The Arrangements

By Cornelius Moore

Michael and Allison are a newly married couple and they have been struggling to have a baby. Feeling desperate, they ask Caroline to be their surrogate. Because of her devout faith, she jumps at the change feeling her pregnancy will bring her closer to God. Her husband Benjamin, however, is skeptical. He thinks there is somet

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cornelius Moore
• Release date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9780578884462

Book preview

For Mrs. Pettronella Cynthillas Drayton Moore – Charleston, SC

And Mr. Wiley Moore Jr. (June Bug) – Plymouth, NC

Thank you

In describing the both of you, words fail me because there has not yet been a word invented in the English language that’s strong enough to properly convey my love, admiration and respect for both of you.

You took a boy and turned him into a good man.  Lisa took that good man and if it were possible, turned him into an even better one.

You’ve heard me say I love you a thousand times but I’m not sure how many times I said thank you.

Thank you for coming to New York in the early 60’s to escape the Jim Crow laws of the segregated South to give us the kind of opportunities you never had.

Thank you for showing us the color of our skin was nothing to be ashamed of but rather it’s a suit of armor to be worn with pride and honor.

Thank you for always encouraging us to pick up a book over a ball.

Thank you for allowing us to follow our dreams.  My dream is to be a writer.  Which is why I have dedicated the second book in this series to both of you.

You have given me a debt; I couldn’t possibly repay.

With Eternal gratitude, your son

Cornelius Joneris Moore – The Bronx, NY

Foreplay

In a very fancy hotel hallway, a woman named Sister Bell and a young man named Anthony are walking toward their room.  Sister Bell is a senior black woman in her mid-seventies.  She walks with a slight limp, but her walk is steady.  Anthony is holding her hand and walking to keep in step with her.  While Sister Bell has a constant scowl on her face, Anthony is always smiling.  He is a very handsome young black man in his early twenties.  Do we have to leave tomorrow, Auntie Sister Bell? He asks. Bell glances over at him and replies, I’m afraid so my child. These retreats are only meant for us to come and worship the Lord together for a brief period of time.  It gives us a chance to pray for all of our sins and the sinners of the world.  For there are many.  She continues. 

As they continue to walk down the hallway, they pass a door and hear a woman’s voice laughing and then moaning. That’s Caroline’s voice. Anthony says in a whisper. Sister Bell shushes him and moves closer to the door.  She actually presses her ear to the door to listen in.

Oh God! Oh God!! Oh God!!! Caroline says through the door. Sister Bell holds up her fist and draws it back like she is about to knock.  Anthony gets very nervous and takes a step back.  Sister Bell slowly puts her hand down and glares at the door with contempt.  She takes Anthony’s hand and marches down the hallway almost dragging him with her. Yes, my child. The sins of the world are many. She says.

*

On an airplane, Benjamin Wilkins is waiting for his turn to use the bathroom. He is a black male in his mid-thirties and stands a towering six foot four inches tall and weighs a little over three hundred pounds.  The bathroom door slides open, and Sister Bell comes out.  As soon as she sees Ben, the corners of her mouth turn down and her eyebrows lower so much, she has to put her head back to look up.  Ben looks at Sister Bell and his lips are pursed to the side. 

Sister Bell. Benjamin says very curtly yet polite. 

Benjamin. She responds dryly.  They stand there in silence for a moment.  Finally, Benjamin says, Did you enjoy the retreat?  What was your favorite part? 

When we prayed for all the sinners of the world. She says very smugly. 

Well, my favorite part was studying the bible verses.  Benjamin responds.  Is that so? Sister Bell asks.  Any verse in particular? She continues in almost a challenging tone.  Benjamin looks at her up and down and replies, My personal favorite was Romans Chapter three verse twenty-three.  He looks at Sister Bell as she seems to struggle with the origin of that bible verse.  A slight smile creeps across his face, and he says, For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Sister Bell huffs and says, I knew that.

Of course, you did. Benjamin says very sarcastically.  Bell notices his look and says, You seem to forget, I’ve been studying the Bible long before you were born.

