Happy New Year, Baby Page 10

Shani said nothing but nodded in response. Alone, she faced the bleak truth. There was no way to bridge the gulf between her and Eric. He had taken advantage of her. Maybe planned it from the beginning. No, it was over. A least this time she hadn’t spent years being deceived. And she had survived last New Year’s Eve without someone special to hold at midnight. She would make it through to the dawning of another new year as well.

  ***

  “Come in, Trumaine,” Eric said in a clipped tone. He drummed his fingers on his desk. For the last twenty-four hours he’d simmered, unable to confront him. Trumaine had taken the previous day off. “I left messages on your answering machine.”

  “I spent the night in New Orleans with a friend after we finished shopping at the River Walk. You ready for Christmas?” Trumaine strolled in and poured himself a cup of coffee.

  Eric ignored his question. “Tell me about this article.” He held up the newspaper.

  “Which article is that?” Trumaine took a sip from the cup. He squinted at the fine print.

  “The one ‘spearheaded out of my office,’“ Eric snapped. “The one that implies Shani Moore and several community center directors are incompetent at best and thieves at worst. The article you summarized for me the other day. You left out a few rather important details.”

  “You and I discussed gathering information for our reports to Senator Raymond. But I told you there were problems at those agencies. I provided that information to Senator Raymond’s office as we agreed.”

  “But you decided what information to send. An allegation made by an angry woman fired from her job is not the basis to make judgments about an entire organization,” Eric said, his voice rising.

  “Senator Raymond specifically asked for a complete report and I gave it to him. It was their decision to use the reports of pilfering.”

  “I see,” Eric said.

  “In more than one instance, programs were being mismanaged.” Trumaine lifted his chin. “I thought the purpose of our investigation was to expose these abuses.”

  “But based on credible evidence. Not hearsay and unconfirmed rumors. And definitely not from such a suspect source as some woman fired when she was caught stealing,” Eric said.

  “Senator Raymond—”

  “Senator Raymond doesn’t run my office,” Eric cut him off. He stood up and planted both fists on the desk top. “You listen to me, and listen to me good. I decide what goes out of this office to Senator Raymond or any of the party leaders. Frankly, I think you knew damn well how that information would be put to use.”

  Trumaine faced him with a cool expression. “He expected to get very specific information. Of course, I understand your relationship with Ms. Moore is at a delicate stage. But so is your political career. It’s in your best interest to cooperate with Senator Raymond.”

  “My relationship with Ms. Moore is none of your business.” Eric spoke with such heat that Trumaine’s cool exterior faltered for a split second. “And as for Senator Raymond, I won’t jump when he speaks just to advance my political career. Apparently you have your own career ambitions in mind.”

  Trumaine paused before he spoke. “Senator Raymond is a powerful man in this state.”

  “And known for rewarding loyalty.” Eric had a sour taste in his mouth.

  “Bucking men like Raymond is political suicide. And I intend a steady rise up the food chain. I thought you had the same plans. Until now.” Trumaine’s lips curled with a hint of derision.

  Eric crossed his arms. “Oh I’ll be moving up. But not with my lips planted firmly on anyone’s rear end. And if Senator Raymond expects that, then he can go jump.”

  Trumaine raised both eyebrows. “You want to be careful with that kind of talk or you could find yourself neutralized.”

  “I will not be an errand boy for him or anybody!” Eric shouted.

  Dalton strode into the office and shut the door with a bang. “Lower your voice, son. Some influential businessmen who meet with Raymond regularly are in this building and roam these halls all the time. Now what is going on?”

  Trumaine faced Dalton. “A small disagreement about strategy.”

  “Hardly,” Eric retorted. “Acting without my approval and deciding to misrepresent my position makes this disagreement anything but small. Did you see this article, Dad?” He handed Dalton a copy of the newspaper.

  Dalton didn’t take it. “I’m sure Trumaine did what he felt was best for you and the party. Don’t be so hot-headed, son. After all, you don’t win a war without firing shots. If we’re going to get anywhere with the party, we have to be bold.”

  Eric became still as a statue. “You knew about this,” he said in a quiet voice. It was not a question.

