Take a Chance on Me (Baymoor Book 3)

by D. A. Young

  He lowered his head and captured her lips in a lingering kiss before stepping back. “Doc, if you can’t decipher, dissect, and appreciate what I’m trying to build with you, then you need to level-up because I’m not stepping to the side. We’re in this together.”

  Graham walked back over to the table and sat down with an expectant look that had Annabelle slinking over to the table with a shamed face. She sat down next to him, wrapped her arm around his, and melted into him. “I don’t want you to think I don’t want this. Everything is new to me as well, and you’re right. Screw ordinary’s, basic bitch ass!” She reached up and kissed the corner of his mouth, loving the way his goatee tickled her nose. “Let me make it up to you. Tomorrow night, I’ll pull out all the stops and put on my oatmeal-honey yogurt mask.”

  Graham wondered if she could hear how hard his heart was slamming against his ribs. The uncertainty in those beautiful expressive eyes had just about killed him. He never wanted Annabelle to have doubts about him or them. “Damn, Doc, if you show me all this sexy now, what are we gonna do when we’re older and kicking it?”

  “I plan on keeping my control hose game tight, Mr. Carlton. You won’t know what hit you. Now, why’d you want to see me?”

  “I hate that the evening ended on a sour note. This was supposed to be the finale tonight,” Graham explained as he booted his laptop up. He yanked her psychedelic rainbow print scarf off her head.

  “HEY!” Annabelle smacked his arms as her braids tumbled around her face. “What is your deal?!”

  “Shhh.” Graham pressed a kiss to her lips and slid out of the way of the screen. “You’ll thank me in a moment.”

  Annabelle watched the dark screen before it blurred then went crystal clear to show her beloved family and friends in Baymoor. She watched them focus on the screen then smiled tremulously at their astonished faces before her vision grew hazy. Nate and Valerie Banks. Auntie Cee crying and Chef Raymond supporting her. Georgie with Max! Wade and Georgie and Graham’s sister. Chelsea and…Kenny.

  She tried to speak, but her throat was clogged with the millions of things she wanted to say. In the end, she could only manage a weak, “Hi, Guys.”

  Annabelle tried to hold the tears at bay, but they were years in the making. She could hear crying on the screen as well but couldn’t see them. Graham’s arm encircled her, and she clung to him as he whispered, “Baby, it’s okay. Take a deep breath. Everyone’s waiting to speak to you. You’re okay, baby.”

  She could hear Graham and was grateful that he understood what this moment meant for her. She tried to pull herself together when she heard the emotion in his voice, like when he spoke to Rory earlier. Her tears were undoing him, and while she hadn’t been ready to acknowledge it aloud to herself, Annabelle knew she loved Graham Carlton with every bone in her body. They hadn’t known each other that long, but he was everything that she would have waited for if she hadn’t been so blinded.

  She was gonna make him lose his shit in front of his boys, Graham thought with resignation. He could already feel Max and Wade’s piercing eyes tracking him like buzzards, just ready to drag his ass. Annabelle was right to call him a big softie. Where she and Rory were concerned, Graham was defenseless. Being so far out of his comfort zone was unsettling, but he had no choice in the matter since they’d captured his heart.

  “I can’t believe it’s really her,” Kenya whispered, afraid that she was dreaming, and if she spoke too loud, Annabelle would vanish again.

  “Believe it; she’s just as beautiful as I remembered.” Chelsea wiped the mascara streaks from her face. She angled her head and leaned forward. “Jesus, I didn’t know Graham was so ripped!”

  “Hey, watch it or I’m telling Megan,” Georgie joked as she snuggled deeper into Max’s side. Guilt was riding heavy on her shoulders as well. Annabelle had reached out to her a couple of times, and if she hadn’t been so self-absorbed, maybe she could have made a difference. “They look good together. Don’t they, Max?”

  Max’s eyes met Wade’s, who was busy comforting a sniffling Eliza. Silently, they agreed to give it to ‘Mr. Playa Playa’ later. For now, they’d let him live and tend to his woman. “They sure do. Hey, Annabelle!”

  “It’s good to see you, Annabelle,” Wade added.

