Not wanting to wait much longer for Terrance to return, Mona got out of bed and went to the closet and removed her overnight bag. She retrieved a pair of jeans and a shirt. She wasn’t concerned about ironing them at this point. Instead, she found a hair tie and pulled her hair back in a ponytail.
She slipped on a pair of flats and headed down the stairs. She ran right into Terrance.
“Baby, I was coming back.”
“Who was at the door?” Mona asked.
“Ugh nobody.”
“If it was nobody why are you looking behind your shoulder?”
“Well, what had happened was,” Terrance stuttered.
Terrance tried to lead her back upstairs. Mona wouldn’t bulge.
“Terrance, if you don’t tell me who was at the door, you and I are going to have some problems.” Mona didn’t blink. She placed her hand on her hip and tilted her head to the side.
“It’s my mom.”
“Your mom.”
Terrance tried to hush her.
“What is your mother doing here?” Mona asked.
“She’s here with her fiancé. They’re in the living room.”
“I don’t feel like seeing her. Can’t you get rid of her?” Mona asked.
“I tried. She insists on us talking.”
“Maybe I should leave. I’m in a peaceful place and don’t feel like any drama.” Mona turned around.
Terrance grabbed her arm. “No, don’t go. We’d planned on spending the weekend together. My mom being here doesn’t change that.”
“I’ll be upstairs.” Mona removed Terrance’s hand from her arm and headed back to his room.
Terrance followed behind her. “I think the only way to resolve things with my mother is to have you there by my side. She needs to see us together. You’re important to me. And she’s important to me.”
Mona paused on the stairway. “Fine. But I’m telling you now, if she starts getting disrespectful, you need to stop her. I shouldn’t have to say anything to her because she’s your mom, not mine.”
“Understood. Now can we turn your frown into a smile?” Terrance asked.
Mona continued to pout. “I’ll think about it.”
“Please.” Terrance began tickling Mona.
Mona couldn’t control herself and started laughing.
Terrance laughed. “That’s more like it.”
Mona followed Terrance to the living room. She took a few deep breathes before entering.
Sara and Reverend Hamilton were talking but stopped when they entered.
Reverend Hamilton stood and shook Mona’s hand. Sara looked away and acted like Mona wasn’t there.
Mona spoke, “Hello Sara.”
Sara looked at Mona with venom in her eyes. “It’s Mrs. Beckham. Didn’t your parents teach you some manners?”
“Yes. They taught me to respect those who respect me.”
Terrance tugged on Mona’s arm. “Let’s sit.”
Mona sat in the love seat next to Terrance. They were all now seated across from one another.
The tension between the two women could be cut with a knife. Terrance cleared his throat.
“Would anyone like something to drink?” Terrance asked, looking from one person to the next.
“None for me,” Sara responded.
“I’m fine.” Mona crossed her arms and leaned back in the chair.
Reverend Hamilton said, “I’ll take a glass of juice if you have any.”
“I sure do. Mona, do you want to help me out in the kitchen.”
Mona didn’t look at Terrance. “Why don’t you show the Reverend around while you get his drink? Your mom and I will be just fine.”
Terrance looked as if he didn’t want to. He stood longer than he should have but eventually said, “Come on Reverend Hamilton.”
Mona watched them leave. Sara held a magazine and pretended to be looking at it. Mona laughed because the magazine was upside down so she knew she wasn’t really reading it.
“Sara, I mean, Mrs. Beckham. I’m glad we’re alone so we can talk. Woman to woman.”
Sara grunted but didn’t say anything.
“You don’t have to speak, just listen. I love your son. Your son loves me. I will never do anything to hurt Terrance. He means the world to me and I plan to show him each and every day. You’ve raised an amazing son.”
Sara threw the magazine down on the table. “You don’t have to tell me about my son. I know everything there is to know about him. What I don’t know is you? Who are your people? Why were you working as his assistant? If you’re so intelligent and independent you wouldn’t need Terrance.”
Mona shifted in her seat. She clenched her hands near her side and exhaled before responding. “You want to know who my people are? Well let me tell you. I come from a family of hard workers. My father worked two jobs to support his family. My mom was a stay at home mother who took care of her three children and husband. My family’s not poor but neither are they rich. My parents made sure we lived in a stable home and we had all the love and care we needed. I could have easily stayed in Texas and went to a college there but because I’ve always had the desire to be a screenwriter, I decided to attend the University of California and got a full scholarship because of my 4.0 grade point average.”
Mona discussed her upbringing and what led her to this stage of her life.
Sara seemed to be on information overload. She held her hand out as if motioning to stop Mona. “Fine. I misjudged you, but I still don’t know if you’re the right person for my son.”
“Shouldn’t Terrance be the one to decide if I’m right for him? I understand he’s your son, but he’s not a little boy any more. He’s a grown man and he’s more than capable of making his own decisions.”
Terrance and the reverend returned to the room. Terrance asked, “You two alright?”
“We’re fine,” Mona said. She looked at Sara and Sara looked at her.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Terrance looked at each woman. Mona seemed fine. His mother seemed anxious. She kept fidgeting with his magazine.
