After All

by Emery, Lynn

  Michelle had spoken to her mother the night before. As always, Annette made up ridiculous excuses for Dominic's behavior. Even Michelle had to admit she went overboard to defend Dominic. Hard as she tried to argue that it would be best to allow her father time to cool off from Dominic's latest escapade, Annette had worn her down until she agreed to see Thomas the next day. Not helping the situation, Thomas refused to give Dominic a job. Worse yet, he was going to take away his beloved Jeep Cherokee.

  “No, she stays up nights nursing drinks and old resentments.”Thomas did not seem the least upset.

  “Do you have to fight her on everything? I know Dominic has made some mistakes.”

  “That's an understatement. Dominic is completely irresponsible. He's thrown away every chance to make something of himself.”

  “Dominic isn't like Brian. You're too hard on him. You have been since he was little,” Michelle said.

  “Look, I co-signed so he could get that Jeep. At the time I told him I had no intention of paying the note so he'd better keep a job. Well, he's missed three payments. Since I paid them, it's now my Jeep.”Thomas continued signing and arranging the documents on his desk.

  “You could give him a job here.”

  “The last time I did, it was a disaster. Remember?”

  “He wants another chance, Daddy. I'd be the first to admit that Dominic has his faults--”

  “Another understatement,” Thomas retorted.

  “But he tries hard. Maybe too hard. He just wants to please you. Why can't you see that Dominic operates on a different wavelength? He needs more space to be creative.”Michelle was frustrated with her father's inability to be more forgiving with his youngest child.

  “Creative? I suppose you could call changing plans with a customer on a whim, after my foreman and I spent days coming up with them, creative. His creativity doubled the price of the job, but of course Dominic assured him it was the same cost. I barely broke even,” Thomas complained.

  “Can't you be patient and teach him when he makes a mistake instead of jumping on him? He's not you or Brian. He's different.”Michelle found herself saying the same things her mother had been telling Thomas for years. From the look on his face, she was no more persuasive.

  “Patient? I have been patient. Dominic hasn't just had a second chance, my dear. He's had sixty chances with me because he's my son. No more. He'll make it on his own, or learn to do without.”Thomas looked past Michelle causing her to turn.

  “Dominic. We were just saying. . .”Michelle watched her brother's stormy expression with a sinking feeling.

  “I heard.”Dominic faced his father.”I'll make it on my own, Dad. I've already got a job. A pretty good one.”

  “Dom, that's great! How did you get it?”Michelle hugged his arm.

  “You mean who would be crazy enough to hire me.”Dominic drew back from her. He came around to stand between them.

  “No, I didn't mean that at all.”

  “Yes you did. It's okay.” Dominic stood straight and met his father's scrutiny. “Dad, I'm sorry you had to pay the notes, but I'll need the Jeep to get to and from work. I promise to pay you back out of my first three paychecks. If not, I'll bring the Jeep back myself.” He was not pleading, but spoke as one man asking a favor of another.

  “All right.” Thomas eyed him with mild surprise. He was clearly not used to this kind of approach from him. Reaching into his desk drawer, he handed him a set of keys.

  “Daddy, isn't that great Dominic has a new job?” Michelle looked at her father. “Don't you think so?” Michelle dropped another hint that he was to be positive.

  “Yes.” Thomas seemed about to say more, but the tense expression on Michelle's face stopped him.

  “So, tell us all about it.” Relaxing Michelle turned to Dominic.

  “I'll be arranging with contractors to do repairs and preventive maintenance on housing units.” Dominic watched his father closely as he spoke.

  “Hey, you have experience with that. You should do a real good job. Shouldn't he, Daddy?” Michelle prodded Thomas again with a slight movement of her head.

  “I suppose,” Thomas conceded. His expression remained impassive.

  “So who are you working for?”Michelle smiled expectantly.

  Dominic stood erect and paused before answering. “Quality Building Contractors.”

  “What! You have lost you mind? That's--” Michelle spluttered. She faced him. Her voice shook with exasperation.

  “Ike Batiste.” Thomas spoke in a quiet voice of suppressed fury.

