Marriage Vows Under Fire Mega Series 1: Gold Bands In The Fire

By Lanette Zavala

Natalie and Joseph Reyes have everything any young interracial couple could desire - a loving marriage, children together, wealth, and enterprise. But the demands of a controlling mother-in-law and her husband's unaccounted hours spent in places unknown to Natalie threaten to drive a wedge between them. With dwindling trust in her beloved accompanied by mysterious symptoms within her body, Natalie agonizes as a single mother within her marriage.

Relatives who witness Natalie's faith can only wish for her problems. An adulterous past and scandalous tendencies threaten to shatter the love between Shasta and Javier Reyes. Unknown to their family, a violent face-off occurs when Natalie's psychotic cousin, Emma Jean, torments the men who attempted to kidnap her. Cousin Tiphany Taylor hopes to marry the wealthy father of her children until reality forces her to make a heart-wrenching decision. Alicia Reyes goes on a manhunt for her meddling widowed mother and finds a homeless man to groom for the mission.

The shattering worlds of the prominent Reyes and Taylor families blend as a distractive force against the couple, who married from each family. Surrounded by everyone else's drama, Natalie and Joseph rarely find time to strengthen what she sees as a starving marriage.

Marriage Vows Under Fire Mega Series 1 is an extensive version of Wedding Vows Under Fire Launch Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Apr 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781456617967

Book preview

Bible.

It was Javier. Shasta hadn’t expected him to call since he had seemed so disinterested in her earlier at the park. She deliberately stayed silent as she held the phone.

Are you okay? He asked her.

You wait until now to ask me? She replied firmly. "You saw your mother lighting into me at the park, and you made not one move to see whether I was okay then."

Now, Javier was quiet. If his loss for words caused him any discomfort, it simply wasn’t enough punishment, Shasta felt. She longed for some kind of assurance that he really loved and prioritized her. But from the beginning, there was never any evidence.

I think if you had been a little more subtle in the way you left… he began.

When can I ever be relieved of blame for your mother’s actions that have long existed before I came into your life, Javier?

You’re right. It is her fault. It’s all her fault. Man, my mom ju-…

"Sorry I made you feel like your mother was the one at fault for our problems overall. She was wrong. But she wasn’t the primary one at fault for the way I felt. For the rejection I felt when those women passed by us...She may encourage you to entertain your manly urges but you’re the one who gives in to them – despite me."

What women? Who are you talking about?

Shasta wanted to hang up. Are you going to pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about? You certainly didn’t pretend when they walked by you and when you distanced yourself from me at the park so they could pay more attention to you.

Shasta, no other woman means anything to me, Javier told her with plea in his voice for her understanding. "No other woman can do anything for me. Only you!"

Javier, look down on your left hand and tell me what you see.

Only my wedding ring, Mi Amor.

And what does that mean to you? She tearfully demanded.

It means you’re the only woman who has anything to offer me, he replied with the sincerity he had always expressed when telling her his feelings. No other woman.

"I’m more than the only woman who can do anything for you. I am the woman. When you see that wedding ring, neither bad nor good thoughts of any other woman should come to mind. When I see my wedding ring, I don’t think, ‘Oh no other man can do anything for me.’ When I made my vows to you, there was no room for comparing you to somebody else, Javier. You became the only man in my life – period. Your good looks, your charisma, your charm, and even your money are all going to come to an end. And I vowed to still love you and commit to you with no other man in mind."

Yeah, I feel like that, too, Javier answered desperately. The way you just said it.

Shasta shook her head and scoffed hopelessly. But cheating is my grounds to move on, Javier…

What is with you these days?

I can ask you the same thing, Jimmy. Your attention is on everything else except me and the kids. You only come to me in private for intimacy. I need your time and your love.

Baby, look around you. Do you see the size of this back yard, the swimming pool…that oversize garage apartment for Tori, the six bedrooms…the media room? To get it all, I had to work hard. There are sacrifices to make.

But the sacrifice shouldn’t be me and the kids, Jimmy. Money will never love you like I do. She pulled him closer in a hug as they continued to move perfectly to the beat of the ballad. For the calm in her heart, she needed to feel him in a promising embrace. His presence, which she so often desperately missed, was all she wanted to cling to that moment. Closing her eyes, she spoke softly into his ear, "Money will never commit to you like I will as your wife from the altar after we’re finally married."

He affectionately returned her squeeze with his own. For the first time all Sunday, Jimmy was quiet. The many guests surrounding them seemed invisible.

