by Unknown
“No, it’s okay. You must trust your gut and if that’s what your gut is telling you then you have to act accordingly. Believe me, sis, I don’t want you winding up with a loser, especially if I’m the one who set you up with him! I couldn’t live with that on my conscience.”
Satra let out a long breath. “Thanks for understanding. I know not every man I meet is going to be like Matt, but Cole was like de-ja-vu all over again. In the beginning of the night, things went pretty well. Then he started going overboard, and it really turned me off.”
“So that’s why you exchanged email addresses and not phone numbers? You’re scared he’ll turn out to be some psycho stalker?” Sasha asked smiling.
“Yes! That’s exactly why I exchanged emails instead of phone numbers,” Satra said emphatically.
Sasha started up the car laughing. “Let me just say this in his defense: He could have been nervous. When you like someone or is attracted to someone, you can sometimes go overboard because you want them to like you too. Maybe the next time around he’ll calm down. He hasn’t been in the dating game for a minute either.”
Satra nodded her head in agreement. Her brother was right, and Cole possibly did deserve a second chance. When that second chance would happen who knows. She knew once she got back home things would be hectic, and that would leave no time for a social life, let alone a dating life. They rode back home arguing and laughing about bowling. Cole was a very good bowler; even Braden had some good games. But Lila and Brock were pure comedy! Sasha almost had to pull over a few times he was laughing so hard. By the time they made it home they both had tears rolling down their faces, and their stomachs were in knots. Satra missed laughing like this with her brother. They were always the goofy ones in the family who could find the humor in almost anything.
****
The weekend came too quick for Satra because it meant she had to leave her family and go back home to New York. She didn’t talk to Shane anymore since the day her dad came home from the hospital. She did talk to Grayson to thank him and his wife for the flowers and gift baskets and to give him an update on her dad’s progress. He spoke about work a little bit and mentioned Shane a few times in the conversation, but that was it. Satra listened and tried to ignore the nervousness in her stomach at the mere mention of Shane’s name, let alone the thought of seeing him once she got back home. She would do her best to keep things all business between them. No more hugs, no more kisses on the cheek, no more massages. Good Lord his massages….but no more. No touching period. She only hoped she’d still have the strength to keep this firm resolve after looking into his gorgeous eyes when she sees him again.
Satra couldn’t shake the feelings of sadness as she packed her clothes to leave Saturday morning. Her mother went all out with breakfast making all of her favorites: Denver omelet, hash browns, homemade buttermilk pancakes, bacon, sausage patties, orange juice, and coffee. She invited all of her brothers and their families over so they could have one last meal together before she went back home. It was a very nice breakfast full of laughter and ribbing just like old times. Satra refused to let her mother clean all of those dishes by herself, and she stayed and helped her mother clean before she left. Of course, Sharon Sinclair protested and tried to push Satra out of the kitchen, but Satra wouldn’t budge. Helping her clean the kitchen also gave Satra a chance to tell her mother about Cole and her feelings of deja vu with Matt.
Her mother frowned and said, “That’s not good, Satra; I don’t care how cute this Cole person is.”
“I know. I kept thinking maybe I’m not giving him a fair chance, so I kept trying to ignore and shake the feeling for the rest of the night, but it just wouldn’t go away. I refuse to go down that road again with another man. That’s a hell I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.”
“Just keep your options open and have an open mind. I know things seem impossible right now, but that doesn’t mean things can’t or won’t change later on.”
Her mother never looked up from washing the dishes as she spoke, but Satra knew her mother was talking about Shane.
“Well, Sasha said that Cole was probably just nervous and that sometimes when you like someone you go overboard trying to impress them. A teeny part of me feels like I should give Cole another chance just to be fair, but my gut is telling me no, and my gut is rarely wrong.”
“You know what I say. Always follow your initial gut feeling.” Her mom said sternly.
Satra nodded her head in agreement as she rinsed the soapsuds off of a plate.
