Dangerous Ground

by Smith, Stephanie Jean

  After dinner, everyone help clear the table and those who wanted to fix a plate to take home did so at that time. Loretta wanted everyone to take some food home. There was no way that she and Xavier could eat all of this food, and it would go to waste. Xavier talked the men into doing the dishes while the ladies relaxed in the living room.

  May was one of the founders of the King Center. Loretta met her when she became of volunteer for the King Center. It’s hard to believe that was almost sixteen years ago. Lionel suffered a stroke six months ago, and May still looked a little worse for wear.

  Loretta could tell that May was in good spirits. She was beginning to act like the old May she knew and loved so well. May and Lionel decided to move to Lionel’s hometown in Tennessee. Their house would go on the market at the beginning of next year. Loretta was glad that they would still be in town for her wedding.

  May grabbed Loretta’s hand. “Baby girl I’m so happy for you. I remember a few months ago when you where trying to deny your feelings for Xavier.”

  “I was so confused by my feelings for Xavier; I was trying to hide what was obvious to everyone else.” Loretta hopes that May has the time to help her plan the wedding. “May you’re the closest person I have to being my mother; I would appreciate your help in planning our wedding. The wedding won’t be a large affair, just our families and close friends.”

  “You’ve made me so happy, it would be my pleasure to help you in any way I can.” May leaned forward and whispered in Loretta’s ear. “Watch out for Diane, she’s got her eye on Vincent. That boy’s got a lot of pain to deal with before he’s fit for any woman.”

  Loretta smiled at May, for she knew that May was telling the truth. Diane seemed to glow as if new blood had been pumped through her veins. Loretta wasn’t above playing matchmaker, so she decided that she would help Diane get a chance to know Vincent. Xavier never told Loretta the full story about Vincent’s past, Loretta didn’t think she‘d have a problem squeezing information out of Xavier.

  “For your information, I have absolutely no interest in Vincent whatsoever.” Diane hoped that she sounded convincing.

  May gave Diane a knowing look. “Lie to yourself if you must, but don’t lie to us. Let me tell you how Lionel and I first met.” May smiled noting that she had the attention of all three women.

  “You got our attention May, don’t leave us in suspense.” Cookie said as she sat across from May and Loretta.

  “My father’s church was hosting a community picnic for the black troops that were preparing for the Korean War. When I woke up that morning, I knew that it was going to be a memorable day. I put on my best Sunday dress. It was a bright buttercup yellow dress and I wore a hat that matched. My father was surprised by my appearance because I was something of a tomboy. I told him that I was going to meet the man I was going to marry today, and I had to look my best.”

  May shifted her legs and went on with her story. “I was helping the missionary group set out the food when I first saw Lionel. My heart beat real fast, and the palms of my hands got all sweaty. I saw the man I was going to marry.”

  “How did you get his attention? I know that women weren’t as bold back then as they are now.” Loretta found the whole story about May and Lionel’s courtship fascinating.

  May cast Loretta a glimpse of indulgence before continuing. “Women weren’t supposed to approach men back in those days, or they were considered fast. I was able to stay in his line of vision throughout the day. I went to my Father and pointed Lionel out to him. I told my Father that he was the man I wanted to marry and not to spoil it for me.”

  Diane was totally engrossed in May and Lionel’s courtship. “Did you even speak to him at the picnic?”

  “No, I didn’t speak to him at all that day. We made eye contact throughout the picnic, just as you and Vincent have been doing all night.”

  Diane shut her eyes and sighed. “For the last time there is nothing going on between me and Vincent.”

  “Girl you were watching him as if he were a piece of candy you hadn’t had in a while,” Cookie chimed in.

  “I think that May should continue with her story.” Diane said as she gave Cookie a dirty look.

