Crossroads: An Anthology

by LaShaun, Elizabeth

  Montgomery smiled slightly understanding where Ronnie was headed with the conversation.

  “I’m more than ready, Ronnie,” Montgomery told him honestly. “I think you and I can pull this off, even without Clayton.”

  Ronnie smiled at Montgomery’s statement, liking what he was hearing. “Fine, lets talk about the how,” Ronnie told him, excited they were making progress.

  “We need to get those squatters out of the projects first,” Montgomery said flatly.

  Ronnie was slightly surprised hearing the man speak that way. He was aware of Alderman Southby’s African-American heritage. It seemed however, that the man wanted to distance himself from it.

  “Well, as I told Clayton, let’s offer them relocation,” Ronnie began.

  Montgomery’s mind was working as Ronnie explained his entire plan for getting the residents out without much of a ripple effect on the city’s daily autonomy. He was also thinking about Clayton and how the man hadn’t mentioned one word about Ronnie’s offer. He was supposed to be his closest friend and ally; right now though, Montgomery was definitely rethinking his alliances.

  “Tell me more about the relocation,” Montgomery told him, reeling his mind in and paying attention once again.

  Ronnie sipped his soft drink telling him about his ownership of 35 acres of real estate where they would build cheap subsidized housing for the current residents at a fraction of the cost of relocating them individually.

  “Sounds like a winning proposition,” Montgomery returned. Ronnie grunted telling him that the land was once a landfill and because of that everyone was hesitant to build there. “Some concern about health hazards and such,” Ronnie threw out wanting to gage Montgomery’s reaction.

  He shrugged slightly. “What do we care,” he returned coldly. “As long as their welfare receiving, food stamp eating, drug dealing, baby having, habeas corpses are out of the projects and we can build our highrise community, it can be built on top of a methane mine and I wouldn’t shed a tear,” Montgomery told him evenly.

  Ronnie frowned slightly but said nothing more about the matter, choosing to move on.

  “Don’t worry,” Montgomery told him, catching the slight frown. “I can sell it and make them think its Lincoln’s promise of forty acres and a mule,” he boasted.

  “You pull that off and I’ll give you your price and half of Clayton’s,” Ronnie told him plainly.

  “That’s 750K in your pocket,” he clarified as Montgomery smiled and asked what timeframe he had in mind.

  *****

  Jasmine was up early getting ready to head for Morning Perk. She heard Damian stirring and silently chided herself for first of all having sex with him, but then also for letting him stay the night. Sighing lightly she headed into the kitchen to grab herself a quick breakfast. She seldom ate at the diner, since it was almost always already busy when she arrived. The slight buzzing vibration caught her attention and she turned to the counter seeing Damian’s phone laying on it. Frowning slightly, wondering who would be texting him this early, Jasmine picked it up. Normally she would have never invaded his privacy this way, but Damian had proven to be untrustworthy on more than one occasion.

  ‘I don’t know what bitch you out with but you better tell that hoe that you got a woman, and she don’t play’ the message read.

  Jasmine found at least 15 others almost identical. Whoever the woman was she’d been texting almost non stop for the past four hours. Putting the phone down and shaking her head slightly, Jasmine returned to her task and made herself eggs and toast, with a side of bacon and a glass of orange juice.

  Damian came into the kitchen just as she sat down to enjoy the offering, regarding her. “Where’s mine,” he teased as Jasmine gave him a look, rolled her eyes and began to eat. “That’s messed up Jazzy,” he continued to tease, picking up his phone.

  Jasmine glanced up watching his expression as he saw the collection of messages. “Guess you forgot to tell miss thang you were going out, hmm,” she told him calmly.

  Damian sighed deeply knowing his explanation was going to fall on deaf ears, but trying anyway.

  “It ain’t like that Jazzy, for real,” he began as she continued to eat wordlessly. “This is LaNeesa crazy ass, my ex,” he went on as Jasmine finished her breakfast, rising and washing her plate. Finishing her task she turned heading out of the kitchen, intending to walk by Damian when he grabbed her arm, stopping her.

