Looking For Trouble (16 page)

Chapter 20

E
lizabeth was both elated and nervous about being in the company of John Small. His smooth, dark chocolate skin, straight white teeth, and muscular body made her weak in the knees. The smell of his expensive cologne tickled her nose and stirred her senses, causing her to take small breaths in order to maintain her composure. Her delicate hands were shaking slightly, trying not to drop the ice-cold Coca-Cola bottle in her grip. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't quiet her excited jitters. She was walking next to the man whom she'd secretly loved for as long as she could remember, and that truth alone made her tremble.

Just as she'd always been taken by John, she knew there were a slew of others who were probably head over heels for him, too. Even as a young girl, Elizabeth had known that John was a magnet for women. She had grown up hearing “ooh” and “aah” whenever her brother's best friend's name was mentioned, followed by “Girl, that John Small is a real catch!” or “He's so handsome, it don't make no sense!” or “Rich and fine!”

The last time she had seen John, face-to-face, she was twelve years old. He had just graduated from college and his parents had thrown a big party in his honor at the local Masonic Lodge temple. Nearly every black person in Nedine had come to the graduation celebration, and even some of the prominent white folks in town had made an appearance.

Her parents had brought her to John's party with them because they didn't want to leave her home alone on a Saturday night. They had stayed less than fifteen minutes, just long enough to place their gift on the table, eat a slice of cake, and drink a glass of punch before leaving. But Elizabeth remembered every detail of the grand affair as if she'd remained there throughout the entire evening. And what had stuck with her most of all was her brief interaction with John.

His smile had been warm and sincere. When he looked at her, his eyes were penetrating, yet gentle. She had been overjoyed when he called her by name and gave her a hug of appreciation for coming. “Thanks, lil Lizzy,” he'd said.

But until tonight, that had been the last time she'd had contact with him. There had been several occasions where Elizabeth had seen John over the years, but he'd been completely unaware of her presence. Whenever he was in town for a weekend visit, he would come by her parents' house and pick up Maxx for a boys' night out on the town. Those moments served as her opportunity to see him. She would eagerly rush to the window, like the giddy teenager she was, admiring him as he leaned against the side of his car and waited for her brother in the driveway.

But once Maxx moved across town into a house of his own, Elizabeth's John Small sightings dwindled to once a year, if she was lucky. She found herself looking forward to the holidays, not because of the season's festivities, but because she knew he would be in town. If the stars aligned just right in her favor, she'd be able to spot a glimpse of him at one of the downtown stores when she was out shopping with her mother.

But she knew she wasn't on John's radar because she was too young, a full ten years his junior. Even so, she never gave up hope that one day he would notice her—as a woman.

Now he was thirty-two and she was twenty-two. There was no getting around the fact that he would always be a decade older; but according to the romance novels that filled her bookshelves, love had a way of conquering all things, including age.

 

As Elizabeth breathed in the humid night air, strolling beside the man who had always given her butterflies at the thought of him, she felt goose bumps creep up on her smooth arms.

“So tell me about yourself, Lizzy?” John asked.

Elizabeth cleared her throat and gave him a smile. She wanted him to know right away that she was no longer the little girl he remembered, so she gently said, “Well, for starters, I go by ‘Elizabeth' now.”

“Oh, forgive me,
Miss Elizabeth,
” John said with a chuckle.

His playful teasing made her giggle. “That's okay. I guess folks will always see me as Maxx's little sister, Lizzy.”

John slowed a bit and looked into her eyes. “Elizabeth, for what it's worth, you certainly don't look like the little girl I remember.”

Elizabeth blushed.

“And I mean that with sincere respect.”

“Thank you, John.”

They walked a little farther into the parking lot, winding their way through row after row of parked cars. When they came to the edge of the street, they stood still, looking around for what to do next.

“I guess there's really no place to sit and talk out here,” John said, wiping away a trace of sweat, which had formed on his brow from the punishing night's heat. “Do you want to go back inside?”

Elizabeth looked up at the sky. “Not really. I know it's hot out here, but it's such a beautiful night. Look at all the brilliant stars in the sky. It's magical.”

John looked up. “You ever wished on a star?”

“Plenty of times.” She closed her eyes, smiled, and then opened them again. “I just made a wish.”

