Silverspoons Series: Another Billionaire Baby - Book II (6 page)

Tess pulled on Ayana’s sleeve.

“Come on, get to the juicy part before someone interrupts. Who’s Josh?”

“Josh is Professor Joseph Caleb Patel who teaches law at S.C.S.U. He always liked me ever since I was in law school. He’s in his mid-thirties I think, and I’m not interested. But my mother has been trying to push us together forever.”

“Get out! No…Well, is he ugly or something? Why do you refuse him?”

“No! He’s fine as a bottle of nineteen fifty-seven wine. The chemistry is just not there for me. He seems a little crazy, possessive or something. And he seems to be waiting like I’m going to change my mind.”

“All I know is if Atticus don’t get it together, Josh might be giving him a run for his money.”

“Tess, don’t forget, I’m carrying Atticus’s child.”

“Girl, good men don’t care about that. They will love you and your baby. They’re just looking for a good woman, and that’s what you are.”

“Well, Josh is not a good man. He’s a crazy man in my opinion. There’s something about him.” Ayana reiterated.

Suddenly, the door bell rung with the sound of chimes. Ayana began to get nervous.

“Oh my god. How am I going to pull this off with unstable hormones kicking in? My mother on one side driving me crazy and my supposed-to-be man getting on my nerves on the other side.”

Ayana leaned over the sink trying to catch her breath and gain control over the anxiety she was feeling.

“Look, act as if you were in the court room. Take control over the case. You’re running this show, not them and don’t forget it.”

Ayana responded in a whisper. “Damn straight, no, I got this! I’m running this show. And I’m not making it easy or giving in for anyone. I’m tired and that’s the truth. I could use a nap right now.”

Tess stayed to watch the food cooking while Ayana answered the door. She peeped through the peephole to see who it was. As she opened the door a breeze blew into the house, knocking over a couple of pictures. Ayana quickly stepped outside to talk to Atticus.

He was dressed very nice, and was very easy on the eyes. For a second she forgot that she was mad at him. Just staring at him made her feel at ease. But she remembered her statement to Tess that she wasn’t making things easy for anyone.

“Why are we standing outside? I thought you said your neighbors were nosy?”

“They are and that’s the reason why I wanted to move. On the other hand, I really love my brownstone house. However, we’re out here because I wanted to chat a bit before we go in.”

That was one of the reasons why I wanted us to live together.

“OK, what about?”

“Look, I thought it would only be fair to warn you of my mother. I didn’t know if you were going to show up or not.”

“I gave you my word.”

“Hm. Atticus, let’s just get through the night. The sooner it’s over, the sooner my mother can go back home. Oh yeah, don’t be alarmed, but my mother thinks she’s a steel magnolia.”

“What do you mean?”

“She can be hard, harsh, and very blunt, an iron fist if you will.”

“I think I’ll be okay. There hasn’t been a woman I’ve met that I couldn’t handle.”

“Yeah, I already know this.”

Nope, nope, nope…tears get back. There won’t be any of that. I will not cry. For now on, I have a grip on these emotions. I still can’t believe he just said that to me.

Atticus visibly tensed.

“I didn’t mean to say that. That came out wrong.”

“Mm hm, are you sure you want to come into a house full of women?”

His cologne was getting to her. Every time a breeze blew, his scent would run wild in her mind, rousing up the thoughts of all their intimate moments together, and of his unborn baby, that a part of her wanted to share with him so bad. But she already knew how he felt about having a baby. Atticus made that clear many times.

“Who’s here?”

“Only family.”

“Tess?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you invite August? And I could’ve brought Antonio, my cousin.”

“No, it’s just for us. Tess said August is still playing catch up at work and I don’t know Antonio like that. I’ve only seen him in passing here and there. So are you ready to go in?”

Atticus grabbed her arm before she opened the door.

“Babe, I’m sorry about earlier. You were right about Martina. I just didn’t think that was the case with her. Antonio went in my place.”

“Why didn’t you call me back then if you didn’t go?”

