Sunday Brunch

by Norma L. Jarrett

Jewel followed her orders.

  “Ms. Whitaker, did we not recently have a talk about your tardiness?”

  “Yes, but …”

  “Ms. Whitaker, I am speaking. It seems as though you're not taking me seriously.”

  “I am … but …”

  “No, you're not. I told you that you were on probation. I also told you that if you were late one more time, your employment here would be terminated.”

  “Yes, but …”

  “Well, the time has come for you to learn one of life's lessons, responsibility. Your grace has run out, Ms. Whitaker.”

  “What?” Jewel said in disbelief. “What are you saying?”

  “Ms. Whitaker, I am going to have to let you go.”

  “No, not now. Please give me another chance,” Jewel said, about to cry.

  “Ms. Whitaker, I have given you several chances, but you seem to take us for granted. You have a job to do, and you're never here on time. I'm sorry to have to do this, but the situation has gotten out of hand. I'll discuss your severance package with human resources.”

  “I just don't believe this. I was only five minutes late and you're going to do this?”

  “Jewel, it's nothing personal, but you're going to have to take responsibility for yourself.”

  “I got your responsibility, Melvina.”

  “Ms. Whitaker, I am losing my patience. Please clean out your desk and go.”

  “Gladly,” Jewel said as she got up and slammed the door on her way out.

  She tried to keep the tears from rolling down as she approached her desk. She tried her best to ignore the curious stares of her coworkers as she quickly gathered her personal belongings. This couldn't really be happening.

  Reality hit hard as she walked to her car. She started to panic. She wanted to run home and get underneath the covers.

  What am I going to do about my bills? She sat in her car and didn't move. Who can I call?

  She couldn't manage to lift the cell phone to her ear. She imagined the embarrassment she'd feel over having to admit what happened to any of her friends. Then she thought of Kevin.

  He'll probably criticize me, too. She took out her palm pilot and looked up his number, happy that she had taken it down from her caller ID. She didn't know why she was calling, figuring he was probably at work anyway.

  “Hi, you have reached the right number, but unfortunately, at the wrong time, so …”

  I knew he wouldn't be there. Just as she was about to hang up, he picked up the phone.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, umm, may I speak to Kevin?”

  “This is Kevin.”

  “Hey, Kevin. This is Jewel.”

  “Oh, Ms. Jewel. To what do I owe this distinct pleasure?”

  “Well, I just happened to think about you and decided to give you a call.”

  “What's up? Your voice sounds a little funny.”

  “Yeah, I'm fine. What are you doing right now?” she asked.

  “It's my day off. Right now I'm not doing anything, but this afternoon I'm going by my daughter's school.”

  “Oh, well, umm, I know this is short notice, but do you mind meeting me for a cup of coffee?”

  “Uh, I was planning to run some errands this morning, but I can spare an hour.”

  “Oh good. Do you know where the Java Stop is?”

  “Yup. That's not too far from my daughter's school. Do you want to meet there in about thirty minutes?”

  “Yes, that would be great.”

  “Are you sure you're OK?”

  “Yes, I'm sure,” Jewel said, taking a slight breath.

  As soon as she arrived at the Java Stop, she found a window seat. She gazed out the window and watched the people go by. She started wondering why she was put on earth. The more she thought about her job, the more she didn't care about getting fired. She actually felt liberated, yet she was still confused.

  She watched the waitress. She seemed so enthusiastic and happy. She couldn't be making more than minimum wage plus tips, yet she had a big smile on her face.

  She's probably gettin' some good lovin … The walls could be falling down around you, but if you have someone who makes your toes curl, life seems great. She stared at her cup of espresso. She jumped when someone tapped her shoulder.

  “Hey, don't be so tense. What's up?”

  “Hey, Kevin. How'd you sneak in without me seeing you?”

  “Well, you looked like you were totally in another world. Excuse me, I'll have a cup of cappuccino,” Kevin said, stopping the waitress before she walked past the table.

  Jewel noticed how sweet his smile was. He had on a mustard-yellow polo shirt with baggy jeans and a pair of white tennis shoes. He was a cutie, like Lexi said, and it lifted her spirits to see him.

  “I just have some things on my mind,” Jewel said.

  “So, why am I so privileged to have your company today?” he asked, slightly leaning forward and folding his hands on the table.

  “Nothing really. I just wanted to talk with you for a moment since the last time we saw each other we were both preoccupied. You didn't tell me you had a woman,” she said.

  “Jewel, that wasn't my woman. I knew you would get to that sooner or later. Guess it was sooner. What about you? Are you attached?”

  “Well, not really.”

  “What does that mean? Either you have someone or you don't. You're a grown woman. Stop playing the games.”

  “Games? You have some nerve. You show up at Eti-enne's with a date and a child and don't even have the decency to tell me who they are.”

  “Uh … if I remember our last conversation correctly, I don't recall you having much interest in me. But if you must know, that woman was my ex-wife.”

  “You've been married before?”

  “Yeah, and you already know about my daughter, Aja.”

  “Well, what happened? How come things didn't work out?”

  “It's complicated.”