“What was it?”

Elizabeth cut him a glance and smiled, but she didn't answer.

“C'mon, you can tell me,” John probed. “It'll be our little secret.”

“If I tell you my wish, it might not come true.”

“You superstitious?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Normally, I'm not. But in this case, I don't want to jinx things. Who knows? Finally all my wishing might come true.”

“In that case, I hope it does.”

They chatted more as they walked up and down the small stretch of gravel at the very edge of the parking lot. They both wanted to continue their conversation, but neither of them wanted to do it standing in front of a nightclub surrounded by cars.

“I'm parked around back,” John said. “We can go there and talk, if you like?”

Elizabeth was a little hesitant. As much as she wanted to be in John's company, she knew that women who sat in parked vehicles with men late at night usually did so with a specific mission in mind—like the ones steaming up the car windows that she and John had just walked by. Even though she considered herself a modern, sophisticated young woman, she was still a down-home, old-fashioned Southern girl at heart.

Elizabeth knew that John had had his share of beautiful, worldly women, and she suddenly felt insecure. She quietly wondered how she—a small-town girl—could possibly measure up. She wanted to show him that she was mature and adventurous, the kind of girl who didn't mind steaming up a few windows of her own. But the truth was that she had very little experience with men, or in the ways of the world.

She knew that John was in an entirely different league. Even though she'd gone away to college and had experienced a tiny slice of life, the world in which she lived was a universe away from John's existence. He was a handsome, well-to-do investment banker. Everyone in town knew that he was about to open the city's first black-owned bank. He was in demand, and tonight's display had made that quite evident.

She was deliberating on what to do about John's offer to sit inside his car, when he suddenly spoke up. “We can sit on the hood of my car and look up at the stars. Like you said, the night sky is magical.”

Elizabeth gave him a wide smile filled with relief. “I'd like that, John.”

Chapter 21

J
ohn quietly chuckled to himself as he and Elizabeth walked around to the back parking lot. He had seen the hesitation on her face when he'd asked if she wanted to sit in his car. He knew that many other women would have gladly jumped at the invitation, and some would have even initiated it, but not Elizabeth. She was a “good girl,” as he and Maxx would say. He could tell that she was the type of woman who guarded her reputation with care because it meant something to her, and he respected that.

As he and Elizabeth strolled together in the heated darkness, he was glad that Mr. Hanks had allowed him to park in the restricted area around back. The small lot was reserved for the owner and two other employees, making it private from the bustle going on in front of the club and on both sides of the building.

When they reached his car, John extended his hand and helped Elizabeth onto the center of the hood.

“Thank you.” She smiled, inspecting the gleaming, freshly waxed auto. “You've always had very nice cars.”

John sat beside her at a respectable distance and smiled back. “I can't take credit for this one, it's a rental.”

“Well, it's still very nice.”

“Thanks, and by the way, what do you know about my cars?”

“You used to pick up my brother in front of our house, remember?”

“That was back in the day. You were—”

“Old enough to remember,” she interjected, causing them to break into easy laughter.

John turned toward her, taking in her beauty once again, this time under the shining stars and the glow of the moon. His eyes zeroed in on her petite, yet shapely frame. Her legs were surprisingly long for her size, and her miniskirt highlighted their shapeliness. He wanted to unbutton the front of her fitted, short-sleeved blouse and explore her breasts underneath, then travel up to her inviting lips for a long, passionate kiss. He knew his thoughts were out of the question; so, instead, he breathed deeply, inhaling the whisper sweet fragrance of her rose-scented perfume.

“Tell me about yourself, Elizabeth.”

She tilted her head, then looked down at the brown-colored heels that adorned her dainty feet. “What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”

“That's a mighty tall order.”

“I've got time.”

“You sure?”

John gave her a smooth smile. “Of course, I'm sure. Right here is the only place I need and want to be.”

Elizabeth looked up at the sky, then back at John. “I thought you might have to leave soon, seeing that Slim left a while ago to take your lady friend back to the hotel so you could help my brother stay out of trouble,” she said in her sweet, soft-spoken voice. “Please feel free to correct me, if I'm wrong.”

John rubbed his chin, and this time he chuckled out loud.
She's a quiet storm,
he thought. He knew he had been right when he'd sized her up earlier, recognizing the understated strength she possessed, just like his mother.

