Getting back to his temporary employee, he knew he had to get on with his regular work routine.
“So,” he prompted Stan.
“Oh, well, we do have some customers anxious to see what you’ve brought back, and I did keep a list of all the telephone calls from folks who want to get in touch with you. It’s right here. Some e-mails, too, from out of town.”
He handed Ace a clipboard with several sheets of paper attached.
“Good work, Stan. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
“You’ve done a good job. Think you’d consider staying on . . . helping me out? I’d like to extend my hours now that I have new merchandise and if I’m branching out of town . . .”
“I’d like that, Ace, but I have to tell you that as soon as I graduate I’m leaving Boston.”
“How so? Boston is not for you?”
He was twenty-six, a slender young man whose dark brown eyes seemed to miss very little. Ace had been aware that he was finishing his last year of law school, so he was not totally surprised when Stanley gave his reason for leaving.
“I’m from Texas, you know, and my plan is to start a law practice there. So when I get home, I hope to pass the bar and get started in my law career.”
Ace said, “Sounds like a good plan.”
“And also,” Stanley hesitated for a moment.
“And?”
“My fiancée is waiting.”
“Aha! That’s the reason you’re leaving Beantown.” Stanley said yes, but that he would stay with Ace as long as he remained here.
Later that day Ace reviewed the accumulation of mail and messages he had received while away. Most of it could be dispatched with a check or a brief hand written reply. Then he turned his attention to the phone messages.
Most were from customers who were seeking artwork for their homes, especially Mrs. Hallett, a self-proclaimed expert on African art. She had commissioned Ace to provide her with African fabrics so that she could be attired with authentic African garb at any of Boston’s social functions.
Emerald Stokes. The name leaped off the page. So Emerald had called, but Elyse had not. He did not find her name on the list. He wondered if she was doing all right. When would he see her? Did he need to explain his absence to her? Or did it matter to her?
Chapter 20
Elyse went shopping at Baby Aboard, Inc., a maternity shop at the mall. She purchased a pair of maternity jeans with an expandable waistline, two maternity tops and a long floral print skirt. She also bought a pair of maternity slacks, a pair of low-heeled shoes and a pair of leather sandals. She had gained about twelve pounds so far in her pregnancy and had become accustomed to the flutters and stirrings within her basketball-sized abdomen. She thought as she left the shop with her purchases, I have part of Barry with me, right now.
She decided to stop at the food court in the center of the mall. It seemed to her that she became incredibly hungry without warning. Maybe her blood sugar was low, or something like that. She’d ask Dr. K about it. But so far she did feel fine.
Ace was delighted when he saw Elyse at the January meeting of the local Business and Professional Group of Greater Boston. When he spotted her, she was chatting with some young people. She was wearing a gold pleated silk top that hung loosely from her shoulders, black velvet slacks and black sandals. Her large gold hoop earrings accented her soft, curly halo-like haircut.
He watched her turn in his direction, scanning the crowd, but she did not see him at first.
He stood mesmerized by her regal, stunning beauty. Her eyes shone with good health, and to Ace she looked radiant. He waited for her to glance in his direction. He held his breath when finally she saw him. Her face lit up in a wide smile when she recognized him, and they moved toward one another through the crowd.
“Elyse, you look beautiful!” He wondered if she could see the happiness on his face.
She smiled at him. “Ace, I’m glad to see you! How are you, and how was your African safari?”
“Oh, I’m just fine, but how are you?”
“I’m doing quite well, thank you. ”
She patted her abdomen. “Past the halfway mark. Only three more months to go.”
“And then?”
“Then I’ll meet my daughter. Ace, I can hardly believe it. But every once in a while she lets me know she’s there.”
“Active little one, eh?”
“Oh my, yes. It’s so exciting. I can hardly believe I’m having a baby. It’s really a miracle.”
“It’s plain to see that you are happy, and I’m very glad about that. So, how is Emerald, and are things going well at the store?”
“Em is fine, and so far all is well at the store. We did well this Christmas season.”
He led her to the side of the room to a quiet area with some empty chairs. He wanted to be certain that Elyse was comfortable. He studied her face, her movements, as she walked beside him.
“Your trip?” she looked up at him as he helped her to a comfortable chair. “It was successful?”
“Right. I’m happy with what I was able to pick up. Can’t wait to show you and Emerald some of my finds.”
Elyse was interested in what Ace had to tell her about the trip, and she had to admit to herself that she had missed him. She’d missed his kindness to her and Em, his enthusiasm for his work, especially his deep interest and respect for African art.
Tonight his eagerness to talk to her became apparent, and she found that indeed she was looking forward to hearing what he had to say.
She noticed his changed appearance since she had last seen him. His skin seemed smoother and browner as a result of his time in the African sun. He had shaved off his mustache, which made his face look younger. His eyes were bright, and it appeared to her that his interest in her was warm and sincere. She did not sense an overly romantic edge to this encounter, despite Em’s pronouncements.
But she did remember how shocked he had been when he learned about her pregnancy. However, that was his problem. Her focus was on her child, hers and Barry’s. Ace would have to understand that.
