by Mz. Robinson
“I’ll have to find a replacement for Amel,” she said solemnly. “I never thought I would have to do so like this. Maybe it’s time I move Tabitha up.”
“Don’t make any rush decisions,” I suggested. “I think you should give it some time and see how things play out in the next few weeks.”
“Why?” Octavia asked, frowning as she looked at me. “Did something happen?”
“Nothing happened,” I said, not wanting her to worry. “I just think you should see how she handles things. You never want to make a decision based solely on your current emotions.” I didn’t want to alarm Octavia of the behavior Tabitha had displayed when I stopped by the restaurant. I knew if I had she would insist on returning to work immediately and quite possibly before she was ready.
“You’re right,” she agreed.
I pulled up to the gate leading to our home, entered the security code on the keypad, and then waited for the gate to open before proceeding through. Octavia’s father’s F150 was parked in the front of our home along with my mother’s Mercedes.
“The gangs all here,” she said as I pulled around our circular driveway, parking behind my mother’s car.
“It’s not too much. Is it?” I asked, slightly uneasy. I had originally planned a quiet homecoming for Octavia, that would include just me and our daughter, but our mothers insisted that what Octavia needed was to be surrounded by family and those that loved her the most. My father and Octavia’s father felt that she needed rest and time to settle in. However, the vote was two very determined mothers against three men, and when it comes to the laws of nature, a mother’s determination can shake down the strongest of men.
“Of course not,” she said.
“Good,” I exhaled. “Because I couldn’t keep them away even if I wanted to. Mama and Charlene weren’t having it.”
“Trust me I understand,” she said. “My mother is a force of nature by herself. Combine that with the designer diva, aka Ilene, and you’ve got hell surrounded by ten gallons of gasoline and three lit matches.” We both laughed. It felt good hearing my wife laugh again. I got out the car then walked around to the passenger’s side and held the door open for her. A second later our front door flew open and Jasmine came bouncing down the front steps, dragging my mother behind her. Charlene, Charles and my father Damon Sr. followed behind them. My baby girl wore a pretty yellow dress and a pair of matching yellow sandals. The expression of happiness scrolled across her little face made it evident that she had missed her mother.
“Mommy!” Jasmine sung. Her curly pigtails flapped in the wind as she ran up, greeting Octavia.
“Hey pretty girl!” Octavia smiled, kneeling down to eye level with our daughter. “I missed you!”
“I miss you too Mommy,” Jasmine smiled brightly. She wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck as Octavia slowly lifted her off the ground and up around her waist. The two of them shared a hug and several kisses until Octavia finally eased Jasmine back on the ground. I watched as each of our parents greeted and extended their open arms to Octavia, each one telling her how much they loved her and were happy to have her home. Octavia smiled and laughed and smiled some more; I was beginning to think that our mothers were right. Maybe returning to our norm was the answer to Octavia’s emotional healing.
*****
I pushed back from the dining room table then exhaled while staring at the empty plate on the table in front t of me. After enjoying the home-cooked meal Charlene had prepared, I was full and almost positive I had gained five pounds. My mother-in-law had gone all out with the spread, preparing smoked turkey, dressing, turnip greens, potato salad, a yam casserole, and rolls. The meal made it feel like Thanksgiving in May, and I was happier than a kid on Christmas. Octavia sat on one side of me at the table while my mother sat on the other. I noticed Octavia had barely touched her food. In the hospital she blamed her loss of appetite on the food selection. Now, I was hoping that I would see that change.
“You okay babe?” I asked, watching her carefully.
“I’m fine,” she said, flashing her eyes at me. “Just a little tired. I think I’ll go upstairs and lay down for a little while.”
“Okay,” I said. “You need some help?”
