Sunday Brunch

by Norma L. Jarrett

  She was in a mini movie theatre. To their left were several rows of chairs. A linen-covered table was set with wineglasses and a fresh floral centerpiece. A spotlight was over the table. She looked up at the screen and The Lion King was playing. Her heart jumped. She just looked at Anthony and smiled.

  “I also have 101 Dalmatians, The Little Mermaid, and any other Disney movie you want. I rented a stack of them.” Before she could say anything, a man eased into the room and approached the table.

  “Mr. Stanton, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat at this time?” a short man dressed in chefs attire said. “Capri?”

  “Yes, let's eat. What's on the menu?” “Shrimp scampi, Cajun fish, and etoufée.”

  “That sounds so delicious.”

  “Would you like a salad?” the chef asked Capri.

  “Yes, please.”

  “I'll be back with the bread and salad.”

  Capri was overwhelmed with excitement, but continued to try hard not to show it.

  “This was really nice of you, Anthony. I know it sounds strange, but since I was small I've always loved Disney movies. Sounds corny doesn't it?”

  “No, it shows me that you're a human being. You have a sensitive side.”

  Capri allowed herself to smile softly. Although the room was dimly lit, she couldn't help but notice the sincerity of Anthony's face. He always gave her his full attention when she spoke. She liked that. She also liked that he didn't appear intimidated by her. He seemed totally at ease with her and himself.

  “So, do you miss New York?” Anthony asked.

  “Well, I miss my family, but not the city. Everything is so congested. The cost of living is way too high. You can't beat their hot dogs and pizza, though. We used to call them dirty dogs.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  “What do you know about New York?”

  “I'm from Mount Vernon. Didn't your girl tell you?”

  “Who?”

  “Lexi. I cornered her the night y'all came to my club, and she told me a little about you.”

  “I didn't know you were from New York. You came down here to play for the Meteors?”

  “You got it. How'd you end up here?”

  “Law school. I have a grandmother and sister still in New York.”

  “What's your sister's name?”

  “Trina. She goes to New York University.”

  “Where are your parents, if you don't mind me asking?”

  “They're not living. They both died when I was seven.”

  “I'm sorry. Let's not talk about it.”

  “Well, I can deal with it now. I'm just thankful for my grandmother. She raised Trina and me. She made sure I made it to undergrad, so I help her and Trina out as much as I can.”

  “Do they ever come to Houston?”

  “They came out here for my law school graduation, but haven't been here since then. So, you're a client of the firm?”

  “Yeah, they handle the majority of my endorsement deals and other related matters.”

  “You know, if we were to become more than friends, there may be some conflict of interests for the firm.”

  “I don't know anything about all that conflict of interest stuff. Regardless, you have to have a life.”

  “Yeah, but the firm may not look at it that way.”

  “The firm? You're starting to sound like you are programmed. ‘The firm’ this, ‘the firm’ that …”

  “Excuse me, but I do take my job seriously. For as long as I have to be there, I don't really want to cause any problems. It can be a lot of pressure, but one day I'll be able to start my own firm.”

  “So you do want to go into private practice.”

  “Yes, that's what I wanted to do from the start.”

  “Why didn't you?”

  “Like I said, I have some obligations I need to take care of, so until then, I'll continue to work at the firm.”

  “We need strong minority law firms in Houston.”

  “Well, I know I could do it, it's just bad timing. Do you mind if we don't talk about this anymore?” she said, grabbing a roll from the basket of bread the cook had sneaked in.

  “You know, it takes a certain type of man to appreciate a woman like you.”

  “I'm glad you recognize that,” she said with a semi-serious face. “So, how does it feel to be such a public figure, to have women following you everywhere and throwing themselves at you?”

  “Honestly, I love playing basketball, but I hate the lack of privacy. I'm very much a homebody. I'll admit, it is tempting to get caught up in all the hype people make about you. So if you don't have some type of foundation to ground you, you can start to believe that it really is all about you.”