  Chapter 6

  The horror began in the parking lot. Bloody arms and legs were strewn around its perimeter. The sound of intermittent moans floated around them. Michelle kicked a head from her path causing it to emit a metallic squeak. Michelle shrieked and jumped back almost knocking Anthony down.

  “A truly sick mind came up with this,” Laree twittered.

  “Great idea though.” Shantae looked around appreciatively at the spooky setting.

  The three had decided to triple date. Laree was accompanied by a handsome gentleman she had met at the banquet. D'Andre met all of her qualifications; handsome, intelligent, and an employed professional. Shantae and Cedric brought up the rear razzing each other about how they looked.

  “Say baby, I love that outfit. Why don't you buy it?”Cedric stroked the stuffed spider legs that hug from her diaphanous long black dress.”Yeah, wear it the next time I come over for the night.”

  “Sure, sugar. Just remember what happens to the male afterwards.”Shantae drew a finger across her throat.

  The decorations were impressive. Tombstones lined the short hall leading to the large room where the party was going strong, giving all those entering the feeling of walking through a small cemetery. Inside the dance hall, orange and black balloons and streamers hung from the ceiling. The walls were also hung with fake skeletons, spider webs complete with huge rubber spiders, and more assorted body parts.

  “Good evening and welcome to the Unique Social Club's Third Annual Benefit Monster Mash. May I have your invitations please?”A huge green monster cheerfully met them at the door.”Thank you. Your gift will help both the Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and the Highland Street Community Center. Have good time.”

  “Man, this place is packed!” D'Andre, his gruesome mask pushed back from his face, surveyed the crowded dance floor.

  “We're at table sixteen. This way.” Michelle led them along the wall towards a section with tables.

  Michelle seemed to glide along as she walked. Her figure hugging ivory dress had a filmy, chiffon layer that drifted around her like a cloud as she walked. The neck line, cut low in the front and back, was made less revealing by a chiffon shawl. She wore her thick, dark hair piled high with a white streak painted up one side in front.

  “Uh-hum, you look fantastic.”Anthony let out a low whistle. His eyes glowed with admiration.

  “Why Frankie, you say the sweetest things.”Michelle fluttered her eyelids at him as he held her chair.

  “Come on, D'Andre.”Laree, bouncing and snapping her fingers to the music, stood up. “Let's dance.”

  “Me too.” Cedric pulled Shantae from her seat almost the second she had settled into it.

  Anthony headed for the refreshments. He returned minutes later with a tray of assorted bottles and glasses.”Okay. We have a strawberry daiquiri for Shantae, a pina colada for Laree, chardonnay for the young, upwardly mobile D'Andre,” Anthony winked at Michelle causing her to snicker.”Coca Cola for Cedric, the designated driver. And for us, Ballatore, a fine sparkling wine to celebrate our first month of togetherness.”He tipped the bottle pouring it into two plastic champagne glasses.

  “Wonderful.”Michelle sipped the drink staring at him over the rim of her glass.

  “The last four weeks have been very special.”Anthony placed an arm around her chair and leaned close to her. “Thank you.” He kissed her lips tenderly, and then sat back with a sigh.r />
  Michelle sat blinking rapidly, a wave of desire flooding her. With a trembling hand, she took another sip of the wine to buy time. But when the band began a slow, tune, Anthony took the glass from her. He led her onto the dance floor. He guided her in a gentle swaying motion. Michelle tensed, trying to resist the strong force pulling her. It was useless. As the music swelled to a crescendo, Anthony began to hum soft and low, his lips brushing her ear. Michelle closed her eyes. Resting her cheek against his chest, she breathed in the spicy scent of him. She let go, allowing herself to be swallowed up in the delicious cocoon of being in his arms. Lifting her head, he kissed her again just as the song ended. They stood holding each other for several seconds before realizing that the couples around them were dancing to a livelier tune.

  “Some song, huh?”Anthony gazed into her eyes.

  “Some dance.” Michelle made a conscious effort to slow her breathing as they returned to their table.

  The others were already there laughing and joking about the all the wild costumes around. That Anthony and Michelle were subdued did not go unnoticed by Laree. The men left to replenish their refreshments.

  Laree poked Shantae in the ribs. “Did you see a certain couple heating up the dance floor?”

