by Tina Martin
“So that’s why you’re here early.”
“I needed to clear my head of it all. I’m thinking about pulling the plug on this home buying thing and reconsidering it again next year. If things truly happen for a reason, maybe this is a sign I’m not supposed to be buying a house right now, sis.”
“That’s a bunch of bologna. You’re reading too much into this, Mordecai. Look, I’ll find you another agent if—”
“I don’t want another agent,” he interjected to say. “I want the agent I have.”
“But you just said she dropped you.”
“She did, and she’s closing up shop.”
“Then…I think it’s time you consider getting another agent.”
“I don’t want another agent, Zoe. I…want…her.”
“Oh…oh!” Zoya said smiling. “You want her.”
He smirked. “Yes.”
“Wow. Well, that’s an awkward position to be in.”
“Tell me about it.” Mordecai sighed. “She had found the perfect house, too, but it’s in some restricted zone that caters only to couples and families. No single, unmarried people like we’re the scourge of the earth or something.”
“I’ve never heard of anything like that. Are you sure you understood her correctly?”
“I am.”
“Well, that sucks. I’ve lived there all my life and have never heard of that. Imma have to ask Tennyson about it.”
“Jemisha seemed pretty sure about it. She was upset, too. She needs the commission on this house just as badly as I wanted the house. It was nice. Four bedrooms. Laid out. Move-in ready.”
“Bummer. Now, you gotta tell all your women to make other living arrangements.”
“Funny.”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. It’s just a slice of victory to see you struggle even if only for a moment since you’ve been so intrusive into my life…trying to dictate who I talk to and what I do.”
“That’s what brothers are supposed to do, and you better be glad Tennyson checked out.”
Zoya smiled. Of course he’d checked out. Tennyson was a lawyer – a doggone good one at that. And he was the kindest, sweetest guy she’d ever met. Why would she let him go?
“Tennyson is everything I ever wanted in a man. Married life is soo good. And he’s good with kids, too. We babysat Harley last Saturday for Savannah and Harding’s date night.”
“That’s nice. Stick to doing that for now. Babysitting. You ain’t ready for no baby.”
“Hush, Mordecai. If you were married with some babies, maybe you’d get that house.”
Mordecai grinned, but maybe she was on to something. That gave him an idea. “Ay, what are you plans for the day?”
“I ain’t doing nothing. I have to make mom’s famous macaroni and cheese later though—going by Harding and Savannah for dinner this evening. Are you coming?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” he said having already confirmed with Harding in advance.
“Savannah mentioned Dimitrius and Melanie were coming, too.”
“That’s cool,” he said standing. “I’m going to run out and grab some lunch. You down?”
“Yeah, sure. Let me get my shoes.”
Chapter 18
Baby Harley.
Jemisha felt her anxiety slowly melt away while she held him. He was all the therapy she needed to get over this setback in her life – or at least a short-term distraction from reality. Her reality. The smell of his skin – like the innocence of new flesh so close to perfection with a hint of baby lotion – may as well had been aromatherapy. And he wasn’t one of those fussy babies. Lil’ Harley Champion was a sweet, hazel-eyed, cutie pie with a smile that could brighten the saddest person’s day. He was certainly brightening hers.
“You’re so lucky, Savannah,” Jemisha said as she looked adoringly upon the little boy she considered her nephew. As close as she was to Savannah, he may as well had been.
“What do you mean I’m lucky?” Savannah asked as she took a pan of rolls from the oven.
“You, Harding, Harley…you’re married to your dream man. Harding Champion.”
“You act like we came about this life so easily.”
“No—I was there through all the ups and downs. I remember it all. I remember you talking to me about Harding all the time. I’d never met him before all of those discussions but I felt like I knew him because he was always on your mind.”
“Yes, he was,” Savannah said, remembering.
“How did you know Harding was the one? I mean, you had a long-distance thing going on with him and most long-distance relationships don’t even work.”
