All I Want for Christmas Page 13

  “I did. Can we talk?” she asked, closing the door.

  “Sure. Have a seat. I can make us some hot chocolate.” Rod started to rise.

  “No thanks. I’m going to get right to the point. Did you release the story about Carlos?” Nedra asked, sitting down across from him.

  Rod settled back in his red-leather executive chair. He wore a somber expression and rested both hands on the desktop. “The story wasn’t about Carlos, Nedra. It was about the mayor’s abuse of power. The print article was long, and the example involving your boyfriend was only a couple of paragraphs.”

  Nedra held her temper in check, but barely. “Okay, now back to my question.”

  “I understand you’re upset…”

  “You’re so right I’m upset, sir. Okay, that little newsflash has caused problems between us, but his little girl is in town for Christmas.” Nedra frowned at him.

  “I didn’t know, but…”

  “The diversion program is used with people who don’t have a previous criminal record.” Nedra’s anger started to pick up steam. “Naturally, none of that was mentioned by the reporters on television or in the paper.”

  Constable Davidson cut in before Nedra could speak again. “I said the article wasn’t about Carlos Jacobs. Let me finish. As you’ve figured out, I heard Dwayne’s little speech the other day. But no, I didn’t rush to the media.”

  Nedra raised an eyebrow. “Then how did it get out?”

  “I won’t pretend to be a saint, Nedra. I could have used the information in my campaign. I did discuss it with my strategy team. Obviously, one of them jumped the gun. I wouldn’t have released this information so far ahead of the election. I’m sorry the story hurt your relationship with the young man.

  “Carlos wasn’t convicted of a crime and there was no evidence that he did anything wrong. But now it looks like he’s a thug who got off because his mother is a judge.” Nedra twisted her hands together.

  Constable Davidson got up from his desk and walked around to sit in the chair next to Nedra. “My intention is not to hurt Carlos. But Judge Jacobs, the mayor and their pals have been misusing their positions. By the way, the Daily News investigative reporter has been digging for months. She contacted me back in September. I wouldn’t be surprised if she already knew about Carlos.”

  “My mother is right. She told me politics is a contact sport. So you’re going to go after Judge Jacobs?” Nedra gazed at her boss.

  “If she is involved in questionable activities then her name will be mentioned. I’ll let Carlos know you had nothing to do with that story coming out, though he may not believe me.” He gave Nedra a paternal pat on the arm and went back to sit at his desk.

  She frowned. “No thanks. If we don’t survive this, maybe it wasn’t meant to be. I should arrange for Dwayne’s boss to find out he talked to me.”

  Rod lifted one dark eyebrow and a slow smile lit up his face. “Go for it.”

  “But...” Nedra thought about Dwayne’s smarmy expression. She smiled back at her boss and headed to her office.

  ****

  Later that afternoon at her apartment, Nedra joined her sisters to wrap gifts. The annual tradition had started six years earlier with Jarae and Gaylynn hiding their children’s toys at their sister’s house. The smell of freshly baked cookies and brewed coffee filled the air, but the holiday scents and sounds had no affect on Nedra’s mood. The sisters’ usual lively banter as they put together parts and wrestled ribbons was subdued.

  “Well, look at the bright side,” Jarae said as she sipped from her mug of pumpkin spice coffee.

  Gaylynn stopped in the act of taking another bite out of a gingerbread man cookie. “There’s a bright side to losing the best boyfriend you’ve ever had on Christmas Eve?”

  Nedra looked at her younger sister. “Gee, thanks for making sure I remember why I’m so depressed.”

  Gaylynn winced. “Sorry, I should have worded that differently.”

  “You should have kept your mouth shut,” Jarae retorted. “As I was saying, the good thing is you won’t have the in-laws from hell. Close your eyes and imagine family holiday dinners sitting across from Judge Jacobs and her hubby. Five bucks says when you open your eyes you’ll be feeling a lot better.”

  Nedra burst out laughing in spite of her blue mood. “You’re insane, Jarae.”

  “I’m talking about a blessing in disguise. You won’t have to deal with some other mess with ‘Da Judge’.” Jarae put down her mug and started wrapping a boxed set of toy cars.