  “Ladies, ladies, let’s not argue.” May was laughing at the by-play between Cookie and Diane. “Before the picnic was over, Lionel found out whom my parents were, and he approached my father to ask his permission to court me. My father invited him over for dinner the next evening. I couldn’t sleep that night for thinking about Lionel.” May got off the sofa and started moving towards the kitchen.

  “Where do you think you’re going you haven’t finished the rest of the story yet?” Loretta was feeling a little let down, it was as if she’d only viewed half of a movie.

  “I just wanted to go check on Lionel.” May said as she made her way into the kitchen.

  Cookie couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on May’s face. Obviously, May was getting excited at the thought of being with Lionel. “Your husband is doing fine, come back in here and finish telling us about your courtship with Lionel.”

  “Well, all right,” May said as she came back and sat down. “I was nervous all day long. My mother put me to work and made me cook dinner. I made oxtails, new potatoes, butter beans, and cornbread. For dessert, I made and egg pie.”

  Cookie couldn’t contain herself. “Okay I know what oxtails are and they’re very tasty, but what in the hell is egg pie.”

  May sighed. “For you young folks egg pie is just another name for custard pie. Now, can I continue without any more interruptions?” May looked at the other ladies for confirmation. “As I was saying, I cooked dinner that day. That kept me occupied for a while. When it got close to dinner, I kept peeping out the front window hoping to catch a glimpse of Lionel. My Mother made me go upstairs and wait for his arrival.”

  “When my father finally called me down to meet Lionel, I had a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. Lionel was in a division that was being sent to Korea the following week. Lionel arrived with his uniform on he looked tall, dark and handsome, and so kind to me. We stared at each other all through dinner. After dessert, my father called us both onto the porch. He gave us his permission to court. I saw Lionel every day until he left for Korea, and the day he left I wept for two hours straight.”

  “When did you two get married?” Loretta could feel the tears in her own eyes.

  “Lionel was gone for almost two years. The whole time he was gone I only received six or seven letters from him. I thought he was losing interest in me, and I became faint hearted. My father warned me about losing faith in God and my love for Lionel. I kept my chin up, but it wasn’t easy. When I got the news that Lionel was on his way home, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I got to see him. I begged my father to take me to Clarksville to meet Lionel’s train. I put my yellow dress, and I felt deep down inside that everything would be all right. We left so early in the morning that it was still dark outside.”

  “By the time we reached Clarksville I was a nervous wreck. I was worried the Lionel wouldn’t want me anymore. My father told me that if Lionel didn’t appear to be himself that I would have to give him time to heal. At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant. I held my father’s hand as the train pulled up. As the soldiers disembarked, my heart felt heavy, people we’re celebrating the homecoming of their loved ones, but there was no sign of Lionel.”

  Diane was almost in tears. “What happened to Lionel? Why didn’t he get off the train with the others?”

  There were tears in May’s eyes. Lionel did get off with the others, but he’d changed so much that I didn’t recognize him. I felt as if someone was staring at me. I turned around, and there was a tall lanky man watching me, he looked worse for wear, plus he had a bandage on his arm. I looked into the man’s eyes, and I knew it was Lionel. I went running towards him as if my life depended on it. I heard my father call my name, but I didn’t stop running. When I ran up to Lionel, I was afraid to
touch him. He had lost so much weight that he seemed fragile.”

  May wiped the tears from her face and took a sip of water. “Then he whispered my name. He said, ‘Maybelle do you still want, and old run down soldier like me.’ I couldn’t say anything but yes. Even my father had tears in his eyes when he hugged Lionel. We were married six months later. We lived in Chattanooga for a couple of years, then we moved to the Midwest where we’ve been every since.”

  May looked around, and all three women were crying. “Now I didn’t mean to upset you ladies on such a joyous occasion. Now if, you’ll excuse me, I want to go talk to my husband.

  ***

  Xavier had seen his brother in many situations; however, he’d never seen him so somber. Loretta’s friend Diane had started a fire burning in his brother’s heart, but Xavier knew that Vincent would fight the feeling. John and Lionel were sitting at the kitchen table eating their second piece of pie while Xavier and Vincent did the dishes. “Vincent, I was glad you came and had dinner with us today.”