  “Yes indeed. If they had gotten any closer, she would have been wearing his costume,” Shantae put in.

  “We were dancing,” Michelle popped back.”I think we would have looked stupid standing at arm’s length from each other.”

  “That was more than a dance, honey. Y'all were making love,” Shantae crunched on a cracker.

  “Sho nuff. What happened to `We're going to be just friends'?” Laree asked.

  “I'll tell you what happened; once she got next to him, she couldn't fight the feeling. Woo-wee, didn't take my man long to melt the Ice Princess.”Shantae turned to Laree.

  “Uh-humm, that's right.”Laree slapped her palm against Shantae's in a high five.

  Michelle was trying to think of a stinging retort when the guys came back. As they set up fresh drinks, Michelle decided to accept the teasing with good humor. After all how could she deny it? From the moment she saw Anthony in the newsroom, her feelings for him could not be ignored. Despite her best efforts and misgivings, the desire to be with him returned full force. Watching him smile, seeing the sensuous curve of his full mouth, hearing the rich deep tones of his laugh, caused her heart to pound. Still she had to keep in mind the dangers that came with giving too much, too soon. What if he turned on her again? Suddenly the merriment in his eyes disappeared. Michelle became alarmed that he could read the caution in her face. She looked up to see Marcus weaving his way towards them. The smile on Anthony’s face was replaced by a guarded frown.

  “Good evening everybody. Seems like y'all havin' a good time.”Marcus was dressed in a dark suit with tails and carried a mask. His eyes were abnormally bright. A petite woman stood slightly behind him wearing a vacant grin.

  “Hello, Marcus.”Anthony glanced away.

  “My, don't the ladies look lovely tonight.”Marcus stared down at Michelle.”Introduce me, cuz.”

  “Michelle, Laree, Shantae, and D'Andre, this is my cousin, Marcus. You know Cedric.”

  “What's happenin'?”Cedric nodded to Marcus and the woman.

  “Damn, where are my manners? This is Nedra.”Marcus jerked a thumb in her direction.

  “Hey.” Nedra giggled.

  “Havin' a regular par-tee, eh cuz? Mind if we join you?”Without waiting for an answer, Marcus pulled up a chair next to Michelle.”Yeah, uh grab that chair over there,” he said over his shoulder. Nedra wandered off to sit down at another table still giggling. “That's good. Cute but not too bright.” Marcus leaned close to Michelle.

  Cedric took a deep breath. “So what have you been up to since you got home?”

  “Ain't nothin' to it. Just hangin', you know. Got a job thanks to dad. Yeah, my old man always comes through for me, in his own way and his own good time.”

  “Well, congratulations.” Cedric spoke quickly seeing Anthony begin to say something.

  “Yeah, right. Maybe okay ain't enough, see what I'm sayin?” Marcus blustered.”Now if I could get set up like my man here,” He thumped Anthony on the back.”Everything would be cool. But I got a plan.”

  “Setting your goals is a step in the right direction.”Michelle smiled at him.

  “Oh, I've got goals all right. I'm going to get what I want, one way or another.”Marcus lost his grin for a second.

  “I wish you luck.” Michelle's smile faded when she saw Anthony's expression. He was looking from her to Marcus.

  “Why thank you. Say, you're even more beautiful in person than you are on television.” Marcus locked his gaze on her breasts as he leaned still closer.

  “Back off, man.”Anthony put his arm across the back of Michelle's chair as he stared menacingly at his cousin.

  “Whoa, can't take the competition? The lady and I are just conversing, cuz. Where's the harm?” Marcus let his gaze wander the length of Michelle's body.

  “You're pushing your luck with me, Marcus.”Anthony started to rise from his seat.

  “Come on now. Chill man.” Cedric reached across Shantae to lay a restraining hand on Anthony's arm.

  “I think your lady friend might be getting a little lonely.” D'Andre nodded towards Nedra. She was making kissing noises at passing men.

  “Class act she ain't,” Marcus snorted in disgust. “Cut that crap out,” he shouted at her. “See y'all later. Bye beautiful brown sugar.”

  With a laugh at the murderous expression on Anthony's face, Marcus slid his chair back from the table. He sauntered away with Nedra trailing him.

