“I’ll explain it, Zane.” I laid my hand on his arm and stared into his eyes. “Let’s let Mr. Johnson finish his story.”
“My pops eventually left the family.” Sidney looked at us with intense eyes. “He thought he was a failure. Momma was still washing clothes. He never got a job. My brother got recruited by the mob and became a smalltime drug dealer, and me and my other brothers, we didn’t really get no education.”
“But you got a good job?” I interjected. “How did that happen?”
“They say everyone has a guardian angel, don’t they?” He smiled suddenly. “One day I was walking down the street, getting up to no good, and I saw Betty running after a bus.”
“I was helping my momma, she had sent me to go pick up some shoes,” Betty interjected, rubbing Sidney’s back.
“She looked so pretty and sweet, and she completely snubbed me.” He laughed. “She was too good for the likes of me, and she knew it.”
“I was from a good family. He was just a street boy.” Betty smiled. “It wouldn’t do good for me to associate with a street boy.”
“I fell in love with her at first sight. I knew I had to do whatever I could to win her heart. I went to a school one of my neighbors had set up. He was self-educated and I was able to get a job as a delivery boy for a local store.”
“He made it to college,” Betty beamed proudly. “He only started getting a real education at fourteen, and he made it to college.”
“Only because I knew you wouldn’t marry an uneducated man.” Sidney laughed.
“You mean date?” She shook her head, but her eyes were beaming.
“I mean marry, my love. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to marry you.”
“So you changed your life around for love?” I felt tears well up in my eyes again. We had completely veered from the residential segregation conversation, but I was caught up in their obvious love for each other. “What a wonderful love story this is.”
“Now you’ll be telling me you want to focus the documentary on love and not the move.” Sidney laughed and I saw him squeeze his wife’s hand.
“I love a good love story.” I smiled, and avoided Zane’s stare. “Especially when it has a happy ending.”
“Well, we have four kids and seven grandbabies, so I think it worked out pretty nicely.” Sidney chuckled and stood up. “Excuse me, I have to stand up and stretch before my old bones get locked in one position.”
“No worries.” I stood up as well. “Do you want us to reconvene next week? We can pick up where we left off.”
“You don’t have to leave.” Sidney stretched his arms, and I motioned to Zane.
“I think we have all we need right now.” I paused. “Do you have a list of names and numbers for the other people you told us about from your neighborhood?”
“Yes, Betty wrote it down for you.” Sidney nodded. “Some of them may be dead now, as we’re getting on in age.”
“We understand. And thank you, Mr. Johnson.” Zane stood up and shook Mr. Johnson’s hand.
“No problem, son. You be nice to this young lady here. She’s a good catch.” He winked at me. “And take it from someone that knows. Don’t let her get away.”
I blushed furiously at his words, and I could sense that Zane was staring at me. “Thanks for everything, Mr. Johnson.” Zane’s voice was light, but I knew he must be feeling annoyed.
“And, Miss Lucky, I look forward to seeing you again. Let me get a hug.” Sidney gave me a huge hug, and whispered in my ear, “Your young man will come around. Don’t give up on him.”
“I … what?” I looked at him in shock, and he winked.
“Just let me know when you want to come by again. Betty and I will be here.”
“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.” I smiled at them as we exited the house. I got into Zane’s car in a much happier mood than when I had gotten out.
“They were nice.” Zane looked at me before he started the ignition. “And you were great.”
“Thanks. They were amazing.” I sighed. “What a perfect couple they are. And man, that story. How sad. But yet, so sweet.”
“It’ll make a good documentary.”
I nodded and took a deep breath. “I wanted to ask you something.”
“Go on.” His voice was tense.
“Why are you making a documentary on the Civil Rights Movement when you obviously don’t know anything about it?” I looked down at my lap.
“I guess I owe you an answer, don’t I?” He sighed. I looked up at him, and he was staring at me with emotional eyes.
“If you don’t mind.”
