The Joneses

by Shelia M. Goss

  Tyler gently brushed his fingers over my back, causing my body to shiver. “Promise me you’ll call me when you get home.”

  “I promise. But, I won’t be mad if you don’t answer.” I stood up and put my clothes on.

  Tyler put on a pair of jogging pants and walked me out to my car, bare chested. He snuck in a kiss while holding my door open. I melted as I slid behind the wheel. My car seemed to be on autopilot as I drifted down the street toward home.

  CHAPTER 14

  Hope

  I’d been calling this dude for the last few hours. I’d never been stood up before. I waited at the Horseshoe Casino lounge and Tyler never showed up. I’d expected to see Charity in her room, but she was nowhere to be found. It’s a sad day when she’s out having fun and I’m stuck at home bored.

  “I got love on my mind,” Charity sang as she passed by my bedroom.

  “Hold up. Stop the presses. What is going on with you?” I rushed out of my room to confront her.

  “Nothing. Just had the best evening of my life.”

  “Do tell,” I asked.

  “Let me take a shower and I might tell you. Then again, I might just keep it to myself.” Charity went straight to the bathroom.

  She was glowing and singing so she must have gotten some. What’s wrong with this picture? A few minutes later, I heard the shower come on and her singing loud and off key.

  My phone rang. I rushed back to my room and answered. “It’s about time you called me back.”

  Tyler’s raspy voice responded, “I can’t always answer the phone. I was in a meeting.”

  “Oh. Why didn’t you send me a text message? I waited at the Horseshoe for two hours.”

  “Business before pleasure,” Tyler responded.

  “Are you available now?” I asked. My sister couldn’t be the only one jolly. I needed me a chocolate fix and Tyler was just the man to fulfill it.

  “It depends on what you have in mind,” Tyler responded.

  “Invite me over and you’ll find out.”

  “So it’s like that?”

  “That and then some, if you catch my drift.” I licked my lips.

  “The door will be unlocked. Just come on in.”

  Tyler gave me his address and directions. I put a few items in my purse then knocked on the bathroom door.

  Charity opened the door. “What?”

  “Just wanted to tell you that I was going out. You can turn the alarm on. I won’t be back until tomorrow.”

  “Who is he this time?” she asked. She tightened up her robe and walked out of the bathroom.

  “When you tell me who you’re sleeping with, I’ll tell you who I’m sleeping with.”

  “There’s nothing to tell.” Charity walked past me toward her room.

  “Well, I’m out until the morning. Good night.”

  Tyler lived in an apartment complex not far from where I lived. I knocked and then turned the knob as instructed. I was greeted by the flickering of candles and rose petals. I followed the rose petals to the bedroom. There was Tyler, nude and lying across the king-sized bed. He looked like he could be the centerfold for a women’s magazine. My eyes scanned him from head to toe. I removed my clothes while walking toward the bed.

  He licked his big, juicy, brown lips. “I see you found me without any problems.”

  “You gave good directions.” I reached behind my back to remove my bra.

  Tyler took his hand and stopped me. “Let me.”

  Tyler pulled my lips on top of his. His hands removed my bra while our lips ravished each other. He gently pushed me down on the bed. His soft lips on my neck sent a chill down my spine. His kisses traveled down my body. He was awakening parts of me I never knew existed.

  He gently tugged on my panties and pulled them off. He dipped his tongue into my cookie jar and made me scream out in pure ecstasy. He had my body singing its own songs. I was used to being in control, but Tyler was clearly in control of my body. A part of me tried to fight it. But, the more I fought it, the more intense the feeling got. Once I relinquished control, the floodgates of my desire filled his mouth and he lapped up every single drop.

