Black And White Are More Than Just Colors In A Crayon Box

By Carol D. Styron

This unconventional love story will soothe your heart but make you wonder whether true love can conquer all.  Delvina Jones is a young African-American woman who has a pretty face and a beautiful soul. She is instantly attracted to her White boss Brandon George after landing an administrative assistant job. Delvina likes Brandon but is afraid to take a chance on love because of her mother's belief about the true motives of white men. Delvina also has an on-again, off-again boyfriend that she's not too sure about, which makes her more reluctant to start a relationship with Brandon George. Brandon has issues he's dealing with that prevent him from opening his heart to Delvina. His father is a racist and bestowed some of his beliefs on Brandon. Brandon also had an incident in his life that shaped his approach to his relationships with women. Can these two flawed human beings get past their issues and give love a chance? Black And White Are More Than Just Colors in a Crayon Box is a timely romance novel about a couple fighting against the odds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol D. Styron
• Release date: Oct 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201109554

Book preview

BLACK AND WHITE ARE MORE THAN JUST COLORS IN A CRAYON BOX

By Carol D. Styron

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Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 by Carol D. Styron

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

CONTENTS

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

Epilogue

CHAPTER 1

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Lorraine, please send in the next applicant, Brandon George told his secretary through the intercom. He methodically ran his fingers through his thick, dark brown hair as he leaned back in his black reclining office chair. He interlocked his hands, rubbing his two index fingers back and forth across his bottom lip. He often displayed this habit whenever he was in deep thought. He had seen five candidates today, and none of them seemed to fit. If this last applicant did not work out, he would just have to start the process all over again. This wasn’t something he was looking forward to because the work on his desk was piling up and about to topple over.

The door opened and a young, African American woman strolled into his office. She was neatly dressed in a medium-length black skirt suit that contrasted well with her silky white blouse and black pumps. Her natural, dark brown hair, cut in a short pixie style, matched her evenly toned dark skin.

Hello, she said.

Come in, Brandon said.

He stood up from his seat to greet her, and as he shook her hand, an intense sexual energy surged through his body. He was somewhat surprised by his instant attraction to her. As he continued to observe her, the shine from her wide, luminous, brown eyes mesmerized him.

And her lips... he thought. Oh, no! What I am thinking?

He shook these thoughts from his mind. He knew he shouldn’t have been checking her out physically—this was a job interview, after all—but he couldn’t help it. She was absolutely beautiful.

Please, have a seat, he finally said.

Brandon gestured for her to sit down in the chair on the opposite side of his large, wooden desk. He also took a seat.

Thank you, she said, smiling broadly.

He instantly knew that she was trying to conceal her nervousness. As a banking director, he had interviewed hundreds of applicants in the past and was skilled at making them feel at ease.

Ms. Delvina Jones, it’s nice meeting you, he said, after glancing over her resume. Before we begin, I just want you to know that I chose to interview you because I was impressed with your cover letter and resume. Besides that, I’m a nice guy. I pay my taxes faithfully, and I have no convictions or arrests.

She laughed loudly, and Brandon could see the tension in her body start to subside. Even her laughter was sexy. It made him feel things in his body that he wanted to suppress.

There is no need to be nervous, he continued. I just want to see if you qualify for this particular position. Be straight forward and honest with your answers, and you will be fine.

I do feel a lot better already, she said.

So, tell me about yourself.

Well, as you can see, I majored in Accounting while in college. After college, I got an entry-level position with UBS investment banking as a file clerk. Then I worked my way up to an administrative assistant position.

UBS? Brandon asked as he swirled slightly in his chair. They are a prestigious firm. What were some of your responsibilities?

I maintained and updated the department’s business plans. I was responsible for scheduling meetings and making travel arrangements for the managing director and senior managers. I interacted daily via verbal and written correspondence with clients.

UBS is a top investment banking firm. Why would you want to work for us?

I know that Doppler investment firm is also at the top. With the exception of Goldman Sachs, you are the number one investment firm in Manhattan and number two in the entire tri-state area.

Why should I hire you for this position?

