Together at Last

By Jatwan Walston

Lisa Johnson is a well-established defense lawyer. In ninety days, she will be evaluated for junior partner. She is the middle daughter out of three and is always expected to do the responsible thing in her mothers eyes. She has a ten-year-old son, Dante, who is the center of her universe. Lisa hasnt dated seriously in seven years. The last guy she dated broke her heart by dropping out of her life without any explanation. To put the icing on the cake, her sons father, Anthony, is still secretly in love with her.

LeShaun Jackson is a brilliant neurosurgeon and stuck in a messy divorce. His soon to be ex-wife, Kiesha, is money hungry and conniving and finds it impossible to be monogamous and take care of Brittani, their six-year-old daughter. LeShaun has been nothing but faithful to his wife and pays all her expenses. He feels he deserves custody of Brittani. Life seems hopeless until he made a very important phone call.

Lisa accepts the call from LeShaun, and they catch up on each others lives. Her heart sinks when she finds out LeShaun is married, yet she agrees to meet up with him after all these years. Sparks fly even though the variables in their lives are so twisted. Can their hot attraction stand LeShauns crazy ex or Lisas jealous ex? Will they ever be able to be together at last?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524687151

Jatwan Walston

Jatwan Walston (born April 15, 1974 in Detroit, MI) is an African American novelist… Together at Last is her first published works. She has been leisurely writing since high school including short stories and poetry. Reading and writing is her passion and is currently writing her second book. Jatwan has been married to Pastor Todd A. Walston Sr. for the past 8 years. Together they share six grown children and three grandchildren.

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© 2017 Jatwan Walston. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/12/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5246-8716-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-8715-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017905469

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Prelude Remember Me?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Prelude

REMEMBER ME?

THE PHONE RINGS AT ABOUT 6:30 p.m. at Lisa’s house and she answers.

Hello.

Hello is Lisa there?

This is she.

Well hello stranger, how have you been?

Fine, thank you and yourself?

I’m fine. Lisa, do you know who this is?

Honestly, I could guess but why don’t you just tell me.

This is LeShaun, remember me?

Hey LeShaun, how’s it going? I haven’t heard from you in a long time, wait how did you get my number?

Stephanie gave it to me the other day. I just worked up enough nerve to call you. So what’s been going on?

Not much, just work and taking care of my son.

Really, how old is he now?

He’s ten years old, and a huge handful.

Dang it’s been that long since I’ve seen you last?

Seven years to be exact, but who’s counting?

Man how time flies.

Where have you been hiding yourself these days?

I’m a doctor now downtown at Memorial.

A doctor you’re joking right?

No babe I’m for real. I went on ahead to med. school and got my Ph.D. at Princeton and got in at Memorial about three years ago. So how about you, where are you working at now a days?

Well, well, well, you’re really rolling in the dough now. Little old me, I’m just a small time defense lawyer.

What, you kiddin’ me? Talk about rolling in the dough. When did all this happen?

When Dante turned five I went back to school part time to work on my masters. When he went to school full time so did I. Just before I graduated I lucked up and had a terrific counselor that got me an internship at the law firm I’m presently working for now. I dazzled their socks off and after I graduated they hired me permanently, and in ninety days I’m being evaluated for junior partner.

Get out of here, go on Miss Thang! Wait a minute, it is Miss isn’t it? If not, who’s the fortunate guy who was lucky enough to win your hand in marriage?

For your information Mr. Nosey Body, I’m not married. I guess I haven’t found Mr. Right yet. Although I have met Mr. Wrong, Mr. Broke, Mr. No Way Will I Commit, and Mr. One Woman Ain’t Enough. How about yourself, the last I heard you were all ready to say ‘I do’. What happened to that?

Well, that didn’t go so well, I mean we did get married but she still wanted to live the single life instead of taking care of our daughter. I’m still waiting for her to sign the divorce papers. We are also in a custody battle that’s taking forever to settle.

Wow, seems like you’re going through some heavy stuff. I’m sorry to hear that. What’s your daughter’s name and how old is she?

