by Darrien Lee
He took her menu out of her hand. “Well, you were wrong and, just for the record, I only have you, so you have nothing to worry about.”
Smiling with contentment, she asked, “May I have my menu back?”
He handed the menu to her and smiled.
Jacob had just finished examining the last patient for the day. He retired to his office and opened his desk drawer. He sat there staring at the glass vial. He studied it for a moment, then pulled out a small mirror. Emptying the contents of the vial on the mirror, he worked the powdery substance until he got it just like he wanted it. He leaned forward and inhaled the substance until it was gone. Leaning back in his chair, he punched the intercom and told his staff they could go home for the evening. Sitting there with the lights low, he reminisced about the good times he and Meridan had growing up together.
He picked up the telephone and dialed her number. The telephone rang until her answering machine picked up. He listened to her greeting, then hung up. Feeling the effects of the white powder, he dialed her cell phone. He figured there was no way she was still mad at him.
“Hello?”
“Meridan. It’s Jacob.”
Sighing, she asked, “What do you want, Jacob? You need to leave me alone right now because I have nothing to say to you. I don’t know what has happened to you lately.”
“Where are you, Meridan? We need to talk.”
Standing in the mirror in the restaurant’s ladies room, she answered, “That’s none of your business, goodbye.”
“Wait! I’m serious! I really need to talk to you.”
“Forget it, Jacob. You and I have nothing to discuss. Not anymore.”
“Meridan, please!”
He heard a click and couldn’t believe Meridan hung up on him. He leaned back in his chair and put his hands over his face.
“Meridan, you will talk to me, sweetheart, whether you like it or not.”
Returning to the table, Keaton stood as she approached. He could see stress on Meridan’s face. “What’s wrong?”
Sitting down, she said, “Nothing. Lunch was delicious. Can we leave now? I really would like to give Daddy a call.”
Standing, he said, “Okay. Are you sure you’re all right?”
Sliding her arm around his waist, she hugged him and said, “I’m sure. How about you let me drive back to the house?”
Dropping the keys in her hands, he asked, “Can you handle a stick?”
“Buckle up and watch my smoke, chief.”
He jokingly said, “I’m so afraid.”
Back at Keaton’s house, he gave Meridan some privacy to call her dad. He went out to the patio as Meridan used the cordless telephone. She walked around the kitchen and into the family room.
“Daddy?”
“Hey, Meridan. How are you?”
She closed her eyes briefly, sat down in the oversized chair, and sighed.
“I could be better, Daddy. I don’t know what’s going on with Jacob. He’s acting weird.”
Sounding worried, he asked, “What do you mean? Did something happen when you went to visit him that I should know about?”
“Daddy, I don’t want to upset you, but I don’t trust Jacob anymore because of his erratic behavior.”
“What happened between you two?”
Sighing, Meridan said, “Daddy, don’t get yourself all worked up over him. I just know our friendship will never be the same. I have nothing to say to him right now.”
“Meridan, I think Jacob is having a hard time seeing you with another man. I guess he believed you two would end up together when it was all said and done.”
“Well, he needs to get over it, Daddy. He was acting like he was on something.”
“What do you mean? Do you think he’s on the bottle?”
“He did drink a lot at that banquet. I don’t know, Daddy, and I don’t want to speculate. What I do know is he scared me a little.”
Mr. St. John firmly said, “Meridan, if that boy did something to hurt you, you’d better tell me. You know I’ll kill him before he takes another breath if he did. I don’t care who he is.”
“Calm down, Daddy. All Jacob did was try and put some demands on me. He even forced a passion mark on my neck to make Keaton angry.”
Raising his voice, he asked, “He did what?”
“Daddy!”
“Meridan, that boy has gone too far. Where’s Keaton?”
“Daddy, Keaton overreacted just like you are right now. Jacob may be a little out of sorts, but I don’t think he’s crazy.”