With my education in accounting and my experience working as an administrative assistant for one of the top investment banking firms in the city, I have a lot to bring to the table. I’m detailed-oriented, which is a major attribute when you’re dealing with banking. For example, you stated earlier that you were impressed with my resume. If you look closely, you’ll find that it is error-free. In addition, I have a very positive attitude. I realize that sometimes long hours are required in this business, and things can get somewhat sticky, but I’ve always gotten the job done, no matter what adversities I had to face. Last, but certainly not least, I’m a team player. If I see a coworker in a bind, or if there is extra work to be done to complete a project, I’m willing to put in that extra time.

Why did you leave your last position?

The division that I worked for moved to Texas last December, and I didn’t want to make that move.

So, I guess you have been looking for work ever since.

Yes, I have been looking every day.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself, if you don’t mind me saying so, sir, sitting in your seat.

Brandon laughed. I see you’re no longer nervous.

No, I am not, Delvina confidently stated.

Do you have any questions for me? he asked.

Yes. What is a typical day like here?

"You will be expected to assist me and Robin Molina; she is the manager and the person you report directly to with expense and time sheet entries. Similar to your last position, you will also be responsible for interacting with clients, maintaining records, and typing correspondences.

There are other responsibilities involved, but Robin will explain the rest if you get the position.

Do you have any more questions?"

What happened to the last person that held this position?

This is a newly created position because our workload has increased substantially over the last year. The starting salary is $43,000, and after your three-month probation period, there is a salary increase. After the initial raise, your increases will be based on your job performance. You have full health insurance coverage, which starts right away. There is also a 401k plan. We match at 100% of what you invest in your plan. Any more questions?

Are you interviewing any more candidates? If I get the position, when will I know?

I’m not interviewing any more candidates. Since a background check has already been done, and your references were already checked, you can have the position if you want it.

Delvina gleefully jumping out of her seat, grabbed his hand, and shook it repeatedly.

Thank you, sir, she said, and she abruptly dropped his hand.

"Thank you, Ms. Jones, said Brandon. I expect you to be here first thing Monday morning, 9:00

AM sharp."

I will be here, she replied.

He closely watched her as she rushed out. After a few moments, he stood and exited his office.

Lorraine? Brandon called over to his secretary’s desk. Please remove all the job postings we have out there. The administrative assistant position has been filled.

Don’t worry, said Lorraine. I started removing them the moment Ms. Jones walked in here. I knew she was the one.

How did you know that?

Something is really special about her.

Brandon didn’t respond to Lorraine’s assessment about Delvina, but somehow he knew exactly what she was talking about.

You have been working so hard trying to find the right applicant, said Lorraine. Now that you found her, you should go home early tonight and get some rest.

Thanks for your concern, Lorraine, replied Brandon. I’m leaving early, but I’m not going straight home. I have to make a stop in New Rochelle to visit my dad.

***

Delvina exited the bank and literally jumped up and down for joy. She looked up to the sky.

Thank you so much, God! she said. I prayed for this for so long. I’m so happy you have finally answered my prayers.

A couple of pedestrians walking by stared at her. Other people smiled and seemed amused by her outburst. Delvina ignored the stares. She was so happy she didn’t even care. Even though she didn’t attend church regularly, she believed in a higher being, and she prayed often. Prayers made her feel better when life’s problems became too overwhelming.

As she walked towards her car, she thought back to how elated she had felt after Mr. George had given her the position. She had wanted to hug him at that moment, but she knew that wouldn’t have been an appropriate response. Instead, she had shaken his hand profusely, but touching him had caused a flush of excitement to run through her lower body, so she had exited the bank quickly.

She thought he was a handsome white man, with those straight white teeth; tall and muscular, deep, sea blue eyes and tussled brown hair. Any woman would take notice. Her attraction to him had unnerved her. She was not usually attracted to white men. Locating her car in the company’s parking lot, she opened the door and got in. Glancing at her digital watch, she could see it was 11:30 AM. She knew that her ride home to the Bronx would run smoothly, because the morning rush hour was already over.

Twenty minutes later she arrived home and parked her car in the garage attached to the private, two-family home she shared with her mother. As soon as she put the key in the front door, she could hear her mother descending the stairs.

