by Candace Shaw
“Mmm...well. Thank you for that tidbit of information,” she said sarcastically, wrestling herself loose from his embrace. If he thought everything was cool now, he was sadly mistaken. Leaning against the counter for support, she breathed in as her next words weighed heavily on her tongue and her heart. “Now if you would just leave.”
“Tiffani...” He stepped toward her.
“Stop,” she demanded, holding up her hand.
Grabbing her hand, he held it against his heart. “I just told you the truth.”
She snatched it away and gave him an icy stare. “Please leave.”
“If that’s what you want.”
Dropping her hand, Broderick trekked to the kitchen door as she stood in the same spot, frozen. She sighed hard as his hand twisted the doorknob, and she prayed he’d hurry the hell up. However, he glanced over his shoulder, raked his gaze over her and held her eyes in a gripping trance with his. She stifled a gulp as her heart palpitated at an overzealous pace. She couldn’t believe the man she thought she was falling in love with had betrayed her.
“This isn’t over, beautiful.”
Tiffani held her breath until she heard the bell on the door. She waited a few more minutes before going out front to lock the door and set the alarm. That’s when the tears fell and she rushed back to her office to let it all out.
* * *
Broderick strummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he contemplated his decision to finally visit his father after five years. The last time had ended in a huge argument over money. Now, besides an occasional phone call, the two barely spoke. He breathed in deeply and thought about Tiffani. She was the one who had suggested he visit his father and now that he was actually going, they were no longer together. It had been a few days since their breakup. He’d tried calling, texting and dropping by the bakery, but she refused to see him or talk to him. He understood she was hurting and it hurt him, as well. The pain and betrayal on her face had been caused by him. And although he honestly hadn’t known Premium Village was one of the shopping centers the investment group was considering, it still had wedged a sword between them, and he hated it.
Broderick had finally found a woman he could confide in, trust and be in a committed, monogamous relationship with. He’d dated and had girlfriends, but he wasn’t dating them for long-term reasons and had never felt a true connection with any of them. He wasn’t a millionaire playboy like a lot of his colleagues who’d identified themselves as players or bachelors for life. He’d always wanted to get married and have children. But he simply hadn’t found the one woman he could envision doing so with, until he’d laid eyes on Tiffani. She was loving, considerate, and sweet and had a good heart. He loved the fact that she was a hardworking, single mother with her own business. He knew it had hurt her when she’d found out that plaza was being sold, and he knew it had to have hurt worse when she found out his name was on the list of possible investors who would steal her livelihood and independence away.
When she’d told him about the “be in the moment” type of relationship, he went along with it because he figured he’d be able to convince her otherwise. His plan had seemed to work, but now she hated him. That didn’t mean he was giving up. He’d fallen for her. Hell, he’d fallen for the kid, too. Broderick couldn’t imagine his life without them and was determined to win Tiffani back and convince her they belonged together. Being without her made him realize just how much he loved her, and he knew in his heart she loved him, too. He had some things in the works and truly hoped it would prove to her he’d had her best interest in mind all along.
As he pulled up to the retirement community, it dawned him that he was about to see his father, Roderick Hollingsworth. Since he hadn’t been in his life like a real father, he’d given him the nickname, Rod. Broderick could not imagine forming his lips to call him father or dad. He didn’t feel Rod was befitting of the title. Broderick parked his Bentley in the space next to the black Lexus GS300 he’d bought for his father a few years ago. He’d hoped it would’ve been a peace offering but instead Rod had questioned why it wasn’t a Bentley.
Broderick turned the car off but didn’t get out. He wasn’t sure if he was making the best decision. It had seemed right when Tiffani had made the suggestion, but now he wasn’t so sure. He already wasn’t in the best mood because of his estranged relationship with Tiffani. The last thing he wanted to do was argue with his father. He glanced at his cell phone on the passenger seat. He needed to talk to her. He needed to hear her tell him to man up and he’d be fine. But he knew she wouldn’t answer his call or any text messages. He decided to call anyway and if she didn’t answer, he’d leave a voice mail so at least she would know he’d taken her advice and visited his father.
He breathed in and pushed her number on the screen. She answered on the fifth ring.
“Yes?” she asked in a curt tone.
She’s clearly still mad. “Hi, there,” he said in an upbeat manner. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m sitting outside my father’s place. I’m about to go in. I think.” Sighing, he ran his hand down his face.
“You think? You drove way out there and now you’re not going to go in?”
“I just don’t want to argue.”
“Well, if you go in with that mentality then you will. Think positive. Does he know you’re coming?”
He smiled at her pep talk. Even though Tiffani was clearly upset with him from the way she’d answered the phone, she’d pushed aside her hurt to encourage him. That was one of the reasons he loved her. The love she had within her was unconditional.
“Yeah, I called him yesterday about visiting him today. It’s his birthday.”
“So be a man and go in. Did you dress down?”
“Yes. A sweater and some khakis, like you suggested when we were on the island.”