  “Jazzy, baby, please, I swear nothing is going on with us,” he tried anew, looking into her eyes now. “She just doesn’t want to hear it, so she does this drama anytime I don’t call her back,” Damian told her truthfully.

  “Who you’re seeing is none of my business Damian,” Jasmine told him decisively. “You and I had sex last night, but that’s all.”

  He was stung to hear her say the words. Damian was still madly in love with Jasmine. He knew he’d messed up cheating on her, and he was genuinely sorry.

  He thought last night was a new beginning for them; that they would talk through their issues and slowly make their way back to what they used to be.

  “Come on Jazzy,” Damian told her, pulling her close to him and holding her. “You don’t mean that baby,” he pled softly.

  “I have to go to work, Damian,” Jasmine returned dryly.

  Hurt, he let her go and she walked to the front door.

  Stopping, she turned and gave him a look as Damian picked up his keys and walked to where she stood, door open, and hand on the knob.

  “I want you back Jazzy,” he told her looking into her eyes once more. “I’m going to prove to you I’ve changed,” he added as she again withheld comment and waited impatiently for him to walk out as she closed the door behind them and locked it.

  “I can give you a ride to work,” Damian told her praying she would say yes.

  “No thanks,” Jasmine returned crisply. “I’d rather walk,” she told him turning her back and heading down the stairs.

  Chapter Four

  It was Wednesday again and Jasmine was hustling as usual. Morning Perk was even busier this morning for some reason. She glanced over her section, taking in her various patrons, eyes coming to rest on Damian, once again finding him watching her intently. Jasmine sighed deeply, turning her back and praying he would leave before Mr. Wednesday arrived. She didn’t want him to think she wasn’t available and she knew if Damian even thought she was attracted to the man, he would go out of his way to be a nuisance. Damn, I should have never ever slept with him, Jasmine continued to brood as she took his order over and sat it before him.

  “Do you need anything else,” she asked politely, keeping everything strictly professional.

  “I need you to believe me and give me another chance,” Damian replied calmly, never losing eye contact.

  “That won’t happen,” Jasmine told him crisply, frowning slightly as she turned and walked away from the table.

  Damian had been showing up at her house almost every day since the night they shared last week. This was the first time he’d come to the restaurant and Jasmine certainly hoped it wasn’t the beginning of a trend for him. That night meant nothing to her. As mean spirited as it may have sounded, all she wanted was sexual tension relief and he’d given her that. The problem now however was how to make him believe she wasn’t in love with him anymore and move on. Jasmine checked her other tables, refilling coffee and bringing various requested items before going to Damian’s table and retrieving the empty plates. She hoped now that he was finished with his meal he would leave.

  “Can I get you anything else,” Jasmine asked once more praying he said no.

  “I’d like a coffee refill please,” Damian returned still looking deeply into her eyes.

  Sighing softly, Jasmine left to retrieve the pot. Please let him leave before Mr. Wednesday gets here, she continued to brood returning with the pot and filling his cup. She’d finally made up her mind to at least ask the man his name today. Now with Damian being here, there was
a defined crimp in her plans. Dismissing the thought and hoping for the best, Jasmine returned to her other tables and continued to serve her customers.

  *****

  Delia Southby had a full day planned today. She had her Politician’s Wives for Change brunch this morning, then it was off to yet another fundraiser for Montgomery, after that, late lunch at the country club with him. Then I can finally see my sexy Adonis, Elijah, she thought and smiled. Delia would be the first to admit the man had her completely sprung. She’d had affairs before, and even great sex, but there was something about Elijah that made her want to completely let go and lose control. She frowned slightly thinking how he was still standoffish in some respects when they were together. Sighing lightly however she told herself she had to understand his point of view, as she recalled their last conversation.

