Breaking All My Rules

by Trice Hickman

  A big gray cloud rumbled over the table after Erica’s pronouncement. Everyone looked disturbed except Danni, who continued to smile as if the sun was shining bright.

  “So,” Ashley said, moving the conversation in a different direction, “Jason tells me that you’re from Vegas.”

  “Yes, born and bred,” Danni responded, never dropping her painted-on smile. “But my Southern accent is compliments of my parents’ upbringing in Tennessee, and the fact that I spent all my summers there when I was growing up. I love the South. It’s so . . . charming. Everybody knows their place.”

  Erica nearly yelled out when she felt Ashley’s foot kick hers under the table. She knew that Ashley hadn’t raised the roof of the building only because of Jason. Even though the she devil was a bitch, she was still Jason’s client, and a wealthy one at that.

  “I guess so, but I wouldn’t know a thing about that,” Ashley quipped. “How do you like D.C.?”

  Danni took a deep breath as she picked over her salad, which she’d barely touched. “Unfortunately, I haven’t seen much of the city. Jason and I have been locked away in his office all day . . . working, of course.” She said the last part with a sly grin as she half winked at Jason.

  Erica’s eyes grew big with indignation, but Ashley didn’t flinch. Instead she simply asked, “This isn’t your first visit to our fair city, is it?”

  “Well, no, it isn’t. But sadly, and I’m ashamed to say, my last trip to D.C. was when my parents brought me here as a small child. I’ve traveled all around the world, from Austria to Hong Kong, but I’ve yet to fully explore the beautiful capital of our great country. I’m going to make sure I change that,” she said, smiling again at Jason.

  Erica was surprised that Ashley had continued to remain so calm for so long. From the moment the she devil’s behind hit the seat of her chair, she’d been tossing out flirtatious innuendos, boasting about her wealth, and glaring incredulously in Ashley’s direction, all while managing to throw out not-so-well-disguised insults.

  Erica knew it was only a matter of time before Ashley put the woman in her place. She just hoped it wouldn’t involve high decibels or, at this point, a police siren.

  “Really?” Ashley said, without a trace of a smile. “For someone who hasn’t dined in D.C. since she was in ponytails, you picked an excellent restaurant for the evening. Jason did say that it was your idea to come here, right?” she asked, keeping her eyes leveled on Danni’s.

  Bingo! Erica shouted in her head. She knew that Ashley’s prosecutorial skills were in full effect.

  Danni held Ashley’s stare, looking at her with a cold gaze. “Actually, the concierge at my hotel suggested this place. But quite frankly, I’ve had better. As you can see, I’ve barely touched my salad.” She smiled and cleared her throat. “But I see you must love it here. Your plate is nearly clean, and you’re obviously not missing any meals.”

  Oh, no, the hell she didn’t! Erica’s inner voice screamed.

  In a restaurant full of clanking dishes and noisy chatter, a blanket of stillness spread across their table. No one reached for their glass, used their fork, or made a move. Erica was so angry at the way the woman had blatantly disrespected her friend that she was ready to speak up again. But she knew she needed to let Ashley handle her own business. And as if on cue, Ashley leaned forward and pointed her well-manicured index finger in the she devil’s direction. She was about to unleash her fury when Jason reached for her hand and gently guided it back to her lap.

  “Danni, you’re finished with your meal?” Jason asked in a voice as calm as still water.

  Ashley cut Jason a look but held her tongue.

  “Yes, I guess I am. Like I said, this just isn’t my cup of tea. But maybe dessert will be better.”

  Jason shook his head. “Perhaps you’ll find a more suitable selection on the dessert menu at your hotel. I’ll walk you to the front so they can get you a cab.”

  The she devil looked confused. “I don’t understand.”

  “It’s obvious an uncomfortable situation is brewing, and before anyone says anything to cause further insult, I think it’s best that you leave.”

  “But, Jason, it’s just friendly banter between us girls.”

