by Zuri Day
Chapter 21
Faye’s last night at Drake Wines Resort & Spa had been spent in Dexter’s arms. During her time with him they’d ridden horses and she’d picked grapes, and they’d gathered and cooked greens out of Papa Dee’s garden. She’d interviewed homecare nurses and chosen one for Papa Dee. Before leaving she and Dexter had exchanged cell phone numbers, and he’d promised to have his brother-in-law, Jackson Wright, call the following week about the clinic’s renovation. Yet now, almost seventy-two hours later, her time at the resort and with Dexter seemed like a dream. There’d been so much to do since then: move into her rented condo, meet with Pastor Jack and the volunteers from his church, set up appointments to interview nurses and talk with San Diego State about the students she’d like to see later that week. The clinic was set to open in thirty days. Faye imagined she’d be a zombie by then.
Her cell phone rang and she was grateful for the interruption. “Hello?”
“Take a break, Doctor.”
Her heart flip-flopped. “Hello, Dexter.”
“You sound tired. Are you already buried in work?”
“Pretty much. I’ve managed to put together a semblance of an office here where the center will be located.” She shared a bit of what she’d been doing for the past three days. “What about you? Making wine? Chasing women?”
“No, this week I’m wearing my business hat. Donovan and I are in Northern California, preparing to expand the Drake Wines brand.”
“I didn’t get to meet your brother.”
“He’s a workaholic. Something that it seems the two of you have in common.” A pause and then, “So...I’ve been thinking about our time together, you know, holes and poles.”
“Fishing, correct?”
“What else, baby?” Faye laughed. “When am I going to see you again?”
Faye’s thighs clenched of their own volition. She’d had to continually force thoughts of Dexter out of her head to get any work done. It had been a constant struggle, and now the effort would begin anew. “You’re very tempting, but honestly, I don’t know. My schedule is jam-packed for the next few weeks. Oh, wait. I have an idea. How would you like to join me at our benefit fundraiser? The hoity-toity world is not much my scene but will be right up your alley—tuxedos, ball gowns and fancy food.”
“Hoity-toity?” Dexter laughed. “You’re a trip. When is it?”
“Next Saturday night.” She gave him the details.
“With this new venture and the ongoing harvest, my schedule is a little crazy right now too. So no promises, but I’ll definitely try and make it if I can.”
Despite his tendency to distract her, Dexter’s phone call was the pick-me-up she needed. She waded through the rest of the résumés from professional nurses and made a good dent in narrowing down the student choices. Two additional agencies had also come through with small donations. Faye was grateful. Every little bit helped. Her last phone call was the perfect ending to her Monday. Dexter’s brother-in-law, Jackson, the construction company owner who was married to Diamond, had agreed to come by tomorrow and take a look at the building. Depending on what he found upon inspection, he’d told her, the renovation could begin as early as Friday. It seemed Faye had waited a lifetime to see her dream of a free clinic turned into reality. She couldn’t wait.
She stopped by the store and after a light dinner of soup and salad, Faye climbed into her queen-size bed with a folder of possible additional donors for the clinic. There were governmental agencies, private agencies, individuals and grant possibilities. The work was overwhelming. Doctor Ian had provided the initial assistance and financial support but his hands were full with Haitian Heartbeats. Faye needed local help. A vision worth doing was not one that could be done alone. For the umpteenth time since this journey began, she thought about Gerald McPherson. Back in Africa, they’d worked so well together. At one time, starting a clinic had also been his dream. But then he had to up and fall in love, get married and fall off the face of the planet. No, that’s not entirely true, Faye thought, picking up another résumé. She read somewhere a year or so ago that he was practicing at a hospital in Baltimore.
Her phone vibrated. This time, unlike before, she looked at the caller ID before answering. “Addie! I left a message for you days ago. Where have you been?”
“Faye, forgive me. I meant to call. But the hubby surprised me with a weekend getaway. The kids stayed with his parents. We flew to Barbados.”
“Ah, that sounds so romantic. I know you guys love your babies, but sometimes it’s good to have grown-up time.”
“Yes, it was good all right. So good that in nine months, I think we might have another mouth to feed.”
“Ha!”
“So what’s going on, girl?”
Faye filled her in on the whirlwind otherwise known as Dexter. “It was good to have my head on straight going in. Neither one of us is looking for anything permanent. I’m too busy and he’s too wild.”
“Life’s too short to worry about the future. I’m just happy to hear that you’re finally living, really living, in the here and now.”
“Look, can I call you back in a couple of hours? I have to finish going through these résumés. My first appointments are tomorrow.”
“I thought the building needed fixing?”
“It does, and that’s the other thing. Dexter’s brother-in-law owns a construction company. He’s agreed to do the work.”
“Hmm, sounds like this Dexter guy is quite the catch. Are you sure he’s not what you’re looking for?”
“On that note, let me call you back so that we can finish catching up.”
“I can do you one better than that.”
“Really? What?”
“I can come there and attend your fancy fundraiser, maybe get a look at the man who brought you back to life.”