Elizabeth had just shown him that she was soft enough to be sweet and tough enough to be bold. He was instantly turned on, but he controlled the feeling. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He hadn't even thought about Madeline again until Elizabeth mentioned her. “So you saw her?” he asked.

“Yes, I did. I saw you two together, then I saw her leave with Slim.”

John straightened his back, wanting to get his point across. “Elizabeth, it's not what it seems.”

“You're an eligible bachelor, John.”

“My relationship with her isn't what you think.”

“Then tell me what it is.”

John laughed. “You're really something, you know that?”

“I don't mean to sound abrupt. I'm just curious.”

“Curiosity is a good thing. And you're right. Slim took her back to the Holiday Inn, where she and I are staying. But I'm rethinking my relationship with her,” he said, pulling no punches. “Once we get back to New York things between us will most likely come to an end.”

“Really?”

“Our relationship has run its course, and, unfortunately, it took coming here to Nedine for me to realize it. It's funny how a change of environment can make you see things in a completely new light.”

“Sounds like you've had a few revelations.”

“You could say that.”

They both took in a silent pause, digesting what John had just said before he continued. “When I get back to the hotel, I'm checking into a new room for the night.”

Elizabeth nodded her head slowly. “She didn't look like she was too happy when she left with Slim. I'm sure a breakup won't make her feel any better.”

“Elizabeth, I know it seems callous. But, like I said, everything isn't as it appears. The revelations you mentioned, well, you don't know the half of it. I realized that she isn't the person I thought she was. As far as a relationship goes, she's not what I want.”

“What do you want, John?”

He folded his arms and thought for a moment. “You know, it's funny. We started this conversation with me asking you about yourself, but somehow we've been talking about me this whole time. How did that happen?”

Elizabeth smiled. “I'm sure your life is much more interesting than mine.”

“I'll be the judge of that.” John winked. “Tell me about yourself. And this time, I'll ask the questions.”

They shared another easy laugh. In that moment, John realized that he had laughed and smiled more in the last hour spent with Elizabeth than he had in the last few months.

“Well,” Elizabeth began, “I just graduated from Spelman three months ago with my degree in education. I'm staying with my folks for the next two weeks, and then I'm moving to Raleigh, North Carolina. I've been offered a teaching position there this fall.”

“Congratulations,” John said, clapping his hands in a celebratory applause. “My sister and her husband live in Raleigh.”

“I didn't know that. It's a small world.”

“Hey, I think I received a graduation invitation from you.”

“Yes, I sent you one.”

“I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I should have followed up and—”

“That's okay.”

“That was a really busy time for me,” John said, hoping she knew he was sincere in what he'd just said. He wished he'd sent her a gift or even a simple card. “I'm sorry I missed such a momentous occasion.”

“Oh, that's all right. I didn't expect that you'd be able to stop your busy life and come to my graduation. But since you're my brother's best friend and practically family, well, I thought I would invite you, anyway.”

“I'm practically family, huh?” John asked.

“Well, um . . . yes. My brother considers you his brother.”

“So you see me as what? A big brother, like Maxx?”

Elizabeth shifted in place, pulling her long black hair behind her small ears.

“Is that how you see me?” John asked again.

“No, John. That's not how I see you at all.”

“Good, because I certainly don't see you as a sister. And again, I mean that with respect.”

“I'm glad.” Elizabeth smiled. “Everyone's always seen me as little Lizzy Sanders, Maxx's kid sister. That's who I used to be, but I'm a grown woman now, and I've got dreams and ambitions.”

John perked up. “What are they?”

“For one, I want to help shape the lives of young people through education. Children are our most valuable resource and it's important to get them off to the right start at an early age. That's why I'll be teaching second grade. I'm going to make a difference in children's lives, as well as my own.”

“Your own?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes. I want children.”

“How many?”

“As many as God will bless my husband and me, when I get one, to have.” She paused and looked at him. “How about you. Do you want children some day?”

John smiled. “As many as God will bless my wife and me to have.”

