by Stacy-Deanne
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Anderson followed Channing to another bedroom.
She reached inside and turned on the light. “This is my daughter’s room.”
Anderson entered the cozy little pink and lavender bedroom. “You haven’t touched this room since the morning of the accident have you?”
Presley’s pink laptop was still open on the bed, and a container of jellybeans sat on her dresser beside several hair ribbons.
“No.” Channing sniffed a hair ribbon. “It’s been like this since that day she left for school.”
“I’ve seen not one picture of Presley hanging around.”
“I took them down.” She shivered, hugging herself. “Too hard to look at her picture right now. Every time I visit her it gets harder and harder because it could be just another day she’s slipping away from me.” She sniffled. “It kills me to see her suffering.” She opened the drawer of the end table and got a black picture frame. “This is Presley.”
Anderson stared upon a caramel-toned girl with ponytails and a smile that lit up the universe.
Channing clasped her hands behind her back. “I wouldn’t let them put her picture in the paper.”
“She’s so beautiful. Looks just like you.”
“I can’t live without her.” She held the photo to her chest. “I’ve even contemplated suicide if she doesn’t make it.”
“Channing.”
“I’m serious.” Despair muffled her voice. “I won’t be able to make it not one day without her. Not one day.”
“Sh.” He grabbed her into a tight hug. “Presley wouldn’t want you to do anything like that.”
“How can I make it if she dies?” She blubbered in his chest. “How?”
“You’d get through it.” He rocked her. “It seems impossible now but you’re stronger than you realize.” He lifted her face from his chest. “Few people could handle what you’re going through.”
“Strong?” She placed her small hand over his. “No one has ever called me that before.”
He clasped her trembling face in his palms. “You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.” Before he knew it, he kissed her, his lips roaming the confines of her plump mouth.
“Mm.” She jerked back. “No.”
His hands remained in the air as if he still held her face.
She covered her mouth. “Why did you do that?”
“I don’t know.”
“You gotta know. You don’t just kiss someone for no reason.”
“I didn’t plan it.”
“This can’t happen, Anderson.” Her face contorted. “Do you understand? I need to focus on my daughter. I can’t have distractions. She’s the only thing that’s important right now.”
“When I’m around you, I get this intense need to be closer.”
She backed up to the dresser with her eyes squeezed shut. “Please don’t tell me this is an act.”
“What?”
“The kindness and the kiss. Are you trying to seduce me for your story?”
“Is that who you think I am?”
“I don’t know what to think.”
“You called me, remember?”
“No, I called my sister and her fiancé.” She rushed to the bedroom door. “You need to leave.”
He scoffed, following her downstairs. “I’ll see you at the hospital tomorrow.”
“That’s not a good idea.” She rushed ahead of him and opened the front door. “Maybe we should stay clear of each other. Goodbye.”
“Channing, I’m doing this story. I want to get justice for Presley.”
“I don’t trust you.” She widened the door. “Please leave me and my daughter alone.”
“Channing.”
“Go.” She looked away from him. “Just go.”
He walked out on the porch then faced her. “I don’t regret kissing you. I want to do it again.”
“Goodbye, Anderson.”
She slammed the door.
****
Channing approached Anderson as he enjoyed greasy chicken nachos in the hospital cafeteria the next morning. “What are you doing here?”
“Eating nachos.” He raised the plate. “Want some?”
She slid into the booth across from him. “You came even though I told you not to?”
“I’m sure that pisses you off.” He bit into another chip stacked with shredded, cheese and the kitchen sink. “I hoped that you’d let me see Presley. How is she?”
“The same.” She illuminated in the pastel, pink summer dress and matching lip gloss. “You been here all morning?”
“I wanted to see if making you hate me more was worth it.”
“I don’t hate you.”
“You threw me out of your place.”
“I’m sorry for how I acted last night. All you did was kiss me.”
“You’re not ready.” He sipped sweet tea through a straw. “It won’t happen again.”
Her eyes grew big as balls.
“You got the most beautiful eyes.”
She smiled, lowering her head.
“You remind me of my ex-wife.”
“Is that why you kissed me?”
“It might’ve had something to do with it.”
“Are you lonely, Anderson?”
“Yes, I miss being close to a woman, but after the marriage failed, I got gun shy. I’ve dated, but I haven’t felt that spark since you.”
“That kiss was amazing.” She pressed her lips together. “I liked letting my guard down. I’ve been afraid of getting serious with anyone because I’m never sure if they’re going to stay.”
“You do nothing but come to the hospital and work. That’s not healthy. You need distance to deal with things.”
“I’d love to take a break from worrying but how can I?”
“Why don’t you come to Klein and Sonjay’s for dinner tonight?”
“My mom has been begging me to have dinner with her and my dad so I said I’d make it over there. Would you like to come?”
“You were angry at me last night and now you want me to come to your parents’ place?”
She nodded.
“Why?”
“Because with you around, I can enjoy life a little more.”
He smiled, folding his arms on the table. “I’d love to come. May I see Presley?”
