Breathless 3: In Love With An Alpha Billionaire

by Greene-Dowdell, Shani

  “That’s not what happened, is it?” I asked, sitting on the opposite side of the table trying to keep my composure.

  “No, I had no idea Justine would be there. Seeing her got my engine fired up and when John waltzed in the room, I just let him have it for both of them.”

  “Even as I sit here, I still can’t believe Jacob’s mother invited her. I just don’t get that woman.”

  “She did it because she knew we would turn up. I might be sixty five, but I’ll still kick some ass about my only child.”

  “I know you will, Mama.” I sighed. “I guess you’re right. She wanted us to act a fool so she could point her finger at us and say we were the bad apples. Why is everything getting so complicated?”

  “Life is complicated. Show me someone who has an easy life and I’ll show you someone who has not lived. That woman John calls a wife didn’t see a problem with Justine being at that funky, no-class dinner because she doesn’t have a heart. She is the epitome of the devil’s daughter.”

  “She thinks so low of me that she invited me to sit down with a woman who almost killed me only a month ago. She hates me that much.”

  “Yeah, but she had the wrong ones, if she thought we was gonna sit down with the same bitch who walked away from an assault charge because of her family’s money and privilege,” Mama said as she slammed her mug on the table. “Ugh! Those kind of folks ain’t shit. They never take responsibility for the wrath they cause.”

  Finally, the fury of the evening caught up with me and I let go, as well. “It was one dinner… for one damn day. She couldn’t give me the dignity to sit down for one dinner without disrespecting me!”

  “Chile, that woman is going to get what’s coming to her and I hope I live to see it. You mark my words, she’s gonna get hers,” Mama said as she touched my hand.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever get along with her, Mama. I’m done trying.”

  “You can get along with anyone, so you’re not the problem. It’s her prejudiced ways that are the problem. She decided not to give you a chance well before she knew I was your mother.”

  “She brings the worst out of me.”

  “Avoid her like the plague, Destiny. That may be best for us both, because all I know is if she comes at you wrong again I’m going to deal with her. I’m not with that old biddy disrespecting my family. You are my child and I will protect you to the death.”

  “Mama, this is a very fragile situation. Please promise me that you’ll keep your cool too.”

  “I will, I don’t have any intention on seeing anyone from that family again, except Jacob.”

  “I don’t think the feeling is mutual. I saw the way John looked at you. That man is uncontrollably in love with you and he will be coming for you soon.”

  “John doesn’t know how to love anyone. He better stay his ass in Miami, if he knows what’s best for him.”

  “I’m all for what you want, Mama,” I said before taking a closer look at her. “If that’s what you want.”

  “It’s what I want,” Mama said in a softer tone. “Destiny, if John loved me, my place setting would’ve been on the opposite end of his chair at his dinner table. I’d be the queen of his throne. That’s not the case, so don’t confuse his feeling guilty for the way he walked away from me with love.”

  “I can’t argue that point, Mama.”

  “And you should never argue what’s real.”

  “Mama, don’t take what I’m about to say the wrong way,” I said, imagining if the tables had been turned. “I’m kind of glad you two didn’t stay together. If you had, there would be no me and Jacob.”

  “Honey, Jacob would’ve been your brother.”

  “I know!” I laughed and shook my head at the thought.

  “Seriously, I’ve been hard on Jacob and mostly for my personal reasons. Now that I’ve seen his passion for you on more than one occasion, I want you to be with him. I welcome him as my new son-in-law.”

  “Thanks, Mama.” I got up and went around to hug her. My heart swelled to capacity as I thought about the love she lost so that I may have love. “And who knows, the end of your and Mr. Turner’s book is probably being revised. What you thought was the end, might have been to be continued.”

  “You were a helplessly hopeful child who grew up to be a helpless romantic. Bless yo’ sweet and gullible little heart,” Mama said as she grabbed my cheeks.

