “Let’s see, after he defiled my baby sister, I think it will take more than one visit to mend that fence. Mom is a tough bird.”

  Dakota folded her hands in her lap. “I see.”

  “She’s not that bad. You’ve met Dennis, so you know he’s a hard person to take a liking to.”

  “He’s trying, and his love for Adana and DJ is obvious. Isn’t that the most important thing of all?”

  “Not by a long shot.” He pulled the car under the extended portico. A valet opened the passenger and driver doors.

  With his hand around Dakota’s waist, he escorted her inside. Instead of her fluid gait, she seemed stiff.

  “You’re not worried about meeting my parents, are you?”

  “Yes. I’m scared to death.”

  “I won’t let them eat you for dinner.” He laughed.

  §§§

  Dakota pasted a smile on her face. Tonight wasn’t supposed to be about meeting Bishop’s parents. After all the turmoil that almost tore Simeon and Asa apart while they fought over the Conroy family house, tonight should be a jubilant celebration. Instead, she couldn’t think of anything but meeting Bishop’s mother and father.

  A hint of resentment simmered in her belly. His parents changed the flavor of the whole night As long as she and Bishop stayed in their cocoon, life was great. Intrusions from the outside world could shake everything loose. The critical glare of his parents’ eyes could be enough for Bishop to see her flaws and insecurities.

  She tilted her chin a little higher. No matter what, she was going to have a good time. Even though she felt like someone had run a stick up the back of her dress, making it impossible to walk.

  Asa and Simeon stood hand in hand at the entrance, greeting the guests as they arrived. One day, she’d find someone special. Brian wasn’t The One. Bishop didn’t want to be The One. But that didn’t mean she’d stop looking for The One. The only question she needed to address was how long she planned to play this game. Pretty soon, she needed to step off this merry go-round and get back in the real world.

  “Dakota, you look fabulous. That dress fits you perfectly. I’ll have to make sure the photographer gets a picture of you for the website.” Asa embraced her, but not tight enough to wrinkle the dress.

  “You look pretty fantastic yourself.” Dakota eyed her sister from head to foot. “And look at you, Simeon, still as handsome as ever.”

  “All I can say is that every Conroy sister looks incredible tonight.” Simeon brushed his lips across her cheek. “Your table is near the podium. Bishop, your family is already seated.” Simeon pointed to the far corner.

  “Where is Melissa sitting?” Dakota asked.

  “She’s at our table, nursing a drink. Her second one tonight. Maybe you can cheer her up,” Asa said. “And don’t roll your eyes at me. I saw that.”

  Bishop grabbed Dakota’s hand. “We might as well get the hard part over. You’ve met Adanna and Dennis. Let’s meet my Mom and Dad.”

  Dakota tightened her grip on his hand as he led her across the hardwood floor. She waved at familiar faces. Several of the residents who had sold their home in the old Golden Leaf neighborhood to make way for the center were seated near the stage.

  “That you, Dakota?” Ms. Donald called to her from her table.

  “Ms. Donald, don’t you look pretty tonight?” Dakota greeted the older woman.

  “I should, child. This dress cost me a year’s worth of books.”

  “Don’t worry about it, your credit is good with me. I’d like for you to meet my date, Bishop Contee.”

  “Pleased to meet you, young man.” She shook his hand before returning her attention to the woman seated next to her.

  “Date? Is that what I am to you, just a date?”

  She pulled back to glare at him. “What should I have said? What’s wrong with the word date? I’m nervous enough about meeting your parents, please don’t…”

  His faced hardened. “Nothing. It’s fine.”

  Dakota spotted a man seated across the room. The regal set of his jaw coupled with his dashing good looks could only belong to Bishop’s father. His attention was focused on the backside of a woman at the next table. It was evident which tree Bishop branched from.

  His mother held her arms tight across her abdomen. The smile on her face looked about as fake as the one that Dakota tried to wear. If she stayed with Bishop, would that be her ten years from now?

  “Mom, Dad, I want you to meet Dakota. A very good friend of mine.” Bishop gave her a knowing look. She’d remember his introduction for future use.

  Dakota almost curtsied. The tension around the table was almost visible.

  “I’m happy to meet you, dear.” Ms. Contee stuck out her hand for Dakota to shake. “Call me Madeline, please.” The nasal sound of her voice sounded rehearsed, a forced politeness.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Madeline.”

  Mr. Contee pushed away from the table and opened his arms. “Well, honey I’m from the old school. Give me a hug.” He enveloped her in his arms before she could object.

  “Sit down here so we can talk.” Madeline patted the chair next to her. “Bishop, why don’t you and Dennis get us a glass of wine? Please.”