  Jewel had an intuitive hunch.

  “Are you raising your daughter yourself?”

  Kevin sighed. “Yeah. I don't usually tell my business to just anyone, but for some stupid reason, I feel like telling you.”

  “Gee, thanks. I feel so honored.”

  “You asked, so I'm telling you. My ex-wife had a problem with drugs.”

  “Wow.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it.”

  “And I thought I had problems.”

  “You're so tactful.”

  “That must have been hard.” She leaned in toward him and touched his shoulder.

  “Yeah, to see someone you love just throw away everything. It hurt a lot.”

  “How'd she get hooked?”

  “Well, she started messing around with other guys while we were married. One guy she messed with was into all sorts of drugs-acid, heroin, coke. She started seeing him on the regular and fell into using as well. She became hooked. I really don't want to go into details, but it was hell dealing with it. I tried to hold out for as long as possible, but I couldn't have Aja around a drugged-up mother. So Aja and I moved in with my mother. That scared the hell out of my ex and made her take stock of her situation and check herself into rehab.”

  Drama!

  “Kevin, I'm so sorry.”

  “Thanks, but you know, we all have our crap to deal with. Anyway, once she was clean, it just didn't work any longer. I wanted us to try and rebuild, but she just wanted to start from scratch. Have a brand-new life, away from the reminders that she'd messed up so badly. She filed for divorce 'cause she thought it was the best thing to do. I fought it, but it takes two people to stay together.”

  “How is she now?”

  “She's much stronger. She's a born-again Christian. She's about to finish her degree and is getting it together little by little. I try to be there for her when she needs me. I also try to make sure Aja spends a lot of time with her.”

  “Aja. That's a beautiful name. She is so precious.”

  “Yeah
, she's my heart. I'm supposed to go to her school today and read to her class. Gotta do the parent thing.”

  “I really admire you.”

  “For what? I just do what I gotta do. Aja is my responsibility.”

  “Yes, but it takes a lot of strength to do what you're doing. You know how many Black men don't take care of their children. Besides, you seem so positive, considering the circumstances.”

  “I don't have a choice. All I can say is what was meant for evil, God took and made it for our good. But enough about me. You called me here for a reason. You sounded kind of down on the phone.”

  “Well, it was nothing in particular. I guess I just wanted to talk to you. I realize our first conversation didn't go too well. Sometimes, when I'm going through different emotions, I take it out on other people.”

  “You're a little moody, huh?”

  “Well, I guess I am a little.”

  Then they traded stories about their childhood. Jewel, being an only child, could barely imagine what growing up was like for Kevin, who was the oldest of five children. To Jewel's surprise, he liked to travel, so they talked about a few places they'd both visited.

  Jewel's excitement rose as they talked about her trip to Paris, a college graduation present from her parents. He'd gone there for his honeymoon.

  And they both liked to shop: Jewel was the Galleria's resident shopaholic and Kevin was a major bargain hunter at Katy Mills Outlet. Jewel was pleasantly surprised at how much they had in common, while also feeling enticed by their differences. For a moment, she'd forgotten about the ex-wife drama.

  “Hey, I really want to continue our conversation, but I'm going to have to take off,” Kevin said. “I apologize, but I have some errands to run and then I need to go to Aja's school. So I'd better be taking off.”

  Jewel wanted to ask if she could go with him, but caught herself.

  It's too early for all that. Besides, I need to think about this conversation.

  “If you're not doing anything Saturday, maybe we can go to the movies or dinner.”

  “Yes, that sounds nice.”

  “I'll give you a call before then, though.”

  “OK,” Jewel said, realizing that when he left she would be alone.

  She watched him walk out the door and put her head in her hands. When she looked up, she thought she saw a familiar frame getting into a car. It looked like Jermane from the back. It was definitely her car, but she couldn't make out who was in the driver's seat. It certainly didn't look like Rex. She put her hand over her mouth.

  Jewel, don't assume the worst.

  She had enough problems of her own right now. Still, she was happy she'd decided to call Kevin.

  God, could he be the answer to my prayers?

  It sure didn't feel that way. She slumped back in her chair.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  ermane felt a little nervous. Although what she was doing wasn't technically wrong, she didn't feel completely right being alone with someone else besides Rex.

  She looked over at Naegel and couldn't believe she was in her car with him, on their way to her condo in Galveston. She looked out the window at the coastline.

  “Let me know when we get close to the place,” he said.

  Jermane began giving him specific directions. They finally arrived at her condo. She pushed the garage door opener and they pulled in.

  All of a sudden, it became real to her. She was with this man, and he was not her husband. Rex was out of town with her father, and she probably wouldn't hear from him until tomorrow. She got out of the car, and Naegel grabbed the groceries.

  She opened the door and cool air surrounded her body. She opened the blinds and headed for the kitchen. When she turned around, she noticed Naegel standing at the window, resplendent even in a cream turtleneck and jeans. He stooped down, untied his laces, and removed his hiking boots and socks.

  “Do you need some help putting those groceries away?”

  “No, I'll be fine. It's not that many.”

  He opened the sliding door and started to walk out on the deck.