Her name is Brittani, and she’s six years old. She just started the first grade and she’s so juiced. Dante’s in the fourth grade now, huh? Is he tall?

Is he ever? He plays basketball for his school. When he’s not playing for school he is playing on the summer league team, coached by his father.

That’s cool that his dad is keeping tabs on his life.

Anthony has always been involved with Dante since day one. It’s just me he didn’t want or shall I say I wasn’t into sharing him with every pair of legs that opened up to him. But anyway, what made you decide to look me up after all these years?

I was just looking through my old pictures and I ran across a picture of us we took at One Hour photo. I started wondering what you were up to, so I called Stephanie at work and asked if she had your number and the rest is history. So if I’m not being too presumptuous, do you have any plans this weekend?

Dante has a basketball game Saturday afternoon. Hey why don’t you come? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, and bring Brittani if you can.

That sounds cool except Brittani will be with her mom this weekend. But I’ll still come. What school does he go to?

He goes to Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Do you know where that is? If not I’ll give you directions.

That won’t be necessary; I know where it’s at.

Well I don’t mean to be rude but I have a deposition I have to go over for tomorrow, so I’m going to have to cut this conversation short for now. I’ll see you this Saturday at twelve o’clock sharp.

All right then, it’s so good to hear your voice after all these years. It’s still soft and sexy like I remembered.

She blushes slightly. It’s good to hear your deep sexy voice again too.

With a smile on his face, I know you’re not blushing are you?

Hmmm, you know me too well. Goodnight LeShaun.

Goodnight Lisa, sleep tight.

You too and don’t let the bed bugs bite or anyone else.

I don’t have any bugs in my bed or anyone else for that fact and haven’t for some time now.

And just how…Never mind forget I said anything.

What were you going to say?

Never mind, I’ll save that for another time and another conversation. Good-bye LeShaun.

Good-bye Lisa.

They hang up with each other with a smile on their faces. Now let me let you in on the history of Lisa and LeShaun. They met through a mutual friend, which is Stephanie who was mentioned earlier. They clicked instantly from the moment they met. She was twenty-three and he was twenty-four. They dated briefly and had only one sexual encounter that was like no other for the both of them. Sadly enough they by forces unknown drifted apart and lost touch until now. Even though they lost touch with one another they never forgot each other over time or what they shared together.

Lisa is a 5’6" beautiful, light skinned African-American woman with curves and swerves in all the right places. Of course she works out to maintain that figure. Now don’t get me wrong she’s no string bean, she is thick as the men say, but she wears it well. Her hair flows evenly just past her shoulders. She has a smile that just lights up the room along with her greenish eyes. She also has an aura about her that draws people near.

LeShaun is a sight for sore eyes. He is a medium shade of brown. He is 6 feet. He has light brown eyes with deep dimples in his cheeks. He’s got a well-trimmed black mustache and a goatee to match. His body is mmm, mmm delicious. He lifts weights at the gym faithfully every week, and does crunches every morning and night. Okay, okay he’s got muscles everywhere and almost a six pack for a stomach (no one’s perfect). He’s got a nice butt; you know the kind that women say you can bounce a quarter off of! Oh did I forget to mention he’s very much bowlegged.

Now you have a picture of what my main characters look like let’s see what they get into in the chapters to come…

* * *

Chapter 1

SATURDAY MORNING ROLLS AROUND AND Lisa’s alarm clock goes off at 8 o’clock, with the tune, Getting Jiggy Wit It. She lies in bed and lets it play while she thinks back over the conversation with LeShaun the other night. How she missed him and their intellectual conversations they used to have together. Not to mention that incredible body of his with those scrumptious bow legs. Those L.L. Cool J. lips he had, umm, made her melt every time he kissed her. There’s a knock at her bedroom door.

Who is it?

Mama, who you want it to be?

If it isn’t my son then it better be Ed McMahon with a lot of money.

Mama you know it’s me, are you decent?

Yeah I’m decent boy, come on in here and give your mama a hug and a kiss while ain’t nobody looking.