  With a satisfying smile and glistening face, Tyler reached over to his nightstand and picked up a condom. I tore the paper off and slid it on to his stiff, long manhood. Our eyes locked and he entered me with the precision of a skilled marksman. His tool was a perfect fit. Most young men couldn’t go as long as Tyler. Tyler dipped in and out and ‘round and ‘round. He had me making all sorts of sounds. The bed rocked with the sway of our movements. Three condoms later, I laid on his chest in full bliss. A smile swept across my face as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. For the first time ever, I was in love.

  CHAPTER 15

  Lovie

  My eyes were glued to the computer screen. It’d been two weeks since I had access to the company files. Thus far, I’d come across a few questionable transactions, but nothing that warranted me talking to my dad about. I would need to dig a little deeper.

  “Knock. Knock,” my mom said, outside of my office door before walking in.

  “Hi, Mom,” I said, briefly looking up from the computer.

  She stood behind me. “How’s it going? Find anything yet?”

  “Not yet. But if it’s something there, I’ll find it.”

  She went and shut the door. She eased into the seat in front of my desk. “Your dad’s in with a customer, so we shouldn’t be interrupted.”

  “What’s on your mind?” I asked.

  She slid to the edge of her seat. “I’ve been doing some checking myself. I now know why you’re not too concerned about not getting a monthly allowance anymore.”

  I brushed the bottom of my chin. “I have nothing to hide. Everything I’ve done is legit. I told you I have clients.”

  “Baby boy, I wasn’t always the fine, refined woman you see now. I grew up on the streets. I know the game. There’s a thin line between what’s legal and what’s not, and you’ve been on that thin line for some time now from what I understand.”

  “You said all of that to say?” I asked.

  “Boy, don’t be getting smart with me. I can still beat your ass.”

  “Whoa. Mom, it’s not that serious. What’s on your mind? Spill it.”

  “Since some of your buddies are already in the business of eliminating people when they feel like it, I want you to make sure these families know about our services. We’ll price match and offer discounts to avoid them going to one of our competitors.”

  I laughed. “Mom, I’m an accountant, not an advertiser.”

  “You’ll be what I need you to be. I’m having brochures made. You just need to make sure they get out into the community. Give some of your associates some, or pay some kids in the neighbor-hoods a few bucks and get them distributed.”

  “Have you checked with Dad about this?”

  “RJ’s is as much mine as it is his. I don’t need to check with him about anything.”

  “I don’t think he’s going to be too happy about these discounts you want to offer.”

  “Also, a reporter wants to interview the family for a feature on the evening news. I will let you know the date and time. I will need all of you present. We have to show the city that the Joneses are a united front.”

  I laughed. “Mom, you act we’re the Ewings from Dallas or something.”

  “We are the Joneses of Shreveport and we have an image to uphold.”

  It wasn’t that serious. My mom was too busy trying to fit in. I really didn’t want to be a part of her plans. “I’ll have the brochures passed out, but that’s it. I’m not talking to my boys about doing anything else. I might be many things, but a criminal is not one of them.”

  “Son, you are the company you keep. You might not want to admit it to yourself, but if you’re doing business for any one of your low-life friends, then you’re just as guilty as they are in the crimes they commit.”

  My phone rang. “That’s one of
my low-life friends now. Mom, I’ll talk to you later.”

  She stood up and pointed at me. “I’m counting on you.”

  I didn’t respond to her. I gave the caller my undivided attention. “Slim, what’s going on?”

  “I got my girl calling you on the three way. They got me, Man.”

  I swiveled my chair around. “What you need?”

  “Make sure my attorney gets paid. I need for you to give my girl a bank card for the account.’ ”

  That was a code word for the bank account he had set up specifically for her to take care of his kids just in case something happened to him. It didn’t house the majority of his money, but it was enough for her to live off on comfortably.

  “I’m on it.”

  “LJ, don’t give anybody any information. I don’t care who they are,” Slim said in a stern voice.

  “My lips are sealed,” I responded. I knew the rules of the street. I also knew Slim wasn’t one to cross.

  I had just hung up the phone when Shannon burst through my door. “Cuz, when are you going to hook me up with your boy, Slim?”

