by Emery, Lynn
“That’s quite enough, Dalton,” Adeline said in a sharp voice. “Shani, this is our first meeting and we know quite enough for now. I don’t believe in spilling family secrets to those you barely know.” She smiled at Shani with genuine fondness. “But I do hope we will become closer.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Aucoin. I’d like that.”
Shani was so touched, tears came to her eyes. She took a deep breath and blinked them back. Adeline’s warm, maternal personality reminded her of how much she missed her mother.
“My son looks at you the way I’ve never seen him look at another young woman. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of each other.” The twinkle in Adeline’s eyes returned.
“Mama, please,” Eric said with an embarrassed expression.
Dalton glanced at his wife and son. His stern expression relaxed. “Sure, there will be plenty of time for spilling family secrets. Hell, we’ve got more than a few Aucoins who’ve been in jail. My wife’s family couldn’t keep their hands off other folks’ livestock.” He guffawed.
“Dad! That was almost eighty years ago.” Eric’s troubled look shifted to one of relief. He gripped Shani’s hand to reassure her.
Adeline laughed. “More recent than that, sweetie. Now, what about Christmas? Shani, you must join us.”
For the next few hours the conversation moved from making plans for the holidays to sports. To Shani’s surprise, she did not feel as though the talk was forced or superficial. Could she fit into Eric’s life? Of course, J.J.‘s crime was more serious than cattle theft. Would Adeline still be so understanding when she learned he had been a drug dealer? She felt a growing affection for the kind, gentle woman who seemed so different from her husband. Dalton Aucoin. Shani doubted there was little he did not know about her all ready. Yet he had never treated her with anything but a courtly kind of old fashion courtesy. Maybe her fears were unfounded. Finally the evening ended.
Back at her apartment, Shani poured them each a cup of hot herbal tea. “This will help us sleep.”
Eric frowned at the steaming brew. “Not what I had in mind.” He ducked her playful swat with a chuckle. “Just joking. I’ve got an early day tomorrow. I’d better drink this and go. It’s eleven all ready.”
“Yeah, I need to get a fresh start myself. I’ve got back-to-back meetings all day.” Shani settled onto the sofa near him. “So do you think tonight went okay?”
Eric put down his cup. “Honey, it went really well. Dad’s opinionated, pushy sometimes, and a bit of a snob, but he’s a good person at heart. Honestly, I thought he’d be worse.” He grinned.
“Hey, it’s normal that your father would want to know. He cares about you and your career. Who you associate with can ruin your career as a politician.” Shani bit her lower lip. She had been a fool not to have realized it before now. Dalton’s questions hit home with the force of dynamite. Those same questions would be asked by others. The answers could be weapons used against Eric.
“My constituents are not that narrow-minded.” Eric moved close to her. “So don’t worry about my career.”
“But you might have lots of problems because of me.” Shani let out a sigh of dismay.
“And we’ll handle them. Together,” he said in a soft voice.
“But—”
Eric silenced her with a kiss. Shani melded her body to his, anxiety dissolved at the touch of his tongue to hers. “Eric, this is serious,” she mumbled. Her breath quickened with each brush of lips brushed against her neck. His hands moved up her thighs to her breasts.
“Baby, you can’t tell how serious I am?” he whispered. “I want you, Shani. And nothing will come between us. Nothing.”
In a soft haze of desire, they found their way to her bed. They lay together naked within minutes of frantic undressing. Once again his strong body moved with hers in a rhythmic dance of passion. He moved with enough speed to lift her close to the edge of ecstasy, then slowed leaving her crying for more. And more he gave. Shani trembled at the delicious torture of delay.
“Eric,” Shani moaned.
Over and over she said his name, her voice rising with the strength of each thrust His cries told her he would delay no longer. First Shani came, a shower of bright colors exploding in her head. Eric groaned holding her tight as he shuddered inside her. They went limp in each other’s arms, gasping for breath. For a long time neither spoke. They enjoyed holding each other. Eric combed his fingers through Shani’s thick hair while she pressed her cheek to his broad chest.