The door opens and Dante runs in and jumps in the bed next to his mom.

When you getting up Mama?

The proper English is ‘when are you getting up Mama’? Anyway why are you rushing me? Is there something you need to do today?

Mama don’t tease me, you know I have my first game today at twelve-thirty.

Oh yeah that, I almost forgot.

For real Mama?

Boy, you actually think I’d forget my baby’s first basketball game of the season? Come on now I may be getting old but I’m not senile yet.

Mama, you’re not old.

Thanks baby, you do wonders for my ego. Now get on out of here so I can take my shower and get ready. Don’t forget to feed the dogs.

Yes ma’am. Mama, is LeShaun still coming to my game?

As far as I know he is. I haven’t talked to him since Wednesday.

Okay Mama, hurry up and get dressed.

Oh, you rushing me again. Did you brush your teeth yet, young man?

No ma’am, I was just on my way to do that. Are we still meeting Dad for breakfast?

Yes now bye. And don’t forget those teeth.

Yes ma’am.

Lisa gets up, turns off the alarm clock, turns the shower on in her bathroom, pops Next into the CD player, and walks over to one of her closets to find something to wear. Since its kind of cool outside she chooses her black NIKE nylon jogging suit with a white tank top. She grabs her black matching velvet panties and bra, white NIKE socks, and black NIKE shoes. She puts her shower cap on and starts singing along with the song.

Step back you’re dancing kinda close…

Dante knocks on the door.

Mama, stop all that noise you’ll wake up the neighbors.

Boy, leave me alone, besides in this neighborhood all the neighbors have been woke.

She continues her singing as she gets into the shower. As she washes her body her mind drifts back to LeShaun’s voice and his lips.

Snap out of it and get your butt in gear, she thinks to herself.

With that thought in mind she does just that. She hurries up out of the shower and gets dressed. She pulls her hair into one ponytail, adds a tad bit of eyeliner, and lip-gloss along with her silver hoop earrings. She puts her cell phone into her pocket, turns off the CD player, grabs her keys and purse, and out the door she goes. Dante is waiting impatiently downstairs in the kitchen.

Can we go now?

Did you feed the dogs?

Yes ma’am.

Well let’s go then.

Dante runs outside through the garage door off the kitchen while Lisa sets the security alarm and closes the door.

Which car are we taking Mom?

I think the Suburban is cool.

They jump into the Suburban, Dante pops in Mya’s CD, and they’re on their way. Lisa picks up the car phone and hands it to Dante.

Here call your dad and make sure he’s on his way to the restaurant.

Okay Mama.

Dante dials his father’s home number but there’s no answer, so he tries his father’s cell phone number.

Hello.

Hi Dad this is Dante, you didn’t forget breakfast with Mom and me did you?

Of course not son, I’m on my way to the restaurant as we speak. Where are you at, and where’s your mom?

We’re on the road and she’s right here. Wanna talk to her?

He looks at his mom and she’s shaking her head no.

Sure let me holler at her for a minute.

Handing her the phone, Mom, Dad wants to talk to you.

She sticks her tongue out at him then takes the phone.

Hello Anthony.

Hello Lisa. How are you this morning? You sound pretty good.

I’m just fine, as a matter of fact, I’ve never been better. Are you on your way to the restaurant?

Yes I am.

I’ll talk to you when we get there. Bye Anthony.

Bye Lisa.

A few minutes later Lisa pulls into the restaurant’s parking lot. Dante jumps out of the truck as soon as Lisa stops the engine. A second later Anthony pulls up in his Black Chevy Blazer.

Look Mom, I see Dad over there.

He runs over to where his father is parked. Anthony gets out of the truck and gives his son a big hug.

What’s up baby boy?

Not much Dad, I’m hungry, can we go eat?

Lisa walks up.

Lisa, I see we had the same choice in vehicles today.

Yeah how nice. So where’s the Mrs. today? Did she have an early hair appointment this morning that she couldn’t bless us with her presence?

