Paige couldn’t help but laugh at Alexis, but then the other two adults started up again, only this time they spoke entirely in English.
“Once again, you’re making me set a bad example for my niece,” he charged.
“You do that just by waking up in the morning.”
Paige bent over with laughter until she realized the arguing had stopped. She returned upright to find the pair and Alexis staring at her. Sobering quickly, Paige cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, but that was funny.”
“So you’re on her side?” Sergio-Xavier charged.
“Sergio-Xavier Winston Simone, stop stalling.” The woman’s demand saved Paige from having to come up with an answer.
Sergio-Xavier threw his hands up in surrender. “Fine. This is my broker and friend, Paige McDaniels.” He then turned to Paige. “This is my eternal pest, otherwise known as my little sister, Tara.”
Tara momentarily glared at her brother and then smiled at Paige. “Ignore him. We’re only eighteen months apart, and he wasn’t calling me a pest when I beat up those guys that tried to rob us.”
Paige gasped. The thought of Sergio-Xavier being in danger scared her. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Tara smirked at her brother. “And she’s not your girlfriend? Yeah, right. The idea of your rude behind being in danger has her petrified.” She waved off Paige’s concern. “That’s another story for another day. Just know that I took care of them. He did stand over them after I got them in handcuffs.”
Now Paige was really confused. “Handcuffs? Are you a security guard?”
Tara laughed. “Security guard? Girl, you’re funny. A security guard doesn’t carry one of these,” Tara said, flipping her wallet open to reveal her law enforcement badge. “Or one of these.” She lowered her jacket off of her shoulder, revealing her holster. “I’m a real detective. Enough about me. I want to hear all about you. It’s not often my brother has a girlfriend. How long have you been dating?” Tara readjusted her jacket and folded her arms.
She wanted an answer, but Paige didn’t have one to give her. At least not one she thought Tara would believe.
“Actually, we’re just friends,” Paige replied.
“I told you,” Sergio-Xavier said, butting in.
Tara nodded. “Friends . . . That’s a good place to start. Are you from the Bay Area? Do you have any kids? Do you have a criminal record? How’s your credit? Do you know Jesus?” After bombarding her with personal questions, Tara snapped Paige’s picture with her iPhone. “I’m sending this to Mama.”
“Uh . . . um . . .” Paige looked to Sergio-Xavier for help.
“That’s enough, Tara,” he said, reaching for Paige’s hand. She eagerly accepted it. “We have work to do, and so do you. We’ll meet you and Alexis back here after food distribution.”
Paige had to skip to keep up with Sergio-Xavier’s long strides. His grip was rough. “Nice meeting you, I think,” Paige called over her shoulder to Tara, who was now texting. “See you later, Alexis.” The girl smiled, but Sergio-Xavier steered Paige into the packing area before Paige could smile back.
In the midst of boxes, tables, and numerous volunteers, Sergio-Xavier found room to pace. “I’m sorry about that,” he said once he finally stopped in front of her, throwing his hands up in the air. Then he went on a rant. “When I went to get Alexis, I didn’t know the parasite would tag along. I hope you’re not angry at me. Tara really is a good person. She just overdoes it sometimes when it comes to me and my brother. With that analytical mind of hers, she investigates everything. I bet she knows the answers to those questions she threw at you. She was testing your character. I know my cousins told her everything about you before they made it to the parking lot that Sunday after church.”
Sergio-Xavier took a deep breath and exhaled so hard, his breath warmed Paige’s cheek. “I’m so sorry. Please don’t be mad at me for her behavior. I promise I haven’t claimed you as my girlfriend. Trust me. I would never do that.” Judging by his facial expression, it was clear that the idea petrified him.
Paige wasn’t certain if she’d been insulted or not, so she let the subject drop. “Like you said, we have work to do.” She reached for a plastic garment cover, but he removed it from the rack and wrapped it around her.
“So you’re not mad at me?” His warm breath tickled her neck with each syllable.