  “Shannon, Slim’s on vacation, so that’ll have to wait. Besides, he has a girl.”

  “She’s just his baby mama.”

  “I don’t know why you want a thug like Slim when there are plenty of other guys who would love to go out with you.”

  “I heard Slim knows how to take care of his woman.”

  “Shannon, Slim’s a player. He will chew you up, spit you out, and won’t think second about it. But again, he’s on vacation. Right now, freedom is on his mind not who he wants to hook up with next.”

  “Well, what about your boy, Big Willie?”

  “Oh, hell no. Girl, you better chill out. Big Willie is known to beat his women. That’s what you want? You want to get your ass beat?”

  Shannon held her head down. “Those are just rumors. You can’t believe everything you hear.”

  “I’ve seen him do it. I had to stop him from killing one girl. One more blow and she would have been one of our clients.”

  “So you don’t have anybody you can introduce me to?”

  “Actually, I do. His name is Stephen Carter and he just opened up a practice on Jewella. You need some counseling, and I’m sure he’ll give me the friend discount.”

  I laughed. Shannon didn’t. She left me alone.

  CHAPTER 16

  Lexi

  The family, minus Hope, was in Royce’s office. We were waiting on the reporter and her cameraman to set up in another part of the funeral home.

  “Where is your sister? I told her not to be late.” I brushed the stray hair I saw in Charity’s head back with my hand.

  Charity looked at her cell phone and responded, “I just got a text from her. She’s on the way.”

  “Why is she texting and driving? I’ve told her about that,” Royce said.

  “That’s your daughter.” I sighed.

  Shannon knocked and then walked in. “Maxine said they’ll be ready to start filming in a few minutes.”

  “Come on, y’all.” I looked at Shannon. “When Hope gets here, escort her back. I hope she’s dressed appropriately. I don’t have time to inspect her.”

  Shannon went back to the front desk, and we all walked to the room where Royce sometimes met with families to discuss funeral plans. Maxine and her cameraman were all set up.

  Maxine looked at Royce and me. “We would like it if you two sat here.” She pointed to the other chairs. “And if we could have your children sitting behind you. Wait, we’re missing one, aren’t we?”

  “She’ll be here any minute.”

  As if on cue, Hope burst through the door. “Sorry, I’m late.”

  Maxine greeted her with a smile. I rolled my eyes behind Maxine’s back. Hope avoided eye contact with me. At least she was dressed in something decent. I wanted us all to wear shades of purple. Purple looked good on camera.

  I looked at my family. Royce wore a pinstriped suit with a purple dress shirt and contrasting tie to match. My purple silk blouse matched his shirt; I made sure of it. Lovie left off his jacket and wore a light purple suit that complemented his Hershey-chocolate complexion well. Hope and Charity looked more like twins with the purple sleeveless dresses they wore. Hope’s dress was shorter but decent.

  Maxine said, “We’re not live, so we may have to do several takes and that’s okay. Don’t be nervous. I want you to look at me when you respond. Any questions?”

  We looked at each other. No one had any questions.

  “Let’s roll. On three,” Maxine said.

  The cameraman held out three fingers and counted down.

  “This is Maxine Griffin, and tonight I have the pleasure of interviewing the owners of RJ Jones Funeral Home. They have been a pillar of the community for over fifty years. Royce, can you tell us a little bit about you and your family and how you’ve stayed in business so long?”

  Royce made me proud. In a clear, baritone voice, he looked directly at Maxine. “Maxine, it’s by the grace of God and the people we serve that we’re here today. We treat our customers like people and not just numbers.”

  Maxine interjected, “Losing someone can be devastating.”

  “Exactly, and I feel it’s very important that we offer our customers compassion during the difficult time of burying their loved ones.”

  “Mrs. Jones, can you tell me what your role is here at RJ Jones Funeral Home?”

  “I don’t have an official role, but I’m here just as much as any of his employees. I’m here to step in anywhere he needs me.”