  “C’mon, Doc,” Graham’s lips brushed Annabelle’s cheek as he teased, “If you stop crying, I promise I’ll burn your hideous pajamas and get you some real shit. Georgie makes some pretty ass lingerie that I’d give my life to see you in.”

  “So, this isn’t the first time you’ve seen my A.B. in her jammies?” Chandra interrogated him as she fanned her face. “Should I be worried or happy about that fact, young man?”

  “You should be very afraid, ma’am,” Graham assured her solemnly. “She has terrible taste in nightwear.”

  “Jerk! You know you like them.”

  “Actually, I more than like them…I love them,” Graham admitted in a husky voice. The way he was looking at Annabelle brought the butterflies to life in her stomach. Because she knew, like everyone else present, that they weren’t talking about no damn jammies.

  Nate and Valerie pressed their knees together, trying to be subtle about their joy of watching their son in love.

  “Me too…,” she replied with deep feeling at his admission. She cradled his face in her hands. “Like really love them.”

  Heat flaring in his eyes, Graham lowered his head but before their lips could touch—

  “Boy, don’t nobody here give two shits about yo’ fondness for nighties!” Raymond barked, interrupting the poignant moment and training his glass eye on Graham. “I knew you had some kinda fetish like ol’ E-I-E-I-O here and dem animals!”

  Everyone burst into laughter as he looked around grouchily mumbling, “What the hell is so damn funny?! The boy has issues and y’all laughin’?! He snorted, dismissing them with a wave. “But folks think I’m the crazy one!”

  ***

  After an hour of getting reacquainted with Annabelle and being sworn to secrecy, Kenya was the only one left in Nate’s office. Raymond left to escort a teary-eyed but happy Chandra home, and Chelsea left for her movie date with Megan. The remaining couples gathered at the ‘family’ table at the back of the cafe.

  “When are we eating?” Leaning her head on Max’s shoulder, Georgina shot her aunt and uncle an adoring look. “Did you ever think you’d still be feeding me as an adult? Is it sad that I don’t even ask what I’m being fed?”

  “That’s because your butt is spoiled,” Max informed his wife with a drawn-out exhale and fake martyred expression. He popped the caps on the five bottles of ‘New Year Baby’ IPA’s from the Rockin’ Rooster, Baymoor’s microbrewery. “Lucky for you, I’ve willingly sacrificed and devoted the rest of my life to the task of keeping you that way.”

  Val shared an affectionate smile with Nate as she answered their niece. “Lord knows we prayed on it enough. You know all we ever wanted was for the family to be together.”

  Nate shot Wade and Eliza an accusatory glare as employees laden with trays arrived at their table. “When is this wedding taking place? You’re making my grandbaby anxious with your pussyfooting around. Camille is demanding her mother’s name be changed like yesterday. Sheriff, you know I don’t like to see my baby stressed.”

  Eliza and Baymoor’s reformed bachelor squirmed in their seats. “We’re still in the planning stages, Uncle Nate, but yes, it is happening.”

  “Sir, I’ll piggyback her down the aisle if I have to,” Nate replied with a straight face.

  “You’re just making that hole you’re digging harder to crawl out of, buddy,” Eliza spoke out of the corner of her mouth. She was queasy as the plates of beer-battered Cajun fries and grilled cheese and smoked pulled beef sandwiches were placed in front of everyone. Except her. Instead, Eliza received a bowl of chicken soup that had a fragrant citrus aroma. Appetite restored, she picked up her spoon. “What’s this?”

  “That, my dear, is Greek lemon c
hicken soup,” Val remarked casually as she handed a chilled bottle of cold-pressed apple-cranberry juice for her oldest niece. “Vivienne Romankov mentioned it to me the other night at the inn. She said it did wonders for her morning sickness with Kat. Congratulations to the both of you.”

  Wade blanched and Eliza slunk down in her chair and squeaked, “Ummm, thank you! We just found out not that long ago. I wasn’t aware it was that obvious.”

  “You kept touching your stomach then jerking your hand away.” Val took a sip of her IPA. “When are you due?”

  Wade proudly answered for Eliza. “In seven months.”

  “Refresh my memory on the cows and free milk speech, Wade?” Nate’s frown indicated he was done playing around.

