Sharing Space (The Complete Series) (36 page)

“Really? Because I heard you at Thanksgiving and it sure sounded like that to me.”

“You and Patrick both misunderstand. I don’t care that you’re black. I care that he loves you, would do anything for you. I saw that the moment he introduced you to us. I know my boy. I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. And that makes me happier than you can ever imagine. You’ll only know that feeling when you have children of your own. And because of that, I care that
other
people will care that you’re black. They’ll care that Patrick is white and that you’re together. I can’t see any more pain or hardship brought to my children. I can’t.”

“I would never hurt Patrick.”

“You wouldn’t have to. The world will hurt you both enough just for being together. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t say anything? They all think I’m so weak, that I don’t know. I know my children. I knew that Charlotte was in trouble, but I didn’t want to know. Do you understand the difference? As long as I could pretend, it was fine. Until it wasn’t. And now she is gone.” Tears ran freely down her face, but she didn’t bother to wipe them. “I have lost so much because I failed to do my job.”

My heart broke for her. I thought about how Crystal had reacted when Uncle Troy was in the hospital and how my mother still mourned my father, even now. I believed her when she said this wasn’t about race, but that didn’t mean I could do what she wanted me to.

“If you won’t break up with him, can you at least encourage him to come back home for awhile? We need him. My family has been fractured and I just want to put something back together.”

“You mean you want me to ask him to move out?”

“Just for a short time.”

“Mrs. Murphy, even if I wanted to, it doesn’t work like that. He’s on the lease. I can’t just ask him to move out. We could break up tomorrow and he still has a legal right and a financial obligation to live here.”

“If you tell him you think it’s a good idea for him to spend a few months with us, he’ll do it. Convince him it will be helping his family and he’ll listen to you. He’s a good boy.”

I just wanted this woman out of my apartment. “Fine. I’ll talk to him. But I can’t make any promises.”

She stood to leave and, when I rose, she actually hugged me. I returned it with one arm and followed her to the door.

“Do you want me to help you hail a taxi?”

“No, I’ll be fine. I made it here on my own. I’m a lot more capable than my family gives me credit for.”

That wasn’t hard to believe at all.

***

“I can’t believe he stood you up.” Myra pressed a drink into my hand.

I took a healthy sip and then put a fake smile on my face. We were in the main ballroom of the swank hotel hosting
Raven Cosmetics’
event. There were dozens of media outlets in attendance, as well as famous fashion bloggers. There was no way in hell I was going to be caught with a scowl on my face.

“Well, believe it,” I said, faux smile beaming.

I’d already done the obligatory round of schmoozing with the Raven execs, and they all praised me on the stellar performance of my online campaigns. Our latest Facebook contest collected video submissions from young women all over the country explaining what it meant to be their true selves. Three finalists were flown out to New York with a guest to attend the party and would be receiving a year’s supply of makeup. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone in our company that these girls were being celebrated for their “true selves,” and then given a shit-ton of makeup to cover them up.

I finished my drink and set the empty glass on a nearby bar. It was almost ten-thirty and there’d been no word from Patrick. I’d waited as long as I could before heading out. I refused to call him again or send another text.

I turned to Myra. “I’ve taken enough pictures, shaken enough hands, and my feet hurt. I’m going home.”

“Um. No you’re not.”

I looked to see what had her attention. Kelly Kennedy had just arrived wearing a hot pink strapless gown. She smiled brightly as the flash of a dozen cameras danced across her face. She smiled adoringly at the man on her arm, Patrick.

***

I stared in the bathroom mirror and counted to ten. That didn’t work, so I tried twenty. My hands shook as I turned on the faucet and I let the water run over them. Myra came stomping into the women’s room and went stall to stall, opening the doors and checking for occupants. Satisfied we were alone she walked over to the sink and our eyes met in the mirror.

“I know this is a big client for you and she’s the talent so you can’t do it, but do you want me to go out there and tell that bitch to have several seats?”

I let out a laugh that sounded like it was on the verge of hysteria. “I love you for offering, but no. I just need to get the hell out of here.”

“Why the fuck did he come here with her? He’s not a client. I can, and will, go out there and put my foot—”

“Girl, no. I don’t know why or how… I’m going home.”

I dried my hands and left the bathroom. I had to pass through the ballroom to get to lobby and front door. As soon as I entered the room my eyes landed on Patrick. It was like my body and mind automatically sought him out when I knew he was near. He was standing next to Kelly, scanning the room. She was chatting with one of the contest winners and managing to pose for photos at the same time. I wanted to throw my shoe over there.

Instead, I walked as quickly as my silver stilettos allowed towards the exit. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw Patrick notice me and do a double-take, but I didn’t slow down. I walked faster.