All the dishes were washed, dried and put away, and the kitchen was spotless just how Sharon Sinclair liked it. Now it was time to say goodbye, and this was the part Satra hated. Being with her family these past few days reminded her of how much she missed them. She said her goodbyes to everyone but saved her dad for last. She knew she’d cry once she got to him, and she did. When she hugged him, the tears streamed down her face, and she couldn’t speak for a few moments.
“I love you, daddy. Don’t ever forget that. I’ll be back as soon as I can, okay?” she said as she wiped away tears. Her father smiled at her.
“I’m not going anywhere, baby girl, so stop all of that crying, you hear me?”
Satra smiled through her tears as she continued to wipe them off her cheeks.
“I love you too,” he told her. “You’re my only precious princess and always will be. We just need to do a better job of staying in touch. You think we can do that?”
“Of course daddy. I promise to call more and come home to visit more,” Satra said.
“And I promise to call and check up on you more too. Now you need to get goin’ and catch your plane. Don’t worry about me, your mama and brothers will take good care of me.”
Satra hugged her father one more time tightly and turned to hug her mother again.
“I love you sweetie. Call me as soon as your plane lands so we know you made it safe,” her mother insisted.
“I will, ma,” Satra said smiling.
Sam Jr. drove her to the airport and waited with her until her flight boarded.
“I’ll see you soon big bro. Take care of mama and daddy for me okay?” Satra said as she hugged her big brother.
“I always do, baby sis,” her brother said as he bear-hugged her.
Satra squealed and punched him in the arm. “You know I hate it when you do that, Junior!”
Sam laughed and said, “Get your butt on that plane before they leave you.”
“Bye.” Satra waved. Once seated she cried a little more. She missed her hometown and her family more than she was willing to admit. She plugged her ears with her iPod and fell asleep. She didn’t wake up until they were landing in New York.
“I’m back home. And back to work.” She sighed to herself as she gathered her things to get off the plane.
Alinna met her at the airport and drove her to her condo. Satra called her mom from Alinna’s car to let her know that she made it home safely. Alinna didn’t stick around because she knew her friend was beat. Satra got out of her clothes and curled up in her bed and didn’t wake back up until 6:30 that evening. Not even thoughts or dreams of Shane kept her awake this time. She was beat and she slept like a baby in her warm, comfortable bed.
Chapter Nine
Shane found out from Grayson that Satra was coming home Saturday, and Grayson noted the gleam of happiness that flickered in Shane’s eyes upon hearing the news. Shane was meeting with Grayson and Mr. Daniels at their offices about the merger Friday afternoon. Shane hated feeling this way about a woman that he knew he’d never be able to have. The timing was all wrong. Besides that, she was the most stubborn woman he had ever met – besides his mother. ‘My mother! That’s who she reminds me of.’ Shane realized. His mother is a very strong willed pit bull of a woman and could be as stubborn as a mule when she wanted to be. She also had a very soft, maternal side that cared very deeply about her loved ones and others, and Shane admired her for that. His mother believed in giving ba
ck and helping the less fortunate and they were huge donors to many organizations. His mother also volunteered at the local Children’s Hospital as well and developed close, lasting relationships with a lot of the kids and their families. Their donations weren’t something she liked to advertize and would remain anonymous when she could.
Shane also donated to his own favorite organizations, especially the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Greater New York. He’s been a mentor to a young man named Jason since he was eleven years old. Jason is now seventeen and a senior in high school. He’s going to Harvard Law School to become an attorney, and Shane couldn’t be prouder. Jason came from a single parent home with a father doing 30 years in jail for a murder that he says he didn’t commit. That’s the reason why Jason wanted to become an attorney, to fight for the wrongly convicted. That reminded Shane; he needed to call Jason to see if they were still on for going to the Knick’s game later that night. Shane cleared his schedule whenever it came to Jason. He never let work get in the way of spending time with him because he knew how easy it was for young men like Jason to get with the wrong crowd and be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Jason was smart with a good head on his shoulders, but Shane has seen those seemingly on the straight and narrow take one wrong step and have their lives ruined. He’d rather die than see that happen to Jason, nor would he be able to live with himself if something ever happened to Jason because he failed to keep up with him. Shane quickly wrote himself a note in his organizer to call Jason as soon as his meeting was done and didn’t hear Grayson ask him a question.
