Instead of him acquiescing and politely walking away, he played the race card. “Oh so it’s like that! A brother can’t get no play once you start hanging out with the duck dynasty!”
Although he raised his voice, she refused to do the same. “Maybe you can’t get any play, my brother, because you don’t have any game.”
He almost spat the word bitch and walked away. That did it! She had the bartender refill her glass only to turn and find the older gentleman still standing there. “I’m sorry. Men here tend to be overly friendly to a point of discomfort. So many connections are made and any woman that is unattached, or assumed to be, and men go nuts.”
He apologized for the younger man and started up a conversation with her. He had warm eyes and a nice smile that made Savannah feel comfortable, and he asked her to call him Bob. He knew who she was, as did the other man. What was this, a test?
“Dr. Niden?” he asked in a lowered tone. “If you were to describe Jesse in one word, what word would you use?”
It did not take Savannah long to decide when she said, “Detailed.” She looked at him with all sincerity. “He is one of those rare men who can see the whole picture, understand the process of making it all come together, and possesses the skill set to make it happen.” She cocked her head to the right. “That’s what sets him apart, his attention to the details.” She looked down at the beautiful birthstone ring. She wasn’t even aware that she had mentioned her birthday was in November, but if she had, he remembered. “The devil is always in the details.”
The answer must have satisfied Bob, who asked her if he could have the honor of a dance later in the evening. Savannah patted his hand and returned the wine glass to the bartender. “Later is word used by people with poor planning skills,” she said as she pulled him by the arm to the dance floor. He held her as a father would a daughter and they maneuvered effortlessly across the dance floor.
Her dancing did not stop there as she did a two-step with Big Sam, joined in on The Wobble with Mary Kate, and worked profusely to not lose her rhythm as Joe gyrated on the floor like he was having an epileptic fit. The final dance of the evening was a couple’s dance.
Jesse rose slowly from the table and asked for her hand, leading her out on the floor, and pulled her in close. “I am not much of a dancer, Savannah, but I welcome any opportunity to hold you close.” One hand rested in the small of her back, their interlocked hands held over his heart. He smelled fantastic and looked even better. She loved this man. Dear Lord in Heaven, I am also in love with this man.
“I saw you dancing with Bob Walker,” he whispered in her ear.
“And ... I also spent three hours with Big Sam and had no clue who he was either. This is your world. I am just trying to make a good impression for you.”
He stopped moving and looked down at her. “I am impressed each time you look at me or confess your love for me. Nothing and nobody else matters.” The music had also stopped but all eyes were on them as Jesse lowered his head and captured her mouth with his own. There were wolf whistles and hoots all around them, as her Tool Man created another magical moment that would factor into an upcoming choice that would soon need to be made.
Thus far, Savannah was thoroughly enjoying the trip. She had some downtime to relax and today was the final event, the pool party. It baffled her somewhat that the organization would sponsor a pool party in October in Colorado Springs. The zero entry infinity pool was a magnificent sight to see as the back edge of it jutted up against Cheyenne Lake, and she used her cell phone to snap pictures.
Savannah wore a red cover-up over her one-piece suit and moderate heels as she made her way poolside. Her eyes were wide, as the construction companies had transformed the pool area with four massive grills, an outdoor dance floor, and a buffet that would make anyone’s mouth water. Even though it was 70 degrees, some of the adults ventured into the water. Jesse explained that the pool party was more symbolic than practical. “It started when I was a kid. We went to Vegas or Lake Havasu or somewhere in the summer and the last day of the conference was always a pool party.” He grimaced as he thought of the poor planning for this one. Each year, instead of continuing education courses and fellowship with fellow construction families, these meetings were bombarded with sales people. People who sold everything for bulldozers to lunch boxes. The organizers wanted to make sure the heavy equipment operators were unable to get much of the product up the mountain, shifting the focus of the conference to business deals and classes. “It was good training this year.”
Later in the evening as they packed in their room, he showed her the certificates he had earned, as well as new CPR certification, and some other things she did not understand. He was proud as he shared each piece of paper with her. She fussed and fawned over each sheet he showed her, proud of what each sheet represented for him. Even prouder that he had chosen to share his world with her.
“I’ll get you some frames for these.” She didn’t know if he had an office, but either way, next week she would have six new frames to place them in.
There was also a stack of new business contacts that he seemed truly excited about. “Next year is going to be my best year ever, Savannah!” He picked her up in his arms and twirled her about the room.
“Thank you for coming and being here with me. It has meant a lot.”
“It has meant a lot to me as well, Jesse. Thank you for inviting me.”
In front of the ridiculously warm fireplace, he made love to her slowly, not wanting the evening the end. “I can’t seem to get enough you, my lovely ... never enough.”
Chapter Twenty- Nine
November
Little was said again about the trip as Savannah arrived home that Sunday afternoon and began to plan for her week. Darwin asked few questions and she offered few details of her getaway. His only comment was, “You seem so relaxed.”
