Grand Opening 2

by Carl Weber

  About forty minutes into the drive, he stopped the car at the entrance to an old plantation and turned to me. “I’m sure you know why I wanted to meet with you tonight. This doesn’t need any more explaining, does it?”

  “No, I’m pretty sure I know why I’m here and what we are about to do.”

  “Good. Have you made your decision? Are you ready to continue the legacy of your father and take your rightful place at the table?”

  I stared at Mr. Mahogany. Here was a man of wealth and knowledge, a family man who seemed to have worked hard, achieved success, and was enjoying life in a way that Chippy and I aspired to live. My father had been a sharecropper and a loan shark, and now I was sitting across from a man who respected and held him in high regard. I couldn’t think of a better mentor to guide me. The answer was simple.

  “Yes, I’m ready.”

  A wide grin spread across Mr. Mahogany’s face. He looked like a proud father, and for a split second, I felt like his long-lost son.

  “I knew you were a smart man. But understand there is no turning back after this.” He continued to drive up the long driveway until we were in front of the house, where he parked next to several other cars. “Follow me.”

  I stepped out of the car into the darkness to follow him, and for the first time since we’d left the dealership, I could feel myself getting cold feet. My mind raced through fifty different thoughts. Was this all for real? What the hell had I gotten myself into? I froze in place, and he didn’t notice until he was halfway up the stairs.

  “Breathe, boy. Take a deep breath. You’re not the first person to be overwhelmed by this experience.”

  It was as if he was reading my mind. I sucked in some air, letting it fill my lungs. The oxygen revived me, and I exhaled, doing it again and again until my brain seemed to function normally and take control over my body again.

  “You all right? You coming?”

  I nodded, following him inside the house and down the hallway into a large room that looked like an old-fashioned study, with shelves full of books on the walls, comfortable antique furniture throughout, along with a very expensive chess table off to the side. Also in the room were seven well-dressed individuals, five men and two women.

  “Ah, Mr. Mahogany, I see you have brought out our newest member. Welcome, LC Duncan, welcome,” a deep-voiced, older gentleman said as I entered. He was thick, with a face full of well-groomed hair.

  “He’s much more handsome than his photograph,” a very well to do–looking woman in her late forties said as Mr. Mahogany and I took two empty seats by the fireplace. “We are so happy you’ve decided to join us.”

  “Thank you,” I replied.

  “I believe we should start with introductions.” Mr. Mahogany stood beside me. “Fred, why don’t we start with you?”

  “Good evening, Mr. Duncan. My name’s Frederick Johnson.” He was a dark brown man, like myself, in his late sixties. “My sons and I run Parker Family restaurants since 1959. Right now we have fifty restaurants throughout the Southeast. Matter of fact, we have a restaurant right across from the mall in your hometown of Waycross.”

  “Yes, I’ve eaten there several times,” I replied. “I just never knew it was black owned.”

  “Neither does anyone else outside of this room and my family,” he answered.

  I wanted to say, “Shit, that is fucking ingenious!” but I didn’t know the people in the room well enough yet to know how they’d react to my colorful language.

  The introductions continued. “LC, I’m Tommy Rawls. I live in Charlotte, and I make funds available for folks in need who aren’t able to get money from the banks—if you know what I mean. Your father was a good man and taught me everything I know. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  “Thank you for the kind words about my father,” I replied. “Nice to meet you, too, sir.”

  The woman who had originally complimented me waved. “Hi, handsome. My name is Lula Landry. I’m the secretary for the largest real estate developer in the South, and I also happen to run the best whorehouses in North and South Carolina.”

  “Yes, she does!” another man confirmed enthusiastically, and everyone laughed. Then he said, “LC, I’m Major Gary Holmes out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I provide weapons and manpower for those who need a helping hand. Oh, and I help out Lula.” He gestured toward the woman who spoke up next.

