Sugar

by S. L. Jennings

  The lights dimmed, and Cadence began the PowerPoint presentation of the newest addition to the Adali luxury car fleet.

  Cadence Goldsmith was the youngest Chief Design Officer and automotive engineer to date. She was the only woman to hold that position in the history of the company. The fact that she was a Black woman under thirty and one of the highest paid executives, made everyone take notice. Most times, she’d been mistaken for a car saleswoman until someone addressed her as Ms. Goldsmith, then heads turned, and jaws plummeted to the floor.

  Ten minutes later, every person, except for Steven and the mystery woman, were on their feet clapping. Cadence had dreamed of this moment. She had made her mark in the global market. Her life would never be the same and neither would her salary.

  As the room illuminated, Mike lifted a hand to settle the crowd. “Cadence Goldsmith has a bright future with Adali, and we, along with the two most important people in her life, her husband, Jackson Goldsmith, and mother, Phylicia Kerrington, would like to present her with the Outstanding Innovative Design Award.”

  “Yay, Mr. Goldsmith,” the little girl squealed, slapping her hands together. Cadence’s attention was drawn to the child whose eyes matched the woman she assumed to be her mother. High heels clicking across the stage accompanied by Jackson’s signature fragrance snapped Cadence from the trance.

  “We appreciate your hard work,” Mike said handing a black and gold plaque with the Adali emblem engraved in the center of it to Cadence.

  “Thank you.” She shook his hand trying to play it cool even though she wanted to shatter the surrounding windows with a high-pitched scream.

  “Congratulations.” Jackson beamed with cautionary excitement written all over his face as he embraced his wife.

  “Who the hell is that woman,” she whispered through a clenched-teeth grin as her lips brushed the side of his ear.

  Jackson’s dark-skin ashen. “Her name’s Braelyn,” he replied, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. “We’ll talk later,” he said, pulling away with a matching plastic smile.

  Her mother stepped forward and tilted her head heavenward, lifting her chin. “Your father would be so proud of you.” She took a breath, pushed her shoulders back and chest out. Cadence followed suit, although her heart was pounding out of her chest. The women stood there strong and confident in solidarity.

  “We here at Adali appreciate your hard work and dedication,” Mike proclaimed, pulling a small shiny box from beneath the podium. “A little something to say thank you.” He handed it to Cadence.

  Jackson and Phylicia stepped aside but kept their eyes glued to the gift box.

  Cadence lifted a black and gold key fob and clutched it. “Is this–––”

  The black curtain opened, revealing the Adali SLX autonomous car.

  The suits in the audience oohed and ahhed at the lustrous vehicle that wouldn’t be available to consumers for another six months.

  “A little something, huh,” she teased.

  Small feet galloping up the stairs onto the stage made everyone in the audience gasp. Cadence peered over Phylicia’s shoulder at the lively little girl sprinting forward, spotting a picture of Jackson splayed on the front of her shirt. Cadence shot a scornful glance at her husband.

  Hundreds of executive’s hands flew to their mouths as they plucked phones from their purses and suit jacket pockets. Though Cadence didn’t approve of the commotion, she didn’t understand what the huge deal was with everyone taking pictures of the little girl’s back. She was the only one who should’ve felt some kind of way since it was her husband’s face plastered on the front of the shirt, not to mention the strange woman monopolizing Jackson’s attention.

  Mike leaned over Cadence’s shoulder. “What’s this?”

  Her heart pounded an abstract beat. “I don’t know,” she whispered, never taking her gaze from the child.

  Two security guards rushed in. “We’re going to have to ask you to get your child and leave, ma’am.”

  “I have a right to be here,” Braelyn exclaimed, throwing a glance at Steven as she flashed the VIP badge attached to the lanyard around her neck.

  After a thorough inspection, the guard said with a remorseful tone, “My apologies, Ms. Nevels.” He glanced at Mike and announced, “She has clearance.”

  Cadence frowned. “Nevels,” she whispered, wondering why that name sounded so familiar.

  “Show everyone your cute shirt, Jackie,” Braelyn instructed, smiling at the pretty girl, before planting a menacing glare at Cadence and Jackson.