We just need more of you, she added softly. The kids are aching for their father. And as for me…

I’m glad you’re here, she replied, hoping they could bury their differences in the love they shared, as they were able to do during their courtship and engagement. Can we talk?

Oh, Tammy, there’s nothing to really talk about, he practically whispered regretfully. You know what pushes my buttons – calling me a foul name…

Louis, I didn’t curse. I called you a jerk because I was so mad that you had cursed and…

He held up a firm finger only inches from her face. I…don’t…ever…want to be disrespected. Do you understand that?

Her eyes, which had deeply searched his, lowered with the drop of her head. But Louis lifted it by her chin again – gently though not as she would have preferred. Tammy, do you understand me?

I understand.

And do you understand that, under no circumstance, are you to shove religion down my throat again?

Have I ever…

Do you understand that?

I do.

He finally removed his finger from her chin. She didn’t realize how free she felt when she was untouched. Are you still mad at me, Louis?

He shrugged as he fixed his eyes on hers with a different attitude – a softer, more familiar one to her. She knew the look. His loving side was like a dream. At that moment, her heart was again like a warmed spring zephyr. Still stricken by his attractiveness, Tammy froze in place as she watched him step closer toward her – closing the space between them. And just before his lips could meet hers, the kitchen chime rang.

Maybe it’s the new housekeeper, Tammy suggested.

At the backdoor? Louis crossed the large kitchen and opened the door. There he found their new landscapers, Rodney and Fernando, standing side by side. You guys finished? Tammy, did you leave the check on the counter?

Here it is, she offered retrieving the thirty-five dollar payment from the kitchen table.

I have to tell you guys we need more professional work done on our lawn, Louis announced sternly. I’m afraid this will be your last job with us.

Handing the check to her husband, Tammy frowned at his tone. Louis!

At once, Louis turned his head toward his wife and grimaced. Tammy cringed at his response. Lately, every mere hint of opposition was perceived as disrespect by him.

Rodney took an instant to notice the tension between the couple before he responded with a sneer that distracted the Goldsmiths and took them both by surprise. Oh, how unfortunate.

Well, Rod, it looks like perfect timing after all, Fernando added.

And what’s that supposed to mean? Louis demanded pulling his fists up to his sides as he still clenched the check.

Don’t worry, Rodney replied. Can we just have our payment please, Loui- Mr. Goldsmith?

Handing him the payment, Louis said to him, Look, I’ll refer you to some neighbors. Okay?

Louis had no idea he would be pushed to the floor by both men once the check was out of his hand. The impact was so forceful that he flew back several feet before landing.

Oh, God! Tammy shouted. Louis!

The landscapers immediately shut the door behind them and revealed their guns. Maybe you do have to worry, Fernando derided in amusement.

Tammy rushed to her husband, who moaned in pain.

Welcome to the world of Rodney Price and Fernando Torres, Rodney announced in a cold manner. His eyes fired the glare of a hungry panther.

Let’s get them to the hideaway, Rodney!

Acknowledgements

All glory and honor to our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who is our Way, Truth, and Life to our Father in Heaven. I am so thankful to Him for another opportunity to write and finally finish this novel.

I am thankful for my husband of eighteen years (Elder), our children (Elder II, Brendon, Dimitri and Tatiana), my parents (Milton and Cynthia), my brother, my sister, all four of my grandparents, my family, my friends, and my pastors (in Houston and in Atlanta).

I am also thankful for the years the LORD gave me with my grandfather, James Earl Carroll, Sr., and my aunt, Fannie Muriel Bernard Dalcour – both of whom went home to be with the Lord in 2012. With giggles and tears, I remember them both as I reflect on each of their personalities when developing characters in this and other novels.

As I have written in previous novels, I also want to begin this series acknowledging that there is no fiction on earth that can measure up to the awesome parables which Jesus spoke to teach us how to live. While I believe Wedding Vows Under Fire can entertain as well as minister to your heart, it is a secondary source of learning.

There is no encouraging, and assuring book to read like the Holy Bible. There is no saving book apart from God’s Word. So, if you put this novel down to pick the scriptures up, you’re on the right path. And while you do read this fiction, feel free to discern its content in light of The Word.