“Elyse, I want to tell you how sorry I was that I left for Africa so quickly, but you know, I had never been so stunned in my life. I had to get away, but I want you to know that I respect you for doing what you and your husband wanted. A love like the pair of you shared is truly remarkable. I want you to believe that I respect and appreciate your decision. But I also want you to know,” he reached for her hand, “if there is ever anything that I can do for you, I want you to let me know. Anything, at any time. I want you to believe that.”
“Thanks, Ace. Thanks for saying that.”
“You are most welcome. And, Elyse, I have to say it. You have never looked so happy or more beautiful.”
* * *
Emerald was pleased when she saw Holly’s paper on Chaucer.
“Way to go, miss! An ‘A’,” she said.
“Thanks to you, Ms. Stokes. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Of course you could have. I gave you a push in the right direction, but you did the work. Don’t sell yourself short, Holly. You are smart and talented, young lady.”
“I had to show it to you. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do. I feel like I’m making some headway.”
“Keep it up, you’ll make it,” Emerald encouraged. “Need anything today?”
“Not for myself, but Mr. Harkins, my former patient, is becoming quite a reader. Now he wants books by African-American writers. Guess he’s outgrown Ebony and Jet.”
“Have a whole section of African-American authors, right over here.” Emerald showed Holly the section. “You’re sure to find something here to interest him.”
With her right hand Holly touched off a snappy salute to her mentor. “Yes, ma’am!” she said as she started her search.
Emerald thought, Looks like something I’ve seen someone else do. A phantom face flicked in her mind, but was gone quickly and she could not identif
y the image. This memory thing was driving her crazy. Why was it that she thought she knew this girl, or someone who looked like her? She decided she’d have to ask a few questions and see what came up. She would not rest until she figured it out.
* * *
Two weeks after returning from Africa, Ace got the idea to design an African diorama for Elyse’s storefront window. He did not want to be too invasive, but following his own mind, and heeding Omar’s advice, he hoped to continue some type of relationship with her.
When he broached the idea to Elyse and Emerald, they both approved, but Elyse insisted that she would not agree unless she could pay him for the work. He tried to discourage her from that idea, but in the end agreed to accept a fee agreeable to them both.
His hope was to create a diorama featuring native musical instruments, drums, cymbals, thumb piano, gourds, rattles, banjos and other native stringed instruments. In the background a cassette of African music would play.
Within two weeks the display was ready. Emerald designed flyers announcing the event and her nephew distributed them. Both Elyse and Emerald were delighted with the response from the community.
Ace had arranged for a caterer to serve finger sandwiches and coffee. He assumed the expense for the food and service requirements, much to Elyse’s dismay.
“You should not have gone to that extra expense, Ace,” she told him.
“It was my pleasure,” he said. “Case closed.”
Chapter 21
Ace’s diorama was such a success that he decided to keep it on view for a month. Elyse and Emerald couldn’t thank him enough for the increased business the exhibit brought to the store.
A month later he changed the exhibit. This time he featured paintings, costumes of animal skins and feathers used in native ceremonies and dances. Again, he had indigenous music playing in the background.
Since the store was open until nine and since many customers came in during the evening hours, both Elyse and Emerald were usually there. Sometimes Ace came in as well, bringing Chinese food, pizza or some of the Colonel’s fried chicken. Emerald would put on a pot of coffee or supply cold drinks. This made for a warm, friendly atmosphere that each of them enjoyed, especially Elyse, who found welcome support from them in her advancing pregnancy. Emerald was Elyse’s self-appointed coach for the birthing classes. Ace listened as the two reported on her progress. Elyse said she was lucky to have caring people like them to help her.
“Dr. Kellogg says that I should be walking each day, that it will help in my delivery,” she told the pair when they asked how she was feeling.
“I can help you with that, Elyse,” Ace volunteered. “The weather is getting better, spring is on the way, days are longer . . . be good exercise for me, too.”
They agreed to drive to Jamaica Way, walk around the pond, and if Elyse tired, find a park bench and rest.
They started the routine the first week in March.
“I’ve another six weeks to go,” Elyse explained to Ace that evening when he picked her up.
“Are you feeling good?”
“Yes, Ace, I do feel good. Much better than I expected to feel at this date.”
“Good, I’m glad you’re doing so well.”
He helped her into the car, secured the seatbelt below her bulging abdomen. “Is that comfortable for you? Not too tight?”
“It’s fine.”
“Okay, on to our walk!” He smiled at her, happy to have her beside him, and happy that he was helping her.
The weather was cooperative. It was a mild, calm evening with walkers, joggers and others on bicycles taking advantage of a welcome spring evening. The delicate yellow forsythia, green leafing of the trees and the cheerful faces of crocus and pansies in beds around some trees foretold of warm days ahead.
Elyse sighed deeply, breathing in the warm air. Instantly alert, Ace asked, “Are you feeling okay?”
“Ace, I do have one little worry that’s been nagging at me.”
“Anything I can help you with? You only need to ask, you know.”
“Yes, I know.” She turned to face him on the park bench. “It’s Sebastian, my cat.”
