Platinum Promises

by Zuri Day

“Let’s see, the first weekend...” She could hear papers being shuffled. “It looks open right now. I’ll double-check and confirm next week. How does that sound?”

  “Wonderful, Gerald. It would be great to see you.”

  “You, too.”

  Faye was a bit apprehensive as she pulled up to the Drake estate. At first she hadn’t hesitated about joining Dexter and his family for Sunday dinner, but now she wasn’t so sure it had been a good idea. True, she adored Papa Dee, had felt comfortable during her brief exchange with Diamond, and believed the rest of them all to be good people, but she hadn’t seen any of them since she and Dexter had become intimate. It had been awhile since she’d had a man, even longer since she’d had to interact with his family. How much did they know of her and Dexter’s friendship? He’d admitted that theirs was a very close-knit family. How much of his personal life did Dexter share?

  Only one way to find out, she thought, exiting the car and smoothing her hand over the beige-colored silk top that she’d paired with dark brown slacks. Flat sandals, hoop earrings and minimum makeup completed the look. She walked up the steps and crossed the porch. The door opened before she could grab the knocker.

  “Dr. Buckner!” Genevieve exclaimed, with arms wide. She enveloped Faye in a gentle embrace. “It’s so good to see you again. Come on in. Everyone’s inside.”

  Ten minutes into their boisterous sit-down dinner and Faye knew that her previous worries had been for naught. The conversation flowed as easily as the wine as sibling and in-law vied for center stage. Faye took it all in with bright eyes and a smile. For years it had mostly been her and her mother, except for the brief times her dad had been home on leave. Later, when her mother remarried, Faye continued to spend great amounts of time alone. Her half-brother was a baby who demanded attention, and as he grew older so did his presence in the house. Richard was more like their mother, and her stepfather was delighted to finally have a son. Faye often felt like an afterthought, invisible, and while her mother often recognized her intellectual abilities and complimented her on her good grades, Faye felt they never totally related to each other. Going away for college was almost a relief.

  “Are you all right?” Genevieve asked Faye, during a break in the melee. “Would you like more jambalaya, or garlic bread?”

  “I’m stuffed, but it’s delicious,” Faye said, and then added, “Okay, maybe just a little bit more of the jambalaya.”

  “Now that’s what we like to hear! Dexter, can you dish your lady, I mean, the doctor, up another helping?”

  Donovan chuckled. Dexter snorted. Diamond hid her laugh behind a cough.

  “Don’t mind my wife, Dr. Buckner,” Donald said with a voice as calm as a desert breeze. “She means well but often confuses other people’s business with her own.”

  “Well, now, that is his lady,” Papa Dee piped in. “Least that’s what it looked like when I caught them in the kitchen making whoopee instead of spaghetti.”

  A cacophony of voices ensued with rebuttals, questions and comments being tossed around in equal proportion. Being embarrassed was pointless, so instead she sat back, enjoyed the best Creole cuisine she’d ever eaten and watched the Drake show. Rather the common consensus be that she was Dexter’s lady instead of the sexy freak she planned on becoming later that night when they were alone. If Papa Dee got a glimpse at that impending love scene, the conversation would go to a whole other level!

  Later that night, the lovemaking between her and Dexter was sweeter than the pound cake Miss Mary had made, just as Faye had imagined.

  Chapter 26

  “Can you believe it, Dr. Buckner?” Vickie exclaimed. “Can you believe this day has finally arrived?”

  “No, Vickie, I can’t. As the program unfolds, I may ask you to pinch me to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

  “This is no dream, Dr. Buckner. Just the results of hard work and faith.”

