The day after, the same day he’d made breakfast for Alicia, he’d gotten a call inviting him to play a round of golf with his brothers. It was the first time he’d had an opportunity to really talk with them since Benny’s big reveal, and he accepted at once. He’d gone to Andrew’s house to collect him and drive over to the golf course. While he was waiting for Andrew he had a chance to talk with Benita. She and Clay were going back to Atlanta in a few days and she had a few things to say to him before they left.
“Adam, I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know this isn’t easy for you, but you’re handling this much better than anyone has a right to expect you to,” she said as she gave him a big hug.
They had a rare moment alone on the deck to talk and she was making the most of it They sat next to each other on a wicker settee with Adam’s arm draped around her shoulder. She stroked his hand and looked into his eyes with loving concern.
“I remember how close you were to Mama. Of all the boys you were her favorite, although she’d never, ever say that,” Bennie said hastily. “But she just adored you, Adam. She loved all of us, she really did, and we were all her favorites for one reason or another, but you were her heart and that’s the truth. I know this must feel like you’re betraying her in some way, but you’re not. John didn’t do anything to get here, he didn’t ask to be born.”
Adam was silent for a minute before responding. “I know that, Benita. In my heart I know this has nothing to do with Mama, but in a way it does.” He broke his silence of thirty years and told her everything that happened on the day their mother died.
“So you see, I’ve always felt like I did something wrong, like it was my fault she died. And I’m ninety-nine percent sure that somehow Mama found out about John and that’s why she was so angry at Pop before the accident. How do I just let that go, Benita? How do I accept John without dishonoring my mother’s memory and how do I let go of the fact she knew what Pop had done?”
Adam was dismayed to see big tears rolling down his sister’s face after he stopped speaking. He wiped them away and listened as she told him her own story.
“I always thought I was responsible for her dying. I’d asked her to bring my science project to school and she fussed and said, ‘You’re going to be the death of me, Andrea Benita Cochran,’ and those were the last words I ever heard from her. I suffered from guilt for years and years about that, Adam. And you know who helped me understand I wasn’t responsible? It was John, when he was treating me in California.”
They sat in silence for a moment before she continued. “I’m ashamed to say that nothing Daddy did or will do shocks me in any way. I got exposed to his machinations at a very early age,” she said with resignation. “I guess if I didn’t know John from a can of paint I might be resentful and angry about it, but I do know John. He saved my sanity and my marriage, Adam. He’s a wonderful man and he’s been a good friend to Clay and me over the years. I owe a lot to him and even before I knew we were related I loved him like a brother. I’m just glad you’re giving him a chance. Even if you don’t become close, you’re not shutting him out.”
Further conversation slowed down as first Trey and then the triplets and finally the twins came racing out of the house, followed more sedately by Andie. He did get a chance to say what was really on his mind, though. As one of his nephews made a dive for his head for a bout of wrestling, Adam turned to his sister once more.
“I hear what you’re saying, Benita, and I’m not holding anything against John. My question is, how do I befriend him and not dishonor Mama? And how do I forgive Pop? Could you, if you were me?”
Benita groaned under the burden of three little girls trying to crawl into her lap at once. “I don’t know, Adam. I really don’t know how I’d do it if I were you. But I do know you have to try. For your sake, not for his. I don’t want you to end up like he did. Not being able to forgive his own father for what he thought he’d done, that’s what makes him the way he is today. I don’t want that for you, sweetie.” Her head turned and her voice changed as she noticed one of her sons attempting something dangerous.
“Boy, if you don’t put that down I’m going to put you in time-out until you’re thirty! Clay, come get these children!”
***
That day had been a revelation and a turning point for Adam. He’d heard similar sentiments from his brothers as they enjoyed a raucous round of golf followed by lunch. They didn’t try to push the idea of having a half brother down Adam’s throat but sounded a lot like Benita as they applauded Adam’s willingness to try to accept the situation. Alan and Andre were pragmatic about it.
