“Why are you with her anyway? It’s because of her money, isn’t it? I heard that she’s Mr. Ellison’s daughter. Is that the great attraction? Because she certainly isn’t your type,” Lola pronounced self-righteously. She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. She knew that Carson was angry. But she would be darned if she would let another woman have him.
“What goes on between me and Mariah is none of your business,” Carson replied. His eyes had narrowed to slits and the vein on the side of his head pulsated. “But, you seem to forget that I’m not broke myself.”
“You’re hardly in her league,” Lola sneered, waving her hand dismissively. Then her expression turned somber. “I want you back, Carson. I still love you and I was a fool to let you go. Please go inside and get the girls so we can go home. Let’s talk.”
“You must be delusional if you think I’d ever come back to you.” Carson rolled his eyes. “We were no good when we were together. You constantly tore me down. Everything was about money to you. I wouldn’t have stayed with you as long as I did if it had not been for the girls. And for the record, I love Mariah. L-o-v-e,” he spelled out. “I love her for the kind, caring person she is. She is beautiful inside and out, and she’s making a difference in the world. I would love her if she was penniless.”
“Save it,” Lola shouted angrily. “She is not getting her hands on my husband.” She shook her fist at Carson. “This is not over; not by a long shot.” She threw the car into drive and sped off.
Carson listened to the car screech down the street. His mouth gaped open and he had a stunned expression on his face. Carson couldn’t believe what had just happened. He walked back into the house and locked the door. When he walked into the living room it was quiet. Everyone stared at him. He looked for Mariah. He moistened his lips and asked. “Where is Mari?”
Raquel replied gravely as she pointed toward the stairway. “She went upstairs.”
Carson ran up the stairs. He found Mariah in her bedroom. Her head dangled between her hands as she sat on the bed.
He knelt down in front of her and removed her hands from her face. “I am so sorry that happened. I knew Lola had issues, I just didn’t imagine she would have the nerve to show up here and involve the kids. Please forgive me.”
Mariah’s face was tearstained. “Lola is one of the very reasons why I never wanted get involved with a man with children. It’s not your fault, but you can’t control Lola. Therein lies the problem.” She moaned. “Maybe we shouldn’t see each other for a while and assess what we’re doing?”
“If you think I’m going to give Lola that much control over my life, you’re wrong. I’m not going anywhere. Mari, I love you.”
Mariah’s breath caught in her throat. Happiness illuminated her face. Then the happiness faded. “I love you too. But, I don’t have the time or energy to get involved in games with your ex.”
“I know.” Carson’s heart was lifted. She loved him too. “I will handle the situation with Lola. Just give me time. I promise it will all work out. Just give us a chance,” he pleaded with her.
Mariah hesitated. Then she nodded her head. Carson pulled her up from the bed and crushed her body to his. “We have a good thing going on. I swore I would never get that involved with another woman. Emotionally, Lola took me to the cleaners and back. But, there is something about you”—he tilted her chin up—“that calls me.”
“I know. It’s like you complete me,” Mariah moaned. Carson’s lips came down on hers and it was like coming home.
Their bodies stayed entwined for a long minute. “Now let’s go back downstairs; you still have guests. Things can only go up from here,” Carson said to Mariah gently as he took her hand. They walked to the staircase.
“That will be true if Cassie doesn’t put in an appearance,” Mariah said grimly. They returned to the living room. Sonyell looked on approvingly. Raquel gazed at her friend, telegraphing the question, are things okay?
Mariah nodded. Then, she and Carson returned to the love seat. Conversation resumed and all was right in their world at least for the moment.
Carson had given Mariah an oversized Coach bag. She quipped, “I think the Coach company made a fortune in this room alone. I love it. When I bought bags for my girls, I thought about buying one for myself, but held off.”
“I could tell you wanted one when we went shopping. I went to Carson the next day and bought it,” Carson told her. He took another, smaller gift box from his bag and gave it to her.
Mariah quickly opened it. A diamond tennis bracelet was nestled into the box. She exclaimed over it. Carson put it on her wrist.