  “Why don’t you ever kiss me,” Delia asked, slightly hurt when Elijah once again turned his head and refused to meet her lips. “Because it keeps things uncomplicated,” he answered cryptically. “What do you mean,” she asked, giving him a look. Elijah sighed slightly before looking directly into her eyes. “When you kiss someone, you exchange a part of your soul with them,” he told her. “You give them a small portion of your heart and you slowly begin to love them,” Elijah patiently made his case. “I’m no fool,” he began anew as Delia continued to look into his face and think to herself how handsome he was. “You and I have great sex, but you’ll never leave your husband for me,” he told her slightly irritated. “And where would that leave me, after I’ve let the feelings I have for you become real and full blown,” Elijah finished, waiting for an answer. “I understand baby,” Delia told him sweetly, sighing lightly. “Is that why you won’t taste me either,” she quizzed.

  “Yes,” Elijah replied flatly. “All right, I won’t push,” she told him as Elijah smiled slightly and began arousing her as they made love once more.

  Delia wasn’t angry and the fact that he didn’t kiss her or even taste her, didn’t take away from his skill. Elijah was damned good at what he did with his hands and his lips in other places, she thought and smiled once again.

  “What are you over there thinking about,” Montgomery asked, smiling as he watched her.

  Delia hurriedly gathered her thoughts, reeling her mind back in as she regarded him.

  “Nothing,” she replied blushing slightly as Montgomery laughed.

  “Ohhh, our escapade hmm,” he teased as Delia blushed deeper.

  Truthfully the sex last night wasn’t any better than any other time; she was simply hornier than usual. She hadn’t seen Elijah for the last three days and it was wearing on her. You’re getting far too attached, her mind told her as Montgomery walked over and took her in his arms, kissing her lips.

  “I love you,” he told her earnestly as Delia smiled slightly and returned the declaration.

  Her mind immediately called her a filthy, lying, hypocrite and she just as quickly told her mind to shut the hell up. Montgomery began kissing her neck softly, his hands caressing her breasts.

  “I’ll be quick,” he pleaded in her ear, knowing she was on a time schedule.

  “OK,” Delia replied knowing he would be and needing his continued trust.

  Montgomery kissed her passionately, laying her onto the bed, parting her legs and entering her as Delia sighed softly and began to go over her day’s agenda once more in her head.

  *****

  Elijah sipped his juice and continued to watch Jasmine and the customer interact. So who is this, he thought of the man she was talking too. It was obvious the man was attracted to her, the question was, what she thought of him. Jasmine was being professional but Elijah could see the tension etched on her face. He was a bit dismayed at how deeply disturbed he was by the idea of the man being romantically attracted to the woman. So, now what, his mind threw out as Elijah sighed deeply and turned his attention to the newspaper in front of him. He read with interest the article on the construction of new affordable housing for the relocation of several families in the housing projects, conveniently in Alderman Southby’s district. I’m pretty sure that snake is getting a pretty penny from the kickbacks on this shit, Elijah thought frowning slightly. He sighed deeply thinking about the hit. He was almost ready. It’d taken him almost a week, and too many sexual sessions with Delia to finally get inside their home and learn the layout.

  Thinking about the Alderman’s wife made Elijah sigh deeply once again. He hated touching her, having sex with her, but he unfortunately needed her right now. Elijah smiled slightly however recalling their conversation the other day when she’d finally asked him about kissing her. She’s disgusting, he thought and finished his juice. Once he had the alarm code and the house key he planned to take from her, Elijah would never touch Delia Southby again. Glancing up he saw the man standing in front of Jasmine as she frowned slightly, obviously not liking whatever he was saying. Elijah took the time to look her over once more, very much enjoying the view. He understood the man’s attempts to gain her attention. She was very beautiful woman. Elijah saw the man lean over and whisper something in her ear as Jasmine frowned deeply and shook her head no. Tough luck buddy, Elijah thought and smiled as the man sighed deeply and finally left. Turning toward him, their eyes met and Jasmine smiled slightly coming over and asking if there was anything he needed.

  Elijah regarded her silently for a few moments as she stood in front of him. “May I have another juice,” he asked calmly as she smiled and told him sure.

  Jasmine left and he continued to regard her and struggle within himself. Why the hell am I jealous, Elijah brooded, knowing very well the answer to his question. She returned shortly afterward and put the glass in front of him.

