All I Want for Christmas

by Emery, Lynn

  “Sounds great, Mother,” he said, looking back out at the lovely weather. He pushed himself away from the counter and started for the sink.

  “Just leave the mug there. I’ll wash it,” his mother said.

  “Thanks. I’ll get Carly and…”

  “Carlos, I can’t afford any kind of bad publicity, not with what’s at stake. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. Davidson would be dancing in the streets downtown if he could use anything against me and the mayor.” Yvonne’s contralto voice went deeper as she made her point.

  “Nedra and I are building trust, and getting closer. I don’t want to keep any secrets from her,” Carlos said quietly.

  “Every relationship is based on at least a few little lies,” Yvonne replied. “I don’t want you to start feeling all sentimental and put my career goals at risk. Getting a federal nod is a delicate situation. One whisper of even the appearance of wrongdoing…”

  Carlos crossed his arms. “Nedra wouldn’t discuss anything shared between us.”

  “Really? You have a track record of getting bored quickly and moving on to the next woman. Nedra will then have a way to get back at you for dumping her,” Yvonne said, standing.

  Carlos sighed. How could he explain a set of emotions he’d never experienced before? He saw Nedra in his future. Still he tried. “Okay, I know you’re skeptical. I’ve had a few girlfriends before, but this feels different. No, it is different.”

  “She works for Rod Davidson, Carlos,” his mother hissed, as though that fact should be enough to make him understand.

  He looked at his mother steadily. “We’re not going to keep having this discussion. Nedra wouldn’t tell her boss, even if she became angry with me. She’s just not that kind of woman.”

  “At least wait a few months. Get to know her better before you start confessing your every mistake.” Yvonne took a step towards him. “Do it for me.”

  Carlos let out a long sigh. “Fine, and I’ll let you know when I do tell Nedra about the diversion program and my community service.”

  “Well that’s something at least.” Yvonne waved a hand.

  “I’m going to take Carly to the office with me, and then we’ll go Christmas shopping,” he added, heading out of the kitchen.

  “Oh, I didn’t mention it,” Yvonne said casually. “Carly went with your father and the other kids for breakfast, and to shop for your present. Why not come back after work to get her?” She took the mug that Carlos had used and went to the sink.

  Played smoothly, he thought, watching his mother. He realized that Yvonne purposely failed to mention that Carly wasn’t even in the house so she could have a little chat. Carlos let out a gruff laugh and pulled out his car keys. “I’ll be back around five o’clock.”

  “Sounds good, son. Have a good day.” Yvonne smiled and offered her cheek.

  Carlos shook his head and gave her a dutiful peck. “I’m sure you’ll end up on the federal bench, Judge Jacobs.”

  Carlos left and drove towards his Mid-City shop first, his mother’s words still running through his head.

  ****

  Nedra heard the tinkle of her smartphone, signaling a text from Carlos. He had accepted her invitation to cook dinner tonight, as she’d known he would. The fixings for oven-fried chicken and creamy cheese pasta were waiting in her kitchen, and she planned to stop by a deli downtown to get some fresh-baked French bread on her way home.

  “Well, well. Judging by the big smile on your face, I’m guessing you’re having a good day.” Gaylynn plopped down in one of the chairs in Nedra’s office. “Glad somebody is happy. My supervisor is on the warpath over some mistakes. Thankfully, I didn’t make them, but we’re all suffering.”

  “Too bad she doesn’t have the Christmas spirit.” Nedra adjusted a small angel on the corner of her desk until she was satisfied with its position. She hummed a few bars of Jingle Bells. “Tis the season to spread love and joy.”

  “Well, I have to say that in her position I’d be in a bad mood, too, but she’ll get over it,” Gaylynn replied and then watched Nedra for few seconds. “At least it’s Wednesday; hump day. Getting closer to a long weekend. That big ol’ smile isn’t because you’ve got the holiday spirit. I think it’s because you had certain fine man in you, and not long ago.”

  “Don’t be crude,” Nedra tossed back, but kept smiling. “I’m in a great mood because I love Christmas.”

  “Uh-huh,” Gaylynn snorted. “So what’s new with the happy couple?”