“Sara, Terrance told me I could come sit on set with him one day. That’ll be exciting. I’ve always wanted to see how movies were made.”
Sara kept her eyes looking downward. “That’s good dear. I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself.”
“Terrance also shared with me that Ms. Mona here wrote this screenplay and one of the networks has commissioned our boy.” Reverend Hamilton looked at Terrance. “Yes, son, I consider you my boy.” He then looked at Sara and continued, “Terrance will be producing the show and Mona will be the head writer since it’s her idea.”
Sara looked at Mona. “So have you got everything you’ve dreamed of?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m not going to take all of the credit. Terrance and my friend Charlotte presented the idea to the network so if it wasn’t for those two, I would still be searching for someone to produce my stuff. The beauty of it all is that Terrance,” Mona squeezed his hand, “and I will be working together.”
Sara looked at Terrance. “When were you going to tell me? I heard about the deal on TV.”
“Mom, you should know by now that I try to keep my business life and personal life separate.”
Sara looked at Mona. “I can’t tell.”
“Don’t go there,” Terrance interrupted her.
Mona interjected, “Terrance, your mom has a point. Our lives have intermingled. We are in a relationship and we’re working together. So as hard as you’ve tried to keep it separate, it’s a mix.”
Terrance chuckled. “I guess it is. Mom, I stand corrected. Now that you know, I hope you will stop tripping about Mona.”
“Mona and I have come to an understanding,” Sara said. She looked at Mona. “Haven’t we?”
Mona smiled. “Yes, we have.”
Terrance sighed out loud. “Good. Now, why don’t Mona and I go change and then I will treat you and Reverend Hamilton to dinner.”
“Dear, can we get a rain check? And as far as Sunday dinner, some of the members are taking us out to eat so we’ll have to cancel our Sunday dinner.”
“No problem. I’m sure Mona and I can handle our own Sunday dinner,” Terrance assured her.
Sara stood and Reverend Hamilton did the same. “Well, son, thanks for your hospitality but we should be going. I want to beat some of the traffic,” Reverend Hamilton said.
“The next time you want to come this way, let me send a ride for you,” Terrance suggested.
“No. That’s a waste of money,” Sara said.
“Mom. I can’t take it with me so I might as well spend it on someone I love.”
Terrance hugged Sara.
“Enjoy the rest of your day,” Mona stood and said.
“You too,” Sara responded.
Terrance and Mona walked his mom and the reverend to the front door. Sara hugged Terrance and whispered, “I love you.”
“I love you too, mom.”
She kissed him on the cheek and walked out. The Reverend shook Terrance’s hand. “Take care.”
Terrance wrapped his arm around Mona’s waist and watched them get in the car. He waited until they pulled off before closing the door.
He turned Mona towards him. “What did you say to her to change her attitude?”
“Let’s just say, she understands I love you and I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
“I’m glad to hear. Which leaves me to ask? When do you want to leave to see your parents?”
“I still haven’t decided if I want to go.”
“Come on, baby. I’m sure you miss your family. Besides, if we’re going to be together your folks need to meet the man their daughter is crazy about.”
“I said I love you. Never said I was crazy about you.” Mona teased.
“You don’t have to say it. I know these things. Now where were we before we got interrupted?”
Terrance gathered Mona in his arms, carried her to his room and laid her on the bed. They started off with a kiss and ended with their naked bodies intertwined under the covers.
Chapter Fifty
Mona watched the sleeping Terrance. She turned and looked out the window of the 747 jet. The white clouds looked like cotton. She eased her seat back and closed her eyes. After the long week they had, they deserved a weekend getaway. She trained their new assistant and Terrance worked on finalizing crewmembers for the show and another upcoming film he was producing.
The pilot’s voice came over the speaker. “We’re approaching Dallas Ft Worth International Airport. The weather is sunny but you’ll need a light jacket. We hope that you’ve enjoyed your flight. Flight attendants please prepare for landing. Thank you for flying and we hope you choose us for your next flight.”
Mona hit the button on her seat to move it to the upright position. She nudged Terrance. “Wake up, baby. We’re about to land.”
“Okay,” he sleepily responded.
Mona felt excited and nervous all at the same time. She normally flew coach so she wasn’t used to the perks of flying first class such as being one of the first people off the plane. She held her big handbag while Terrance grabbed their two carryon bags.
“Welcome to my city,” Mona said to Terrance as they walked through the huge airport.
Terrance and Mona went straight to the rental car counter. Terrance rented a sedan and not long afterwards they were placing their items in the back of the four-door Lexus sedan.
“I know you normally drive, but I think this time you should let me.” Mona held out her hand for the keys.
“No arguments here.” Terrance held open the driver’s door. Mona got inside. He handed her the keys, closed the door and went and sat on the passenger side.
“LA traffic is bad but Dallas traffic is on a whole other level. I might get a little road rage so please excuse me.”
Terrance laughed. “Traffic can’t be that bad here.”
