“I never really lived here. I lived in the prime minister’s mansion while I was growing up. My folks got this place after I went off to Morehouse. I think they were trying to tell me something.”
“If I were you I’d be living here now.”
“I prefer my privacy. You don’t know what it’s like living with my mother.”
I could imagine. The way she doted on him told me a lot.
“So when do we go to your place?” I wanted to be alone with him, away from all these people. Even away from this magnificent house.
“Tomorrow, maybe.”
I was disappointed. I wanted to go now. Before I could complain, Vanessa fluttered in out of nowhere.
“Amelia, I want to show you where you’ll be staying. Drew, can you go make sure Gerda got Amelia’s room ready?”
Drew walked off obediently.
“Well?” She looked at me and smiled expectantly. I thought she was asking about the view.
“It’s gorgeous out here,” I said, returning her perky smile.
“No, I meant, how’s everything so far?”
Oh! “Everything’s great, Vanessa. Just wonderful.”
“I’m glad you’re happy. The food wasn’t too much, was it?”
“Not at all.”
“Good. Some Americans think West Indian food is over-seasoned but…”
“Not me, I eat a lot of West Indian food back home in Boston. I love it.” Was I laying it on too thick?
“Great. I’m sure you’ll enjoy staying here. It’s so much better than that little shack Drew lives in. I don’t know why he won’t let me help him find a better place. You know, he’s going to be prime minister of this country someday, Amelia. I told him he needs to start acting like it.”
I cleared my throat.
“That’s why I think someone like you would be so good for him. You have great manners. Style. And plus you’re American. The people here, they love Americans. You’d fit in quite well.”
“Well, Drew and I are just getting to know each other, Vanessa.”
“Of course,” she said quickly as if checking herself. “I just meant that your friendship will be valuable to him no matter what.”
Valuable? Was I an asset in the campaign war chest? I put the thought out of my mind. It was starting to get dark and the sun was starting to go down.
Drew came up behind me and put his arm around my waist. “Can you leave us alone now, Mom?”
Vanessa smiled and walked away. “I’ll see you in the morning, Amelia.”
We sat on a low chaise near the pool and faced the sunset.
“This is amazing,” I said as the sky erupted into a carnival of color. Layers and layers of purple, pink, blue, orange, and yellow blended together and formed a tent over the ocean. I reached for my camera and realized that my bag was with Gerda, whoever she was.
“It is,” Drew said. “But I’ve seen better.” He kissed me on the neck.
I turned to face him. “Your mother seems to think that you’ll be running for president…er…prime minister pretty soon and…”
“Don’t listen to her. That’s what she’s hoping; I’m not ready for that yet. Okay?”
“Okay,” I said. And I believed him. Not that it would be a bad thing if he were. But still…
Later, in a big, comfortable bed in a room that seemed to be quite far away from anyone else’s, I closed my eyes and replayed the day. I was exhausted but unable to sleep. I wanted to talk to Drew, but I also wanted to absorb everything that had happened. He didn’t warn me about all of this. This big, cozy, happy family of his…. How could some people be so lucky? So happy?
There was a knock on the door.
“Did I wake you?”
“No.” It was only eight P.M. but I was exhausted.
He sat on the bed next to me and took my hand. “My mother thinks I’ve sprung too much on you too fast. She said you looked uncomfortable.”
“I didn’t know I was walking into all of this.” I gestured at the room, meaning the house, the family, him, my overwhelming urge to rip his shirt off, all of it.
“Sorry. I really wanted everyone to meet you.”
“No need to apologize. I just wish I’d been warned.”
He was sheepish. “Can I make it up to you?”
“You don’t need to.”
“I have to go home,” he said, kissing me again.
“Why? I thought you were staying here with me.”
“That probably wouldn’t work; besides, I have work waiting for me at home. You’ll see the place tomorrow.”