“Shane?”
“Hmmm? I’m sorry Grayson. What did you ask?”
“I was asking your thoughts on cuts to the staff and if we want to bring any of Vandalay’s current staff over or let them all go?”
Shane instantly thought of Mr. Gordon and his request to keep a select few.
“There are a few key employees that Mr. Gordon requested that we keep on. I’ll email you that list when we’re done here. I think it goes without saying that there’s a lot of dead weight that we’ll be getting rid of, and rightly so.”
“You’re talking about Johnson and Walker, correct?” Grayson said matter-of-factly.
Shane smiled. Satra had already filled him in.
“Among others, but yes those two are at the top of the list.” Shane acknowledged.
“Why don’t we have lunch Monday and we can discuss this and some other pressing matters a bit more?” Grayson asked.
“I’d like that a lot. Just let me know when and where and I’ll be there.”
“I’ll have my assistant contact you with the details,” Grayson said as he stood up and reached out to shake Shane’s hand.
“Always a pleasure Grayson and Mr. Daniels,” Shane said as he turned to shake the older gentleman’s hand, who remained quiet through most of the meeting.
Shane walked out of their offices and felt the admiring stares of the female employees and glares of some of the jealous male employees. He’s learned to ignore it all over the years and just smile politely. Shane still hasn’t figured out Mr. Daniels because he’s a man of few words, but he liked him all the same. He had a sharp business mind and was obviously very smart. The respect he was shown in their offices was a testament to the type of man he was, and he was kind and cordial to all of his employees in return.
Shane noticed Satra in some of the photos that Grayson had displayed all over his office. Shane knew they were close, but he now realized that Satra was like a daughter to Grayson. She was part of Grayson’s family. No wonder they spoke so highly of each other. ‘There’s no way Frank Di Amato can get Satra to leave Lucas and Daniels.’ Shane thought to himself as he walked to his car. ‘Hell the only way he could get her to join Di Amato and Associates is if he bought out Lucas and Daniels.’
Damn.
Shane instantly felt sick. It was like a lump of coal was sitting heavy in the pit of his stomach. Was this Di Amato’s plan all along - to buy out Lucas and Daniels? Partnering with them to help Lucas and Daniels get Vandalay was probably just a cover for what he’s really doing behind the scenes. Shane sat in his car for a few minutes as he processed his suspicions. ‘That’s all they are – suspicions.’ He reminded himself. ‘I could very well be wrong. Man I hope I’m wrong!’ He said as he started up his car. All he could think about was Satra and Grayson, two people he had grown to like and care about a lot. Grayson was a good man. He was loyal, and when he cared about someone or something he cared deeply. Shane noticed that right away with Grayson’s relationship with Satra. He almost envied how close they were. There was one thing Shane knew for sure: He was going to keep his eyes and ears open from here on out with Frank Di Amato and keep closer tabs on him. Shane’s gut never steers him wrong, and he had a strong feeling his business partner was up to something, and whatever it was it wouldn’t bode well for Satra or Grayson.
Before pulling off, Shane called Jason before he forgot.
“Hello?” Came Jason’s voice deep voice.
“Hey man, how are you?” Shane asked smiling.
“Oh, hey Shane. I’m good man, how are you?”
“Good, good, no complaints. Are we still on for the Knicks game tonight?”
“You know it! They’re playing the Heat too? You know I gotta see my boy LeBron play!”
“Here we go with you and LeBron.” Shane moaned, and Jason laughed.
“Where’s the loyalty? You’re a New Yorker, not from Miami!” Shane said.