“No, but thank you,” she said as she rose from the table. She smiled while looking around the table. “I’m going to go take a nap,” she announced. She leaned down and kissed Jasmine on the top of her head before saying her goodbyes and exiting the dining room. After we all watched her leave the room, the conversations going on at the table continued. I listened as my father and Charles went back and forth discussing the current state of the NBA and who they thought were the most influential leaders in the league while Charlene entertained Jasmine.
“How are you darling?” Mama asked looking at me.
“I’m good,” I answered. “How are you?”
“Fabulous,” she sighed.
“How’s Donovan?” I questioned, thinking about my nephew. It was still hard for me to believe that my mother and father had taken on the task to raise another child. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not because I thought the feat was too great for them, but my mother was a social diva in every sense of the word and in my opinion raising another child would cramp her style. However, in the year and a half that Donovan had been in her and my father’s custody, she seemed to be balancing it all without a sweat or worry.
“Donovan is perfect,” she sighed, “Another fine Whitmore man in training.”
“Why didn’t you bring him with you?”
“Your father felt it best that we not overwhelm Octavia right now,” she informed me. “Plus, he has pre-K basketball camp for the summer and today he had practice. So, I left him in Isabella’s care.”
“When Octavia feels up to it, I’ll have to come get him for the weekend,” I suggested. “Give you and Pops a break.”
“Sounds good darling,” Mama smiled. “But do you think you can also take Odessa? In fact she’s one you can keep… forever! I’ll even pay you. Just name your price.” I looked down the table at my father to see if he had heard my mother’s comment. He continued to laugh and debate with Charles. Charlene had also taken part in their conversation.
“How is Grandma,” I asked.
“She’s still kicking,” Mama said smirking. “Unfortunately.” She whispered. It was obvious that the rift between my grandmother and mother was still present, despite my parents now being my grandmother’s caregivers as well. I had come to the conclusion that there were some women who would forever be at odds. My mother and grandmother were two of them.
“Well, send her my love,” I said, shaking my head.
“What about my offer darling?” Mama asked. The expression on her face let me know that she was dead ass serious about her invitation for me to take grandma off her hands. If I was a single man I might have taken her up on her offer, at no cost of course; but there was no way in hell Octavia was going for it. My grandmother tried in no way to hide the fact that she disliked the choice I made when marrying Octavia; and Octavia tried in no way to hide the fact that she didn’t give a damn. In a perfect world all of the women in my life would get along, hold hands, and have tea or at least get drunk together, but the reality of it all was that if I wanted to keep the peace and harmony, I had to keep them separated.
“I’ll pass,” I finally answered.
“Very well,” mama said, waving her hand in the air. “Remember I offered.”
“I’ll do that,” I chuckled.
“Who wants dessert?” Charlene called from the other end of the table. Jasmine was the first to raise her hand, followed by her two grandfathers providing their answers verbally.
“Not me,” I said politely. “I’m still full from the main course.”
“You have got to make room for pie,” Charlene insisted, standing up. “It’s pecan and your mother made it.”
“Really?” I asked. I was surprised and slightly terrified of the thought. I had never seen my ma
ma bake anything. In fact, I didn’t even know she could bake!
“Of course not dear. Don’t be absurd,” Mama laughed lightly. “Courtesy of Isabella.”
“I thought you said you did it,” Charlene frowned.
“I said I was bringing a homemade pie,” Mama rebutted, rising from her chair. “And I did. I didn’t say I made it.” She patted me on my shoulders then walked in Charlene’s direction. “Charlene darling, you should know me so much better than that.”
“I was hoping you would surprise me,” Charlene laughed. Jasmine instantly climbed off her chair and followed the two women as they exited the dining room towards the kitchen. I loved the friendship that was now shared between my mother and Charlene. My mother was a woman of few friends and many fake associates. It was good to see another woman outside of Octavia and Isabella who accepted her and genuinely cared about her. As soon as the women and my daughter were out of ear shot, the conversation changed between my father-in-law and my father.
“Did you catch the morning news?” Charles asked me.
“No,” I admitted. “What I miss?”
“Clint Harvey is missing,” Charles informed me.