Mona left the airport and got on I-635 headed east. She didn’t have a toll tag so she wanted to avoid the toll way. As they neared North Dallas Parkway, traffic got congested and moved at a snail pace.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. It’s nine in the morning on a Saturday. Shouldn’t people be at home sleeping,” Terrance complained.
“You would think. But once I hit the Parkway and go north, it’s a straight shot. We’ll have to go through some lights but hopefully be out of some of this traffic.”
Thirty minutes later, Mona pulled the black car into her old neighborhood in Frisco. She smiled at the memories.
“These are some nice homes,” Terrance said.
“My dad worked two jobs to move us from south Dallas to this neighborhood.”
“I’m a little nervous about meeting your parents. What if your father doesn’t think I’m good enough for his daughter?”
“My dad’s not like that. As long as you treat me right, he’s happy.”
Mona pulled the car in front of the two-car garage. She looked at Terrance. “This was home for me from seventh grade until I graduated high school.”
Terrance got out of the car and opened the driver’s door for Mona. She gave him a reassuring hug and kiss right before ringing the doorbell.
“I forgot the bell doesn’t work.” Mona knocked on the door.
Mona’s mother opened the door. She had the same height and physique as Mona’s. She looked like Mona’s twin except older with streaks of gray in her hair and instead of it being long she’d cut it to look more like a Halle Berry short style.
Mother and daughter hugged for what seemed like minutes. “My baby’s home.”
She released Mona and acknowledged Terrance. “And is this the young man you were telling me about?”
“Mom, this is Terrance. Terrance this is my mom.”
“Hi, Mrs. Johnson.” Terrance extended his hand.
Mona’s mom pulled Terrance into an embrace. “We hug around here.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Terrance responded.
Mona shrugged her shoulders.
“Come on in,” Mona’s mother said. “I told Mona that you both are welcome to stay here.”
Mona looped her arm with her mom’s. “We have a reservation at the Westin, so we won’t be far away.”
“Your dad’s out back. He’ll be thrilled to know you’re here.”
“Is that my baby girl? I thought I heard a car pull up.” Mona’s dad, who was almost six feet one inches and medium built walked through the kitchen and met them in the living room.
Mona ran over to her dad and hugged him. “Love you, pops.”
Mona held on to her dad’s arm. “You must be special if my Mona’s bringing you home to meet us.” Mona’s dad stared at Terrance.
Everyone remained silent. Mona’s father held out his hand. “Welcome son.”
Mona sighed with relief.
Chapter Fifty-One
Being around Mona’s dad made Terrance yearn for his own father. He made him feel at ease. They’d immediately bonded over sports. They had a friendly debate on who had the best football team, the Cowboys or the 49ers. They both shared a love for the Lakers.
Mona spent a lot of time talking with her mother so it had given him and her father a lot of time to talk.
“My son and daughter and their families will be over later. I suggest you two go check in to your hotel and relax a little,” Mona’s dad suggested. “I’m just getting to know you, but I can tell you’re a man with high morals and the only thing I ask of you is to treat my daughter like I would.”
Terrance shook his hand. “I love Mona and will protect her with my life if it ever c
omes to it.”
“Come on. Let’s go find our women.”
Four hours later, Mona and Terrance were resting in their hotel room.
“Dinner is at six so don’t you think we should be getting ready?” Terrance asked Mona.
Mona snuggled closer to him on the bed. “I don’t want to go.”
“We’re going. Your father is expecting us and him and I get along great now. Just give me the address, because I’m going with or without you.” Terrance smiled.
“You would leave me at the hotel by myself?” Mona pouted.
“Your dad told me what your mama was cooking so I sure would. I’m hungry. I’ve been saving my appetite all day.”
“My sister is still not out of the dog house with me.”
“I thought y’all made up,” Terrance commented.
“We did but I’m not looking forward to seeing her.”
Terrance ran his hand gently through her hair. “Baby, whatever happened between the two of you, get over it. I wish I had siblings. You just don’t know how lucky you are.”
“I guess you’re right. I want to take a shower. I want first dibs.” Mona sat up.
“We’ll flip for it.” Terrance reached to the side of the bed and removed a quarter from his pants pocket. He looked at Mona. “Heads or tails?”
“Tails.”
Terrance flipped the coin in the air and placed it on the back of his hand. He looked at it. It landed on heads. “Mona, you’re lucky. Don’t use up all the hot water.”
“I won’t.” Mona got out of bed and went to the bathroom.
Two hours later, Terrance and Mona stood outside of her parents’ home waiting for someone to answer the door. “Do I look alright?” Mona asked.
“Baby, you look great. I’ve never seen you not look good,” Terrance responded, as he admired Mona in her black jeans, cowboy boots and red, buttoned-down shirt. They were actually matching. He’d wanted some cowboy boots so Mona took him to a store nearby and they both got a pair.
The door opened and a man Terrance didn’t know stood there.
Mona’s face brightened with joy. “Justin.” They hugged. Terrance moved out of the way.
Secret Liaisons Page 16