“Of course not,” she answered and then, after stepping away from him, finished tying the protective garment’s belt. “Now, less talk and more work.”
He nodded and went about unloading boxes on the assembly line.
For the next ninety minutes they worked side by side silently, as if the awkward fiasco hadn’t happened. Paige welcomed the silence so she could mentally prepare for her outing with Seniyah. Today Paige planned to finally share with Seniyah what she believed the Lord had told her to do. If all went well, this time next year she’d hear the pitter-patter of little feet under her roof. She just didn’t know if the feet would belong to a Jonathan or a J’quan. Her spirit soared at the thought of having a baby in the house. She began to hum the melody to “Lord You Are God” and bopped as she worked, as if headphones were on her ears.
“I’ve never seen you this happy before. What gives?”
Paige stopped bopping and spun around to find Sergio-Xavier grinning at her. “Shouldn’t you be lifting a box or packing something instead of watching me?” She finally admitted to herself that she loved his smile, but she hadn’t forgotten that petrified expression from earlier.
“Come on. Share the good news with me,” he said, prodding her, but she wouldn’t budge.
“You’ll find out soon enough.” As the words left her mouth, Paige made a decision: if Sergio-Xavier didn’t agree with her plan, he could no longer be her friend. A sudden sadness washed over her, but she suppressed it and resumed sorting bags of pasta and jars of marinara sauce.
“Don’t tell me the properties closed and you didn’t tell me? I thought you said we had three more days. Did you cash that commission check already?”
“This joy I have neither the world nor that five-figure commission gave me. It’s strictly from above. Only God can take what you mess up and turn it around for good. But you know that already, Preacher,” she threw over her shoulder. “So I won’t preach you a sermon. Just know that God has done something awesome in my life.”
“That’s wonderful.” His tone lacked its usual enthusiasm, but Paige didn’t care to find out why and resumed humming and bopping. “How is Seniyah?” he asked after unloading a case of processed macaroni and cheese.
“She’s great,” Paige sang out. “And the baby is doing fine. In fact, we’re hanging out together for the rest of the day. So do you have any big plans for this evening?” she asked after he didn’t make any comment.
“Oh yeah, I have big, shiny plans. I’m hanging out with my chick on the side.”
The cans of tuna fell from Paige’s arms and rolled across the floor. “Chick on the s-side?” she stuttered.
“You sound like a scratched record. Hold that thought.”
Paige couldn’t think of a song to hum while watching him collect the cans. This chick on the side had better be another niece or cousin. He’d barely dumped the recovered cans on the table before she snapped, “So who is this chick on the side, Preacher?” with hands on her hips and her neck rolling.
He threw his hands in the air. “Whoa. Hold on. Take your mind out of the gutter. Lizzie is my saxophone. I need to practice the song my father wants me to play for my mother at their anniversary party.”
Paige’s neck stopped mid-roll. “Saxophone? You play the saxophone?”
“That’s what most people do to the instrument.” He pointed at his chest. “Me, I make the tenor sax talk.”
Paige gasped. “I love horns, but I had no idea you played. Why didn’t you tell me? Are you in a band? Can I come hear you play?”
“That groupie spirit is creeping back in,” he teased. “To ans
wer your questions, you didn’t ask, no, I’m not in a band, and you can hear me play at my parents’ thirty-sixth anniversary party next Saturday.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to—” Paige forbade the thought from forming. “What do you mean, I can you hear you at your parents’ party? You’re not taking me home to meet the family like I’m your woman. And what kind of party is it? Because you know I don’t drink or smoke. Saturday night is the time I spend preparing to meet the Lord on Sunday. I can’t be hanging out all hours of the night. I thought your family was saved. What are they doing partying in the first place?” She thought he’d understand, but the scowl on his face gave her a different reality.
“Paige, now would be a good time for you to sew your nose and lips together.”
“Then I won’t be able to breathe.”
“My point exactly. And with any luck, it will be a long and agonizing death.” He turned to walk away, but Tara blocked his path before he could complete two strides.
