by Wayne Jordan
And then something struck him. He’d spent the night at Eboni’s home. Twice. He’d never ever done that. Strangely enough he hadn’t even realized it until now.
It hinted at the comfort level he felt around Eboni when he wasn’t thinking of the reasons not to get involved with her.
He was sure that was not an alternative anymore. They were involved. His initial discomfort at his response to her had been replaced by an ache to be with her.
Emotions were the strangest things. Even now the fact that he was thinking about her and their relationship was so out of character for him.
In the past, even with his ex-wife, the nature of the relationship had been physical. He’d genuinely liked her, and loved the sex, but upon reflection he knew they’d had nothing in common.
He wasn’t even sure what he and Eboni had in common, but he had every intention of discovering what she liked and didn’t like to do.
He wanted to share with her. He wanted to find out about her childhood and what had made her choose her career. He wanted to know about her family. He wanted to know her in every sense of the word.
She made him laugh and that alone said a lot. It wasn’t the polite diplomatic kind of laughter. It was the loud type of laughter that came from deep inside his gut. She did that to him and it felt good.
He took a shower and got dressed quickly. About an hour later he was at his desk on the twentieth floor of his downtown office. In the distance, he could see the sign for Pace University. He’d studied at Harvard, and had disappointed his parents when he’d decided to go into real estate before taking the bar exam.
Not that they hadn’t supported his choice. They had been disappointed, yet they had not once expressed their discontent.
Unfortunately, his mother had not lived to see how successful he’d become. A drunk driver had taken her life without warning one night on her way home from the store. His father had lived longer, but two years ago lost a valiant battle with cancer. Even now he felt the familiar surge of anger whenever he thought of losing them. He’d loved his parents and missed them terribly.
The phone rang suddenly and when he picked it up, his daughter’s voice came over the line.
“Hi, Daddy. It’s Kenya.”
“Yes, Kenya. I do recognize my daughter’s voice.”
“Okay, Mommy told me to call you and let you know I can’t come this weekend, but I’ll be there in two weeks instead of four.”
He hated when his wife did this.
“Mom knows you’re going to be angry, but I have a school tour this weekend in D.C. Mommy’s going as one of the chaperones, so you don’t need to be worried. She says she has to come into New York, so I’ll be coming early.” She breathed deeply. “That’s it. I think I remembered everything.”
“Well, enjoy you trip to D.C. You’ll have to tell me all about it.”
“I will. Love you, Daddy.”
“Love you, too, sweetheart. Tell your mother I’ll give her a call.”
“Oh, that’s what I forgot. She told me to tell you to call her.”
He laughed. “I won’t tell her you forgot.”
“Okay. Bye, Dad.”
As usual, he felt that emptiness whenever his daughter called. He missed her so much it hurt. Fortunately, summer was near and for four glorious weeks, he’d have Kenya with him.
He needed to tell Eboni about her, but there was time. He wasn’t sure that she was ready to hear about the daughter and ex-wife he had.
What he wanted to focus on right now was getting to know her. All the other stuff would come later.
The past wasn’t important.
* * *
Evening took forever to arrive. Around six o’clock, Eboni stepped out of the bathroom.
She had an hour to get ready and she wanted to make sure she had enough time to transform herself into the woman she wanted to be. She hadn’t dressed up in a while but the promise of seeing the latest rage on Broadway was appealing enough. She’d been surprised when Darren had told her where they’d be going before dinner. She loved the theater but didn’t associate him with that pastime.
A half hour later, she glanced in the mirror and sighed with contentment. She looked good. More than good.
She had Cheryl to thank for the dress. It was definitely perfect for her.
She grabbed her handbag and was heading to the living room when the doorbell rang.
She glanced down at her watch. He was on time.
She changed directions and headed straight to the door. When she opened it, it took all her willpower not to drag him inside and take him to her bedroom.
The Darren Grayson standing before her had been transformed into a suave, sophisticated dreamboat. Damn, he looked good.
“You clean up well,” she teased. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”
He laughed in response, a twinkle of humor in his eyes.
“I could say the same thing about you, but you always look great. Tonight, I’m going to be the envy of every man wherever we go.”
“Thanks for the compliment. All the credit goes to my friend, Cheryl.”
“I must meet her and let her know she has excellent taste.”
Eboni felt an unexpected twinge of jealousy.
She didn’t want Darren meeting Cheryl. Men loved Cheryl’s brash sexiness. She planned on keeping Darren all for herself.
“Are you are ready to go?” he asked. “Our carriage awaits us.”
He followed her down the corridor and then into the lobby. Outside, a limousine awaited them.
“I was going to drive,” he commented, “but since I have something special planned, I thought it would be best to have a driver.”
The chauffeur opened the door for them and made sure they were comfortable and seated.
As the limo accelerated, the light inside dimmed, and the cool strains of jazz filled the interior.
