R.I.P. Darius Henry Jones
Holding his hand, his guardian angel, Ashlee, sat next to Darius—as promised—in the waiting room.
“It’s going to be okay,” Ashlee whispered. She lifted his hand, gently pressed her lips against the back side, and held it there for a while.
Darius mumbled, “I guess I deserve this.”
“Nonsense.” Ashlee looked into his watery eyes. “Remember when you donated ten thousand dollars of your money to your elementary school to rebuild the children’s playground. And when you missed a week from college to take care of My Dear. Although your mother told you to go back to school, you refused to leave your grandmother until she was well. And what about the time you volunteered to play Santa Claus for the kids at Children’s Hospital. That’s the Darius I know.” Ashlee placed her hand over the left side of his chest and said, “Darius Jones, you have a generous heart.”
“Yeah, but I also have a generous dick.” One that would be buried six feet under before sunset if he received bad news.
“We’ll get through this together.” Ashlee patted his knee.
The doctor’s assistant walked into the lobby. “Darius Jones.”
Darius stood. “That’s me.” Ashlee gripped his hand.
“Come with me, please.” The assistant turned to Ashlee and said, “I’m going to have to ask you to wait out here. This is confidential.”
“It’s okay. I want her to be with me,” Darius said.
“Okay, then follow me. My name is Roxanne.” The assistant held the door until everyone was inside her office. “Please, have a seat. Well, I have good news.” Roxanne smiled.
“Whew!” Darius sighed as Ashlee gave him a hug.
Roxanne’s smile disappeared. She raised her eyebrows and continued, “Bad news, and not so good news.”
Darius’s smile disappeared. Ashlee squeezed his hand.
“Which would you like first?” Roxanne asked.
“It doesn’t matter. Just tell me.” Darius stared at the floor.
“Sure.” The assistant cleared her throat. “The good news is”—she handed Darius an eight-and-a-half-by-eleven sheet of paper—“your HIV antibodies test result is negative.”
Darius leaped out of his seat, picked up Ashlee, and twirled her around in place like a ballerina. “Yes!” He wrapped his arms around Ashlee and wouldn’t let go. “Thank you for being the best friend I’ve ever had. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
Darius bowed on his knees and thanked the Lord. “I haven’t forgotten about my promise to you. Thanks for giving me another chance.”
Roxanne cleared her throat. “You need to hear the rest.”
“Oh, yes.” Darius smiled back.
“Wellington is not your biological father. Darryl Williams is your father.”
Nodding his head, Darius said, “I can live with that, but Wellington will always be my father.”
“Now for the bad news.” Roxanne paused and looked at Darius. “You’ve contracted syphilis.”
Darius’s eyes widened.
“Not to worry. It’s curable,” Roxanne said.
Darius thought about Heather and Ginger because he’d had sex with both of them in New Orleans without using condoms. After Heather left The House of Blues, Darius spent the night with Ginger in her hotel room. But his test was taken before that. Maxine? Damn!
“Here’s your prescription.” Roxanne slid the white paper across the desk. “I need the names and addresses of your partners so we can advise them to get tested.”
“Why do you assume there’s more than one?” Darius asked.
Roxanne bit on the tip of her pencil. “Yeah, right.”
Roxanne looked sexy with the eraser head in her mouth. Darius proceeded to jot down the information.
“Thanks for your cooperation.” Roxanne picked up her chart and opened the door.
“Let’s go to your place and celebrate,” Ashlee said. “I’ll cook you a wonderful dinner, and we can watch Baby Boy.”
Darius thought about the suicide setup and quickly responded, “Let’s eat out. My treat.” Baby Boy was actually a good movie selection because the lead actor Jody somewhat reminded Darius of himself. Had he been spared life number nine, or had God blessed him with nine more? Refusing to take any chances, from this day forward, Darius Henry Jones was a new man.
Chapter 34
When a man loved a woman but the woman no longer loved the man, how could she take her final bow with grace? How could someone love another for fifteen years and then suddenly find that person undesirable? Would Jada’s feelings toward Lawrence be the same if Wellington weren’t in the picture?