  Jackie spread her arms wide, then faced the audience. “Look, Mommy.” She pointed jumping in place. Everybody’s taking my picture.” She put her hands on her hips and said, “Cheeeeese.”

  The lump in Cadence’s throat grew larger with every word she read on the back of Jackie’s shirt.

  Jackson Goldsmith Is My Daddy.

  Chapter 2

  The plaque and key fob slipped from Cadence’s fingers, bounced off her foot and clattered on the stage. The shooting pain that radiated from her big toe was minute in comparison to the agony that throbbed in her heart.

  “We’ll take a fifteen-minute intermission,” Mike announced but put a questioning look at Cadence. “We’ll have Q&A after the break.”

  No one moved. Cadence’s orbs were transfixed on the little girl. Everyone else’s was focused on Cadence.

  Jackson opened his mouth to speak, but Phylicia rushed forward and snapped, “You’ve caused enough damage for one day.” She wrapped an arm around Cadence’s shoulder, guiding her toward the curtain. “Go handle your business and don’t embarrass my daughter any further.”

  “C’mon Jackie,” Braelyn said. “Our job here is done.” She smiled at her daughter, then smirked at Cadence before grabbing Jackie’s hand and heading toward the lobby.

  “What job, Mommy?” Jackie asked, skipping at her mother’s side, keeping up with the woman’s purposeful strides.

  Cadence halted, practically burning a hole in Braelyn’s back.

  Whispers of discernment rose up among people who were now more interested in Cadence’s personal life than her career achievements.

  “Mom.” Cadence whimpered in the ladies’ room. “Why’s this happening to me? That little girl isn’t a baby. How could Jackson claim to love me–––?” She allowed the cold water to splash on her hands and wet her face. “He’s been lying to me for years. What am I going to do?”

  Phylicia grabbed a paper towel from the dispenser. “You’re going to go back out there and finish your presentation.”

  “I can’t face those people right now.”

  “You can, and you will,” she commanded in a firm motherly tone. “You’ve worked too hard to let it all crumble at the hands of a man.” She blotted the moisture from Cadence’s face. “I know it hurts like hell, but this is your time in the spotlight. Don’t let Jackson or that woman take it away from you.”

  “Mom. He had a kid on me,” she cried.

  “Cadence,” Mike called out on the other side of the bathroom door. “I can have Steven do the Q&A if you’re unable to continue. I understand.”

  Steven Bekker, the one who’d love to seize her position if given a chance. The one who’d looked the part but didn’t have her level of expertise. No way would she allow him to have a nano-second of anything that was meant for her.

  Phylicia squeezed her shoulders. “You can do this.”

  Cadence choked back the remaining tears, adjusted her suit, unlocked the door and poked her head out. Steven’s robust frame was off to the side, waiting with a smirk that mirrored Braelyn’s on his thin lips. “No. I’ll do it.”

  Steven’s grin fell flat.

  “Alright. I’ll see you in ten,” Mike replied.

  Her mother winked. “Show these men why you’re the HNIC.”

  “Mom, we don’t use the N-word,” Cadence reprimanded.

  “Okay, HBIC.”

  “We don’t–––” Cadence shook her head
and glanced heavenward. “Well, I guess tonight calls for it.”

  Cadence rocked that Q&A even going over the allotted time to answer everyone’s questions in great detail.

  She’d deal with Jackson’s drama later.

  “I’m so very proud of you,” Phylicia said as they entered the parking garage.

  “Thanks for the nudge. I needed that,” Cadence added, walking her mom to the car on the third level.

  Cadence learned about cars while working with her dad in his body shop. They were closing for the evening when a car hopped the curb. Cadence’s dad shoved her out of the way before the car pinned him against the overhead garage door, instantly killing him. The family later found out it was a drunk driver whose blood alcohol levels were four times past the legal limit. She promised to create a car that could drive itself home, so another drunk driver would never take an innocent person’s life again.

  “Now what?”

  “Make sure that baby’s his before you do anything,” Phylicia cautioned.