  “Girls?” Ashley quipped. “I haven’t been a girl since I was ten.”

  “Okay,” Jason said, motioning toward Danni. “Let’s go. I’ll make sure they get a cab out front.”

  The she devil looked down at her lap and ran her slender hand over her linen napkin before placing it on the table. Slowly, she gave Ashley what looked like an apologetic nod. “Ashley, I’m sorry if I made this an uncomfortable situation, as Jason said. Please forgive me. I guess I’m just a little jet-lagged and tired. I hope you can still find a way to enjoy what’s left of your evening.” And with that she rose from the table, clutching her Hermès bag as Jason led her to the front of the restaurant.

  Erica and Ashley sat in silence for a moment before Erica finally spoke. “I’m almost at a loss for words. I’ve never experienced any foolishness quite like this. But I have to give it to you, you were the epitome of calm and cool. I’m proud of you.”

  Ashley didn’t say a word. She simply nodded.

  “I know you’re pissed, but Jason handled it. Girl, your man stepped up to the plate and took care of that arrogant heifer.”

  Again, Ashley nodded silently.

  “Say something, Ash.”

  Ashley sat back in her chair and stared straight ahead. “This is the shit my mother was talking about. It’s exactly what she told me I’ll have to put up with for as long as Jason and I are together.”

  “What do mean?”

  “That woman,” Ashley said. “She looked at me and all she saw was a plus-size, copper-colored black woman, who, in her mind, has no business being with a man like Jason. A man who she obviously thinks should be with her.”

  “Well, she’s not and you are, so that’s that.”

  “She’s not alone in her opinion.”

  “That’s some bullshit,” Erica hissed.

  “No, my friend, that’s some real shit I’m talkin’, and you know it.”

  “Who cares what that woman thinks? I know Jason doesn’t, ’cause he just walked her out of here and he’s putting her in a cab as we speak. And guess what? Once she’s on her way back to her hotel, he’s coming back in here to be with you.”

  “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. It’s just the first time someone’s been bold enough to clown me to my face.” Ashley took a deep breath and sighed heavily. “It doesn’t matter that I graduated number one in my law school class, or that I just received the D.C. Young Woman of the Year Award, or that I have a great sense of humor, or that I’m loyal to my friends, or that I’m a good person. All they see is my size and my skin tone, and then they wonder why Jason is with the plump niggress.”

  If the she devil had been stunned earlier, Erica was bewildered now. From the first day she met Ashley, she’d admired her friend’s gutsy confidence. She was what people called big and beautiful, brainy and brazen, sexy and saucy, and she wore every inch of who she was with pride. Her deep copper-colored skin was luminous, and her full lips added softness to her face. She’d been known to literally make brothahs pause in mid-sentence when she walked by, strutting her forty-six-inch hips like a kite gliding in the wind.

  George and Mamie had taught Ashley to be confident and self-aware. But looking at the beautiful, buxom bombshell, Erica could see that her friend’s resolve had been tested tonight, and she was on the brink of defeat.

  “Ash, c’mon. I know you’re not letting what people think affect you. Especially not that ill-mannered Jezebel.”

  Ashley shook her head and chuckled. “Jezebel? Girl, please, that woman is a bitch. One hundred percent through and through.”

  “Yes, she is, and that’s exactly why you don’t need to let anything she said upset you.”

  Ashley sat quietly, with a faraway expression, re
treating into silence again.

  “Ashley Jackson, I can’t believe you’re letting this get to you.”

  “You’re not on the receiving end of the kinds of looks I’ve gotten over the past year, since I’ve been dating Jason. You don’t see the expression in people’s eyes that spells out the snide comments they don’t have the guts to say.”

  “I’ve seen the reactions when I’ve been out with you two, but you’re right. I haven’t personally experienced the things you have. But I also haven’t experienced what it feels like to have a good man like Jason who loves me unconditionally, and who could care less about any of that nonsense.”