Faye whooped. “Oh, please try and come, Addie. Having you here would mean everything. We would have a blast!”
“Okay. I’ll call you later with my flight information. In the meantime, make sure that your man will be in attendance. I have to check him out and give my blessing.”
“He said he’d make it if he could. And he isn’t my man.”
“He may not be your man for permanent, but it sounds like he’s the one for temporary.”
Chapter 22
“Hey, Corey! What’s happening?” The week had been crammed with non-stop work, and Dexter was more than ready to chill. He hadn’t heard from his college roommate and best friend for months. It was just the type of diversion he needed to break from the business at hand. “I see that marriage has a brother on lockdown. How many minutes are you allowed on the phone?”
“Whatever,” Corey Foster said above Dexter’s laughter. “You know me well enough to know I rule the roost.”
“I’m just messing with you, dog. Where are you?”
“On your side of the world.”
“Word? You’re in L.A.?”
“Close—San Francisco.”
“That’s even better!” Dexter explained to Corey that he too was in Northern California and why.
“Jermaine and Mike are here, too.”
“What is this? An impromptu reunion?” These four had met during a summer sports camp. Through different high schools, colleges and relocations, they’d remained close until recent years when marriage and starting families had interrupted their semi-annual meetings.
“Of sorts. Jermaine accepted another job. He’s working with the Raiders franchise now.”
“The Raiders? You know I’m a Chargers man.”
“Don’t matter. He’s hooked us up for the weekend—hot, private party with some of Oakland’s finest, presidential suite on Saturday night and seats in the owner’s box on Sunday for the preseason game. Don’t even think about
not showing up. It’s been too long. We all need to reconnect.”
“Hey, I’ll be there—don’t trip about that. This week has been grueling. Hanging out with you fools is just what I need.”
“Tell me where you’re at so we can send a limo.”
“Oh, Jermaine’s got it like that?”
“Yeah, bro. It’s like that.”
Dexter hung up the phone and double-checked his electronic calendar. There was a niggling feeling that he was forgetting something that was happening, but he always put everything he even thought about doing in his phone. So he dismissed the temporary uneasiness and got ready to spend the weekend with his boys.
* * *
In San Diego, Faye was in a wonderful mood, delighted to have her best friend visiting California. She and Adeline had been gabbing nonstop since meeting at the airport, catching up over a quick lunch at the scenic Seaport Village located just moments from the airport and continuing their spirited conversation during the mini-tour Faye had given Adeline around her neighborhood. Now, as they prepared for the night’s festivities, the two continued the easy camaraderie that had been a trademark of their friendship from day one.
“You look good, girl.” Adeline looked at her friend with true admiration. “Who knew that you’d clean up so well?”
“Forget you, Addie. This isn’t the first time you’ve seen me dressed up.”
“If you’re talking about that black dress that you used to pull out for every dinner, then I beg to differ.”
The women laughed as Faye rechecked her image in the mirror. She was wearing a fuchsia-colored designer original, or so that’s what the woman who donated the dress told her. A stylist had done her hair and makeup. She hadn’t looked this pretty since Drake Wines Resort and Spa and Papa Dee’s party.
Dexter. For a moment, Faye’s happiness faltered, but she quickly recovered. He said he’d try and come to the benefit. He hadn’t promised he would. The week had been so crazy and she’d been so busy that honestly, she hadn’t given her invitation to have him join her at the benefit a second thought. Until today and Adeline’s arrival. “When will I meet him?” had been asked almost before “How are you?” Faye refused to call him. The last thing she wanted to come off as was a woman with expectations. There had been no illusions about what she and Dexter shared. If he showed up, fine. If not, she’d stay focused on the reason for the evening. The money Dr. Ian provided wouldn’t last forever. They were raising money to ensure the future of the Heart of Healing Center.
“So why are you trying to be all secretive, girl? Will I get to meet your man tonight?” Adeline asked as they headed to the chauffeured car that a donor had provided.
“Maybe,” was Faye’s noncommittal answer.
They arrived at the event and almost as soon as Faye entered the room she was whisked away by her PR consultant to meet first this person and then the next. As the daughter of one of Haiti’s most prominent citizens before his death, Adeline was in her element and had no problem introducing herself to those she encountered, and making polite conversation with San Diego’s elite. Faye wasn’t as comfortable being front and center but she plastered on a bright smile and braved the media and high-profile potential donors. All of the hoopla was almost enough to make her forget that she’d invited Dexter to the event. Almost.
But the fact that her eyes kept scanning the room and glancing toward the door wasn’t missed by Adeline. “I’m sure there’s a good reason he’s not here,” she offered, when the two had a private moment.
“It doesn’t matter,” Faye said with a shrug.
But both of them knew that it did.
* * *
Dexter knew he was in for a night of madness. He’d met his friends at the upscale hotel where they’d be staying. They’d changed clothes and now found themselves in a mansion located in the Blackhawk area east of Oakland, surrounded by good food, great drink and beautiful women. Corey, who was married and faithful, had found himself a spot near the pool and was engaged in a serious game of chess. Jermaine and Mike had disappeared shortly after being greeted by the host. Dexter sampled a glass of bubbly from the roaming waiter as he admired the modern architecture of the mansion’s design.