Rolling over to Lawrence’s side of the bed, Jada stared at his bruises. Last night wasn’t one she wanted to remember, but unfortunately she’d never forget. First Wellington and then Darius: if they hadn’t all been family, she would have called the police herself.
Jada whispered, “Are you okay?”
Opening his right eye, Lawrence said, “I had hoped you’d be gone by now.”
Although it wasn’t her fault, Jada said, “I’m sorry. I never meant for this to happen.” She honestly didn’t. Barbaric was not an adjective she wanted describing her character.
Lawrence braced his back against the headboard. “That’s the problem, you never do. Let you tell it, nothing is ever your fault.”
Sitting up in the bed, Jada said, “What does that mean?”
Lawrence closed his eye. “You didn’t mean to lie to Darius. You didn’t mean to lie to Wellington. You didn’t mean to hurt my feelings by asking for a divorce.” Lawrence sighed, then said, “If you were standing before a judge, this would be an open and shut case. You’re starting to sound like a broken record.”
“Well, broke may be the operative word. I might lose everything I’ve worked for. Um. Do you mind if I ask you a question about consultation?” Jada hadn’t involved her corporate attorney. Theo had advised her to wait because if she was sued, she’d need a lawyer who specialized in sexual harassment cases.
“Yes, I do. I don’t believe you have the audacity to ask me for help. But then again, your selfish ass is always thinking of Jada, Jada, Jada. Besides, you know I won’t tell you anything except you’re right. Instead of being unfaithful with Wellington, you should have been paying closer attention to your child. But I guess like mother, like son. Now that you’re in trouble, you expect me to bail you out.” Cramming the pillow underneath his head, Lawrence turned his back.
“Lawrence, I’ve never asked you for one damn thing. Everything that happened to you yesterday you brought upon yourself. If you hadn’t laid your hand on me, none of this would’ve happened. So if you want me feel sorry for you, I don’t. I’m not going to accept the blame for your actions.” Jada tugged the covers.
Pulling back, Lawrence said, “Are you still moving out of the house next weekend? My friend Howard Kees, the best real estate broker in California, has found a buyer.”
Jada looked over at Lawrence and pushed the blanket to his side of the bed. “Doesn’t he live in Oakland?”
“What’s your point?” Lawrence asked.
“Fine. I’m not going to fight you on this one. I said I’d be out, and I will. Just call me when you have my half of the proceeds.” Jada sighed heavily.
Lawrence calmly said “Oh, this house was a gift deed from my parents to me. I’ve always maintained it as separate property. So if you want me to feel sorry for you, I don’t, because you’ll get nothing from me.”
Jada curled the king-size pillow into a tight ball. “Uh, I hate you.” Moving to the edge of the bed, Jada slammed the pillow between them.
“I’m saddened to hear you say that, because I love you with all my heart.” Lawrence stroked her hand.
“Don’t touch me.” Why were separations so ugly? Shit was snowballing downhill faster than the mudslides along Pacific Coast Highway. Maybe she should stay with Wellington or Darius until her belongings were move
d out of this house. When the phone rang, Jada reached over to her nightstand and answered, “Hello.”
“Hi, ba. How are you?”
“Fine.” That way Wellington would know Lawrence was nearby. She started to say great just to irritate Lawrence. Just the fact that Wellington had called would upset Lawrence for sure.
“Look, put Lawrence on the phone for a minute,” Wellington said.
Jada handed Lawrence the phone. “It’s for you.”
“Who is it?”
Jada didn’t respond.
Taking the handset, Lawrence said, “Hello.”
“Hey, man. This is Wellington. I want to apologize for what happened yesterday. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
“Fuck you! This isn’t over yet. Apologize to the lawsuit I’m about to slap on your fornicating ass!”
“Maybe in time Jada will forgive you, and you’ll forgive me,” Wellington said. “Let me speak with Jada.”
Lawrence tossed the phone in Jada’s direction and left the bedroom.
Jada exhaled and picked up the phone. “Yeah.”
“Has Darius told you the news?”
Jada started pacing the floor. “No. What news?”
“He can tell us together. Can you meet me at his place? I’ll call and let him know we’re coming over.”
