by Candace Shaw
Sleep wasn’t easy either as he’d grown accustomed to holding Brooklyn in his arms and listening to her soft snores. Waking up with her sleepy yet beautiful eyes on him or the smell of fresh biscuits baking every Sunday morning had spoiled him to no end.
“No … and I’m not going to call her.” Chase eyed his sister carefully for he was positive Zoe was going to say he should and stop being petty. “She has to decide for herself what she wants. I’m not going to force her or beg her to be with me. Brooklyn knows she owns my heart.”
“If it’s meant to be, then it’s meant to be.” Zoe paused again, breathing in deep and tapping her finger on her chin.
Chase tilted his head to the side as he studied Zoe. She always said exactly what was on her mind so he was taken aback by her contemplation mode all of sudden. “Spill it, sis.”
“Um … I heard she may be in Memphis for Rasheed’s New Year’s Eve bash.”
He tried to keep a straight face as the jolt in his heart nearly knocked him over. “Oh … I see,” he said, trying to disguise the disappointment in his tone which didn’t work as Zoe’s eyes saddened.
“I guess you didn’t know.”
“No. She mentioned she had to work during the holiday season on St. Simons. It’s not like we made plans to see each other if she was in the city, but—”
“Maybe it was a last minute decision,” she suggested. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you.”
“It’s cool … I mean, it’s her city, too, and her brother’s party. Addi told you?”
“No. Bria mentioned at lunch the other day that Brooklyn would be in town in time for the party.”
“I guess I’ll see her there, and uh … you’ll see someone, too.” He had to change the subject to avoid the pain swelling in his chest. He’d hope there was some chance that Brooklyn would want to see him whenever she visited.
Narrowing her eyes at him, Zoe’s mouth pursed into a sarcastic smirk. “Who?”
“Aiden Graham,” he answered, referring to Langston’s older brother who was a sports analyst on the show Sports Fanatic.
Smacking her lips, she shook her head. “Here we go again. You’re worse than Addi. We went on one date and you all swear it was a match made in heaven. Mother swore she was going to plan a double wedding for me and Addi to two brothers which will never happen because baby sis hates her ex, and I have no interest in his brother. He’s a nice guy, but he’s not my type.” Standing, Zoe pivoted toward the door. “Why do you think he’ll be there?” she asked, her tone laced in curiosity.
“Mmm-hmm.” Chase smirked at her question. “He’s the emcee for the event. I guess you didn’t read the invite. And I know you like those pretty boy types like Rick Foxx and Shemar Moore. Al B. Sure.”
“Whatever. And those men are old enough to be my daddy. I’m only twenty-seven but Rick Foxx is fine. Stick to your day job and stop playing matchmaker. Anyway, I need to go to the satellite office in Germantown and you have a meeting with Human Resources or you won’t get paid.”
“All right. Thank you for the information about Brook.”
“Knowledge is power, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t use it.” Zoe winked, walking out of the double doors and closing them behind her.
Chase leaned back in his chair as his eyes landed on the bare wall opposite where his desk sat. It needed some spicing up if he was going to have to see it in front of him every day. He figured artwork such as black and white creative photography could add a touch of character, and his mind transported him back to the black and white pictures in the hallway of Brooklyn’s home. Too bad he couldn’t just call her up and ask if she had any creative photos in her portfolio she could blow up and frame for him. However, he’d promised himself he wasn’t going to reach out to her and not in a stubborn way as Zoe assumed. He’d wanted to respect Brooklyn’s wishes, but now knowing they were going to be at the same party on New Year’s Eve, the perfect plan formed in his head.
*****
“Burrr…” Brooklyn said with a shiver as she stepped out of the back of Rasheed’s Maybach. She nodded to his long-time driver and met her brother on the other side of the black luxury sedan as he pulled a container of purple and gold winter-flowering pansies out of the front seat.
“It’s a little chilly,” he said, winking as they stepped onto the sidewalk that led to their destination. Shifting the container on one arm, he pulled a black remote out of his coat pocket and aimed it in front of him.