Eboni was still at a loss for words. While driving in comfort like this was not new to her, her family didn’t do it often, reserving the extravagance for special occasions.
Was this date a special occasion for Darren? She didn’t see him as the kind of person to flaunt his wealth.
“I’m looking forward to tonight,” he said, drawing her from her thoughts. “I hope you enjoy the show we’re going to.”
“Which show are we going to see?” she inquired, curious to know.
“You’ll see when we get there. I did hear you mention it as one of the shows you’d like to see, so I made sure I called and reserved tickets. I was lucky to get them so late.”
When the limo pulled up outside of the Richard Rodgers Theatre, it took all her willpower not the wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him.
She’d been trying to get Cheryl to go see Porgy and Bess with her for the longest time, but for some reason, their plans never worked out. The fact that he remembered she wanted to see it made her feel special. Yes, tonight was going to be a special night.
As he helped her out of the vehicle, she could not help but smile.
“I see you like my choice.”
“You knew I’d love it. I’ve wanted to see this for ages. I love Audra McDonald, and her winning the Tony last year only made me more determined to see her in action.”
“I’m glad you are pleased. Well, let’s not stand outside gaping at the poster. The show will begin in about twenty minutes.”
* * *
Darren turned to look at the woman seated next to him. For the duration of the first half she’d said nothing, but discussed the performances with eagerness during intermission. He’d had to force her to the concession stand. She’d not wanted to leave in case they missed something. Of course he had to promise they’d be seated way before the second half began.
Now he co
uld not stop the occasional glance at her. Her face, rapt with her excitement and focus, revealed another side of the woman who’d completely enchanted his world.
Sitting next to her, he felt like a small child seeing his first show. He’d been to a few Broadway shows, but this one was different. Being with her made it different.
“I love this song,” she whispered to him, as Audra broke into a soaring rendition of “Summertime.”
He smiled, not sure what to say. Instead, he reached for her hand, squeezing it gently as he held it, to let her know that he, too, approved.
Her body tensed briefly, until enjoying the feel of his touch she slowly relaxed.
When the show ended and the curtain call took place, she stood, clapping with wild abandon, tears filling her eyes.
Outside, the limousine was waiting to take them to the restaurant for a late dinner.
Though he’d driven in Manhattan hundreds of times, tonight felt different. He felt the spirit and magic of the city.
He could tell Eboni had been affected, too. He’d felt her exuberance in the theater, but now she’d become pensive as if, like him, the music and story of the musical had deeply affected her.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine, just thinking about the show.” Her response confirmed his suspicion.
“I haven’t seen a Broadway show in years that had that kind of impact on me,” she continued. “I’m always thrilled with the spectacle, but the message is still as powerful as when the Gershwins wrote it years ago.”
“It was powerful,” he agreed.
“You thought that, too? I was hoping you enjoyed it. I know you chose it because I said I wanted to see it.”
“I’m glad I came. I’ve been to a few Broadway shows, but mainly plays. I don’t much like musicals, but count me in whenever you want to go see a show. I’ll see anything you recommend.”
She turned to look at him, as if she were seeing him for the first time.
“Yes, I can be as sensitive as the next guy,” he teased. “I do have my moments when I am human.”
She tapped him on the arm. “I never said you weren’t sensitive or human.”
“It wasn’t what you said, hon. It was that look,” he responded. “But I do understand what you mean.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No offence taken. I know what you mean, and you have hit it directly on the head. But no more about that. We’ve arrived.”
When they were escorted out of the limousine, a horse and carriage was there waiting.
His eyes went straight to her face. He wanted to see her reaction. Her look of wonder was priceless and he knew he’d never forget that moment.
There was something magical and enchanting about Eboni that touched him in a way he didn’t quite understand. She reached into a part of him that he had locked up for years. Unconsciously, she had dug under the hard cloak of his cynicism and touched something cold inside. He felt vulnerable and exposed, a feeling he didn’t quite like, and immediately he tried to put his guard back up, but realized that for tonight, he needed it to be like this. If nothing happened between them beyond this night, he wanted to remember her this way.
“Ready for dinner?” he asked. “I’m not sure they’ll keep our reservations too much longer.”
Even as he spoke, she suspected that if that situation were to occur, the restaurant staff would probably bend over backward to accommodate him.
He cleared his throat, and she remembered he’d asked her a question.
“Yes, we can go in. I’m starving.”
Within seconds of the hostess’s greeting, they were led to a table, nestled in a dimly lit alcove, candles casting shadows that danced off the walls.
“This is really nice. I’ve never been here before.”
“The restaurant only opened a few weeks ago. A colleague of mine suggested it. Told me he brought his wife here for their anniversary just after it opened. He said the food is phenomenal.”
Eboni flipped open the menu, its sophisticated look displaying food that made her mouth water.
“Everything looks so good,” she said. “But there are no prices on the menu.”