  “I need to stretch my legs, too.” Mr. Contee pushed away from the table and trailed behind Bishop out of the room. Even though he had to be nearing sixty, he was still a good-looking man. Madeline’s lips tightened into a scowl as her husband hurried toward the door.

  Dakota took the seat and watched Bishop disappear in the crowd, leaving her in the lion’s den.

  “Tell me about yourself. Dakota, is it?” Madeline lifted her nose another inch.

  “Let’s see.” Dakota folded her hands on the table. “I own a small local bookstore here in Bristol. I’m a graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Liberal Arts.”

  “You’re quite an accomplished woman. That’s quite refreshing. So, Bishop told me your family donated the land for this community center. That’s quite commendable.”

  “We didn’t donate all the land. Several residents gave up their homes. And we all were paid handsomely on the deal.” Dakota glanced down, unable to meet Madeline’s stare. Instead of chatting, this was more of an interview.

  She broke into laughter. “Even better. Capitalism is alive and well.” Her smile was warm. Dakota released the tension in her shoulders.

  “I guess you could say that. I’m glad you and your husband were able to come help us celebrate the opening.”

  “Bishop was quite adamant that we had to come. I think he had other motives.” She lifted a brow. “So, you and Bishop are in a relationship?”

  Dakota opened her mouth to respond.

  “Mom, don’t you think that’s a little personal? You’re interrogating Dakota.” A look of horror flared in Adanna’s eyes.

  “I’m just trying to get to know her. I’m only in town for a short time, so I have to catch up on everything. It’s not like you two will call me and keep me informed.”

  “We call you all the time—”

  “It’s okay, Adanna. I don’t mind.”

  “It’s embarrassing.” Adanna huffed and dropped her elbow on the table.

  “They should start serving dinner soon.” Dakota turned in her chair to look for Bishop.

  “How long have you known Bishop?” Madeline continued.

  “Several weeks.”

  Bishop and Dennis returned just as dinner was being served.

  “Where’s your father?” Madeline craned her neck to look at the entrance.

  “He’s coming.” Bishop placed a glass of wine in front of her before taking his seat.

  “Yeah, I’m sure he is.” Madeline’s sarcasm dripped on the table like hot wax.

  Sandwiched between Bishop and his mother made dinner seem long and intense. His mother’s “interrogation” continued through the first three courses. She pepper
ed Dakota with questions as if she was on a fact-finding mission, trying to determine if Dakota was good enough for her son. By the time dessert was served, Dakota was exhausted.

  “Honey, I’ll be right back. I want to take a look around at the facility.” Mr. Contee dashed away from the table before Madeline could open her mouth.

  “Dakota, I’d like to have lunch with you before I leave. Do you think that’s possible?”

  She looked at Bishop before responding, hoping he’d give her a way out. Instead, he gave her a big smile.

  “Sure, Madeline. I’d like that.” Dakota’s stomach constricted. “Can you all excuse me for a moment? I need to go to the ladies’ room.” Without waiting for anyone to reply, she jumped up from the table.

  “Walk with me,” she whispered in Asa’s ear as she rushed by their table.

  In the restroom, she leaned against the cool tile wall with her hands on her hips. Asa and Melissa rushed in behind her.

  “What’s wrong? Are you sick?” Melissa placed her hand on Dakota’s forehead.

  “No, but I’m sick of Bishop’s mother. She has asked me nine hundred questions since I got here. Any minute now, she’s going to ask me for a blood and urine sample. I know it.”

  “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. But you can’t hide out in the bathroom.” Melissa eyes were full of concern.

  “She can if she wants to. Or you can come sit at our table,” Asa offered.

  Dakota pushed off the wall and turned on the faucet. She ran her wrists under the cold water and her breathing returned to normal.

  “Why would he want me to meet his parents anyway? Doesn’t that usually come months later in a relationship? Why did he invite them here?” Dakota dried her hands.

  “Look, Simeon will be making his speech in a few minutes. I need to get back inside, unless you really need me, Dakota,” Asa said.

  “No. You go. I’ll be all right.”

  Asa gave her another look before leaving.

  Melissa rubbed her back. “Are you returning to the table?”

  “Yeah. I’m okay. Let’s go.”

  Several people were gathered in the main entrance. Dakota and her sister had to push their way through the thick crowd. Outside in the frigid night air, a few men and women took quick puffs from their cigarettes. At least they were obeying the no smoking policy. Dakota spotted Mr. Contee with his hand around the waist of a woman in a dress so short her butt had to be freezing. He took a long drag and blew smoke out the corner of his mouth.