“I don’t miss this cold weather at all,” she stated, pulling the trench coat closer as the cold Memphis wind blew strong against her.
For some reason, tossing a winter coat into the suitcase had escaped her mind when packing for the trip, and she’d borrowed one of Bria’s for the outing with Rasheed. However, for the past few weeks, Brooklyn’s life had been one big blur of winter weddings, Christmas parties, and a last minute photo shoot with a newly engaged couple which she’d conducted an hour before boarding her brother’s private jet to head to Memphis to meet Kameryn at the Botanical Gardens. On the outside she was bubbly, perhaps over bubbly, and proclaiming to be in good spirits to suppress the pain living in her heart. Being in her hometown reminded Brooklyn of missing her parents, but it also reminded her that the man she loved lived there. She needed to call him and hear his soothing voice in her ear. She needed to tell him she missed him like crazy and wanted to give them a chance.
Wrapping her hand around Rasheed’s arm, he offered a comforting smile as he pressed a button on the remote. They entered the black wrought iron gates of the small, private garden memorial they’d created for their parents at the cemetery. The pink camellia bushes had just started to bloom, as they were in her opinion winter roses, and she’d suggested them so flowers would always grace the garden no matter the season.
“Nope. I don’t miss this weather at all,” Brooklyn repeated, wrapping the scarf that had once belonged to Chase tighter around her neck. Stopping in her tracks, she pushed her gloved hands into the coat pockets as her heartbeat sped up. “Mhmmm,” she sighed, saddened to see her parents’ names on their tombstones. “But I do miss them. Very much. Sometimes it feels like a bad dream that I can’t awake from no matter how hard I try.” She stooped down in front of her mother’s grave and ran a finger along her name written in a calligraphy print.
“Me too,” Rasheed answered, setting the container of pansies between the tombstones and heading to the bench nearby. “It’s not that cold, Brooklyn,” he teased as she stood back up and began to jog in place.
“Look, I’ve lived by the beach for the last few years,” she reminded, joining him on the bench wishing she had her coffee that was in the car. “Though I am excited about the possibility of snow tonight. Now that I do miss. Regardless, I have to get used to this type of cold weather again.”
He turned toward her wearing a wide grin that seemed to stretch all the way up to his bald head. “Again? Uh huh. Sooooooo, is Memphis on the list of places to open your photography studio now that you’re leaving Precious Moments?”
“I didn’t say that,” she quipped, not ready to share her possible plans yet. “I just meant in general.”
“You know that empty building in downtown we saw the last time you were here is still available.”
“It’s ideal … um … something like it.”
Brooklyn hadn’t been able to shake the place out of her head and had pulled up the information and floor plans on the real estate agent’s website countless times. The layout and location of the studio was perfect. She’d researched similar places in the cities on her list including the St. Simons/Brunswick area and had visited a few. However, she found fault with all of them. None of them compared to the one in downtown Memphis and she couldn’t wait to lay eyes on it again.
“Look, I’m not trying to convince you to move back here if you don’t want to, but I know you miss being here. I know you hate the fact that our parents are no longer with us; however, they’re in our hearts no ma
tter where you live. Perhaps living away from home makes it a tad easier for you.”
“Honestly, I thought it would be but no, it’s the same pain. The truth is, I’d needed a change of scenery after I finished my master’s degree. I was in limbo doing photography on the side and working at that huge accounting firm where I was just another CPA. I needed something new and exciting to do, so when Reagan asked me to join her and Zaria with Precious Moments, it was the perfect opportunity. I enjoyed being there and helping my girlfriends with their dream, but it wasn’t my vision for myself.”
“You’ve talked about opening a studio and mentoring aspiring creative photographers for as long as I can remember. I’m proud of you for pursuing your own dreams, and if you need anything, I got you. You want that studio downtown? Say the word. It’s yours.”
She smiled at her brother. He’d spoiled her for as long as she could remember. However, this was something she needed to on her own. “Honestly, I do want the studio downtown, but you don’t have to buy it for me. I have my own money you know.”
