Soulful Strut

by Emery, Lynn

  “Oh, okay.” Monette felt more kinship with the people living below than she did with prim schoolteachers. Still, she held her tongue.

  “Another thing, everybody is talking about how horrible it is that black men fill up the prisons. Saying the criminal justice system doesn’t treat them fairly. How about they don’t commit any crimes? That way you don’t have to worry about being in the system in the first place.” Jayson spotted a police cruiser coming up behind them. He tapped the brakes and slowed to the posted speed limit.

  “Uh-huh. Hi, Mr. Police Officer. We’re law-abiding citizens as long as we see you first.” Monette waved at the cop as he went by. She glanced at Jayson with an eyebrow raised.

  “Going over the speed limit is not like selling crack on a street comer. Or spraying a neighborhood with an automatic weapon without caring who gets shot,” Jayson protested. The truck picked up speed again.

  “Yeah, baby. It’s all relative. Not a black and white issue, I guess. Pun intended.” Monette took her arm down and moved away from him.

  “You know what I’m saying is true.”

  “I’m glad we had this little talk. Now I know what you really think of me.” Monette stared out into the dusky evening. Finally the last vestiges of sunlight faded. Smoky twilight began to meld into night.

  “This isn’t about you.” Jayson put a hand on her thigh. He gave a grunt of surprise when she knocked it away.

  ‘Things look all neat and tidy on your side of the street, Mr. Black Republican.”

  “My family has helped make the party responsive to the needs of African-Americans for at least fifty years,” Jayson said without anger. “Expecting people to take personal responsibility for their actions doesn’t make me some kind of traitor.”

  “Humph.”

  Monette tapped a foot as she stared straight ahead. He sounded like all of the self-righteous do-gooders who had looked down on her instead of helping. She crossed her arms and leaned away from him.

  “I shouldn’t have shot my mouth off. A lot of people are born into rough situations with everything against them.” Jayson stopped at a red light. “Some of us have harder choices and more obstacles. But that’s not an excuse.” “Hmm.” Monette inhaled and exhaled slowly. She tried not to let go with a barrage of street language to describe where he could go and what he could do once he got there. “Like I said, I’m sorry.”

  “I heard you. By the way, liberals believe in personal responsibility, too.”

  “Maybe I should listen more to your side and talk less,” Jayson offered. He shot a sideways glance at her. When Monette didn’t answer, he sighed. “Let’s not have another right versus left debate.”

  “This isn’t just politics, Jayson. You were talking about my life, about folks who make mistakes and fight with everything they’ve got to do better. Instead of kicking us down, folks like you should be picking us up.” Monette shook her head. “You can’t understand.”

  “I really want to try.”

  “I don’t know. You and me are like oil and water sometimes.” Monette stared out into the night at passing street signs. The homes became more expensive. Every few feet they passed a Lexus or BMW. This had never been her part of town.

  Jayson drove on when the light blinked to green. He finally turned onto his quiet street of neat lawns and attractive condos. After he parked in his space, Jayson glanced at her. When Monette did not look back at him, he said, “Okay. 1 sounded like a judgmental jerk. You can hit me if it makes you feel any better.”

  “Hit a Black Republican. Very tempting for a hip-hop nation, Al Sharpton fan like me.” Monette puckered her lips to keep from smiling when he hissed at the name.

  “Please tell me you’re kidding.” Jayson clasped a hand to his heart as though feeling chest pains.

  Monette laughed. “Serious as can be. By the way, I throw a mean punch, too.”

  “Scratch that last offer. Let’s kiss and make up instead,” Jayson said softly. He reached for her hand. “Please.”Monette let his long fingers curl through hers. Still, something inside told her she was kidding herself. “Don’t the differences bother you?”

  “I’m behind you one hundred percent All I see is how much we have in common and how good you feel to me,” Jayson replied. His grip on her hand tightened.

  “Feels like I’m floating in a dream. But where I come from is real.” Monette looked at him. “A tough, mean place in more ways than one.”

  “But you’re not tough and mean. A survivor, yes. I admire how far you’ve come.”

