Breaking All My Rules (17 page)

Chapter 21

E
rica nodded in the direction of her fellow jurors as they said their good-byes, leaving the room one by one. It was twelve noon, and thanks to Ms. Slater's collapse, they were free to go. Erica wanted to leave as well, but there were two pressing matters holding her in place. One was Ms. Maude, who was giving her an earful about juror protocol, and the other was Jerome, who was causing her brow to wrinkle with questions about the exchange he'd just had with Sasha. Erica knew the two had traded unpleasant words, because the woman had walked away looking pissed to high heaven.

“I guess I'll stop bending your ear so you can get out of here and enjoy the rest of this beautiful fall day,” Ms. Maude said. “You're such a sweet girl, Erica. Thanks for listening to an old lady babble on and on.”

Erica felt bad because she hadn't really given Ms. Maude her full attention. She'd been too busy trying to see what was happening between Jerome and Sasha, and even now she was wondering what was on Jerome's mind as he casually sat in a chair a few feet away, waiting for her to finish her conversation.

“Ms. Maude, you don't have to thank me for anything. I know how important this trial is to you.”

Maude looked in Jerome's direction and smiled. “I see something that's important to you, too, so I'm going to go home now and leave you to it.” The old lady gave Erica a mischievous wink, then wrapped her body in her lightweight coat and grabbed her handbag. “You two have a nice weekend.”

After the door closed behind Ms. Maude, Erica and Jerome were all alone. She walked over to where he was sitting and pulled out the seat beside him. She was about to question him, but the bailiff came in to clear the room. She knew it was probably best that they discuss things outside the courthouse. She had a feeling it was going to be a long story.

“You want to go to lunch now?” Jerome asked as he and Erica walked down the hall leading to the escalator.

“Sure, and now that we don't have to rush back, let's go someplace where we can sit down and relax.”

Jerome smiled, making Erica nearly forget she had concerns. “Sounds good to me.”

As they headed out the courthouse doors, Erica hoped that he wouldn't tell her something she didn't want to hear.

 

 

Erica and Jerome perused their menus at Clyde's. It was a popular, well-established restaurant adjacent to the high-end Shops at Georgetown Park, which was prime real estate located right around the corner from Opulence.

As Erica surveyed the rustic hardwood floors and the vintage paintings populating the walls, she realized how good it felt to be out with Jerome in a place other than the jury room, the jury box, or a sandwich shop. She wasn't sure if it was their change of environment or the fact that she wanted him so badly, but he looked even finer and sexier under the restaurant's low lighting. She also knew that despite her growing desires, she needed to get to the bottom of what was up between him and Sasha. She'd been through deception and lies with Claude, and she wasn't about to go down that kind of painful road again.

Once they made their selections—spring ravioli for her, and fish and chips for him—they handed their menus to their server and sipped on their glasses of water. Erica was once again about to question Jerome, but she was halted when he spoke up without prompting.

“Sasha's from the old neighborhood,” he said. “Remember that crazy chick who stalked me? Well, Sasha is her cousin.”

He went on to tell Erica about Tawanna Jones, the lunatic of a woman who'd stalked him for six months before shooting him in a near-fatal attack. He explained, with what looked like a fair amount of discomfort, that he'd dated the woman for two months. She'd lost it when he broke up with her shortly before she discovered that he'd slept with one of her girlfriends. Even though he knew what he'd done was beyond the pale, she forgave him for having cheated on her and she tried desperately to reconcile their relationship. But when he resisted, choosing to date her girlfriend instead, Tawanna became obsessed with him—and more important, obsessed about getting revenge.

She began to show up at his apartment unannounced, banging on his door all hours of the night. She left notes on his windshield that wavered between passive pleas of love and menacing threats of violence. And she started following his every move by tailing close behind him in her car, riding up on his bumper, and smiling at him when he saw her in his rearview mirror.

But the tipping point was when she casually walked into Jamel's day-care center one sunny afternoon and tried to take the one-year-old home. After Jerome found out, he was livid, and so was Kelisha. “You better put a stop to that crazy bitch, or I will!” a furious Kelisha had said. When Jerome went to confront the lunatic, she had a bullet waiting with his name on it, ready and primed to greet him.

“Erica, I'm not proud of my behavior back then,” Jerome confessed. “I was reckless and foolish. But I want you to know that the man sitting in front of you today is very different from the knucklehead I used to be.”

At that moment, Erica realized that she really had no claim to Jerome. He was explaining himself as if it was his duty, yet he wasn't her boyfriend or her lover, and she didn't know if they could even be classified as seeing each other. It was true that they talked every night on the phone and ate lunch together every day, but that had only been for the length of the five days she'd known him. But again, he'd just explained himself, which was what people in relationships did, and it made her wonder if they were in one and she just didn't know it.