“If he’s on something, you don’t know what he’s capable of. I appreciate Keaton getting you out of town for a few days. If you don’t take Jacob’s behavior seriously, I’m glad Keaton is.”
“Jacob is the least of my worries right now.”
William anxiously asked, “What is it, Baby?”
“Remember Sam?”
“How the hell could I forget?”
Meridan braced herself and said, “Well, it looks like Sam is out of jail and is coming after me and Nikki.”
William was quiet on the other end of the telephone.
“Daddy?”
“I was afraid something like this would happen,” he solemnly whispered. “Have you called the police?”
Meridan wiped away a tear. “Nikki’s boyfriend is a policeman so he’s checking things out and hopefully can find that monster. Daddy, we think Sam broke into Nikki’s house.”
“Have you told Keaton?”
“I told him some of it and it was the worst thing I ever had to do. He was in total shock.”
William smiled. “Keaton loves you, Meridan. Did you tell him about how Sam’s attack affected you?” There was silence on the phone. “Meridan?”
“I can’t, Daddy,” she whispered.
“Meridan, I’d advise you to tell him immediately. He has a right to know; especially since he’s emotionally involved with you.”
“I know, Daddy,” she admitted.
Assuring her, he said, “It’ll be okay. Call me tomorrow, and tell Keaton hello.”
She stood and said, “Daddy?”
“Yes, darling?”
“I’ll try.”
“Do your best,” he encouraged her.
“Oh, Daddy, be looking for an invitation from Keaton’s family. His dad has invited you and Ms. Leona to come to his last mayoral fund-raiser next week. Do you think you can make it?”
“I will and I love you, Meridan. Give my best to Keaton and his family.”
“I will. Tell everyone hello. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
Meridan hung up the telephone and walked outside. She found Keaton examining the landscape surrounding his house. He looked up and asked, “How’s your dad?”
“He’s pissed off about the mess I’m in, of course.”
Rearranging some flowers, he said, “I can’t say I blame him.”
Looking down at her manicured toes, she asked, “I know. I just wish all of this would go away.”
He towered over her. “So do I. How would you feel about me having a few friends over for a barbecue? I want them to meet you.”
She interlocked her fingers with his. “It sounds very nice, Keaton. I’d love to meet your friends.”
He hugged her. “Good.”
She smiled. “So, what’s on the agenda for the rest of the evening?”
“Whatever you want to do is fine with me,” he said as he knocked dirt from his hands.
She walked up toe to toe with him. He looked at her curiously. “Are you up for a little one on one?”
Smiling, he wiped his hands on his pants. “On the basketball court or upstairs?”
Turning on her heels, she said laughed. “I’ll meet you on the court in five minutes, chief.”
Following her, he asked, “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“What’s wrong Keaton? You’re not scared of a little competition, are you?”
His baritone laugh filled their ser
ene surroundings. He pulled her against his hard frame. “Meridan St. John, the only thing I’m afraid of is… Well, I’ll keep that to myself for now.”
“So, does this mean you’re game?”
Gently kissing her on the lips, he said, “Most definitely. Do you care to place a little wager on this?”
“I don’t know. What do you have in mind?
He leaned forward and whispered, “I’ll think of something.”
She closed her eyes as chills ran over her body. Looking up into his eyes she said, “Mr. Lapahie, you have yourself a deal. Are you ready for some basketball?”
Several games later, the count was tied and they were exhausted. Keaton had started out taking it easy on Meridan, but when she scored four straight three-pointers over him, he started playing her tighter. When it was all over, Keaton won and Meridan lost the bet.
She turned to him. “Are you really going to hold me to that bet?”
“Of course. You said we had a deal, so yes, you have to pay up.” Tucking the basketball under his arm, he took her by the hand. “You might as well get it over with. Let’s go.”
“Keaton!”