I wished I had been brave enough to say that I’d stay with him at his place. We’d argued over it in a string of e-mails. At first I’d insisted on staying in a hotel, but then he said his mother lived in a large, empty house and she’d love to have the company. I’d agreed to that. But now, I didn’t want him to go. Me and my reservations.
“Well, maybe I can bring my stuff over tomorrow, then?” I said this hoping he’d get my meaning.
“It’s not as fancy as this house,” he said.
“Is it like the Unabomber’s cabin?” That would certainly change things.
“It’s a little better than that. I have indoor plumbing.”
He was funny. “What would your mother say about that, though? If I went to stay with you.”
“She probably wouldn’t like it.”
“Okay, I guess I’m staying here then. At Knots Landing.”
“Knots Landing? You’re silly.”
We kissed good-bye. For about ten minutes.
Chapter 14
Vanessa woke me early. It was only 6:03, and although I’d slept like a well-fed baby all through the night, it still felt too early to be wide awake.
“I like to have breakfast when the sun is coming up,” she said, her head sticking halfway into my room. I noticed that she was already fully made up, bejeweled, and be-Chaneled.
“Okay,” I mumbled groggily. Who was so bright, cheery, and perfumed this early? I ran to the bathroom and dressed quickly. I hoped that if I missed a few minutes of the sunrise that it wouldn’t permanently tarnish me in her eyes. Despite her diva-like quirks, she seemed sweet and open, like one of those hip slim black mothers you see in optimistic TV commercials.
I went out onto the porch where she sat at a white table with two wicker chairs around it. It was casual and beautiful; her furnishings suited her so well that they could have been accessories, like one of her many bracelets. I couldn’t compliment her on her taste again without sounding like a hick. From the moment I’d walked in the house I’d been awed by its grandeur. She was very proud of it; who wouldn’t be? I certainly would be if I had a mansion way up on a mountain with a view of the ocean on one end and the mountains at the other.
“Beautiful morning,” I said. I could see little hints of orange nudging against the dark green of the mountaintops. It was breathtaking. I watched for a while, a croissant in my hand and my mouth probably hanging open.
“See,” she said. “If I don’t do this every day, then I’m just undone. Just undone.” She sipped coffee from a maroon demitasse.
“It’s gorgeous,” was all I could say. I just didn’t have the words. The scene was Steinbeck perfect. There were unidentifiable birds and insects chirping in the background, the air was cool, the smell of wildflowers plus the ones in the potted plants along the porch perfumed the air. It was a slice of heaven. I didn’t dare imagine what it would be like to live life so serenely every day. If I did, though, I’d be a very different person. Nicer, more laid-back, more goddess-like. I’d probably have to start reading Iyanla Vanzant and start wearing lots of bracelets, too. And probably dreadlocks. I’d have to change my name to something African and start writing poetry.
We sat, eating croissants and sipping coffee and not saying anything. Amid all the beauty, I got the feeling that she wanted me to be silent. I obliged. Minutes later, when the sun had risen halfway over the mountain, she spoke.
&
nbsp; “So, Amelia, I was thinking about our conversation last evening and I just have one question. What should I expect from you and my son?”
Gulp. I hadn’t anticipated that. I didn’t even know what I was expecting from this, and I was a principal player.
“Well, we’re just friends at this stage. We’re still getting to know each other.” How was that, I wanted to ask her? Is that okay? Can I go to my room now?
She smiled at me benignly and I wanted to look away, back at the sun that asked no prying questions.
“Don’t look so nervous,” she laughed. “I’m just being nosy. But you should know that Drew can be a little driven. He tends to go for what he wants with a lot of gusto and sometimes without really thinking things through.”
So I should what? Be careful?
I nodded. She didn’t say anything else and so I felt compelled to fill the silence. “You don’t have to worry.”
Her eyebrows went up quickly. “Oh, I’m not worried about Drew.”
Okaaaaay.
“So, how do your people feel about you coming all the way down here to meet my son?”
“Actually, I saw this as more of a vacation. Meeting Drew was just icing on the cake. I was all set to stay at the Fort Young Hotel; he insisted I stay here.” In other words, I can be out of here in a minute if need be.