“I guess if he was a crackhead or an exotic dancer or a Republican or something I’d have some issues. But he seems like a really nice guy, smart, gainfully employed, and most importantly, he has his own bankroll. And there’s no denying he’s a handsome fellow.” Alan preened with an exaggerated adjustment of his collar.
Andre agreed. “Seeing as he has the good fortune to resemble us, there’s no denying that he’s a stud. He takes after his big brothers, that’s all.”
Donnie, Adam, and Andrew all groaned and threw their napkins at the twins. Andrew did offer up an opinion, though.
“You know, considering everything he’s been through, he’s very cool and calm about all this. He grew up thinking his parents were his natural parents, he was a different nationality, and then he finds out that he’s black, adopted, and illegitimate. That’s a lot to pile on one man’s plate, but he seems to be taking it in stride,” Andrew said thoughtfully.
“Yeah, but he did mention that he was always raised as a black man. His parents were both dark-skinned and they let him know from jump street that they were all of African descent. Black folks live all over the globe, you know that.”
“This is true,” Andrew said thoughtfully. “But damn, it takes a truly well-adjusted person to accept all that’s been dumped in his lap. He must be the most mentally healthy person on the planet”
“Well, he is a shrink after all. He probably is more grounded than most people. He understands all this crazy stuff,” Donnie said as he tried to help himself to the rest of Andrew’s fries.
Andrew made a half-hearted attempt to protect his food, then shrugged and gave up. “Take them, it’s your cholesterol.”
Adam stood and said he and Andrew needed to be leaving anyway. “I have a couple of things I need to do for Alicia before tonight’s festivities, then I need to get back to the office for a minute.”
Each of the brothers had taken a turn entertaining John, having him over for dinner or brunch so he could get to know them and their families. Adam hadn’t gotten that far yet, but he wasn’t totally rejecting the man, either. In fact, thanks to Alicia, he was going to be playing host to his half brother that night, in a way. The aunts were visiting in Detroit again. They’d gone home the day after the party, but Benny and Martha had urged them to come again soon, which they had, due to the outing Alicia had arranged. Knowing of Emmaline’s love of baseball, Marielle had arranged for the aunts to attend a game as a special guest of the Detroit Tigers Organization. It was a good game, too; they were playing the Yankees and the Yankees were out for revenge since the Tigers had recently trounced them in a two-game series.
The whole family would be there, actually both families as the Fuentes men were on the team, and Alicia’s mother would be in attendance, too. They would be in a huge VIP suite enjoying the Tigers’ hospitality as well as the game. As he drove to the Cochran Building, Adam smiled, knowing how much his aunts would enjoy the outing. Everyone was coming to the loft afterward for coffee and dessert provided by Alicia and Adam, so it should be a memorable day for everyone. And a day when he couldn’t avoid his father the way he had been. As he sat at the wheel, Adam’s brow creased in deep thought, but his face relaxed into a smile when Alicia opened his door.
She came over to his desk and leaned over for a kiss. “How are you, sweetie? We have to leave in about a half hour,�
� she reminded him. She smiled and it was obvious she was thinking about something other than the game.
“What’s so funny?”
Alicia grinned again and said that Rhonda had just asked her if she and Adam were going to share an office once they were married. “Of course I told her no,” she said.
Adam pretended to be offended. “Why don’t you want to share an office with me?” he demanded.
“Because I’d never get any work done! I’d be staring at you and thinking about things to do to the gorgeous body I know lurks beneath those clothes and I’d be a total wreck. All I’d be thinking about is having sex with you. Not making love, mind you, but having hot, secret, illicit sex right here in the office. Like on the sofa, or bent over that drawing board, or even in the lavatory ...” Her voice trailed off and she shook her head emphatically. “No way, sweetheart, it just wouldn’t work.”
Alicia’s vivid words ignited the smoldering flame that always flickered when he was around her and his eyes reflected his need. “Well now, you just gave me a great idea. Suppose we just lock that door and try out a few of those things, just to see if they work?” he said, reaching for her with lust in his eyes.