  “Let it go, man.”Cedric withdrew his hand only after Anthony was no longer staring at his cousin's retreating back.

  For the rest of the evening everyone worked hard to recapture the gaiety before Marcus crashed their party. Eventually Anthony loosened up and began to smile then laugh. When they were alone at the table while the others danced, Michelle was glad that all of his anger seemed to have evaporated.

  “I'm sorry about getting so uptight a while ago. And I apologize for Marcus. I guess I shouldn't let him get next to me,” Anthony said.

  “He was just being silly because he'd had a little too much to drink. He didn't mean any harm.” Michelle shrugged.

  “I wish I could believe that. Anyway, I really am sorry.”

  “You don't have to keep apologizing. It's okay.”

  Michelle put her hand on his arm. Looking into his dark brown eyes framed by thick black brows, she felt that familiar warmth spreading across her body. When he placed his hand over hers, the warmth began a flame. The lights dimmed as the band began another love song. Their heads close together, they were locked in a world apart. A world reluctantly abandoned when the others came back to the table. They sat for another fifteen minutes drinking and talking. Occasionally, greeting friends who came over to say hello.

  “Well, y'all ready to call it a night. Crowds thinning out anyway.” Cedric looked around.

  “Fine with me,” D'Andre said. Standing, he put Laree's jacket on her shoulders.

  “Anybody want to go somewhere else. There's this really nice new night club on Third Avenue.”Shantae held Cedric's hand.

  “Nah, I don't think so.”Laree moved close to D'Andre.

  “Michelle?”Anthony looked at her, his eyes shining.

  “I've had enough of crowds tonight.”Michelle met his gaze.

  “Ooo-kay, guess that's a wrap then,” Shantae said as she winked at Cedric.

  All were unusually quiet on the ride home. Cedric had a jazz cassette playing softly. The two couples seated behind in the van held hands and spoke quietly. Laree and D'Andre were dropped off first at her apartment.

  “Goodnight. Thanks for driving us.”Anthony helped Michelle out of Cedric's van. He fished the keys to his apartment from his jacket pocket.

  “No problem. Later, Chelle.”Cedric waved.
/>   “Bye, Anthony. Goodnight, Michelle.”Shantae took advantage of the fact that Anthony had turned away to give Michelle an exaggerated wink.

  “Cedric, take her home please.”Michelle gave an exasperated sigh.

  “What was that all about?”Anthony hung up their jackets in a hall closet.

  “Nothing. Shantae was just, I mean... It was nothing. Nice party, wasn't it?” Michelle definitely did not want to explain so she changed the subject.

  “Yes it was. Let's have some wine.”Anthony put on some music then sat close to her on the sofa.

  “Listen, don't go to any trouble. It's late and you're probably tired.” Michelle began to fidget with her shawl, pulling it to cover her neck and chest. Her misgivings crept back now that they were alone.

  “No trouble, and I'm not tired.”Anthony fingered a tendril of her hair that trailed down her neck.

  “Oh.”Michelle avoided looking at him.

  “You are one gorgeous Bride of Frankenstein. That dress makes you look like anything but a monster.”Anthony laughed softly. His arm moved from the back of the sofa to her shoulders.

  “Thanks. Humm, gotta use the bathroom.” Michelle stood abruptly.

  “I'll be here when you get back,” Anthony growled in his best imitation of a monster.

  Finding the light in the hall bathroom, she closed the door. As she stared at herself in the mirror, she tried to come up with a credible excuse to leave. Work? Michelle cursed. No, big mouth. You already announced to everybody how glad you were to finally have a weekend off. Feeling ill?

  “You all right in there?”

  “I'm fine.” Michelle answered as a reflex without thinking. Idiot! Now you can't say you're sick. Taking a deep breath, she flushed the toilet and turned on the faucet before returning to the living.

  “Here you go.”Anthony handed her a long stemmed wine glass.

  “I better not since I'll be driving home.” Michelle was mesmerized by the way his chest rose and fell underneath the shirt of his costume.

  “If you wait several hours, the effects will wear off.” Anthony took a sip from his glass, his eyes on her.