“Thank you for being so forthcoming. I really appreciate your openness and honesty.”

“I had to be. I didn't want you thinking there was anything going on between Sasha and me.”

Erica nodded. “I figured you two had some kind of relationship, based on the way she looked at you all week and how familiar she seemed with you this afternoon.”

“That's my fault, too.”

“What do you mean?”

“It's all because of my past. She thought she could push up on me because, hey, in her mind I'm still the same dude who slept with my girlfriend's girlfriend. That's some scandalous shit. Pardon my French,” Jerome said as he shook his head. “She was probably thinking that I'm still down for whatever. Sometimes it's hard to shake a reputation.”

Erica wasn't sure what to say. On one hand, Jerome's honesty and frankness were refreshing, and it made her trust him. But on the other, it seemed that the more she discovered about him, the more drama she uncovered, and it made her question what kinds of things from his past would continue to crop up in his present. However, she knew that everyone deserved a second chance, and sometimes three or four. Life wasn't rosy—this she'd known since she was ten years old. So she decided to clear her mind of doubts and focus on possibilities.

As they ate their food, they talked about their pasts, their families, their experiences in failed relationships, and the lessons they'd learned from them. The natural comfort and red-hot chemistry they shared led them to flirt and tease. The suggestive innuendos they tossed back and forth made both of them curious and more than a little aroused. They did all this with ease, but the one subject they hadn't ventured to discuss was the future and, more specifically, a future together.

Erica knew it was soon, but she'd felt closer to Jerome in the five days she'd known him than she had to any man she'd ever dated for any length of time. He was honest with her, and he'd endeared himself to her heart by the little things he did: bringing her coffee in the morning, pulling out her chair so she could sit, opening the door for her, and gently pulling her to the other side of him when they walked down the street to protect her from harm's way. He asked her questions about her life because he was genuinely interested in getting to know her and how she felt. He cheered her business success and told her that he was proud of her. And he looked into her eyes when he spoke so she would know his words were sincere.

For all those reasons, Erica wanted to know where she and Jerome were headed. She hated always being the one in her relationships who brought up the dreaded “Where is this going?” topic. But she wanted to know. She was tired of playing the role of a casual bystander in her relationships, and now that she'd made a promise to herself to go after her own happiness, she couldn't sit back and leave things blowing in the wind, waiting to see where love would eventually land. If there was one thing that being an entrepreneur had taught her, it was that if she wanted something, she had to go for it and not worry about how things looked or what anyone thought of her decision.

Erica pierced a plump piece of ravioli with her fork and dredged it through the rich palomino sauce as she spoke. “You've said you're really feelin' me, right?”

“Yes, I am.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

Jerome chewed slowly, looking as though he was trying to translate her words into another language.

“I know it means you like me,” Erica continued, “and, for lack of a better phrase, that you're into me.”

He smiled. “Yes, it does.”

“But beyond that, what does it mean in terms of a relationship?”

“It means I definitely want a relationship with you, and who knows where that will lead us?”

Erica decided she didn't have anything to lose, so she laid all her cards down on the table. “I already know what I want. Do you?”

Jerome nodded. “As a matter of fact, I do. But ladies first.”

“Okay. I want a relationship that's going to lead to marriage. I'm thirty-five years old, I've never been married, never had any kids, and my clock is ticking ten beats per second. I'm busy with my career, but I want someone to share it with. I don't have time for games, playing it safe, or holding back my true desires. I want something meaningful and real. Something that I can rely on and believe in. I want a happily ever after.”

Erica had never been that brutally honest with a man, for fear she'd scare him away too quickly. But she knew there was no time to be afraid. She had to jump through windows, leap from buildings, and walk fearlessly to claim what she wanted. She knew if she could do it with Opulence and be successful, she needed to start exercising that same strength in her personal life. She was giving Jerome a choice. He could either stand in the comfort of “feelin' her” or he could walk out to the edge of the cliff and take a leap toward something more solid. Her eyes challenged him to answer.

Jerome moved his clean plate to the side and smiled. He leaned forward, put his hand on top of hers, and looked her in the eyes. “If you can trust in me, I can give you all those things and more, because I want them, too. And I want them with you.”

And just like that, Erica no longer had to wonder. She and Jerome were officially dating, seeing each other, and most of all, they were in a relationship that just might lead her to a happily ever after.

Chapter 22

T
hree hours had scurried by before they realized it. Jerome liked how easy it was to talk with Erica. She was funny, insightful, sweet, and smart. He also liked that she was a good listener and gave him time to express his thoughts, which didn't always come easy. Most of the women he'd dated in the past were loud and barely let him get two words in, so her easy way made him appreciate her even more.

