by Vera Roberts
Truthfully, no one really needed any gifts but it had been a trying year for everyone in different ways. The next year was finally going to be better and the family was going to be back on top.
And maybe, he would find a good woman of his own.
After a disaster breakup, Tony swore off relationships and rebounded back into his lothario status. The only difference now was each woman was required to sign a NDA so he wouldn’t become tabloid fodder. It worked. There was never a story about him anywhere.
“Hey,” Krista Allen entered Tony’s shop, holding a wrapped gift.
“Hey,” Tony smiled at her. Dressed in a white sweater, jeans, and high-heeled boots, she looked stunning. Her long, ebony hair softly bounced and the soft pink tint gave her pout an extra boost of sexiness. “What brings you here?”
Tony’s approach was a stark change from how he used to be. He used to order food and offer a free seat to Krista, even kicking someone else out of theirs so she would have somewhere to sit.
Now, he greeted her like an acquaintance instead of a former lover.
It didn’t help he looked like a dream personified. His fade was cut short, and the long-sleeved T-shirt barely contained his muscular physique. Of course, he completed his look with jeans and his standard Timbs. Krista recalled one time she counted about five pairs of Timbs in Tony’s closet.
“I know you’ve been really busy lately so I haven’t been able to pop in,” Krista knew it was a stretch of the truth. She was banned for the better part of two years and only when Tony helped her out with her car when he eased up on the ban.
She managed to continue, despite the emotion building in her throat. “So, I wanted to give you this.” She walked over and handed him a small gift. “I’m not expecting anything back. It’s just a thank you for helping me out the other day. It means a lot to me.”
“You’re welcome,” Tony smiled. “I’m glad I got your car straightened out.”
“Yeah, me too.” She tightly pressed her lips together. There was still tension between the two and she wondered if it would always be there. “I’ll go now. Thanks, Tony.”
“You’re welcome.” He waved her good-bye.
Krista was on her way out the shop when she stopped. No, she was not about to end things the way they were. It was bad enough her best friend and Tony’s brother were at odds but she wasn’t going to accept the same fate for them as well. “Tony, we need to talk.”
Tony shook his head. “We have nothing to talk about.”
“Tony, this can’t go on between us like this,” she waved, “this is ridiculous now.”
“Is it now?” Tony’s demeanor became colder. “How so?”
“Tony, Faith released a statement stating Eli was never violent towards her or their children. She did that as soon as the allegations came out.” Krista folded her arms. “She resolved everything.”
“Faith did that because Eli threatened to kick her out of the salon and the home if she didn’t put out a retraction,” Tony reminded her, “unless you’re forgetting that part?”
“If he didn’t throw the vase, then maybe the allegation wouldn’t have come out.” Krista retorted and Tony chuckled. “What’s so funny?”
“That’s why Eli stopped talking to Faith. That’s why I stopped fucking with you.” He pointed out. “Something can be clearly your fault but you will not take responsibility for it.”
“Faith and her family have always been there for me,” Krista defended, “I’m going to protect them at all costs.”
“Congratulations.” He deadpanned. “They should have no problem supporting you from this moment on. Faith is getting a five-figure monthly check from Eli; have her break you off a ‘lil something.”
Krista shook her head. “Fuck you, Tony.”
“Fuck me?” Tony calmly set the broom down and walked up to his ex. “Krista, I did everything for you. When you revealed that you and Nicky had a fling, yeah, I wasn’t happy about it and Nicky and I had some words, but did it change how I treated you? No. I paid your rent, bills, and bought you groceries more times I can count. When you told me about your past with your parents, and how it affected you in a sexual manner, did I rush you? No. I wanted you to take your time.
“I took you overseas. I gave you my black card and told you to run up the damn bill. When you were with me, you never went without. I got tired paying your rent so I moved you into my home. My family home, Krista.