  “Whatever, I’m going to countdown on my fingers how long it takes for Mr. Turner to reach out to you, and for you to reach back.”

  “And you’re going to run out of fingers, toes and hairs on your head while counting. I’m putting John Turner on notice. If he comes anywhere near me, I will chop him up in tiny little pieces and send him back to Tammy in a box with a card that says ‘get yo man.’”

  “Mama!” I hit her hand playfully. “You don’t mean that.”

  “Of course, I don’t think I mean it literally.” Mama got up from the table and started walking towards her bedroom. “I just hope he stays away.”

  Chapter 5

  Destiny

  Joy Cometh in the Morning

  The next morning when I woke up in Mama’s bed, a mouthwatering aroma wafted into the room. “Mmmm, Mama must be in the kitchen cooking a big breakfast. It smells delicious,” I said aloud, as I grabbed my cell off the nightstand. I scanned through my new messages and returned a few texts to my clients. I had just finished updating my calendar when I called Jacob.

  “Hey, babe,” he answered on the first ring.

  “Hey yourself, how are you this morning?” I asked.

  “Good, just in the office going over some files before I head back your way. How about you, babe? Did you sleep well?” he asked.

  “I slept pretty good after staying up late trying to wrap my head around yesterday.”

  “Babe, words can’t explain how upset I am. I’m so sorry that you had to go through that drama. I had a talk with Mom about Justine being at dinner and let her know that was unacceptable,” he said.

  “It was disheartening to watch it all unfold, when I had such high hopes of getting to know your mother. But you shouldn’t be the one apologizing, Jacob. I know where your heart is.”

  “You better know where my heart is Destiny. But I’m obligated to protect you from things like that. It won’t happen again.”

  “Speaking of apologies, I had a heart-to-heart with Mama last night and I’m sorry she slapped your father.”

  Jacob paused as if he were considering his words before speaking.

  “He asked Mom for a divorce today.”

  “Really? Oh no, I feel so bad, Jacob,” I said truly feeling like shit.

  “There’s nothing for you to feel bad about.”

  “But I do.”

  “I don’t want you feeling any type of way about what my parents are going through, Destiny.”

  “Is this all about Mama coming to dinner?”

  “Based on the glow around Dad when you two left last night, I’d say it had something to do with it. He talked about Ms. Clara with so much admiration last night. And this morning, he had a talk with Mom and then later waltzed into my office at Turner Enterprises and told me he was leaving Mom as if he were announcing that he was going to get a cup of coffee.”

  “This can’t be good news. He’s acting prematurely, don’t you think?” I asked.

  “I’ve never seen him this happy.”

  I couldn’t believe I was asking, “How does your mother feel about all of this?”

  “She’s is taking it hard.”

  “A woman losing her husband is not a small thing. You should go comfort her. She may need someone to talk to,” I urged.

  “I’ll go by there before I head back to Atlanta. I’m going to our house to meet the interior designer first. You said you want spring colors in Montana’s room, right?” he asked, sounding much livelier.

  I smiled at the mention of our house; I could only imagine what he was having done to it. “That’
s right babe and I would like a burnt orange and blue in Junior’s room.”

  “Consider it done,” he said. I could tell he was scribbling notes down as he asked, “How is Ms. Clara doing this morning?”

  “Better than yesterday. I can only tell you that much. She told me she’s glad she has closure now,” I said, omitting the fact that Mama knew the entire time Jacob was John’s son and that her going to his parents’ home was calculated and planned.

  “Well, from the way Dad is acting, she might as well get ready to open back up.”

  “Jacob, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Tell him to back off. Mr. Turner showing back up this late in her life will be too much for her, especially since he already has a wife. Mama can’t take being jilted again.”

  “I wouldn’t attempt to speak for Dad. He is his own man. However, from what I understand, he plans to do right by her. Just like I plan to spend the rest of my days doing right by you.”

  “Aw Jacob, that’s sweet. I love you.”

  “I love you too, future Mrs. Turner.”