“Good. You’re leaving. I can chat with Paige,” she announced.
Sergio-Xavier retraced his steps, but the look he gave Paige was anything but friendly.
“Actually, I have an appointment. I really should b-be going,” Paige stammered.
Tara’s head bobbed from Paige to her brother. “So there’s trouble in paradise, but y’all will be fine. I’ll leave you guys alone to work it out. I’ll see you at the party.” She sneered at Sergio-Xavier. “You did invite her to the party, didn’t you?”
Paige gave a silent thanks when he just nodded and didn’t tell Tara she’d just insulted her family. The woman did carry a gun.
“Good. I’ll see you then,” Tara told her. She turned to her brother. “I’m still telling Daddy what you called me,” she said through clenched teeth and then walked away.
Sergio-Xavier followed her lead but went in the opposite direction.
Paige checked her watch. She wanted to apologize but didn’t have the time. Certainly, Sergio-Xavier would get over it.
Chapter 20
“How are you feeling? Are you tired? Do you need to sit down and rest? Want some more water?” Paige had asked Seniyah those questions at least five times since they arrived at the mall over two hours ago. From her sister and sister-in-law, Paige knew pregnant women tired easily and often needed rest. She was unfamiliar with the swollen face and hands but made a mental note to call and ask her sister about them. If she didn’t have an answer, Paige would search Google.
“I’m about as fine as I was when you asked me three minutes ago.” Seniyah smirked rather arrogantly, Paige thought, and then sipped from the water bottle.
“I’m just trying to take care of you and the baby. I don’t want to tire you out.”
Seniyah raised the shopping bag she carried and pointed at the ones Paige held. “Ms. Paige, we’ve been to two maternity shops and three baby stores, and now you don’t want to tire me out?”
Paige joined in with Seniyah’s laughter. “What can I say? I’m excited about the baby,” she said. “And your future,” she added after a pause.
“I could tell when you pulled up Consumer Reports on the mobile play set the salesperson attempted to sell you. You had him stuttering to answer your questions. You must have had one of those with your kids. By the way, how many kids do you have?”
Paige’s steps slowed in front of the cell phone accessory marquee. She stretched her neck to give the impression that the designer phone cases interested her, while she gained the courage to admit that she had no children, and that the only reason she knew so much about baby furnishings was that she had plans for Seniyah’s baby.
“Actually, I don’t have any children.” She faced Seniyah but didn’t make eye contact, opting to focus on the sporting goods shoe display across the aisle. “But I do have one niece and two nephews. I spent a lot of time caring for them when they were infants.” It was only a half lie. Paige had babysat on a few occasions.
“With your research skills and tenacity, you’ll make a great mother. You and Dr. Simone should think about it,” Seniyah threw out before taking another sip from the water bottle.
“Why would you say something like that?” Paige’s loud voice garnered the attention of passing shoppers. She lowered her volume when several stopped to watch. “Dr. Simone and I are just friends. And friends shouldn’t go around making babies unless they’re married. At least not at my age,” she said as hurt flashed on Seniyah’s face.
Seniyah raised her hand and took a step backward. “Don’t try to fix it. I know you look down on me for getting myself into what you consider a mess, but those are your high standards, not mine. I guess that’s why you’re mid-thirtyish, without a man, and childless.” Her shoulders shrugged. “But, hey, if it works for you.”
Sergio-Xavier’s suggestion of sewing her nose and lips together rang loud and clear as Paige watch Seniyah waddle away without the shopping bags containing a small fortune from Paige’s bank account. Why can’t I learn to be quiet?
“Seniyah, wait!” Paige almost tripped twice while trying to run after Seniyah and carry the bags.
This was not how Paige wanted the day to end. She’d planned to take Seniyah to an early dinner and then present her fabulous plan. Three stores down, Paige’s strides slowed as realization of what had happened set in. Seniyah had insulted her, and now Paige was running after her to force her to accept her gifts. She’d heard stories from her mother and sister, but now she had witnessed it with her own eyes. Pregnancy really did alter a person’s personality. The introverted and insecure teenager she’d met over a year ago would have never spoken to her like that.