Benjamin takes a step closer to her and says, You seem to forget when I served in the Army, every day I thought I was going to die.  I kept a small pocket Bible on me in the field and read it every day.  I even read it to some guys in my unit at times.  Bell takes a slight step back and says, Did you ever kill anyone?  Benjamin looks at her then turns away.  Bell smirks and says, Exodus twenty thirteen.

I know killing is a sin but defending people’s freedom shouldn’t have to be. If I died defending someone else, I truly believed God would forgive me. Benjamin says.  Bell takes a step closer to him and says, Killing is still a sin.

Yes, I know. But you’ve never had to steal food because your family was starving or kill because someone broke into your house.  I love how people judge others based on actions they themselves never had to take. Must be nice. Benjamin says as he brushes past Sister Bell and goes in the bathroom.  He turns around and sees Sister Bell is still standing there, so he slams the door hard and locks it. Bell starts huffing and pursing her lips.  She looks around the plane and sees Caroline and Anthony sitting next to each other talking and laughing.  She makes her way over there.

Caroline is a petite black woman standing five foot three inches tall and has soft brown eyes and short curly hair.  She is very meek, soft-spoken and in her early thirties.

It’s hilarious how we both like music from the seventies. Anthony says laughing.  You kidding? We used to listen to that kind of music all the time when I was a kid.  Caroline replies back.  She leans over to him, looks around and asks, Wanna know my ultimate guilty pleasure? Anthony leans over to her to the point where their heads touch.  He also looks around and hinted, Tell me.  Abby Strings.  When I’m home alone, I like to listen to her on full blast. Caroline says.  Me too.  I love her. Anthony replies with a wide smile.  They both laugh. She was a great singer. Caroline says.

They sit in silence for a bit until Anthony sees Sister Bell walking toward them.  He holds Caroline’s hand, leans close to her and asks in a low voice, How long have you known Auntie Sister Bell? 

Caroline rolls her eyes slightly and replies, My whole life.

Was she always like this? He inquires.  Caroline looks at him expressionlessly. You know. Bitter. Bossy. He continues.

And downright nasty? Caroline adds on. Anthony nods.  As long as I’ve known her. She continues.  Anthony moves close to Caroline’s ear and whispers, Is it true no one knows her first name?  Caroline nods.  And she insists on everybody calling her Bell? He asks.  Again, Caroline nods.  No one knows that much about her, right? Anthony asks, and Caroline nods.  I mean, she’s raised me my whole life, and it’s like she’s a stranger.  I don’t know that much about her.  She’s very guarded. Anthony says.

If you really want to know about her, just ask Sister Virginia.  About a year ago, the two of them had a big shouting match in one of the offices at church.  A few weeks later, Sister Virginia brought Sister Bell in an office.  Not sure what happened in that meeting, but Bell never bothered Virginia again. 

What do you think happened? Anthony asks nervously.  Caroline looks around slightly then explains, Word around the hen house is she hired a private investigator to look into Sister Bell’s background.  Whatever he or she found out scared her enough to leave Sister Virginia alone.  I think it was her real first name.  They both sit up slightly and turn around to see Sister Virginia and Caroline’s mother Regina talking.  They are sitting very close and laughing.  Both women are in their early sixties with grey hair.  Caroline and Anthony sit back down.  Anthony laughs a little bit and says, They’ve been like that this entire trip.

Caroline smiles and says, Well, they grew up together in North Carolina.  Anthony turns to her with raised eyebrows and asks, Did they? She glances over at them again and adds, They lived next door to each other.  Neither one had many friends, so they pretty much had each other.  They were thick as thieves.  Virginia and Regina.  Gin and Gene.  I heard your mom was very sad when Virginia married and moved to New York.  Anthony says.  Caroline smiles broadly and replies, True. Before the internet, they called and sent letters, but now, they video chat all the time.  But nothing is like being face to face.  Which is why when they are, they ignore everyone else.

Anthony laughs a little and concurs, I know.  They’re like little school girls.