He heard her breath intake when he mentioned the island, and thoughts of lying with her naked, sexy body in his embrace filled his head. Perhaps the same thoughts clouded her thoughts at that very moment because she was silent before speaking again.
“Get off the phone with me and go inside.”
“I’m glad you answered.”
“I almost didn’t. Honestly, I was only answering to tell you to stop calling me.”
“Oh, so I guess you don’t want to know how it goes.”
She groaned. “I do because I’m glad you decided to go, but maybe you should just send me a short text. I promise I’ll read it.”
“Okay. Thank you, Tiffani.
“Take care, Broderick.” She hung up before he could say goodbye.
He gazed at the screen as it went back to her contact information. He then perused a picture of her when they were on the island. They’d just finished making love not too long before, and he’d snapped the picture as she sat on an Adirondack chair on the beach wearing one of his dress shirts. Her hair hung over her left shoulder in a messy array of curls and she was smiling as if blissful. He’d hoped he was the reason for her glowing face and had snapped the picture unbeknownst to her.
Still staring at the picture, Broderick’s heart tensed as he thought of the last time he’d seen her face. He had evoked a different emotion from her that day, and even though he didn’t have an actual picture of it, her expression was mentally etched in his brain. Exhaling, he turned off the phone and grabbed the gift bag on the passenger seat.
Once he made it to the entrance of the town house, he inhaled and rung the doorbell. Moments later, his father opened the door and it was like looking into a mirror. His father was the same height and build and had dark butterscotch skin and the same haircut and beard. The only difference was Rod’s hair was all gray, but at sixty-six he was still in shape and overall his general health was fine.
“Hello, twin,” Rod said in a voice just as deep as his.
“Happy birthday, Rod.�
� Broderick handed him the gift bag and stepped inside the foyer.
“Thank you. Let’s go up to the living room and have a seat. I made some chicken and baked potatoes with a salad if you’re hungry.”
“That sounds great.”
After they were settled with their food and beer in the eat-in kitchen area, Broderick felt a little better about his decision to visit Rod. Rod caught him up on his life and Broderick was truly impressed by his accomplishments. Thanks to the rehab facility on the property, Rod no longer did drugs and even though he was drinking a beer with him now, he rarely drank alcohol either. He spent his days helping the maintenance crew with the grounds, planting shrubbery and flowers to keep active.
“So can I open my gift now?” Rod asked, nodding toward the bag sitting on the table.
Broderick bobbed his head as he chewed his chicken. “Go ahead. This chicken is good, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Rod drew the bag toward him and stood as he flung the tissue paper out. “A little honey who lives here taught me how to season it just right.”
“Mmm-hmm. I bet.”
“Well, you know. You aren’t the only one who gets the girls. I’ve seen you in pictures at social events around Atlanta. Chip off the old block.”
Broderick wanted to protest Rod’s last statement, because besides looks, he was nothing like his father. However, he remembered what Tiffani said about being positive and making amends, so he took a swallow of his beer instead.
“Ah, man,” Rod exclaimed, taking the tablet box out of the bag. “This is out of sight. I’ve been wanting one of these. I don’t always feel like being bothered by the computer and my cell phone screen is too small when I’m searching the net.”
“Glad you like it. There’s one more box in the bag.”
Rod dug around and pulled out the cell phone box.
“Perfect. I needed a new cell phone.”
“Great. I’m glad you like it. It’s actually already activated along with the tablet, and both monthly costs are still on me. You’ll just need to download your data from your other cell phone to the new one. It’s the same number.”
“Wow, this is wonderful. Thanks, son.” Rod held out his hand to shake Broderick’s, but instead he rose and gave his father a hug.
Rod squeezed tighter. “Now this is the best gift. A hug from my son. Thank you.”
Broderick closed his eyes and hugged his father tighter. “You’re welcome, Dad.” He cleared his throat and released him. “Now let’s eat before this food gets cold.”
After they ate, they retreated to the living room to watch basketball and to continue catching up.
“So you seeing someone steady?”
Broderick sighed and sipped his beer. He’d been having a great time and for a moment had forgotten about his current situation with Tiffani.
Rod scratched his beard. “Oh, I see. There is someone but things aren’t going too hot at the moment?”
“Something like that. It’s complicated. She’s mad at me for something she thought I did but I didn’t. Even after I told her the truth she still doesn’t believe me.”
“Well, maybe she’s not the right woman for you. Is she one of those gold-digging chicks after your millions?”
“No. I don’t even think she cares about my money. She has her own business. She’s not a millionaire, but with hard work and more exposure, she could very well be.”
“So what’s special about her? Why did your face nearly crumble when I asked?”
“Because Tiffani is the one. She reminds me of my mother, loving and warm, with a big heart.”
“Tiffani. That’s a pretty name. You have a picture?”
Broderick took his cell phone and scrolled until he found a picture of Tiffani when they were having lunch on Key West. Her radiant smile and rosy cheeks made her even more adorable. His chest tightened at the thought of never having her sweet smile bestowed on him again.
“Beautiful girl. They’re usually the high maintenance ones, too.” Rod chuckled and handed back the cell phone.