Jason laughed even harder which made Shane laugh.
“Don’t tell me you didn’t root for anyone from any other team but the Knicks Shane? You and I both know that’s not true!”
“You got me,” Shane said smiling.
“So listen, the game starts at 7:00pm so I’ll pick you up at 6:30pm. Maybe I can get you in to meet LeBron.”
“Straight?” Jason yelled, totally excited.
“Straight,” Shane said laughing.
“Now I really can’t wait for tonight!” Jason beamed.
“I didn’t say it was gonna happen Jason, but I’m going to try okay?” Shane warned.
Shane knew full well he could get Jason in to meet LeBron. He just wanted Jason to be very surprised when it happened.
“Ok, okay, I hear you. Don’t get my hopes all up. Either way it’s gonna be a good game. Courtside seats? You can’t beat that! Thanks again Shane, you always come through with the coolest stuff.”
“Anytime. You know I’ll do anything for you kiddo. I gotta hit the road and get home. I’ll see you tonight at 6:30pm okay? Make sure you’re ready.”
“I’ll be fresh to def and ready,” Jason said proudly, and it made Shane laugh. If there was one thing this kid didn't lack was confidence. Alex had enough to spread around to the whole world.
“All right then man, I’ll see you then,” Shane said before hanging up.
Shane was excited about tonight’s game as well. It’s been a while since he’s been to a basketball game or any other sporting event for that matter because he’s been so busy with work. This will be a fun, relaxing time that he could spend with Jason and catch up on what Jason has been up to and how he’s doing in school. “Lord knows I could use some fun in my life,” Shane said to himself as he pulled out of the parking garage and into traffic.
****
Shane made it home in time to be able to shower, change into some comfortable jeans and a black t-shirt and his favorite black and white Adidas tennis shoes. He splashed on some cologne, put on his platinum dog tag necklace that had his grandparent's names inscribed on the back, grabbed his keys and cell phone and walked out of his house. He called Jason on the way to his house to make sure he was ready. When he got to his house, he got out of his car walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. Jason’s mom Linda answered the door. She was young, just a few years older than Shane and pretty. Her eyes lit up when she saw Shane, and she greeted him with a big hug.
“Where have you been stranger
? It’s good to see you!” Linda said as she hugged Shane tightly.
“It’s good to see you too Linda,” Shane said as he gave her a good squeeze. “You look wonderful as always,” Shane said winking at her.
Linda slapped his arm and said, “Boy if you don’t cut it out! Come on in, Mr. Jason is still in the bathroom. You’d think he was going on a hot date with Halle Berry or something the way he’s been primping all evening.”
“That’s because I might run into Halle Berry on the front row mama!” Jason said strolling into the living room with a fresh haircut, and from what Shane could tell brand new jeans and a sky blue polo shirt with white Dookies.
“See what I have to deal with?” Linda said as Jason gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.
Shane laughed and shook his head. “He’s definitely clean; I’ll give him that.”
“Thank you, Shane,” Jason said as he posed and turned himself around.
“You are your father’s child,” Linda said shaking her head. “Have fun y’all, but not too much fun. Maybe I should go with you, I might see Denzel…..”
“Ma, no!” Jason moaned.
Linda and Shane laughed together. “I was kidding you knucklehead. Go have fun and take plenty of pictures okay?”
“Ok ma. Love you.” Jason said as he headed to the front door.
“Love you too.” Linda said as Jason walked out of the front door.
Shane stopped to talk to Linda before he left.
“I’m going to take him to get some dinner after the game so I’ll have him home about 11:30. Is that okay?”
“That’s fine. You know I trust him with you Shane. You’re always so good to my son, and I do appreciate it.” Linda said, her voice thick with gratitude.
“I know you do Linda, and you know I enjoy doing it. Jason is a great kid, and he’s blessed to have you and his dad as parents. I hope I have a son one day just like him.”
“Get out of here before you make me get all misty-eyed,” Linda said pushing Shane out of the door.