“Okay, I’ll see you in a few. Bye.”
“Bye, my Nubian princess.”
Jada tossed the phone on the bed. Limping to the bathroom today was more painful than the day before. If she knew the person who created the phrase “Shit Happens,” she’d shake their hand.
Jada waited for Wellington to press Darius’s buzzer. “Did you tell him I was coming with you?”
“Of course. And even if I hadn’t, you’re his mother.” Wellington placed his arm around Jada’s waist.
“Who is it?” Darius’s voice blared from the intercom.
Wellington responded, “It’s your parents, son, let us in.”
Jada whispered to Wellington, “Has he told you already?”
Opening the door, Darius said, “No, I have not. Come on in. Y’all want anything to drink?”
“Y’all, Darius? Please stop speaking like that.” Jada picked up the frame holding their family photo. “Water for me, please.”
“I’ll have the same,” Wellington said.
Darius returned with three empty glasses and three bottles of water. He placed them on his Afrocentric coffee table and sat next to Wellington. “Well, I guess you guys want to know what I already know. Darryl is my biological father and my HIV test was negative.”
Jada joined them on the sofa and sat next to Darius. She stretched her arms open and was happy when Darius leaned his head on her shoulder. Wellington wrapped his arms around both of them. For a while no one spoke.
Darius stood and said, “That’s enough. Now everything is out in the open.”
Jada asked, “How’s Maxine?”
“I stopped by her place earlier. Physically, she looks fine. Emotionally, she’s depressed. How’s Lawrence?”
“I’m not so sure.” Jada toyed with her watch.
“Why do you always have to mess up everybody’s life?” Darius carried the empty bottles to the kitchen and returned.
Wellington calmly said, “Son, your mother didn’t deserve that. Apologize.”
“And you’re no better. Why are you always protecting her?” Darius sat on the opposite side of the table.
Jada stood. “I think I’d better go.”
“No, sit,” Wellington said. “You can’t keep running from the truth. We’re a family, and we’re going to speak our minds so we can heal our hearts.”
Jada reluctantly sat down. Darius’s words had chopped her into confetti. Her body went numb as she nodded and silently cried. Darius resented Darryl, and he didn’t even know him. Her child was hurting much more than she’d imagined, so was Wellington. Jada thought about what Lawrence must have been going through as well. Her daddy’s wisdom whispered softly in her ear, “Be true to yourself and the others will heal.”
Chapter 35
Another moment of truth stared Jada directly in her eyes. As she glanced around her office, awards from presidents of the United States, prime ministers of Great Britain, consulates of China, and a host of other government officials covered her walls. Soon her plaques may sit in a box collecting dust.
Theo had gone through everything in Darius’s office. Jada figured she’d humiliated her child enough. Fearing she’d discover something else she didn’t want to know, she asked Jazzmyne to pack his belongings and lock them in his office.
Shannon buzzed Jada on the intercom and said, “Mrs. Tanner, Jazzmyne is here.”
Regardless of how well Jada knew a person, everyone had to be announced. “Send her in.”
“Hi, Jazzmyne, I sure hope you have good news this morning,” Jada said, limping to her desk.
“Hey, how’s your leg?” Jazzmyne asked.
“Worse than I thought. The doctor suggested I take a few days off, but—”
“I understand. Listen, I came in before our meeting to discuss saving your company.” Jazzmyne pulled out a chair and sat at the round table.
Jada moved slowly and joined her. “Wow. Knowing you, you spent all weekend thinking about this, and I’m anxious to hear your strategy.”
Jazzmyne handed Jada a package of documents. “These are drafts for your review. I’ll give you a fast overview since the others will be here shortly. Don’t fire Darius. Demote him to his previous position. Promote Zen to vice president but not CEO. Give everyone, including Darius, a reasonable award. Bonuses are cheaper and smarter than paying attorney fees. Plus, you’re not admitting any guilt. Now, before you say anything, we already know Darius is going to resign because of his fragile ego. Let him. He’s the only sacrificial lamb that will save Black Diamonds. It’s a blessing his HIV test came back negative, so even if anyone else gets positive results—and we pray they do not—they didn’t contract the disease from Darius. And finally, the sexual harassment lawsuit is a wash because Darius explained how each of them came on to him. Truly, that was more detail than I needed, but clearly there’s no case. He has photos with each of them at various venues having a good time. That’s it.”