Lanette

Prologue

1971

Dinner could have been ready at that very moment or within another hour – close to seven o’clock. But time was no issue while hats and britches continued to sell like they were the only wear in Houston’s Fifth Ward. Sitting with Joseph Reyes, his new partner, behind a small table cluttered with only two types of saleable items, Nathaniel Taylor could only hope his wife would be willing to reheat dinner if he were to walk through the door again past nine o’clock. She didn’t seem to care that, only five months after he had pooled his extremely limited resources together with those few of his former market rival, a generous flow of income had actually begun to generate.

Reyes too had very little money to bring to the investment table of their new partnership. Along with his stylish hats and a colorful tablecloth knitted by his wife, Angelica, all he had were two old square tables to pull together with the one Taylor had used as a single proprietor selling brown polyester britches. Made weekly by both Reyes and his wife from their home in Houston’s urban Denver Harbor, the hats offered an attractive table display next to the britches sown by Taylor’s wife.

Neither man had been successful in the sale of his own product before joining their efforts. After competing for almost a year outside on a busy street corner where a church, a produce market, a school, a barber shop, and a well known yet hidden day bar-night club all existed, the men had decided to couple their homemade merchandise to sell at discount while still offering them at regular price per individual item.

Taylor had begun to realize that Reyes’ colorful decors, as well as his stylish hats, could definitely accent his own products. Although his britches offered no distinction in style, they were lain out in abundance and finally received well by many people in the community who wanted to buy a bargain couple of paints plus hats. The potential that the partnership offered didn’t quite come to mind previously until he realized that each of them was frequently asked for the other’s product.

Tortilla?

What? Taylor answered in the defensive tone in which he always addressed his partner, whom he rarely understood.

Eat? Reyes clarified himself as he held out one of those soft, delicious, flat, floured, pancake-like breads that Taylor recognized. Comida!

"What you mean telling me ‘Come here’?"

Comida…

"You come here, Man!"

Reyes gave up on his efforts. He stepped closer to practically force the tortilla into Taylor’s hand. His stern-faced, six-foot five inch partner couldn’t reject it.

I have got to get this man’s wife over to the house and teach Geraldine how to make this, Taylor thought to himself as he looked away.

Good? Reyes delightfully demanded in anticipation. The tanned pudgy Latino could only smile when he noticed Taylor look down at him with a blank expression.

You got another one? Taylor responded.

Que?

Another one?

"Eh?

Eat? Taylor sighed. More food? I’m hongry. He had surpassed hungry.

Oh, si! Reyes stood and smiled for so long until Taylor realized his request was heard unregistered.

Both men waited for further reply from the other.

Gracias.

"I wonder how that tastes," Taylor mumbled knowing his new partner would not likely understand him had he spoken aloud again.

Always understanding each other while dividing the daily gross revenues at fifty percent each, the men often grew frustrated over the language barrier by the end of each day’s hard labor.

Reyes pointed toward the dull sun. Vamanos, por favor.

Go home? Ready?

Home. Si. Vamanos a mi casa. Reyes pointed at Taylor’s old pick-up truck.

Let’s go, Taylor responded as he well understood Reyes at that moment. The only one of the two with transportation, he daily drove Reyes to and from their same work location while carrying items in the back of the truck. Their homes were only a ten-minute drive apart – their work site being about a five minute drive from Taylor’s home.

A typical drive home from their nine-hour independent street-retail routine was usually quiet – especially on Saturdays, their busiest day of the week. During their ride home, both men often rested in silence – wiping sweat from their brows and awaiting the moments when they could bathe for bed after dinner. But, with both hats and britches almost out of stock, it was time to discuss replenishing their inventory.

Taylor stared down at the cardboard shoebox full of numerous coins, several single bills, five-dollar bills, and even some tens. He realized that some of that money had to be used for purchasing more materials and wondered how he could ever convey this to his partner. His mind wondered even further adrift concerning how Geraldine and Angelica could pull themselves away from daily household chores to hand-manufacture more inventory that they were going to urgently need. Taylor knew that, by the following day’s end, there would be nothing left to sell at the rate items had been purchased over the past three weeks. His only choice was to stop the truck on the side of the road.

Reyes stared at him with a frown. Cars passed by the parked truck in what seemed like a rush. But it didn’t faze Taylor. He knew he had to address an uncertainty despite the language barrier. Otherwise, their new small business venture was bound to fail.

December 31, 1979

No other place through all of Houston could have promised her a chance to see the secret crush and love of her heart one last time. She discreetly pulled her hand up to her mouth, as if she were scratching her nose, and blew. Perfect. The mint did last after all. Just in case Jimmy Maxwell arrived within the next few minutes, her breath was fresh enough to talk to him upon the rare chance.