  “Hi, I’m Catherine, or Cat, as they call me. My brother and I control narcotics in Memphis, Nashville, and most of Alabama. We need to talk about your New York connection.”

  How the fuck did she know about our New York connection? Obviously the members of the Council knew a hell of a lot more about me and my business than I knew about them. I was at a distinct disadvantage, and I didn’t like it one bit. Still, I maintained a poker face and greeted her kindly.

  “Yes, we should do that real soon. Nice to meet you,” I said.

  “I’m Abe Jenkins. I run the bank you received your loans from. In addition, I own several car washes here in Atlanta. We need to sit down and talk business real soon.”

  The next man to introduce himself was the brother with the deep voice. “I’m Reverend Percy Hawkins, the pastor of First Baptist Church, one of the largest churches in Atlanta. I’m also the head of the National Baptist Union. Pleased to meet you, son.”

  Damn, they even have a preacher, I thought with amazement.

  The last man walked up to me and shook my hand. “LC, I’m Walter Matthews. I’m the assistant Deputy U.S. Attorney for the northern district of Georgia.”

  I let go of his hand like it was a hot potato. “U.S. Attorney! You’re a fucking fed?” The words escaped my mouth before I could stop them.

  Fortunately, everyone laughed.

  “Yes, LC. Ol’ Walt here is a fed,” Mr. Mahogany said with no further explanation. “Now, ladies and gentlemen, why don’t we retire to the board room so we can get down to business.”

  They all moved from their respective spots toward a pair of double doors. I followed them into another well-decorated room with a large oval table with nine chairs seated around it. I sat in the empty chair beside Walter and waited as Mr. Mahogany took his seat at the head of the table. Everyone turned their attention to him.

  I glanced around the room. These folks were no joke, and I was not sure yet if I was in over my head. I could definitely see how a group like this could work, and I was going to try my damndest to be a productive member of the Council. I just didn’t know how long I would be able to keep something like this from my brothers.

  “Well,” Mr. Mahogany said. “Now that we are all here, let’s get down to business.”

  And just like that, with very little fanfare, I became the newest member of the powerful Black Council.

  Lou

  15

  I was just finishing up some eggs, bacon, and coffee at the bar at Big Shirley’s when I spotted Shirley coming down the stairs, followed by Levi. I’d spent half the night breaking in two new girls, but I was up early so I could head over to Brunswick and check on Donna’s progress with Eddie.

  “Morning,” I said as they approached.

  “Morning, Lou.” Shirley reached for the coffee and poured herself a cup then poured Levi a glass of milk.

  “You’re up pretty early,” I said to Shirley. “I know Levi gets up to take care of them animals, but I don’t expect you up until at least eleven.”

  “Who you telling? But I guess you didn’t hear the news. Miss Chippy had her baby last night,” Shirley said with a smile.

  “Get the fuck outta here! What she have, a boy or a girl?” I was grinning from ear to ear. I was so proud of my little brother and the family he was creating.

  “A little boy, but he wasn’t so little. He was nine pounds, six ounces.”

  “Oh, yeah, that’s not so little at all. Did they name him yet?”

  “Yep. Named him Vegas.”

  “Leave it to Chippy to give him an original name—althoug
h I must admit I like it. Vegas Duncan is a strong name. Guess I gotta get up there before I go to Brunswick.”

  “Mm-hmm, that’s why I’m up. If I don’t get up there to Atlanta today and see that baby, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

  I raised my coffee cup as if offering a toast. “I know that’s right. I still can’t believe they’re really moved up there.”

  “Me either,” she replied.

  Levi stayed silent as he drank his milk. He had his routine that he stuck to every morning, and I guess he wasn’t going to let talk of a baby steer him off course. He set down his glass then headed toward the back of the building to feed the dogs.

  “So, Lou, can I ask you a question, hypothetically?” Shirley said when Levi was gone.

  “Sure, as soon as you explain to me what hypothetically means.” I laughed.