“My brother studied history as well.” He half smiled. “I still don’t know much about it, though.”
“Noah?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “When we were younger, we watched a movie called Imitation of Life. I thought it was terribly depressing, but he loved it. He always wanted to make a movie about that time period. Like a look at race relations during the Civil Rights Era—he was almost obsessed with it.”
“Oh?”
“I think we were so young when our mom left. And we had so many unresolved issues. Well, I think he wanted to displace his hurt. He wanted to understand the human psyche. Why people treated others the way that they did.”
“I’ve always wondered that as well.”
“Yes. I could see that.” He sighed. “Noah would really like you.”
“Will I get to meet him?” I asked softly.
Zane looked up at me with a pained glance. “No.”
“Oh, okay.” Why? I wanted to ask him, but I wanted him to talk about his brother when he was willing to talk about him.
“We should really pull out of their driveway.” He laughed awkwardly.
“Yeah.” I was disappointed. Just when we were beginning to get somewhere, he clams up again.
“Noah died last year.” Zane’s voice was low as he started the car, and I stilled at his words. “I found all these notes for this documentary in his stuff. I wanted to make it to honor him.”
“I’m sorry.” I wanted to reach out to him, but I didn’t know how he would respond.
“He was my little brother.” He clenched the wheel. “He was all that I had. And now he’s gone. I’m making this for him.”
“That’s a nice way to honor your brother.” My voice was soft and I reached over and squeezed his hand.
“He loved soccer. He was obsessed with it. When he was eighteen, I flew him to London and we watched a Chelsea and Tottenham match.”
“Who?”
“They are two British football teams. He loved it.” His voice cracked. “He said it was the best present I could have ever given him. Better than taking him to Amsterdam and getting him some weed and prostitutes.” He laughed.
“Wow, he really loved soccer.”
“He wasn’t like me. He loved everything I didn’t. He was a good kid. His biggest goal in life was to have a family. He was going to have all the kids, and I was going to be the uncle that spoiled them.”
“The single uncle.”
“Well, you know.” He sighed. “Want to grab a bite before we go home?”
“We need to get your place ready for the party tonight.”
“Dang. I forgot about the party.”
“I can make you something to eat if you’re hungry,” I offered.
“That would be nice. Noah would have loved you.”
“Sounds like he was a great guy.”
“I’m sorry I made you upset, Lucky.” He paused. “I didn’t mean to make you think I don’t love our time together, or that I don’t want you, because that isn’t true. I just don’t want to end up hurting you. I can’t do forever. And you’re the sort of girl who needs a forever.”
“You don’t know that,” I whispered.
“I don’t know what? That you deserve a forever, or that I can’t give it?” His voice was pained. “I know both of those things. But I’m selfish, and I want you. I don’t want t
his to end just yet.”
“Neither do I.” I never want it to end. Never. I stifled a sigh and stared at his side profile. This man was reaching out to me finally—slowly, but surely—and I wanted to hold on to him and never let him go. But I knew there was an expiration date to our relationship. That one day—maybe in a month, maybe in a year, maybe tomorrow—would be the day it would be all over, and I would never be the same again.
“So you’re willing to give me another chance?”
“I never stopped giving you a chance.” I laughed.
“I don’t deserve you.”
“Have you ever been in love?” I asked quickly, anxiously hoping he would answer.
“I don’t know if I should answer that.” His voice trailed off. “Can I plead the Fifth?”
“I’m just curious.” Please say no. Please say no.
“I was in love once, and she broke my heart.” His voice was light. “And no, it wasn’t worth it.”
“Are you still in contact with her?” Please say no. Please say no.
“It’s funny you ask that. I saw her recently.”
“Oh.” I looked out the window. So I guess it was true. Maybe Braydon had been telling the truth. Maybe Angelique was his ex and she had broken his heart. “So did Noah know Angelique?” I asked softly.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” His voice was strained. “I’m sorry, Lucky, but I just can’t talk about it right now. Please don’t take it personally.”
