After All Read online

  “Come on, now. Everybody calm down.”Anthony stood between them. He knew from Ike's expression that he could easily strike Marcus if further provoked.

  “Sit down, Anthony. It's okay.” Ike unclenched his fists. He turned around to fix himself another drink. “This is what you're gonna do, Marcus. I got you a job and you're gonna keep it. You better show up every day, and be on time. Got it?” Not hearing a response, Ike looked at him over his shoulder. “I asked you a question, son.”

  Marcus nodded, his jaw muscles worked convulsively with the effort to keep silent. When he bolted from the room, Anthony went after him. Marcus sat in the kitchen at the breakfast table. He faced the bay window staring through the pale yellow curtains into the dark.

  “Say, man. You know how Uncle Ike is. He's doing what he thinks is best for you--”Anthony could see Marcus wiping his face.

  “Leave me alone, man. Just get the hell outta my face.” Marcus pushed the chair back so hard it fell over. He stomped out of the kitchen. Seconds later the front door slammed. The engine of his 280Z roared to life. With a sharp squeal of tires on pavement, the car shot off into the night.

  “You were too hard on him, Uncle Ike,” Anthony said to Ike when he walked into the kitchen.

  “That boy had all the advantages. He wants the easy way out of everything. Always some excuse, always somebody else's fault for his screw ups. He'll be all right and do what I tell him. Come on, let's go get that steak.” Uncle Ike slapped him on the back. He pulled the keys to his car out.

  “I'll drive.”Anthony took the keys from his hand.

  All through dinner Anthony could not help but think about his cousin. From the moment Uncle Ike had taken Anthony under his wing, Marcus had seen him as a rival for Ike's attention and affection. Anthony, one year younger than Marcus, had thought they could be like brothers. But Marcus made it clear from the beginning that he did not see Anthony as anything but an opponent. Nothing Anthony tried to do over the years could change this. And Uncle Ike did nothing to help. Instead of reassuring his son, he encouraged the competition by comparing the boys. Anthony loved his uncle, but he had to agree he could be iron fisted when dealing with others. Even his own family.

  “Uncle Ike, try to talk to Marcus and smooth things out.”Anthony got out of his uncle's car in the driveway and handed him the keys.

  “I told you, he's gonna be okay. He'll mope around with his mouth stuck out for a few days, but that's all. Say, come in for a drink. I got some hot new videos.”

  Ike winked at him leering.

  “No thanks. You know I'm not into that stuff.”

  “That's right, you into the real thing. That's my boy.”Ike punched him on the arm lightly.

  “Look here, you've had more than a couple of drinks tonight. You should be turning in. I'll see you later.”Anthony guided him to the kitchen door.

  “Sure, son. I'll call you tomorrow.”Ike found the key and unlocked the door. Light from the kitchen spilled out.”Anthony, I... Never mind. I'll call you.”

  “Goodnight.”Anthony stood for a few seconds at the closed door before getting in his car and leaving.

  The next two days were very hectic. Anthony was swamped handling details and problems associated with the three projects he was handling. He and Cedric spent as much time riding around to each site as they did in the office. Finally, things settled down somewhat and Anthony was able to spend a day on paperwork.

  “Whew! I never thought I'd say this but, I hope we don't get any more business.”Cedric set his coffee mug down on Anthony's desk and slumped back in the chair.

  “You're right,” Anthony agreed.”Being overwhelmed with more than can you can handle is as much as a disaster as having too little business. Which is why I turned down three jobs in the last week.”

  “Bless you my brother. By the way, I just hired three more temporary workers, one your uncle recommended from that job training program. If things keep going this well, we might keep them on.”Cedric smacked his lips after taking a big sip of coffee.

  “Great. That was a very smart idea. We get good workers and take young men off the unemployment rolls.”Anthony motioned his secretary to come in.

  Rhonda, brisk and efficient, went around his desk to stand beside him.”Just need you to sign these, right. . here. And here. How are you today, Cedric?”

  “Tired but otherwise okay, Rhonda. What about yourself?”