  “Trumaine,” Dalton said with a nod toward the door. He waited until the door closed behind him. “Now look, Eric, Raymond wants results. He isn’t going to settle for some soft-peddle kind of approach.”

  “This is too much.” Eric turned his back on Dalton.

  Dalton went on. “And I agree with him. All those social agencies have accomplished is to give folks an excuse to do nothing and be nothing.”

  “You, Trumaine, and Senator Raymond, huh? Everybody is in agreement on what I should do. How about asking me?” Eric spun to face him and threw the paper down on his desk.

  “The story was all ready in the works. You knew that. We added what we thought was pertinent information gathered in the last few weeks. Listen, if you’re worried about that social worker—”

  Eric’s eyes flared with indignation. “Shani is angry and justifiably so. It’s obvious you didn’t care about getting facts, only smearing the community centers.”

  “Nothing in that paper is a lie, young man. Look at it again,” Dalton said, his voice sharp and defensive. “You’ve said as much about these social programs time and again.”

  Eric hung his head. “Why did you do this, Dad? To go behind my back and attack the woman I love…” He sank down into his chair.

  Dalton gave a grunt of cynicism. “The woman you love. How many women have you been through since college? You averaged about two a year.”

  “Dad—”

  “Tell me their names,” Dalton pointed an index finger at him.

  “Dad, you don’t understand—”

  “That’s what I thought. Listen, here, boy. I worked long and hard to give my children what I never had. I won’t see you throw away your career. Now if you take time to consider, you’ll see I’m right.” Dalton sat back in his chair. He wore a look of stern paternalism, the look of a father who was used to being obeyed and did not doubt he would be.

  Eric sat up straight. He stared hard at his father for several seconds. “Don’t ever talk down to me like that again. I’m way past being ten years old. No one, including you, will dictate to me how I conduct my career. Or my private life.”

  “You watch your mouth, son. And as for Ms. Moore, she’s hardly more than a passing fancy.” Dalton sat forward, his knuckles taut from gripping the arms of the chair. “She’s not for you.”

  “Shani Moore is one of the finest women in the world. Don’t ever disrespect her again,” Eric continued ignoring his father’s wrathful scowl. His voice was harsh. “I’m going to fire Trumaine and issue a statement denouncing this article.”

  “Now wait a minute young man!” Dalton jumped up. “I won’t stand for any such thing!”

  “You don’t have a choice, Dad. I make my own decisions. You taught me that.” Eric returned his father’s look of fury with a steady gaze.

  “But, your political career will be over in this state. You won’t be able to get any legislation through. Don’t be a fool, boy!” Dalton rubbed a large hand over his eyes. “This woman has got you behaving irrationally.”

  “That’s enough!” Eric shouted causing his father’s head to jerk up with shock. “My feelings for Shani have nothing to do with it. That article was underhanded. I want no part of such tactics. We have nothing else to talk about.”

  D
alton stood with his hands at his side balled into fists. He was the picture of impotent fury. “I thought you had more sense. Don’t come crawling to me when you realize how stupid you’ve been.” He stormed from the office.

  Eric slumped back into his chair feeling exhausted. How could his father know so little about him? How could he not see how much Shani meant to him? Eric went over in his mind the talks he’d had with Dalton about her. All the time his father was pretending to understand. And now because of Dalton, he may have lost Shani. He pounded the desk top with his fist

  “You all right, Senator Aucoin?” Nedra, his secretary, peered around the door frame. She appeared ready to take flight if need be.

  Eric wiped a palm over his face and sighed. “Yeah sure, Nedra. Hold all my calls.” He turned on the computer on his desk. “I’ve got a lot of work to do.”

  For the rest of the day, he lost himself in work. At least he could take control of one part of his life that had gone awry. Eric was determined to make a positive difference in the upcoming legislation, and do it the right way. Programs that were not helping the people they were designed for must be changed or eliminated so the money could reach the community. With shrinking resources and a backlash from the middle-class, excesses and abuses would have to end.