Laughing, he said, “Don’t be scared. I can’t wait to get into those bubbles. Besides, you’re going to look so sexy in what I picked out for you. By the way, I love strawberries and whipped cream with my champagne and I would love some before my full body massage.”
She giggled and followed him upstairs, realizing she was in for a long night.
CHAPTER 44
A couple of nights later, Meridan’s cousins Devon, Keyshaun, and several friends found a way to get inside of one of Atlanta’s most popular gentleman’s clubs, called the Chocolate Cat. The club was packed and the ladies were wall to wall.
Devon looked at Keyshaun. “You do know if we get caught up in here, our asses are grass.”
Watching a half-naked woman walk past him, he answered, “It’ll be worth it, Bro. Damn!”
The guys found an empty table and proceeded to get their drink orders. Only two in the group were old enough to drink. The rest of them lied, telling the waitress they were either on medication or on duty so they couldn’t consume any alcohol. Instead, they ordered sodas.
Woman after woman graced the stage doing acrobatics never seen before. Devon enjoyed placing his money in their g-strings. He was amazed when one dancer in particular made his five-dollar bill disappear without using her hands. Looking around the club, he noticed a familiar face.
“I’ll be damn. Keyshaun, look over there.”
Across the room, they saw Jacob getting a lap dance. Meridan’s Aunt Sugar had called and told them what happened between Jacob and Meridan. She told them to be on the lookout for him. To Devon and Keyshaun, that meant kick his ass if they saw him. Both men were now distracted from the entertainment in front of them. They had some business to take care of… Family business. You don’t mess with family and with both of them standing about six-three, two hundred thirty pounds, they didn’t play. They watched and waited until Jacob got up to go to the restroom. Devon and Keyshaun discreetly followed.
Inside the men’s room, they waited for Jacob to come out of the stall. There were other men inside the bathroom, but when they saw the expressions on the boys’ faces, they hurriedly left. There was a flush and Jacob exited the stall, snorting and wiping his nose.
“Hey, guys! What are you two doing here?”
Devon walked over and punched Jacob as hard as he could in the stomach. Jacob fell to his knees and gasped for air. Keyshaun walked over and punched him hard in the face.
Jacob yelled, “What the hell is wrong with you two?”
Devon said, “You touch Meridan again and we’ll kill you. You come near my uncle’s house again, we’ll kill you. Do you understand?”
Jacob couldn’t answer. All he could do was lie in a tight ball on the floor in his designer suit. He was bleeding from his mouth and nose. Keyshaun grabbed a stack of paper towels and tossed them to him.
“Wipe that shit off your face and get the hell out of here.”
Unfortunately, they didn’t notice the cocaine residue on his nose. Otherwise they might have been prepared for what would come later.
Keyshaun and Devon’s night at the Chocolate Cat turned out great. Their friends were all hanging outside, waiting for the valet to bring their car around. While Devon was trying to imitate one of the dancers, a car sped by and gunshots rang out. Screams could be heard as patrons rushed back inside the club to avoid the bullets. When things had calmed down, one person lay bleeding on the sidewalk from broken glass. It was total chaos. Devon got up off the ground and looked around for Keyshaun. His other friends also got up and looked around to try and make sense of what happened. The bodyguards were frantically talking on their radios as police arrived. Devon finally found Keyshaun helping a patron who was injured in the stampede. When they made eye contact, relief swept over both of them. Keyshaun came over and hugged Devon.
“Man, that was too close for comfort, huh?”
“Hell yeah. Let’s get out of here.”
Several blocks down the street, Jacob smiled as his black Mercedes slowed its pace. He placed the .9mm back in his glove compartment and headed home.
Zenora Lapahie picked up Meridan to go shopping. Keaton was at home making sure everything for the barbecue was in order. He was excited about Meridan meeting his friends and other family members.
When Zenora and Meridan returned to his house hours later, they could smell the aroma of barbecue in the air.
“Zenora, that smells heavenly.”