  Georgina knew that he took his responsibilities as their father seriously, and judging from his clenched jaw, he was just getting started. An intervention was needed. “How much did you enjoy watching Graham fall in love? It was so sweet the way he couldn’t stop looking at her. Like we didn’t even exist.”

  “Glad to know I wasn’t the only one hearing the lyrics to Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust”,” Wade responded, grateful for the clemency Georgina had granted him. He wasn’t a man to take shit off anyone, but Nate was the father of the woman who owned his heart and for now he’d bite his tongue. He slapped Max on the back heartily, prompting his friend to choke on the bite of sandwich he’d just taken. “We’d sure love to get your take on it anytime now.”

  “Oh, so now you want ‘Chocolate Thunder’s’ opinion?” Max needled him, content to let his homie sit on the hot seat for all the shit Wade had previously given him regarding his love life.

  “Dude, if you ever cared about our friendship…”

  “What is she doing here?!” Georgina’s voice was louder than she intended, causing other diners to see what drew her attention. “And why is she wearing a uniform?”

  If Ingrid was aware of the stir she was causing, she gave no indication, going about her business in restocking the baked goods on either side of the cash register.

  “I can’t believe you hired her.” Eliza’s knuckles were white from gripping her juice bottle so tight. “Why would you guys do something like that?”

  “I suppose I could tell you both that it’s our business and to mind yours as we don’t butt into the way you run your companies,” Nate informed her and Georgina sternly, reminding them that he was the patriarch of their family and didn’t approve of their behavior.

  “But we won’t,” Valerie interceded firmly, shooting her husband a reproachful look. She leaned forward in her chair, and everyone did the same to hear her response. “Instead, we’ll just say that it’s easier this way to monitor her if we know where she is. Nate and I have discussed this at length and feel it’s for the best. She still has to submit to her weekly drug tests and isn’t breaking any laws. As much as you might want to run Ingrid away like she’s Frankenstein, unfortunately, you can’t.”

  “I know you’re worried about her interacting with Camille, but her schedule is set up so that she’s working the majority of the time,” Nate calmly added. “As I told Graham, I want to see her do well and so should you. Nothing can erase the events of the past, and I’m not asking anyone to forget any of it ever happened. Let’s just all focus on moving forward. That’s all I’m asking of you. Don’t let your past destroy your bright futures.”

  The sisters mulled over his words as dinner progressed without further interruption. Georgie swiped some of Max’s fries, and under the table, he squeezed her booty. She whispered to him, “Two babies. I don’t want to wait any longer, please. Eliza thinks she’s the only one who can make cute babies. I’m about to give my big sis a run for her money.”

  Max processed her words with a slow smile, relieved that Nate’s logic was being well received. “Told you marrying me was a good idea. I’m pretty sure I can manage to make a couple of those, but I’m warning you…six is my limit.”

  “Nobody said six, man! Two.”

  “Please. Once you see them, I’m going to have to beat you off with a stick,” Max said smugly.

  “You’re impossible, but I love you anyways.”

  “I love you too. Now hurry up and eat, so we can get home and I can get started on this project.” Max advised her with relish.

  “Aunt Val, do you have any spare time to come to the inn tomorrow? I want to show you what my thought process for the wedding has been so far,” Eliza said when dinner was over. Wade rubbed her shoulder with encouragement.

  “I’d love to come by, Eliza. For some reason, I’m envisioning a New Orleans Mardi Gras theme! Ever since the three of you came back from your little getaway Camille has been making me watch “The Princess and The Frog”. I’m thinking miniature king cakes and bright colored beads.”

  “Oooh and maybe Raymond could cook? Since he’s from the deepest, darkest part of the –”

  “Bayouuu,” Wade, Nate and Max chorused on cue.

  ***

  Later that night, at closing, Nate was in his office when Ingrid knocked on his door. “I finished refilling the salt and pepper shakers. Val said it was fine by her if I take off.” Ingrid held up a plastic bag with the café’s logo. “She also had one of the cooks make me the sandwich and fries from tonight’s special.”

  “I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for working hard today.” The formality in which he delivered the speech he gave all of his employees at the end of their shift spoke volumes to where their relationship was. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good night.”