  But Shani was never far from his mind no matter how hard he tried to banish her. He could smell the sweet scent of her skin or hear her laugh it seemed. More than once he stared at the monitor for long periods without seeing it. A cold empty feeling settled inside his chest. One he feared would be there for a long time. What a sorry end to the old year and a grim beginning to the new one. What would he have to celebrate December thirty-first at midnight?

  Chapter 7

  Outside the wind blew making the already forty-degree temperature feel more like below freezing. Shani and Terrilyn agreed they were tired of turkey and dressing. They sat in China Gardens waiting on their lunch orders.

  “Brendon came with me to Angola. He and J.J. talked the whole time.” Shani stirred the hot tea in her cup.

  “That’s great.” Terrilyn stared at her.

  “Yeah. Even with J.J. still behind bars, feels like those wounds in my family are really healing now. Brendon is genuinely proud of how J.J. has taken college courses.”

  “When will J.J. get out?” Terrilyn said.

  “Hopefully before March. It looks good for him. At last he’s got some reason for hope.” Shani smiled for a moment before her lips sagged down again.

  “He’s a smart guy. Sounds like he got a made up mind to move in a better direction. I’m happy for him, Brendon, and for you.”

  Shani nodded. “At least Christmas was good for them this year. I mean for us.” She avoided returning Terrilyn’s gaze. “Don’t start.”

  “What did I say?” Terrilyn held out both hands.

  “It’s what you’re about to say. Don’t go there, Terrilyn.” Shani shot her a warning glance before staring back into her tea again.

  “I just think you’re being too hasty.”

  “Terrilyn, it’s no use.” Shani’s eyes mirrored the hurt she felt. “Eric and I just can’t make it. I was kidding myself that he really cared about me. You’d think Robert would have taught me a lesson.”

  “Hey, now. Don’t be so down on yourself.”

  “Another New Year’s Eve sitting at home eating popcorn and drinking sparkling fruit juice. Oh, well. At least I won’t feel all tired out from partying and drinking all night,” Shani said with a laugh devoid of humor.

  “I’m putting my foot down this year, girlfriend. You are coming to the Circle of Friends Social Club’s New Year’s Eve party at the Hilton. I’m sure Jamal can hook you up with one of his buddies.” Terrilyn’s boyfriend of the moment was a fun-loving high school coach.

  Shani’s head whipped back and forth. “Forget it. I’m not interested in a blind date.”

  “Just one night of dancing and having a good time. That’s all the commitment either of you need to make. What do say?”

  “Well…” Shani mentally ran through a list of ways to be diplomatic yet firm. She didn’t want to hurt Terrilyn’s feelings. After all, she was only trying to help. No one else knew just how miserable New Year’s Eve had been for her last year. But go on a date? No, she couldn’t do it.

  “Have mercy, look who just walked in and he’s headed this way,” Terrilyn said in a hurried whisper.

  “Two lovely ladies. How are you, Shani?” Robert leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Hello, Terrilyn.” He spoke with practiced charm.

  Terrilyn stared at him with an impassive expression to show she was not moved. “Hi.”

  “Hello, Robert.” Shani wished he would leave soon. “How are you?”

  “Can’t complain. This is still your favorite place to eat I see. I don’t get over this way much since I moved to my new condo.” Robert smiled at them. His manner suggested he was in a talkative mood.

  “Really? Where?” Terrilyn said. She jumped when Shani’s foot kicked her ankle beneath the table.

  Robert sat down next to Shani in the booth and got comfortable. “Those new luxury units on Concord Avenue. Three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and covered parking. You should see it.” He stared at Shani for several seconds.

  “So how is Claudia?” Shani shot back. “With her talents, she must have helped you decorate.”

  “I haven’t seen Claudia in a while. Terrilyn, could you give us a minute?” Robert spoke with a delicate tone that implied she was a woman of understanding who would not refuse.

  “I’ve got to visit the ladies’ room anyway.” Terrilyn screwed up her face when she turned away from him.

  “What was that all about, Robert? We don’t have a thing to talk about.” Shani did not bother to look at him.

  “Let’s at least be on good terms if not friends. I’ll settle for that if I have to.” Robert put an arm around the back of the seat. “Not a day goes by that I don’t regret behaving like such a fool. Let me make it up to you, baby.”