  “I still don’t think it’s a good idea for our parents to…” I paused as I tried to wrap my mind around my mother dating any man, much less my soon to be father-in-law.

  “To what, love each other?”

  “It seems unnatural.”

  “Destiny, that’s not for us to decide. Our parents have to make their own choices in love, just like we did. Don’t begrudge them out of reuniting, if the future deems it so.”

  “You have a point there. Well, at least, ask your father to give my mother some more time before he approaches her. Hell, he needs to give himself some time to settle things with your mother.”

  “I will mention it, but, again, my father is his own man.”

  I sighed. “Okay, I’ll talk to you later,” I said, beginning to miss him already as our call was coming to an end. I was eager to get my day on a roll and catch up on my advertising work, but I could have talked to Jacob most of the morning. “But do me another favor, Jacob.”

  “Anything.”

  “Be there for your mother.”

  “Destiny, you are right for me in every way. I knew you were the one after our first conversation. After all Mom has done, you still are concerned about her feelings.”

  “She is a part of you; therefore, I will love that part of her. I am all about you… Team Jacob. I will do whatever it takes to make sure you’re okay. If that means encouraging you to check up on your mother, then so be it,” I said, feeling somewhat responsible for his family’s breakdown. After all, I was in the center of the entire mess.

  “We’ve been through a lot over a short period of time,” Jacob said. “Believe me when I say it will be greater later, my sweetheart. I don’t care about the haters.”

  “Are you trying to be a player on this phone early in the morning?” I asked on a laugh.

  Jacob laughed, as well. “I got you to laugh, so I’m not trying. I’m succeeding.”

  “Well, I’m going to let you get back to your business at hand. I just wanted to hear your voice before I got up out of Mama’s warm bed.”

  “Oh, Clara is lucky. She got to sleep with you last night. I can’t wait to have my turn tonight.”

  “That makes two of us. See you then,” I said, hanging up the phone feeling reassured.

  Jacob loved his parents, so I figured, deep down, he wanted them to stay together. Actually, I preferred they stayed together, as well. The last thing I wanted was Mama being tied up with Jacob’s father. It just seemed out of place for our love to be all in the family like that.

  My next call was to Montie to let him know I would be picking up the kids around noon. I was glad that he was at home, because I hadn’t broached the subject of moving the kids to Miami with him. That was an entirely different dilemma in itself.

  Once all of my business for the day was set in motion, I got out of bed and went into the bathroom to wash my face. I spruced up a bit using the personal kit I kept at Mama’s house. Pulling my hair back into a messy ponytail, I stared at my image in the mirror. I meditated for a long while before I went downstairs, praying for both peace and clarity in the midst of turmoil.

  When I walked into the kitchen, I almost tumbled over my feet when I saw Mr. Turner standing by the counter intently watching Mama set the table. His eyes followed the commotion and peered into mine speaking volumes that dared to leave his lips, as he stood there in limbo.

  Meanwhile, Mama went about her morning duties as if he wasn’t even standing there. She moved about the kitchen preparing breakfast and humming. When she did look in his direction, she looked right through him and placed a bottle of syrup in the middle of the table.

  “Good morning,” I said including both of them in my gaze. I walked over and gave Mama a kiss on the cheek and whispered, “What is he doing here?”

  She humped her shoulders and kept moving about the kitchen. I awkwardly acknowledged Mr. Turner by saying, “Hi, uh, very good to see you here. This time, I hope it’s under much better circumstances.”

  There was an apology in his eyes as he said, “Hi, Destiny, likewise.”

  “Listen, I’m sorry about the way I acted in your home. That’s not the way I would have liked to meet you,” I began to say. Mr. Turner raised his hand to silence me.

  “There is no need for any explanations. That’s why I came here this morning. I’d hoped we could wipe the slate clean and start over,” Mr. Turner’s attention went from me to Mama as he made that statement. I looked between the two and immediately knew they needed time alone to talk.