  Jermane's eyes shot up. “Naegel, um, where are you going?”

  “I was just going to go outside for a minute,” he said.

  “Well, I just think it'd be better if we just stay inside,” she said, hoping he'd get the hint. She didn't want to take the chance of anyone seeing them.

  “Oh, OK. I see. That's cool. I'll just chill out in here,” he said as he stepped back inside. He left the door slightly open.

  Jermane, relieved, took a few minutes to gaze out of the window. It is a beautiful day.

  The winter chill had set in, and there was a slight breeze in the air. Jermane could feel the dew's gentle tingle on her skin. She started to think about Rex and the special evenings that they'd spent here. She felt nervous again.

  Naegel eased into the kitchen and stood behind her. “Hey, you,” he said, causing her to jump. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. You seem uncomfortable.”

  “No, not really. I was just thinking of Rex.”

  “Jermane, I told you, I'm not trying to sleep with you. I asked you if this was all right. I thought you just needed someone to talk to. I respect you. I realize that you love your husband very much and I'd never do anything to hinder that.”

  “I know, but it still doesn't feel right. I was certain this was an OK idea since we're not doing anything. It's just that I feel like I'm cheating.”

  “Well, we can leave. I won't be upset.”

  “No, we have a whole day planned. I want to see your design ideas.”

  “Well, I just don't want to offend you. I can see how you feel. I'm not even sure why I'm here. I just know that I enjoy talking to you and, right now, you need a friend. I guess I just want to be there for you in some way. It's strange. You're beautiful, but I'm not attracted to you in that way. You're almost like a porcelain doll, too delicate to touch.” He allowed his finger to wipe a strand of hair from her eye.

  Jermane's body trembled slightly. It had been a long time since someone had touched her so gently. The gesture felt so warm to her, almost intoxicating. She moved toward the sink in a sharp movement, signaling her discomfort.

  “I brought some CDs, mainly jazz and classical music. I love classical music,” she said.

  “I like classical. I don't know it well enough to tell who the artists are, but it makes me feel good,” he said.

  “It's so relaxing. Let's not do anything right now,” Jermane said.

  Jermane sat on the chaise lounge and crossed her legs. She watched as Naegel sat on the couch near the chaise.

  “What does it feel like?” he asked.

  “What does what feel like?”

  “What does it feel like to be among the young, rich African Americans?”

  “I'm not sure. Right now it feels kind of numb.”

  “Numb?”

  “Yes, numb. I don't really have a hunger for anything. I don't even know what I'm about. I'm twenty-seven years old and I feel like an old woman in a young woman's body.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “What's that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing in particular, just thinking. When your husband makes love to you, what do you see? Do you see anything, or do you just feel your soul being lost?”

  “I'm not sure what you mean.”

  “Never mind. We should stay away from that conversation.”

  “No, it's alright. I'm just not sure what you mean.”

  “If you have to ask, we don't need to talk about it.”

  “My husband and I have tons of chemistry. Still, in the beginning, sex wasn't so great because, well, Rex was a bit awkward and stiff. But now he knows exactly what makes me feel good.”

  “I envy you,” he said.

  “Why?”

  “Because you can make all the love you want and you won't be living in sin.”

  “Hmmmm. OK.”

  “I mean, I love making love, but I always feel so gu
ilty afterward. I know sex outside of marriage is a sin, but my body just, I don't know, can't go without it.”

  “I really don't know what to say. Do you have someone special in your life?” Jermane asked.

  “Well, I am seeing someone … she's a little younger. She's a model.”

  “It doesn't surprise me you're with someone gorgeous.”

  “Don't be impressed. I think it's just a sexual thing for her. She's intelligent, but I'm not sure I see a future for us. She's a great lover, but something's missing. She doesn't challenge me.”

  “In what way?”

  “I don't know. I can't describe it. She's a bit manipulative, too.”

  “If you don't love her, why do you stay with her? I've never understood why men stay in relationships with women who aren't good for them.”

  “You know, when you share your body with someone and the connection is great, it's hard to just throw that away. I have to say, the sex is hot! Plus she worships me, and I haven't really met anyone else I'm interested in.”

  “Well, don't complain if you get trapped in the relationship and it's too late to get out. People need to be wise enough to recognize when they're staying in a relationship for the wrong reasons.”

  Naegel didn't respond.

  The room became so quiet that they could hear the breeze coming through the screen door. Each wanted to say more, but gave up their urge to speak to the moment's serenity. Jermane was quietly shocked that he kept his word and didn't try to touch her. She heard tiny drops of rain and closed her eyes. The last thing she recalled before she dozed off was a warm and calm hand stroking her hair. She entered a place far away from her own.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  hated this part. I waited a week and a half to call Kyle, making sure I saw him in church a second time before giving him a ring. I detested the formalities of getting to know a man. So many games were played. I already wanted to give up, but decided I had nothing to lose. Besides, I had to continue to be brave.

  I picked up the phone in my office and called him. It rang three times. I wanted to hang up rather than leave a message, but before I knew it, the machine clicked on. “You've reached the voice mail of Kyle Morris, I'm unavailable at the moment …”