  Shani rubbed her temples. How easy it would be to give in. She was so tired of being angry. And he had helped her get through some rough days after the death of her mother. “Friends are all we can be now, Robert.”

  “I just don’t want you to hate me. Let’s call a truce, deal?” Robert leaned close to her.

  Shani gazed at him for several seconds. “Deal.” She blinked when he pressed his lips to hers.

  “Still sweet,” Robert grinned at her.

  Shani pushed him away in time to see Eric standing at the cash register with a takeout bag. He was frozen in the act of handing money to the cashier. To her horror, he headed straight for them.

  “Hello, Shani. Guess I don’t have to ask how you’re doing,” Eric said. His brown eyes sparkled with resentment. His gaze flickered to Robert. “Pretty well, I see.”

  Shani swallowed hard. “Hi.” Then she got angry. Why should she feel guilty? Eric Aucoin did not own her. He could take his attitude and stuff it. “I’m doing quite well as a matter of fact.” She lifted her chin in defiance.

  “Robert Saucier, Senator. Nice to meet you.” Robert was the picture of a smug, triumphant suitor as he stuck out his hand.

  Eric stared at his hand for a second then glanced past Robert to Shani. “Right.”

  Robert dropped his hand. Still smiling, he broke the long moment of silence that stretched between them. “I’ve been following you’re career with a lot of interest”

  Eric shifted his focus back on Robert. He looked at him with open dislike. “Have you really?”

  “Oh yes. It takes a lot of guts to be a black conservative, especially in this state. I mean, helping dismantle all those programs black leaders fought for long and hard, some even died. Yes, sir. Lots of nerve.” Robert wore the ghost of a smile.

  “Apparently Senator Aucoin thinks all those people were wrong and he’s right. Everyone should pull themselves up by their bootstraps. The problem is, most poor people don’t even ha
ve boots,” Shani said.

  “I think sometimes we don’t give our people enough credit for being able to achieve before we jump in to help them. But I don’t want to debate this here. Shani, I’ll call you later. We need to talk,” Eric said in a strained voice.

  “Baby, don’t forget we’re going over to my place later for coffee and brandy,” Robert put in before she could answer. He sat down, put a possessive arm around Shani and looked up at Eric. “I’ve just got a new condo and a new sound system. Shani is crazy about my collection of rhythm and blues classics.”

  Shani’s anger at Eric won out over her urge to put Robert in his place. “Goodbye, Eric. I’m sure you have to rush off to continue the conservative revolution.” Her voice was pure venom.

  Eric stood clutching the bag of food so tight, his hands shook. He whirled around and walked away with long strides. Terrilyn, who had watched the scene from a distance, came back to the table.

  “Whew! I thought we were going to have a big problem there for a while,” Terrilyn mumbled. She watched Eric push the door so hard as he left it banged against the wall. “Mercy!”

  “Well, ladies. Shall we order?” Robert was in high spirits. He rubbed his hands together.

  Shani gave him a cutting look. “I’ve lost my appetite. Come on, Terrilyn.” She tried to get past him.

  “Hey, but I…” Terrilyn pointed to the hovering waitress ready to take their order. She stopped when Shani’s eyes flashed a warning. “Yeah, I’m not so hungry.”

  “Wait a minute, babe. Come on over to my place.” Robert put his arm around Shani’s waist and put his lips close to her ear. “You know it’s true. You used to love sipping brandy and listening to Luther Vandross on my CD player.”

  Shani lifted her face to his. Her lips curved into an inviting smile. “Robert, there’s only one thing wrong with that scene. You.” She shoved him aside and headed out of the restaurant with Terrilyn right behind her.

  “Oowee, girl,” Terrilyn said in a voice breathless from giggling. “You’re on a roll today.”

  “Yeah, and it’s all downhill.” Shani got in the passenger seat of Terrilyn’s Honda Accord. “As if I wasn’t feeling bad enough. Both of the men who’ve used me show up at once. A nice reminder of what an idiot I’ve been.” Her bottom lip trembled.