  “Well, we’re going to the Christmas Village in New Roads Saturday. Carlos’ little girl is in town and…”

  “Oh-oh.” Gaylynn shook her head.

  Nedra frowned at her sister. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You’re going to play the wicked stepmother. Probably would be better if he had a boy child. Girls hate sharing daddy with strange women. I know my baby, Misha, would give a stepmother the blues. She ain’t sharing Pierre with anybody. I’m lucky she lets me be with him.” Gaylynn laughed.

  “Carlos and I are still in the ‘getting to know you’ phase. But it’s sweet of him to include me in his plans with Carly.” Nedra smiled at the memory of seeing them together.

  “Cute name. Now don’t try to play your little sis, Nedra. You’ve got a ‘seriously in love’ glow about you. Based on him making all these plans for the holidays with you, I’m guessing you bagged the infamous Carlos Jacobs. Players do settle down.” Gaylynn winked at her.

  Nedra shrugged. “You know, I don’t doubt that Carlos has been a player when it comes to women. He’s so fine and runs a successful business.”

  “You got that right. He has what women want: looks, money, and connections. We haven’t talked about the bedroom yet.” Gaylynn wiggled her eyebrows at Nedra.

  “No. Don’t even ask.” Nedra squinted back.

  Gaylynn gave a dramatic sigh. “Dang, that tells me enough. The man is good. Girl can’t even find the words.”

  Nedra laughed at her sister. “Hush.”

  “I’m happy for you. The Wallace girls deserve some happiness. Despite what Mama says, Pierre loves the family thing. In fact, we’re shopping for our wedding rings,” said Gaylynn, grinning.

  “What?” Nedra sprang to her feet, rushed around her desk and hugged Gaylynn tight. “This is like the best Christmas gift ever. Misha is going to be the prettiest little flower girl.”

  Gaylynn beamed at her. “I know. But we’re going to keep it simple. We’ve set the date: June eighth, next year. Of course, you’re going to be a bridesmaid.”

  “Uh, that goes without saying. I’d turn that wedding out if you didn’t let me be in the wedding party,” Nedra joked. Then she grew serious. “What did Jarae say?”

  Gaylynn sighed. “I haven’t told her yet.”

  “She’s going to be happy for you. I know she will.”

  “Oh, I know,” she replied. “It’s just that she gets so bitter and down. I want to enjoy the happiness for a little while. Mama will be thrilled, but, of course, she’ll say, ‘It’s about damn time; eight years and two kids later’.”

  Nedra laughed hard. Gaylynn did such an excellent imitation of Darcie Lee. “Girl, stop it. My face is hurting.”

  The sisters exchanged Darcie Lee stories and gasped for air between giggles. After a while, Gaylynn tapped Nedra on the shoulder and pointed. Dwayne stood in the open office doorway gazing at them. Nedra grabbed a tissue from the box on her desk and wiped her eyes.

  “I need some water,” said Gaylynn. She went to the pitcher on a side table and poured herself a cup. “Oo-wee, that was a good laugh. Hi, and excuse us.”

  “No problem. It’s nice to see two beautiful women having a good time.” Dwayne strolled into Nedra’s office and gave Gaylynn a head-to-toe glance.

  “Dwayne, this is my younger sister, Gaylynn.” Nedra wanted to slap the leer off his face. Just like any predator, always on the prowl. “This is Dwayne Grover, the mayor’s confidential assistant.”

 
“Nice to meet you,” said Gaylynn, taking a sip of water. “Let me get back to my office. I’ll call you later, sis.”

  “Sure thing.” Nedra waved goodbye and faced Dwayne. She rolled her eyes as he stared at Gaylynn’s butt as she walked away.

  “Very nice meeting you, Gaylynn,” called Dwayne. He seemed about to smack his lips, but then he pivoted his attention back to Nedra and smiled. “So you’re in a good mood for the holidays, I see.”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact. What can I do for you?” Nedra moved back behind her desk. She didn’t sit, but crossed her arms and looked at him.

  “I just stopped by to wish you a Merry Christmas. Are you coming to the Gala?” Seeming not to notice Nedra’s less than warm reception, Dwayne perched on the edge of her desk.