  “I suppose it could be for the best that it happened this early in our relationship,” Nedra replied.

  Nedra sure didn’t feel like she was on ‘the bright side’. At that moment it felt like the worst of all possible scenarios. She heaved a sigh and blinked back a tear. The sisters continued to wrap toys in silence for another ten minutes while Nedra sat staring at a cute baby doll that was for Misha. The Christmas she’d looked forward with Carlos and Carly had gone up in smoke.

  Finally, Jarae stood and marched over to the coffee table. She snatched up Nedra’s cell phone. “Here. Call him.” She held out the phone inches from her sister’s nose.

  “I agree,” Gaylynn piped up. “You’ve let out about fifteen gloomy sighs in the last hour. I’ve been keeping count.”

  “What about the ‘blessing in disguise’ talk?” Nedra gazed at the phone in hope, but still didn’t touch it.

  “Pure bull to try and make you feel a little less horrible. Don’t give douche-bag Dwayne or Judge Wicked Witch the satisfaction. Besides, a good man is hard to find.”

  “She’s right, Nedra. You owe it to yourself to at least try. Love will find a way,” said Gaylynn. Setting the toy in her lap aside, she put her arm around her sister’s shoulder.

  Nedra took the phone and wiped a tear from her cheek. “I have the best sisters in the known universe.”

  “I have to agree,” Gaylynn joked and then giggled.

  “And if you tell mama I said she was right about something, I’ll slap you into next Christmas.” Jarae pointed a finger at Nedra and went back to her task of putting a huge, red bow on a present for her youngest.

  “My lips are sealed.” Nedra hugged them both and then walked into her bedroom. She hesitated a few seconds before dialing. Carlos answered on the first ring.

  ****

  Carlos paced around his living room. Glancing at the clock on his smartphone, he made another lap around the sofa. He looked out the window and then went to arrange a few items on a bookshelf. Clearing his throat, he stood straight.

  “I never should have even assumed you leaked that story. Forgive me for being a stupid fool. I’m sorry and you can slap me if you want for being a suspicious slug.” Carlos rubbed his forehead. “Sounds appropriately apologetic, with a touch of groveling.”

  He shook his head slowly. The last twenty-four hours had been lonely without Nedra. His mother had tried to tell Carlos he’d get over her. But if the past day had been any indication, he didn’t intend to test his mother’s theory. He missed Nedra’s smile and the way he felt when she was beside him. Why stretch out that kind of misery? Carlos knew what he wanted.

  The doorbell rang and his heart thumped. Taking a deep breath, he opened the front door. The beat in his chest picked up rapidly when he looked at the vision standing before him. Nedra looked stunning in a deep-red, cowl-neck sweater, blue jeans and tan boots.

  “Hi.” She nodded, but didn’t move.

  Carlos couldn’t stop himself, and he didn’t want to. He pulled Nedra into his arms and kissed her hard. He kissed her eyes, her forehead and then tasted her lips again. Nedra held still for a few moments and then melted into him.

  “Ooo-wee, that’s some strong mistletoe you got, neighbor.”

  They looked up to see the elderly man from the condo across the driveway grinning at them.

  Nedra blushed and straightened her sweater. “I think we’ve made somebody’s day.”

  “Better come i
nside so we can continue this discussion.” Carlos grinned and gave his neighbor a thumbs-up gesture.

  Once he closed the door, Nedra spun him around and gave him her version of a passionate greeting. Her mouth closed over his for a long, delicious time. Carlos no longer had a reason to hold back. He rubbed her body until he became dazed with desire. Then they stepped away from each other.

  “Whew.” Nedra fanned herself.

  “Yeah.”

  Carlos reached for her again, but Nedra shook her head. “Let’s talk before we get caught up again.” She walked to the bar separating the kitchen from the living room, and sat down.

  He followed and took the bar stool next to her. He took both of her hands in his. “I missed you so much. Believe it or not, I was about to call you.”

  “It doesn’t matter who called first. I wanted… no, I needed to see you. I’m not sure we can work out the whole political rivalry with your mother and my boss, but…” Nedra stopped when Carlos put a finger on her lips.

  “I’m sure enough for both of us, Nedra. Slap me,” he blurted out.