“Harding understood me.”
“But he didn’t at first, especially when your mom had you marrying somebody else in her mind and you kept Harding a secret from them. What was that guy’s name?”
“Dudley,” Savannah said. “You’re right. That was rough. For a minute there, I didn’t think we would make it through that one. But we did. When you find that one person who gets you, hold on for dear life, girl.”
“That would be nice, but we both know I’m not an easy person to get got.”
“And we both know why that is. You let a lot of baggage hold you back from what you really want in life, Misha.”
“I don’t think so. I think I’ve learned a lot from my experiences and what’s the use in going through difficult times if you don’t learn a lesson from it. I gave my all to Carver and what’d he do? Left me at the drop of a dime and had me listening to Mary J. on repeat. Do you know how many times I played ‘Not Gon’ Cry’ even though that’s all I did for like a whole year? Cry and cry some more? There I was trying to sell houses, scheduling showings while wearing dark shades like I was going to somebody’s funeral. People were looking at me like I was a weirdo. Who does that, Savannah? Who wears shades while they’re showing a house?”
Savannah smiled. “You still can’t allow the past to dictate how you live your life. That was what? Three years ago?”
Jemisha shrugged it off. “Something like that.”
“Then I say it’s time to get over it already and ditch those silly rules.”
“The rules have been ditched,” she said thinking she couldn’t very well follow them and deal with Mordecai at the same time.
“Good! Now, go meet a nice gentleman who can give you what you really want. A family. A baby. Love.”
Staring down at baby Harley, Jemisha smiled. “Love is hard. Love means trusting and once trust has been broken, it’s difficult to let yourself be that vulnerable again.”
“It is, but you also don’t want to be stuck. That’s what you are now. Stuck.”
Jemisha rolled her eyes. “I’m not stuck. I’m stalling.”
“One just doesn’t stall for two years.”
“You’re the relationship expert now, huh since you and Harding done made this beautiful little boy. Can I just take him home with me?”
“No, ma’am, you cannot have my son.”
When Savannah heard the doorbell, she said, “That must be Dimitrius and Melanie.”
“Or Zoya and Tennyson,” Jemisha said. “I’ll get it.”
“Harding will get it. He’s in there.”
“Oh. Right.” Jemisha leaned down to leave a kiss on Harley’s cheek listening as everyone came in.
She walked in to greet them while they all gathered in the living room.
“Hey, Zoya,” Jemisha said. “Hi, Tennyson.”
“Heeey,” Zoya said. She gave a slight hug and then was all too excited to hold her nephew.
Jemisha carefully transitioned Harley into Zoya’s arms.
“Hey, big boy,” Zoya started in her baby talk. “It’s Auntie Zoe.”
The doorbell sounded again. Harding went to answer, letting Melanie, Grace and Dimitrius inside.
“Good evening,” Dimitrius said.
“What’s up, bro?” Harding asked, slapping hands with his half-brother. He hugged Melanie and then spoke
to little Grace.
“Hey guys,” Jemisha said. She’d met them a few times before, but never spent any substantial amount of time with them to establish a rapport. They were just associates at this point.
“Hi, Jemisha,” Melanie said. “Savannah’s in the kitchen cooking, huh?”
“Yes. I was just about to go help her.”
“I’ll come with you,” Melanie said. “Are you coming Grace or are you staying with daddy?”
“Stay with daddy,” she said in the sweetest voice.
“Aw. She’s a daddy’s girl, huh?” Jemisha inquired.
“Girl, she is, and Dimitrius just loves her. She’s got him wrapped around her finger.”
“That’s so sweet. You don’t find many men who take interest in their kids,” Jemisha said as they stepped into the kitchen.
“Hey, Savannah,” Melanie said.
“Hey, girl,” Savannah said then walked over to give Melanie a hug. “How are you?”
“I’m good. You?”
“I’m doing well.”
“Jemisha told me you were in here cooking.”