Alicia’s eyes grew huge and she began backing out of the office. “Don’t even think about it, Adam. We’re leaving here in thirty minutes. Since when have you and I made love in less than forty-five?”
“We could try,” he said hopefully.
His answer was the sound of the door closing as Alicia beat a hasty retreat.
Chapter Twenty-five
Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time, especially Emmaline, who was thrilled to meet Alicia’s and Marielle’s father, Jose. She’d been a huge fan of his when he was a player, something she let him know immediately. He introduced her to his sons and several other players before the game began and promised to rejoin the group after the game. Alicia was watching the aunts with a loving smile on her face when she was struck by Roxy’s expression.
“Rox, will you quit looking at Bryant like he has the plague? I keep telling you he’s a nice guy and you’re acting like he’s Chester the child molester or a down-low brother or something. Cut it out,” she said firmly.
The two women were in the kitchen area of the suite making sure that the buffet was still plentiful and anyone who wanted anything was satisfied. Bryant was chatting with Marielle as if she were the last woman on the planet, or at least it looked that way to Roxy.
“Hmmph. So you say. He acts like an ol’ player if you ask me. I still can’t get over his nerve, pushing up on me not two seconds after he was all over you. No, thank you, I’m nobody’s consolation prize,” she said, sniffling.
“Look, honey, he’s just being friendly to Marielle; she has no interest in men whatsoever. Since that stupid husband of hers left her high and dry she’s had more than a few issues with the opposite sex, so there’s no hope of her giving Bryant the time of day.”
Sure enough, no sooner had the words left her mouth than Bryant joined them.
“Alicia, thanks again for inviting me. You look wonderful, by the way.” He gave her his brilliant beautiful smile and then turned a subdued version of the same smile on Roxy. “Hello, Roxy. I don’t want to risk your wrath again, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you how lovely you look,” he said with warm sincerity.
Roxy did look adorable in a perfectly fitting pair of cuffed shorts with a matching blouse and a pair of sexy orange sandals. Bryant tried mightily but he couldn’t stop looking at her big, curvy legs that led up to her high, rounded bottom and delectable hips. He tried looking into her eyes, but that was a problem, too, since her golden brown eyes framed by long lashes seemed to bore holes in him, but he didn’t care. Her pouty lips and her pretty, round face were enchanting and he wanted to get to know her better; something that seemed impossible since she acted like she hated him.
“Why don’t you like me?” he asked suddenly.
She raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, “It’s not you, it’s your cologne. I don’t care for it.”
Bryant looked from Alicia to Roxy with disbelief on his face. “My cologne?”
“Yes. It smells like Eau de Unrequited Love to me and I don’t like it.”
Bryant burst into hearty laughter and had the nerve to reach over and pull Roxy into his arms for a hug. "Thank you for the compliment; I haven’t had a woman get jealous on my behalf for a long time. Alicia and I were never involved; we’re just good friends,” he said with a grin.
Alicia scooted out of the kitchen, as she knew that Roxy was about to go off on Bryant. She also saw the twinkle in her friend’s eyes and knew that there were some serious sparks of attraction flying around. Alicia just wanted to make sure that Adam was okay and that John was comfortable with the teeming mass of Cochrans milling around him. For some reason he’d looked rather tired when he’d arrived with Nina. She wasn’t very reassured by what she saw in the main area of the suite. John still looked tired and rather pale to her. And apparently someone else shared her concern, as Nina pulled her to one side.
“Is it possible for us to have lunch or a drink? I’d like to talk to you about something,” she said tersely.
Alicia agreed at once, suggesting they get together the next day at a place near the office. Nina didn’t linger once they made the date; she went back to sit near John. Adam was on the other side of John and he didn’t look uncomfortable at all. They looked like they were having a decent conversation, as a matter of fact. Alicia’s gaze traveled around the room to her mother, who was deep in conversation with Reba and Daphne. Or Dahlia, those two were still identical to Alicia. Everything seemed to be proceeding nicely; even the children were behaving well, especially her nephew Paco, who was dazzled by Andie. Clearly she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen and to Alicia’s amusement, he was glued to her side. She smiled as Adam rose from the sofa and came to join her.