Standing nervously in the corner, diagonal from the gymnasium entrance, she could no longer see whether the school’s most popular basketball player, her heart’s most sought desire, had arrived yet. The dance floor, blocking her view, included all the school’s best dancers – except her and Jimmy.

Tip! She heard a familiar voice yell her nickname. What are you doing over here by yourself, Girl?

She turned to find the hippest blond girl she had ever met – and even had ever seen. A giggle always escaped through her lips to see her dance better than most of their Black girlfriends. She was one of the best at everything she did – including being a best friend. Gladys Lightfoot approached her from the crowd of couples.

Just taking one last good look, Tiphany Taylor responded, masking her sadness. She took a deep breath and forced a smile across her silky dark caramel face that never needed make-up in order to radiate her beauty.

Gladys was too perceptive to be fooled. Girl, you’re only moving about thirty minutes away.

And I’ll be at another school, Tiphany reminded her. I wanted to graduate with y’all next year.

But it’s not like you’ll be out of town, Gladys pointed out as she grabbed a cup of the punch from the nearby table. I don’t think…

Gladys, I saw about three guys stop by three different times and add their own spike to that stuff, Tiphany warned her friend. I wouldn’t drink it.

Skeptical, Gladys glared at the full punch bowl.

It’s spiked. I wouldn’t drink it, Tiphany warned a group of others passing by for refreshments. Unless you want a mega New Year’s Eve buzz, you can grab a soda from the cooler over there.

"Girl, hang up a sign and get…out…on…the…dance floor!" Gladys laughed.

I don’t have a dance partner, Tiphany explained with a deliberate carefree shrug.

Oh, well, maybe you’ll be able to find Jimmy around here.

Have you seen him? Tiphany asked discreetly. Not even her own group of closest friends knew how she longed for Jimmy’s attention – and how only in her dreams, he was the love of her life.

On the dance floor, he had been her faithful partner since her freshman year, which was his sophomore year. Every school dance and almost every mutual friend’s house party gave them opportunities to show out on the dance floors – together. Jimmy had even taught her some of her best moves. But it was always on the dance floors.

He rarely spoke to her in the hallways at school. At parties and dances, he was always swallowed up by crowds of friends and girls once he finished dancing with her. Tiphany actually hung onto every smile he had thrown to her in passing.

He seemed to always have one girlfriend for every semester since Tiphany, as a new freshman, had met him at a victory dance. Those girls were so pretty, she thought. How could she compare? He seemed to like the girls with long hair. Hers rose just above her shoulders. And she spent overtime to prepare it daily. While her efforts often paid off with an abundance of compliments about her styles, she often wondered if there existed any hidden secret that could stimulate her hair growth.

Everyone had always noticed that most of the school’s dark-skinned brothers liked the red or high-yellow girls and that the light-skinned guys liked the darker girls. But what did it matter to Jimmy? Standing six-foot three inches tall, in his chocolate complexion, he never seemed moved by skin tone. But he apparently liked hair and curves. His good looks enabled him to choose from a wide range of starry-eyed girls.

Tiphany ran her hands over her curled strands, which had been in sponge rollers all day until the time of the dance, as she continued to scan the area. Even though she only expected him to go through the same motions that he went through with her at every party and dance, she could feel her stomach turn with anticipation.

He’s been looking for you.

Who? Tiphany was clueless, lost in her thoughts.

You know. Jimmy! I saw him on the other side of the gym. He hasn’t even been on the dance floor yet.

Tiphany’s eyes widened. She could feel her heart pounding. Are you serious?

Tip, have you ever seen Jimmy dancing with anybody else but you? Nobody has, Gladys informed her, apparently surprised by Tiphany’s response. Until it’s time to slow drag! That’s the only time he’ll dance with somebody else. Hey, has he ever slow danced with you?

Tiphany knew that, if she opened her mouth, she could inadvertently reveal something Gladys could certainly grasp in a blink. She just looked away at the crowds and shook her head with a dull mutter, Mm-mm.

Girl, if me and Earl weren’t together, I sure wouldn’t mind slow dancing with ole’ Jimmy. He is so cute – and built quite good!

Quite well, Tiphany corrected her with a playful smile. She wanted to slap a high-five on her friend’s hand and commend her on such a great observation. And he looks okay.