“Fine.” He slid his cellphone out of his pocket. “Can your big brother at least call and set up an appointment with the real estate agent so you can see it in person while you’re in town?”
“Too late.” Standing, she pulled him off the bench. “That’s where we’re going next,” she said with a definite smile. “I’ve already made the appointment.”
“Okay, I forgot how take charge you are. Just like Mom.”
“I’m not saying I’m putting a contract on it today, but I’ve been dying to see it again. I think then I can make a final decision.”
“And Chase?” Rasheed asked, as they walked out of the garden. Turning, he pressed the remote to close the gates. “Are you dying to see him as well?”
“Yes. I miss him like crazy, and I know he’s the one for me.” She loved to acknowledge it out loud and couldn’t wait to tell Chase in person, but she needed to handle her business first.
“Ah … so he’s the real reason you’re contemplating moving back home?” he asked as they followed the path to his car.
“Yes and no. This career change and moving back to Memphis is something I’ve been wrestling with before he and I had a relationship … well, whatever it was. However, I miss you and I hate missing important events in you and your family’s lives. When I saw the empty studio the last time I was home, something clicked. I can’t stop thinking about it, and all the possibilities that will come with it. So, no Chase isn’t the only reason.”
“He’ll be at the party tonight,” Rasheed said as they reached his Maybach.
“Oh, that’s perfect. I was going to call him, but I’ll surprise him.”
“I’m sure Chase will be over the moon to see you.” Rasheed opened the back door for Brooklyn. “Now let’s jet to this meeting so I can do my damnedest to convince you to buy this place, and if its not up to par, we’ll find you another one. Or I’ll have one built for you. My baby sister is moving home!” Rasheed exclaimed, giving her a bear hug.
“Ha ha! We’ll see,” Brooklyn said, squeezing him back before sliding onto the black leather wearing a smile. For in her heart she finally knew exactly what she wanted to do and was at peace with her decision.
Chapter Seventeen
Brooklyn’s heart raced as the Maybach came to a halt in front of the VIP drop off at Lillian’s Dinner and Blue’s Club that evening for the annual New Year’s Eve bash. There were a few more cars in front of her, and she appreciated the wait. Breathing in deeply, she sipped the last of her champagne and placed the empty glass in the cup holder between the two oversized, leather executive seats. She was alone with her thoughts as Rasheed and Bria had left an hour before because they were co-hosting the event.
Brooklyn was relieved to have time to reflect before tonight’s festivities. Since arriving in Memphis, she’d been running non-stop from working with Kameryn, visiting her parents’ final resting place, touring the studio, and hurrying back to Rasheed’s mansion to prepare for the party including trying on over a dozen dresses. Dressing in formal attire had never been her forte. Usually at events, she was the photographer and would remain low key in a pair of dress slacks and a blouse. She’d offered to be the main photographer but Rasheed refused. In a way she was relieved, but it was the habit of volunteering she had to break. Tonight was about starting the new year with a new career adventure along with hopefully a new relationship with the man she loved.
All day, she’d been dying to call Chase to share with him her news, but she wanted to surprise him at the party. Bria had reassured he would be there for he’d RSVP’d without a plus one which was a sigh of relief for Brooklyn. The thought of him possibly having a date churned her stomach into knots, but she couldn’t be upset if he had another lady on his arm because she was the one who suggested to end things. However, she realized her mistake as soon as he left St. Simons and now she intended to get her man back.
Rustling in her purse, she pulled out her compact mirror and glanced at herself one more time. Bria’s glam squad had styled Brooklyn’s hair in a curly updo with minimal make up since it wasn’t something she wore on an everyday basis. Hot pink lipstick painted her mouth, and there was a light dusting of blush on her cheeks over the foundation that matched her deep caramel skin flawlessly. The emerald earrings that were once in a bracelet owned by her mother were the highlight of her attire.
