All his explaining was falling on deaf ears. Erica didn’t want to hear excuses unless they could magically whisk them into the Ritz-Carlton’s ballroom that very minute. Luckily, the traffic fairies had sprinkled dust on the busy Saturday night streets and had cleared a path that got them to the hotel in under ten minutes. After Jerome handed the valet his keys, he and Erica walked into the lobby.
She smoothed down the front of her sleek, above-the-knee-length black sheath dress as they marched side by side toward the ballroom. She tried to calm herself with each step she took, but she was still upset. This was an important event, and she felt that Jerome had been inconsiderate, treating her brother’s campaign kickoff as if it were a neighborhood barbecue, casually showing up anytime he liked.
“You didn’t say two words the whole time we were in the car,” Jerome said. “You still mad at me?”
“Can we talk about this later?”
“All right. But can I say one thing?”
She glanced at him, never missing a step as they turned down the hallway. She could already hear music and applause coming from the room at the end of the hall, where they were supposed to have been an hour ago. “Sure. What is it?” she said, mild irritation coating her voice.
“Your fine ass is sexy as hell, even when you’re mad.”
Erica couldn’t help but shake her head and smile as Jerome looked at her with lust in his eyes. He took her hand in his, and they strutted into the room just as Nelson was walking up to the microphone to give his speech.
Erica had never been more proud of her brother. Nelson’s speech was eloquent, heartfelt, substantive, and honest, everything a politician’s promise to their constituents should be, and the rousing applause that erupted throughout the room was evidence that everyone in attendance agreed.
Smooth jazz hummed in the background as Nelson made his way through the crowd of well-heeled professionals. Erica watched her brother in his element: shaking hands, giving hugs, and posing in front of dozens of cameras that flashed like shooting stars. Tonight’s event seemed more like a victory celebration than a campaign kickoff. Nelson was a natural.
“Your brother did a great job. He’s very impressive,” Jerome complimented.
Erica didn’t want to spend the remainder of the evening being mad, especially since they’d successfully recovered from their argument earlier that morning. Besides, they planned to go back to her place and spend the rest of the evening making love, and a sour attitude would make that hard to do. So she shed her disappointment, letting it fall away as her lips formed a smile.
“Yes, I’m very proud of him. He’s going to make a great councilman.”
“Baby, I apologize again. I didn’t mean to make us late.”
Erica lowered her voice and gave him a sly smile and a wink. “It’s okay. You’ll just have to make it up to me.”
Jerome looked into her eyes and grinned. “What do you have in mind?”
Just as Erica was about to whisper a naughty request into his ear, her parents came walking up.
Maureen and Joseph Stanford were all smiles as they approached, cocktails in hand. They were a handsome, silver-haired couple who carried an old-money look that was steeped in style and sophistication. One glance at Joseph’s custom-tailored suit and Maureen’s couture dress was all it took to know they were people of a certain class.
Erica greeted her parents, embracing and gently touching cheeks with her mother, so as not to smudge the make-up of either of them, then shared a hug with her father. But right away she sensed that something was amiss. Although they were smiling, she felt an uncomfortable strain between them.
It was no secret to Erica that her parents had experienced their share of marital woes, largely due to her father’s promiscuous behavior during his younger years. But age and wisdom had slowed him down. These days he was tame as a house pet and he and Maureen hardly ever argued. And on the rare occasions when they were at odds, they still put on a good face in public. But not tonight. It was as if they were standing miles apart rather than the few inches that separated them.
“Is everything all right with you two?” Erica asked.
Her mother lifted her manicured hand, sweeping an uncooperative strand of her chin-length bob away from her dainty brown eyes. “Yes, um, your father and I were worried you wouldn’t make it.”