Broderick glanced at her picture once more before closing it. “Nope, not her. Her main concern is her son and her bakery, but yes she is beautiful. Inside and out.”
“Mmm...you know I messed up with your mother. She was a lovely woman, but then we got hooked on drugs. Our relationship was never the same after that. I regret moving away and leaving you two. She had a fiery temper and after she kicked me out and divorced me, I spiraled downhill for many years.”
“Yeah, so did she. I wish she was still here. She’s the only person that has ever shown me love.”
“I’ve always loved you, son, even though I know you think I don’t.”
Broderick chuckled sarcastically. “Well, you had an odd way of showing it.” As soon as he said it, he felt bad. He was supposed to avoid the usual conversation that set up their usual argument. The one where he’d call his father ungrateful and his father would in turn tell him that he should’ve tried harder to save his mother.
Rod sipped his beer and pondered for a moment, nodding his head with a pursed lip. “I know I said some pretty rough things to you over the years but that was the drugs talking. Besides, you proved me wrong. You’re a very successful young man and I’m proud of you. You own almost half of Atlanta. Heck, don’t you own this retirement community?”
Broderick was stunned with where the conversation had drifted. Maybe his father was turning over a new leaf. He’d never told him he was proud of him. Ever.
“I used to. I sold my shares, but I still make sure they take care of you as if I do.”
“I appreciate that, Broderick. I’m very proud of you and your accomplishments. You didn’t let your environment define you or the fact that I wasn’t supportive. You made it out of the ’hood. Even though I’m sure you still have your street smarts. I doubt you’ve let anyone get over on you in the corporate world.”
“You know me well because most of the deals I’ve made I didn’t use anything I learned out of a textbook. Except how to remain professional.”
“That’s my boy.” Rod reached out and gave Broderick a high five.
“Thank you. So we’ll take this one step at a time?”
“How about two? I ain’t getting any younger.” The men shared a laugh and toasted their beer bottles.
“Um...what are you doing for Thanksgiving next week?” Broderick asked. It was out of the blue, but considering his original dinner plans had probably been cancelled by Tiffani, he figured he’d spend it with his father.
“Well, actually you know the little honey I was telling you about?” A wicked smile formed across Rod’s face. “We’re going to the north Georgia Mountains for some cabin fun.”
Broderick almost spit his beer out at the thought. Knowing his father was still having sex was too much information. “Cool. Is she younger than you?” Broderick asked.
“Yep, fifty-nine and just as sassy and feisty as she wants to be. Her name is Dottie and we met in the gym, but I’m game for Christmas if you are.”
“Christmas would be perfect. You and Dottie can come stay with me for a few days.” In the guest room on another wing of the mansion so I won’t hear your cabin fun.
“That sounds great. Haven’t been to your place in awhile. I saw in a local architectural magazine where the wife of the US Senator...what’s his name... Monroe, yeah, his wife did a great job on redecorating your home.”
“Yes, Megan Monroe. Actually her cousin is who I’m dating...well, I was dating. I don’t know.”
“You’ll get her back, man. You’re a Hollingsworth. Who can resist our charm and good looks?”
“You’re funny. You know, she’s the reason I’m here. She told me it was time to come see you, and I couldn’t agree more. Maybe that’s why she was in my life—to b
ring me back to you.”
“That’s a wonderful analogy, son, but I think you’re in love with this woman. Give her some time. Women have to have a cooling-off period because right now she’s still hot. Catch her when she’s simmered down some.”
Broderick soaked in his father’s advice. She may have simmered down a tad considering she finally answered the phone when he’d called and encouraged him to get out of the car. He decided to put a peg in it for now.
“Dad, let’s go shoot some pool over at the rec center.”
“That sounds like a plan. I’ll go grab my coat.”
Broderick was elated that things were going well with his father, who he now felt the urge to call “Dad.” Now, if he could get the love of his life back all would be well in his world. As his father had said, he was a Hollingsworth man, and he was determined to win his woman back.
Chapter 11
“Hey, Tiffani!” Sasha Monroe exclaimed as she stood to hug her. “Great to see you.”
“Same here.” Tiffani smiled and turned her attention to her twin cousins, who were sitting together in the restaurant’s booth. She had to do a double take because both of them had their hair in buns on the top of their heads. Even though they were identical, she almost always knew who was who. However, she’d been in such a daze the past week from lack of sleep due to a load of orders and from her breakup with Broderick. Even though she kept trying to convince herself it wasn’t an actual breakup because they weren’t ever in a real relationship, it sure did hurt the same way. But she was glad that she’d gotten herself out early before she fell for him even more. She’d been closer to the edge than she realized, and she needed to save herself before falling completely over.
She slid into the booth next to Sasha, Megan and Sydney’s cousin-in-law, and looked at the twins once again, this time recognizing who was who. Sydney, a criminal profiler for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, was seated across from her and eyed her peculiarly. Tiffani had a hunch that her cousin was trying to figure out what was wrong without asking.