“Now isn’t this better than any old herbal tea?” Eric’s chest rumbled with mirth.
Shani giggled. “You got that right.”
“And I don’t want you worrying about my career. Even if it did make a difference, which it won’t, I couldn’t give you up now. I love you too much.” Eric lifted her chin to gaze into Shani’s eyes.
“I love you, too. I love you like crazy.” Shani kissed him long and hard.
***
Terrilyn came into the living room of her spacious town-house carrying a huge bowl of popcorn. “I saw Robert the other day. Claudia dumped him.”
“Ah, too bad,” Shani said in a voice heavy with sarcasm.
“He asked about you. Honey, he wants you back bad. It was written all over his pitiful face. Go girl. Two fine men after you is good for the ego.”
“You called Robert a low down, no good mongrel. Now you sound like he’s the catch of the day.” Shani stared at her friend in mock outrage.
“He’s a dog to his heart, girl. No question. But he’s a fine dog with money.” Terrilyn popped a kernel into her mouth.
The two women were dateless, Eric was working late, and Terrilyn’s latest flame was working a night shift. So they decided to spend Friday night watching movies and eating snacks to console themselves. They sat on Terrilyn’s sofa bed that she bought for when her mother or one of her sisters came from Shreveport to visit. Propped against oversized pillows, they were snug and ready to cry over their favorite movie, Black Orpheus.
“Having Robert slither back does nothing for my ego, Terrilyn. He doesn’t care about me.” Shani arranged the heavy cotton throw over her legs.
“Even better. Honey, rub that wound raw. Let the little mangy puppy do a slow burn thinking about some other man giving you good love.”
The corners of Shani’s mouth turned up with the trace of a grin. “You’re wicked. Darn, this video is acting strange.”
“Surprise, surprise. We’ve played the thing a zillion times. Maybe it’s worn out.” Terrilyn tried to help clear the picture by pressing buttons on the remote.
“Or maybe you should invest in a new DVD player. They delivered this one in a horse and buggy.” Shani dodged a pillow.
“Look. I give up. But have no doubt I’m going to buy a new copy of this classic. Let’s see what’s on the movie channel.” Terrilyn turned to a local station and was about to switch when Shani stopped her.
“Wait, it’s the ten o’clock news.”
“Who cares? Look, the television guide says The Color Purple is on Channel thirty-two starting … now. I could watch that movie another dozen times at least, girl.”
Shani grabbed the remote from her. “No you don’t. There’s Eric.” She pointed to the screen.
“Who is that cutie next to him? Oh, I love those soulful eyes.” Terrilyn leered.
“Trumaine Delacrosse, Eric’s aide. Now will you hush?”
“Senator Raymond and a group of freshman legislators have mapped out a plan to address the serious fiscal problems of this state.” A black female reporter spoke into the camera before the picture switched back to the group of about fifteen men who stood in the lobby of the state capitol building in downtown Baton Rouge.
Senator Raymond, with thick gray hair and a puffy face, stood at a podium with microphones positioned in front of him. “We believe that a drastic change in the way we do business in state government is necessary. No longer can will we allow those who will not work to live off
the sweat of hard-working, decent men and women. Our message to them is simple, the party’s over.”
All fifteen of the men, including Eric, applauded his words.
The female reporter came back on camera. “Among the areas targeted for reduction are block grants to several community centers where there has been evidence of poor administration or misapplication of funds. According to Senator Raymond, details will soon follow. This is Cynthia Bienville for Channel two.”
Shani and Terrilyn sat silently for several seconds.
Terrilyn finally broke the tense quiet. “I can see those wheels of suspicion turning. Don’t jump to conclusions.”
“But did you see him cheerleading that old bag of wind? What am I supposed to think?” Shani wanted to cry. “Maybe Eric is a liar and just using me.”
Terrilyn turned down the sound of the television. “You told me that Eric never claimed to be a converted liberal after you two got together. But he did promise to consider input from you and other social workers.”