  “Fine.”Rhonda cleared her throat and lifted an eyebrow at Cedric though she spoke to Anthony.”While you were out Miss Toussaint called. She said she'll call you at home later.”

  “Thanks for mentioning that in front of Cedric, Rhonda,” Anthony grumbled shoving the papers to her.

  “Thank you, boss.”Taking the papers from Anthony, Rhonda turned her back to him to leave. She winked at Cedric as she passed.

  “You and Michelle, huh? Y'all got it goin' on again. Man, that's nice.”Cedric grinned at him.

  “Don't give me that phony surprised look. Shantae has probably told you how often we've been out, where we went, and what we talked about.”

  “That's not so. I have no idea what y'all talked about,” Cedric chortled.”Going good, right?”

  Anthony lifted a shoulder.”You could put it that way.”Despite his lowered his eyes, the pleasure brightening them was obvious.

  “Man, you're on the Love Boat and we both know it. Quit trying to sound so cool,” Cedric needled him.

  “Well, it has been a sweet three weeks. It's the same but different. Know what I mean?”

  “Yeah, you're both older so now you've got grown up love. I hear you.”

  “Hope everything else keeps going as well.”Anthony sat forward again, the placid expression replaced by a slight frown.

  “Why shouldn't it?”

  “Marcus got out last week.”

  “Had to happen sometime, unfortunately. So what's the boy wonder up to now?” Cedric said.

  “I could be wrong, but I think he really wants to change.”Anthony tapped his ink pen on the desk top.”Uncle Ike doesn't buy it though.”

  “I'm not surprised. After the crap he's gotten into, who would?”

  “Marcus has some serious problems; I have to agree on that.”Anthony sighed.

  “Damn right. His daddy has been bailing him out of trouble most of his life. Now he's an ex-con. Face it, if it hadn't been for Mr. Ike, Marcus would have been in jail long time ago,” Cedric said with brutal frankness.

  “Could you let your only son go to jail if you could stop it? No, you'd try to save him. In his own rough way Uncle Ike did what he thought was right to turn Marcus around.”Anthony rubbed his eyes.

  “Why are you always trying making excuses for the little rat anyway? He's been treating you like a dog for years.”

  “Marcus sticks his chest out, but deep down he's hurting. Because of me partly. Uncle Ike has always tried to push Marcus into achieving by comparing us. I hate the way Uncle Ike rubs his nose in my successes,” Anthony said.

  “Unlike a lot of young brothers, Marcus had positive and opportunities. He didn't have to go the way he did.”Cedric remained unyielding in his harsh assessment.

  “Yeah. But even with all his advantages, in a way Marcus had it tough, too.”

  “If you say so. I don't see it though.”Cedric stood.”Well, let me get a move on. For the first time in three weeks I don't think I'll be working late. I'm going home, take a hot shower, then cruise on over to Shantae's.”

  “Cedric in love with a ready-made family woman. Who would have thought it,” Anthony teased him.

  “Ah, man.”Cedric fiddled with his sweater, eyes down.

  “You were one helluva ladies man. Talk about seriously into the singles party scene.”

  “I grew up, too. Kicking back with Shantae and Devonne, you know the family scene, is real nice after a hard day out in the cold, cruel world.”Cedric smiled sheepishly.

  “When y'all planning to jump the broom?”Anthony enjoyed seeing him squirm. />
  “We talked about it. But we're in no hurry.”

  “You are hooked, my brother.”Anthony crowed. He shook a finger at his friend.

  “Okay, okay. Quit cackling.”Cedric threw a pencil at Anthony's head.

  “No, man. For real, I'm happy for y'all.”Anthony picked up the pencil from the floor.

  “It can happen for you, too. But--”Cedric shrugged.

  “But what?”

  “Michelle and your Uncle Ike. What's going to happen this holiday season? I mean, you always have Thanksgiving dinner over at his house. You and your mama go over there for Christmas then to your grandmother's. May be best to keep the family stuff separate for now.”

  “Damn, you're right. I hadn't thought about it. But we've got plenty of time to work out where and how we spend the holidays.”Anthony shook off the beginning anxiety.