  “So what's your foundation?”

  “God, family, and friends.”

  “Hmmm. Good answer,” she said.

  They ate and chatted, becoming more familiar with each other. As they became more relaxed, their New York accents became more overt.

  “Capri, can I ask you a question?”

  “What am I supposed to say. No?”

  “Do you find it hard to give a brother a chance to treat you like a woman?”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Well, it seems like you're so used to handling things by yourself. Don't get me wrong. You're the ultimate woman, but you seem like you don't have time for a man in your life.”

  “Tony, that's not really it. I just don't have time for games. I'm a little burned out on promises and happily ever after.”

  “Have you ever been in love?”

  “Umm … uh, yeah, once.”

  “What happened? Did he hurt you?”

  “No, he didn't. He's the only man to this day I could have ever seen myself with.”

  “So, why didn't ya'll get married. Did he move away? Were you too young?”

  “No, none of those things,” she said, finding her eyes getting slightly watery. At that moment, she felt transparent, like he could see the story written all over her face. Anthony reminded her so much of Ty. At that moment, it was too painful to look at him.

  “I'd rather not talk about it. Maybe I'll tell you another day,” she said, focusing on animals singing on the screen.

  “Another day? Does that mean you have plans to see me in the future?”

  “We'll see. Just for the record, I am capable of being treated like a woman. I let you open the door for me a couple of times, didn't I?”

  “I ain't talkin' about that. That's a given. I mean really being treated like a woman,” he said, staring directly into her hazel eyes. “Are you afraid of that?”

  “Please.”

  “I'm talkin' about me taking care of you.”

  “I'm doing a pretty good job of that.”

  “Yeah, you are, but I'm talkin' about going beyond just your everyday needs. I'm talkin' about giving you what you can't give yourself. Like, I want you to have someone to really listen to you. Someone who won't cut you off when you're talkin'. Someone who doesn't mind rubbing the small of your back until the fatigue is gone. Someone to remember the things that make you special, your favorite perfume, your favorite music, your birthday, what makes you smile. Someone you can be comfortable with in a room full of people or cuddled up on a couch, not saying a word. I'm talkin' about intimacy and …”

  “Mr. Stanton, what is it about me that you find so appealing, considering you don't know me?” she asked, cutting him off.

  “Capri, I don't make decisions quickly. I do like you, but I'm also careful about who I let into my life. I've been watching you. I like the way you carry yourself. You have a sense of confidence and self-assurance that makes you mad sexy. You move like a cat. You're intelligent and have the most beautiful legs I've ever seen. I've watched you and you look like you can handle just about anything, but there's a side to you that you don't let folks see. I'd like to see that side.”

  “And what side is that?”

  “The part of you that's al
ive, unpredictable, uncensored! When I look at you, I see a person always on schedule. Always with a plan. Everything has to fit into your regimen.”

  “You're somewhat right.”

  “That's a good thing, when it comes to business, but what about your social life? Life's too short not to enjoy it.”

  “I enjoy life. I have a great job, wonderful friends, and God in my life.”

  “All that's great, but when's the last time you did something that had nothing to do with work?”

  “Well, the party where we met.”

  “Long time ago. What else?”

  “Well, I'm a homebody. I'm not a party person. Besides, life is serious business. That's what's wrong with our people. They don't take life seriously enough.”

  “Capri, I'm just sayin' life should be a balance. I know life is a serious matter, but I feel much, much better when I can laugh or enjoy sharing the things that I dig with someone else.”

  Capri was silent for a moment.

  “Hmmm, I guess I see your point. Is that what you wanted to hear?” she said.

  Tony chuckled. “Did you enjoy your food?” he asked.

  “It was delicious. I'm glad I decided to grace you with my presence.”

  “Funny.”

  “No really, this was really thoughtful, and, to be honest, I am enjoying your company.”