  “Why would that woman come all the way down here to cause a scene if it weren’t true?”

  “I know you’re not that naïve,” Phylicia warned. “Some women’s sole purpose in life is to bring another woman down. I’m not saying that’s what this is, but what other reason would she have for pulling this stunt at your function?” She gave Cadence the side eye. “This wasn’t about her. She wanted to make you look bad.”

  “He can’t come home, Momma, “Cadence said, pressing the key fob and following the answering chirps as they turned the corner. “I need some time to sort this out.”

  “Can we talk?” Jackson asked, from where he leaned against her car.

  “What are you still doing here?”

  “I didn’t want to be a distraction,” he replied. “I knew you needed me to drive one of the vehicles home.”

  “I don’t need anything from you but an explanation,” Cadence snapped, jabbing a finger at his face. “Mom’s going to drive the car.”

  “I didn’t do anything wrong,” Jackson countered.

  “Is that your daughter?” Cadence shouted, then glanced around to make sure they were alone.

  “There’s something I need to tell you,” Phylicia interrupted, moving to stand between them. “This Braelyn woman has been to your home.”

  “What?” Cadence’s gaze shifted to Jackson. “When?”

  He raised his hands. “I’ve never had her there.”

  “She was intermingled with the guests at your anniversary celebration,” Phylicia said, glaring at Jackson. “The woman’s ivory skin and blonde hair stood out from everyone else. Your sister and I were trying to figure out who she was, but she disappeared before we could ask her any questions.”

  “How does she know where we live, Jackson?” Cadence whacked his arm with her purse.

  “On everything I love,” he said gazing into her eyes. “I swear I haven’t seen Braelyn in six years.”

  “Well, I must not be one of the things you love cause that little girl goes to your school,” Cadence countered, putting some distance between them. “When did you become so comfortable lying to my face? I don’t even know you anymore.”

  “That’s not my kid,” he insisted.

  Cadence extended her hand. “Give me your house keys.”

  “Absolutely not,” Jackson protested, pulling away. “Where am I supposed to sleep?”

  “Not my concern.”

  Chapter 3

  The last time she was in Dr. McNabb’s office the session ended with one word to balance her concerns about her upcoming marriage. “Compromise, Cadence.”

  Evidently, she hadn’t compromised about having the children issue fast enough. She promised Jackson that she’d start a family after their fifth anniversary if he allowed her to build-up her soaring career with Adali first. Cadence’s time was up. Jackson had found a way to have that family without her. Then, she had been so worried about not being worthy of him when it should’ve been the other way around.

  Cadence showered and drank four cups of coffee before heading to Dr. McNabb’s office. She didn’t make an appointment fearing she wouldn’t be seen right away. The Outpatient Pavilion Building opened at seven, but Dr. McNabb’s office hours started at nine, so she sat in the waiting area.

  An eerie feeling passed through Cadence’s body as she recalled the last time she was in the patient waiting area. A beautiful woman with a messy bun holding a baby bump rushed out of Dr. McNabb’s office. The expectant mother had aimed an unsettling glare in Cadence’s direction. The stranger’s session had cut ten minutes into hers.

  Perhaps the doctor’s advice and the woman’s hormones weren’t in sync, so that glare got a free pass from Cadence’s wrath. Instead, Cadence offered a courteous smile that was met with a calculated stare.

  Cadence jumped as the chiming elevator brought her back to the present.

  “Good morning, Dr. McNabb.”

  “Hi––– good morning–––” She gave Cadence a double take then checked her watch. “Did we have an appointment?”

  “I’m sorry. No, but–––”

  “It’s alright,” Dr. McNabb insisted. “Come into my office.”

  Cadence poured what was left of her heart out to Dr. McNabb. Part of her felt guilty for being angry. Braelyn gave Jackson something that Cadence was only willing to give under specific circumstances.

  Jackson shared a connection with Braelyn that he yearned for with his wife, now Jackson had it with someone else.

  Is this karma?

  “Excuse me,” Cadence said after her phone had vibrated for the umpteenth time. “He won’t leave me alone.”

  “Jackson?”

  “Yes.”