“Leaving already? It’s not even midnight,” the doorman remarked as he held open the door to a taxi at the curb.

“Afraid so. I’m about to turn into a pumpkin.”

He laughed. “Well, have a happy new year.”

As the car pulled off I saw Patrick running out of the hotel. I gave the driver my address and only then did I realize I’d left my damn coat at the coat check.

***

I’d only just made it inside the apartment, kicked off my shoes, and tossed my clutch bag on the sofa when Patrick came rushing in behind me.

“What the hell?” he asked.

He was in a black tuxedo and breathing heavily. Even when pissed off at him, he took my breath away.

“Yeah, I could ask you the same thing.” I removed my bracelet and sat it on the coffee table. Then I put my hands on my hips and waited for an answer.

“I’m sorry I was late. I was out last night with the guys and I had too much to drink—”

“And you couldn’t call?”

“I lost my phone last night. Probably at the football field.” He noticed the look of confusion on my face and continued. “It’s a long story. Anyway, I thought about going to the Apple Store and replacing it, but I would have been even later. I came straight here, changed into my tux, and headed for the hotel. I must have just missed you.”

“So, how the hell did you end up walking in with Kelly?” So far, his story was plausible, but I didn’t even care that he was late, but I sure as hell cared that he was with her.

“She got there at the same time. Some of the magazine photographers asked us to pose for pictures and then we just walked in together. That’s it. We just walked in.”

I sucked my teeth.

“You don’t believe me? Why would I lie?”

“Hmm. How about for the same reason you failed to tell me you used to fuck her?” Being so vulgar about it wasn’t like me, but I was pissed—and leave it to Myra to hand me the strongest drink she could think of. Liquid courage for the win.

Patrick bowed his head and at least had the decency to look scared. “She told you about that.”

“Yes. I’ve known for weeks. And she was all too happy to rub it in my face, all the great, casual sex you guys had. She was even happier to know that you never mentioned it.”

He took a step closer and I took one step back. “Chloe. I didn’t tell you because it didn’t matter. She didn’t matter. It was long before I met you.”

“You still should have told me. I work with her and she doesn’t like me. She made me feel stupid. You made me look stupid by not telling me.”

“Baby, I am sorry. Truly. Forgive me?”

He looked too damn sorry not to be forgiven. Just the way he looked at me melted the last bit of anger I’d been holding on to, but I wasn’t quite ready to kiss and make up.

“You stood me up. And it’s New Year’s Eve.”

“I know. But not on purpose. I was so hung over.” He took a step closer and this time I stood my ground.

“I wanted to be the one on your arm tonight.”

“And you’re the one I wanted,” he said, moving closer still. “Chloe, do you really think you have anything to worry about when it comes to Kelly?” He placed his hands on my waist and then ran them down my hips.

“She’s very pretty,” I said.

“And you are gorgeous.” He kissed me on the lips. “And sexy.” And then my neck. “And you’re the only woman I want.” Both of his hands cupped my ass and squeezed. I moaned, but he cut it off with another kiss.

As we kissed we moved backwards until I was pressed against the wall between the living room windows. Patrick pulled back and looked me up and down. “As good as you look in this dress, I’ve been wanting to take it off of you from the second I got home.”

He kneeled in front of me and lifted the skirt. He didn’t have to move it too far before my black panties were exposed. He peeled them away from my skin, moving them down my legs, following the path with this tongue. I stepped out of them and he tossed them aside. He kissed his way back up and I parted my legs to receive his tongue.

I ran my fingers through his hair, clutching his head as he found the rhythm that almost brought me to my knees. He stopped only to insert two fingers and I felt myself close around him as if my body knew that every part of him was a perfect fit for me. He worked his fingers and my body rocked in response. Just when I thought I was going to explode he removed them, licked them, and then kissed me.

“I love the way you taste, Chloe.”

Our lips met over and over, tongues probing. As we made our way to the couch, his jacket, bow tie, and shirt joined my panties wherever they had ended up. I fell back on the sofa and just took him in as he stood over me.

“You’re beautiful,” I said.

I reached up and helped him remove his pants and, when he pushed into me, I had to bite his shoulder to keep from crying out. I had missed him. Inside and out. I met his every thrust like my life depended on it.

“Chloe, I’m going to—“

“Me too.”

Our eyes met and he said, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

After, we lay in each other’s arms naked and content. There was still a lot to talk about, but in that moment I was content to rest my head on my man’s chest and listen to his heartbeat as the sound of fireworks ushered in a new year.

“I never want to get out of this bed.”

“Same, but we have to. You’re already late. Your mother has called twice. And I told Crystal I’d definitely be there today.”