“What’s wrong with him?”
“Nothing, really. It’s just that I’m worried how he’s going to get along with the baby. I’ve heard that pets can be jealous if their owner’s attention is focused on a baby. You know what I mean?”
“I’ve heard that.”
“He’s been real good company for me, but I don’t want to take any chances.”
Ace spoke quickly. “I’ll take him and you can come visit him. After the baby comes, you can bring the two of them together gradually. See how it works out.”
“Ace, you’re a genius!” She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Seb is really Barry’s cat, and I’d hate to get rid of him.”
“You won’t have to, I’ll see to that. Don’t worry.” He clasped her hand in both of his, aware of his deepening concern for her.
She withdrew her hand slowly and looked over the quiet pond before them, then spoke softly. “Barry would be so excited about the baby. You know, Ace, I have always felt that I am a better person for having loved and been loved by a man like Barry. He helped me become a better woman.”
“Oh, no, he worshipped you, my dear. How could he not? If he were here, I know that’s what he would say. You’re special, and don’t ever forget that.”
She surprised him with her next question.
“How come you’ve never married, Ace?”
“Came pretty close a couple of times, but decided each time I didn’t want to spend my life with that person. Simple as that.” Then he added, “Not until I met you.”
She frowned, “Wish you wouldn’t talk like that, Ace. There can never be more than friendship between us. I value your friendship, but I’m committed to Barry and our child. You know that. And besides, as soon as I’m able I want to start building our dream house that we planned.”
“Never say never, Elyse. None of us knows what the future holds,” he said, wondering as he did so if he would ever have the chance to be important in her life. Would just “being there” be the most effective way to do so? He had every intention to be available to her, to watch over and support her whenever he could. With those thoughts foremost in his mind, he asked, “Elyse, are you still driving? I mean, are you still comfortable behind the wheel? What does your doctor say?”
“Oh, my, yes. So far I’m comfortable.”
“I’m only asking because I would be more than happy to chauffer you wherever you need to go. I’m my own boss, so it would not be a problem.”
She shook her head in denial. “So far I’m okay. Dr. Kellogg hasn’t said I can’t drive, not yet, anyway.”
“I don’t want you to be in jeopardy. I don’t mean to worry you, but you have to think . . .”
“I know . . . the baby,” she conceded.
There was a quiet peace between them, Elyse noted, as she rested beside Ace on the park bench. They were almost like an old married couple, each one almost able to anticipate the other’s response.
Unexpectedly the baby moved, and Elyse reacted with a slight grunt.
Instantly aware of her apparent discomfort, he asked, “Are you all right?”
She saw the anxious look on his face and tried to reassure him.
“The baby’s been moving a lot this week and she just kicked me in my ribs, that’s all.”
“Can she do that?”
“Sure, does it all the time. Especially when I’m trying to rest. Want to feel her foot?”
“Can I? It won’t . . . hurt anything?”
“No, not a bit. Here,” she took his hand, pulled her light wool jacket to one side and guided his fingers to a slightly rounded area beneath her lower right rib.
“Feel that?” she watched his face, saw his look of wonderment.
“God, yes, I do! Awesome! It feels like a round marble.”
“That’s her heel. Dr. Kellogg said
that quite often the baby will turn around completely. Like floating from the bottom to the top, sometimes head down, then will bob up like a cork with its feet down. He says that sometimes they sneeze, cough, suck their thumbs . . .”
“Gosh, can they do that? Doesn’t seem possible.”
“Bro, they let you know they’re there, believe me!”
The thought crossed Elyse’s mind that her husband should be with her, sharing this phenomenal experience. She knew how thrilled and excited he would have been. Way to go, babe, he would have said.
However, she was grateful for Ace. He did show reverence, awe and excitement, which made things easier to bear.
She was not alone. Even though her parents had decided sometime ago to take a long-awaited cruise to Australia and New Zealand, Ace had made himself available whenever she needed him, as he had promised. She could not ignore his steadfast support. She had expected Emerald to be supportive. They had been friends since high school and were in business together. But the way Ace always seemed to come through for her strengthened her. She would never forget him.
* * *
Back at the store Elyse greeted Emerald when she returned from her dental appointment.
“I finally met your young friend,” she told Emerald. “You mean Holly Francis?”
“Yes, and I can see why you like her so much. She’s so personable, and she really is fond of you. Very much so . . . says you’ve been a great help to her.”
Emerald shrugged off her raincoat, shook her damp hair and, with a deep sigh, plopped down into her desk chair.
“So, tell me, Leese, did she remind you of anyone you know?”
“Not really, but I know what you mean. She’s very friendly, easy to talk with. It’s as if I’ve known her before.”
“That’s the same feeling I get when she comes in.” Elyse hefted her burgeoning body out of her chair and waddled slowly to the small kitchen.
“I’m having a cup of tea. Would you like a cup?”
“Sure would. It’s nasty weather out there.”
Then, noticing Elyse’s ungainly walk, Emerald jumped up from her chair. “You sit down, Leese, I’ll get it.”
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