Bell approaches them, and they both sit up a little, drop their smiles and look very attentive at Sister Bell who stands over them looking very annoyed.  After a few moments of silence, Anthony asked, Is everything OK, Auntie Sister Bell?

She glares at Caroline and replies, No. Not really.  You should tell your husband not to quote Bible verses to me.  I’ve been studying the Bible long before he was an itch in his daddy’s pants. 

Caroline diverts her eyes away from Bell and adjusts herself in her seat and remarks very softly, Sister Bell, I apologize for that.  Sometimes Benjamin can get a little passionate about things. I think it all stems from his military service. 

I understand that, and we all appreciate his service to this country but— Bell says when she looks up and sees Benjamin walking back towards them.  At the same time, Sister Virginia gets up and walk over toward him.  As she passes Caroline and Anthony and is about to pass Sister Bell, she touches Virginia’s arm. She looks at Bell and looks at the hand on her arm.  Bell slowly takes her hand off Virginia. Caroline and Anthony exchange glances. 

Sister Virginia. Bell says. Can I help you? Virginia responds slightly rolling her eyes. Bell clears her throat and says, I’m not finished talking to these young people, can you stall Benjamin for a minute or two?  Virginia stares at her.  Please? Bell pleads.  Virginia looks Bell up and down and states, Actually, I was going to talk to Benjamin anyway.  She walks behind Bell and makes eye contact with Caroline and Anthony who look on in amazement.  Virginia winks at them and approaches Benjamin.  She hugs him and says, Brother Benjamin.  Benjamin waves her off with his hand and answers, You don’t have to call me that. It’s not necessary. 

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. Virginia says.  Benjamin looks over at Bell and retorts, Yeah, but some of us don’t act like it. Virginia smiles a little and says, Could you take a look at my car? It’s been giving me some trouble recently.

What kind of trouble? Benjamin asks.  Not sure.  It sounds funny when I turn it on and the lights on the dashboard flicker sometimes.  It’s peculiar.  It doesn’t happen all the time. Virginia says.  He takes a deep breath and says, Well, there’s no way for me to tell what’s wrong with it unless you bring it by the shop. You can swing by—

She moves a little closer to Benjamin, looks around to make sure no one is listening and whispers, Well, I was hoping you would come to my house to take a look at it.  Benjamin lets out a deep sigh.  Virginia moves even closer to him and says, I’m afraid it’ll cost an arm and a leg, and I don’t have that kind of cash right now.  But if you come to my house to take a look at it, I’ll make you the best dinner you ever had.  I’ll even buy you some of that craft beer you like. How does that sound? She looks at him very nervously.  I’ll have to check my schedule. He replies at her.  She lets out a sigh of relief.  Thank you. She says taking his hand.  This is why I call you Brother Benjamin. She continues.  He smiles at her.  Benjamin looks behind her and sees Sister Bell still talking to Caroline and Anthony.  He turns back to Virginia and says, I’ll call you as soon as I can and stop over.  He walks past her and back toward Caroline and Anthony and sees Bell walking away. Benjamin stands over them.  Anthony asks, So how much do you hate the Bee Gees?  Benjamin smiles and says, Let me put it to you this way, if you wanted to know the location of the hidden rebel base, all you have to do is tie me to a chair and play the Bee Gees. I wouldn’t last five minutes.  They all laugh. 