  Perhaps, but it seemed a miracle nonetheless, such as a week ago, when she’d walked through the newly renovated center, or the days following that when truckloads of furniture, medical equipment, beds and the like transformed the empty building into a place ready to treat illnesses and encourage healthy lifestyles. She’d loved Pastor Jack’s suggestion to lessen the storage space and set up a small exercise classroom for community residents, where aerobics and nutrition could be taught. A local fitness center had heard of their desire and donated equipment. To see the gleaming stationary bicycles, treadmills and elliptical machines were more than she’d ever imagined, and the tables and chairs of her “classroom” were beyond all she dared hope. It would have been great if Dr. Ian and Adeline had been able to come for the opening, but she understood they were needed where they were. And while the huge bouquet of flowers was lovely, she’d so looked forward to seeing her old friend Gerald McPherson. He’d sent the flowers and his regrets, promising to phone her next week. And finally there were the Drakes. That family was really something else. She’d insisted it wasn’t necessary, but all of them—save Papa Dee and Dexter’s grandparents, Mary and David Sr.—had promised to attend her big day. She’d spoken to Dexter and expected them to arrive around two-thirty, just before the three o’clock ribbon cutting. It was going to be a very big day.

  “Have we checked with the nurses about the blood pressure and diabetes monitors?”

  “All set, Doctor. Also, the extra volunteers who will be used to do those screenings should be arriving within the hour.”

  “Good. What about the appointment applications for next week’s adult and child physicals?”

  “I ran off a hundred more copies, just to be sure. My mom also came by to help me tweak the filing system so everything is alphabetized right away.”

  “You’re a godsend, Vickie.”

  She smiled. “I try.” They heard bells jingling, the sign that the door was being opened. “That’s probably the caterers. I’ll show them where to set up.”

  “Good deal.” Faye looked at her watch. It was just before noon. She’d eaten nothing and should be starving but doubted anything could get past the nerves in her throat. She picked up her to-do list, checking and rechecking all of the particulars. The mayor’s office had phoned confirming that he’d be there with a proclamation. Several community and church leaders would also be on hand, as would all of the donors and agencies that’d lent their support. The children’s choir from Pastor Jack’s church would sing the national anthem before the ribbon was cut.

  Just relax, Faye told herself, feeling a stress headache trying to creep up on her. She walked to her desk, sat down, closed her eyes and practiced deep breathing. In, hold it. One. Two. Three. And exhale. One. Two. Three. Twice more, and Faye felt herself begin to relax. She rolled her head around to remove the kinks.

  “I can handle that massage for you.”

  Faye’s eyes flew open. Her mouth dropped. She sat there stunned.

  “What, you don’t have a hello and a hug for an old friend?”

  Over her shock, Faye leaped from her chair and ran around her desk. “Gerald McPherson!” He pulled her into a bear hug, and they rocked back and forth. “You rascal. The flowers, and phone call saying you couldn’t make it...”

  “Yeah, well, I thought it would work better as a surprise.”

  She pulled back. “Let me look at you.” She placed a hand on his cheek. “Okay, a little more crow’s feet around the eyes—”

  “Watch it, now.”

  “And, hmm...” Faye looked down. “Maybe another inch or two around the midsection...”

  “Doctor...”

  “Ha! I’m just teasing you, Fear, and it serves you right. I can’t believe you’re here!” She threw her arms around him for another big hug.

  This was the scene that greeted Dexter when he turned the corner and walked through her opened door.

  Chapter
27

  Dexter stopped, his astute mind picking up everything in an instant: the joy in her voice, the prolonged embrace and the flowers he held that paled in comparison with the enormous bouquet sitting on the office credenza.

  Who the hell is this?

  Time to find out. But not before using the bouquet now seen as paltry to brighten up the receptionist desk. No way Dexter Drake would come in as number two. In anything. Cool as a cucumber, he returned to Faye’s office and walked over to the couple, their backs to him, standing arm in arm. “Excuse me.”

  Faye’s reaction was immediate, quickly stepping back from her good old friend. “Dexter, you’re early!”

  “Hey, baby.” Dexter kissed Faye on the lips as he hugged her lightly, knowing his scent always drove her wild. He also knew that the khaki pants and discount-store shirt and tie that the chump beside her wore was no match for his tailored black Armani paired with his custom-designed, understated platinum bling. Dexter wasn’t worried about competition. In his mind, he had none.

