Chivalry

By Me'lik

Theres not a man alive who can tell you, while growing up on the hard streets of Brooklyn, that life was just a walk in the park. With so many young black men failing to reach their full potential, DeMarcus was determined to make the odds fall in his favor.
Utilizing school smarts and a hustlers ambition, he was able to breach the realm of corporate America. By bridging the gap between ghetto streets and Wall Street, he was able to leave the day-to-day hood drama behind him (or so he thought).
Being named one of New Yorks most top ten successful bachelors by Time magazine, he was surely a man on top of his game. Until one of lifes unexpectancies blindsided him, forcing him to embark on a journey that could undoubtedly prove fatal.
Having to choose between life, love, and loyalty, DeMarcus becomes willing to risk all for something that for far too long almost failed to exist, and that one thing was once called chivalry!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503547131

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Reflections

M ay 1, 2007, Friday morning, darkness still covered the sky. It would be just like any other morning if it were not for the fact that it was DeMarcus’s birthday. Twenty-nine years old today was a thought amongst many as he gazed off his balcony at the headlights of early morning commuters on the FDR.

It wasn’t the age that had him feeling different that day, especially with the fact that he had the body and the build of a well-conditioned athlete.

It was mostly from the dream he just had of his father. Thirteen years ago today, he died, and each year DeMarcus felt it was justifiable to question God by asking Why him? Why that day? Life had been a constant reminder for him of his dad, from the moon-shaped head that gave way to his hazel eyes and ebony complexion to the broad shoulders of his six foot one frame. He was indeed the spitting image of his old man.

DeMarcus always thought of just how proud he would have been of him today and his achievements. Growing up from a misguided teen getting into fights and hanging out with the wrong crowds to being one of the handful of minority black men who constantly struggled to get ahead in corporate America.

That transition didn’t come easy for the ghetto youth from Brooklyn, but the result was astonishing. DeMarcus worked for a software company for five years—fresh out of college and has already graduated to CEO of Soft-Tex Incorporation.

He got the job when a childhood friend of his pulled some strings to get him into the firm. Jay was his boy; they hung out a lot together when they were young, especially throughout their freshman year in high school.

It’s funny how the two managed to stay buddies, being their personalities were so different. DeMarcus seemed to be able to hold on to a lot of his father’s principles, which allowed him to make some sound choices in his life.

The most profound statement he remembers his father saying was The one thing amongst many that make a good man is the decision he makes when he faces adversities! It was a cliché that he based his life on.

Seven twenty a.m., he was sitting in his wifebeater and Brooks Brothers slacks, reading his latest issue of Black Enterprise, on his second cup of coffee when the phone rang. Hello.

Happy birthday, ya old bastard, a voice spoke, old and raspy.

Jay, is there ever a time when you’re actually funny? he asked as he went to take a sip of his coffee.

Yep. Last night, when Pam sucked my dick so hard I had to stop her just so I could pull the sheets out my ass!

The joke almost caused DeMarcus, forced to laugh at Jay’s antics, to spit up his coffee.

There was never a time when he was down in the dumps and Jay couldn’t pull him out. It was the one thing, besides a list of others, that made them like brothers. What’s up, baby boy? You carpooling today or what? Jay asked.

Nope, I’m not waiting for your ass to take a hundred hours to get here and then want to stop for doughnuts just so you can holla at that little chickenhead broad at the coffee shop!

Too late smartass. I’m downstairs already, on my way up!

DeMarcus lived in a condo on Queens Boulevard, typical bachelor’s apartment with a view overlooking the city lights of Manhattan. He was always known to be a man with taste, from the all-black Italian leather sectional to the midnight-black Persian rug that covered the entire apartment. Everything about him had to say exotic yet casual.

Yo, birthday boy, what’s good? making his way to the coffeepot as usual.

Yeah, what’s up?

Damn, you sound like your dog just— Jay stopped his own words, realizing that the day was more than just his birthday. Shit, my fault, Dee. I be forgetting sometimes. I’st hard to keep track.

It’s nothing. I just go through the motions for the better part of the morning, and I’ll be all right! He raisied the cup to his lips.

Wow, time went by so fast. Seems like it was just yesterday, right, Dee? Jay asked.

Yeah, and I still miss the shit out of him too!

Yo, you remember that time he caught us in the basement with … Damn, what was her name?

They both pondered for a moment, and then simultaneously, they spat out Tasha James!