A flight attendant comes over and announces, Everyone needs to take their seats.  We will be descending very shortly.  Bell says, Thank you so much. I have a quick announcement.  She holds up her hand and says, Your attention, please.  Church members, your attention, please.  The church treasury has informed me the dues have gone up again. Most of the people on the plane groan in dismay.  I know they just went up a few months ago, but the church is old and is in dire need of repair.  Also, remember your dues are due on the fifteenth of each month.  I want to thank all of you for coming to this retreat.  These beautiful events bring us closer to the Lord.  But if you are calling on the name of the Lord and you are not in church; you are not worshipping the Lord.  Remember that.  She glances over at Caroline and Benjamin.  Other church members look over at them as well.  Caroline sees other people staring at them and sinks in her chair a little.  Benjamin starts to walk over and say something but Caroline grabs his arm and shakes her head furiously.  He looks at Caroline’s nervous facial expression then glares at Bell who now looks defiantly at him.  Anthony slowly stands up and says, I guess I should go. He walks back to his seat as do other people.  Benjamin plops down in his seat looking very annoyed.  Caroline leans toward him and says, It’s probably not a good idea to quote Bible verses at Bell.  She hates that.  Benjamin leans into her and replies under his breath, Her shit stinks too. She ain’t that fucking special.

Benjamin!  Language! She says looking around to see if anyone heard him.  What did Sister Virginia want? She continues.  She wanted me to take a look at her car.  That’s why I never liked these church retreats because people always want me to fix their cars for free.  He answers.

I don’t see anything wrong with you fixing their cars to get a little extra on the side.  Eagle doesn’t need to know. Caroline says.  Really? Benjamin says almost surprised. So, I guess Exodus chapter twenty verse fifteen means nothing?  That’s surprising for a church girl.  Caroline glances at Benjamin and says, It’s not really stealing.  Benjamin turns to her and says, And if Eagle found out, I can get fired. You know that, right?

It’s a favor. Caroline says. Bullshit. It’s stealing. Benjamin responds back.    Caroline looks around again to see if anyone heard him. Language!  She says sternly. 

I thought thou shalt not steal.  And why did Bell give us that dirty look? Benjamin asks.  Caroline slinks in her seat a little and mumbles, You know why. I told you we shouldn’t have been so loud.  Benjamin leans toward her and says, And I told you not to have so much wine.  Caroline smiles embarrassingly.  She nudges him.

Besides, we’re a married couple. We shouldn’t have to explain anything to anybody.  What we do behind closed doors is nobody’s business. Benjamin continues.  Caroline turns to him and asks, Were we really that loud? Benjamin looks out the window and says, I didn’t notice.  Although I did notice you were laughing particularly loud when I was tickling your...

Caroline pinches him and says through gritted teeth, Don’t you dare. Benjamin turns to her, smiles and winks. I don’t want to talk about it. Caroline continues.  It was good though, right? Based on what Bell said, I guess I took you to church. They both laugh, and she takes his hand as they look into each other eyes.  Benjamin adjusts himself in the seat and says, Look, I know things between us haven’t been great.  We’ve been very distant and avoiding each other, but I think this trip is exactly what we needed to get back on track. You agree?  Caroline looks in Benjamin’s eyes and says, I guess you’re right.  This trip was pretty good.

The plane begins its descent.  Once the plane touches down, all of the passengers applaud.  Thank you, Jesus! Sister Bell yells.  The plane taxis down the tarmac and pulls into the terminal.  Once the seatbelt light is turned off, everybody gets up and gathers their things to disembark the plane.

*

Benjamin and Caroline are outside of the airport with their bags waiting for a cab. They see a gay couple holding hands walking past them.  Benjamin notices Caroline rolling her eyes and looking very disapprovingly at them.  Caroline sees Benjamin catching her look and tries to change her expression.  Benjamin shakes his head and says, Really? He sticks his hand out, and a cab stops in front of them.

*

They are in a taxi with a female cab driver. Both are looking out of their perspective windows. Benjamin turns to Caroline and asks, Who is that guy Anthony anyway? I’ve seen him a few times but is he a cousin or something?  Caroline turns to him and replies, I’m not sure. I know him, but I don’t know him.  I’ve only seen him a few times, but he’s always been timid around me. Mom is always pushing me to reach out to him.  I think he’s Sister Bell’s nephew.  At least that’s what they say. 

He seems like a nice guy. Benjamin says. He’s adorable. Caroline replies.  She turns to Benjamin and asks, You want to hear my theory? Benjamin moves closer to her.  I think that’s Bell’s son, but she won’t admit it or something.