Erica looked at her parents closely. Although her mother was the epitome of grace and beauty, her always perfectly coiffed hair was slightly mussed and her eyes looked tired, like she could use another eight hours in bed. And she noticed that her normally attentive father appeared to be concentrating on something far away. Erica remembered that he’d sounded preoccupied yesterday, when she’d shared the good news with him about her product design. She knew he was a focus-driven man, and his current behavior was a clear indication that something was wrong.
But Erica had to push her worries to the side because no matter her parents’ problem, Maureen and Joseph were now eyeing the man standing close by her side, waiting for an introduction.
“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet my friend, Jerome Kimbrough,” Erica said.
Pleasantries were exchanged, along with cordial smiles. Erica could see that her mother approved of
Jerome’s Ebony centerfold good looks. Even though he had dressed in a rush and had shown up late, his striking sex appeal was right on time. He looked scrumptious, with white teeth sparkling, bald head gleaming, and taut muscles bulging beneath his wool-blend blazer; Erica wanted to take a bite out of him.
She was surprised when she saw her mother actually blush as Jerome greeted her, and was glad to see her father smile at him with cursory approval.
So far so good! Erica breathed with relief. Until now, it hadn’t occurred to her how much she wanted her parents to approve of Jerome, especially after what he’d told her this morning. She’d never had that worry in the past, because all her other boyfriends had come draped in Brooks Brothers, and boasted blue-chip résumés. Fortunately, she saw more good signs of Joseph’s and Maureen’s approval—the smile her father gave when Jerome offered him a firm handshake, and the respect on both men’s faces when they looked each other in the eyes as they spoke. But when Erica saw her father glance down at Jerome’s bare wrist and exhibit a glint of disapproval, she felt a small disappointment of her own.
After more pleasantries were exchanged, her parents’ interrogation began. Erica was grateful for the backdrop of a crowded room filled with music, because it served to soften the blow of the tense moment as Maureen and Joseph asked Jerome question after question.
“Did you say city sanitation?” Erica’s mother asked. A long vein strained at the base of her slender neck as her eyes widened at Jerome’s words.
“GED? As in a high school equivalency?” her father said, squinting his eyes.
Erica practically gulped down her glass of merlot to keep her nerves in check. Although Jerome had told them he was working to start his own business, the only details her parents seemed to hold on to were that he was a trashman who’d dropped out of high school. Their barrage of background questions—which were mainly directed at finding out what he did, instead of discovering who he was—made Erica feel defensive and protective, and she wondered what Jerome must be thinking at the moment.
He was right. Her parents were going to have private words for her about her budding new relationship, and the thought made her mood sink low. She was glad when Nelson’s diminutive, no-nonsense campaign manager came charging up, rushing her parents to the front of the room for a photo op with her brother.
“Your folks are real nice,” Jerome said once they were standing alone.
“I’m sorry they were so intrusive with all their questions. I appreciate you tolerating their behavior.”
Jerome smiled. “It’s all right. They’re your parents, and they want the best for you. I’d be the same way if I had a daughter and I met the man she was dating.”
Erica knew that Jerome was well
aware of her parents’ particular bias, and she was thankful that he was kind enough to step over their prodding and obvious disapproval of his lack of pedigree. Luckily, as the evening wore on, her other family members and friends renewed her spirits by greeting him with lively, accepting well wishes.
“Well, will you look at what the cat dragged in!” Ashley shouted as she sauntered up to Erica, giving her a perfect air kiss. “I’m glad you finally made it. Wasn’t Nelson fabulous!”
“Yes, he was.” Erica smiled, glad to see her best friend.
“Your parents are over-the-top proud, too. I was going to come up earlier, but I saw that they had you in the box,” she said with a smile, glancing over at Jerome. “That’s legalese to say they were interrogating the hell outta you two.” And in true Ashley Jackson, straight-no-chaser style, she turned to Jerome and began. “I’m Ashley, and you must be Jerome, the man who’s making my friend a very happy woman these days.” Ashley grinned mischievously as she gave him a visual inspection.