Mariah gave Carson an ivory chess set and as well as an antique tie pin. He loved both her gifts.
Rosemary asked, “Does anyone want anything else to eat? Mariah bought enough food to feed a small army.”
“I think the Bulls are playing today. I wanted to catch the game if that’s all right with you,” Michael asked Mariah.
“There is another television set in the basement. The kids are using the one on this floor to play Wii. Feel free to use the one downstairs,” Mariah told Michael.
The men headed to the basement after Mariah’s coworkers departed for home. They thanked Mariah for a great meal and told her they had a great time. After they left, Mariah, Sonyell, Raquel, and Rosemary remained in the living room chatting.
“I can’t believe Carson’s ex,” Raquel began. “She has some nerve.” She took off one of her shoes and massaged her foot.
“You’re right about that. If Ashanti hadn’t told the truth, I probably would have broken up with Carson on the spot,” Mariah informed the women. “That was bad enough, but we still have a problem with Ali. She still doesn’t care for me.”
“Given her mother’s actions she may never warm to you,” Raquel predicted dourly. “You may have to be content with hi, how ya doing from little Miss Thang.”
“I hope not. I guess, like Carson said, we’ll have to give it time,” Mariah replied dejectedly. She chewed on a hangnail on her finger, a sign that she was nervous.
Sonyell leaned over and held up Mariah’s wrist. “I like that bracelet. Carson has good taste. I predict a diamond ring next.”
“Yes, it does look nice.” Mariah held out her wrist admiringly.
“What did Michael give you?” Raquel asked Sonyell after she returned from the dining room with a slice of potato pie. She stuffed her mouth and sighed. “This pie is to die for.”
“Michael gave me the earrings I have on, and this gold bracelet.” Sonyell held out her wrist.
“Hmm, I hope he came by the money honestly,” Raquel said after she swallowed another piece of pie.
“Actually, he did,” Sonyell replied, with a hint of defensiveness in her tone. “And I wish you would stop with the snide comments. Marvin asked Michael to help with chores around his house and he paid Michael. So he earned the money.”
Raquel held up her hands. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I just don’t want to see you hurt again. You’ve invested too much time in that man.”
“Whatever I’ve done, it was my own free will. Michael is Sasha’s father. It would serve you well to remember that.”
“My bad, you’re right,” Raquel apologized.
“I’m going to go check on the children,” Sonyell said. She stood and departed the room.
“That mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble one day.” Mariah shook her head at Raquel. She turned to look at Rosemary. “So, Granny, have you heard from Cassie? Is she still coming?”
“She told me she was. Maybe something came up and she couldn’t make it,” Rosemary said. “She missed a great time. The dinner was lovely, Mariah. You were a great hostess.”
“Thank you, Granny. I learned from the best,” Mariah praised her grandmother.
“Mrs. Jones’s desserts were wonderful. She was so proud that you bought the cakes and pies from her,” Rosemary commented.
Mrs. Jones lived
in Altgeld Garden and supplemented her income by baking. Her cakes and pies along with homemade ice cream were legendary in the Garden.
“Everything was good. I think I’m going to lie down; I’ve been up all morning,” Rosemary announced, and then headed to a bedroom upstairs.
Sonyell returned to the living room. “The kids are still playing. I think Sasha and Ashanti are becoming fast friends. Aaliyah asked me if she could use the computer to download some tunes to her iPod. I told her that she could. So the kids are doing fine.”
“So how do you guys like Louis?” Raquel turned and asked her friends. “I think he’s cute. He’s been a perfect gentleman. He gave me an expensive bottle of perfume for Christmas.”
“He seems all right,” Sonyell remarked. “He’s your usual type.” She shifted her body comfortably on the sofa.
“My thoughts too,” Mariah commented. “I’d have to be around him more, but he seemed okay.”
“He’s a financial planner, making six figures, so I may keep him for a while. At least through New Year’s Eve. No one wants to be alone on that day. Louis and I are going to dinner and then back to my place. Do y’all have plans for New Year’s Eve?” Raquel questioned her friends.