Really? Benjamin says, She’s got to be in her seventies. So, she had this kid that late in life? He continues.

Caroline shrugs and replies, It’s not uncommon for some women to get pregnant so late in life.  Benjamin stares off in space and says, But that would mean Sister Bell had actual sex? I want to meet that jackal and shake his paw.  That’s not funny. Caroline responds.

Why does everyone kiss her ass anyway. Who is she in the church again? Benjamin asks.

She’s the head of the deaconess board, senior choir, Sunday school, all the ushers and handles the money for the church.  Nothing happens in the Church without her say so.  Caroline states.  You don’t have to be so timid around her.  You need to stand up for yourself.  Don’t take that from her. I mean wake up. Benjamin says to her while touching her hand.  She pulls her hand away and responds, It’s not that simple. 

Why not? He asks.  Caroline leans over to him and says, Now is not the time to give me life lessons Ben.  I mean we just finished a wonderful vacation.  Caroline says to him.

Benjamin moves a little closer to her and says, What do you say we unpack the bags later and continue our vacation.  Caroline, staring out her window, whispers to him, I don’t think that’s a good idea. 

Why not? Benjamin asks very confusedly. Caroline turns to him and says in a slightly raised voice, Because I told you to lose weight.  The last time we had sex, you were crushing me.  You can’t do that.  Benjamin glances over at the cab driver who looks right in his face.  He slides over to the other side of the cab and says, You seemed to enjoy it.

At first.  But then you were almost suffocating me. You’re way too fat.  You have to lose weight. Caroline says curtly.  Benjamin looks at her and says, Wow. There’s a fucking mood killer.

Language. Caroline says. And I’m sorry but—

You’re not fucking sorry. Benjamin barks. Caroline notices the driver eavesdropping on their conversation and says, Maybe we shouldn’t talk about this in front of the driver.  Benjamin who is now looking at the driver and says, I’m sure she has her own problems, and she’s heard far worse than this. Am I right? Benjamin leans forward in the driver’s direction. The driver hesitates at first but seeing Benjamin will not break eye contact until he gets an answer, nods in agreement.

This is pretty tame compared to some of the shit I’ve heard. The driver confesses.  The car stops in front of their building.  I hope the two of you are very happy together. Caroline says and storms out of the car and walks in the building without taking any of the bags.  Benjamin and the driver look at each other and he gets out.  The driver pops the trunk and also gets out and helps Benjamin with the bags.  There’s nothing wrong with the way you look. The driver remarks. Benjamin takes out a hundred-dollar bill.  The driver says, I’ll get your change.

He puts his hand on her shoulder and says, Keep it.  You deserve it. He grabs all the bags and goes into the building.

*

They are in the bedroom unpacking their bags, and Caroline notices Benjamin is walking around the room with his head and shoulders down.  He is also dragging his feet when he is walking around.  Caroline takes a deep breath and says, Look, maybe I shouldn’t have said that in front of the cab driver.

You think? Benjamin responds sarcastically.  Caroline moves a little closer to him and says, I’m trying to say—

He sees a wrapped gift in the bag.  He takes it out and throws it on the bed. Who’s this for? he asks. Caroline looks at the gift and says, Oh, that’s for Michael.  Benjamin sighs loudly and rolls his eyes. Of course, it is. He says with contempt.

Don’t start. She scoffs. Don’t tell me not to start. Benjamin responds.  You know how I feel about that asshole.

He’s my boss.  And technically, he’s your boss too. I didn’t get that bonus last year, so he made arrangements to pay for this trip and give me the time off for it.  So, yeah. I bought him a gift as a thank you.  He’s never been to Hawaii, so I wanted to give him a piece of the island. 

Benjamin still taking clothes out of the suitcase says, Trust me, I think he’d rather have a piece of your ass.  Caroline sucks her teeth and asks, Why do you have to be so vulgar? Benjamin takes clothes out of the suitcase and slams them on the bed and says, Because I don’t trust him.  Something’s up with that guy.  He wants you.  Don’t be so naïve.  Caroline also throws clothes on the bed and screams, I’m sick and tired of you accusing every man who looks at me longer than ten seconds that they want to have sex with me. 