“Gator’s attorney?” I asked.
“Yes,” Charles said. “According to reports, he hasn’t been to work in three days. They went to his home and his car was parked in the driveway, but there’s no sign of the man. It’s like he disappeared off the face of the earth.”
“You think Gator had something to do with it?” I questioned.
“I don’t know,” Charles said. “Why would he?”
“He did lose the case,” I reminded him. “One that I’m sure he was compensated quit well for taking in the first place.”
“Yeah, but why knock off the person responsible for your appeal? Charles questioned. “That doesn’t make sense. Why not the judge that convicted him?”
“Or the jury,” my father added. “And why wait months after the trial is over? Gator doesn’t seem like that type.”
I agreed with my father. Gator wasn’t the type. He was more of the type to come up with a solution before there was a problem.
“Exactly,” Charles said with a frown on his face. “I don’t think this is the work of Gator.”
“Maybe Clint was involved in some other dealings,” I suggested.
“Maybe,” Charles said. “Or he could be taking a personal hiatus…either way; something tells me this is going to lead to some interesting events.”
“With ties to Gator, I wouldn’t expect any less.” I said.
*****
My parents and in-laws were a fine example of family and love. After dinner and desert, Charlene and my mother cleaned the kitchen while I got caught up on me and Octavia’s laundry. Charles and my father were responsible for keeping Jasmine entertained, which in its self was a full-time job. At three and a half years old, Jasmine was a walking, talking, bundle of energy with an abundance of questions. Although I felt my daughter was wise beyond her years, I was happy she was not at the point yet where she could comprehend the difference between life and death.
When I explained to Jasmine that we weren’t going to bring home the new baby and that her little brother had died, I expected her to be confused or ask questions why. She never did. Instead she said, “Okay daddy” and walked away without further discussion. I excused myself from the laundry to go check on Octavia. I found her stretched across our bed, looking like sleeping beauty awaiting a kiss from her king. I chose not to disturb her, closing the door then heading back downstairs. After my parents left, I gave Jasmine a bath then slipped her pink princess gown over her head before tucking her in bed.
“I want Mommy,” she said, staring at me with the big brown eyes.
“Mommy can tuck you in tomorrow,” I said. “She’s sleeping --”
“I’m up now,” Octavia said from behind me. I turned around and found her standing in the doorway of Jasmine’s bedroom.
“Looks like you’re in luck munchkin,” I said, kissing my daughter’s cheek. “Daddy loves you.”
“I love you,” Jasmine said sweetly.
I walked up to Octavia and then kissed her cheek. “I love you,” I said.
“I love you more,” she replied.
*****
I stretched my arms out across the bed, searching for Octavia’s body, only to discover her side of the bed was empty. 1:37 stood out in bright red numbers on my alarm clock. I tossed the covers back then eased out of bed, stepping onto the carpeted floor. My first stop was by Jasmine’s bedroom. I assumed Jasmine may have gotten up in the middle of the night and Octavia had gone to check in on her. I found Jasmine alone, fast asleep, clutching one of her stuffed bears in between her arms. I closed the door to Jasmine’s room, preparing to head downstairs, when I heard music coming from the bedroom across the hall. The room that Octavia and I had designated as the nursery.
I stepped barefoot across the hall then pushed the door open. The small carousel that was attached to the wooden crib moved slowly while the soft sounds of a lullaby flowed through the speaker. Octavia sat on the window seat with her knees pulled up to her chest, her hands covering her face; she was weeping softly. I wanted to say something to her, anything that would be of comfort, but there were no words that I could recite that I hadn’t already. I chose not to speak. I reached down, lifting her up in my arms. She wrapped her arms around my neck, allowing her warm tears to trickle down my neck on to my bare chest. I carried Octavia back into our bedroom, and then eased her down on top of the bed. I settled in behind her and then cradled her in my arms; securing her in my embrace. Octavia’s crying continued as she wrapped her arms around my biceps. My heart ached because my love was in pain; a pain that I had no way of easing. There is no worst feeling than knowing the woman you love is hurting, and there is nothing you can do about it. I buried my face in her hair as my own tears trickled from my eyes.