She beamed her friendly whites again. “I hope I didn’t sound judgmental. I guess it’s just the mother in me.” She sipped her coffee daintily. “A lot of the young ladies down here are so bold. They know his worth, but they’re not worthy of him. Thankfully, he hasn’t shown any real interest in any of them. I keep telling him if he likes American women so much he shouldn’t have moved back here.”
The coffee was too strong; I was already beginning to feel jumpy.
“That’s interesting,” I said, wondering exactly what I meant by that. At least it filled the silence. What else could I say? Drew and I had talked about this, and obviously she wasn’t being totally honest. Vanessa had tried to set him up with all of her friends’ children. She’d wanted him to marry a local, a native, whatever you call it. He’d tried many and hadn’t found the right one. I believed him more than I believed her when she said that no one was worthy of him. He was special, but he wasn’t God. I just hoped she didn’t think that I was some evil, calculating American on the make; some Stella trying to get my groove on with her Worthy Son.
“Well, everybody seems to like you, so I wouldn’t worry about anything,” she said suddenly. Did she read minds?
“I had a great time last night,” I said, thinking back to how overwhelmed I was by the whole family. “And I’m having a good time now,” I said.
“Me too,” she said, raising her coffee cup.
Thankfully, Drew showed up at 7:30 on the dot. By then I’d had enough of playing nice and making small talk with Vanessa. I’d figured her out. She was a lot like my mother in that she thought her son was the best thing ever to happen to manhood.
She fussed over Drew. “Have you had breakfast? Should I have Charles make you something?”
“No, Mom. We have to get going.”
Drew took my hand and pulled me toward the front door.
“See you later, Vanessa,” I said. She winked at me. What did that mean?
“Have a good time. And drive safely, Drew,” she waved.
“Did you two talk?” Drew asked as I put on my seat belt.
“Umm…yeah. We had a nice chat.”
He started up the engine. “Did she threaten you? Tell you not to break my heart or else.”
“Not in so many words. Why? Is that her M.O.?”
“Nah. Actually, she had the same talk with me before you came. She’s just being herself. She likes to worry. But we’re both adults, right?”
“I hope so.” Boy, he was in a good mood today. “Where are we going?”
“We’re going to go see my place. Then I’m going to drive you to the other end of the island. It’s the type of drive that would probably take an hour on an American highway, but with these roads it will probably take three.”
I tensed. “Is it safe, though?”
“If you’re asking whether they’re bandits lying in wait for us, then, yes, it’s safe. But the roads are narrow, winding, and carved into mountains. I hope you have a steady stomach.”
Oh, cripes!
“It’s beautiful, though. You’ll love it.” He patted my leg and I tried to feel less apprehensive.
“So when do I get to see the new school? The one you’re building.”
“Probably tomorrow. I could take you to the high school in the capital, too.”
“What’s it like teaching high school here? Are the kids well behaved?”
“Depends on the teacher, I think. I taught for a year and I never had any problems with discipline, but I know a lot of teachers who do. Sometimes it’s the teacher who’s the problem, not the kids.”
I didn’t want to get into an argument with him but his comment just hit too close to home. “Well, some of my kids are pretty awful. It’s hard…”
“Amelia, relax. I wasn’t referring to you. I’m sure you’re a great teacher. You’re also fine as hell with those soft lips and gorgeous brown eyes.”
“Nice way to back out of an argument.”
“It’s one of my many talents.”
We laughed and he took my hand, steering with the other.
We drove down a steep, narrow, barely paved road that seemed to descend straight down into the earth from the sky. A tiny car, a Nissan maybe, with a young woman at the wheel and two toddlers looking out the window, groaned up the incline.
“They’re not in car seats!” I gasped, looking back as the tiny car crawled up the hill.
“You’re not going to see a lot of that here,” Drew said. “People get along fine without that.”