Delvina, she called out, is that you?

Yeah, Ma, it’s me, Delvina said.

Do you have good news? her mother asked at the bottom of the exterior stairs.

Now, Delvina stood face to face with her mother.

What do you think? she asked. She knew her mother would know the answer from the huge smile on her face.

God is so good! her mother bellowed. I knew He would come through. He knew I needed help with this mortgage.

I know it’s been a struggle, Ma. I can definitely hold up my end now.

How much will you be making? her mother inquired.

She had been prepared for her mother to question her salary. It seemed like her mother was never satisfied with her accomplishments.

The salary is lower than what I made in my last position, but I know I can work my way up, Delvina said.

You should have asked for more.

Why can’t you ever be happy with what I do?

I am happy for you. I just wish you were a little more aggressive in your approach to life.

Aggressive in what way? Delvina asked. You mean you want me to be like you, pushy and rude, stepping on people’s toes?

Delvina knew she had pushed the wrong buttons after making that statement. Arleen Jones frowned at her.

I did what I had to do! she snapped. "I was a single parent and had to work my buns off.

Driving that bus up and down those city streets for all those years, I had to be aggressive. I was the only black female, surrounded by men. They were not too happy that I had gotten that position. They thought that I had slept my way to the top or cheated on the test. I scored a 98 on that civil service exam. They had no choice but to hire me."

I understand you had to go through a lot, Ma, but that was your choice, said Delvina. You chose to be a single parent. Besides, you are the one who taught me that it would serve me best to be nice to the whole world.

When do you start working? her mother asked.

She knew that her mother was purposely switching topics. Her mother didn’t want to continue the conversation.

I start Monday morning, answered Delvina.

Who are you working for? A man or a woman?

A man.

Is he a young man?

Ma, stop trying to hook me up.

Is he good looking?

Delvina considered for a moment. She knew the answer to that question. Brandon George was very good looking, but she refused to tell her mother that. She was not in the mood to hear her mother go on and on about how she should consider dating him.

On the other hand, maybe I should tell her, she thought. If my mother knew my boss was white, she would back off.

I was so excited about getting this job, said Delvina, I didn’t even pay his looks any mind.

You are not getting any younger, her mother said. You should really start looking for someone to spend the rest of your life with, so you can start having babies.

She held her head down in shame. At thirty-two years of age, she knew her mother was right about her settling down. However, she just didn’t like hearing her say it. She wanted to get married and start a family, preferably in that order. The only problem was that she didn’t have any prospects for a husband at the moment. She had watched her mother struggle raising her alone, and she definitely didn’t want that for herself.

You’re right, Mother. I’m not getting any younger, but I’m going to have to start looking elsewhere because my new boss is a white man.

You’re right. You had better start looking elsewhere.

Delvina started chuckling. She had known that revealing her new boss’s race would stop her mother from meddling. Growing up, her mother had taught her that white men wanted only one thing from a black woman and that definitely didn’t include love or marriage.

I’m glad you got a job, Arleen Jones said, walking over to her daughter and giving her a warm hug.

I know you are, Ma, Delvina said. I’m going inside. She pointed towards her apartment, which was on the first floor of their two-family house. I’ll see you later, Ma.

Okay, her mother said, walking up the stairs towards her own apartment.

***

Clayton George sat at his kitchen table in his home in New Rochelle, New York, watching the hands of his ceramic clock on the wall tick by. Clayton had retired at age sixty-five, and he regretted the day that he’d decided to leave. While he’d been working, retired people had told him how wonderful it was not to work. At the time, it had given him hope and something to look forward to. Now that he no longer worked, he missed the camaraderie he had shared with some of his coworkers. He also missed getting up and actually having something to do.

He didn’t have any grandchildren to occupy his time, like other senior citizens. Brandon, his only son, didn’t have children. He didn’t have any friends left. Most were deceased or in jail, serving time for crimes they had committed when they were younger. He had tried joining the senior citizens’ center to expand his horizons, but he always found himself at odds with the staff or the other seniors at the center.

Knock. Knock.