Shani chewed a finger and stared at the picture of a weather map. “How can I be sure he’ll stick by that when he’s faced with all his party members?”
“He’s only one man, Shani. He can’t change everyone or do it alone. He can only try.” Terrilyn shrugged.
Shani felt better as she digested her words. “As usual you’re brilliant.”
“You just figured that out?” Terrilyn quipped. “Let’s get another round of drinks before we get into Whoopi’s premier performance.” She padded into the kitchen in her bunny slippers.
“You’re absolutely right. I’m being so childish. Of course, Eric will be outnumbered when it comes to defending agencies like Mid-City. But he can make a difference.” Shani smiled at the strawberry flavored soft drink Terrilyn handed her. “My favorite.”
“Hey, nothing but the best for our slumber party. And for me, old fashioned Barq’s root beer. Now, here’s to Senator Aucoin. A man for all seasons.” Terrilyn raised a clear mug filled to the top.
“To Senator Aucoin. A man after my own heart.” Shani clinked her glass against the mug.
“He’s after more than that, honey. And count your lucky stars for it.” Terrilyn winked at her.
“Every day, sugar. Every fun-filled day.” Shani snickered with her. They spent the rest of the night watching movies and talking about everything under the sun.
Chapter 6
Only six days until Christmas. What a difference a few weeks made. Shani sang along with the carolers grouped in front of a huge, elaborately decorated tree in the middle of the mall. Unlike her previous shopping trips, the festive mood made the task easy. Enjoyable even. She glanced at her watch and hurried to the next store. The smell of leather drew her toward a row of briefcases and portfolios. There it was, a leather bound journal. Though a modern man, Eric still loved old books and writing notes by hand, like his to-do list. Perfect for a busy senator, Shani mused feeling a flush of happiness at the thought of giving it to Eric.
She whizzed through the rest of mall picking up items for everyone on her list. The only time her mood darkened was when she picked out a MP3 player for J.J. Another Christmas separated from him. And this year would be even worse when she went to visit him Sunday without Brendon. Yet she could not stay sad for long. A glance at the bright green holiday shopping bag, Eric’s wrapped gift nestled in among the rest of her treasures, lifted her up again. Somehow she would make things right between her brothers. This Christmas was filled with hope and a kind of newness.
Back at the office, Shani dove into the pile of messages on her desk with gusto. Elaine chattered away through the open door as she worked about her plans for the holidays.
“Yeah, honey. I can’t wait. I’ve been saving up all year for my new sound system. Me and Wayne gonna celebrate pushing the last of our kids out of the nest by throwing the best darn New Year’s Eve groove fest in this old town.” Elaine snapped her fingers to the beat of Otis Redding singing “Merry Christmas, Baby” coming from the radio on her desk.
“Sounds good to me.” Shani laughed.
“Yep. You and Senator Aucoin are coming, right’“
“Yes indeed. When I told Eric, he grinned from ear to ear. We’ll hit your place first then go to the big ball down at the Radisson. It’s going to be one stupendous beginning to the New Year,” Shani murmured.
“I heard that.” Elaine gave a low chuckle.
Shani’s eyes widened in embarrassment. Shani hadn’t realized she’d spoken aloud. “I mean …,” she stammered to find the right words.
Elaine glanced up at her when she came out carrying signed memos and letters. “You mean great parties are always nice.” She wore a knowing grin.
“Yes, they are.” Shani went back into her office smiling. She tapped out a beat on her desk. “Bringin’ all them good ole presents for my baby an’ me, ha-ha-ha,” she sang along with the gravel voiced soul music legend.
“Merry Christmas, baby.” Elaine took up the song. “You sho did treat me nice.”
They both dissolved into giggles. Suddenly Elaine’s voice was cut off by the ring of the telephone.
“Merry Christmas, Mid-City Center. How may I help you? Yes she’s in.” Elaine put the call through. “Senator Hot Chocolate on line two.”
Shani was still laughing when she pushed the button. “Hello, Eric. Yes I know you’re working late tonight.”