  “It means a lot to hear you say that, thanks Mr. Turner. I really would like it if we could wipe the slate clean. Jacob and I are getting married soon and we would love it if everyone could come together, without any more drama.”

  “If I have anything to do with it, there won’t be any more drama, young lady. I am committed to making things right, for all parties,” he said, once again gazing at Mama.

  Mama had her wall up and I was convinced there was nothing Mr. Turner could say to make amends for the forty years they lost – until I saw her place a third plate down on the table.

  “John, you’re welcome to stay for breakfast, but after that you need to be on your way,” she said flippantly.

  “I would love to have breakfast with you, Clara. Thank you for offering,” he said gallantly moving toward the table.

  “You’re not having breakfast with me. You’re having breakfast with your daughter-in-law,” Mama said motioning toward me with her mitten. “It will be your first and last meal in this house, so eat up and enjoy. Then, get back on your big jet and fly back to Miami where you belong… with your wife.”

  Mr. Turner was humble as he took a seat at the table. I figured he knew as well as I did that he was fighting an uphill battle and silence was his best defense.

  “Mama, you don’t have to set a plate for me. I’m about to leave.”

  “Why are you leaving so soon?”

  “I miss my babies. I told Montie I would be by there to pick up them up early,” I said, even though Montie wasn’t expecting me until noon. I just wanted to get out of there to give them some privacy.

  “You should start your day off with a good breakfast, baby girl. Sit down and eat,” Mama said pointing at one of the plates. Her eyes widened and I could tell she was coaching me to stay. “I’ve worked hard in this kitchen, and you really should stay and eat,” she added.

  Through her hard exterior, her shaking hands gave away her nervousness about being alone with Mr. Turner. I walked over to the stove and picked up a piece of bacon. I bit into it and grabbed a biscuit.

  “Mmmm, I appreciate your hard work, Mama. Your food is always so delicious,” I told her as I poured a glass of juice to go with my biscuit. “But I’ll eat this in the car. Goodbye, Mr. Turner,” I added as I kissed her on the cheek.

  “Destiny, don’t leave,” Mama said as I blew her a kiss and walked out the door.

  CHAPTER
6

  Clara

  Too Little Too Late

  “Well, John, are you going to eat or what?” I asked as I watched him sit there playing with his food. In between moving the food around on his plate, his dazzling hazel eyes watched my every move.

  “Yes, I’m going to eat. The food is delicious, by the way.”

  “I can’t tell by the way you’re playing with it.”

  “That’s because I have something to say. I’m just thinking of the best way to put it.”

  “Well, you might as well say whatever it is. The clock is running out on our last meal.”

  I pointed to the clock on my wall. I intended to give the old geezer thirty minutes to fill his stomach and clear his mind. Then, he had to get the hell out of my house and out of my life. That’s what I felt at the moment.

  However, as far as his looks, he looked nothing like an old geezer. His jawline was refined, but it was still strong like it was when he was a young man. The same young man I fell in love with so many years ago. He had sprinkles of salt and pepper amongst his gray. He was still well toned with a pronounced build.

  As handsome as he was, I couldn’t stand to look at him much longer. I had killed off the John I remembered when he left me and I was having a harder time than I thought I would with his revival.

  “Clara, after I held you last night, it was clear to me what I’ve been missing in my life.”

  If looks could kill, John’s ass would’ve been dead on the spot. I knew like hell he didn’t have the nerve to sit at my kitchen table talking about what he’d been missing. “So this epiphany came upon you last night, huh?” I asked.

  “Yes, I miss you and I want you back.”

  “Well, bravo!” I said, as I clapped in a slow and steady motion. “Clocking in at sixty five years old, you finally figured out what you want out of life. You should really give yourself a hand,” I added as I continued to clap.

  “Clara, you don’t have to shoot me down before I get started, especially after the way you responded to me as I held you yesterday. Your body said the same things to me that it used to, when I touched you last night. Now, today you want to act as if it was all a façade.”