  But just to be sure, he took the offensive. “Is this your relative, babe?” he said as he broke the embrace. He turned to Gerald and held out his hand. “Dexter Drake.”

  “Dr. Gerald McPherson,” he brusquely responded.

  “Gerald and I worked together in Africa,” Faye hurriedly added.

  “She’s asked me to join her here,” Gerald said, his smile smug and accommodating. He looked at Faye with admiring eyes. “Wanted me to be here for her big day; wants me to help her run this place.” He turned back to Dexter. “We make a good team.”

  “Nothing like having someone capable working beside you.” Dexter’s reply was as smooth as silk as he kept his hand around Faye’s waist. “The more she can employ your skills, the more time she can spend with me.” His kiss on her temple underscored the point. “Good work, baby.”

  Vickie entered the office and Faye could have kissed her. “Sorry to interrupt, Doctor. But a couple of news trucks are here and want to know where to set up.”

  Faye didn’t even think about inquiring as to the publicist’s whereabouts. She made a beeline for Vickie and the office door. She didn’t say anything. Just walked out.

  Dexter moved to Faye’s desk and sat down behind it, quickly making the unspoken statement that this was familiar territory and he felt totally comfortable in it. He pulled out his phone and began checking emails and

  texting.

  Gerald, on the other hand, was visibly flustered. He’d been blindsided by Dexter’s arrival and the pretty boy’s obvious familiarity with the doctor. In hindsight it was naive to arrive unannounced, but he’d never considered Faye would have a boyfriend. In all the time he’d known her that had never been the case. Who was the guy she talked about, the one who left her shortly before I arrived in Africa? The name was fuzzy, but the memory of Faye’s position on dating when he arrived was clear. She wasn’t interested. At least that’s what he’d thought. He’d been somewhat attracted to her, even more so after seeing her skill and dedication, but having suffered a broken heart or two himself, he was in no mood to be rejected. He’d found it better to develop a professional camaraderie, treating her more like a sister or a best friend.

  Deciding on a course of civility, Gerald walked over to Faye’s desk and sat down in one of two leather chairs that faced it. “Detrick?”

  A skeptical look and then, “Dexter.”

  “Right. How do you know Faye?”

  “Isn’t it obvious?” he said with a smirk.

  “Not at all.”

  Now it was Dexter’s turn to pause. From the beginning, both he and Faye had decided specifically not to title what they had as a relationship; no expectations, no particular rules. But if she wasn’t his woman, or his girlfriend, then this Gerald joker would think that he had a chance. On the other hand, if he told Gerald that he and Faye were an item, a couple, then later on he might have some explaining to do. It was a tenuous situation at best. Dexter rarely gambled, but he was known as the poker king for a reason. One could never read his face or know his hand. So rather than answering, Dexter returned to his texts.

  “Are you a doctor?” Gerald, a successful man in his own right, was not used to being usurped or ignored.

  “No,” Dexter said, his voice low and dismissive. “But some say I’m a healer.”

  “So your specialty is alternative medicine.”

  “Yes—” Dexter looked Gerald directly in the eye

  “—particularly where problems exclusive to a woman’s well-being are concerned.”

  “I spent six weeks studying in China. What are some of the modalities that you employ?”

  Well, brother, you start with a chilled bottle of sparkling wine followed by a strong, skilled tongue...

  “Excuse me, Dr. McPherson?” Gerald was relieved to look up and see Faye’s assistant standing in the doorway. “Dr. Buckner has asked that I come and get you. There are some people she wants you to meet.”

  Gerald stood and looked down at Dexter. “Duty calls,” he said, before strolling out of the office, shoulders squared, head high.

  “Your duty, my booty,” Dexter mumbled, not at all happy that it was Gerald and not him that Faye had requested. This little development was going to make for an interesting evening. But Dexter knew he was more than ready for the challenge. If this stranger thought he was going to waltz into town and encroach on Drake territory, he had no idea what he was up against. None at all.