Gladys laughed. Miss Columnist…you just don’t notice cause you’re still stuck on Manny.

For the umpteenth time, I am not still stuck on that boy! Tiphany replied while, as a result of how her friend labeled her, simultaneously reflecting on her recent honorary appointment by her school to write for a community newspaper with representation of the adolescent voice. She laughed as she continued to explain, He never called me after I told him it was over. And I’m still not looking for him to call me either.

For a year, she had half-heartedly dated the school’s heaviest line backer on the junior varsity football team.

Hey, Tip.

Tiphany knew the deep voice.

With sheer delight, Gladys realized her conversation with her best friend was abruptly over by the cool greeting. She bowed out of the brief threesome with a light pinch on Tiphany’s arm before disappearing into the crowd.

Slowly, Tiphany stared up into his dark brown eyes. Taking her hand as always, he blurted his usual words to her, Let’s go kick it.

Wait. Tiphany couldn’t believe she had said that. He had never stuck around long enough to give her a chance to speak to him. She had always been too nervous to even say Hi. Her only response to him had always been okay each time he would say, Let’s go kick it.

Jimmy stepped closely into her space, never letting go of her hand, and searched her eyes seemingly for the first time after nearly three school years. Looking up at him in an entirely new way, seeing what appeared to be an unfamiliar but pleasant expression on his face, Tiphany felt her strength leave her body.

Are you okay? He asked her with a concerned tone that made her want to lay her head on his chest for comfort from absolutely nothing.

I- uh…uh…

Don’t tell me you don’t want to kick it. They got some jams lined up tonight.

I know, she blurted nervously. She dropped her head searching for the nerve to tell him what she had hoped would matter to him. But…I…

We have over another hour before the turn of the new year. Let’s go on into eighty jammin’.

Jimmy. She startled herself again. Until that moment, she had never realized that his name had never slipped through her lips in his presence.

He let go of her hand. A momentary emptiness swept over Tiphany until she felt the gentle warm grip of his hands on each shoulder. Are you going to miss this place?

What? She dared to refocus on his eyes, where she rarely allowed herself to look for worries that she’d fall too deeply into a trance. Did he know? She wondered. Her chest tightened for no reason that she could understand.

I heard you were leaving us. Is that what you want to say?

Yeah, she almost whispered as she lowered her gaze. She didn’t think he heard her response over the loud music. So, she nodded.

Well, why don’t we go kick it first and then we can go talk. Okay? Look. Everybody’s waiting for us.

To her amazement, Tiphany noticed almost the entire dance floor crowd rhythmically motioning them to join them. They called their names repeatedly to the beat of the music. For that exciting moment, she decided to forget about her problems and follow Jimmy to the dance floor. To show out like always could certainly help her forget what was ahead – just for that evening.

Tiphany wiped the sweat from her brow with a tissue handed to her by Gladys. After dancing through about five upbeat numbers with Jimmy, she had somehow lost him in the crowd once a slow song began. She had even expected to see him with his arms around his current girlfriend, Sheila. But he was nowhere in sight.

The gigantic gymnasium clock read eleven forty, just minutes before every couple in the place would embrace into lip-locks. Tiphany dreaded the moment. Even if she had stuck with Manuel, she knew her heart would sink at the glance of Jimmy kissing Sheila – or any other girl. She had seen him at previous outings over the years kissing Connie, Joanne, Althea, Evelyn, and others unknown to her. Now, she had to endure seeing him with Sheila, whom he had reportedly been dating since the beginning of the summer. At least, she felt, it would be the last time seeing him kiss all those girlfriends.

Y’all shined like stars over there, Tip!

She focused in on her group of running buddies approaching her with Gladys and her cousin Natalie Taylor, who didn’t attend the same school even though she had long ago well-acquainted herself with the girls through Tiphany. Vivian Brown, Rosie Lopez, and Mia Trevino joined the two as they all surrounded Tiphany.

"Girl, you were the stuff out there!"

I told you ain’t nobody better than her, Mia responded in order to get a rise out of Gladys, who was comically competitive.

And could Jimmy keep up with her tonight? Rosie added jokingly as she put her arm around Tiphany’s shoulders.

It’s a good thing Sheila’s nowhere to be found, Vivian pointed out. She still would have been jealous even though they broke up already.

Broke up? Gladys echoed. Are you serious? When?

Right after Thanksgiving – from what I heard.

Then why does she still hang around him with her arm all looped through his?

