Chocolate Honey (17 page)

did Lizzie look?” “Hmm I am not going to lie, she is pretty has always been pretty. You

should have seen her, sashaying, in my office as if she owned my place.” “Still say, you should have called me. I would have put her in her place, then and there.” “God, I had

my hands around her neck. I am wondering if I was capable of killing her. I mean really.” “I am happy, you didn’t she is not worth being hanged for. Plus Julian and the boys would be the ones that would suffer in the end.” “I am upset with myself. I made her got me

frustrated to the point of almost killing her.” “Don’t be hard on yourself. She threatened

your family. Where is she staying?” “At Daniel’s, that backstabber. Had to find some way to hurt me. Wonder why that man hates me so much?” “Hey, it’s just plain old jealousy. Even me sometimes, I wish Peter and I have what you and Julian have.” “It is not easy, love takes time and patience. There were some rough patches, but we stayed

together. Now this knock kneed idiot wants to destroy it!” Molly spoke in a reassuring

tone. “Don’t worry Christine, she is a ghost of his past. He is no longer interested in her!” “I know just that. It just at the time, I felt as if karma was knocking at my door. I was afraid to open it.” “Yes, so I hope she goes crawling back to Connecticut or

wherever.” “Speaking about crazy people. How is Peter’s mother?” “Don’t get me started, she threatened to cut him out of her will. He told her he doesn’t care, as he has his own wealth. That shut her up good and easy.” “What I don’t understand is why people, always try to destroy what they cannot accept. I know you are positively in love with Peter, you make him so happy and she still does not see that he loves you. I think she would rather see him, with a white woman, even if that woman makes him unhappy!” “Tell me about it. I will continue to love Peter as long as he will have me. And you and Julian are now and forever. Don’t let anyone or anything destroy your love.” “I won’t and you do the same for your love as well.” “I sure will, come lets join our men. You know we are both very lucky women. We ended up with sexy, thoughtful men, we should cherish them to the end of time.” “I know, we are sure lucky. And guess what they are both damn good between the sheets.” “Lizzie, I know, I know Julian is beyond good!” “So is Peter, so is Peter.” They hugged and ran out to the patio.

Chapter 17

“Lizzie, you came home yesterday and went straight to your room. Did you see Christine?” “Yes, I did and I don’t ever want to see her or go near her again!” “You sound scared of her, what happened?” Lizzie, relayed her meeting with Christine, even the choking. “God, Liz, you are lucky she didn’t choke the life out of you. You made a threat to what she holds most dear in this world, Julian!” “I didn’t mean it, it was a feeble attempt to scare her from him. Instead I almost lost my life.” “Come, for a hug, please stay away from Christine. I am not saying she is a killer, but you rub her the wrong way.” “I know. Daniel” she whispered, “I have made a decision. I am going to Paris, the fashion scene is alive and well there. I am sure I will get a job as a seamstress there. I need to get away from America, as long as I am here, I will keep fantasizing about him. You can’t dream about someone, you ain’t never gonna have.” “Paris that is extreme isn’t it?” “Daniel, I love you as an older brother, but I am made up my mind. I am going back to Connecticut on Monday and leave for Paris in two weeks. I will write you, don’t worry.” “What will you do for money, to get you situated?” “Ruth, has a trust fund for