Savannah chalked it up to the spa. They chatted a bit more about her birthday gathering the following week as well as dinner with his parents on Saturday night. As the week swung by, she seemed to be in another world. The cramps from her monthly made her poor company on Thursday night when Jesse came over. He placed an electric heating pad to her abdomen, which made her sweaty but relieved some of the pain. During the night, he held her close and rubbed her stomach as if he was willing away the discomfort. She told him next Thursday was off since she had to prep the house for Friday night.
Time was running out for them and soon Savannah would have to choose. It was a precarious position Jesse found himself in. He knew that it wasn’t just two hours that could have changed their lives, but it was also the reasoning of a woman. For now, this was all he had and he hoped that what he had done thus far would be enough for her to choose him. There was one final play he had to make, and he would do that next week.
Savannah was excited about her birthday and turning 30. Finally, she felt as if she had grown into her womanhood. Her confidence level was up. He felt sexy, alive, and ready to conquer the world. This was going to be a fun evening with family and friends and she felt a little saddened that she had been a chicken shit and had not invited Jesse. Now, if he had only taken the hint.
Jerwane never believed it was too cold or too hot to barbeque. Traci was making margaritas, Sheryl was amusing a few of her co-workers, and Savannah’s mom stood in the corner chatting with Darwin. Cassiopeia had arrived with a gift, overdressed, over-made, and looking like she stepped out of a bad episode of Real Housewives from Hell. Savannah thanked her and poured her a glass of wine. A few neighbors popped in, along with a college buddy and a few other faces. Carolina, her coworker, came with her husband and daughter, Nayla. There were a few other small children there as well. Savannah saw no need to tell the parents not to invite the kids. She stepped outside for a moment to check the meat on the grill and got wrapped up in a conversation with Jerwane and his girlfriend, Donna.
Jesse quietly arrived and was greeted immediately by Darwin, who then introduced him to S
avannah’s mother, who was in the kitchen making barbecue sauce. “It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Niden, I’m Jesse.”
Nothing escaped Emurial’s attention. She knew her daughter’s affinity for an ordered life and she knew her schedule. It was easy to deduce who this man was. “Ah, Thursdays.”
Jesse’s eyes were wide. Had Savannah told her mother about me?
“You have some nerve coming here, young man,” she said with full admonishment in a hushed tone.
“She is my friend and it is her birthday, but I didn’t come to see her, I came to meet you.” He had Emurial’s full attention.
She wasn’t fazed by his tactics. “And why would you need to do that?”
He turned his body at an angle and lowered his voice, “I wanted to know how her beauty would gracefully age, as well as being curious about your feelings on cream-colored grandbabies.”
Emurial didn’t blink, but instead she seemed to grow another two inches when she found her answer. “The skin tone of the children doesn’t matter. What matters is what kind of husband and father you would be.”
As if the Heavens had heard her words, Jesse felt a tug at his pants leg and looked down to see the cutest two-year-old that had ever graced the planet. She was covered in a fine sheen of cocoa, with large brown eyes and two rather large afro- puffs which seemed to double the size of her little head. She held out her hands to Jesse, saying the words, “Up pweeease.”
Jesse looked at Emurial, who said with some authority, “Well, pick her up.” As if he had found the map to the treasure of the Sierra Madre, he lifted the child slowly and held her at arm’s length, looking at Emurial for guidance. With a shake of her head, she gripped Jesse’s arms and showed him how to hold the child.
The little girl, Nayla, did not make it easy after she heard the ticking of his watch when he patted one of the little afro-puffs. She giggled as she pressed her ear to his wrist listening to the ticking. “Down, pwease.” Jesse lowered her to the floor and she scampered off. He shrugged his shoulders, ready to continue his conversation with Savannah’s mother but was halted by another tug on his pants leg. This time when he looked down, the little one had collected every child at the party. Each child wanted to hear his watch and Jesse squatted, patiently giving each child a turn.
Nayla had disappeared and returned to the kitchen with A Little Golden Book. She shoved it in Jesse’s face. “Story pweeease.” He was still looking at Emurial for help, who pushed him toward the couch and helped him get comfortable. He took a seat and Nayla climbed into his lap. On his left side was a little boy who seemed only mildly interested, while the other four children sat at his feet.
Jesse looked at his new audience. “Are we ready for an adventure, guys?” The little heads bobbed up and down. He read the title of the book and opened the cover. Jesse read the story to Nayla’s little crew, using voices and an animated face, which made the children crack up with laughter, as if what he was saying was the funniest thing in the world. With each section he read, he would turn and show the illustrations to the kids. The room got quiet while he read each page, and even the parents came into the room to listen, while he held the children’s attention.
Savannah noticed the quietness and walked into the dining area and was shocked to see Jesse sitting there in the midst of all the children, looking as comfortable as the day was long. It took everything in Savannah not to beam with pride, but instead she walked over and stood beside her mother, who kept all expression from her face, a skill that her mother had also taught her.
As Jesse read the last page, he lowered the tone in his voice so the children would know the story was ending. He closed the book and the kids clapped along some of the parents, and he seemed shocked by all the attention as he looked up to see Savannah standing there.
Rising slowly, he walked over to Savannah with Nayla perched on his hip, holding her as Emurial had shown him. He seldom if ever held his little cousin because he was afraid he would break her, so holding this child was a new experience for him. He liked holding her and immediately thought of the day in their future when it would be little Sahara on his hip and he would be reading her stories.