“And how did you repay me back? You, Faith, and all of your friends sold my family out to the highest bidder. Every little thing Eli did, came out. All of you single-handedly tried to destroy our family because you weren’t happy that Eli finally left Faith for good. Do you know how much money we lost when those allegations came out? Twenty million, Krista. Do you and Faith have twenty million you want to give us?
“You see, we don’t participate in this whole culture of being petty or whatever you want to call it nowadays. You act like an asshole; we cut you the fuck off. We don’t tit for tat when we’re trying to get our dollars.
“When Simone and Darren upped their attack on Faith and had her suicidal in the fetal position, you want to know how Eli reacted? He was about ready to make a personal visit to Darren’s home and spray all of them. It took me, Nicky, K, and Joey to convince him not to. Nicky and me were talking him down while K and Joey stood guard at the door. He was loading bullets in his gun, Krista! He had tears streaming down his face, talking about, ‘I’m going to kill every motherfucker I see in that house.’ And how does Faye repay him? Leaking a goddamn story Eli was violent to her?
“You come in, give me a gift, and think that just because I helped you out the other day, everything’s cool between us? You couldn’t even apologize to me just now! You refuse to take any responsibility for what happened and still tried to put everything back on Eli, Krista!” Tony shook his head. “You’re still young and maybe this is a lesson you need to know. Now if you excuse me, I need to finish up my Christmas shopping.”
Family Affair
There was no place like home.
No matter how many trips she’s made to L.A. No matter how many celebrities she took selfies with. No matter what was on and poppin’ in L.A., Harlem was home.
Harlem was Rucker Park, the Apollo, and Ginny’s Supper Club. It was the Demolition Club, home of the $1 pizza slice by 2 Bros Pizza, and Sylvia’s.
Green grass and light blue skies were the corner point of spring while snowy driveways, makeshift snow families, and defrosting her Escalade made up the winter months. The summers were filled with short shorts, tank tops, and all the ice cream a sista could eat without busting out of said outfit.
Faith could trace her entire childhood, teenage years, and adulthood to many different places and events. Her first kiss was in a carriage ride with Eli. The first time she had pepperoni pizza was delivered by Eli. The first time she ever had sex was…with Eli.
As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Harlem…was Eli.
As she bundled herself up more in the freezing single-digit temperature, Faith thought about her week ahead. She needed to pack up everything, close down the shop, and get ready to start over in Los Angeles. If she wanted snow, she would have to drive to it. The coldest temperature in L.A. was around 30 degrees and Faith thought that was pretty warm in comparison.
The only thing she didn’t care for was the traffic. It seemed just to get to one place, she had to plan to be in the car for at least an hour. In Harlem, she would’ve made about eight stops in the same timeframe.
It didn’t really matter, any more. In a few days, Faith was going to be on a plane with her children and starting all over in Los Angeles.
It was Christmas Eve and she hated she was spending it away from Jeremy, but he had a televised game the next day so she would see him there. He offered to ask some of his friends to help her pack and move, and possibly deal with any pass interference from Eli, but Faith declined. If things really got bad between them, she would get t
heir lawyers involved.
She silently snickered to herself. Eli wasn’t the type to become violent unless he was pushed.
Dramatics aside, it was time to get serious. She had only a few days and she needed to make the best of them. They were going to be in L.A. by the New Year and she had no time to waste. It was time to finally move on.
It was time to finally say goodbye to Eli.
~~~~~
“There’s my princess!” The Reverend David Sheppard greeted his only daughter with a big, bear hug. He was a muscular and tall Black man, standing over six feet tall with a bald head and goatee. “How was L.A.?”
“It was nice but it’s nice coming home!” Faith hugged her father tight. She let go of him and saw he was alone. “Where’s Mom and the kids? I thought they would meet me here?”
“Your mother is doing last-minute preparations for tomorrow and I’m on my way to pick up the kids from Eli. I figured I’ll pick you up first before I head over there.” David grabbed his daughter’s luggage and walked out to their car. “And I wanted to talk to you alone for a while.”