  She ignored my little joke. “With Chippy and LC up in Atlanta, I guess you and Larry will be moving up there soon?”

  “Might be some money to be made up there, but I ain’t packing my bags quite yet. Larry’s the one talking about buying a fleet of trucks and making a move. I’m not going anywhere until I find out what happened to my momma,” I said seriously.

  “Well, if you do move up there, what does that mean for me and Levi?” she asked. Personally, I thought it was a dumb question. I didn’t have to think about my answer.

  “You move up there with us.”

  “And what if we don’t want to move?”

  I raised an eyebrow. Where the hell was this coming from? “We? Or you? ’Cause our brother goes where we go.”

  She hesitated, probably making sure she chose her words correctly. “There’s nothing up there in Atlanta for me, Lou. I’m a whore past her prime. Here, I’m a Madam, a boss. I’m Big Shirley of Big Shirley’s whorehouse. Here, I’m somebody.”

  I knew where she was coming from, but she was fooling herself if she really thought she was that important. I had to put her back in her place. “You do understand that it’s Big Shirley’s in name only, right? That this place is owned by LC, Larry, and me. That the ten percent you take down each week is a courtesy we give you for running the place and looking after our brother.”

  “Yes, and I do both well, and I make you money every week. This place is not just about the money for me, Lou. This place is my life.” She played it smart by keeping her tone respectful, but that still wasn’t going to make me change my mind.

  “Look, Shirley, I understand how you feel about this place. I love it too. I practically grew up in it, but there is nothing more important than my family, and if me and my brothers go to Atlanta, Levi’s going with us. You need to understand that.”

  She pushed back, her voice cracking with emotion now like she might start crying or something. “And what if he don’t want to go with you? What if he wants to stay with me? He’s a grown man, Lou.”

  “This is my brother Levi we’re talking about. You know, six foot eight, strong as an ox, with the IQ of a box of rocks.” I took hold of her arm and we locked eyes. “So, I want you to tell me: what constitutes him being grown?”

  She stood up and placed her hand on her belly. “How about the fact that he put a baby in my belly?”

  I just about fell out of my chair. “Get the fuck, outta here, you’re pregnant?”

  She nodded proudly.

  Fuck! Well, that sure complicated things for us Duncans.

  Nee Nee

  16

  “Wow. This is so nice,” Shirley said when we arrived back at LC and Chippy’s house after leaving the hospital, where we had all gone to see baby Vegas. The boys immediately ran into Junior’s room to play. Lou and Larry settled in the den to watch some game on the color TV, while Shirley and I started preparing dinner. LC had some work to take care of in the city, so he stayed behind at the hospital to spend some time with Chippy before his meeting.

  “Girl, is that a dishwasher?” Shirley’s eyes widened, and she walked over to see for herself.

  “Yep, and guess what else they got?”

  “What?” she asked as she opened the dishwasher door and peeked inside.

  “A brand new washer and a clothes dryer. They don’t even have a clothes line outside at all.”

  Shirley stood up straight, making a dramatic face. “Shut your mouth. Damn, almost makes me wanna move to Atlanta.”

  “Me too. Just don’t tell Larry.” I took out pots and pans and put them on the stove. “I mean, I told Larry I didn’t want to leave Waycross, but I tell you, staying here these past few weeks has made me see life in a whole ’nother way. Now I don’t wanna leave. And my son loves staying here too. There’s a park right down the street, and the people here are so nice,” I said. “Larry told Chippy that if we move, he’ll buy the house they’re building up the block.”

  “You believe that?”

  “I’m trying not to. A house like that is like a dream come true,” I said wistfully.

  “He’s starting to wear you down, isn’t he?” Shirley shook her head.

  “Him and Curtis.”

  “Curtis?”

  “My baby’s not stupid. He knows what’s going on. He wants his mommy and daddy together, and so do I. The fucked up part is that Larry’s moving forward with this trucking company whether I move up here or not.”