Just being the possessive cow she is! Natalie complained. Laughter rang out among them.

Cow! Vivian echoed amused.

Natalie explained, That’s what my cousin, EmmaJean, likes to call girls who she doesn’t like.

I hear about EmmaJean, Gladys revealed. Tip told me she doesn’t hardly like anybody!

No, she’s pretty cool, Natalie clarified. Just don’t get on her bad side.

Anyway, Rosie continued their initial conversation, It must be top secret that Sheila’s not with Jimmy anymore. Somebody sure did fool me ‘cause I never knew either.

Me neither! Natalie interjected with a wide-eyed innocence.

Mia laughed. That’s because you don’t go here, Nat!

Natalie returned the laughter before focusing on her cousin. Girlfriend, I guess you didn’t know either. Your mouth is wide open.

Tiphany’s friends and cousin awakened her thoughts. Eventually, she managed to blurt out her own giggle, which sounded exactly like the nervous laughter that rang in her heart that moment.

So, are we still having the slumber party at Rosie’s house after the dance? Tiphany asked, desperate to steer them away from a subject that could be too revealing of her innermost thoughts. She simply wasn’t prepared to analyze her own feelings deeper than she had already done over the past year.

Uh – yeah? Rosie replied with a tone that scolded her friend for the oversight. Your things are already at my house, Silly.

Let up, Hermana, Gladys told Rosie. Our girl’s having a hard time tonight. You know? She’s not coming back to school with us next week. Remember?

Oh!

I’m sorry. I forgot all about that. But Mason Creek isn’t all that far. My uncle and his family are out there. And we’re still able to attend the same church.

Yeah, but she’ll be at a different school district and everything, Rosie! Vivian argued sadly. It won’t be the same.

While Vivian and Rosie continued to argue, as they usually seemed to love doing, Tiphany was able to tune them out and focus on Jimmy, who had suddenly come into her view. She noticed him chatting with his own friends. Just staring at the tall, dark-skinned, confident basketball player, she found herself relieved that he was no longer considered taken. But what difference should that make? She argued inwardly. He went from girlfriend to girlfriend like he was square-dancing. So, only a matter of time determined how soon he’d have another one – regardless of how closely Sheila clung to him.

Her heart sank at the thought of having to forget about him. Even though Jimmy never paid much attention to her off the dance floor, he made every move memorable for her. Tiphany only wondered if he’d find her replacement for his remaining semester in school. Then, college was next for him. Rumors had already surfaced that he had been presented with three basketball scholarships. Two of them were said to be out of state.

Startled, Tiphany gasped with realization that Jimmy caught her stare and, within a second, returned it with a smile that warmed her from head to toe. Feeling like a deer in a headlight, she contemplated fleeing in order to hide herself. But he didn’t seem to care. Jimmy continued to stare at her until his smile faded.

His look became more intense until he finally gestured her to meet him in a spot away from the crowds. Tiphany slowly moved toward his direction, hoping she wasn’t somehow mistaken. Maybe he was actually looking at somebody else, she thought. After all, she and Jimmy had never shared more than a minute of words. And she continuously reminded herself of this until she was face to face with him.

Did I take you away from having fun with your girls? He asked her with another smile.

Huh? Them? No. I’ll be spending the night with them anyway. She chuckled tensely.

One last night with them before you head off? Huh?

Yeah, she replied before thinking. Well, no. I won’t be out of town – just in Mason Creek.

Mason Creek? I have family members who moved out there.

Really? Tiphany blurted with delight and surprise.

Yeah. My scholarship is right over there at Hayland Hill University, he explained. That’s in a suburb right next to Mason Creek.

And don’t you have two other scholarships out of town? She gradually found herself more comfortable talking with him.

Yeah. He seemed to be at a sudden loss of words. But he was bold enough to stare straight-faced into her eyes during what seemed like a long still moment of silence. Let’s go outside and talk. Alright? he finally suggested.

Tiphany swallowed hard. Okay.

Wearing a stylish sweater over a collar shirt, he gently placed his letterman jacket over her shoulders before leading her out into the winter weather with his right hand resting on her right shoulder. The feel of his muscular frame against her left shoulder – even under his thick layer of clothing and the jacket over her shoulders – gave her an unusual hope that he just may have more to say to her than he ever had before. To their left were benches where groups of students played cards. So, they walked farther out until they reached the dimly lit track field bleachers. Jimmy silently grabbed Tiphany’s hand and led her up the ramp toward the empty seats. She could only hope that her mother, who was one of the event chaperones, wouldn’t notice her absence.