“Now don’t be that way. You know how it is.” Eric’s voice was soft and placating.
“But it’s almost Christmas. I’ll bet none of those other lawmakers are putting in overtime like this. Typical Type A behavior.”
“We’ve made a lot of headway with our proposals. And I’m wrapping up the last of a few loose ends now. We’re ready to bring this state back to fiscal responsibility.” Eric switched back to his businesslike tone.
Shani cradled the phone and shuffled a stack of papers. “Save it for the news conference, mister,” she teased. “What about tonight? Or must I languish in loneliness once more?”
“Take heart, lovely one. I’ll be all yours in a few short hours.”
“Can’t wait.”
“Bye, love.” Eric’s voice went low and sensuous.
“Bye, honey.” Shani sighed and sank against the back of her chair. She stared up at the ceiling.
“Can I come in?” Paulette stood in the door.
“Sure. Get some coffee.”
“In a minute. Have you read today’s paper?”
“No. Yesterday’s either. I’ve been wrapping gifts and trying to get the last of these presents. Cortana Mall opened at seven this morning. A lot of stores had early bird pre-Christmas sales, and it was wild.” Shani’s bright mood faded when she noticed Paulette’s expression. “What’s wrong?”
Paulette’s face was taut with anger. She slapped a newspaper down on Shani’s desk. “Look at that.”
Shani read aloud. “Theft Widespread at Local Help Centers.” The headline was bad enough but it got worse. “Conservative senate investigation spearheaded out of—” Shani broke off for several seconds as a sick feeling began through her midsection. “Out of freshman Senator Aucoin’s office supports the need for changes in the way some social programs are administered.”
“It seems Senator Aucoin used his visits to build a case against us.” Paulette pressed her lips together. She moved with short jerky motions filling a mug with black coffee. She thumped down the container of creamer. “Of all people, he takes the word of a woman who is a known liar.”
Shani’s heart pounded as she read the article silently. The thin sheets slipped from her fingers when she was done. “There must be a reason for this.”
“Hell yes there’s a reason!” Paulette blurted. “Senator Raymond and his minions want to shut us down.”
“No, Paulette. Eric told me he wouldn’t…”
Her voice trailed off because she remembered his words. Eric had never promised he would protect the programs if there was evidence of po
or management. But he must see that this so-called evidence did not come from a credible source. Shani stared out the window at the weathered, wood frame homes just across the street. A child no more than two years old played in the dirt with two older children. All three wore ragged, thin sweaters. Had she been so blinded by emotion that she’d given Eric the ammunition needed by his conservative party leaders? Shani closed her eyes to stop the tears pushing to form.
“Shani, these guys have all the conviction of religious zealots when it comes to social programs. Or social engineering as they call it.” Paulette glanced at Shani. When she spoke her tone was sympathetic. “Maybe Eric didn’t know the information he had about Mid-City would be twisted to show us in the worse possible light.”
Shani turned from the window to look her in the eyes. “You don’t believe that and neither do I. Eric is very practical and no dummy.”
“Eric isn’t quoted in this article.” Paulette picked up the newspaper and scanned the article again. She had the posture of someone grasping at straws. “His aide Trumaine Delacrosse gave a statement that the inquiry is continuing.”
“Eric knows everything that goes on in his office, Paulette.” Shani’s anguish hardened into to fury.
“I’ve worked for other people and run my own private practice. It’s very possible not to know everything your employees are doing. It was months later that I found letters one of my former secretaries was supposed to have sent out. I wanted to call her up and fire her again.” Paulette leaned forward in her chair. “All I’m saying is, give him a chance to explain.”
Shani squinted at her. “Why are you defending him? I know how you feel about black conservatives.”
Paulette sank back against the chair. “And I know finding that special person doesn’t happen very often. Two years ago, I broke it off with Reginald. I thought he was too rigid and conservative. You know what? He’s married to a woman who makes me look like a right-wing reactionary. They have a beautiful baby girl.”