“I’m pretty sure that Michael and I are going to stay home with Sasha.” Sonyell told them her plans. “What about you and Carson?” She peered at Mariah.
“We were thinking about going to the city to one of the old-school concerts. We haven’t made firm plans; we just know that we have a date for that evening.”
“Well, we know you’re not going to spend the night with him,” Raquel pointed out. “I know it has to be hard for you to be around all that man, and not want to—”
“It’s been a challenge,” Mariah said quickly, “but I am going to stick to my guns.”
“I think you’re both nuts, especially Sonyell,” Raquel remarked.
Sonyell gritted her teeth. “And that’s the reason why I won’t have sex with any man with my daughter around.”
“Well, when your men start creeping on y’all don’t say I didn’t warn you. Miss Lola looks like a hot tamale. Mariah, you might want to reconsider your stance,” Raquel advised Mariah.
“If Carson and Michael creep then they weren’t worth our time anyway,” Mariah declared staunchly.
Raquel leaned against the back of the sofa and dozed off.
“We might as well start straightening up,” Sonyell suggested. She and Mariah stood up and walked to the dining room.
Mariah and Sonyell peeped in on the kids on their way to kitchen. After verifying everything was under control the friends began cleaning up.
After the Bulls won the game, the men came upstairs and everyone prepared to go home. Rosemary planned to spend another night.
Carson gathered the girls together and told Mariah he would call her in the morning. Mariah told everyone they could come back the following day; she had plenty of leftovers. She turned off the lights after everyone left. The Christmas tree was the only source of light in the room.
She relived over and over in her mind when Carson told her that he loved her. Mariah had never felt so happy in her life. She knew if nothing else, her father’s passing had opened up a door for her and Carson to meet. She grudgingly said aloud, “That was indeed a blessing from you, Harold.” She set the alarm system. Mariah felt secure in the knowledge that someone in this life loved her, outside of her grandmother and friends. When she walked upstairs her feet hardly touched the floor. Her step was so light it was like she was gliding on air.
Chapter Twenty-four
New Year’s Eve 2010 made its appearance amid a brief snowstorm in the Midwest area. Mariah and Carson made plans to usher in 2011 at a stepper’s set. Mariah looked ravishing, clad in a black dress with gold accessories, when she opened the door to admit Carson. He looked handsome, dressed in a black tuxedo with a kente cloth vest and tie. He held a red rose in his hand behind his back and presented it to Mariah with a kiss on her cheek.
They traveled to downtown Chicago and supped at Lawry’s steakhouse. The couple departed from the restaurant and went to the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Chicago. They sat near the rear of the large balloon-decorated room that was decorated with black, silver, and gold colors. Mariah and Carson sat across from each other at a white clothed table. Mariah gazed about the room, bobbing her head to the beat of the music.
Carson stood. He stretched out his hands and gently pulled Mariah from her chair. He led her to the crowded dance floor. Strobe lights threw sweeping arced colored lights over their bodies.
Carson took her in his arms. They began stepping to the song “My Ship Is Coming In” as it played. Mariah felt at home as his arms encircled her waist. The aroma of Issey Miyake wafted from his body. Carson whispered in her ear, “That song expresses how I feel about you and life.”
Mariah pecked his lips. Her eyes were brightly illuminated like there with stars in her eyes. “I feel the same way. This is our song.”
They danced as several songs continued to play. Then the couple returned to their seats, and ordered water with slices of lemon.
The song “If This World Were Mine” filled the room. Mariah swayed in her seat and tapped her foot to the beat. Carson held out his hand. The pair returned to the dance floor. Mariah shut her eyes as she placed her arm around Carson’s neck and laid her head on his shoulder. She felt perfectly content; being in Carson’s arms felt so natural. They danced in perfect sync. She and Carson seemed oblivious to the other couples around them. Carson’s arms tightened around her body. Mariah knew that Carson was aware of her as a woman, and he wholeheartedly approved.