  Capri looked across the table and had to mentally pinch herself. She knew she could really like this man and wanted to savor every minute of this euphoria. Then she remembered again that he was a client at her firm. She gave herself a mental smack upside the head for carelessly overlooking the “small” detail that could eventually become very big.

  “So how do you like having Pearson Carrington handle most of your work?”

  “Well, I really wanted a Black attorney and I wanted one of the best. Pearson is extremely sharp. So far, we have a great working relationship. If I'd known you before I retained Pearson, though, I would have requested you.”

  “Yeah, we definitely would've had problems then.”

  “We would've, huh?”

  Tony stood up and Capri couldn't help but scan his body. Her hormones went haywire. It had been years since she'd been this close to a man in a room with candlelight. He walked around to her chair, lightly placed his hands on her shoulders, and bent down.

  “Let me get your chair for you,” he said softly, close enough for her to feel his breath on her neck. “We can have dessert in our theatre seats.”

  “None for me. I am so full.”

  “Alright, but you'll miss out on some slammin' cheesecake.”

  “I love cheesecake,” she said with regret. “This is amazing. How often do you come in here?” Capri said as she saw the proud lion, Simba, saunter across the screen.

  “Every now and then. I like to watch movies. It relaxes me.”

  They watched the rest of The Lion King in silence. Capri felt a certain comfort sitting next to Anthony. She tried hard not to allow her skin to touch his, but then he softly placed his hand on top of hers. She turned her palm upward, signaling to him it was permissible to hold her hand. Tony was right; it was OK for her to loosen up.

  After watching The Little Mermaid and Bambi, Capri started dozing off. It was almost one o'clock in the morning. She came to and noticed she had placed her head on Anthony's shoulder. She quickly sat up, at attention, as if someone had scared her.

  “You OK, babe?” he said.

  Babe? “Yeah, I'm alright. I guess it's time for me to go.”

  “Well, uh, I don't wanna offend you or nothing, but do you think it's safe for you to be driving this late?”

  “Yeah, I'll be fine. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”

  “Sunday? Do you ever stop?”

  “I'm just trying to stay ahead.”

  “That work will be there. Why don't you just stay? I know this may sound crazy and this is your first night here, but I have an extra bedroom. I won't be at peace if you left this late at night. I would have to follow you home.”

  “Well, why don't you do that?” she said, genuinely not realizing how much he wanted her to stay.

  He looked back at her with a face that said “Me and my bright ideas.” He pictured his size fifteen foot in his mouth. “Alright, if you think that would be best. Let me get my keys.”

  As Capri stood there, satisfied with the sensible decision she'd made, there was a sudden jolt in her body. She wished it wasn't her first date. She actually wanted to stay, but knew it would be stupid to be so comfortable so soon.

  But she was always so planned, so predictable. She thought of the most unpredictable person she could think of at that moment.

  What would Jewel do? What am I doing? Why on earth would I want to do anything Jewel would?

  “OK, I have my keys,” Anthony said in an accommodating tone.

  As Capri got to the door and was about to grab the knob, she hesitated. She pulled her hand away. She silently prayed, Lord, don't let this fool be a maniac.

  “Babe, are you ready?”

  “Well, I was thinking, since you have an extra bedroom, maybe I could …”

  “Stay the night,” he said calmly.

  “Yeah, I guess I'll stay the night; but I have a few rules.”

  “Look, Capri, I respect you. This has been a great evening. I don't want to ruin it just because I'd like to spend some more time with you. I'll give you some of my pajamas and whatever toiletries you need. We can stay up and talk or if you're tired, you can turn in now. I promise I won't try anything. When you get up in the morning, we can have a big breakfast so you'll be ready to do all that work you have to do. Can you deal with that?”

  “Yeah, that sounds good, except …”

  “Except what?”

  “You won't talk about me if I have morning breath?” she asked.