Very funny. She will be meeting me at the school later. Why are you always attacking my girl? Do I detect a bit of jealousy in your tone?

I wouldn’t attack your girl if in fact she was old enough to be considered a woman. I sure as hell ain’t jealous over your little Barbie Doll.

Are you two finished arguing? I’d like to eat soon.

No arguments here son, just had to get a few things straight with your father that’s all. Let’s eat shall we, Anthony?

He smiles at her as she strides into the restaurant. He thinks to himself, Man, she’s sexy when she’s mad at me.

He follows in behind his son and they wait to be seated.

* * *

LeShaun wakes up at about 10 a.m. and jumps into his shower. He makes it a quick shower. He goes over to his closet to find something to wear. He remembers that the weatherman had said it was going to be a bit cool today so he figures he should pick something warm. He chooses his black jeans, a white zip up shirt with a white tank top underneath, white socks, his black underwear, and his black LUGZ boots. He pulls off his wave cap slaps some wave grease on his waves and brushes his hair.

He makes it down to the kitchen to fix a bowl of Frosted Flakes. He clicks on the television to catch some Saturday morning cartoons before he has to leave. He finishes his cereal and heads back up stairs to brush his teeth than add some Lagerfeldt cologne. He puts on his gold Rolex, clips on his pager, grabs his sunglasses, and turns off his bedroom light, shutting the door behind him. He turns off the television and walks over to set the alarm when the phone rings. Who could that be?

Hello.

Hi LeShaun. My car broke down and now I have no way to my hairdresser could you be a dear and come take me?

No Kiesha, I have plans for this afternoon.

So what’s her name?

I didn’t mention anyone’s name, now did I? But the point is you’ll have to find some other way to get there.

You know LeShaun, you are still my husband.

By name only remember. What did you mean by that remark anyway?

I just meant that you still have an obligation to my needs.

"Yes that is correct, and I make more than sure that your needs are met. But you see you don’t necessarily need to get your hair done, so why don’t you call your cousin and ask her for a ride. I’m sure she probably needs to get her hair done and would love to gossip along with you at the beauty salon. Now give Britti a hug and a kiss from her daddy, make an appointment with the mechanic, and I’ll talk to you later."

LeShaun don’t you hang up on me.

He hangs up the phone shaking his head, Why in the world did I ever marry that self-centered woman I will never know. He sets the alarm, locks the door and walks out to his garage. He clicks his car alarm off and pulls the car cover off of his black ‘98 Mustang Cobra convertible. He selects Gerald Levert’s CD in his CD changer and the song ‘Thinking about it’ comes on. This song reminds him so much of Kiesha that he should have written it himself, but he could never sing it like Gerald Levert could. Since it’s kind of windy he decides to leave the top up. While he backs out of the driveway he starts thinking about seeing Lisa after all these years.

I bet she’s still as fine as ever, if not more.

With that thought embedded into his mind and a smile on his face he puts the car into drive and takes off down the road.

* * *

Dad did Mom tell you that her friend LeShaun is coming to my game?

He arches an eyebrow then looks at Lisa. No your Mom neglected to tell me that bit of information. Why is that, Lisa?

For one, it’s none of your business who I invite to Dante’s game. Now is it?

Wasn’t that the guy you were sprung off of after we broke up?

I wasn’t sprung, and yes that’s him.

How long have you been seeing lover boy?

See this is another reason why I keep things to myself about my personal life, because you act so childish about everything. For your information I haven’t seen him in over seven years. Why do I detect a bit of jealousy in your tone, Anthony?

Me, jealous of him? Never in your wildest dreams babe. You see he’s getting my leftovers and besides what does he have that I don’t?

Apparently my attention and could you please stop calling me Babe!

Sensing the tension between his parents. Mom is Auntie Shauna still coming to my game?

Turning her attention toward her son and away from Anthony, Of course honey, she said she wouldn’t miss it for the world and your cousins will be there too!

Cool, I haven’t seen Tariq in a long time.

Lisa, you’re looking mighty fine this morning, you still working out?