He was glad that he'd matured to this point, and that he was ready for a woman like Erica. There was a time when he would have never disclosed to a woman whom he was dating all the trifling things he'd done in previous relationships. He'd lied his way from woman to woman for so long that it had become a habit. But now, being up front and honest was his style of choice, and he felt good wearing the new look. He was proud that he could hold his head up high and not have to worry about hiding the truth or dodging bullets.

“Can you believe it's four o'clock?” Erica asked.

“Get out of here. It can't be four already.” He gently reached for her wrist and looked at her watch. “Wow, it sure is. I'm having such a good time with you, it doesn't even matter.”

Erica looked down at his hand, gently resting on her wrist. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure. Go for it.”

“Why don't you wear a watch?”

Jerome had to think about her question. No one had ever asked him that, and he'd never thought about it.

Time had never been important to him. During his days in the streets life happened whenever and however he wanted it to. When he needed to make a run, drop off a load of product or pick up some, he'd call his contact, set a time to meet, and they'd do business. After he gave up the hustle and started working for the city, he used his alarm clock to wake him every morning. And when he had a repair job on the side, he'd arrive straight after work or, if it was a weekend, whenever he got there. On more than one occasion his clients had been upset by his tardiness, but because he produced excellent results, their attitudes faded under the light of his craftsmanship.

Jerome looked at Erica's wrist again. He could tell that the watch she was wearing probably cost as much as his truck. “I've never had much of a need for one.”

“Maybe not before, but you do now.”

“Occasionally. But to be honest, I feel like life's too short to always be worried about the time.”

Erica shook her head. “Worrying about the time and having a healthy respect for it are two different things. You work every day, and you have a growing business. Life as an entrepreneur is about managing what's on your plate so you can stay on top of your game.”

Jerome nodded. “I have to admit that lately I've been pressed with so much going on. But if I want to know the time, I usually look at my phone. And if I want to communicate with clients, we do it the old-fashioned way by actually talking to each other.”

Erica looked down at his phone and sighed.

“What?”

She smiled, tilted her head, and said, “Brother, you need a smartphone.”

Jerome looked at his small black flip phone and shrugged. “I know my phone is outdated, but it suits my needs. As long as I can make and receive calls and look at the time, I'm good to go.”

“I'm going to show you something,” Erica said as she reached for her phone.

Jerome listened as she gave him a quick tutorial. She showed him how to set a calendar alert for upcoming appointments, how to program names with speed dial and ringtones so that identifying callers was easier, as well as a host of other things she thought might be helpful to him, all in just five short minutes.

“You're good for me,” Jerome told her. He finally knew what it was like to be with someone who complimented him both personally and professionally, and the feeling gave him a high that no drug he'd ever taken could come close to touching.

“What about your computer?” she asked. “Have you downloaded business software that can help you with your business, like accounting programs and bill pay?”

“Uh, no. I don't have one.”

Erica's expression was one of complete disbelief. “I can see we need to get you upgraded, and quick!”

“Hey, I'm a man who's willing to learn.”

They continued to talk, flirt, laugh, and flirt some more. When the happy hour crowd started to file in, Jerome knew it was time to leave.

“You want to see my boutique?” Erica asked.

“Sure. How far is it from here?”

“Two blocks around the corner.”

“Let's roll.”

After threatening to pick Erica up and carry her out of the restaurant unless she let him pay the bill, Jerome reached into his wallet and did the honors.

Erica thanked him. “I appreciate that, Jerome. But you don't always have to pay. Let me treat you some time.”

“This is what a man's supposed to do when he's pursuing and dating a woman. There will be times when you'll do your part and I'll do mine. But for now, I got you. I want to take care of you. Besides, you are my treat.”

Jerome felt good being able to buy Erica lunch every day this week, even if the places they'd eaten hadn't been the kind of fancy restaurants he knew she was used to. He knew she had had a wealthy upbringing, and he could tell by the tailored clothes she wore, the expensive jewelry with which she adorned herself, and the luxury car she drove that she was used to having fine things and living a privileged life. It was a fact that she could afford to buy herself whatever she wanted, and that she didn't need him for material possessions. So his goal wasn't to win her over with gifts or decadent meals at fancy places. Instead, he planned to work hard to give her whatever her heart desired, which was something that didn't have a price tag.

As they left Clyde's and walked down the street, side by side, Jerome reached over, slid his hand into Erica's, and smiled. When he saw her blush and smile back at him, it was the second best highlight of his day, next to strolling hand in hand through the bustling Friday afternoon crowd with his new girlfriend.