  “What you gonna do? Sounds like trouble in paradise.”

  I’m sure she didn’t mean anything by it, but I did not like the sarcasm in her voice.

  “I don’t know.” I sighed, rubbing my hand through my hair. “We’ve barely spoken to each other the past two weeks I’ve been up here.”

  Shirley’s facial expression changed drastically. “Wait a minute. I thought y’all was up here helping Chippy and LC together.”

  “We were. He was helping LC by driving back and forth picking up cars from Detroit, and I was helping Chippy with the house and getting ready for the baby. But we ain’t slept in the same bed since we left Waycross. Hell, he slept in the truck last night.”

  She shook her head. “That’s a damn shame. You have to stick to your guns, otherwise these men will walk all over you, Nee Nee.”

  “Ain’t nobody walking over nothing,” I snapped back.

  “Good, ’cause we have a restaurant to open when you get back.”

  When Shirley had first come to me about opening my own restaurant, I was excited about the idea. But then, LC and Chippy asked if I would come with them to Atlanta for a few weeks to help them get settled in. It seemed to make sense, especially with the new baby coming. Chippy was definitely going to need someone to help out with Junior. I didn’t mind at all. I assured Shirley that I was only going to be gone a month, two at the most, and we would be moving forward with our business plans as soon as I got back. But I was beginning to enjoy Atlanta much more than I ever thought I would.

  “I haven’t forgotten about that,” I said tentatively. “But . . .”

  “But what? This is real important. Don’t be stupid. Not over a man.” Shirley stood directly in front of me like she planned on making me see things her way.

  “Loving someone isn’t stupid, Shirley,” I protested, though I told myself I would hear her out before getting mad. “What’s wrong with wanting to be married and a have a beautiful house with a white picket fence? I’d gladly give up opening a restaurant for that. Look at LC and Chippy.”

  “Girl, please. You and Larry are not Chippy and LC. They have always had these high hopes of living this uppity lifestyle, and that ain’t us. We don’t need all of this to be happy. Our lives are fine back in Waycross, and we got dreams and plans of our own,” she said. “We ain’t them.”

  “I never said we were them, Shirley. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting and getting nice thi—”

  Shirley cut me off. “You right, but how come me and you and our kids always seem to get the hand-me-downs, and she and hers is always wearing new shit?”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Ain’t it? When I got to the hospital
and told everybody I was pregnant, what was the first thing Chippy said?” She answered herself before I could even recall the conversaiton. “That she had a box of baby stuff I could have.”

  “She was just being nice,” I suggested.

  Shirley laughed mockingly. “Really? ’Cause I find it kind of offensive that a woman who just had baby last night is giving me her first child’s shit because she already has too much shit for the new one.”

  My mouth fell open, but I didn’t even know how to respond. I’d never heard her sound so bitter, especially about family.

  “Nee Nee!” Lou called from the den, saving me from this uncomfortable conversation. “They got any beer in there?”

  I opened the refrigerator and took out two beers and wrapped a paper towel around them. I didn’t say anything else to Shirley, who followed me out of the kitchen. I never really thought of myself in competition with Chippy, Shirley, or anyone else, but the more I thought about it, her point about the baby clothes made a lot of sense. Chippy was always giving me Junior’s old clothes because he was so much bigger than Curtis. I always saw it as generous, but maybe there was something else to it.

  “Here you go.” I passed a beer to each of the men.

  “Thanks,” Lou said, opening his and taking a swig.

  The front door opened, and LC walked in.

  “Hey, little brother,” Larry said. “Me and Lou was just talking about you.”

  “I hope it was good,” LC answered.

  “Yeah, I think so.” Larry turned to Lou and smiled. “How’d you like it if the Duncan brothers all moved up here to Atlanta?”

  I guess I wasn’t the only one surprised by Larry’s announcement that everyone was relocating because LC was speechless for a minute. When he finally answered, LC said, “It would be a dream come true.”