  Erica looked over to where Claude and his date were sitting, and she could see that his attention was aimed in her direction. She shook her head. “When Claude and I were together, we looked great on the outside, a perfect match from head to toe. But we were paper thin where it counted. So trust me, my friend. I may not have had your experience, but what you’ve got is so much more than you realize.”

  “But, Erica . . .”

  “I wake up in an empty bed every single morning, and I end my day the very same way every night. I’d trade foolish looks for real love any day of the week.”

  Ashley nodded. “It’s just hard sometimes. I mean, this isn’t the freakin’ eighteen hundreds. When is the madness going to end?”

  Erica reached over and put her hand atop Ashley’s. “I know what you’re saying, and I’m not going to sit here and try to minimize your hurt, because what you’re feeling is real. I just want you to see what you have, and believe me, what you have in your hand far outweighs anything in the distance.”

  Ashley smiled. “You’re right. This is the second time tonight that you’ve thrown me a lifeline,” Ashley said.

  Just then, Jason returned to the table. “That’s what I like to see! My beautiful wife-to-be with a smile on her face.” He took Ashley’s hand in his. “I’m so sorry about my client’s behavior.” He looked over at Erica and then back at Ashley. “Her attitude and comments were completely unacceptable, and I told her so when we were waiting for her cab.”

  “What did she say?” Ashley asked.

  Jason paused for what seemed like a long moment before responding. “Nothing, really. She just kept apologizing. But enough about her. Do you ladies want to order dessert?”

  Ashley shook her head. “None for me.”

  Although Erica wanted to order the caramel layer cake so badly she could practically taste the brown-sugar treat on her tongue, she refrained. After the night they’d had, she knew that Ashley and Jason needed to leave so they could talk in private. Plus, she could see that Jason’s expression had changed from one of comfort to one of anxiety after Ashley asked him about the she devil’s response.

  A few moments later they stood outside the restaurant’s front entrance as Erica gave Ashley and Jason a hug good night. She turned down their offer to drop her off at home and instead slipped into the back of the cab that Jason had hailed for her.

  As the cab pulled away from the curb, Erica looked out the window at Ashley and Jason. They were walking away in the distance, holding hands. Ashley’s head was leaned tenderly against the side of Jason’s shoulder as they headed to the parking garage. Erica smiled, knowing that no matter what anyone said, the two lovers were a perfect match for each other.

  “I hope Ashley realizes what she’s got,” Erica whispered to herself as she relaxed her legs across the backseat, preparing to go home, alone.

  Chapter 7

  Jerome removed his dark sunglasses from his face and stretched his lean, muscular body as he surveyed the bright sky above. The sun was beaming, and the clouds looked like giant puffs of cotton that he could reach out and touch. Working outside was always iffy, so he was grateful that Mother Nature had agreed to go along with the forecast that the local weatherperson had issued.

  “Can’t ask for a better day than this,” Jerome said aloud. A small trickle of sweat traveled down the side of his chiseled face as he wiped his brow and inhaled a cleansing breath of fresh air. He smiled slightly, thinking about her, the woman in red, who’d been on his mind since yesterday. He couldn’t shake the vision of her or the sweet smell of her skin when he passed her in the hallway at the courthouse. Even though the work he was now doing required his total concentration, he was stuck because every little thing reminded him of her beauty and elegance.

  As he stood atop the roof of the house on which he’d been working since shortly after the sun rose, Jerome turned his attention to the large plot of land below. This is the kind of crib I’m gonna have one day, he thought, gulping the last drop of water from his bottle. I bet she lives in a place just like this.

  Jerome looked out over the home’s expansive backyard, with its custom-built deck, gourmet outdoor kitchen, and beautifully landscaped stone and marble walkway. The mosaic tile pool had been drained and covered in preparation for the fall days just ahead. As he scanned the rest of the street, admiring the mammoth-size houses sitting on majestic green lots, he wondered about the lives of the people residing inside them. What did they do for a living? What kinds of vacations did they take? What kinds of vehicles rested behind the doors of their four-car garages, and how had they come into their wealth?