“How are you doing?’ she asked as he gave her a quick and discreet nuzzle on the neck.
“Just fine, baby. Being with you makes everything just about perfect. I couldn’t imagine a nicer evening.” Alicia kissed him back and told him that Nina had asked to have lunch with her on the next day. Adam raised his eyebrows as he looked down at her. “That’s interesting. I thought she was kind of aloof. She didn’t seem like the type to make friends, if you know what I mean.”
“Well, it seems like you’re wrong about that. It looks like she wants to get better acquainted at least.”
“That’s nice. I can’t wait to hear how it goes.”
“Oh, you know I will. I can’t keep anything from you, now, can I?” She smiled up at him and he tightened his arms around her, smelling her fantastic hair as he did so.
“Can we go now? I need to be alone with you in the worst way,” he whispered.
Alicia giggled and told him to behave. “It’s going to be a long time before we can do any of that, so chill. I promise to make the wait worth your while, though.”
Only partly mollified, Adam agreed to behave. “But when we’re alone all bets are off, so get ready, baby.”
***
Roxy’s eyes were huge and full of concern for her friend. It was the day after the baseball game and Alicia had called her in the early afternoon asking if she could come talk to her.
“Of course. I’m at home all day today waiting for the movers, so come ahead.” Roxy had, with her usual efficiency, procured a lovely condominium that faced the man-made lake in the middle of the complex, and she was in the process of moving in. When Alicia arrived she found Roxy surrounded by boxes and furniture that looked like it had just been taken off a truck and dropped, which Roxy admitted it had.
“Their feet were so dirty I didn’t want to risk my carpet,” she said, indicating the brand-new snowy-white Berber. “So I had them get in and out as quickly as possible.”
Alicia nodded distractedly. “How are you going to get everything in place?”
Roxy smiled mysteriously. �
��Help is on the way. Now what’s troubling you, Alicia? I could tell by your tone of voice that something is wrong.”
Alicia’s eyes filled with tears and she looked around for something on which to sit. She ended up sitting on a big box and wrapping her arms around her middle before answering. “John Flores is dying, Roxy. He has a liver disease that will kill him in a very short time if nothing is done about it.”
Roxy went to Alicia at once, dropping to her knees and putting her arms around her friend. “That’s awful, Alicia. How did you find out?”
Alicia pulled out of Roxy’s embrace and stared at her with big sad eyes that showed the strain of trying not to cry. “I had lunch today with that friend of John’s, that Nina Whitney. She’s the one who told me. She found out by accident; John doesn’t even know that she knows. But the reason she told me is that John can survive the disease if he gets a liver transplant,” Alicia said in a voice choked with emotion.
Roxy looked relieved. “Well, that’s something. Maybe Andrew can use his pull to get him on a list or something. With both Andrew and John being prominent doctors, maybe something can be done to expedite the situation,” she said with hope in her voice.
Alicia was shaking her head even as Roxy spoke. “It’s not like that, Rox. First of all, John wouldn’t even consider preferential treatment. I don’t know him very well, of course, but I can’t see him allowing himself to be pushed to the head of a list somewhere; he’d never put his life in front of another person’s.” She sniffed and took a deep breath before continuing. “The other thing is this, Roxy, it can’t be a cadaver transplant. In order for it to work the transplant has to come from a living donor.”
Roxy looked both repulsed and fascinated by the information. “But how can you take the liver from a live person?” she asked with a shudder. “I thought that was an essential body organ.”
“It is essential, but it will also regenerate. You can take half a liver out of a living person and put it into a person with a diseased liver and both people will end up with a whole liver because it will grow back. The only thing is the donor has to be about the same height, weight, and age as the person receiving the liver. Which makes Adam…”
Something to Talk About Page 27