“Because I thought you might need some time to yourself.”

She tightened her lips together as she placed her finger over her mouth and quenched her eyes while she observed him.

“Alright, well if that’s the truth and you’re really sorry, I want you to stop working so close or all the time with women when you can help it.”

She noticed the clinching of his fist at his side.

“Ayana, this can’t be avoided. How am I supposed to do that when they hold certain positions in my company?”

“Yes, it can! I don’t have men swarming all over and all around me, not like you do. And I do work with them, some fine, sexy ones too. But they’re not dangling, displaying themselves and making it known to me that they want me. I don’t need that attention!”

His brows dropped.

“Neither do I. What are you trying to say?!”

“I already said what I wanted to say, darling! This case is closed for any further discussion. You’re still welcome, but enter at your own risk.”

Oh god, I can’t believe I just said that. Please don’t let me turn out like my mother. Father probably sent her here so he could have a break.

Ayana walked in and Atticus followed. She knew her mother wasn’t going to like him and may try to call him out, but she didn’t care anymore. Her thoughts were beginning to spin in other directions.

Oh well, let the games begin.

Chapter Four

Ayana introduced Atticus to her mother in the foyer. She left them to talk while she rushed out to finish the dinner preparations by setting the last bowl of food on the table. The house was filled with wonderful aromas of hot homemade buttery rolls, collard greens, fried chicken, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, apple and peach cobbler, and tossed salad. Tess helped Ayana prepare in the kitchen by bringing her chef by to help with the preparation of the desserts. They knew her mother would be expecting home cooked meals.

As she prepared to take her seat, she took a quick sweep of the room once everyone had entered, taking in everyone’s demeanor. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. All she could see was chaos and disaster. A small pinch to the leg helped her reel her emotions back, something she picked up in her Psychology courses about redirecting your emotions to gain control. She finally took her seat.

“Atticus, can you bless the table please?” Ayana asked.

Everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes, including Ayana’s mother, in silence. “We usually allow the man, who, hmm, normally, would be the father or husband of the house sitting at the head of the table to bless the food. So that would be you,” Ayana explained.

Atticus looked up at her with widened eyes. She knew exactly what his eyes were saying. He was caught off guard and she knew that in Atticus’s house they didn’t say grace. They would all just make comments about the cook and/or, if it all were pertaining to a dinner for a guest, the host or head of their table would just thank them all for attending and start eating.

But in her mother’s house, and her house when she’s present, they all say grace. It’s the Christian and Southern way according to her mother. She felt like this was the perfect opportunity and punishment. A sort of wakeup call for him to decide if he really wanted to be with her.

If he didn’t make up some kind of grace at that table, she knew her mother was going to set it off up in there. And her thoughts were based on the rapid eye movements she saw going on under her mother’s eyelids, which made her chuckle to herself.

Mm hm, look at you, Mother, you can’t wait to say something can you? And, Atticus, welcome to my world. This is where I come from, the country, overbearing mothers, and crazy, kill you dead, over-protective fathers, which you should be glad isn’t here.

Ayana read Atticus’s lips asking her what he should say. Instead of replying she simply closed her eyes and bowed her head too, a smile on her lips. She almost started to feel remorseful until she remembered his exact words. “
There hasn’t been a woman I’ve met that I couldn’t handle.”
So she decided to let him fend for himself. Besides, she was still pissed about Martina and him letting her leave without pursuing or calling.

Atticus tried his best to put something together. “Oh god. We thank you for the food and…. And…We are thankful. We are thankful that we are all here together. Thank you. I mean, Amen.”

Everyone concluded with an, “Amen!”

To break the ice after the grace, Atticus tried for small talk. “So, Señora Simmons, what do you think of Mexico so far?”

“Atticus. Am I pronouncing your name correctly?”

“
Si
, Señora!”

Tess and Ayana were very quiet, observing the start of the conversation while passing the various foods around the table so everyone could plate their desired portions.