  His gentle touch and the way he looked at her caressed away Monette’s reservations. She turned away from him and gave a self-conscious laugh. “The neighbors are going to report prowlers if we keep sitting out here.”

  “Then let’s go inside, dance and whatever.” Jayson sealed his offer by covering her mouth with his full lips.Monette forgot about debates on politics and social class. She only thought of the promise he was making to her. When their kiss ended, Monette gasped. “Dance and whatever.”

  “Yeah.”

  Jayson pulled her from the truck and led her into his condo. When the door closed, Jayson pushed her against it, lifted her skirt and drove her insane with the tips of his fingers. By the time they were undressed, Monette did not remember how or when they’d ended up in bed. The world dissolved into taste, touch and sound. The rhythm of their bodies matched a throbbing beat from the stereo system speakers. From deep in her mind she heard an old song from D’Angelo. “Brown Sugar.” Jayson lifted her up as though the tune meant more than music.

  At one masterful stroke that made her call his name, Monette opened her eyes. She raked her fingernails along his cinnamon-toast-like flesh. Monette panted, tried to say his name again. Jayson looked into her eyes from his position on top and thrust again, willing her to give in completely. But she didn’t want to, not yet. Fascinated by what she saw in his cocoa eyes, Monette clung to him. Without speaking, Jayson told her what she’d always wanted to hear. With every breath he wanted only her. Each sinuous motion of his body made a pledge that went beyond the physical. No differences separated them. Only the present mattered. When he groaned her name, Monette let go. Ecstasy sent electricity through every inch of her. Apart from loving him, Monette did not exist for a sweet time that ended much too soon. They held each other, too shaken to move or make a sound. Finally another compact disc started. Out-kast blasted out a tune.

  Jayson kissed her shoulder, and then slid over until his long body stretched beside her. “Remember jamming to the beat back in the day?”

  “After all that good ‘whatever’ I can barely remember my name,” Monette admitted. She shuddered, stretched and let out a slow breath. No need to pretend. Jayson had knocked any memories of past lovers right into the trash bin at the back of her mind. None of them could compete.

  “Being inside you, wow,” he whispered and brushed a finger along the outline of her mouth.

  “Tell me this is real, Jayson,” Monette whispered back. “Oh, it’s real, alright. Yes, indeed.”

  Jayson kissed her again, turned her until her back tucked against his flat abdomen, and fell asleep moments later. Monette tried to feel anything but blissful. She needed to test out the new sensation of not feeling let down, used or discarded after sex. Nope. Her lover hadn’t lied. She’d found the real deal.

  Chapter 14

  The next week Monette arrived at the offices of Second Chances with her stomach in knots. Danica had come up with the idea of having a grand opening, complete with media. At Monette’s request, she did not mention Monette in the press release. Kim, Danica’s second in command, rushed around, making sure everything was in place. Monette had no worries about that. The staff had done a fantastic job getting ready. The liaison with Baton Rouge Community College worked with them so classes could start. The women would learn basic writing skills and advanced math, in addition to taking classes in using computer programs. Although she hid it well, Monette’s nerve endings we
re raw with worry. She kept her eyes on Candi especially. When a reporter started interviewing her, Monette whispered a swear word and started straight for them before she caught herself. The woman scribbled notes while Candi ate up the attention.

  “I came up hard on some mean streets. Now I’m gonna make the most of this chance to right a lot of the wrong I done.” Candi peered at the reporter’s notes. “Candi Lockhart. That’s C-a-n-d-i. Be sure you get it right”

  “Got it,” the reporter replied. “Exactly how do you see this program helping you do that?”

  “Once I’m on my feet financially speaking, I’m gonna reach back and bring some young sister along. See, I never had no mentors, not anybody showing me the right way, that is. That’s what these young people out here need today,” Candi went on. The reporter nodded and glanced up.

  Monette listened to the truckload of bull Candi was spreading. She lingered nearby only long enough to be sure Candi would not take the chance to embarrass them all. Two minutes of listening to Candi was more than enough. More than happy to avoid reporters for once, Monette headed across the room to where Lenore stood. Tyeisha was excitedly talking to one of the other participants close to her age. Monette had to smile at them. Their twenty-something eyes glowed with hope.