Of course I am Anthony; I don’t have some young toy to keep me in shape like you do. Not everyone’s that favorable.

Here we go again, do you two always have to argue when we are all together?

Sorry honey, Mommy will try to keep her negative thoughts about Daddy’s girlfriend to herself.

Both Anthony and Dante say in unison. Thank you.

Looking at his watch, Well I guess we better be going now. Don’t want to miss the game do we?

Of course not, Dad. Mom, can I ride with Dad, please?

Sure go right ahead, not like my feelings will be hurt. She pouts a little.

I don’t want to hurt your feelings Mom; I just haven’t ridden in Dad’s new Blazer yet.

Boy, I am just joking, I don’t care if you ride with your father.

He jumps up from the table and gives her a kiss on the cheek. Thanks Mom you’re the best!

Yeah, yeah I know, get on out of here before we’re late.

Both parents stand up.

Can I get a kiss on my cheek too, Lisa?

No, but you can get the bill.

She smiles and walks off toward her truck, not looking back once.

Chapter 2

WHEN THEY REACH THE SCHOOL, the parking lot is packed with cars still coming in. They both find parking spaces not too far from each other. Dante jumps out the truck.

Bye Dad, I see the guys heading to the locker rooms.

Bye and good luck.

Thanks. He runs over to his mom’s truck and kisses her on the cheek. Bye Mom, wish me luck.

Always baby, good luck and have fun.

He runs off to the locker room. Anthony meets up with Lisa. She turns to him.

Anthony I’m sorry about earlier, but you know that the subject of Miss Thang really gets under my skin.

Yeah I know, no harm done really. Sorry about my remark about what’s his name too.

His name is LeShaun and there you go again. I’m trying to apologize and you’re making jokes again. Never mind Anthony, see you inside.

She walks away and he just smiles following along behind her. Inside the gym is as packed as the parking lot. All this hype for some elementary kids? They were ranked number one in the district, and Dante was a starter for the team. Lisa looked around till she found her sister Shauna waving frantically at her behind the players’ bench. She waved back and walked over to her.

Hi Shauna how are you?

They hug and kiss each other.

I’m fine just waiting to see my handsome little nephew.

Well you know he’s not all that little anymore. I think he’s going to be as tall as his dad if not taller. Where are Tariq and Nashaun?

Oh they gaffled me for some money and ran to the snack bar. They should be back shortly with a gang of junk and my nachos.

Patting her belly, When are you going to drop this load? It seems like you’ve been pregnant forever.

Tell me about it girl, I’m ready now. I have two more months to go. Hey why didn’t you warn me about having another kid?

Excuse me? I told you, you didn’t need anymore children, but you didn’t want to listen to your little sister. It isn’t my fault you have 2.5 kids, now is it?

Anyway Miss Know It All, here comes my rugrats now.

Hi Auntie Lisa.

Hi Nashaun.

Hi Aunt Lisa.

Hello Tariq, man you have gotten so big. How tall are you now, about six foot?

Almost, I’m five ten.

You’re how old now?

I’m fifteen, Auntie.

Ooh wee time has flown.

What about me Auntie, I’m five now am I grown?

Baby its have you grown? Yes you have. Big old number five huh?

Yup, so Auntie when you gonna have a baby like Mommy that I can play with?

Good question huh?

You see Auntie doesn’t plan on having anymore children. One is enough. I’m too busy at work to think about taking care of another baby right now. Okay?

Okay Auntie.

Just then Anthony walks in with Mrs. Barbie, doll Amber on his arm.

Aw man here comes wanna be Ken and Barbie.

You mean to tell me Anthony had the nerve to bring her here?

Apparently she had enough decency not to show up for breakfast this morning and just wanted to meet him here. She could have stayed home for all I care. I promised Dante that I would be on my best behavior today and you know I can’t break a promise to him.

Dang here they come.

Anthony and Amber walk over to where they are sitting.

Hello ladies. You two remember Amber don’t you?

Yes hello Anthony nice to see you again. You too Amber.