“Yes. I got some of everything. And what was that you were saying about men, Misha?” Savannah asked. “I heard you.”
Jemisha smiled. “Melanie was telling me how much of a daddy’s girl Grace was. I said you don’t find a lot of men nowadays who take a real interest in the lives of their kids. A lot of men still have the old mindset that rearing of children falls into the woman’s lap.”
“You’re right,” Melanie said. “That’s the mentality for some, but children really do need their father just as much as their mother.”
“Mmm, hmm,” Savannah agreed, “And Harding is a great dad to Harley. I can already sense he’ll be one of those fathers who signs him up for little league and will be at every game coaching him on.”
Melanie nodded.
“Yeah, that sounds about right,” Jemisha said. “Hey, what can I take to the dining room while y’all in here talking about baby daddies?”
Savannah shook her head laughing. “You can take those rolls.”
“Rolls. Got it.” Jemisha stepped into the dining room with the basket, placed it in the center of the table and was about to head back to the kitchen when she heard a familiar voice. She peeped to confirm the source.
Mordecai Champion!
Her heart nearly gave out. What was he doing here? Did he know she would be here? Did Harding tell him? Or when she told him she would be out of town for the weekend, he’d figured it out on his own? Did he follow her here? Some nerve if he did….
Whatever the case, he was here, and it wasn’t a good thing for her. Not good at all. This was supposed to be her weekend away to refocus and make life decisions – not the time to face a dissatisfied client, one of whom she’d failed miserably. Because of her, Mordecai wouldn’t get his dream house. The house that made his hazel eyes light up. It was only the third house she’d shown him and he was so sure it was his house that he put in an offer on it, but she couldn’t secure the deal for him. He must’ve told Harding all about it. How embarrassing!
Rushing back to the kitchen, Jemisha paced back-and-forth in front of the island, her stomach in a million knots.
“Misha, what’s wrong with you?” Savannah asked. “All the color has drained from your face. Are you alright?”
“He’s here.”
“Who?”
“Mordecai. He’s here! Why is he here? Oh, my gosh…”
“Am I sensing some nervous chemistry?” Melanie asked.
Savannah smirked. “That’s a good question, Melanie. Are we sensing some nervous energy, Misha?”
“No. You’re sensing a woman in full-on panic mode!”
Savannah laughed.
“What is he doing here?” Jemisha asked, still pacing.
“Okay, you do know Mordecai is Harding and Zoya’s brother,” Savannah said, “Maybe he came for a quick visit.”
“Yeah, but the exact same weekend I’m here? Something’s a little fishy.”
“Yeah, and that would be this shrimp casserole I made.” Savannah chuckled.
“I’m glad you think this is funny,” Jemisha told her.
“I’m sorry, Misha. I couldn’t resist that one. Can you take this to the dining room, Melanie?” Savannah asked, handing her the casserole dish.
“Sure.”
When Melanie had left the room, Savannah turned to Jemisha and asked in a chastising kind of way, “Girl, what has gotten into you?”
“He’s here! I can’t be here. Not while he’s here. I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She sighed, lowering her elbows to the island. “I screwed up. I found the perfect house for him and he can’t get it. It’s my fault. Oh, jeez,” she said in full panic. “My stomach hurts. How can I even face him now?”
“Girl, look. Maybe y’all can work something out—”
“And how did he know I’d be here?” she interrupted to ask. “Did you tell Harding I was going to be here this weekend?”
“Of course I did.”
“So, Harding probably told him.”
“And? That doesn’t mean Mordecai came here to confront you.”
“I didn’t say he was here to confront me. I don’t know why he’s here to be honest.”
“Then let’s just say he’s here to visit his family. There’s no need to hit the panic button, Misha. I want you to enjoy yourself. I didn’t cook all this food for nothing.”
“I should leave,” Jemisha said.