  Nedra knew that Mayor Bates hosted a fancy Christmas party each year, held at a banquet hall that was owned and operated by his brother. An invitation to these parties was a hot ticket. He didn’t skimp on food or entertainment, and guests had a chance to meet powerful and influential people.

  Nedra realized that Dwayne’s gaze had settled on open files. Scooping up the stack of papers on her desk, she replied, “No, I have other plans.”

  “Right, you’re still kickin’ it with Carlos Jacobs. The so-called volunteer and all-round good guy,” replied Dwayne, barking a raspy chuckle.

  Her temper boiled up. “Okay, what is your problem, Dwayne?”

  “I don’t like phony dudes. At least with me you’d know what you’ve got.” Dwayne leaned forward and pointed at her.

  “Yes, a cheating, married man who only thinks about himself. And you have the nerve to slam somebody else. Please.” Nedra raked him with a gaze of scorn.

  Dwayne stood and smoothed down the front of his expensive, brown-tweed sport jacket. “At least I’m not a criminal doing community service to keep my ass out of jail.” He gave a nasty smirk when Nedra blinked at him. “Yeah, you heard me. Your lover man didn’t volunteer to be at the Thanksgiving Holiday Hospitality dinner. His mama, the judge, worked a deal to get him out of serious trouble; something to do with drugs and guns. Why don’t you ask Mr. Right? You have a very Merry Christmas.”

  Nedra’s heart hammered in her chest as she watched Dwayne stroll out of her office. Without turning around, he waved a hand as he continued to chuckle. The roaring in her ears didn’t block out the sound of his glee at having dropped a bomb on her.

  Rod came out his office and patted her shoulder. “Nedra, are you okay?”

  “Sir?” Nedra swallowed hard. She couldn’t look away from the space where Dwayne had just stood.

  Her boss glanced at the fancy wall clock. “Look, it’s almost eleven. Since you were leaving at noon anyway, you can go now. Tracy can handle the office.”

  “I... I don’t think...” Nedra fought against the feeling that there was a deep, dark hole opening up beneath her feet.

  “Not much is happening since most folks took the day off. Go ahead and start your long holiday weekend. It’s fine.” Rod gave her a fatherly pat on the shoulder.

  “Yes, sir,” Nedra said.

  Rod started for his office, but hesitated. “You sure I can’t help?”

  “No, I’m okay. Thanks.” Nedra sorted through several folders on her desk. Placing them back into a file cabinet in a corner of her office, she locked it.

  “Merry Christmas,” Rod said quietly as he left.

  “Same to you.”

  Nedra could not bring herself to repeat his words; not when her Christmas looked to be the very opposite of merry. She suddenly lost interest in the routine of leaving her desk neatly arranged. Purse on her shoulder, she marched out of the office building with no thought of last-minute shopping or decorating.

  Chapter 9

  Carlos hummed along with a jazzy version of No Place Like Home for the Holidays as he sat in his office. He glanced at a new picture of Carly. Dressed in a pretty red dress, she sat in Santa’s lap. The photo had been taken the night before at the Town Centre shopping mall. With a smile at the memory of how much fun they’d had, Carlos went back to reviewing the payroll records.

  Brian came in and snapped his fingers to the music. “Man, I’m going to the mayor’s Red Stick Gala. If I’m lucky, those fine twin nieces of his will be there, Tasha and Sasha, wow-wee!”

  “Do you even know the true meaning of this holiday? It’s about love.” Carlos didn’t look up from his task, but shook his head.

  “That’s what I’m sayin’. I’m more than willing to spread it around.” Brian shook his hips and bobbed his head to the beat.

  “I’m pretty sure we’re talking about two different kinds of love, man.” Carlos continued to verify the electronic time records on his computer.

  “Hey, don’t try to spoil my jam just ‘cause you’ve decided on the ball and chain. I’m still free to mingle. I’d tell you to come and take one of the twins, but Nedra will probably be there.” Brian pulled a long face.

  “Nedra won’t be there.” Carlos scrolled to another screen as he answered.

  Brian nodded with a grin. “Perfect. Your folks can babysit and we can rock with the twins. Just like the old days, huh? Damn, we had good times in college.”