  “Have you talked to him since the incident?” Dr. McNabb inquired, leaning forward.

  “We don’t have anything to talk about. Jackson embarrassed me in front of my employer and the entire world. He made me appear weak and not in control of my personal affairs.” She stabbed an index finger in her chest. “Everything I worked for could be snatched away.”

  Dr. McNabb kneeled in front of Cadence and held out both hands. Cadence lowered her gaze, then slowly slid her hands atop of Dr. McNabb’s.

  “Close your eyes. Now I want you to take a deep breath in and hold it,” Dr. McNabb instructed. “Inhale slowly. Think of what’s bothering you.”

  Cadence chest rose, and she squeezed Dr. McNabb’s hand. Tears slid down her cheeks as she felt every emotion of hurt and betrayal.

  “Now Cadence, I want you to exhale slowly. Release those feelings. Don’t let them rule and damage your heart. Free yourself.”

  As she exhaled on the last series of what Dr. McNabb coached her through, her body released some of the tension and her hands relaxed. Cadence finally opened her eyes, and Dr. McNabb was smiling up at her.

  “You did great,” she acknowledged, reclaiming her spot on the chair. “First, you must hear him out.” Cadence prepared to protest, but Dr. McNabb held up a hand. “You may not like what he has to say but let him say it. If he’s the father of this child, how do you plan on handling it?”

  “I’m not sure,” Cadence admitted. “I do know what it’s like to grow up without a father.” She paused. “But I don’t know if I can welcome this child into my home.”

  “If you plan to stay with him, you’re going to have to find a way. The child didn’t ask for any of this, and she deserves the love of both parents.”

  “He can love on her elsewhere, just not in my home,” Cadence replied crossing her legs, then realized how bitter she must sound. “Maybe one day, but today ain’t that day.”

  “That’s fair,” Dr. McNabb conceded. “You have to give yourself time to heal and adjust to the new situation as well.”

  “The lie is what’s bothering me the most,” she said, scooting to the edge of her seat. “How can this man I love more than anything, lie to my face every single day? For years? If Braelyn had never shown up that night, then I would�
�ve never known. He was so comfortable living a lie,” Cadence said, sighing deeply. “How can I ever trust him again?”

  A knock on the door made Dr. McNabb pause in her answer. Gwen stuck her head in the room. “Your nine o’clock is here.”

  Cadence stood. “Thanks for seeing me on such short notice.”

  “I have an opening later. We can finish up then. I’ll have Gwen–––.”

  “I’m good,” Cadence refused, dismissing the thought with a wave. “Thanks again.”

  Cadence entered Adali’s Chicago Headquarters with her head held high as if last night’s fiasco never occurred. She felt the stares and heard the undertones. Though it bothered her, she refused to let them know. She kept her expression pleasant and purposeful.

  “Good morning, Cadence,” her assistant, Jennifer greeted. “Mike would like to see you in his office ASAP.”

  Her lungs fell into the pit of her stomach. She hadn’t been in the building two minutes, and the shit was about to explode.

  “I also forwarded all messages to your email.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Jackson’s been calling all morning,” her assistant whispered, following right behind her into the corner office.

  Cadence turned on her heels, bumping into Jennifer. “I need you to do me a favor. Discreetly,” she instructed. “Pull up anything you can find on the name Nevels. Check all positions. I don’t care if it’s a custodian.” Cadence glanced over Jennifer’s shoulder to find a folder on the shelf. “I want to know about them. And search back as far as thirty years. There’s something about that name.”

  “I’m on it,” she replied and bounced back to her station.

  Cadence placed her briefcase on the glass desk, then took a calming breath before heading into Mike’s office. Financially, she was in a great place, so there were no concerns. A morals clause meant they had the right to let her go. Fortunately, she wasn’t the one out of compliance.

  She had much to offer any automaker foreign or domestic, so she’d be able to secure another high-paying position right after suing their asses if they fired her because of the incident. Hopefully, the competition wouldn’t be interested in the state of her marriage or have some deep-seated issues that would prevent a Black woman from advancing. As long as they stayed in the black and she kept making them green, everything should be cool.