“No. Why would you run away? Even if he did come here to confront you—does that mean you run? Besides, Mordecai isn’t as bad boyish as everybody makes him out to be. He’s one of those common sense kinda fools that play around but knows how to run a successful business at the same time. He could probably teach you a thing or two.”
“I thought I heard my name up in here?” Mordecai said stepping into the kitchen.
“Hey, brother-in-law,” Savannah said walking over to give him a hug. “I swear every time I see you, you’re looking more and more like Harding,” she told him.
“Or maybe Harding is looking more like me,” Mordecai said.
Jemisha could just die. I should’ve run out of the back door when I had the chance, she told herself. Drawing in a breath and some unknown source of courage, she lifted her head, turned to look at him and said in the most upbeat voice she could muster, “Hi, Mordecai. I didn’t know you were going to be in Asheville this weekend.”
“I didn’t either. It was a last-minute decision. Needed to get away for a while. Think some things through.”
And she knew exactly what he was thinking through – the house he wouldn’t get, thanks to her…
“Oh. Okay,” she said refusing to get into the topic of home buying. She came to relax, too.
“What have you been up to, Mordecai?” Savannah asked him as a distraction when she saw that his eyes were trained on Jemisha.
“Been working, sis. You know how that is. You have to constantly stay on your grind because it’s somebody right behind you waiting to take your place.”
“Amen to that,” Savannah said.
Mordecai slid his hands into his pockets, still watching Jemisha. She looked stressed. She had her hair pulled back today. Wore jeans and a black, long-sleeved shirt. It was cooler in Asheville since they were closer to the mountains. He, too, had on long sleeves.
At this very moment, he wondered what she was thinking. How was she coping with everything, because while he hated missing out on the opportunity to get the house, it wasn’t more important than her well-being. Shoot, if she needed money to tide her over, he’d give it to her, but she wasn’t the type to accept a handout. That much he knew about her already.
Feeling his eyes on her, Jemisha slid away to take her pounding heart to the bathroom. She was on the fence about leaving, but she couldn’t just walk out and leave. She’d have to face the heat when it came to Mordecai and the house. Looked like she wou
ld have to go ahead and get it over with.
After fixing her hair, she returned to the dining room where everyone had congregated around the table. There was an empty chair next to Mordecai.
Great.
Why was it that when single people went to events, it’s assumed they should sit next to each other? She would’ve been better off sitting between a couple than actually sitting with a single person as if they were supposed to be together like this. And it didn’t help matters that she and Mordecai basically had some unfinished business to attend to that had thrown off the energy between them.
“There she is,” Savannah said as Jemisha stepped back into the room.
Jemisha pulled out the empty chair, was ready to move it away from Mordecai even if just by a few inches, but he stood up to get the chair for her, holding the backrest as she sat down.
The move didn’t surprise her. After all, he was a gentleman. Still, she didn’t expect it – not after everything that had gone down.
“Thanks.”
“Welcome,” he said, looking at her as he sat down.
She looked back at him and her heart skipped a beat seeing his face up close. She took it all in – his full lips. The lineup of his beard. The fresh cut he was rocking. She’d never sat this close to him. Side-by-side. One move the wrong way, her arms would brush up against his.
She blinked away, looked across the table at Savannah who was telling everyone that Harding would pray over the food. After he’d finished and the room filled with amens, Mordecai reached for the rolls. He used a silver tong to put one on his plate. He looked at Jemisha and asked, “Would you like one?”
“I would, but I can get it myself.”
“Here. Allow me.”
“I—”
Nope. Not going to do it, she told herself. He wanted to serve her bread? Fine! Serve the bread. She reached for the salad and served herself before he could offer. She got some chicken wings, a serving spoon full of Zoya’s macaroni and a sample of the shrimp casserole Savannah had made. Then she began eating, hoping a good, hearty meal would bring her a level of comfort that she otherwise didn’t possess and hadn’t possessed in some time. But how was she supposed to relax with Mordecai breathing down her neck?