 

 

When Erica walked into Opulence, she was glad to see customers buzzing about, browsing, and making purchases. The beginning of spring and fall were always great for business, because people were switching to new fragrances and products to fit the coming season. And now that she had a new body butter to present, Erica was even more excited. She was also proud to show Jerome the company she'd built from the ground up—her very own exclusive boutique that had started in the basement of her row house.

Cindy was heading to the back of the store when Erica spotted her. “Cindy, do you have a minute?” she called out in a voice so cheery she was sure it made Cindy nauseous. She knew that cheeriness aggravated Cindy to no end, and glee often made her downright annoyed. But Erica was over-the-top happy, and she wanted to spread the good feeling around.

Cindy walked toward her, carrying a small box. “Here's what you've been waiting for, the new jars of Paradise.” She thrust the open package toward Erica and even managed to wrestle up a half smile.

“I'll take a look in just a minute,” Erica quickly said.

Cindy's small eyes squinted with surprise. “You've been dying to see these all week. What's more important than your prized swag bag products?”

Erica beamed like the sun. “I want you to meet Jerome Kimbrough.”

She'd told Cindy about Jerome two days ago, when she'd come in after court to interview an applicant. Cindy had been skeptical, as was her nature, asking question after question, just as Ashley had done. It was her protective, mama-bear nature, and she reminded Erica of her own mother in that regard.

Cindy looked Jerome up and down, inspecting him through what Erica knew was a very jaded lens. Because Cindy's life had been filled with so many duplicitous charlatans, she was cautious of nearly everyone she met. That was why Erica was shocked when she saw her store manager extend her tiny hand to Jerome, form her lips into an uncharacteristic smile, and greet him as though he was a friend who'd just stopped by for a visit.

“I've heard very nice things about you, Jerome,” Cindy said. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise, and the pleasure is all mine.”

Erica looked on in astonishment as the two continued to exchange pleasantries. She watched as Jerome literally charmed the box out of Cindy's hands, relieving her small arms of the heavy weight. He reached inside, pulled out ajar, and looked at it before handing it over to Erica.

“Wow, this is really nice,” he said.

Erica carefully examined her long-awaited product, turning the jar this way and that so she could inspect it from every angle. She was so happy, she could have jumped up and down. The jar, which was heavy plastic that had been fashioned to mimic the look of lead crystal, was embossed with a deep purple, vibrant pink, pale lavender, and cream design that was outlined with small crystal-like gemstones, giving it a sophisticated bling. The combination of soft and bold colors mixed with the dazzling accents transformed the container from an ordinary jar into a work of art.

“It's beautiful!” Erica said in awe.

“I have to hand it to you, kiddo. It's absolutely gorgeous,” Cindy agreed. “People are going to want to buy Paradise just for the jar alone. And wait until they actually put it on their skin! It's the best product you've created to date.”

“Awww, thanks, Cindy. I hope you're right.”

“I always am.”

“After all the headaches I went through, this was well worth the long days and sleepless nights. What a way to end the week.”

Cindy nodded. “And even better, the trial is over. Didn't you say things would wrap up today?”

“No such luck.” Erica briefly explained what happened in court earlier that afternoon.

Cindy folded her arms and shook her head. “That woman is lying to get sympathy and to prolong the trial. She's hoping that over the weekend you'll have time to think about how hard it will be to send a sick woman to prison.”

Erica hadn't told Cindy one single detail of the case, yet she instantly reached a negative conclusion.
Typical Cindy,
Erica thought.

“I agree with you, Cindy,” Jerome said.

Erica's head swiveled around, and she looked at Jerome, not surprised by his comment, either.

“Let me guess.” Cindy smirked. “Our sweet Pollyanna here thinks the woman is innocent and probably wants to send her some get-well flowers.”

Erica shrugged. “Honestly, I really don't know what to think. But like one of the other jurors said this afternoon, we have no proof of the woman's medical condition, so on that charge she's innocent until proven guilty.”

Cindy scoffed. “Sometimes people have to prove their innocence, not their guilt.”

“Ignore her,” Erica said, looking at Jerome. “She's really a ray of sunshine once you get to know her.”

Jerome smiled and stayed neutral.

“Okay, think what you will,” Cindy said. “I'm going to the back so I can inventory the rest of the shipment that just came in.” She took the box out of Jerome's hands. “I can tell you're gonna be good for her.” She smiled and gave a wink before walking away.

“She's right,” Jerome said. “But she left out an important part.”

“What's that?”

He moved in close so that they stood side by side, their bodies nearly touching. “I'm also gonna be good
to
you.”