“Woman, stop with all the logic and sense and let me look at you.”

Patrick rolled on top of me. The bed sheets tangled around our bodies were still warm and damp from our lovemaking. He brushed my hair away from my face with his hand and then tucked it behind my ear.

“How do you look so beautiful first thing in the morning?”

“One, it isn’t first thing in the morning. Two, I’m sure I look a hot ass mess.”

“You’ve got a hot ass, but look a mess? Never.” He reached down and cupped my right breast, slowly rubbing the nipple between his thumb and finger.

“Patrick, this is why you’re late. Stop it.”

“Your protest would be more convincing if you didn’t close your eyes and moan right after.”

He kissed me and pressed his body hard against mine. We were both going to be late.

***  

Two hours later I was three train stops away from my uncle’s restaurant and Patrick was headed to his parent’s house. I had nothing to do with that. Patrick decided all on his own to spend as much time as he could with his parents because his mother was still struggling. Understandably, having her children around seemed to help. Even though I felt for her and her concerns about how our relationship would be received, I wasn’t willing to break up with Patrick to ease them.

I tried not to think about that as I walked the few blocks from the train station to the restaurant. I hadn’t seen my family since Christmas, and it was now February. Crystal wouldn’t tell me what was so important over the phone, just that she and Uncle Troy wanted to speak with me in person. The restaurant was about half full when I entered.
Home Sweet Home
offered a weekend special brunch and, even though it was Saturday, they saw more business on Sundays when the after-church crowd hit. Crystal and Uncle Troy were seated at a booth near the kitchen. I made my way over and slid into the booth across from them.

We exchanged pleasantries, but I was dying to get down to business. My curiosity had me bouncing out the booth. Uncle Troy took a deep breath before speaking.

“I’m finally retiring,” he said. I thought I sensed a bit of uncertainty.

“He’s sure. This isn’t a joke and I didn’t put him up to it.” Crystal placed a hand on his arm and he patted it then nodded.

“No, it’s not a joke. Yes, I’m sure, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say you didn’t put me up to it.” Uncle Troy chuckled and Crystal rolled her eyes. “In all seriousness, Chloe, it’s what I want. I want to be here for as long as I can to see my granddaughter grow up, and that means taking it easy. Besides, now that
somebody’s
back, I gotta make sure I’m here to keep an eye on him as well.”

Crystal shook her head but didn’t argue. We accepted that she and Jermaine were a couple again, but we didn’t have to like it.

“Well, I can’t say that I’m surprised,” I said. I wasn’t convinced that Crystal could get him to agree to retirement quickly, but I knew she’d eventually do it. At the end of the day, she had her daddy wrapped around her little finger. “I take it you’re going to run the restaurant?”

Crystal nodded. “I am, but we’ll be making a few changes and that’s why we wanted you here today.” She looked over my shoulder towards the front of the restaurant and smiled. She raised a hand to signal someone over. I turned to see who it was and watched as a tall black man wearing a black coat over dark grey suit approached. Uncle Troy stood to shake his hand.

“Michael, thanks for coming. You know Crystal. This is my niece, Chloe. Chloe, this is Michael Dixon.”

We shook his hands and I scooted over so that Michael could sit in the booth next to me. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” he said, parting his full lips into a smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Michael goes to our church. He’s also in public relations—mainly for restaurants and nightclubs in the city. He’s agreed to help us.” Crystal said.

“Help you do what?” I asked.

Uncle Troy folded his hands in front of him. “I’ve always run this place the way I wanted and I’m proud of it, but in order to keep up with the times, we could stand to make some improvements. Besides, this is going to be Crystal’s place now and I want it to reflect that.”

Crystal quickly chimed in. “However, the heart and soul of what makes this place special will remain. We were thinking of a few menu changes, some cosmetic work, maybe have some live music on the weekends.”

“Cosmetic work? Won’t that be expensive?”

Uncle Troy nodded. “It will be, but I’ve planned for that. I’ve been saving my whole life. I’m willing to reinvest a fraction of it in this place. Hell, it’s how I made the money to begin with.”

“And I’m donating my services,” Michael said.

I almost forgot he was there. I turned to study him as Crystal started talking about updating the ovens and freezer. He looked to be about my age, fit, with hair cut close to his head. He was very handsome and, as he started to talk about his ideas for helping the restaurant gain more visibility, it was clear he knew his business.

“Your uncle tells me you’re a marketing manager at Braxton & Lloyd. Great firm.”

“Yes, my primary focus is social media, helping brands find their online voice.”

“We were thinking you could work with Michael and help us incorporate some of the changes,” Crystal said. I could tell by the look in her eyes she really wanted me to say yes.