Yeah, yeah! Ah, man. Damn, I wonder what ever happened to her after that day.

DeMarcus voiced his thoughts. I don’t know.

Jay added, But yo, you remember her pops though? They both let out a chuckle. "That nigga look like the father from Good Times, right? Jay stated, while wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes. They both smiled while their eyes fell to the marble island that sat between them. Anyway, yo, let me get my stuff so we can head out!"

DeMarcus spoke in motion, on his way into the next room. While he got dressed, Jay found it to be opportune time to let him in on his thoughts on tonight’s agenda, pouring himself a refill.

Yo, so what’s good for tonight? I mean it’s Friday, it’s payday, and it’s your birthday. All of those are signs!

Signs for what? DeMarcus asked, making his way from the bedroom with his blue-and-white pinstripe halfway buttoned.

A sign to go and get the head right with two of the finest bitches you would ever want to meet in your life!

First off, why does every female you mention have to be a bitch?

Ahh, here we go. All right, ‘females.’ He held his fingers up in quotations.

DeMarcus just huffed and shook his head to Jay’s response. Anyway, what makes you think that I would even consider you setting me up again? DeMarcus asked while he straightened his tie.

Whoa, what’s that suppose to mean? What was wrong with the last bi—I mean chick I got for you the last time? Jay asked with bewilderment. What was wrong?

Dee’s eyes grew narrow. What was her name? Stacey?

Yeah, what was the matter with Stacey? She had an ass so official it made you mad to think that she actually took a shit with it.

But she looks like Danny Glover in the face, Jay! Jay was now bent over, holding his stomach in laughter. Ga’head. Chuckle it up!

Hold up, hold up! I’m sorry. Hey, Riggs! I’m coming, Riggs! Jay continued to emulate a scene from the movie Lethal Weapon.

Yeah, well, I’m glad you find that shit amusing, because it’ll never happen again!

All right, all right. On a serious note though, Dee, this is different.

How? Jay had regained Marcus’s attention.

"What do you know about G&G Magazine?" Jay inquired.

I know it is a magazine full of men! DeMarcus’s face hardened.

All right, you ever seen the owner of the company?

Probably, but I don’t remember her face like that. Why? Are you telling me you’ll hook me up with her? Dee’s face lightened.

Not you, me. I got you hooked up with her partner.

Come, Jay, everybody knows when the main girl’s pretty, the sidekick is ugly! Marcus stated while snatching his briefcase, heading toward the door.

Not this sidekick! Jay added, in tow.

Jay, don’t gas me, ask me! DeMarcus spat while he gave Jay a sidelong glance as they waited for the elevator.

Mark my words on this one, Dee. Shorty’s a—

Hey, De Marcus, how you doing this morning? his neighbor asked in her sexiest morning voice.

I’m fine, Mrs. Baker, and you?

She huffed as she walked toward the incinerator. I’d be a lot better if my husband would remember to take this garbage with him on his way out to work!

Hi, Mrs. Baker! Jay said with a ravenous grin.

Hello, Jason, how are you? the thick forty-three-year-old replied.

I’m good. I’d be a lot better if you would let me hit that! he mumbled.

What did you say, Jason?

I said, we’ll see you when we get back! he reiterated.

OK, you boys be safe. She made her way down the corridor.

As they got on the elevator, Jay had to get a second glance at her voluptuous ass swaying back and forth down the hall. He stepped on the elevator and then leaned back, his face wrinkled in sheer delight, while he mouthed the word damn. DeMarcus just stood in the corner and shook his head. Jay caught the look and shrugged his shoulders.

What? Jay asked with a shameless grin.

Why you always gotta do shit like that?

Like what, man? Listen, that old broad is official!

All right, that’s exactly what her husband’s going to be: officially on your ass! Marcus ended, exiting the elevator onto the sublevel garage.

So what’s it gonna be, Dee, you in or what? Jay asked while standing in front of DeMarcus’s S550 Benz.

I don’t know, Jay. I mean, I still have to go by my mom’s house and all that. I have to have that program on Mr. Hill’s desk today. I mean it …

Jay began twisting his lips up while looking at him with his chin. Oh, now I’m starting to get it.

Get what? There’s nothing to get! Dee hit the alarm.

This is about Monica, isn’t it? Jay looked over piercingly. There you go.

No, it is not about Monica! Dee threw his briefcase in the backseat.