“Oh?” Faith got into the Mercedes and buckled up while her father followed shortly behind. “What’s going on, Daddy?”
“I don’t know, you tell me.” David started up the car. “Moving to L.A.? This seems like a sudden decision, Faith Marie.”
“It wasn’t,” she shook her head. Actually, it was. The decision was made no less than a week prior. “I just thought about how we’re about to become a blended family and I needed to be out there with my fiancée.”
David didn’t like the change in attitude from Faith since she got involved with Jeremy. She seemed more cattier, pettier, and had an inexplicable attitude that came out of nowhere. She also became quite skinny due to waist trainers and fitness teas, which added to her newfound attitude.
He particularly didn’t like Jeremy. While it was clear the young superstar was on his p’s and q’s when he was around the Sheppards, there was something rather off-putting about him. David knew what it was – he was faking the funk. Was Jeremy really going to piss off the famed Reverend Sheppard?
He also didn’t like the change he had within Faith. Faith loved the finer things in life but she was never this materialistic. She’d never bragged about her income or wealth before; now she was posting ‘hauls’ of her many shopping excursions. She stopped donating to the church.
David missed the obedient, churchgoing woman who may have been a bit childish at times, but always respected others. David didn’t want to admit it, but it seemed when Eli cut off Faith, he destroyed something within her. “You’re packing up the kids and leaving in the middle of the school year,” David replied. “That’s a lot for any child, let alone three.”
“They’ll adjust fine,” Faith replied. “They’re excited about L.A. They can’t wait to go to Disneyland and what have you.”
A small silence passed between them before he began speaking again. “Your mother went and saw Eli this past week while you were gone. He’s going to fight the move.”
Faith stiffened as a quiet anger boiled underneath her skin. Of course, he would. Why wouldn’t Eli add more to being asshole of the year? “No surprise there.”
“Well, when I get the kids, that gives the two of you some time to talk and discuss amongst yourselves what is right for everyone involved.” He nodded. “If it gets really bad, just call us and we’ll come pick you up.”
David hated what Eli did to his daughter but he was willing to overlook it because how great a father Eli was to his children. In private conversations with the Sheppards, Eli never spoke bad about Faith nor did he bristle when he heard her name. Any sane man would’ve cursed a thousand times and threaten not to speak of her name ever again. Eli never did.
It was clear David preferred Eli and didn’t bother hiding it. “You’re going to leave me alone with him?” Faith questioned.
“I don’t need to be there nor do I want to,” David replied, “this is a conversation between you and Eli to settle once and for all. No more games. No more talking through attorneys. Parent to parent.”
“Okay, I guess.” Faith waved a hand. She wasn’t going to argue with her father and she didn’t want to. He was right; she needed to talk to Eli and get everything out in the open.
Tonight was either going to be a big mistake or resolve everything once and for all.
~~~~~
Kids always reminded him how old he was.
As Eli laid on the hardwood floor of his apartment, he laughed at the energy his eight-year-old, four-year-old, and two-year-old had. The spent the better part of the afternoon climbing all over him.
He was pooped and his kids were still roaring to go.
Eli decided he was going to play dead and have the kids use him as a makeshift bridge, sofa, and even a wrestling opponent named The Big Daddy. It worked for him. He could rest a bit while still being somewhat active with his children.
“What are you doing tomorrow, Daddy?” The oldest, Nathan, asked.
“I’m going to go over to see your Nonna and Nonno tomorrow and see all of your cousins and aunts and uncles.” Eli mentioned. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow from your grandparents and take you over there.”
“Sounds like fun!” Nate replied. “Can Mommy come too?”
Hell, no, she can’t. Eli remembered the conversation with his mother. Forgive her, Eli. “We’ll see.” He made no promises.
“Cool!” Nate beamed. “I love spending time with both of you!” He got up and went into the kitchen.