Not every man. Just him. Benjamin says. Something is going on. He’s after something and I don’t know what it is.

You're just being paranoid about this. Caroline responds. You know, this trip was just what we needed because I know we’re having issues. You don’t seem to trust anybody.  Him most of all. She moves a little closer to him and says, I tried to let you know you are my husband, not Michael.  I’m married to you, not him. This gift is not an ‘I want to have sex with you’ or ‘I want a piece of your butt.’ We both work for the same company, and he is part of the executive management team.  Michael made it possible for us to go on this trip together.  This gift is a thank you.  Nothing more and nothing less.

Benjamin moves closer to her and says, I understand all that, but one thing I learned in the military is there’s no such thing as a free lunch.  I could be wrong, but I doubt it.  Call it a hunch.  Caroline grabs his hand and coos, You know, I always liked it when you get all passionate and angry.  You want to take it out on me? She smiles and winks at him.  Benjamin pulls his hand away and barks, No thanks. I wouldn’t want to get arrested for crushing you under my gigantic ass.  He leaves the bedroom, and Caroline stands there dejected. 

*

The next morning, they are driving together to the company that employs them both.    They see the massive Eagle statue on top of their building, Eagle Motors Corporation.  The structure is a huge white building with lots of windows all around it.  Their car stops right in front. Benjamin and Caroline look at each other for a bit; then she gets out and starts to go inside.  Benjamin begins to drive off when Caroline yells, Wait!!  Ben stops the car and Caroline reaches in the backseat for Michael’s gift.  He rolls his eyes as she turns to go inside.  The lobby is large and spacious.  She waves to the security guards while she shows them her ID. Her badge activates the turnstile that allows her to enter.  She goes to the elevator banks where an open elevator is waiting for her.  Caroline presses her floor.

She gets off the elevator on the executive floor and walks down what is known throughout the company as the executive row.  She smiles and waves to some of her co-workers before sitting down at her desk right outside of her boss, Michael Sclavus who is standing in the doorway of his office.  He is a black man with thinning dark hair.  He is in his mid-fifties and stands five foot six inches tall. As soon as he sees Caroline, he flashes a huge smile, and he holds his arms out, beaming, There she is! How was your trip?  He gives her a long hug.  It was great. Caroline says hugging him back.  She tries to let go, but Michael holds on a little longer.  He lets her go, and there is a moment of awkward silence.  I got you something. Caroline says with a smile.  She hands Michael a gift bag.  Michael takes the bag in his office, and Caroline follows him.  He shuts his office door slightly, opens the bag and takes out what looks like a shoe box.  He opens the box and takes out a very nice pair of shoes.  Michael holds up the shoes and says with a huge smile.  Wow. These are nice. He starts to walk toward Caroline with his arms out, but she holds up her hand and says, There’s more. Caroline grabs one of the shoes and pulls out a Crucifix necklace.  The cross is fairly large.  That’s beautiful. Michael says while looking very affectionately at Caroline.  I know you’re not a very religious man, but I thought it would look nice on you. Try it. Caroline starts to put the necklace on, but Michael goes to his office door and closes it all the way.  As he walks back to her, he says, I missed you. Did you miss me?  Caroline looks down at the floor and says, Of course I missed you.  You’re my boss.  I love my job. He stands very close to her and says, Put it on me.

Umm, it would be better if you turned around. Caroline responds very nervously. Just put it over my head. Michael says.  As she starts to put the chain around his neck, Michael takes her by the waist and says, Give me a little kiss, and I’ll wear it.  Caroline is now looking everywhere but in Michael’s eyes.  What would Benjamin do if he saw this? Caroline comments.