  Despite his dismissal, Ingrid didn’t leave. If she’d had an ounce of pride left, she would walk out the door, but there was nothing left. That meant she had nothing left to lose. In a tentative voice, Ingrid spoke. “How are the girls? They look good.”

  “If you want to know, then you should ask them yourself,” Nate replied in a biting tone. “They will rip you apart, and it will be no less than you deserve. If your intentions are good, you will take it and won’t stop until you get the response you are seeking. If your intentions are not honorable, stay away from them. Or else, you’ll see a side of me that you’ll wish you hadn’t woken. Goodnight, Ingrid.”

  What did you expect? Did you think because you cleaned up your act, people would reward you? Why? They don’t give a damn about you! Why would they? You’re a junkie whore. That’s all you’ll ever be. So, why don’t you quit the goody two-shoes act and we can finally have some fun…

  Suppressing the negative thoughts, Ingrid turned away. “Goodnight, Nathaniel.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Happiness looks so freaking good on you, lady! Can I ask where you are?”

  Annabelle touched the screen, wishing she could reach through and squeeze her bestie’s hand. “Kenny, please don’t think I don’t want to tell you. Believe me, you’re gonna trip out when you figure it out, but for now…it’s probably better if I don’t say…”

  “Because of Davis.” Kenya finished in a disdainful voice. “I’ve been praying on it faithfully, you know. Asking God to find that bastard so that Graham can lay hands on him.”

  “Kenny, I swear I’m crying real tears at your silly self!” Annabelle covered her mouth to stifle the laughter so as not to wake Edith and Rory. It was going on three in the morning and everyone was gone leaving the two friends to get reacquainted. “I don’t think God takes blood thirsty requests like yours into consideration.”

  “You’re right. Let’s pray for you to make it back home instead.” The speculative look she gave Annabelle was accompanied by a sly grin. “The two of you seem very comfortable around each other.”

  “Yeah…crazy as it seems…” Annabelle turned to look at Graham who was sleeping on the sofa in the living room. He’d let her have some privacy while she got reacquainted with everyone. At least that’s what happened after he gave Wade and Max the finger. She was still puzzled as to why the Baymoor duo along with his uncle Nate exploded with laughter when the men hadn’t exchange
d a single word. “I didn’t think I could ever be open to a relationship after…”

  “Satan’s favorite bitch?” Kenya suggested helpfully then quickly smacked her forehead. “Shit! I’m sorry! I just got you back and I keep shoving my feet into my mouth. It’s what drove a wedge between us to begin with. I miss you so much, Annabelle!” Kenya’s face softened with wistfulness and her eyes dropped as she pressed a hand to her mouth, letting Annabelle know she was refraining from being painfully honest.

  “Kenny, speak your mind,” Annabelle encouraged her.

  “I was your best friend and you couldn’t trust me!” Kenya cried and Annabelle shook her head sadly in the negative.

  “Back then you weren’t my best friend anymore. You’d been replaced with denial,” Annabelle explained at Kenya’s hurt look. “Me and that bitch chilled together in our favorite place…darkness. That environment was so comfy, cozy, and everything looked good and felt safe. I never should have shut you guys out, but I was crippled by fear and too ashamed to admit what was going on,” Annabelle confessed sadly. “I wanted to tell you what was happening to me but I was terrified that something else would happen to the people that I love after his cousin Jessie roughed up my father in that jail cell in Baltimore.”

  Annabelle glanced at Graham nervously again, but he appeared to still be sleeping.

  “What’s that look for Annabelle?! Is everything alright?” Kenya exclaimed sharply, trying to peer around her. “Annabelle!”

  She couldn’t blame Kenya for her rising hysteria. “Sssh! Everything is fine. I just haven’t told Graham any of that yet.”

  “Sorry about the yelling. I can’t wait for you to meet my daughter, Regan. Her middle name is Annabelle after you. She’s such a joy but, girl, does she try me!”

  Annabelle was overcome with guilt but felt it was best not to mention Rory right now. For now, just knowing everyone was doing well was good enough. “I bet she does. Thank you for thinking of me. I can’t wait to meet her.”