As they sat on the bottom bench, Jimmy asked her, Are you still cold? Before she could answer, he helped her slip her arms through the sleeves of his jacket.

Thank you. For a few silent seconds, she waited for him to say something. But she noticed under the dim lights that he only stared out at the raging fireworks from miles away. So, um…Where’s Sheila?

Sheila? I don’t know.

Well, I had expected to see her on your arm here at the dance.

He laughed. Why? We don’t go together anymore.

Oh.

Why aren’t you and Manuel together?

I broke it off about two months ago.

Yeah, I noticed you at school walking without him, he said matter-of-factly. You seem to like hanging out with your friends more.

I do. She nodded.

I wish my sister would be like that, he continued in a more solemn tone. He shook his head. I can’t figure out why Candace won’t leave that player alone.

Well, isn’t she just a sophomore?

So? He chuckled.

Well…She has time to see if that guy’s no good for her, Tiphany suggested. What’s his name?

Curtis Powell. He’ll be graduating this year, too. And that’s a good thing since I heard he’s going off to college.

Tiphany giggled. When Jimmy responded with an abrupt, puzzled look, she quickly looked away.

What’s so funny? he demanded finally forming a crooked smile.

Before realizing her bold reply, she gave it to him. "People say you’re a player, Jee…J-Jimmy."

"Did you just call me Jee?" His gaze, turning upon her face, intensified as he slowly rested his elbows on his knees. Jimmy smiled.

She continued to stutter. It…It j-just slipped out like th-that…

No, no. I like it. Call me that. Alright?

Well…okay…for now. But…I don’t have long to see you anymore, Jimmy. Jee…I’ll be at Bridgewood High starting next semester.

That’s in a few days?

She nodded. And then…It’s off to college for you anyway.

How do you know I’m going away? He sat up straight again to face her more. I told you I have an offer at Hayland Hill.

W-Well, why w-would you go there? She asked with genuine curiosity. They have a sorry team. Everybody knows that.

Jimmy nodded in thought. He seemed hesitant to explain his decision. He even bowed his head to stare at the ground, seemingly to search for the right words that could express a major issue in his career decision. I’m not into basketball the way people think I am.

Well, what are you into?

He looked at her again. A promising career. With basketball, I wouldn’t know if I’d make it to the pros or not. I plan on taking as many business classes as I can. Do you know how many Black men went into business for themselves and are set for life now?

Her Uncle Nathaniel, Natalie’s father, came to mind. Tiphany smiled, realizing that he had given her another reason for her attraction to him. That’s good, Jee.

So, you’re not going to get rid of me, he announced in a playfully challenging tone. He slowly slid closer toward her and slipped his right arm around her shoulders. With his left hand, he reached for her left hand and held it.

Tiphany very much wanted to return his sweet embrace. She could see him surveying her face in her peripheral. He seemed to be more anxious for her response during that frozen moment. In her girlish bashfulness, she had intended to resist looking into his eyes. But her actions defied her plans. She was almost enthralled by his parted lips. Her heart’s beat sped up as she noticed his head drawing closer to hers with his eyes fixed on her lips.

Jimmy, what do you think you’re doing? She blurted.

His eyes flew open and could have gauged from his face had he been any more flabbergasted by her reaction. What? What do you think, Girl? He chuckled with an obvious attempt to restore his confidence within that staggering moment.

Once again, words began spilling from Tiphany’s mouth before she could first think and devise a tactful way of saying them. "I think you think I’m one of your drooling fans, she scolded. Her own tone stunned her. I don’t even like basketball."

"But how do you feel about me?" He squeezed her hand.

"I feel like you’re a player, she retorted. I don’t fit into your track record, Jimmy. And I’m not some desperate puppy waiting around for a moment like this with you."

Lord, please forgive me for lying to this guy! She prayed inwardly.

Then, why did you come out here with me? He asked her pulling away.

Jimmy…

Call me Jee, Tip, he reminded her in a gentle tone.

Jee, she complied. Do you know how many years you and I have been dancing together?

Two – two and a half. Right?

Roughly, yeah, she replied before pausing to shiver. She didn’t realize how cold the weather actually was until Jimmy pulled away. "And besides saying to me, ‘Hey, Tip, let’s go kick it,’ what else have you ever said to me before tonight? I came out here with you because, for the first time, we were about to have a conversation – a real conversation, uninterrupted."