  “It’s not like you left me any choice, did you forget that you blackmailed me into coming.”

  Xavier smiled, he wasn’t above a little blackmail if it helped him reach his goals. “I just threatened to tell the family that you were becoming a recluse.”

  “Yeah, I remember the last time you did that to me. Gail tried to hook me up with every single woman she knew. Mom and Dad came and stayed with me for a month driving me crazy. You knew I couldn’t go through that again. Matter of fact, I still owe you for that. I couldn’t remember why you told them that in the first place.”

  “I felt that you had punishment coming for impersonating me. Remember that married woman you got involved with. Well, her husband came after me.”

  “It’s not my fault, I thought she was single. Hey I broke it off as soon as I found out.”

  “You broke it off and went back to being Vincent Johnson. I’m the one who had to deal with an angry husband who thought I was trying to steal his wife away from him. You got off lucky, siccing the family on you was a small price for you to pay for impersonating me.”

  “I’m sorry, that was the last time I tried to impersonate you. Ever since then, I decided, I was happier being me, by the way. What do you know about Diane, is she attached? I noticed that she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring.”

  “If you’re looking for a bed partner for the weekend, I think you better go to your usual hangouts.”

  “You’re right man, if she doesn’t know the score I better leave her alone.” Vincent peeked into the living room, “She’s a good looking woman though. Where does Diane work?”

  “She was a librarian, she now works as a youth counselor.”

  “Librarian, are you sure, you’re talking about my dream woman here? I can’t picture Diane as a librarian. Now, if you told me that she sold sexy lingerie, I would be more inclined to believe you. Are her breasts real?”

  “You have turned into a real pervert in your old age haven’t you?”

  “You mean to tell me that you didn’t feel that way when you first met Loretta.”

  “Of course I did, but I kept my thoughts to myself. If you need to know if Diane’s breasts are real, I suggest you go ask her. I dare you!”

  “I’m not crazy. I wouldn’t ask a woman a question like that, especially in a room full of women. I would be lucky if I got out of the room alive.”

  “Especially if my wife is in the room, John piped in?”

  “Quit listening to our conversation.”

  Lionel cackled. “It’s kind of hard not to hear your conversation it’s not as if you two were whispering or anything.”

  Vincent was already regretting his show of interest in Diane. “I was just saying that Diane is an attractive woman.”

  “We know what you’re saying, but if you don’t have a serious interest in the woman leave her alone.” John said as he finished his pie.

  “John, are you every single woman’s appointed brother and protector.”

  “No. Just to the single women who happen to be friends with my wife. When my wife’s friends aren’t happy, my wife isn’t happy, which makes me unhappy. I like living in paradise and I will do whatever it takes to keep trouble away from my front door. I hate to say this Vincent, but you’re trouble to any decent woman looking for a relationship.”

  Vincent shared a look with Xavier, but he didn’t get mad. “John don’t even go there, I remember how you use to behave before you met Cookie. Your bedroom had one gigantic revolving door. The more women you had the better you liked it.”

  John stopped eating and got serious. “You quite right, I thought sex was a sport, and I was an active player. I refused to get involved with any woman who didn’t know the score. Then one day I met the woman I wanted to marry, and she didn’t want anything to do with me. You see my reputation as a womanizer had reached her ears, and she didn’t want to become another notch on my bedpost. Cookie told me that I was a whore and that she didn’t date whores.”

  Vincent started laughing. “You have to tell them how you finally got Cookie to go out with you.”

  “Well, at first Cookie refused to talk to me let alone go out on a date with me. So the first thing I did was rent a house in her neighborhood…”

  Xavier interrupted him. “Please don’t tell me that you started stalking the woman.”