“It’s fine. You just need to order. When I take a woman out to dinner, I don’t worry about the cost. This is one of the reasons I work my ass off. I made a decision when I was young that money would never be a problem. My father always emphasized a good work ethic to us. While he was well-off, he always said that we still had to work for what we wanted. And he made sure we did. I’m better off because of it.”
“You have brothers and sisters?” she asked.
“One brother and two sisters, but they all live on the West Coast... Seattle, to be exact. Both sisters are married and living happily ever after. My brother’s an up-and-coming actor, we hope. He just had his first major role, but the movie is not out until summer.”
“You must remind me when it comes out. I’d love to see it. Is he any good?”
“He’s definitely talented, though it took a while for him to move out of the stereotypical roles. For the first few years, all he could get were gang-member roles. He almost gave up.”
“Well, I’m glad things are working out for him. I hope I get to meet him sometime.”
“I’m sure you will. He comes to visit every so often. However, I know he’s working on a new movie, so I don’t expect to see him for a bit.”
He stopped, looking straight ahead. “The waitress is on her way. We really have to decide what we want.”
Eboni glanced at the menu again. “I’ve decided on the smoked salmon with potatoes.”
“Good choice. I’m partial to a big, juicy, well-done steak.”
“I’m going to have to help you improve your diet,” she commented.
“And that’s coming from someone who has a sweet tooth,” he interjected.
Before she could respond, the waitress came to take their orders.
For a moment, they were silent, absorbed in their thoughts.
As the waitress walked away, a strident screech broke the silence. There was a flash of bright red as a tall blonde sashayed across the room and came to a stop behind Darren.
He stood, a smile on his face, but Eboni could tell he was annoyed.
“Darren darrrling, how are you doing?” she purred in a fake British accent. “You haven’t dropped by the apartment in ages.” The blonde turned her face in Eboni’s direction, a telling smirk on her face.
“I’ve been doing fine, but work has kept me pretty busy.”
“Along with this little girl.” She sniffed the air. “You could do much better than her.”
“I think it’s time you left. I won’t have you insulting my friend.” Darren’s body became rigid with anger.
“If that’s your wish, my dear. You know where to find me.”
“Don’t hold your breath, Celeste. That’s not likely to happen,” Darren said. “Have a good night.”
After Celeste left, Eboni could see Darren was trying to control his irritation.
“I’m sorry about that,” he said, concern in his eyes.
“It’s okay. I have some crazy friends, too,” she replied, trying to make light of the situation.
“No, it isn’t. She tried to embarrass you.”
“Well, I can assure you she did not succeed,” she stated firmly.
“I bring you out on a date and you had to deal with that. I’m sure there are all kinds of thoughts in your head. Negative ones.”
“When I came out on our date, I came knowing you had a past and a reputation. It’s something I have to deal with. I made the choice to deal with it.” She paused. “Yes, I’m a bit upset, but I’m not going to let it ruin our night. I’ve been enjoying m
yself. I plan on continuing to do so.”
He did not reply but instead stared at her.
“You’re incredible,” he said. “Most women would have either walked out or insisted on being taken home. You... I don’t know what to say.”
“Well, you can thank God I’m still here and hurry up and order dessert. I can’t wait to have some of that cheesecake.”
He laughed. “Cheesecake it is. But I will make you this promise. Those women are a part of my past. I can’t guarantee that I won’t encounter the occasional lady I used to know. But I don’t want to be with them. I want to be with you.”
Eboni nodded and reached out to place her hand on his. “I understand,” she said. “Now that that’s settled, can I have my dessert?”
Darren laughed again and raised his hand to signal the hostess.
The encounter with the woman from Darren’s past had affected her more than she had acknowledged, but she had to trust him if she planned on having a meaningful relationship.
She had to give him the benefit of the doubt and there was no evidence that he was seeing other women. He’d made sure that tonight was for her. He’d definitely made her feel special.
* * *
Eboni placed her spoon on the plate and sighed with contentment.
“That was the best meal I’ve ever eaten. Every single course was delicious. I wonder where the chef trained. Had to be either France or Italy. He’s just so good.”
“I totally agree.”
“I know I’m going to have to work out an extra hour tomorrow.”
“You seem to enjoy working out.”
“Oh, absolutely. I can’t go two days without working out. I enjoy teaching fitness, as well. I knew I didn’t want a traditional job. I got lots of flack when I decided to become a firefighter. Of course, my parents wanted me in a traditional white-collar job. I did very well in high school. In fact I was the valedictorian, the one most likely to be a doctor or lawyer. I cringe every time I think of being a doctor.”
“Must have taken your parents a lot to let you go after your dream.”
“Not really. I knew they were upset, probably still are, but when they realized it was truly what I wanted to do, they didn’t fail to offer support. While Omar wants to be a journalist and Kemar a psychologist, the fact that they have chosen traditional careers has given Mom and Dad some comfort.”