He got up to answer the door but picked up his baseball bat first. He wrapped his pale, thin hands tightly around the bat. He hadn’t felt safe ever since minorities had started moving into the once all-white neighborhood.

Who is it? he asked suspiciously as he walked over to the door.

Hey, Dad, it’s me, Brandon said from the other side of the door.

Clayton was relieved to hear his son’s voice instead of the voices of the religious maggots preaching about God and trying to get him to convert. He was lonely, and all he wanted was for his son to spend some time with him, even though he didn’t believe he deserved it.

Brandon, it’s about time you came to see your old man, he said.

He hid the bat behind the door so his son couldn’t see it. Then he opened the door.

You know I am busy, Dad, Brandon said as he walked in the house.

No excuses. You should always make time for me.

I bought you a couple of Heinekens, Brandon said as he pulled the beer out of a brown paper bag.

Thanks. You sure know what your old man likes, don’t you? Don’t stand there like a statue, son. Have a seat.

I wasn’t planning on staying that long.

So, you were going to just drop off the beer and leave? he asked.

I have a lot on my plate, Dad.

Clayton felt himself starting to become angry. All he wanted was a few minutes with his son. He knew Brandon didn’t care for him like a son should care for his father. Clayton sat down at the table.

Just sit down for a few minutes, he said.

Brandon reluctantly sat at the kitchen table, facing his father.

What have you been up to, boy? he asked. He roughly twisted the top off the beer bottle and took a sip.

Nothing much, Dad. Like I told you before, just working.

"Just working, just working, that’s all you ever say! Clayton shouted, as he jumped out of his chair. You sound like a broken record!"

You always have an attitude, Dad, and that’s why I don’t like coming over here.

Clayton inched closer to his son. Yeah, you’re right. I do have an attitude, and do you want to know why?

Why is that, Dad?

It’s because of those people.

He grabbed the back of Brandon’s neck, forcing his head closer to his own face. His light blue eyes flared with anger as he spoke to his son.

I don’t want them to hear me, he whispered. It’s those people next door. When they let them into the neighborhood, all hell broke loose. Now that they are here, I have to be very careful, son, because they are out to get me!

Stop it, Dad! Brandon said, pushing himself away and angrily bolting from his chair. I’m not going to listen to this garbage tonight, okay.

Go ahead and leave me! You punk! Clayton screamed. You don’t care if they kill me! You probably think I’m better off dead.

Clayton stood up from his chair, waving the unfinished bottle of beer in his hand.

You’re no different than anybody else! Clayton shouted.

Brandon exited the house, slamming the door behind him as he left.

You always leave me alone, anyway, Clayton mumbled.

***

One hour after storming from his father’s home, Brandon plopped on the couch in his own apartment and rested his head on the arm of the sofa. His father wasn’t the most congenial person in the world, but as he had aged, his rants had become worst. This concerned Brandon, but at the moment, other things also invaded his mind. He had just met Delvina Jones, yet he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Thoughts raced through his head about how his father would react if he brought someone like her home to meet him. He imagined a meeting between his father and Delvina would only end in disaster. He pictured his father trying to degrade her by telling her how awful her race of people was.

Why are these thoughts even in my mind? wondered Brandon. I don’t really know her. I don’t know if she’s married, divorced, single—or gay, for that matter. Yet, I’m imaging introducing her to my cantankerous father.

Brandon knew any attraction to this woman would be trouble for him. His father was a racist, and he knew how he would react to him being involved with a black woman. But he also knew he would probably ignore his father’s racist views, if he made a real connection with her.

The other reason this attraction bothered him was because of an incident that had occurred when he was younger. It had tainted his relationships with women throughout his life. But he didn’t want to think about that right now.

He had to find a way to avoid Delvina, which would be difficult, because he now had to work with her every day. He was almost starting to regret hiring her in the first place.

After several minutes, Brandon sat up.

Maybe there’s a solution, he thought.

He left the room, feeling more confident. He knew how he was going to deal with his attraction to

Delvina Jones.

***

On Monday morning, Delvina scrolled through the items in her bedroom closet, looking for just the right outfit to wear