I know mother can get out the gate, but I won’t let her go too far. This is still my house and in spite of our issues, he’s my man! Althea better not make me send her home to Emory, because I will if I have to. Besides, nobody’s perfect at this table, including me. I have the biggest secret here.

“Good! I asked because I’m the President of South Carolina State University, so I like to make sure when I speak to people I address them properly. I also expect the same respect. You understand where I’m coming from?”

Atticus was full of smiles and confidence.

“
Si
, Señora,” he responded, nodding his head slowly.

“So before we start with the small talk, I think I should have the floor first. I’m not trying to be theatrical, quite the contrary. I’m simply offering you a more vivid illustration of who I am. So please allow me to start the conversation by telling you a little about myself.”

Ayana tapped Tess on the leg under the table to get her attention. Tess put her cloth napkin up to her mouth and whispered, “Mm hm!”

Get ready, Atticus, here she comes. You’re smiling a little too much, homeboy. You don’t know this woman. She’s reading you right now while she’s telling you about herself. If you get through this, then I’ll say it myself, you are good. Yeah…and you look pretty good too! Nope! Don’t go there, Ayana, he’s still in the doghouse, remember, Martina!?

“Atticus. I come from a background where my parents’ ministry and status were regarded very highly in their communities. You see, they were Pastors and Educators.”

“Okay, that’s very impressive, Señora Simmons. I never knew that degree of Ayana’s background.”

“Really? Hmm…I’m totally surprised!”

“No, we never went that deep into conversation. I guess we still have a lot to share with one another.”

“That, I’m not surprised about.”

“Mother!” Ayana cautioned.

Her mother continued as if she didn’t hear the warning.

“As I was saying, I was raised with strict guidelines that entailed strong values and structure. My parents raised me with honor, respect, and morals. And they knew my future before I did, and always had my best interest at heart.”

“Which is to be expected by any normal parent, I would say!”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m staying. That is the way Emory, my husband who is a Physician and a Surgeon, and I raised Ayana to be.”

“And I must say, you’ve both done an excellent job. She’s an extraordinary woman!”

“Hold on, Atticus! I’m not saying these things for your approval or to collect any accolades from you, but to simply make you aware of our expectations for our daughter. You see, I know who you and your family are. I’ve done my research.”

What the fuck? I knew she was bold, but this woman has balls!

“OK, I think we need to change the subject to a lighter and more positive one, Mother! That’s enough of the interrogation,” Ayana interjected.

“It’s alright, babe.”

“No it’s not, Atticus. I don’t want to be in the middle of this. Yes, this is a good time to redirect this conversation.”

“That’s fine, but still, let your mother express herself. I understand where she’s going with all of this.”

Ayana’s mother continued on.

“As I stated earlier, I’m the President of S.C.S.U. I’m also the CEO of the Yellow Roses, an organization to help underprivileged young women, and I’m on the Board of Directors of our community association, and I’m very much involved.”

“Well, just as I stated earlier, that’s very impressive. You must have some very good organizational skills to handle your schedule. I see where your daughter gets it from.”

“Yes, I should say so, but this is my concern with you, Atticus. You seem to be a nice guy.”

“Why thank you, Señora Simmons, but what’re your concerns with me?”

Ayana butted into the discussion.

“Hm…Would anyone like seconds or thirds before I clear the table?”

No one answered and the atmosphere began to feel thick and tense. Ayana got up to clear the table for the cobbler pies. As she did so, she watched her mother straighten her posture so not even an arch in her back existed—as if she was the wife of the United States President.

She noticed Atticus trying to appear relaxed, but becoming a little tense, like he was waiting for a punch line from her mother. Ayana knew that a bomb was about to go off at some point in this conversation, and the outcome wasn’t going to be in anyone’s favor.

Althea, what is up your sleeve? I don’t think this dinner was a good idea at all!

“I’m asking with all politeness, Señora Simmons, what’s the real reason for all of this and why did you feel you had to research me and my family? I must say that I don’t feel too comfortable about where you’re going with all this now.”