  She blinked rapidly. “Say what?”

  He started laughing and couldn’t stop for a few seconds. Nedra caught the contagion and giggled along with him. They became helpless for a time, leaning against one another. Every time Carlos tried to speak, they dissolved into giggles once more. Finally, they got all of the tension and mirth released.

  Nedra rested her forehead against his. “We’re both out of our minds,” she said. “Now tell me again that I should slap you.”

  “That was part of the speech I practiced. I was going to beg your forgiveness for acting a fool and invite you to slap me.” Carlos kissed the end of her nose.

  Nedra grinned at him. “I’ll take a rain check on the slap. You might mess up again and then I’ll need it.”

  “No way.” Carlos grew serious. “I’m not going to do anything to make you want to tell me goodbye. I’m sorry for even thinking you talked to reporters about me.”

  “I know, honey, but you weren’t being unreasonable. I would have been suspicious of that coincidence.” Nedra took in a deep breath and let it out. “Dwayne Grover told me you were doing community service. I blew off his slimy attempts to hook up and he got ticked off.”

  “Slimy describes him exactly.” Carlos wore a grimace of contempt.

  “Ah, but what goes around comes around. Dwayne didn’t do his homework.” Nedra crossed her arms

  “Huh?” Carlos sat back and looked at her.

  “Dwayne was so excited to get back at me that he didn’t get the whole story, including the part about Mayor Bates getting involved.” Nedra nodded slowly as Carlos gasped.

  “Damn, that was a dumb move. He needs to sharpen his investigative skills.” Carlos shook his head and then started laughing again. “Did you?”

  “I sure did. Now Mayor Bates knows his confidential assistant has a big mouth and that he’s an idiot who spilled the goods on his own boss. Boom!” Nedra winked at Carlos.

  “I would love to see a video of the mayor meeting with dumb Dwayne.” Carlos shook his head and chuckled. Then he grew serious again. “Speaking of being sold out by someone you trust, Brian, my good friend and business partner, almost destroyed my business.”

  “How?”

  “He let those gangstas use my shops to move guns and drugs. They paid him off big time. Brian made them think I knew all about his side hustle. They thought I got off because of my mother.” Carlos pounded a fist on the marble counter of the bar. “He didn’t even try to deny it. He said, ‘Dude, I knew your mama wouldn’t let us go to lock up; we’re set’.”

  “Is he nuts? Now y’all are on the law-enforcement radar. He can’t slide back into doing street biz with those guys.” Nedra put a hand on her chest.

  “I can’t lie. I knew Brian had a shady side, but I didn’t think he’d stab me in the back. Not when it came to the business and him knowing what those shops meant to me.” Carlos shook his head and sat down.

  “He’s your partner, so now what?”

  “As of this morning, he’s out. He signed an agreement relinquishing his limited partnership. I don’t even want to know where he got the twenty thousand he invested back in 2004.”

  Nedra rubbed Carlos’ shoulder. “I’m so sorry you had to find out this way and buy him out.”

  “Buy him out? Hell, no. I didn’t tell the police or, worse, my mother. That’s the only payment he’ll get from me. Brian wasn’t sorry either, except for being caught and losing his other income stream.” Carlos still felt the sting of betrayal.

  “At least you know the truth and he won’t take advantage of you again.” Nedra hugged him. “Christmas is going to be a little grim, huh?”

  Carlos pulled free and grabbed both of her hands. “No way, baby. Okay, our sleigh ride has been bumpy for the last few days…”

  “To say the least,” Nedra replied with a snort.

  “But we still have reasons to be joyful. Carly is curious about the dinner tomorrow, so after she drags me out of bed at the crack of dawn, we’ll show up for duty. Then I’ll meet your family and you can come and meet mine.”

  “I don’t know, Carlos. Maybe we should wait until after the holidays. I mean your parents.” Nedra winced.

  “They’ll be polite when we visit and that’s all I expect. I’ll deal with them long term.” Carlos hooked an arm around Nedra’s neck and kissed her forehead. “People say I’m just like her. So when I decide what I want, folks had best get out of my way.”

  She grinned at him. “I’m scared of you, Mr. Jacobs.”