  “Anything else,” Jasmine asked sweetly.

  Elijah smiled and told her no, he was fine for now. She smiled again and left him alone as his mind continued to work. He was in no position to begin a relationship right now. His time was measured. There was nothing extra to give to anyone. She’s not going to push him away forever waiting on your time, his mind again charged. Elijah didn’t know why he was even thinking about her that way. The last relationship he’d been in was a disaster and he’d promised himself never to repeat it. Why wasn’t his heart listening? Jasmine returned to his table, check in hand and spoke once more.

  “Are you sure there’s nothing else I can get you,” she asked, smiling once again. Elijah sat back in his chair and looked directly into her eyes.

  “Your number,” he said calmly, allowing his heart to have its way.

  Jasmine blushed slightly from the look, but complied with his request, writing it on a small piece of paper and giving it to him. Elijah took the paper and smiled slightly, rising and handing her the money for his check and her tip. Stepping close to her, he leaned near her ear and spoke.

  “Thank you,” Elijah told her softly. “My name is Elijah, Jasmine,” he continued, hearing her breathing become erratic. “I’ll be calling you soon,” he finished and walked out of the restaurant that much established; a new agenda on his mind.

  *****

  Damian wasn’t at all happy that Jasmine was still pushing him away. Why the hell is she being so damned unreasonable, he thought becoming slightly irritated. Sighing deeply he pushed the feelings away. Damian knew he’d hurt Jasmine deeply with his betrayal and it was going to take some serious work on his part to make it better and her to forgive him fully. “Damn LaNeesha surely isn’t helping,” he mumbled aloud of his ex and her constant calling and texting. The woman was determined they would get together again and so far she’d managed to break up any other affiliation he’d managed to make. She’s the reason Jasmine is pissed now, Damian thought sighing deeply. He had changed though. He didn’t cheat anymore and he definitely knew who and want he wanted now. The problem came however, in proving it to Jasmine and her accepting and believing it.

  Damian enjoyed his breakfast and her company this morning. Even if it was in a professional setting, time w
ith Jasmine was time with Jasmine. He decided he would stop into the diner more often and see her. He also planned to step up his visits to the house. I should be there when she gets off, give her a ride home, he continued to plot. Damian was going to do everything he could to get Jasmine back. She meant the world to him and his heart wanted only her. Maybe it’s too late, his mind told him as Damian scoffed at the idea. They’d just made love not seven days ago. Jasmine still cared for him, more than she’d ever readily admit, but the feelings were there. Now all he had to do was bring them out into the open and force her to admit she was only scared he would hurt her again. But I won’t, Damian thought as walked down the hallway to his apartment, unlocking the door and going inside.

  *****

  Elijah followed him casually as the man walked toward what he assumed was his apartment. He wasn’t sure what he’d planned to do to the man, but Elijah liked being in control. He needed to know more about this guy, who he was to Jasmine, how long he’d known her, if they had history. He’d finally opened his mind to being with the woman and Elijah wasn’t going to allow anyone or anything to interfere with that. He watched the man walk toward a small apartment building and enter the front door. Elijah toyed with following him up and perhaps having a conversation with him, but ultimately decided against it. Instead he leaned against the wall in front of the Auto body shop directly across the street, his mind still racing.

  He allowed his heart a moment to revel in the knowledge he and Jasmine would be going out soon. The woman was very special to him, even in his grudging stubbornness to admit it. I’m not going to be hurt again, Elijah thought angrily as Allison once more flashed in his minds eye. His subconscious told him that Jasmine was nothing like his former flame. She had a sweet honesty to her, almost to the point of naivety. Elijah found that very refreshing. Movement caught his eye and he saw the man reappear on the street once more. Giving him a few more moments to outdistance him slightly, Elijah once again followed. He was disappointed moments later when the man retrieved his car and drove down the street, leaving Elijah to wonder his destination. Sighing deeply he began walking back the way he’d come his mind still whirling. Elijah needed some answers and quickly. He didn’t like being kept in the dark, especially when it came to the woman who right now held his heart.