She stood, tapping the table. “Sure.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
“Hope you don’t mind Sonjay and I tagging along with Anderson.” Klein grabbed the bowl of macaroni and cheese from Channing and Sonjay’s father Boyd that night.
“We’re always happy to see both our girls and you too, Klein.” Their mother, Odelia Mills, smiled.
Sonjay did her best to focus on her family but all she wanted was to be naked in Dex’s arms.
“Ooh wee.” Klein licked his lips. “Mama Mills, these smothered pork chops make me wanna slap everyone in the room.”
“Anderson?” Boyd smiled at him. “What’s life like as a big time journalist?”
He ate from the creamy glob of macaroni and cheese. “I’m nowhere close to the big time.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Odelia said. “We get the Boston Bulletin here so it has to be big news.”
Anderson snickered. “It might be but I’m not.”
“Don’t be so modest,” Klein said. “You got it going on and one day you’ll have your own news show.”
“I won’t hold my breath.” Anderson stirred his green beans.“ Klein invited me to Mayor Bordeaux’s birthday party next week. He says anyone who is anyone will be there.”
“Yeah, he always has a big bash at the Bombeck Hotel for his birthday,” Odelia said. “It’s about the only exciting thing that happens in this town.”
“The invitation extends to you and Boyd too, Odelia.” Klein smiled. “I’d love for you to meet the mayor.”
“Me and Boyd at the Bombeck Hotel?” Odelia wiggled, grinning. “Boyd, what do you think of us partying
with the socialites of Thompsonville?”
“Nothing because it ain’t happening.” He grunted as he drank from his cup. “I’d rather have my teeth pulled out with pliers than to go to that man’s party. He should be ashamed. All the mess erupting around here and he’s throwing big ass parties on tax payers’ money.”
“It’s not on tax payers’ money,” Klein muttered. “It would be good if you came and maybe you could get to know him without judging him.”
Boyd picked his teeth with his pinky. “I don’t wanna get to know him.”
“Even Channing’s going,” Sonjay said. “I had to beg her to but if she can go, you can.”
Boyd rolled his eyes. “I’d rather have a root canal.”
“Come on, Daddy,” Channing said. “It might be fun. I hope it gets my mind off everything going on. You’ll have time to hang out with the important people.”
Boyd glared at her.
“So, Anderson?” Odelia smiled. “What made you get into journalism?”
“I wanted to make a difference.” He ate the salty collard greens, glancing at Channing. “It starts with education.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” Boyd said. “It’s funny how you think racism is gone until something like this happens.”
“Racism will never be gone.” Klein drank lemonade.
“That’s why it’s important we put the right people in office,” Boyd said. “Yet politicians are too scared to get their hands dirty.”
Klein stopped chewing. “Is that a crack at Mayor Bordeaux?”
“Actually, that was for you.”
“Daddy.” Sonjay sighed.
“It’s okay, baby.” Klein winked. “Boyd and I have this same song and dance every time we meet so why should tonight be any different?”
“You’re a black man who has the power to change things yet you tolerate it because you don’t want to lose your position under the white man.”
“Daddy.” Sonjay laid her fork in her plate. “Stop it.”
“Boyd.” Odelia patted his arm. “The kids never come over as it is. Let’s not give them another reason not to.”
“Has everyone forgotten that Presley, my grandbaby is fighting for her life because of Nate Lancaster?”
“What am I supposed to do about it?” Klein asked. “I’m not a judge or a lawyer.”
“You could get your butt out there and make noise.” Boyd huffed. “Like that Khadija girl.”
“Please.” Channing groaned.
“Please nothing,” Boyd snapped. “Nate ran over Presley and now his friends are harassing Channing like she did something wrong? Where the hell is the law? Nobody does jack but Khadija.”
“Stomping around like some low-grade Angela Davis isn’t doing anything but making Khadija famous,” Channing said. “That’s all she cares about.”
“So what?” Boyd leaned forward, glaring at his daughter. “She’s doing something is the point. There’s no damn way Lancaster should be walking around on bail when my granddaughter is lying in a coma because he got drunk. How can we stand for that?”
“Khadija Moore doesn’t give a damn about anyone but herself.” Klein sipped grape juice. “Is that what you want? Someone who is using Presley for publicity?”
“She’s making noise and that’s how change starts.” Boyd ate a piece of pork chop, gravy dribbling over his salt-and-pepper goatee. “We can’t get justice just sitting around.”
“I prefer doing things Anderson’s way,” Klein said. “It might not be loud but it makes people listen. Only nuts pay attention to what folks like Khadija says.”
“Well, I guess I’m a nut because I’m paying attention to her.” Boyd chewed and gulped. “I’m listening loud and clear. No offense Anderson, but we need to be out in the streets like Khadija is doing. Got this yesterday.” He reached behind him and grabbed the flyer off the dining room shelf. “LaDavion brought one by the restaurant when he picked up his momma’s fried chicken basket.”
“Lord, have mercy.” Odelia sighed. “Why didn’t they give that boy a real name?”
“Everyone’s been passing those around.” Sonjay waved her fork in a dismissive manner. “For Khadijah’s meeting at the Welmont Center tomorrow night. Someone put one on top of our cars at the school.”