“But aren’t there a lot of accidents? These roads look pretty treacherous.”
“Not as many as you’d think. The people who tend to get into car accidents are mostly tourists and people who’ve moved back here after living abroad for a few years. We’re used to these roads.”
I held onto my seat as we hit flat road and he hit the accelerator. I looked out the window so it wouldn’t feel that I was flying through space in a funnel. Gosh, this place was so beautiful. We roared along the coast, and the same ocean that I saw from Vanessa’s porch a thousand feet up in the hills was within a few steps now. The water was blue and calm, bordered by a rocky coastline and an occasional stretch of black sand. I noticed a few small kayaks on the water, being rowed by fishermen. I felt like Hemingway in Cuba!
As we neared Canefield, I saw a small plane coming in for landing at Dominica’s second airport. It was so small it looked like a model plane a child would fly against a blue sky on a clear day. We crossed a bridge with an arc over it and what looked like the remains of some type of colonial-era structure. And a cannon! A real live cannon! I wanted to ask him the story behind it but someone driving in the other direction had stopped—in the middle of the road—to say hello.
It was another young brother about Drew’s age also driving a huge SUV. I could see two toddlers in the back, but they were in car seats. They chatted for a couple of minutes before the brother went on his way, waving to me.
“He moved back here from New York two years ago,” Drew said. “Was a lawyer in Manhattan for a long time.”
“What’s he doing down here?” I asked. As much as I loved this beautiful little country, I still didn’t see what would cause a person to leave America behind for good.
“He’s practicing law and is involved in politics. He’ll probably become a judge in a couple of years.”
“Wow. That’s impressive for a guy who’s barely thirty.”
“Our prime minister was only thirty-one when he took office.”
That was true: another American-educated brother who came back to be the big fish in a little pond.
“It’s easier to be here if
you have big dreams than in America. Your education, ambition goes much further,” Drew said.
I could definitely see that.
“So you’d never move back to the States?”
He paused for a minute and slowed down as the traffic thickened. We had reached an industrial area. There was a huge car dealership, a few gas stations, and what looked like a factory. The smell of diesel coated the air and the sun was beginning to shine brightly. I could see the sweat on the brows of people who stood on the roadside, waiting for a bus, I imagined.
“That’s hard to say. I miss certain things about the U.S. The conveniences. The feeling that you’re not completely isolated from the rest of the world. But I have a responsibility to this place. I mean, these people, they’re poor and they don’t have a whole lot of hope except for people like me and Freddie, whom I was just talking to. I don’t know if I could ever turn my back on that forever.”
Oh, he was making my heart melt.
He turned on the radio and the deejay spoke in a rapid-fire patois of Dominican slang, English, mixed in with a little Ebonics. Then a hip-hop song came on and I laughed.
“Yep, it’s everywhere you go. Can’t escape the ghetto’s influence,” Drew said. “Is that okay?” He gestured to the radio.
“It’s fine. Reminds me of home.”
“You’re not homesick, are you?”
“No! I’m having a great time.” Though I did feel a pang when that song came on. I wondered how Ma was doing, whether Gerard had shown up yet and owned up to what he did, whether Whitney was still dating Max. It suddenly occurred to me that I did have a life. When I was back home I often thought that I had nothing and no one. But now that I was in this little country, I felt a bit naked and unsure. And what was the word that Drew used? Isolated. Everything was so unfamiliar. I didn’t quite miss home yet, but I was sure that I would soon.
We had to drive through the capital to get to Drew’s house, and I pulled out my digital camera expectantly. Roseau was not spectacular, but it sure was bustling. Traffic clogged the tiny, crumbling streets. There were little, colorful wooden houses along the main thoroughfares with a few shops spliced in. We drove past a KFC and simultaneously burst out laughing. The colonel just looked so out of place in this quaint little city. The people seemed unhurried as they ran errands or walked to work in the hot morning sun. Street vendors sold bags, slippers, bras, and snacks on the sidewalk.
Letting Loose Page 8