Come on, Dee, it’s been over eight months, dawg. When you going to let it go? You caught her cheating, remember? Jay, for the thirtieth time, it’s not about what’s-her-face! Jay raised his brows as he walked away, adding, Yeah, all right, if you say so. Yo, I’ll meet you at the spot. We’ll finish there, all right? You going to be able to keep up?

As Jay hit the alarm on his Range Rover, DeMarcus watched with a pitiful look of appeal. He didn’t lie; he just didn’t fully tell the truth. It was about Monica, but not in the sense Jay may have thought. After all the time that has passed, he was just not ready to play love connection again. It took him a lot of time and energy to reevaluate his life back in the order to which he preferred, which left him hesitant to anything that threatened to alter his new circle, even if it was love?

DeMarcus was doing about sixty on the BQE when his cell phone rang. It was his mother. Most who knew her referred to her as Momma Kane, with her deep soulful voice and welcoming heart. Some would be intrigued over her resemblance to Maya Angelou. Marcus just knew it was a blessing in itself for her to still be alive to call her mom.

Hey, Ma.

Hi, baby, happy birthday!

Yeah, thanks, Ma. She knew that the tension in his voice was based on some of the same issues that she herself dealt with on his birthday.

So how are you holding up this morning, Marcus?

I’m fine, Ma. You know me! His words became heavy when he spoke.

Well, I tried to catch you before you left the house, but I got the machine! She chatted while holding the receiver underneath her chin and attending to her garden.

Oh, I headed out a little early this morning. Jay came by to get me. Why, what’s—?

Well, just in case you tried to reach me a little later, I wanted you to know I would be out running some errands. But I will see you tonight, right?

DeMarcus knew the reasons behind her voice tacking on such an enthusiastic change. He knew she looked forward to making his birthday meal, which consisted of sweet baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, dirty rice, and fried turkey legs, a favorite that they often enjoyed on special occasions. You know I’ll do my best, Ma. I have so much to do today, and I’m not sure I will be able to get it all done in time!

Marcus, you know you work too hard. When are you going to find some time for yourself? You need to go out and find yourself a good girl and give me some grandbabies to spoil. I told you before, if I didn’t make your father slow down, you probably wouldn’t be here!

DeMarcus sighed, knowing just what this was leading up to. Ma, look, I—

She cut him off before he could finish. You’re so much like him. He would be so proud of you today!

As she continued, Marcus knew better to interrupt any further, sensing the pain in the words she chose. It never seemed to fail for her to become emotional over the mention of his father, especially on his birthday.

Gary Kane wasn’t just her first love, but her first everything. Doris came from a strict Christian family. Her maiden name was Lou Doris Ricks. She attended Sunday school at the time she met Gary. It was then, until his untimely death, that he was the only man to have known her love.

Listen, Ma, let me call you back a little later on, all right?

"OK, baby, but don’t get caught up and forget, you hear me?

Marcus smiled, knowing what type of face she was making on the other end of the phone based on her last request—or demand, you might say. All right, Ma, I won’t. I’ll talk to you later!

OK, baby.

Later, Ma.

DeMarcus didn’t bother to mention the sight of a patrolman’s flashing lights up ahead, knowing how dramatic his mother could get at times. His attention wound up turning to the state trooper, who in turn had DeMarcus pull onto the side of the highway. Often, he would tell Jay about speeding in the same area he was now detained in.

The trooper waved at his partner, flashing a grin as he mouthed Slow down slow enough for his lips to be read.

DeMarcus twisted his lips and flipped him the bird in response. I know somebody that’s going to have their ass on their shoulders today! he said, reciting an old down South saying his grandmother used to say, speaking to no one in particular and letting out a chuckle.

Introduction to Soft-Tex Incorporated

Soft-Tex Incorporated started off being a small computer firm that merely dealt with the development of software, designing applications for private and small business use.

Within an eight-year time frame, the company quickly grew into one of the top ten computer software companies right on the heels of majors like Apple, Dell, and Microsoft.

Without a doubt, DeMarcus held his weight at STI and carried some as well, and it showed. In the five years that he’d worked for the firm, design and production had increased by a 32 percent margin. This was a major jump, considering sales were just above 60 percent before he arrived.

It was evident that his work ethics earned him the title chief executive officer of Production and Design in just three years working the floor.