  “I keep a spare toothbrush. It's just a habit of mine. Whenever I'm purchasing toiletries, I usually buy several of them.”

  “Sure, sure. I mean, you never know how many ‘guests’ you'll be having in a given week, right?”

  Tony held his chest with a face that said, “You're killing me!”

  Capri smirked.

  “Well, alrighty then. I guess I'll be staying at the Stanton Inn tonight.”

  “I do have to give you one warning though.”

  “What's that?”

  “Once you stay, you might not want to leave. This could end up being one continuous date,” he said and winked his eye.

  Capri didn't say anything.

  he woke up and saw a bright beam of sunlight blasting across the bed. She felt like she was miles from the floor in the huge canopy bed.

  She was thankful she was still there in one piece. She still felt safe, like she had spent the night at an old friend's house-albeit one who was very well off.

  She heard a knock.

  “Come in.”

  “Hey, sleepy head,” Anthony said, as he stuck his head into the room. “Were you planning on joining me today?”

  “It can't be that late,” Capri said, sitting up.

  “It's nine-thirty. I've been up since seven.”

  “Doing what?”

  “I run in the mornings. I've already run five miles, showered, and I'm ready to eat. I've been waiting for Sleeping Beauty to wake up.”

  “Mmmm, something smells good.”

  “Yeah, breakfast.”

  “Oh, I have to hurry up and …”

  “Hurry up and do nothing … can you take a day off for a change? That's what the weekends are for,” he said.

  She looked over at her clothes hanging neatly on a hanger. “I need to get dressed.”

  “Not until you have breakfast.”

  Capri stopped and noticed how sexy Anthony looked in his tank top and matching shorts with rubber sports sandals. He looked so refreshed and at ease. His presence made her feel relaxed, too. He walked over to the bed and started gently pulling her arm.

  “Alright, alright. I'm gettin
g up.”

  He plopped alongside her and brushed her hair away from her face.

  “Capri, you know what?” he said in a soft voice.

  “What,” she said, realizing this was going to be one of those sentimental moments she wasn't ready for.

  “You might want to stop in the bathroom and get something for that dragon breath,” he said, and burst out laughing.

  “You just think you're funny, huh?” she said. “Ha, ha, ha … well, I'll take care of my breath if you rub some lotion on them ashy boat feet of yours.”

  He looked down at his feet and then gently tackled her. He wiped her hair out of her face and kissed her lightly on her lips. She kissed him back.

  “I guess your breath ain't that bad,” he said.

  “Yeah, your feet don't look too rough,” she said.

  “The bathroom has plenty of towels, soap, and whatever you need. Hurry and wash up, babe.”

  “I can't wait to see what you cooked for breakfast,” she said as she slid from the bed.

  “Cook? I don't know how to cook. I just fried the bacon. I was waiting on you to come help me with the rest.”

  “I should've known,” she said, rolling her eyes.

  “Hurry up, woman, so we can finish cooking breakfast.”

  “Uh-huh. Anthony, I can tell you're spoiled.”

  “Maybe a little. But if I'm spoiled, I don't mind reciprocating.”

  “I see. Well, since you were such a gracious host, I guess we can try to work this breakfast thing out, but you need to learn how to cook, boy, if you're gonna be swinging with me.”

  “I have other important business to take care of.”

  “And? So do I.”

  She turned around and proceeded to leave the room. He smacked her behind as she walked past him.

  “Look, don't get carried away,” she said, trying to sound serious.

  “You know you like it.”

  Capri turned away from him. She smiled. She did like it.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  got up, washed my face, and felt depression coming on. I turned the radio to the gospel station and they were playing one of my mother's favorite old songs, “No Charge.” I turned it off. To match my mood, I decided to wear a dark pants suit to church. I knew I should give the Lord my best, but right now, I thought I would do well just to get to church. After I showered and dressed, I decided to grab a bagel and some coffee, although I was already behind schedule. These brunches are getting to be costly.