Just then Nashaun looks up at Amber.

"You know my Mommy is right you do look like a Barbie doll.

Shauna gives Nashaun a scolding look while Lisa tries not to laugh, and grabs Amber’s hand.

Nice to see you again Amber, don’t mind my niece she’s a little kidder.

Uh, yes, I’m sure she is, how cute.

Ladies we are going to sit a little further up in the bleachers see ya at half time.

They make their way further up then sit down. Shauna turns to Nashaun….

Baby it’s not good to repeat everything Mommy says.

Yeah Nashaun, especially when it’s true.

Oh hush. Do you think she could have worn a tighter pair of jeans? I swear, I don’t know why he chose her over you.

I’ll tell you why, cause she’s just barely legal, white, will do over half the stuff I wouldn’t do for him sexually, she worships the ground he walks on, oh and did I forget to mention her parents are rich?

But still to chose a white girl over a sista just ain’t right at all. Are you listening to me?

Lisa turns her attention away from her family for a minute to look at the front door to see if she can spot LeShaun.

Who might you be looking for?

Oh I didn’t tell you huh?

Tell me what?

Guess who called me the other night?

I don’t know, who?

LeShaun Jackson.

Girl, that fine hunk of man you were all goo-goo over a couple of years back? Get out of here. What’s he up to?

For your information I wasn’t goo-goo over him. Anyway he got my number from Stephanie and called me Wednesday night. Girl he is a doctor at Memorial Hospital. Making some serious money.

Say what? Girl is he married?

Sadly enough he is but he’s in the middle of a messy divorce and custody case.

He got kids?

Just one, her name is Brittani and she’s 6 years old. Anyway he said he’d be here for Dante’s game.

Umm, I wonder if he’s still as fine as he used to be. Don’t you?

Girl, I ain’t even thought ‘bout all that.

Please you know Miss Edumacation, I can tell when you’re lying because you start using ain’t and uneducated words like ‘bout. You know you are just as curious as I am if not more.

All right maybe just a little curious.

She looks at the door again and in walks someone who could pass for LeShaun. Dang is he ever fine. She pulls on her sister’s sleeve.

I think that’s him at the door.

They both look and Shauna lets out a low whistle.

"He is fine, if you don’t want him, don’t be stingy.

Shut up girl, are you nuts?

Lisa gets up and makes her way over to him.

As she approaches him, LeShaun is that you?

Lisa?

The one and only.

He grabs her and lifts her into a big bear hug then spins her around in a circle.

Lisa it is so good to see you again after all these years.

You too, LeShaun. It seems like decades has passed.

They both pause just to look at one another. As they’re checking each other out Amber is talking to Anthony about something and Anthony is not paying any attention to her. He is too busy watching Lisa and who he assumes is that LeShaun character. Amber tries to get his attention again.

Honey, are you even listening to me at all?

Huh, what you say babe?

I was talking about what we are going to do after the game about dinner. I want to go to Red Lobster to celebrate the game.

Yeah, yeah what ever you want honey.

What or who are you staring at, that you’re not paying attention to me?

He doesn’t answer and she looks in the direction that he is looking in.

Who is that hunk with Lisa?

That so called hunk is her so called ex-boyfriend, I guess.

Wow he’s cute.

Well thanks a lot Amber, and what am I chopped liver?

No babe I didn’t mean anything by it. You know you’re my main squeeze. Besides what are you getting all worked up about for anyway? You’re with me now so why should it matter who Lisa is seeing?

It doesn’t matter I was just looking that’s all.

She turns her attention back to the court hoping the game will start soon. The faster it starts the faster she can get out of here away from all these kids and as far away as possible from Lisa.

LeShaun, I’m glad you could make it.

I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Let’s go get seated the game is about to start. I’m sitting behind the players’ bench with my sister Shauna and her kids. Do you remember her?

I sure do, she’s your older sister right?

That’s the one. There they are.

They approach their sitting area when Lisa notices a couple of women eye balling LeShaun. She smiles to herself. She also takes notice of Anthony watching