  “Nedra won’t be there because we’ll be together Saturday night. We’re taking Carly to the Christmas Village display. The Pointe Coupee historical society has Main Street in New Roads decorated like an eighteenth century small town.” Carlos glanced at Carly’s photo again. “They’re going to love it.”

  “How touching,” replied Brian, pretending to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye. “Maybe I’ll give up rockin’ one of the twins and meet y’all over there. Hmm, let me think… hell no.”

  “You need help,” Carlos shot back.

  “You have your idea of holiday good times and I have mine. My stomach is talking to me. Want to get some lunch from The Po-boy Shoppe?” Brian turned towards the office door and stopped short. “Well, hello.”

  Nedra nodded to him and then transferred her gaze to Carlos. “Hello. Sorry if I’m interrupting a meeting.”

  Carlos got up from his chair and crossed the room to Nedra. He kissed her forehead and grabbed her by the hand. “Come on in, baby. This is my partner in crime, Brian Gaines.”

  “Nice to meet you,” said Nedra. She gave Brian a polite smile that soon faded.

  “You got here at just the right time. We were talking about lunch,” Carlos added.

  “We need to talk, Carlos.”

  Brian cocked an eyebrow them. “Uh, I’ll catch you later, bru.”

  Carlos glanced at him briefly. “Okay.” After Brian left, he turned back to Nedra and noticed her troubled expression. “What’s wrong, babe. You sound all serious. Don’t tell me you started cooking early and burned dinner.” He laughed.

  “When did you decide to make a fool of me, Carlos? That’s all I want to know.” Nedra’s voice trembled, but then she seemed to gather strength. Her expression became rock hard as she stared at him.

  “Where did that come from?”

  “What was the exact moment? Did you size me up as a desperate, single woman at the Holiday Hospitality dinner or was it when we met for coffee that first time?” Nedra pulled her hand free, adjusted her leather purse on one shoulder and crossed her arms.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Nedra. Look, if I did something to upset you…”

  Nedra cut him off. “Upset me? That doesn’t begin to describe how I feel.”

  “I can tell you how I feel – confused as hell. I didn’t decide to make a fool out of you, as you put it, and I’d appreciate an explanation for this sneak attack.” Carlos stared back at her, his temperature rising. At that moment Nedra looked as tough and uncompromising as his mother.

  “When did you decide to volunteer at the dinner?” Nedra gazed back at him and nodded as she watched his expression change. “So the fog is clearing?”

  “Okay. Okay.” Carlos felt like he’d just gotten a slap upside the head.
He closed his office door and turned back to her.

  “No, sweetie, it’s not okay,” Nedra snapped.

  “Just hear me out. I wanted to tell you, but my mother… What I mean is…” He stopped and rubbed his face.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re thirty-five years old and the first thing you do is blame your mommy?”

  Carlos held up both hands. “If you’d just calm down and let me explain.”

  “You ran to mommy after you got caught with drugs and guns. This story just gets better and better. I jumped into bed with a criminal and a mama’s boy. I’m in the running for the Biggest Sucker of the Year award.” Nedra squeezed her eyes shut.

  “That’s not fair, Nedra. Stop beating up on me a minute and let’s talk.” Carlos raised his voice and that got her attention.

  Her eyes flew open. “Fine, Carlos, talk.” She patted one foot as she looked at him.

  “Let’s sit down,” he said in a quiet tone and pointed to the seating area. Nedra didn’t move. “Please.”

  With a sniff, she marched over to the round table, pulled out a chair and sat down. “I can’t wait to hear your explanation.”

  Carlos sat beside her and moved to put an arm around her shoulders, but she drew back sharply. He held up both palms. “Okay. Okay. How do I start?”

  “With the first lie you told,” Nedra tossed back.

  “Part of my agreement with the DA was that I volunteer to fulfill two hundred hours of community service. They found marijuana and two hand guns hidden in the storeroom of my Easy Town shop. One of my employees had ties to the Forty-Sixth Street gang, but they couldn’t prove that the drugs and guns belonged to him. My fingerprints were on the packages around them and this guy wouldn’t talk. Since I had no previous record, and you should remember that, the DA was more than willing to let me do a diversion program.” Carlos let out a deep sigh and sat back against his chair.