  “Don't wait too long to talk it over with her. Say, y'all coming to the Halloween party?”

  “You bet.”Anthony nodded.

  “I'm going as Blacula and Shantae is going as a black widow spider.”

  Anthony smiled. “I'm going as Frankenstein and Michelle is going to be the bride of Frankenstein.”

  “Uh-huh. The woman has got you to the altar already. Hoo--wee!”Cedric howled with laughter even as he ducked flying pencils.

  ***

  “So what are you going to tell Dosu?” Laree stuck the straw in her mouth to suck some of her soft drink.

  “And when are you going to tell him,” Shantae chimed in. Both stared at Michelle.

  The three women had finally collapsed at a small restaurant to recuperate after three hours of intense shopping. Bags of all sizes and shapes had been piled in the fourth chair at the tiny wrought iron table at which they sat. After ordering diet sodas and a large order of nachos, they grateful rested three pairs of very tired feet.

  “This evening.”Michelle avoided their gazes.

  “You should have told him three weeks ago, Chelle,” Laree chided her for the umpteenth time.

  “He's been really, really busy and we have only talked a couple of three times on the phone. That isn't something you tell somebody over the phone.”Michelle recognized the lame rationalization even as the words came out.

  “You could have asked him to come over so y'all could talk.”Laree was relentless.

  “I needed time to figure out how I was going to break it to him, all right?” Michelle muttered defensively.

  “I know what she means, girl. It was like that when I broke up with Tyrone.”Shantae scooped up cheese on a chip.

  “Shantae pu-leeze! You showed that poor man the door so fast he was at his house across town before he knew what had happened,” Laree said, cocking an eyebrow at her.

  “Honey, when I finally found a mighty good man I didn't want to waste anymore of my time.”Shantae snapped her fingers twice.

  “Besides, that was different. Tyrone was--”Michelle groped for a gentle way to describe him since Shantae had dated him for three years.

  “A low down, woman chasing, blood sucking parasite,” Shantae jumped in to finish the sentence for her.

  “Uh, right. But Dosu has been so sweet to me. He's kind, gentle, and considerate--” Michelle took a deep breath.

  “And wealthy, don't forget he has big bucks.”Laree shook her head vigorously.

  “Will you stop?” Shantae poked her friend on the arm.

  “He’s a wonderful man. And he hasn't changed in the two years we've known each other or the year we've know each other. I know he hoped we could get into something deep but. . .”Michelle winced at the thought of hurting him.

  “But he's not Anthony. It's like that song my grandmother loves to sing, `It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing'.”Laree rocked from side to side.

  “Girl, Miss Hannah is something else,” Shantae giggled.

  “I dread this conversation.”Michelle took a sip from the soft drink in front of her. Sitting back, she rubbed her temples.

  Despite their attempts, her friends could not lift her spirits with jokes or silly antics. By the time her doorbell rang at six o'clock, the slight tension in her forehead had become a thudding pain. For two hours she had paced and rehearsed what she would say. Now her mind was blank with anxiety. Standing at the door, she took a deep breath before opening it. Dosu, handsome in a dark brown cashmere sweater and brown pants, smiled. Michelle forced a smile though she wanted to cry.

  “Hello, Michelle.”Dosu embraced her once the door was closed.”How have you been?”

  “Good, pretty good. Would you like something? A cold drink or something hot. I could make us some tea. Or coffee. Whatever you prefer.”Michelle started for the kitchen.

  “Yes, coffee I think. It is quite cold out this evening.”

  “Oh, I have some cake my aunt made for me. Or maybe you'd like some cookies?”

  “No, thank you. Maybe we will have dinner tonight,” Dosu called from the living room.

  “Oh, dinner. Coffee should be ready soon.”Michelle stood uncertainly trying to decide where to sit. She decided to sit next to him on the sofa but not too close.

  “You seem a little on edge.”Dosu extended an arm across the back of the sofa.”Is everything all right?”

  “Yeah, well no, I mean-- fine, things are fine. I'll see if the coffee is ready.”Michelle darted into the kitchen. Cursing the pot for taking so long to drip, she stood drumming her fingers on the counter.