Laughing, she answered, “That’s my son. He’s an excellent cook and he really cares for you, Meridan. I see the way he looks at you.”
Taking her bags out of the trunk, she blushed. “I really care for him also, Mrs. Lapahie.”
Grabbing more bags, Mrs. Lapahie said, “For the last time, child, it’s Zenora.”
Laughing, Meridan said, “I’m sorry. I’ll try not to forget.”
“Well, Meridan, let’s go in and see what’s cooking.”
“I’m right behind you.”
Keaton was busy in the backyard giving instructions on where to place the tables.
There were approximately five people from the caterers decorating and setting up the area.
Zenora and Meridan stepped out onto the patio.
Zenora said, “Keaton, sweetheart, everything looks beautiful. Do you need any help?” He was so busy staring at Meridan, he didn’t hear a word his mother said. “Keaton!”
Snapping him out of his trance, he said, “I’m sorry, Momma. What did you say?”
Laughing, she said, “Never mind. You’re something else, son.”
Meridan folded her arms. “I’m impressed and the food smells heavenly.”
He kissed her cheek. “Thank you, and so do you.”
Looking at his watch, he realized time was flying by. “You guys had better get changed. Guests will be arriving in about an hour. Don’t forget it’s casual, Momma.”
Waving him off, she said, “You don’t have to remind me, boy.”
“Yes, I do.”
Headed upstairs, she yelled back, “Your father will be over later.”
“Okay! Meridan, don’t believe any stories she tells you about my childhood.”
He could hear her giggling. He already knew his mother had filled her head with all sorts of stories during their shopping spree together. He shuddered to think of what she had told her.
CHAPTER 45
Across town, Gerald stood in the store, trying his best to pick out a wine to take to the cookout. He had narrowed his search down to two choices. As he pondered over them, he heard a sultry female voice say, “Well, well, well, long time, no see.”
He looked up. “Hey, Girl!”
Keaton’s ex-girlfriend, Sierra, walked over and gave Gerald a warm hug. He hugged her back and looked her up and down.
“Damn, Girl, you look better and better every time I see yo
u.”
“It’s good to see you, too, Gerald.”
“Nah, you really look good,” he announced openly.
Sierra twirled around in her short dress. “Well, I do what I can.”
They laughed together, then experienced a moment of awkward silence. Sierra broke the silence by saying, “So, what are you up to tonight?”
He smiled. “Look at you, all up in my business. But if you must know, I’m trying to make a decision on a wine. Can you help?”
Sierra leaned over. “What kind of food are you having?”
“Pork and maybe beef.”
“In that case, get the red.”
“You always were good at stuff like this.”
“Thanks, Gerald. So, tell me, how’s Keaton?”
Sitting the white wine back on the shelf, he looked away. “He’s cool.”
She folded her arms. “You know I still love him, don’t you?”
“You had a sick way of showing it, Sierra,” he said with a frown.
“I know you and Keaton hate me for what I did. I had too much to drink that night and Neil offered to give me a ride home. One thing led to another.”
“Look, Sierra, I’m not trying to get up in the middle of your and Keaton’s business and I don’t hate you.”
She sniffed and said, “I never wanted to hurt Keaton. I can’t even get him to look at me.”
“Damn, Sierra! Do you blame him?”
“I made a mistake, Gerald. Men do shit like that all the time.”
Gerald laughed. “Sierra, you committed the ultimate betrayal. First, you’re caught screwing another man. Second, you did it in your man’s house.”
“I wasn’t screwing him.”
“If Keaton hadn’t caught you, I’m sure that was next on your list.”
Sierra teared up. “I miss him so much.”
“Put yourself in his position, Sierra. What if it was you who walked in on Keaton getting busy with some chick?”
Sierra was silent. She knew everything Gerald was saying was true. The fact remained that she did still love Keaton and something told her Gerald was getting ready to hook up with his boy. This might be the perfect opportunity for her to try, once again, to talk some sense into him.