“Okay.” My voice cracked. I didn’t know how to not take it personally. “Is there someone else you’d rather be with?” I couldn’t stop myself. “I don’t want to be a girl of convenience.”
“Lucky, I can honestly tell you that right now, there is no one I’d rather have in my bed.”
“Okay.” I bit my lip and tried not to let him see how hurt I was by his words. I didn’t want him to want me just in his bed; I wanted him to value me in his life.
Chapter 13
“Zane, darling, you look so handsome tonight.” A beautiful redhead kissed him on the lips as she entered the house. “And your place, just look at it. It’s marvelous.”
“Gina, so great to see you. You’re looking as sexy as ever.”
“Well, I do try, my dear.” She twirled around and laughed. “And now a glass of champagne. Where is the champagne?”
“Follow me.” He laughed, and I watched as he took her arm and led her to the kitchen. I felt the stirrings of jealousy erupt in me again and sighed as I leaned against the mantelpiece. I looked around the room and smiled at how cozy it looked filled with Zane’s friends. They were all laughing and drinking, and they all looked glamorous and rich. To say I felt overwhelmed was an understatement—I recognized half of the room from TV and movies, and they all looked even more beautiful and handsome than I remembered from the screen.
“Oh, Zane!” Gina screamed and came running back into the room. “Such a naughty boy!” she exclaimed to everyone in the room. I saw a few of the girls rolling their eyes, and I smiled to myself. It seemed as if Gina was getting on everyone’s nerves.
“So you’re Lucia?” Gina walked up to me and looked me up and down. Her green eyes looked at me with disdain as she surveyed my khaki skirt and black top. I suppose she realized that my whole outfit cost less than her manicure.
“Lucky.” I smiled.
“Lucia Lucky?” she sneered. “That’s an odd name.”
“No, my name’s Lucky.” I kept the smile plastered on my face.
“Oh, is it Irish?”
“Is what Irish?” I asked, confused.
“Your name? I thought Lucia was Italian, but if you say it’s Irish, I suppose I’ll have to believe you.”
“My name is Lucky, not Lucia,” I sighed and tried not to roll my eyes.
“You are an annoying girl, aren’t you, Lucia?” Gina took a swig of champagne and sneered at me. “Though I suppose you have a good enough body under your ugly clothes.”
“Excuse me?” I leaned forward, not sure I had heard her correctly.
“There you are, Lucky.” Zane walked up to me and handed me a drink. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“I was just getting to know your friend, Zane, she’s so quaint.” Gina grinned at him and linked her arm through his.
“Lucky is working on the documentary with me.” He smiled at me warmly, and I felt a warm tingling in my belly as he stared at me. He was wearing a crisp blue and white shirt with a pair of black jeans, and all I could think about while staring at him was being able to rip his clothes off.
“Oh, are you a secretary?” Gina smiled at me, and I wanted to slap her.
“I’m actually a history major.”
“Oh, you’re still in school?” She laughed. “How cute, dear Zane, you went and got yourself an intern.”
“Be nice, Gina.” Zane shook his head and laughed, and I felt angry with him for not putting her in her place.
“Oh, Zane. I’m always nice.” She pulled him towards her again and kissed him on the lips. “You remember, don’t you?”
I stared at them aghast, and Zane looked at me and rolled his eyes. He detangled himself from her and whispered in my ear, “Are you having fun?”
“I will be later,” I whispered back at him and winked.
He grinned and I felt his hand on my ass again. “Don’t make me promises you can’t keep, Ms. Morgan.”
“Oh, I’ll be keeping them.” I grinned back at him, suddenly happy again. I was about to tell him exactly what I was going to do to him, but the doorbell rang.
“Oh, that must be Angelique and Braydon!” Gina cried out excitedly. “I hope you don’t mind, but I knew you wouldn’t. They just got into town today.” She giggled.
Zane frowned. “Why would you invite Braydon and Angelique, Gina?"