“Hey, handsome!” a sultry voice purred.
Dexter turned and saw a vision. “Well, hello.”
She was all breasts and legs and long, black hair. A weave probably, but it hardly mattered. Her skin was darkly tanned and flawless, the come-hither red of her lips a perfect match with long manicured nails. Looking at this dose of loveliness reminded Dexter that a week of research and business meetings had left him no time for sex. And the last time he had a good dose of that was...damn! The benefit! Dexter immediately reached for his phone. He checked missed calls and messages. None from Faye. There was a twinge of disappointment quickly replaced by relief. She hadn’t called. Not once. He hadn’t heard from her all week. Obviously she didn’t need him. If she’d really wanted him to accompany her to the
“hoity-toity” function she’d mentioned, she would have called with more details. He was chagrinned, but still made a mental note to send her a text later.
“How are you, beautiful?”
“Better now.” Beautiful slithered up against him. “What’s your name, handsome?”
“Dexter. What’s yours?”
“Taylor.”
“Nice to meet you, Taylor.”
“Likewise. I love that watch. A Rolex, right?”
Okay, here we go. Trying to figure out the bank account. He nodded. “You know your brands.”
She tossed the thick mane of silky hair over her shoulder. “I know quality when I see it.” She gave him the once-over. “What do you do?”
“I help to run a business,” was his noncommittal reply.
The conversation went on in a similar vein not only with Taylor, but others. They weren’t all golddiggers; maybe none of them was. But their polished looks, red-bottom pumps, diamonds and ample cleavage didn’t move him in the way it usually did. For some crazy reason he kept thinking of Faye: the fishing and cooking and times spent with Papa Dee. He flitted and flirted and had a good time, but only a couple of hours into the evening he found Corey, told him that he’d see him tomorrow before the game, and had the driver take him back to the hotel.
He reached the room and idly turned on the television, flipping through the channels and settling on a cable news show. He undressed and went to the bathroom. When he returned to the living room, the woman who’d never been far from his thoughts was on the screen. It was Faye, looking svelte and elegant in a bright-colored gown that molded to her lanky figure and highlighted her dark skin. She stood poised and confident, and in that moment Dexter was reminded of his mother. He turned up the volume and listened as she talked about the center and how much it was needed in San Diego and the surrounding communities. She thanked those who’d given and graciously asked for more support. Dexter watched and was deeply moved as he saw her truly in her element; moved by the videos taken from her time in Haiti, and from the low- or no-income parents now hopeful for healthcare. While sending her a text, he also vowed to write a check and plan a trip to San Diego.
He wasn’t the only one watching and wasn’t the only one planning to pay a visit to Dr. Buckner very soon.
Chapter 23
Faye was pleased that everything regarding the center was coming together, its imminent opening still felt like a dream. The benefit fundraiser had been very successful and it had been wonderful spending time stateside with Adeline. Dexter had sent a text; his apology made more palatable with the news that his brother-in-law was beginning construction the following week. Rather than reveal how much his no-show had hurt her, she’d responded nonchalantly, acting like it was no big deal. She was grateful for the construction work that due to Dexter’s involvement was being donated. Ev
en now as she sat in the hotel conference room that served as her temporary office, Boss Construction was turning the building that had been donated into a wonderful clinic with a waiting room, patient rooms, offices and more. Faye had hired a wonderful young woman she’d met through Open Arms. Vickie was a godsend, answering phones, checking emails and handling other administrative duties, allowing Faye to focus on PR and staff. On this Monday after the benefit, Faye had just returned to the conference room/office following a meeting with the newly appointed board, when Vickie handed her a stack of messages. She walked to the other side of the conference room, where a second phone was located. Halfway there she stopped, did a double-take at the piece of paper she was holding and let out a yelp.
“What is it, Dr. Buckner?” Vickie asked, concern in her voice.
“Sorry, Vickie. That was a sound of surprise and delight. This Gerald McPherson who left a message is a fellow doctor and old friend whom I haven’t seen in several years.” She hurried to the phone, dialed the number and, after announcing herself to the receptionist, sat back and waited to hear a booming voice.
He didn’t disappoint. “Buck!”
“Fear!”
The use of each other’s nicknames immediately made it feel as though no time had passed. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw your name! How did you find me?”
“I saw you on television the night of your benefit and I was bowled over. Listening to you took me right back to those times when we shared our dreams. You did it, Buck,” he continued, his voice softening with affection. “You wanted to run a free clinic in America...and it’s happening.”
“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Faye exclaimed. “What about you, Gerald? The last I heard you were practicing in Baltimore. Are you still at that hospital? And how is married life treating you? Do you have children? There is so much I’ve wondered about over the years. It’s so good to talk to you!”
“I feel the same. My life, the short version? I’m still working at a public hospital and have a beautiful daughter, Rene, who’s three. But her mother and I didn’t work out. My divorce was final six months ago.”