“I’m going.” Boyd looked at Odelia over his square glasses. “You coming, baby?”
“Like I don’t have better things to do with my time.”
Boyd grimaced. “Delia—”
“Daddy, I don’t want you anywhere near Khadija,” Channing said. “She’ll use you guys to get in my business.”
“Tulip, I can’t sit by while a soon-to-be member of our family isn’t doing his best to help our own. Klein cares more about his career than Presley.”
“Boyd,” Odelia said.
“I’m not taking this.” Klein stood, straightening his chair.
“Honey?”
“I got this, Sonny.” Klein focused on Boyd. “You’ve never wanted me with your daughter and I accept that, Boyd. But never say I don’t care about Sonjay or anyone in this family. What’s happened to Presley hurts me as much as it hurts you. I’m tired of you blaming me for things I can’t control.”
“You can control it.” Boyd squinted. “You got to get balls if you expect to make it in this family.”
Sonjay slumped over, groaning.
“I need some air.” Klein stomped out the kitchen.
“Thanks a lot, Daddy,” Sonjay said. “Why do you always treat him like that?”
He bared his teeth as he chewed meat. “The man’s a token.”
“Boyd.” Odelia scowled at him. “Put yourself in Klein’s shoes. This isn’t easy for him either.”
“Hell, tell him to put himself in Presley’s shoes. She’s the victim or have we forgotten?”
“I’m sorry you had to witness my dad acting a fool, Anderson,” Channing said.
“I understand where Mr. Mills is coming from.” He straightened the napkin in his lap. “I interviewed my first subject for the story today.”
Odelia beamed. “Who?”
“Dex Reinhardt.”
Sonjay quaked with anxiousness but then her nipples got hard.
“That fool,” Boyd said. “Dexter has been in our home many times eating our food and he’s gonna represent Nate Lancaster? Does loyalty mean anything to anyone in this town?”
Anderson smiled, sipping juice. “It was a very telling session. He was honest, and I’m glad I spoke to him. I want to get varying opinions so the story can be fair.”
“Sorry but hearing about Dex after what he’s done is spoiling my appetite.” Sonjay stood. “I’ll get dessert.”
Channing stood. “I’ll go with you.”
They made it to the kitchen and Sonjay slumped over the island, exhaling.
“You okay?” Channing got the chocolate cake off the counter and removed the top from the container. “Momma hasn’t even frosted it yet.”
Sonjay got the chocolate frosting from the cabinet. “Pass me a knife.”
Channing handed her a case knife. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”
“I’m fine.” She spread frosting around the layer cake. “Glad you took a break from the hospital.”
“I’m heading back after I leave here.” Channing dipped her finger in the frosting and licked it. “I need to be there in case she wakes up.”
“What good will you be to Presley if you drop dead from exhaustion? You’re doing too much.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You don’t have kids.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t empathize or give advice.”
“I don’t need your advice with Presley.” Channing stole the knife and licked frosting off the tip. “When I want advice on how to cheat on my fiancé with his best friend, I’ll come to you.”
“Wow.” Sonjay’s bottom lip dropped.
“I’m sorry.” Channing grabbed her sister’s arm. “I didn’t mean that.”
�
��Bull.”
“Okay, I meant it, but I shouldn’t have said it. I’m sorry.” She hugged her. “I appreciate your concern about Presley and me, but I got it under control. Are you still sleeping with Dex?”
“Yeah.” Sonjay sighed as she sat at the table. “I tried to break it off yet again but couldn’t.”
Channing sat across from her.
“I had to see a parent about a student and all I could think about was Dex. Then, I ended up at his place. It’s like I have no self-control with him.”
“Sonny, this is a mess.”
“You’re telling me?”
“What are you gonna do?”
“I don’t know. What would you do? Oh, wait. Miss Perfect wouldn’t even be in this predicament would you?”
“You knew you wanted Dex before Klein proposed.” Channing grimaced. “You should’ve been honest with him from the beginning now you got me in this position. I love Klein and you have me hiding
this for you and betraying him. How long do you think this can go on?”
“Until I can tell Klein the truth without hurting him.”
“It’s too late for that.”
“What’s taking the cake so long?” Boyd yelled. “I thought you were just getting it not baking it!”
“Be right there, Daddy,” Channing answered. “Besides being gorgeous and successful, what is the hold Dex has over you?”
“You know that unspeakable connection everyone wants with someone?” Sonjay clasped her hands. “We have that. He understands my emotions and my reactions.” She closed her eyes. “He likes me for who I am. I don’t have to pretend or impress with him. Klein expects me to be his trophy and be perfect all the time but not Dex. He sees me, Channing. Warts and all. Not the woman I show everyone else, but the woman I am.”
“My god.” Channing sat back, touching her mouth. “You’re in love with him. That’s why you can’t break it off. You love him, Sonny.”
“Yes. I do.”
“Then why are you marrying Klein?”
Sonjay got the cake and left the kitchen without answering.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“What do you want me to say?” Nate Lancaster stood at the front counter of the police station as the female officer prepared papers for Dex two days later. “I didn’t do nothing wrong.”