Erica wanted to laugh when Ashley shot her a “Damn, he’s fine!” look. It was a sentiment that had been echoed in the hungry eyes of quite a few women in the room who’d been staring at Jerome. Erica knew she was going to have to stay close tonight, because the piranhas were dressed in Prada.
“Nice to meet you, Ashley,” Jerome said in a polite voice. “I’m the happy one, thanks to Erica.”
Erica, Jerome, and Ashley stood at a skirted bistro table, sipping wine and making small talk. Erica could tell this wasn’t Jerome’s thing, because he looked bored and ready to go, but she was glad that he was trying for her sake, and it made her want him even more.
“Ash, I forgot to ask you. Where are your parents? I haven’t seen them since we got here.”
Ashley took a small sip of wine and pursed her lips. “They both came down with a sudden case of the flu.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that,” Erica replied with concern. “I hope they feel better soon.”
“Girl, they feel just fine. That was an excuse they made up because they knew Jason and his parents were supposed to be here, and they didn’t want to deal with them.”
“Wow!”
Ashley looked at Jerome. “Just in case Erica hasn’t filled you in, my fiancé, Jason, is white, and my parents can’t stand him.”
Jerome nodded, giving Ashley a look of sympathetic understanding. Erica was glad he didn’t let on that he already knew, because she’d told him that tidbit of information during one of their late-night phone calls.
“Jason won’t be here, but his parents came,” Ashley said. “And, speak of the devil, here they come right now.”
Erica and Jerome turned to greet Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield, and that was when the real fireworks began.
Chapter 29
Very few things took Jerome by surprise, but when he looked into the eyes of the desperate housewife who’d tried to proposition him last weekend, he was caught completely off guard.
“So glad you could make it,” Ashley greeted as her future in-laws walked up.
Jerome could see the uneasy strain on Ashley’s face as he watched her force a light smile with considerable discomfort while she gave a half hug to the woman whom he now knew was Jason’s mother, and a genuine embrace to Jason’s father.
“Jerome, what a surprise to see you here,” Mr. Butterfield said, extending his hand for a firm shake. “It’s a small world.”
Jerome could see the shock and questions on both Erica’s and Ashley’s faces, but the desperate housewife’s expression was the most telling of all. It was obvious that she was fighting a losing battle to remain calm. Instead, she looked like she’d just seen a ghost. Her boldness from last weekend had been replaced with the worry and fear of being exposed.
“You’ve already met?” Ashley asked.
“Yes,” Jerome answered with a smile as he looked from Mr. Butterfield to the man’s nervous wife. “I did some work for these fine people.”
“And excellent work, indeed,” Mr. Butterfield pronounced. “As a matter of fact, my wife told me just the other day that she’d like you to do some more work for us. Didn’t you, honey?” he said, looking toward Mrs. Butterfield.
Jerome watched as the woman nodded slightly, looking as though she was in pain. “Ashley, where are your parents?” Mrs. Butterfield interjected, obviously wanting to change the subject. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing them.”
“You have?” Ashley answered, jerking her neck to the side.
Her response was so matter of fact that Jerome wanted to laugh. He liked Ashley.
“Why, yes, of course,” Mrs. Butterfield replied. “We’re going to be family, after all.”
Everyone, including Mr. Butterfield, looked at the stylishly dressed socialite as if she’d lost her mind.
“They’re at home with the flu, but I’ll relay your message.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Mr. Butterfield said. “Yes, please give them our best.”
They all stood in awkward silence for a moment, until Mr. Butterfield revived the conversation. “So, Jerome, how do you know Ashley?”
“Through Erica.” He smiled and placed his arm around Erica’s waist to show they were a couple.
Mr. Butterfield nodded. “You have an exceptional eye for quality and beauty in both your craft and in women,” he complimented. “Erica is a fine young woman.”
“Thank you, Mr. Butterfield.” Erica nodded graciously. “Such kind words.”
“True and well deserved.”