  “No, I didn’t do anything like that. I had to show Cookie that I was a changed man. The only way I could do that was to become a visible part of her life. I joined her church, I became a volunteer at the King Center, and I would even see her every once in a while at the neighborhood grocery store or the dry cleaners. Gradually she began to talk to me, and I finally got up the courage to ask her for a date.”

  “Don’t tell me, she said yes, and you lived happily ever after.” Xavier said patted John on the back and went back to doing dishes.”

  “She said no. At first I thought Cookie was playing hard to get, but she wasn’t interested in dating me. I didn’t know what else to do, hell I’m a good looking man, and I had a good job. I knew that I could have any woman I wanted. So what was so different about this woman? The difference was I fell in love with her, but she didn’t feel the same way. I went to Loretta to ask for her help. At first she didn’t want to get involved, but I was able to wear Loretta down. To this day I don’t know what she did to persuade Cookie to date me, but it worked.”

  Vincent gave John a cynical look. “So what is the moral to your story?”

  “If you find a good woman, she’s worth whatever it takes to become a part of her life. You’re laughing now, but it took me eight months before Cookie would start dating me. Believe me, it was hard on the libido. Do you know that she had a checklist of the things she wanted in a man? First I had to produce a disclosure form my doctor that I was disease free. Cookie also wanted to know if I had an ex-wife with children hanging around.”

  “What difference would it make if you had and ex-wife or kids, Cookie wasn’t getting involved with them.”

  “You know I asked her the same thing, and this is what she told me. Cookie wanted to know if I had children because if so she wanted to make sure I was the type of man who would take care of his children. Second, she wanted to know if she was going to have to deal with and ex-wife who would be butting into our lives.”

  “Man, Cookie laid it on the line didn’t she? Why are women so hung up on ex-wives?” Xavier said as he put the food into the refrigerator.

  “Cookie told me that she wanted to know everything before she made a choice that would affect her life forever.”

  Lionel got up from the table and handed his empty plate to Xavier. “Youth sure is wasted on the young. I met May at a church picnic. My troop was stationed in Chattanooga at the time. In a couple of weeks, we were to be shipped out to Korea. I didn’t have any time to waste, back then you had to approach a girl’s family before you talked to her. Well I spent the whole day at the picnic trying to find out who were the parent
s of the lovely girl wearing the yellow dress with the matching brim hat.”

  Lionel sat back down at the table and continued his story. “To my surprise and regret I found out that the lovely young lady that I’d fallen for was the youngest daughter of Reverend Taylor, the pastor of the church hosting the picnic.”

  “So what happened,” Vincent began tapping his foot impatiently.

  Lionel looked at the other three men in the room. “Well, I took an honest look at myself. No man would want his daughter to become involved with a young man who was on his way off to war. I spent the afternoon troubling over it then I came to a decision. No matter how wrong I was for her, I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with the girl in the yellow dress. After a couple of hours had passed, I finally got up the nerve to go speak to the girl’s father. To my surprise he invited me over for supper the next evening.”

  By this time, all four men were sitting at the kitchen table. “So when you went to dinner the next day, did May’s Father rake you over the coals?”

  Lionel smiled at Vincent. “I was surprised at the reception I received from May’s family. It wasn’t until later that evening that I found out that Reverend Taylor told his family that I was May’s future husband.”

  “That was a pretty big assumption to make,” John said as he got a can of Coke out of the refrigerator.

  “Hey John while you’re up, get one for me too. Xavier was interested in Lionel’s story, and he didn’t want to get up from the table.

  “Back then, you didn’t approach a girl’s father unless you wanted to get married. I was close to my father-in-law, Reverend Taylor was a good man. A couple of years before he died he told me that he knew right away that I was perfect for his little girl. You see May, and her brothers and sisters were typical preacher’s children; they were the biggest hellions in the congregation. Reverend Taylor told me that only a fool in love we consider being married to May.” All four men were laughing when May came into the room.