  Chapter 28

  Faye was exhausted, and the successful grand opening had nothing to do with it. No, she was tired from trying to keep up with where Dexter and Gerald were at any given time and keeping them occupied in different corners of the boxing ring otherwise known as Hearts of Health and Healing Center. Nothing overt had happened, yet when they were in close proximity she felt the tension could be cut with a Q-tip. Or maybe it was her paranoia and overactive imagination. Had something happened in the room before she’d pulled out Gerald to meet a member of the board? Should she have any reason to think the two men could not or would not get along? Dexter seemed nonplussed, but she hadn’t missed that devilish twinkle in his eye. Gerald seemed annoyed, yet when she’d asked how he was doing, he’d said “fine.”

  “Doctor.” Dexter sidled up next to Faye and placed his hand precariously close to her backside. True, they were next to the wall and few if any could see it, but still. Now was not the time.

  “Stop it,” she hissed through a pasted-on smile. “You’re starting trouble and you need to quit.”

  “Why?” A swaddling babe couldn’t have sounded more innocent. “What’d I do?”

  “I don’t know. But I’m hoping you’ll tell me later.”

  “So you do plan for me to spend the night. Good, because watching you in your professional element is turning me on.”

  Faye’s response was interrupted by a gorgeous blonde walking toward them. She greeted Dexter with a kiss on the cheek. “Hey, Dex.”

  A slightly raised brow was Faye’s only reaction.

  Subtle, but Dexter was nothing if not perceptive. “Hello, Erin. Dr. Buckner, this is—”

  “Erin Bridges,” Faye finished. “Erin has been helpful in securing donations for the center from several large firms.” Oh, I’m Dr. Buckner now. This must be one of your women. Faye told herself that she didn’t care; yet she couldn’t help but tick off the differences between her and the woman now possessively holding Dexter’s arm. Namely that Erin looked as if she stepped off a runway and Faye looked like, well, a doctor.

  “Small world,” Dexter said, his demeanor as unflappable as the statue holding the lamp in Manhattan’s harbor. “Erin and Jackson have served on several committees together,” he explained to Faye. “When held in this area, we often find ourselves at the same functions.”

  Very good, Dexter. Smoothl
y delivered and not one bead of sweat. This must not be your first time at this kind of dance. “Well, someone is motioning for me to join them. I’ll leave you two to catch up.”

  Dexter deftly positioned himself so that he could see where Faye headed. Over to her doctor pal, Gerald. Why am I not surprised? Dexter was working so hard at trying to look as though he wasn’t looking that he didn’t hear a word that Erin said.

  “Dexter? Are you even listening?” She followed his line of sight. Looked at Faye. Looked at Dexter. “I guess not.”

  “What?”

  “She’s hardly your type.”

  “How would you know?” Dexter was scowling and didn’t care. This whole jealousy situation was new territory, and it was beginning to fray his nerves. He walked away from Erin without a backward glance and over to where Donovan and Marissa chatted with another couple. He’d been so preoccupied he’d hardly been aware that his family had arrived. “Where’s Jackson?” he asked when he reached them, after speaking to the strangers who were Donovan’s new neighbors.

  “Diamond is having contractions,” Marissa explained. “You might be an uncle before long.”

  “When was somebody going to tell me?” Dexter demanded.

  The couple said quick goodbyes and scurried away.

  “Let me go and get you some punch,” Marissa said slowly, trying to read her brother-in-law’s unusual mood.

  Donovan was less coddling. “Best to bring the bowl back so he can stick his face in it. He’s acting pretty hot under the collar, and we don’t want to set off the fire alarm.” Dexter glared at his brother, who calmly checked his manicured nails. “Does it have anything to do with the doctor all cozied up with that pompous-looking dude?”

  Dexter’s head whipped around before he could stop it, taking in a very respectable scene of Faye, Gerald and the student nurses talking. “Very funny,” he said in a manner that suggested Donovan’s comment was anything but.

  His brother’s face broke into a wide smile. Dexter wanted to punch him in it.