“You really did spend time thinking about this. But how can I be sure my directors won’t quit anyway.”
“That’s where the cash comes in.” Jazzmyne rubbed her fingers together. “Highlight all the good they’ve done for their communities and project an individual five-year plan for future projects. They won’t leave. Trust me. Ginger and Miranda may get rehired, but they’ll have to prove themselves. Zen and Heather have to worry about new careers based on their ages.”
Jada stood and hugged Jazzmyne. “Thank you so much. You’ll be the first one rewarded.”
Jazzmyne closed her folder. “Just doing my job. Besides, you worked to damn hard to build this empire.”
Shannon buzzed and said, “Mrs. Tanner, Wellington and Theo are here.”
“Send them in, and, Shannon, I need three copies of a packet in my office.” Jada smiled at Jazzmyne because she had made her day. Jada waved her hands in the air. She was so happy she felt like celebrating.
Theo walked in saying, “So, baby doll, you got those pink slips ready. It’s time for smack down.”
“Everyone, please, have a seat,” Jada politely said, beaming.
“What’s so wonderful?” Wellington asked.
“Jazzmyne developed an alternative strategy to keep my business intact.”
Shannon handed everyone a copy and exited the room. Then Jada had Jazzmyne lay out her proposal in detail. Everyone, including Theo, was impressed.
“Great job, sis,” Wellington said.
Jazzmyne smiled softly. “Thanks, brother.”
Shannon buzzed again. Jada hobbled over to her desk and pressed the intercom. “Yes, Shannon.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but Darius is questioning why he can’t get int
o his office.”
“Tell Darius to wait for me in the conference room. And call Zen, Ginger, Heather, and Miranda and have them report there, too. Immediately.”
“Certainly, Mrs. Tanner.”
Jada sat behind her desk and said, “Well, that’s a wrap. I’ll share the news with my staff. Jazzmyne, I need you to join me at the meeting and to assist me all day tomorrow with conducting individual meetings.”
“No problem,” Jazzmyne responded.
“My work here is done, baby doll. I’ll sees ya later.” Theo left Jazzmyne’s packet on the table.
“Thanks, Theo.” Jada sensed Theo felt his services weren’t valued because Jazzmyne had outsmarted him. But Theo was important, and Jada would continue consulting with him as she always had on an as needed basis.
Wellington looked at Jada and asked, “You available for lunch?”
Grazing her hand over his shoulder and down his arm, Jada said, “Anytime for you.”
“Great, call me when you’re ready.”
“Sure.” There was nothing left to Jada’s marriage except false pretenses.
As she and Jazzmyne entered the conference room, mumbling converted to silence. “Good morning.” Jada sat at the head of the table. “I’m glad you’re all here today. The last few weeks have been challenging for everyone. Thanks for your support. It was nice seeing each of you at my mother’s services.”
“Ma, why is my office locked?” Darius heaved himself up and leaned over the table.
“Darius, don’t interrupt me again. I’m aware of the potential lawsuit and must candidly admit that I’m appalled.”
“Ma, what lawsuit?” Darius asked, looking around the table at his counterparts.
“Darius, effective immediately, I’m demoting you to director.” The expressions on her executive’s faces spelled relief. “Zen, starting tomorrow you’ll assume the well-deserved position of vice president. By the end of the week each of you will receive a six-figure bonus.”
Darius stomped out of the room and slammed the door. Jazzmyne stood.
“Please, sit. He’ll be just fine.” Jada continued, “I’m not trying to buy your loyalty. No amount of money can buy the loyalty, commitment, and dedication each of you have displayed over the years. Anyone who wants to hand in their resignation please feel free.” Jada paused. “Should you decide to stay, Jazzmyne and I will meet with each of you privately tomorrow to discuss your future with Black Diamonds. If not, the bonus is yours. You’ve earned it. Any comments?”
Never Again Once More Page 23