  “You won’t have to deal with my mother. I’ll get that straight from word go. Now let’s get to wrapping presents.” Carlos laughed when Nedra gave him a playful punch on the arm. “Ouch, woman.”

  “You’re unbelievable. You mean to tell me you haven’t done that yet?”

  Carlos held up both hands. “I had a few things on my mind, you know.”

  “Put on some Christmas music, and get out the gift wrap and ribbons. I’ll make some hot chocolate with marshmallows,” said Nedra, heading into the kitchen.

  Carlos executed a sharp salute. “Yes, ma’am. You say ‘Jump’ and I don’t ask why. I just ask how high. Since it’s turned so cold, I’ll light the fireplace. I have extra rolls of gift wrap in my car.”

  “Well, go get them then.” Nedra waved at him as though shooing him out the door.

  “Will do. Don’t bother searching for your gift. It’s too well hidden.” Carlos grabbed his jacket from the hall closet.

  Nedra glanced around the living. “Hmm, it never even crossed my mind.”

  They spent the next few hours enjoying the warmth that didn’t come from the fireplace. Carlos savored being with Nedra and anticipating picking up Carly to spend the rest of their Christmas Eve together.

  ****

  Nedra sighed with contentment as she looked around the dining room full of people. She had helped to serve the food, along with three-dozen other volunteers. The Christmas dinner coordinator had done an excellent job.

  Carlos and Carly waved at her from across the wide room. They pushed a cart together, loaded with sweet potato and pecan pie slices on dessert plates. Nedra waved back and headed to the kitchen. Alice Faye was in full mode, giving orders with the crisp efficiency of a military leader, and she grinned when she noticed Nedra.

  Alice Faye wiped her hands dry on a paper towel and tossed it into the trash. “Well, I’m glad to see you and that fine-looking man are still together,” she said, nudging Nedra in the side with an elbow. “His little girl is as sweet as honey and such pretty manners, too.”

  “Carly is a doll.” Nedra smiled as Alice Faye’s grin grew wider. “Yes, and so is her daddy. Satisfied?”

  “Love and happiness; that’s what Christmas is all about,” said Alice Faye, looking past her. She dropped her voice and leaned closer. “The mayor just walked in. This should be interesting.”

  Nedra turned to follow
her gaze. The mayor gave Constable Davidson a stiff handshake, stood alongside him for a photo and then moved on. Dwayne trailed after him.

  “I didn’t think he’d make a scene,” said Nedra. “They’ll slug it out during the election. The gloves will come off.”

  “I’ll hide the knives, just in case.” Alice Faye giggled at her own joke. She clearly enjoyed the political drama and intrigue. “I hear Dwayne just barely hung on to his job, but only because his father and the mayor go way back. Dwayne is just a glorified gofer, from what I hear. But I’m not trying to spread gossip.” Alice Faye watched her subjects mingle with other local officials.

  “Of course not.” Nedra chuckled.

  Dwayne glanced at her, and turned sharply to head in the opposite direction.

  “Well one good thing came out of the whole mess. Dwayne is going to stay away from me,” she added.

  Alice Faye craned her neck to follow the mayor as he continued his circuit of the room. “What?”

  “Nothing. Good job as usual, Alice Faye. Merry Christmas.” Nedra gave her a hug.

  “Same to you, sweetheart,” she replied, pecking Nedra on the cheek and scurrying off.

  Carlos approached with a couple and two children. Carly skipped along beside them. “Hey, I want you to meet some of my family. This is my sister, Brianne, her husband and their kids Lincoln and Cheyenne. Family, this is Nedra Wallace.”

  “Pleased to meet you and Merry Christmas,” replied Nedra. She shook hands with the adults and smiled at the children.

  “We decided to stop by on the way to my mother-in-law’s house. Carlos told us so much about the dinner. Maybe next year we’ll volunteer,” Brianne said.

  Carlos beamed at them. “That’s a great idea. We can make it a family affair.”

  “Miss Nedra, I’m going to be on television. A reporter interviewed me.” Carly bounced up and down in anticipation.

  “That’s wonderful,” said Nedra, giving the girl a congratulatory hug.

  “We better get going. See y’all tonight,” Brianne added.