Tiphany studied his gape into her eyes but couldn’t determine if the look was blank or conflicted with self-evaluation. She wanted to ask him for a response, but she was afraid, for the first time, that the guy she had a dream-consuming crush on might say something stupid to the extent of sabotaging her feelings. So, she entertained his silence with more of her own words.

"I’m excited about your scholarship choices. And I needed somebody to talk to about moving. I hate that I have to wonder if I’ll ever have another dance partner like you again. Those are things to talk about, Jee. That’s what friends and even dance partners do. They talk. You want to jump the gun and link me into a long chain of experiences that you’ve had with other girls. Well, guess what! I’m not…"

Woe there, Partner! Okay!

For a moment, she searched her heart and really wondered if she actually wanted to turn Jimmy down over a kiss that would have meant everything to her.

Man! He blurted. Nobody ever…I mea-. He coughed out half-laughter as if he were at a complete loss of words. Running his hand over his low-cut, perfectly round afro, he looked out at the blank field like a lost boy in search of something he couldn’t identify. Bewilderment covered his face. I guess you really don’t like me. Do you?

Tiphany replied with an attempt to conceal her heart in her tone. If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t dance with you every time I have a chance. I wouldn’t be out here trying to talk to you.

There! She told herself, Now, he’ll think you like him the way you like your seventy-five year-old math teacher. Real romantic, Tiphany!

Hey, by the way, Jimmy began in a more cheerful tone as he scooted away to face her more. Who said you had to have another dance partner? Why can’t I just come and pick you up and take you with me sometimes?

Really?

Tip, I like dancing with you. You’re fun, too. There was a hint of bashfulness that formed on his handsome face. He stared downward again! This guy had never lowered his eyes, Tiphany thought, except to gawk at some girl.

He continued, You know, I know you’re not like these other chicks I know. And I always wanted to talk more to you. But Manuel…Man, that’s a big dude.

She giggled. He’s only like five-foot six inches tall. You’re over six feet.

Yeah, and he lifts heavier weights. ‘Probably eats more than me, too, since he plays football. He’s big regardless of his height. And he’s crazy about you – still. I remember he punched out this dude in the locker room just for saying that you’re fine. That was last year when y’all first started going together. He seemed to like you more and more after that.

She cleared her throat. I didn’t know Manny did that. And all this time I’ve been criticizing other girls for instigating guys’ fights over them. There was also a thought forming in the back of her mind. When she broke up with Manuel, she thought he didn’t care. After all, he never called to rebuttal her wishes. She had always thought his interest in her was faint compared to other guys who showed affection and more attention to their girlfriends. Part of what drew her to Jimmy, she admitted to herself, were his smiles at her on and off the dance floor. His mystery was more alluring than Manuel’s bland presence walking at her side. But, she decided, there was no point in explaining these feelings to Jimmy.

Hello? He waved a hand in front of her, breaking her thoughts.

Huh?

I said you didn’t instigate that fight, Jimmy defended her graciously. You had no idea. Nobody from the locker room really said anything about it ‘cause brothers don’t really talk like that.

They both laughed.

Tiphany forced herself to tell him what he may have like to hear, "Jee…I know so many girls who want to go with you. They’re pretty. Foxy as you would probably call them, I guess. They dance well. Don’t you have at least one more semester girlfriend to choose out of all of them before the school year is over?"

He was taken aback. He even thought with a nod before answering. I could do that. But if I did, I’d be obligated to take one of them to my prom. And I want to take you.

Tiphany’s mouth dropped as she gasped. She searched his eyes to make sure he wasn’t joking with her.

Jimmy continued, You know, we can win a real big trophy on that night if we win the dance contest.

She gasped again and rose. Good night, Jimmy.

He also rose to follow her, gently tugging her arm from behind. Tiphany wanted so much to cave in as she felt his muscular frame slightly press against her back.

Wait, Tip…What’s wrong? You don’t even want to go to the prom with me?

It’s not that, she retorted apologetically. You wouldn’t understand.

Hey. He turned her around to face him. You haven’t gotten over your boy, Manuel, have you?

"That’s not it. I broke it off with him," she explained irritated. He was about the twentieth person to whom she had to reiterate that fact.

So…Sheila broke it off with me, and she still wants me back.

"She broke up with you?" Tiphany echoed the shocking revelation.

Yeah! He released a boyish chuckle. "She figured out I had been liking