Michael thinks for a moment, then comments, He’d put my head through the fucking wall. Language! Caroline snaps back, and Michael laughs.  Come on.  Just a little kiss. He says to her again moving very close to her face. Caroline smiles shyly and whispers, We shouldn’t.  Michael purses his lips, and she gives him a tap kiss.  He grabs her very close and whispers, You know you can do better than that.  She looks at him up and down, grabs him and gives him a big passionate kiss.  Now behave yourself.  Turn around and let me put this on you.  She snaps.  Michael does, and she puts the chain on him.  He turns to face her and asks, I look good?

You look great. Caroline responds.  Michael tries for another kiss, but Caroline stops him and points to the cross and says, Jesus is watching you.  Michael looks at the cross then looks back at her. Now you promise to wear this at the Christmas party, right? She asks.  Of course, I will. Michael responds back.  Good. Now let’s get to work. Caroline says as she opens his office door and leaves.

*

Benjamin drives a few blocks away and down a hill to the service department.  He gets to the gate and slaps five with the guard on duty while the gate goes up.

In the locker room, he gets dressed in his coveralls, and we see his name tag and underneath it reads: Chief Engineer.  When he walks out on the service floor, all of the other engineers applaud.  Benjamin smiles and takes a bow.  He walks over to Carol, another engineer. How we looking? He asks.  Carol looks out of the front window and sees a long line of cars waiting to be fixed.  She turns to him and says, It’ll be a busy day boss.  People must have known you were coming back today.  Benjamin smiles and asks, What time is it? Carol checks her watch and says, It’s almost seven thirty. Benjamin smiles and says, Let them in now.  Why not.  Let’s get started people! He says to his engineers in a loud booming voice while clapping his hands.

*

That night, at the end of the long day, Michael closes and locks his office and sees Caroline shutting down her computer.  They walk to the elevator together.

Outside the building, Benjamin is waiting for Caroline and sees her and Michael leave together.  As Caroline gets in the car, Michael waves to Benjamin who gives a half a wave and a very fake smile.  Benjamin and Caroline drive off.  Michael goes to his car to drive home.

*

Michael walks into his high-rise apartment in Manhattan and sees his wife Allison Menguasai sitting on the couch with her feet on the coffee table painting her toenails. She doesn’t even look up when Michael walks in.  Allison is a gorgeous mixed-raced young woman in her late twenties with high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, and straight shoulder length hair.  Michael looks at her and says, I’ve been thinking about it, and I think I’ll ask them the week before Thanksgiving.  Is that OK?

Sure. Allison says in a very calm voice without looking up. You’ve been looking forward to this for a while now, haven’t you? She asks. Yes. He responds sheepishly.  Allison stops painting her toenails and looks up at him asking, Do you think it’s worth it? Michael looks her in the eyes and replies, I do. Allison continues to paint her toenails as he pours himself a drink.

*

There are many people in a huge board room sitting around a large conference table.  Most of the people are male and white.  The only black people in the room are Michael, Benjamin, and Caroline.  There are several graphs and pie charts in the front of the room on display.  John, one of the managers, is standing in front of the room says, There are small pockets of cars that have experienced malfunctions. Nothing major and nothing other car companies haven’t also experienced. 

Which models have been affected? asks another manager named Adam.  John thinks for a minute, then replies, Well, the current line of cars we have are the Dude, Freedom, PepRally, Covfefe, ApplePie, Sharpie, Partisan, Bigly and Yuge.  There isn’t one particular line that has been more affected over another.  Another manager named Dean stands up and says, For the last eighteen months, our stock value has steadily gone up.  As of last quarter, we are up overall in production, and customer satisfaction.  One of the heads of Eagle, Harold stands up.  He is an old white man.  When he stands up, everyone sits up and looks a little nervous. Michael, you’re head of service delivery.  Have you seen anything?  Michael adjusts his tie and replies, My recent reports don’t indicate any increase in issues.  If anything did come up, it would be directly from the service area.  Harold then looks over at Benjamin and says, Well let’s ask our Chief Engineer. Benjamin?    Benjamin says in a loud, confident voice, The only increase I saw was the backlog when I was on vacation a few weeks ago.  I guess people who had issues with their cars were waiting for me to come back before bringing them in.    Harold smiles a little and states, Our recent reports say you’re the reason why our customer satisfaction ratings are so high. Word on the street is people from other dealerships are bringing their cars to you because you can pretty much fix anything.  Where did you learn to get so good?  Benjamin smiles and answers, I had no choice in the Army.  There wasn’t a lot of spare parts, so I had to improvise a lot.  That was hard.  This is much easier, but you still have to improvise to solve the problem.  You have to look closely.  John leans over and says, You must have a good eye.  Benjamin winks at him and replies, An eagle eye.  Most of the people in the room laugh but Michael can only smile awkwardly. 