  “You have something to tell me.”

  “What?”Michelle jumped at the sound of his voice right over her shoulder. She turned to find his eyes, soft with affection, searching her face. I owe him the truth.

  “Come, let's sit down.” Dosu took her arm and lead her out of the kitchen. “Now, my Michelle, tell me what I think I already know.”

  “Anthony and I... have been seeing each other for the past few weeks.”

  “You still love him, yes?”

  “I don't know if it's leftover puppy love, infatuation, or what. I honestly don't know.”Michelle twisted her hands in her lap.

  “But it must be something very special or else you would not be so disturbed. Look at me. From the moment I saw you two together I knew that this thing between you was not resolved. Now, I have a confession. I have not been too busy to call or visit, Michelle.”Dosu patted her hand.

  “I don't understand. You mean you didn't really go out of town and buy a lot of new merchandise?”

  “No, that was true. But I have could have seen you before now. To tell you the truth, I thought you needed space.”

  “Oh, Dosu, I--”

  “There were no promises between us. We have been good friends. We still can be.” Dosu kissed her forehead.”Now you can relax, okay?”

  “You're a treasure Dosu Lemotey.” Michelle blinked away tears as she gave him a firm hug.

  “Ah, now. I have made no great sacrifice. It is said that if you love someone, set them free.”

  “African proverb?”

  “British rock star.” Dosu smiled impishly.

  Laughing with him, Michelle felt relieved she had not hurt someone dear to her. Noticing the inviting smell of the freshly brewed coffee, Michelle went into the kitchen. She prepared a tray and brought it into the living room. Over coffee, Michelle told him about Anthony and the cause of their rift seven years before.

  “His uncle, a man he looks up to, can be ruthless. My father worked for four years to rebuild his business and reputation.” Michelle still felt the pain of those times.

  “And for that you cannot forgive him.” Dosu took a cautious sip from the steaming cup.

  “We went through so much. My family hasn't been the same since. My parents have never been the same with each other.” Michelle stopped short. This was the first time she had said it out loud, and the pain from that alone made it impossible to forgive Ike Batiste. “From everything I've heard he hasn't changed one bit.”

  “Anthony was angered by your feelings and you felt betrayed beca
use of his loyalty to his uncle?”

  “When we were younger, yes. But now maybe we can at least acknowledge that our feelings are legitimate.”

  “Yes. You must learn to accept his love for his uncle though you will never share it. He must accept that you cannot share it.” Dosu summed up their task with his characteristic keen perception.

  “I only wonder if we can.” Michelle gazed into the coffee cup as if searching for the answer there.

  “A challenge, I agree. I tell you this, you must at least try. Even if I won you away from him, I would always wonder if you were truly happy. And you, my Michelle, might always wonder about what might have been. Then neither of us would be happy.” Dosu put down his cup.

  “Thank you.” Michelle felt the swell of affection for him once again.

  “I do this for myself as well, you know. But remember these wise words, try this bracelet: if it fits you wear it; but if it hurts you, throw it away no matter how shiny.” He wagged a forefinger at her.

  “Now, that is an African proverb.”Michelle smiled.

  “Of course.” Dosu beamed. Standing, he extended his hand to her.”Shall we have dinner?”

  ***

  “I swear, Daddy. You must stay up nights thinking of ways to make Mama mad.”Sighing, Michelle looked around her father's office.

  His was the largest office in a modest building built by him on property he owned. It was very organized. Three bookshelves contained neat rows of manuals and books. Michelle mused how much Brian was like their father. Both needed to have order in everything. She supposed it what was had gotten Thomas through those horrible days of watching his business collapse. Emotions always in check, Thomas pulled himself together and began to methodically rebuild his business. Unfortunately, his family did not respond quite as predictably. Never one to show affection, he became even more reserved. Annette's temperamental outbursts, at first merely annoying, finally disgusted him. Michelle could remember him lecturing her on how his mother stoically faced much greater hardships. To Michelle, her father was unfeeling. Annette needed to be hugged and reassured, something Thomas did not seem to understand or be willing to try.