  “I’m glad to see them so happy,” Monette said as she nodded at the young women.

  Candi joined them, gulping fruit punch. She followed Monette’s gaze. “Yeah. She’s been chattering away like a chipmunk on meth. Drivin’ me nuts all day.”

  “Tyeisha’s mama and sister seem very supportive.” Lenore nodded in agreement with Monette’s assessment.

  “I didn’t tell my sister and brother a damn thing. They’d probably show up high and start a fight or something.” Candi frowned, as though thinking about them made her disgusted.

  “Stop being so negative, Candi. Your cousin Faye dropped by on her way from her night job. That was nice.” Monette gave Candi a warning glance that her friend did not notice.

  “Admit it, Monette. You were scared Faye would show up with a posse of thugs.” Candi nudged Monette in the ribs with an elbow.

  “No, I wasn’t,” Monette lied. “I’m offended that you would accuse me of such a thing.”

  “You ain’t foolin’ me.” Candi snorted loudly, causing several dignitaries to start in surprise. She lifted her glass to them and smiled sweetly.

  “Don’t act a fool up in here,” Monette hissed.

  “Sorry. Better take off my ghetto personality and get bourgie.” Candi lifted a pinkie finger from the hand holding her cup of punch. She plastered on a fake smile. “I’m so thrilled to be here.”

  “I’m helping you out. Don’t make me regret it,” Monette replied tightly.

  “Hell, quit takin’ everything so serious. I’m just kiddin’ around.”

  “I better leave before my ghetto side comes out,” Monette said low and started to walk away.

  “Really, Monette. We’re gonna behave and do you proud. Right?” Lenore darted a nervous glance at Candi.

  “Certainly, darlin’. We don’t want to mess up your game,” Candi looked at Monette.

  Monette gazed back at her. Their relationship had shifted, and not in a good way. Candi seemed to send her double messages when they spoke. Tension simmered beneath even their casual exchanges.

  “This isn’t my ‘game.’ This is for you,” Monette answered.

  “Right, right. We’re real grateful. Hey, your new man just showed up. Let’s move on, Lenore, so these kids can be alone.” Candi lifted the cup to Monette, then left.

  “Talk to you later.” Lenore wore a faint smile, and then followed Candi.

  Jayson strolled over wearing a large smile and a fabulous blue suit His steel-blue tie and pale yellow shirt made a wonderful contrast Two women stopped talking to a short bald man to watch him go by. “Hi, honey. Finally managed to get away from work to make it here.”

  Monette felt tension ease from her neck muscles. She needed to get a handle on her paranoia. “I appreciate you taking the time, Jayson.”

  “Of course I’m going to show up when something big is happening for you. Can’t wait for our private celebration later on.” He gave her a look that could melt glass.

  Sherrial walked over to them. “I guess you won’t need a ride home with us.”

  “No, she won’t,” Jayson said before Monette could reply. “I’ll have her in early.”

  “You better know it. I’ve got a long day ahead of me tomorrow.” Monette felt uncomfortable as Sherrial gazed at them.

  “You got it. That’s what friends are for,” Jayson replied.

  “Having a life isn’t against the rules.” Sherrial gave Monette a pat on the arm to reassure her.

  “Hope your boss agrees with you.” Monette looked at Trudy as she stood across the room talking to Monette’s parole officer. Gwen Anderson smiled at Monette and raised her glass in a silent toast.

  “Gwen is impressed, girl. That’s not easy to do, either. See those three folks chatting up the mayor’s assistant? They’re members of our board. Trudy made sure they knew about this.” Sherrial wore a look of self-satisfaction.

  “Work it,” Monette joked. Then she looked at Sherrial with affection. “Seriously, I really am grateful for the way you both had my back from day one.”

  “Just doing our jobs. Have fun.” Sherrial gave her a quick hug and went off toward a group of women, who waved to her.

  “She’s the kind of social worker I could have used years ago.” Monette watched Sherrial laugh with her colleagues.

  “You’ve done pretty good on your own,” Jayson replied.

  “Not on my own entirely. I had a lot of help.” Monette spotted a smiling familiar face.