Jerome was going to chime in when he noticed that the desperate housewife looked as though she’d just inhaled a bad odor. She glared at Erica, surveying her up and down with disdain, as if she was jealous.
“It was lovely seeing you all, but I’m afraid we must be going,” Mrs. Butterfield announced, not looking at anyone except her husband.
It was obvious she no longer cared to stand around and endure discomfort. After the couple said their good-byes and then scurried away, the chatter began.
“What the hell was that all about? And give it to me straight,” Ashley said, looking at Jerome.
Jerome knew he had to tread lightly with how much information he divulged. On one hand, he wanted nothing more than to call out the desperate housewife for the conniving cougar she was, especially after the nasty look she’d given Erica. On the other, he didn’t want to cause waves with Mr. Butterfield, who could lead him to more business. Accusing a man’s wife of propositioning you was a serious charge in any situation, so he proceeded with caution.
“Like I said, I did a repair job for them. They paid me, and that’s that.”
Ashley shook her head. “Uh-uh. There’s more to it than that. Mrs. Butterfield looked like she saw someone rise up from the dead when she looked at you. It was clear she was uncomfortable. She even asked about my parents, who she doesn’t give a damn about. And then the funky look she gave Erica. Somethin’ ain’t right.”
Jerome knew the desperate housewife’s nervous behavior had been obvious, and especially to a lawyer like Ashley. He could also see that Erica was looking at him for answers, too.
“I’m with Ashley,” Erica chimed in. “What’s the backstory that we’re missing?”
Just then, Nelson appeared, giving Erica a big bear hug. “Thanks for coming out, little sis. I’m glad you made it.”
Erica admired her handsome brother, all decked out in Armani, looking like two million bucks. She quickly forgot about the strange incident between Jerome and the Butterfields, because she knew by the look on Nelson’s face that her parents had already spoken to him about Jerome. She could see his charismatic and observant eyes zero in on her man.
“Good to meet you. I’m Nelson,” he said, giving Jerome a strong handshake. “Thanks for coming out.”
Erica was thrilled when she saw that Nelson and Jerome clicked right away. Even though Nelson was periodically interrupted by people vying for his time, he managed to engage Jerome in a lively conversation about spo
rts, which eventually led to topics like the economy and black male mentoring. She also noticed something strangely peculiar happening in front of her. Not only was Nelson giving Jerome his attention, but he was taking in the sight of Ashley, as well.
Erica watched as her brother’s eyes roamed over, around, and up and down her childhood friend. She knew Nelson well, and she could see that he was inspecting Ashley like a man who was interested in getting more than just her vote. Erica had to admit that her friend looked hot in her body-hugging orange wrap dress and sexy suede stilettos. She knew her brother’s taste, and Ashley was right up his alley. He’d always joked that he was an Ivy League–educated, “baby got back” type of brothah.
Erica was even more surprised when she saw Ashley smile, put her hand on Nelson’s shoulder, and return each one of his suggestive looks. What the hell?
Ashley had always been like a second sister to Nelson. They had grown up together, had been in Jack and Jill together, and had teased each other like any siblings would, so Erica didn’t understand what had brought about their more-than-friendly behavior. And given the fact that Ashley was getting married in a few months, and Nelson was running for a highly publicized political office and didn’t need the scandal of breaking up an engagement, it was especially baffling that the two were flirting and smiling at each other with innuendo.
Given her parents’ uncharacteristically strange behavior, and now her best friend and her brother acting as if they needed to get a room upstairs, Erica wondered what bizarre occurrence was going to happen next.
Unfortunately, her question was quickly answered when she felt a light tap on her shoulder, turned around, and stared dead into Claude’s eyes.
Chapter 30
It was one of the very few times that Erica had been so caught off guard, she couldn’t find words to speak. All evening she’d been introducing Jerome to everyone who came up to greet them, but standing there, looking at her ex-fiancé, who’d been at the center of her and Jerome’s first argument, Erica couldn’t find her voice to say a single syllable.
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