As Seniyah exited the mall, Paige came to a complete stop and plopped down on an empty bench with the bags stacked at her feet. Ignoring the stares and murmuring around her, Paige lowered her head and cried. Her retribution and future were slipping through her fingers. If she wasn’t careful, she’d condemn herself to a life of sorrow.
“Ms. Paige, is that you? Are you all right?”
Paige’s jerked her head upward to find Jasmine and the divas staring down at her. She couldn’t think of an adjective to describe adequately how low she felt. It was one thing to cry in the presence of absentminded shoppers, but for her mentees to witness the meltdown was beyond humiliating.
Paige quickly dried her face and acted as if all was right with the world. “Hey, divas. I didn’t expect to see you today. What’s up?”
As usual, Jasmine spoke for the group. “You tell us. Why are you sitting in a crowded mall, bawling? What happened to all that poise and sophistication?” She moved in closer. “Did Dr. Simone do something to you? ’Cause if he did, we’ll go down to that hospital and put him in check. My cousin works up there, and she’ll take us right to him. I don’t care how fine he is. He can’t be disrespecting you like this.”
The other divas echoed Jasmine’s sentiment.
Paige jumped to her feet, waving open-palmed hands. “Whoa. Hold on. This has nothing to do with Dr. Simone. I just got some bad news, that’s all,” she lied.
“Oh.” Jasmine backed down. “Well, I’m just saying, if you need us to handle something for you, we got yo’ back.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that,” Paige said, knowing full well she’d never take them up on the offer. However well-meaning their intentions might be, forming an alliance with her mentees was something she would never do.
“So, do you want to talk about it?” one of the girls asked.
Paige looked down at the pile around her feet. “No. I think I’d better get home. It’s been a long day.”
Jasmine’s face twisted as if she was contemplating a serious decision. “Change of plans, divas. Let’s help Miss Paige take this stuff to her car, and then we’re taking her to the nail shop with us,” she finally announced. “We’re getting pedicures today,” she told Paige.
By the time Paige formulated an excuse, the divas had picked up her bags and were waiting for her to lead the way.
“Okay. I guess it won’t hurt,” Paige said, yielding, and then started walking toward the exit.
“Miss Paige, are you trying to tell us something?” Jasmine asked, walking beside her. “From the looks of the stuff you bought, you and Dr. Simone have been gettin’ busy.” Jasmine burst out laughing. “I ain’t mad at you. Even saved professionals have needs.”
Paige glared so hard at Jasmine, she walked into the glass exit door. This time onlookers didn’t stare; they laughed in her face.
Chapter 21
For the second time Paige examined her make-up, frowned, and then wiped her face clean. Over the past few weeks, Paige had gotten good at mixing the color palette and applying make-up, but tonight her novice efforts were useless. Twice she applied too much liquid eyeliner, and the eye shadow combinations reminded her of a raccoon.
“I can’t do this,” she mumbled, then stomped from the bathroom and fell backward on the bed. “I can’t meet his family,” she kept mumbling, trying to hide the fact that she really wanted to meet the Simones, and she wanted to spend time with Sergio-Xavier. She missed him.
They hadn’t talked much since the signing at the title company four days ago, where she apologized for her outburst at the food bank and accepted his invitation to his parents’ party. As always, all was forgiven, but Sergio-Xavier had warned her against losing control of her tongue around his family. “Please try not to be yourself,” he’d teased. “You might want to meditate on Psalm one-forty-one, three.”
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Paige lost count of how many times she’d recited the scripture over the past four days. So far the ritual had worked. She hadn’t verbally offended anyone, but she’d been to the office only once and she’d left Bible study immediately after the benediction to avoid speaking to anyone. Tonight would be different. If the previous interactions with the Simones were any indication, Paige would be bombarded with questions and assumptions about her and Sergio-Xavier’s nonexistent relationship.
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