The child’s words struck a chord with Eli. What was he doing? Faith was vindictive in her behavior but Eli certainly didn’t act any better. “That’s good, son.” He heard a knock at his door and knew it was David coming to pick the kids up. “Alright, guys. Gather everything! Your grandpa is here. Hurry up now!” He ordered as he walked to the front door.
He opened the door and gasped as the sight. There was David and to his right, was Faith. She looked beautiful as ever, sporting long, bouncy brown hair that brought out her dark skin tone. She lost weight – maybe a bit too much for Eli’s liking – but it didn’t take away from her features. She made Eli’s heart temporarily stop and he had to remember to breathe for a split moment.
Lord have mercy.
He held gazes with her for a moment before his attention went back to David. “I’m getting the kids ready for you now, David.” He finally swallowed the emotion that climbed up his throat and became lodged there. “You can come in if you like.”
“I would like that,” he walked in and Faith followed. Eli hurried to clean up the mess around them as four-year-old E.J. and two-year-old Abriana, greeted their grandfather and mother.
Nathan came out and hugged his mother. “Mommy! Daddy invited you over for Christmas at Nonna’s house tomorrow!”
“He did, did he?” Faith looked up at Eli, who once again met her eyes. She felt her heartbeat pound out of her chest. She just about forgotten the smoldering look Eli could give her and all he did was smile. He was simply breathtaking.
“Uh-huh! He wants you to come!” Nathan squeezed his mother. “This is so cool!”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Faith hugged her son back. “I need to stay behind and talk to Daddy for a bit so you go with your grandpa. And don’t stay up too late! Santa Claus is coming tonight!”
“Yay, Santa is coming!” Nathan cheered as he walked over and gave his dad a hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Daddy.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, ‘lil big man.” Eli hugged and kissed his son.
“Bye, Daddy!” E.J. walked up to him.
“Bye, ‘lil man.” Eli hugged and kissed him as well. He picked up his daughter and squeezed her tight before handing her over to David. “Thanks, David.”
“You’re welcome, Eli. See you tomorrow.” He waved him goodbye before he left with the children.
Eli closed the front door and locked it. He rested his eyes on the floor for a long moment. He�
��d successfully avoided his ex for two years. Now she was in his home.
He turned around and went straight into the sprawling kitchen. He knew Faith just came in from her flight and she was probably starving. “Are you hungry?”
“I could use a bite to eat,” she nodded.
Eli wanted to spend Christmas Eve relaxed, in his draws, and watching all the sports he could handle. Now he was stuck entertaining his ex for who knew how long.
He might as well get comfortable. It was going to be a long night for them both.
Breakdown
She’d forgotten how incredible Eli was in the kitchen.
Faith watched with amazement as Eli seemingly created eggplant Parmesan from scratch. Even the bread was freshly baked.
He made it look so simple, yet he was in the kitchen for well over two hours. There was no recipe book, no instructions printed off the web, or phone +calls to his mother to make sure he got it right. He instinctively knew.
It was then Faith remembered that’s how all of the D’Amato brothers were raised. They all knew how to cook. Whenever Nicola was too busy or simply too tired to do so, a brother stepped in and prepared dinner for the family that night. They all took turns with cooking and cleaning so there was never one who had to carry the sole load. They were all amazing cooks.
Eli wore simple jeans and a white tank top, something that was pretty much his standard outfit. His normally slicked back hair was loose and fallen on both sides of his face. He hummed along with some R&B Christmas songs and didn’t speak much to Faith as she watched him.
She would’ve been offended but she didn’t want to interrupt him when cooked. It never bothered him but she also didn’t know how long she was going to be in his apartment. She wanted to keep the mood as light as possible.
She looked around the sleek, yet contemporary kitchen. State of the art appliances surrounded the marble countertops and see-through refrigerator. The long island had six step stools, a sink and an additional stove. Faith counted no less than twenty-five cupboards with a spacious pantry to boot. It was clear Eli’s favorite room was the kitchen.