me. She said anytime I want it, it’s mine. About four thousand dollars. No time like the present huh?” “I am gonna miss you sorely, but if Paris is where you will find peace, I wish you all the best.” Despite, her fears, Lizzie, visited Julian, for one last time. “Hi Jules. How are you?” Julian did not smile, but beckoned her into his office. “Lizzie, what are you doing here? I thought you’d have gone back to Connecticut by now.” “I will be going, home later today. Then in two weeks, I’ll be off to Paris for good.” Julian, whispered, “Paris? When did you decide to go?” “Last Friday, I need to leave America for a while, I need to get you out of my mind. I may even find a nice Parisian gentleman to marry!” “I am sorry, you are leaving because of me.” Lizzie, chuckled. “For eight years I have thought about you. I have had other suitors, but I kept dreaming about you. I need a new start.” “What will you do for money?” “Don’t worry, I am fine in that area. Thank you for asking.” Julian, got up from his chair and came and sat on the front of his desk. He folded his arms, and had a really sad look, in his bed-room brown eyes. “Come and give me a hug. I hope next time I see you, you will have a successful marriage, children and a wonderful life.” Lizzie, hugged Julian, close as if she was saying a final goodbye. “I am going to miss you the most. Even though I only been re-acquainted with you for a few days. Can you do me a favour before I go.” “Yes, what is it?” Lizzie, licked her lips and held on to his jacket, and looked deep into his eyes. “Please let me kiss you on your lips, please Jules.” He pulled her hands away, and went back to his chair. “Liz, you know I can’t do that. It was good, to see you again. I wish you the very best.” “Julian, please I need to taste your lips, for one last time.” Julian, looked up from his papers, and saw the pleading look in her eyes and relented. “Me allowing, this does not mean that I will leave Chris or have anything intention of courting you. Is that understood?” “Yes.” Julian, got up from his desk, and held her face. No body contact and kissed her softly on her lips for a few seconds. “Your lips are as sweet as I remembered. Christine is so fortunate.” “Bye, Lizzie, wish you all the joys of life. Have a safe trip.” “I will never forget you, Julian Livingston. You are by far one of the sexiest and kindest men on earth.” Julian, contemplated on telling Christine, about kissing Lizzie, then decided it would be best if he didn’t. Christine would be upset, no need to upset her over an innocent little goodbye kiss.

“Christine, you will be happy, to know Lizzie is out of our lives for good. She went back to Connecticut today, and will be leaving in two weeks to live in Paris!” “Oh, thank you for such a wonderful news. You mean it she is gone for good?” “Yes, she came by my office today to say good-bye.” “Well, goodbye and happy riddance to her. No telling what I would have done, had I seen her again. I hope we can close that chapter in our lives for good.” “I hope so too, Daniel will miss her most of all, he was really close with her. I feel Paris, will help her to move on.” “Well, for his sake, I hope she will keep in touch with him. I may not be fond of them, but I wish them all the best.”

The night of the dinner party was excellent, Blake took an immediate liking to Gregory but not before warning Gregory that he will have to answer to him if he ever decides to abandon Julian again. He assured both Julian and Blake that he would never in a million

years forsake Julian again.

The next two years came by in a flash. The “ChrisJules” design houses flourished and made both Christine and Julian, wealthier than ever possible. Both could not believe what success they attained, looking back they both never knew that they would have survived

so long and be so successful in their careers. Gregory was still in Julian’s life, seems he planned to be with his son for good this time. He took Julian and his family over the entire continent of Europe. There was no mention of Lizzie for the two years since she left for Paris.

Chapter 18

Christine was walking home from her dress shop when; she spotted someone, resembling

Paul. “It can’t be him”, she thought, “he could not have known, we are in New York.” Christine have not seen or spoken to her parents in the last ten years. She has kept in touch with Becky. She would give, travelers, she knew who were travelling to Texas to hand deliver her letters to Becky or as usual, she would have her Paris office mailed her letters. She always insisted that her father would like to see her. Becky, repeatedly asked

Christine, for her addresses so she could visit. Christine, always refused, as Julian even though free in New York, always feared that if he were ever to become a slave again, Becky would be the cause. One day, about six months ago, she gave Becky her address, as Becky had written, stating that she would be leaving to go to England soon, and she wanted to have a reunion before she left. She simply thought that the person she

saw just resembled Paul. He always swore he would never visit the North, as they are the enemies, of all law abiding, white folks. He was racist and callous in his opinions of Negroes. Christine hated him immensely because of his racist attitude, plus he was

unattractive and clumsy in the bedroom. She dismissed the citing as a mistake, as when she turned the person disappeared.