*

The meeting is now over and Caroline and the rest of the administrative staff clean up the board room.  Michael pulls her to the side and asks, What are you doing Saturday night?  Caroline looks around very embarrassed and says, I don’t think that’s a good idea to—

No. Allison and I want to take both you and Benjamin out. Michael says cutting her off.  Caroline looks at him very confused and asks, You and Allison?  Why? What’s going on?

Michael, now looking very concerned says, We want to talk to you about something.  We need a favor.  It’s personal. Caroline notices the seriousness of his face and asks, What kind of favor?  What’s going on?  We’ll talk on Saturday. Michael says as he lightly touches her hand and walks away.  She watches him as he leaves the room.

That night, Benjamin is watching television when Caroline comes over and sits near him.  They want to take us to dinner on Saturday night. He says they need a favor. Benjamin turns the television off and starts to speak.  Please don’t say I told you so. Please. Caroline says before he can say anything. I knew something was up when he insisted on paying for the trip.  I fucking knew it. What does he want? Did he say? Benjamin asks.  He did not. Caroline replies. I have no idea, but he looked kind of sad when he said it.  He said it was personal.  I guess we’ll find out on Saturday. She continues.

I can’t wait to hear this one. Benjamin replies.

*

On Saturday night, Michael and Allison are driving to the restaurant.  They sit in silence as Allison drives.  Michael glances over to her and says, I-I think I should do all the talking. Allison responds back without looking at him, What do you think they’ll say?

No idea. Michael responds. But that’s one of the reasons why I should do all the talking.  Allison chuckles a little and says, That should go over well.  Michael glances over at her and replies, Don’t forget why you married me.

Allison now glances in his direction and says, Hey. Look at me! Michael doesn’t so she stops the car in the middle of the street. Michael slowly looks at her.  Don’t forget why you married me. She counters.  They stare at each other for a few seconds.  Cars behind them start blowing their horns.  Allison puts the car in park and says, I have all night.  He turns around and sees all the cars behind him waiting.  He sighs deeply and says, Fine. You made your point.  Let’s not bring that up, OK? Allison huffs a bit, puts the car back in drive and continues on.  Michael reaches for her hand and again says, OK? Allison pulls away and says, Of course. I have as much to lose as you do.

They pull up to the restaurant and see Benjamin and Caroline already there waiting for them.  Michael sees this and mumbles under his breath, Shit! Allison sees this and smiles.  I like this Ben. He’s my kinda guy.

They park their car in front of the Valet, get out and take the ticket and walk to the front of the restaurant where Caroline and Benjamin are waiting. He and Michael shake hands.  I was hoping to get here before you. Michael says with a slight laugh.  Been waiting long? he asks. Benjamin starts to answer, but Caroline jumps in and says, We’ve been here for about fifteen minutes.

Really? Michael asks.  Why’d you get here so early?

Yeah. When Benjamin thinks something is amiss, he gets paranoid. Caroline says.  I learned the hard way in the military. If I wasn’t paranoid, I was either shot or dead. Benjamin says looking at Michael with steely eyes. I like this guy. Allison says with a smile and slight giggle.  She then looks at Caroline and hugs her.  Oh Allison, can I just say how beautiful you are.  So very lovely. Caroline says. Allison hugs her back and says, You too sweetheart. She looks down at Caroline’s feet and says, "Look at your cute little toes sticking out of your shoes.  I love that purple color.  I have