  Jerome almost laughed at his inquisitive thoughts, because there was a time when he didn’t give a damn about what other people had or did. But now his life and its trajectory were both on a very different path. He was a man on a mission.

  “I better stop daydreaming and finish laying these shingles,” he said aloud. “I need to knock this out so I can get on up outta here.”

  Normally, as with most every weekend, Jerome wouldn’t have minded working first thing on a Saturday morning or even late into the evening, but today was different. Today was his son, Jamel’s, thirteenth birthday, ushering his only child into young manhood.

  Jerome had originally planned to spend the entire day hanging out with Jamel. Fresh haircuts at the barbershop, followed by breakfast at IHOP, and then a quick game of pick-up basketball before ending the day at the party that Kelisha—his ex-girlfriend and Jamel’s mother—was throwing for him at a neighborhood community center later that afternoon. That was how Jerome had planned to spend his Saturday. But instead he was working on a last-minute home repair project.

  He’d heard the slight disappointment in Jamel’s voice when he called to tell his son that he had to work and would be able to spend time with him only at his birthday party. “We’ll hang together all day Sunday, okay?” Jerome had told him, offering the small consolation.

  He knew that Jamel understood, because that was the kind of easygoing kid he was, but he hated letting his son down and not keeping his word. “A man’s word is his bond,” he’d always told Jamel.

  Jerome wanted to instill a sense of responsibility and honor in his son, and he wanted to do it by setting the example. But when the opportunity for extra work came along, he felt he had to take it, especially since this particular job was so important to Jamel’s future. The small last-minute home repair project Jerome was working on this morning was going to pay off in big ways.

  A client for whom he’d done a spectacular kitchen remodeling job had referred him to the current client on whose roof he now stood, and this new client just happened to be a commercial real estate developer with considerable wealth and influence, and a big name in the building trade. Jerome knew that this powerful man could lead him to more business, and in particular, to large-scale projects that would put him on the road to achieving his goal of owning his own business.

  He wanted to quit the city government job he’d held in the Department of Public Works for the past ten years so he could start his own contracting company. Picking up and hauling trash paid the bills and afforded him a modest living, but more important, it provided him with good benefits and reliable health care for his son. Jerome felt as though he was dying a slow death every morning he had to report in to work at the crack of dawn,
handling the discarded remnants of other people’s lives until his shift ended in the early afternoon. But when he picked up his tool belt, hammered a nail, laid a brick, or repaired something that was broken, he felt complete satisfaction.

  Jerome loved working with his hands, and in many ways his talent made him feel like an artist, building and creating just about anything he envisioned. It was a gift he’d been blessed with since he was a little boy, putting together model airplanes and boxcars, and repairing things around the broken-down apartment he shared with his mother and older sister. But it was a talent that he’d ignored in favor of the streets, and now he hated that he’d wasted so much time on the wrong things.

  And again, that was why this job was so important. He knew he was fortunate to have gotten this referral, and he planned to make the most of it. When he was just a young teenager, he’d learned how important it was to know the right people. But what he’d only recently discovered was that it was what those right people knew about you that really mattered. And for his part, Jerome made sure his work reputation was nothing less than stellar.

  But it hadn’t always been that way. His name had once been associated with wrongdoing, illegal activity, and street violence. It had been hard for him to remove that stain, and in some circles it still remained. But he’d vanquished that old life years ago, and the people and places that occupied his world today were very different. That was how he’d ended up where he was at the moment, laying twelve-by-thirty-six-inch shingles atop a roof, which was going to lead him to more business than he could handle.

  One referral leads to another, was his steadfast motto, and it was how he’d managed to grow his home repair business over the past two years.

  Jerome wanted his son to have more opportunities than he’d had growing up, and he was determined to provide Jamel with the financial and emotional resources he’d never received from his own father growing up. So if it meant sacrificing a few hours of his time today, he would gladly do it.