The next hour sped by as if on roller skates. John and Elizabeth talked with a comfort that was both familiar and excitingly new. He discovered that although they appeared to be very different on the surface, he had more in common with her than with any other woman he'd ever dated. He knew it was a good sign that they shared the same social values, outlook on life, work ethic, and love of family. And the clincher was that she was a budding jazz aficionado who loved to cook.
It doesn't get any better than this!
John thought.

“So tell me, Elizabeth, why isn't your man here with you tonight? Is he back in Georgia, at Morehouse?” John asked.

They both let out a nervous laugh behind his question, their first awkward moment since they'd ventured outside the club. John knew why he was uncomfortable, and it was because of the possible answer she might give. But he wondered why Elizabeth seemed to be as well.

“I don't have a man,” Elizabeth quietly answered.

“Come again?”

“I said, I don't have a man. A boyfriend, that is.”

“Here or back in Georgia?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Neither.”

John didn't want to believe she'd tell a lie. At the same time, though, he found what she'd said nearly impossible to believe. “Why not?”

There was a quiet pause in their conversation; then Elizabeth looked down at her watch. “It's getting late.” She hopped down from the hood of the car. “My mother sent a huge cake over from Cora's Bakery and I'm supposed to make sure that Maxx cuts it. I think I better head inside.”

John slid from his side of the hood and joined Elizabeth where she was standing, towering over her like a large oak tree. “Yes, I spoke with your mother last week when I was helping with the party plans. I told her that she and your father should come out and celebrate.”

“Oh, you know how my folks are. They wouldn't be caught dead in a nightclub.”

“Yeah, that's true. My parents are the same way.”

Elizabeth nodded and walked toward the steps leading to the back entrance of the club as John followed close behind. But when she reached the second landing, he gently touched her arm, stopping her. “You're good at avoiding questions, you know that?”

His touch made Elizabeth turn around and face him as he stood on the step below. They were now eye level, affording John the opportunity to get a better gauge on her expression. “You never answered my question about why you don't have a man.”

Elizabeth fumbled with her hands. “I guess I just haven't met the right one yet.”

“Maybe your luck is about to change,” John said, repeating the very thing his grandmother had said to him earlier that afternoon.

“It just might.”

Even though her actions were subtle, her tone and expression told him that she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. He'd never been as captivated by a woman as he was by Elizabeth, but he knew he had to proceed with caution. She was his best friend's sister, so he had to be mindful in his approach. Still, his overwhelming desire for her led him to do something bold and completely unexpected.

“Elizabeth,” John said, taking a small step forward, which planted him so close to her that their bodies touched. “This may sound absolutely crazy, and I actually can't believe I'm saying this, but, hell, it's how I feel. I think you're the woman I've been waiting for all my life.”

Elizabeth searched his eyes, as if not believing him.

“I know it sounds a little crazy, especially given the circumstances, but I know when something feels right. I'm thirty-two years old, I've experienced more than most men twice my age, and this is the first time I've felt this way; connected. Connected to you.” He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “We both want the same things out of life. We both value family and friends. And I believe we'll be good together.”

Never had John uttered those words to another woman. He wasn't a man prone to expressing his innermost feelings or falling so hard, so fast. If anyone had told him twenty-four hours ago that he would be on the verge of breaking up with his girlfriend and confessing such emotions for his best friend's sister, he would have thought they were fit for admission to an asylum. But, there he stood, completely enraptured by a woman whom he had known all his life, yet had just discovered tonight.

Elizabeth looked directly into John's eyes, as if searching for something, but she said nothing. So he decided to make an even bolder move. He gently reached out and wrapped her inside his strong arms. He could feel her delicate body tremble against his broad chest. Her sensual heat ignited his manhood, causing it to rise. When he saw her glance down, he knew she could feel his hardness pressing against his pants.

His mouth was mere inches from hers, close enough to smell her warm breath. He was glad she didn't move away or flinch whatsoever. “What do you think about what I just told you?” he softly whispered, his bottom lip lightly grazing hers.

Elizabeth slowly exhaled. “I don't think it sounds crazy at all,” she answered in a low, serious voice. “No crazier than the fact that I've wanted to be with you for as long as I can remember.”

John's eyes searched her face and saw her truth and sincerity, but he still ventured to ask, “You have?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, John. This might feel new for you, but I've felt this way for a very long time. I always hoped you'd want me the way I want you.”

“I do.”