Mariah realized at that moment how much she loved Carson. The evening continued to have a fairytale ambience and when midnight rolled around, Carson’s lips engulfed Mariah’s hungrily. She returned his kiss with the same passion.
Sonyell was right, Mariah thought, smiling. It is harder to be celibate when you’re around that special man. She realized Carson was the right man. Mariah sensed that Carson would wait for intimacy when the time was right, and only if they were man and wife.
The first day of the New Year, the friends gathered at Sonyell’s house to dine. She prepared black eyed peas, mixed greens, chicken, and spare ribs. New Year’s resolutions were made. Everyone vowed to report back on who followed through on their resolutions and those who didn’t. Aaliyah stayed home with Lola, while Ashanti tagged along with Carson to hang out with Sasha. The two girls were becoming friends, and called each other BFFs.
Michael had talked to Carson on Christmas day about working with Carson as an apprentice. After checking with Mariah and Sonyell, Carson agreed to hire him.
Sonyell had called Carson and voiced her reservations about Michael working for her best friend’s boyfriend. Carson assured Sonyell that the onus would be on him if things didn’t work out with Michael. He reiterated that he wouldn’t have a problem with letting Michael go if a situation arose that warranted firing. Carson was a firm believer in helping his fellow man. Sometimes his philosophy worked out well, and other times it didn’t. Carson knew without his father and Harold Ellison playing pivotal roles in his life, that he wouldn’t be the man he was today.
Two weeks later Michael began working for Palmer Construction Corporation. Michael was placed on three-month probation. Carson appointed himself a mentor for Michael, and he provided guidance to Michael in many matters.
Mariah had decided to work from home that wintery January day. Her new house was being painted and she was in and out of the house checking the painter’s progress. She planned to move her possessions to the new residence within two weeks. Mariah also called Attorney Cook for an update on her application for the transitional home. He informed her that he had called the mayor’s office and the application was still being reviewed.
Mariah checked in with Sonyell and Cierra and all was well. After turning on the television for background noise, Mariah settled in the living room and resumed r
eading her father’s journal. She had learned a lot about the man. She found out that he’d endured a lonely and loveless childhood. He was self-educated after developing a love for reading. She was anxious to start the next volume. Her head was in the book when her telephone rang. She peered at the caller ID unit. “What’s up, hon,” she greeted Carson.
“I called your office, and Sonni said you’re working from home. Are you playing hooky today?”
“Partially. The painters are working on the new house, and I had an ulterior motive for staying home and it’s a good one. I couldn’t put down the journal I’m reading. I finally went to bed around two o’clock this morning.” She yawned. “I wanted to finish up this volume, so I could start the next one.”
“That’s good,” Carson said nervously. “So do you feel like taking a break? Do you feel like coming out and having lunch with me?”
“I don’t know about that.” Mariah peeped out the window. “It’s twenty below zero outside. There’s a fire roaring in my fireplace and I’m still in my jammies. It’s cozy inside. I don’t know if I want to brave the hawk today.”
“How about I bring lunch to you? That way you won’t have to brave the elements,” Carson said hopefully.
“That sounds like a plan. I have a taste for the grilled chicken salad from Columbia Gyro, with pink lemonade.”
“Got it,” Carson said. “I’ll see you about eleven-thirty.”
They ended the call. Carson returned to work. Mariah’s business line rang. She quickly answered the telephone.
At eleven-thirty promptly Carson rang Mariah’s doorbell. After he walked inside, he kissed her cheek. They exchanged greetings and walked to the kitchen. Carson sat in a chair, while Mariah unpacked the bag of food. She handed Carson his grilled chicken sandwich.
They conversed as they ate.
“So, you’re getting to know Mr. Ellison pretty well?” Carson asked Mariah curiously.
“Yes, somewhat, I’d say,” Mariah agreed. “In the journals I’ve read so far, he talks about his childhood. It was pretty dismal.”
Blessings From the Father Page 20