  Lucy came toward them. “The lady of the hour. Congratulations. Something came up at the last minute or Jim would have come.”

  “You are such a sweetie. Lucy Chen, this is Jayson Odum. Lucy is one sharp young lawyer and future Supreme Court nominee.” Monette laughed when Lucy took a bow.

  “Hello.” Jayson laughed as well.

  “From your lips to God’s ears, as they say. Nice to meet you.” Lucy shook hands with Jayson. “Listen, I hate to congratulate and run, but I have court tomorrow and a lot of preparation left to do.”

  “Don’t apologize. I’m just happy you made it.” Monette accepted a peck on the cheek.

  “I’ll get the scoop on this handsome guy later. Bye.” Lucy waved to them before she hurried off.

  “Bye, and no you won’t,” Monette tossed back with a grin.

  “You’ve got a lot a good people on your side, babe.” Jayson placed their now empty plastic champagne flutes on a serving tray nearby.

  “Including you,” Monette said softly.

  She leaned closer and felt the warmth from his body. What had started out as a nerve-racking experience would end on a definite high note. Never before had she felt so supported by a group of people. Jayson’s presence made a good day perfect. Then Candi, Lenore and Tyeisha came over.

  “Gee, you guys look like the king and queen of the senior prom. What’s up, Jayson?” Candi slapped him on the back. “Looking mighty tasty in that badass suit. No offense, Monette. Just paying your man a compliment.”“Good evening, ladies. Congratulations on being accepted into the program. Monette is happy she can share this with you.” Jayson smiled at them.

  “Oh, yeah. We’re just all so thrilled and thankful for Monette.” Candi bared her teeth in a less than genuine looking smile.

  “Great,” Jayson replied. If he noticed a discordant note, he didn’t show it.

  “Everybody is so excited. My mama says she’s proud that I got into this program. Naturally my sister had to be nasty, saying I got in just because of Monette. Mama told Neesha she needed to stop being so negative.” Tyeisha beamed like a spotlight. “Couldn’t believe it Wait gotta go tell ’em bye before they leave.”

  “Damn, that girl is manic today. Come on, y’all. Sherrial is giving us
hand signals that it’s time to leave. Guess you got a better way to get home, huh?” Candi looked at Monette, then Jayson, with a smirk.

  “Yes,” was all Monette trusted herself to say.

  “Have a good night.” Candi flipped her fingertips at them as she strolled off.

  “See you later.” Lenore smiled at them and headed toward Sherrial.

  “Your friend Candi is something else,” Jayson said carefully. He studied Candi for a few seconds, and then turned to Monette.

  “That’s one way to describe her.” Monette squinted at her. She would confront Candi later about her behavior.

  “You have to admit that crack about the prom was funny.” Jayson smiled as though trying to defuse a ticking bomb.

  “Yeah, real witty,” Monette said in a dry voice.

  “But I think you outshine any prom queen I’ve ever seen.” Jayson grinned at her.

  Monette gazed at him from head to toe. “Candi did get one thing right, you do look tasty.”

  Jayson leaned close, his head bent to her ear. “You can have a great big helping later on. And I won’t keep you out too late either.”

  “Wow.” Monette sighed in frustration. “I have to stay until most of the guests leave.”

  “Half of them are gone and the rest are on their way. It’s only six-thirty. We’ll have plenty of time for at least one main course.” Jayson seemed to relish turning up the heat while people surrounded them.

  “Maybe I should pull the fire alarm. That should clear the room fast. I need dessert, too.” Monette stepped closer to him.

  Jayson laughed as he draped an arm around her waist. “Just pick what you want on the menu, baby.”

  “I’ll be right back and then we can leave.” Monette leaned forward and pretended to whisper something in his ear. Instead she brushed his ear with her lips.

  “Hurry up or I might grab you right here.” Jayson breathed heavily when Monette pushed her hip against his body.

  She pursed her lips at him then left. Despite the burning fire that made her legs feel unsteady, she managed to walk across the room. First she found Danica deep in conversation with another Second Chances staffer. Danica assured Monette there was no reason for her to stay.