“Of course I’ll help.” My mind was already filling up with ideas.

Uncle Troy smiled. “Perfect. I’ll go get us some drinks and send Layla over to take your order; get some brain food into my Dream Team.”

*** 

A few days later, Patrick and I were at our neighborhood market getting groceries for the week.

“You get the deli stuff and I’ll get produce?” Patrick asked.

I nodded and left him with our cart to take my place in line behind a woman at the deli counter a few feet away. After a few moments I heard a female voice say, “Excuse me. Aren’t you on
Shining Moments
?”

I smiled and glanced over my shoulder. Patrick was placing tomatoes in a produce bag and nodding at a small elderly white woman. I was getting used to this, probably more than Patrick was. Every other time we went out he was recognized for being on television. I turned back around and listened to the rest of the conversation.

“Yes, ma’am, I am.”

“I thought so! I love you on it. Well, isn’t this something?” 

She went on to ask him questions about the show and upcoming storylines that he couldn’t answer. To her credit she took it all in stride, and was more than happy to have Patrick autograph a receipt she dug out of her purse.

“You know,” she said, “I have a granddaughter around your age. She’s beautiful, if I do say so myself. She loves
Shining Moments
, too. I would love for you two to meet.”

I smiled and shook my head.
Can’t blame the lady for trying.

“I’m sure she’s lovely, but I have a girlfriend. She’s right over there.”

I turned as they approached, a smile on my face and all prepared to offer up a playful apology for already snagging the man. The elderly lady walked right up to the white woman in front of me and said, “You’re a lucky woman.”

The woman in the deli line had been texting on her phone and oblivious to the whole conversation. She gave the older woman a confused smile. “I’m sorry?”

Patrick stood at my side and put his arm around my waist. “Actually, this is my girlfriend.”

His new fan looked from me to the other woman and then pursed her lips. “I see.” She turned and walked away, back to her cart. She looked at us once more, shook her head, and then disappeared down the bread aisle.

“What the hell?” Patrick said. “I’m sorry about that.”

I blinked back tears. It was easier for that woman to assume a middle-aged white woman was Patrick’s girlfriend over a black woman his age. “Don’t apologize. She’s ignorant.”

I’m sure I did a good job brushing it off, appearing as if it didn’t bother me. But in the back of mind I could hear Patrick’s mother’s voice.

I don’t care that you’re black, but other people will.

Leave it to Cat to demand I come to her office right away,
then leave me waiting in the lobby for twenty minutes. I’d spent the entire day on set and wanted nothing more than to go home, take a hot shower, and relax. I checked my watch and decided I’d give her five more minutes and then she’d have to call me with the important news. Exactly four minutes later, Cat peeked her head out of her office door and gestured for me to enter.

“Sorry. Was wrapping up an important call.”

That was all the apology I was going to get so I took a seat and said, “Okay. What’s the emergency?”

Cat sat behind her desk and smiled mischievously. “I didn’t say it was an emergency. Emergencies are bad news. Patrick, this is great news. The best.”

I threw my hands up. “Are you going to make me guess?”

“You’re going to Los Angeles.”

“I am?”

“Yes, you are. You’ve been asked to read for a part in an HBO mini-series!” Cat clapped her hands together.

I blinked in shock. “They asked for me to read? Who?” This was a big deal. Being asked to read for a part meant that there was already some idea you were right for the job. That meant someone important had been paying attention to your work.

“One of the producers, Tim Minor, called me this afternoon. He assured me that if you got the part, it wouldn’t interfere with the show. They’re shooting this spring and then again in the summer. Ask me who’s the director.”

“Who’s the director?”

“George Clooney.” The self-satisfied smile on Cat’s face would have made you believe she was not only responsible for George Clooney’s success, but his very existence as well. I didn’t bother to ask if she was joking. She wouldn’t kid about something so amazing.

“You fly out in two days. You’ll meet with Tim and George. You’ll read the part and it will be yours.”

*** 

“I wish you could come with me.”

It was the night before I was due to fly out to Los Angeles and I was speaking to Chloe from my old room in my parent’s house.

“I know, but I have to work and they’re only flying you out on such short notice. Wow. I still can’t believe this is happening.” Chloe giggled.

“Right? An HBO mini-series. That’s just… insane.”

“And you get to meet George Clooney!”

I laughed. “Yeah. There’s that.”

“Babe, this is big time. This is like Golden Globes level. You know that, right?”

“I’m not trying to think that far ahead. I finally memorized my lines in the scene they sent over.”

“I know you don’t want to get your hopes up, but I have a really good feeling about this, Patrick. Like you said, they asked for you. They already have an idea that you’re right for the part. You just have to prove them right. And you will.”