“I know, I know.” She rolled her eyes. “But you have to get over it sometime, Zane. Angelique was in love. She wasn’t in love. It’s a woman’s prerogative. You can’t hold it against her forever.”
“You know I’m talking about Braydon.”
“Oh, Zane. Get over it.” She sighed. “Braydon is one of us.”
“No. No, he’s not.” Zane walked to the front door, and I followed him with my heart in my mouth.
“Zane, darling.” Angelique sailed through the door and gave him a hug. “It looks as good as I remember it.” She smiled as she looked around the house.
“Thanks.” Zane smiled and rubbed his head. “It’s good to see you.”
“And me, I hope?” Braydon stumbled through the door, slightly drunk, and looked around the room. “Lucky, there you are.” He beamed as he saw me. “Lucky, I’ve been calling you.”
“Hi, Braydon.” I smiled at him weakly, aware that Zane was staring at me.
“Did you get my text?” He hugged me tightly. “I’ve been missing you.”
“I got it.” I nodded. “Sorry, I was busy.”
“Well, I hope Hollywood hasn’t been tempting you too much.” He kissed my cheek, and I saw Zane coming towards us out of the corner of my eye.
“How dare you show up here, Braydon!” Zane’s voice was angry.
“Gina told Angelique and me that it would be fine.” Braydon smiled and stood next to me. “Plus, I wanted to see Lucky. I promised her a date when I got into town.”
“That’s Lucky’s business, and you can figure out a time for a date outside of my house.” Zane avoided eye contact with me and turned back around. “Would you like a drink, Angelique?”
“Actually, do you mind if I go upstairs and lie down?” she purred prettily. “My head is killing me.”
“Sure.” Zane looked concerned. “Do you need anything?”
“No, love.” She smiled at him and rubbed his arm. “I know the way. I’ll just head upstairs. Come find me in an hour if I’m not downstairs.”
“Okay, take care.” I watched Zane give her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, and a knife twisted in my heart. The look Zane was giving her was as clos
e to love as I had seen on his face.
“Thanks, my love.” Angelique smiled and walked up the stairs. It was obvious she had been here before. I felt disappointment flood in me. I wasn’t the first girl who had been here. I wasn’t his first guest.
“So, Lucky, what are you doing tomorrow?” Braydon whispered in my ear, and I giggled slightly as his breath tickled me.
“Lucky, do you think you can come and help me in the kitchen, please?” Zane grabbed my arm and pulled me with him. “If you want to date Braydon, I can’t stop you, but don’t do it in front of my face,” he hissed.
“What are you talking about?” I frowned, and yanked my arm away from him.
“I know you lied about Leeza texting you earlier.” He pushed me against the counter in the kitchen. “If you’re interested in Braydon, there is no need to lie.”
“I never—”
“We’re not exclusive. You can do what you need to do.” He brought his face up against mine. “If you want to date a guy who brought another girl to a party.”
“I—”
“He doesn’t deserve Angelique.” He laughed bitterly. “She is way too beautiful for him.”
“Well, maybe.”
“I don’t know how she can date him.” He shook his head. “I swear you women are really dumb sometimes.”
“Why don’t you go and talk to Angelique if it’s bothering you so much?”
“I’m not going to go and bother Angelique.” He shook his head and his voice softened. “She’s not feeling well.”
“Well, if she’s not feeling well.” What about how I’m feeling right now? What about caring about me? I wanted to shout at Zane. I wanted him to care about me as much as I did about him. I wanted our relationship to be about more than sex. I bit my lip as I felt his hands on me again.
“I want to pull your skirt up and fuck you right here,” Zane growled in my ear and pulled me close to him. “You’re so hot.” He slid his hands up my legs and pulled my skirt up.
“Zane, no.” I pulled away from him slightly. “There are people right around the corner.”
“Wouldn’t they be scandalized if they heard you screaming out my name?” His fingers slid inside my legs and up my inner thigh. “In fact, why don’t we see?”
Exposed: An Anthology Page 73