  Royce stated, “Lexi has been very supportive over the years. If one of my employees is sick, she steps in. And, I can’t count the times she’s been there for grieving families.”

  I squeezed Royce’s hand.

  Maxine looked in Lovie’s direction. “Are any of your kids working here with you?”

  Royce responded, “Yes. I’m proud to announce that my son, Lovie, is working with me. He’s been doing his own thing, but now he’s working in the family business.”

  “Lovie, how has it been working with your father?”

  With my plastered on smile, my eyes remained on Maxine as we all waited for Lovie’s response.

  “I’m doing my best to learn as much as I can. This is my legacy. I hope to carry on the family business when and if my dad retires.”

  Maxine looked at me. “Introduce these two beautiful young ladies.”

  “Maxine, these are my two daughters. Hope is the baby of the family. Charity has her own business, Mahogany Event Planning.”

  Royce added, “Hopefully, one day, Hope and Charity will be more active in the family business, but for now they are both doing their own thing.”

  Maxine asked a few more questions before turning to the camera and saying, “I would like to thank the Joneses for taking time to speak with me tonight. What a lovely family. Who wouldn’t want to be like the Joneses? This is Maxine Griffin reporting from RJ Jones Funeral Home. Tune in tomorrow, I’ll be reporting live from Mansfield.”

  The cameraman said, “That’s a wrap.”

  Maxine turned to us. “Thank you. This should air tonight. I’ll never forget how easy you made my mom’s homegoing service, so I wanted to make sure I highlighted you during my hometown segment.”

  I shook her hand. “We appreciate it too.”

  Once Maxine and the cameraman were gone, I turned and faced my family with a sincere smile on my face. “Good job, everybody.”

  CHAPTER 17

  Royce

  Lexi insisted we watch our interview together. After pleasing my wife, I slipped out of the house to go hang out with Jason at our favorite bar. Growing up, people thought Jason and I were brothers because when you saw one, you usually saw the other.

  “What made you decide to do the interview? I know you like keeping a low profile,” Jason asked.

  “A happy wife leads to a happy life,” I said to Jason, as we talked about the intervie
w that aired earlier.

  “You did look good on there, man. Maybe that’ll bring in more business.” Jason nursed his drink.

  “I hope so. I need to get Lexi out of my ear. If I can get her back in the stores, she’ll quiet down.”

  Jason laughed. “I hear you. Well, why am I just finding out that Lovie’s working with you?”

  “I wanted to make sure he would stay around. You know kids are fickle.”

  “So, what is he doing? Don’t tell me he’s doing embalming.”

  “I’m teaching him the business. So, when I decide to retire or Lord forbid something happens to me, he’ll be able to take over.”

  “Oh, okay. For a minute, I thought my job was in jeopardy.”

  “Oh, never that.” I sipped my glass of bourbon slowly.

  “Business is slow for me, too, so I’m trying to hold on to all my current clients.”

  “As long as I’m in business, you got my business,” I assured him.

  “Here’s to many more years.” Jason held his glass up.

  I held my glass up and tapped his. I took a big gulp and motioned for the bartender to fill up my glass. I looked at my watch. “It’s getting late. I better get home to my wife. She’s in a good mood, and I want to take advantage of it.”

  I stood up but staggered a little.

  Jason jumped up and assisted me standing up. “Maybe I should drive you home.”

  “I’m all right. Just needed to catch my balance.”

  “No, man. I’ll drive you,” Jason insisted.

  I didn’t feel drunk, but I didn’t feel like arguing with Jason. So, I let him drive me home.

  He pulled up in the driveway. “I got it from here,” I said.

  “I’m going to walk you in,” he responded.

  I fumbled with my key, opened the door, and staggered in. “Honey, I’m home.”

  I ran right into Lexi. Lexi fanned in front of her. “I could smell you before you said anything.”

  I sniffed. “Maybe I did drink more than I should have.”