“Hi, Jesse,” Savannah said casually, as she shook his hand. “I wasn’t expecting you.” He smiled coolly as he handed her the box that pulled from his cargo pocket. “Happy Birthday.”
Darwin displayed little couth as he asked loudly, “What is that?”
Jesse looked at Savannah, who stated, “I’m with Darwin. It is an oddly shaped box. What is it?”
“A Dozuki dovetail saw,” Jesse said and Savannah’s eyes lit up. She threw herself at him and hugged him tightly and even planted a small kiss on his jaw. Emurial Niden did not let it go unnoticed. Jesse’s hand went in the air, not touching her as he stepped back, still holding the child. “Okay, okay, are you trying to get me shot by your fiancé?”
Everyone laughed it off, but Emurial and Jerwane, who had walked back in as they heard the commotion stood frozen in the doorway as Darwin and Jesse stood next to each other. Jerwane thought that either Jesse had the largest set he had ever seen on a man, or his sister did.
Once the commotion died down, Jesse found another opportunity to speak with Emurial alone while Savannah went back to her guests. Nayla was handed back to her mother so the conversation could be continued, “As I was saying earlier, Mrs. Niden, I wanted to meet you.”
“I don’t understand why it is important,” she told him calmly, aware that every other eye in the room was upon her and her daughter’s friend.
“I am planning to be a permanent fixture,” he said with confidence.
Emurial didn’t like the implication. “What about your family? Are they okay with your plans?”
“My family wants me to be happy. She makes me happy. And besides,” he told her as she gave him a spoon to sample her sauce. “They love Savannah.”
Emurial nearly dropped the large spoon she was using to stir the pot, asking Jesse, “And when did your family meet my daughter?” she asked through clipped tones with her back turned to the crowd.
Jesse followed her lead, “Last month in Colorado Springs.” He smiled at her, saying aloud as he tasted the sauce, “That is good stuff. Does Savannah have this recipe?”
Darwin stood back, watching as all eyes in the room focused on Jesse chatting amicably with Emurial. Jerwane stood beside him. “Do you ever feel like some days you are just losing the race, Darwin?”
He looked at Jerwane with his lip turned up. “No. I don’t lose. Your sister is marrying me.”
Savannah tried hard to not show any outward feelings about Jesse being here, but Emurial noticed it in her eyes. “You are going to have to choose.”
“What are you talking about, Mother?”
Emurial pinched her arm. “When I turn my back, I want you to look across the room at your fiancé.”
Savannah turned and recoiled at the look on Darwin’s face. There was hatred in his eyes as every eye in the room focused on Jesse. She was about to go to his side when she heard applause. In her appreciation, Nayla grabbed Jesse by the face and planted a very wet raspberry on his cheek. He thanked the little darling for the special fairy kiss and asked to borrow her book for one second.
Approaching Savannah and Emurial, his eyes were narrow and his massive paw nearly covered the front of the book, “I will take this as my cue to leave.”
Neither lady argued, but Jesse was not finished. “If that was not a sign, then maybe this will be.” He handed the book to Savannah, waved goodbye, and exited the front door. Savannah looked down at the book and her breath caught. It was Tinkerbell.
Darwin took it upon himself to walk Jesse out, while Jesse made sure he stayed out of Darwin’s striking range. As they entered the stairwell, Jesse stood on the bottom landing while Darwin remained several steps above him.
“I had been meaning to thank you for putting in a word for me at Montgomery Construction. I got the position, but you know that already.”
Jesse was not going to admit anything to that man, but he knew where the conversation was headed. “I got you the interview, you did the rest.”
Darwin became defensive. “Oh is that what you tell yourself so you can sleep at night, that you helped me get the interview?”
With his arms at his side and his fists clenched, Jesse continued, “You sat at the table, over a meatloaf dinner that you barely touched and explained what you wanted, even going so far to lay out the impact it would have on your relationship. Yet, you made the choice to pursue the job, especially after you saw my shirt.”
“So that makes what you are doing okay?”
“I am not sure what it is you think I’m doing, Darwin. You wanted your shot in the big field. You asked, and I opened the door.”
Darwin didn’t like to lose. “At the end of the day, Jesse, she is wearing my ring.”
“If you check her other hand, you will notice she is also wearing mine.”
He took a step toward Jesse, who did not move. “At the end of the day, Darwin, the choice is ultimately hers, but ...” he paused. “... I am a gentleman and I will make you a gentleman’s agreement.”
“Make your offer,” Darwin said through tight lips.
“I will step out of the picture after the holidays.” He extended his hand to Darwin to shake on it. When Darwin slipped his hand into Jesse’s he clamped down on the grip and yanked Darwin in close, almost crushing his hand. “Once she decides, the other man walks away, no muss, no fuss. Business will continue as normal.”
Jesse’s blue eyes pierced into Darwin’s brown ones, with Darwin asking Jesse, “So you are saying that when she stays with the man she made the commitment to, you are not going to get me fired?”
Thursdays in Savannah Page 14