Chapter 6
Damon
Four weeks later
“Yes, I’m sure,” Octavia repeated, filling my glass with orange juice. I was pleasantly surprised when I came down stairs to find breakfast waiting on the table and my wife wearing a suit and heels. Her hair hung loosely over her shoulders and she looked ready to take on the world. Jasmine was also dressed in denim shorts, a hot pink t-shirt, and clean white sneakers with her hair separated into two ponytails. When I asked my wife where she was going, she proudly announced that she was going to work, I was going to my office, and Jasmine was going to daycare. I reminded her we had a home office for both of our convenience.
“I can work right here,” I said.
“You need to be back in the middle of the action. Besides, I’m sure there are several investors just waiting for your expertise,” she said. “I need to get back on my grind, and Jasmine needs to be around children her own age.” I’d asked her if she was sure at least three times and each time her answer was the same, “Yes, I’m sure. I’m fine.”
“My only concern is you and our daughter,” I told her. “Everything and everyone else can wait.” I dug my fork in the omelet resting on the plate on the table before me. “This is good,” I said, momentarily distracted from the subject at hand.
“Your favorite: ham, mushrooms, cheddar, and tomatoes,” Octavia sang. She opened the refrigerator door then sat the glass pitcher containing the juice back on the shelf. “Oh, and tonight I was thinking rib eye steaks, loaded baked potatoes, fresh crescent rolls, and string green beans… Maybe I’ll bring home a nice slice of my “Better than Sex” chocolate cheesecake from the restaurant.” It was obvious my love was using food to persuade me. I took another bite of my omelet while staring at her.
“Okay,” I finally agreed. It was obvious her persuasion had worked. “But if at any time you feel that you need me. Call me immediately.”
“I will,” she said happily.
“No, I want to hear the words,” I said sternly.
“I promise Damon,” she sighed, shaking her head
. “When did you become such a worrier?”
“The moment I realized what I have,” I said. “And I’m not a worrier, I’m your man. It’s my job to protect you.”
She smiled seductively while walking over to the table. “You do a very good job of it,” she said. “And I love you for it.” She cradled my face in her hands then pressed her lips to mine. Her warm tongue greeted mine with passion and force. In my pants my man stood at attention, ready for action.
“Stop it,” I ordered, pulling away. “You know Ms. Kitty hasn’t been given permission to play.”
“What I have planned for you doesn’t require Ms. Kitty,” she said suggestively. She flicked her tongue out then across her bottom lip. I felt my soldier leap with anticipation.
“Don’t start woman,” I said casually.
“Jasmine baby, why don’t you go in the living room,” she said, looking at our daughter. “You left baby doll in there all alone. Play with her until Mommy comes to get you.”
“She’s not scared,” Jasmine said. She continued to sit at the table kicking her legs.
I laughed. “I told you she was wise beyond her years and curious.”
Octavia shook her head then walked over to the kitchen island where her handbag was sitting. She pulled out ten dollars and extended it to Jasmine.
“Thank you,” Jasmine giggled, hopping down off the chair. She ran out the kitchen in the direction of our family room.
“That’s why her bank is so fat,” I teased. “You bribe my baby…so you can be nasty!”
“Umm, hum and you like it,” she said, extending her hand to me. I allowed her to lead me to the walk-in pantry in the corner of the room. I could see the family room where Jasmine was now playing, but still had enough time to cease and desist without Octavia and me getting caught. Octavia smiled seductively as she eased down on her knees inside the pantry. “Did he miss me?” she asked. She grabbed the waistband of my basketball shorts and then pulled them down around my ankles. My dick stood up like a beacon in the night, leading the way home. “I guess that means yes!” she laughed slyly.