“Well, well, look who it is” Paul drawled, “if it isn’t Jim O’Connor’s slave boy.” “What are you doing here?” “Where is my fiancée? Christine!” Julian was shocked, beyond description, he trembled a little, before regaining composure. “What fiancée you are speaking of? Have you lost your mind? You still have designs on my wife? Christine is my wife, whom I love and cherish very much. I would like you to get your racist, ignorant carcass from my office now!” Despite Julian’s demands, McClelland was not about to leave, “Christine, is a whore, she lay with you that is disgraceful! She has no decency about her. She is a slut but I just wanna fuck her. I will have to disinfect her as she has lain with an animal and it gave her babies. I have been watching you and her for several days; I have seen the bastards your unholy union has produced. Tell me, do you know that Christine has fucked every farm hand for miles when she was in Texas.” “How dare you, speak about my wife this way. Christine has been faithful and true to our relationship and marriage since the day we fell in love. Did you not notice during your courtship of

her, that she was very distant and only pretended to enjoy your one so-called lovemaking” to her? She hated you and will never stop hating you. She finds you to be an offensive human being and only wanted to please that pig, Jim O’Connor that is why she even acknowledged you. You calling her a slut and a whore just prove how insignificant you are as a human being. I have nothing more to say to you as you are beneath me.” Julian ordered Paul out of his office, “Get out of here, I am no longer a slave, I am an educated legitimate lawyer and businessman. Christine is no longer your fiancée, she is my wife and the mother of my children.” Paul countered, “You stole, what was mine, and I intend to get Christine, your marriage is invalid as you are a Negro, plus those bastards are animals and not children.” “You seem to have forgotten where you are Mr. McClelland, this is New York and slavery has been abolished here, several years ago. I am no-one’s property, Christine loves me and only me, and she despises you, a fact that you are fully aware of.” Paul swaggered out of Julian’s office with one last parting shot, “Boy you have not seen the last of me, and you will pay with your life, for having the audacity

to sleep with a white woman and stealing a man’s daughter and fiancée.” Julian was shaken, but not scared, the love he has for Christine, has strengthen him over the years. He knows what they have been through and there is no obstacle that they cannot overcome. Julian immediately left the law firm and headed for home. He could hardly get into his carriage as he was extremely upset at Paul’s visit. His mind raced, how that son of a bitch did knew where he was. He arrived home and found Christine, sitting in the parlour, she was playing on their piano. Before he spoke, she knew something was terribly wrong, “Julian what is the matter? You look as you have seen the devil himself.” “You could say I did my darling. I saw Paul McClelland, in my office today. How the hell he knew, where I worked and where I lived?” Christine suddenly turned deathly pale, “Becky!” She yelled. “What do you mean, Becky?” Julian asked. “Oh darling, you are ever going to hate me, please sit. You remember, all the letters she sent asking for our address, and you asked me not to tell her. She wrote me a couple weeks ago and asked for my address. She told me that she was leaving America to England and needed to see me again.” Julian felt as if he was hit by a ton of bricks, Christine, how could you be so foolish? I told you once; she would be the reason, if I ever become a slave again. How could you betray me like this? I thought you loved me!” “My darling, no, I love you with all my soul and being! Yes, Yes, I was foolish by trusting Becky, but I never meant to harm you.” “We are in New York what harm can he bring you?” “Christine he threatened my life, he called our children animals, this man is without is without a soul.” “I am ever so sorry, Julian. How could she betray me like this?” Julian did not reply, and left the room. Leaving Christine, in shock about Becky’s betrayal.

As they prepared to go to bed, Julian went to each of his children's rooms; he stopped in Joshua his older. “Poppa, you look worried, are you ill? You looked so sick, today, I worry sometimes, as I don’t want you to ever be sick.” “My child, don’t worry about me, I will be fine, just promise me you will take care of your momma always.” The child frowned, “I will take care of you and momma don’t worry, I will also take care of Julian Jr., too. But why, you will always be here.” Julian, thought about Josh’s words and wondered if he will always be there. No telling what McClelland is plotting. Julian stopped by Julian Jr.’s room but the child was already asleep. He headed towards his

room and found Christine awaiting him, naked. “Sweetheart” Julian whispered, “Why are you undressed, I am so unhappy because of what you did. I have no intention of making love to you, now or anytime in the future! I do not wish to touch you or be close to you. I will be sleeping in the guest bedroom. I will see you in the morning.” Christine, was extremely saddened by Julian’s attitude, he could be a harsh bastard when he wants to be. “Sweetheart.” Christine said painfully, “How can you hate me? I would never intentionally tell anyone who wishes you harm, where we were. I gave everything up for