CHAPTER 2

Executive Decision

D eMarcus eased his way into the small crowd that waited for the elevator; it wasn’t long before he could hear the schoolgirl snickers that came from the back. His face widened with knowing it was Bre and Dames and her entourage from Graphics on the sixth floor. Out of the trio, Bre was the building hottie, with her 32Ds that sat perfectly round and a waistline you could put both hands around and still have room to twiddle you fingers. Most men would drool at the mere sight of the voluptuous beauty, which made her eager to know why Marcus never raised a brow. She knew that he was far from gay, and a little research while taking cigarette breaks revealed that he was never married. But what the twenty-seven-year-old vixen failed to realize was that DeMarcus was focused.

Nowadays, being dedicated to his work was just a stepping stone to where he truly wanted to be. Why work for the Man, when you can be the man was one of the motivational spiels he’d often tell himself, putting in % in everything he did. Marcus had his share of relationships but soon discovered none had the same dreams and ambitions of success as he did. Monica actually did him a favor by getting caught cheating. She saved him the trouble of trying to find the words to tell her that their lives were headed in two separate directions and that she was holding him back from reaching his full potential.

With the elevator filled to capacity, Bre and still managed to finagle her way in front of DeMarcus. He smiled, admiring her tactics. He could already feel the breath of the gentleman behind him on his neck, which was a clear indication that he was as far back as he was willing to go. He could feel the soft, firm flesh through her light fitting DKNY fabric that was now plastered at the base of his stomach. The right side of Marcus’s mouth rose from catching the conspiratorial leer in her eyes that reflected off the brass finish of the elevator doors. She bit down gently on her bottom lip, taming her smile, as her eyes drifted from his. When the sixth floor was reached, she stepped off the elevator while glancing back at him over her right shoulder. He smoked as his eyes roamed freely up and down her body, a slow, appraising glance that was broken by the chuckles of Bre’s trailing confidantes. As the doors closed, he pressed his shoulder up against the wall, grinning, trying to shake the lustful thoughts out of his head, as he mumbled, Got to be more careful!

Good morning, Mr. Kane.

Good morning, Jasmine, how are you doing this morning?

I’m fine, Marcus, thank you. You have a few messages.

Thank you. Did the graphs come in for the week yet?

No, not yet, but Mr. Hill has requested to see you in the conference room at your earliest convenience.

Jasmine’s last statement was enough to jolt his attention off emptying out his briefcase as he quickly responded, Did he mention the Mini’s International program?

No, he just said to have you come to the conference room as soon as you get in.

That’s it? he asked with a puzzled look.

That’s it, she answered. He knew if she had heard anything else, she would have been put on the spot. DeMarcus and Jasmine had a natural chemistry together. Those that dealt with them on a daily basis would jokingly say the two made a cute couple.

With Gabrielle Union features and frame, she definitely measured up to, some would say, picture perfect. However, Jasmine was a twenty-six-year-old newlywed with an eight-month old baby boy at home. Even though being his assistant for the past two years demanded long quality hours, the two managed to keep their relationship strictly professional.

As Marcus made his way down the hall, he began to grin. He prided himself on being sharp. Thinking on his toes was a quality that always kept him one step ahead of the game.

He had already begun rehearsing in his head the lines he was about to feed to Mr. Hill. Even though the deadline called for noon, being on point was a trademark that continuously set him above the rest. DeMarcus could see Mr. Hill through the glass doors, standing at the head of the long conference table, with two members of his board of directors who sat across from each other. He paused for a moment just to see if he could read the facial expressions, to have a sense of what type of vibe was in the room. Before drawing any conclusions, he was gestured to enter the room.

Mr. Hill was the president of STI, a shrewd businessman that put nothing above his company, nothing. When he spoke, his eyes narrowed almost in contempt. Even when he smiled his face would contour in a stealthy manner, which gave the indication that he ruled with an iron fist.

Ahh, DeMarcus, right on time. Come in and have a seat.

Marcus’s face immediately grew puzzled. Nine o’clock a.m. in the conference room—he knew that this was bigger than just the new program he was working on. Is everything all right, Mr. Hill?

Everything is fine DeMarcus. Raising his hands toward his board. You remember Mr. Sprinkle and Mrs. Fullenwider from my board.

They both nodded when DeMarcus said good morning.

DeMarcus, do you know why I asked for you this morning?

To be honest, no, I don’t sir. The program for Mini’s International’s deadline isn’t till noon, but I could have it on your desk within the next hour if necessary.

Mr. Hill smirked as he began walking toward DeMarcus. I’ve always admired your enthusiasm, DeMarcus. I wish I had ten more men just like you, with the same drive for excellence. Mr. Hill placed his hand