“All right, girl. I guess you’re as ready as you’re going to be,” Brooklyn said to herself, tossing the compact back in her black, sequined evening clutch that matched her straight, black, sequined dress. She’d thought the slit all the way up to the beginning of her right thigh was a tad too much, but the stylist reassured the dress wasn’t going to show anything private. However, it was strapless and her biggest fear wasn’t seeing Chase; it was making sure the dress didn’t fall down despite the tight way it clung around her body.
Sliding the black, sling-back heels on her manicured feet, she grabbed her purse and matching shawl off the other seat. Wrapping it around her shoulders, Brooklyn knew she should’ve worn a coat for a few snowflakes had begun to fall as soon as she arrived at the venue. However, she decided to sacrifice warmth for sexy and figured she’d be warm soon enough once she was in the arms of the man she loved.
Moments later, she was greeted at the door by Rasheed’s assistant who smiled and nodded as Brooklyn passed through without having to wait in the long line to confirm her name on the guest list. The upbeat music from the jazz band on the stage filled the club, and Brooklyn found herself rocking to the beat and becoming even more excited about seeing Chase.
After checking her shawl at coat check, she spotted Bria who sauntered over in a short, red dress that showcased her long, toned legs. Her back-length, black hair was swept over her right shoulder and a diamond choker graced her neck.
“You look amazing, doll!” Bria complimented, giving Brooklyn a hug. “Our VIP section is upstairs and … um, your man arrived a moment ago with Addi. They’re over by the down stair’s bar.”
Brooklyn’s stomach fluttered uncontrollably at the thought of seeing Chase again. She had her speech all prepared in her head but now it was suddenly a clouded mess as nerves kicked in. Okay, girl. Be strong. You got this. He loves you and you love him and that’s all that matters, she thought as her feet somehow began to walk on their own toward the bar area as Bria strolled alongside her.
As they approached the vicinity, Brooklyn’s heart dropped as she witnessed Chase picking up and twirling a beautiful young woman around in his arms. He proceeded to introduce her to Addison who squealed, clapped, and gave the woman a hug as well.
“Wait.” Brooklyn halted, placing a hand on Bria’s bare shoulder. “Who’s that?” She could barely get the words out as so many different emotions ran rampant through her.
“I have no idea,” Bria answered with a wistful sigh. “He didn’t have a plus one …”
“Well. I guess he does.”
�
��Maybe they’re just old friends.”
“This was a mistake. Clearly he’s moved on and I’m too late.”
“Don’t say that.”
“No, it’s my fault. I’m the one who suggested we go our separate ways. I mean, he’s free to see whoever he wants … Nothing wrong with that.” Tears welled in her eyes at the lie she was telling herself, and the last thing she wanted to do was to cry in front of all these people.
“I need some fresh air,” Brooklyn said as a heat wave began to rise within her. Wiping her brow, she tried to remain calm and remind herself this was her fault. She couldn’t approach him. She couldn’t say one damn thing.
“I’ll come with you,” Bria offered, squeezing her sister-in-law’s hand. “Let me just tell Rasheed.”
“No. No. You’re one of the hosts. I’ll be fine.”
“You are coming back, right?” Bria asked, her tone filled with concern.
“Of course,” Brooklyn answered even though she probably wasn’t.
Turning on her heel, she glanced over her shoulder once more at Chase only to catch eyes with his. He smiled and raised his champagne glass to her, but she turned toward the front entrance and fast-walked to it. She vaguely heard her brother call her name through the haze that surrounded her, but she ignored him. Pushing through the crowd of men and women clad in tuxedos and after five attire, she finally landed on the sidewalk as snowflakes touched her skin. In her haste to escape, she’d forgotten to stop by coat check; however, she couldn’t go back inside. She placed her arms around herself and trekked briskly toward the next street up.
“Brook,” Chase called out, grabbing her upper arm and turning her around to him. “Where are you going?” He took off his trench coat and placed it over her shoulders. “And without a coat? This isn’t St. Simons.”
“Just g-going f-for a w-walk,” she stammered, placing her arms inside the coat with his help. It was warm from his body heat and smelled just like him.