All That Matters

By B. James

Justin Justin Lars and Tina Stanes meet at a buffet restaurant by pure mistake. Justin, a young handsome, white man has a family who are bigots that own a dry cleaning store. He himself wants to open up a party or event planning business.

Tina, a young pretty black girl, is a photographer who takes family photos of mainly rich

• Language: English
• Publisher: Smart Ribbon Press LLC
• Release date: Jan 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781959261063

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Copyright © 2023 by B. James

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-959261-05-6

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-959261-06-3

The views expressed in this book 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.

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CHAPTER 1

What is your problem? The pretty young black girl with long black hair and pretty light brown eyes annoyingly asked the boy standing close behind her while she was getting her food at the buffet restaurant.

The young, handsome, tall, muscular, white boy with shoulder length dirty blonde hair, dimples, little gold hoop earrings and pretty baby blue eyes just stood there staring at her as if he were admiring her prettiness.

I asked you if you have a problem? She again asked with a much calmer tone.

I want what you’re getting and you’re taking a long time to decide, he answered with a deep, southern accent tone of voice.

She giggled, and he looked at her confused as to why she was laughing. I’m sorry, you’re right I am taking a long time. You go first, she told him.

Is there a problem son? A man in his early sixties with grey hair and blue eyes asked walking up to them. Is this negro girl giving you some problems?

No she’s not dad. Just leave her alone, he said.

I’ll just leave you two racists to get what you want, she said with disgust and walked away.

Dad, why did you do that? He asked.

Don’t tell me you’re starting to like negro women? His father asked with a repulsed tone and expression.

Just let it go dad, he said as he and his father got their food.

They went and sat down at their table where there was a woman in her early sixties with grey hair, light blue eyes and dimples. There was also a cute young man in his early thirties with short dirty blonde hair and also with light blue eyes.

Hey Brian, I think your brother is starting to like negro women, his father said.

Is this true Justin? Brian asked him.

Just because dad walked up when the girl was getting her food and she got mad at me he thinks I was talking to her.

I hope not. You know what happened the last time one of our family members got involved with those kind of people, Brian said.

Yeah I remember, Justin said and they all started eating and not much was said. I’m going to the bathroom. He stood up, walked away but didn’t go to the bathroom but started looking around for the black girl. He finally spotted her sitting at a table with two other young girls, one black, and one biracial. He stood there deciding whether to go over to their table or not. He finally got up the nerve and headed towards the table.

The girl and her friends looked up at him. You again. What did you come over here for? Didn’t you forget to bring your racist father with you? She said with a touch of sarcasm.

Tina, don’t you know who this is? The pretty biracial girl with long auburn hair and hazel eyes asked her.

No, who is he?

He’s Justin Lars. The son of the family who owns the dry-cleaning business that no minorities go to. His entire family are racists. His father Jeff, his mother Laura and his brother Brian.

I’m not a racist, Justin said. Can I talk to you alone? He asked her.

What for? The pretty, biracial girl asked.

Brittany, take it easy, Tina told her.

Why should she? His family are racists, her pretty, black friend with long black hair and dark brown eyes said.

Carol, you take it easy too, she told her.

She looked back at Justin. You’re not trying to set me up are you? I mean you said you want to talk alone and then I go with you and find your family?

My father and brother would beat me up if they knew I was talking to you right now.

I’m not going outside with you, she firmly told him.

I’ll give you my cell phone number and you can call me when you want. Please, he had a pleading tone.

Okay. She took her cell phone out of her pocketbook and he gave her his number. I’ll call you tomorrow. What’s a good time?

Any time after nine o’clock in the morning.

Okay, she said.

Okay, good. Thank you, he smiled and walked away.

I think he likes you Tina, Brittany said.

I think he likes you too, Carol agreed. But his family won’t be happy that he likes a black girl.

I’m going to call him and see what he has to say, Tina said.

I think you like him too, Carol said.

He is cute and he has a nice smile and cute dimples, she said smiling.

Be careful Tina this could be a trick so he can get you alone with his family, Brittany said with a cautious tone.

If I do decide to meet him somewhere I’m not going to meet him in a private place. It will be in a public place.

Just be careful like Brittany said, Carol said.

I will. Now let’s finish eating so we can get going to the movies.

Justin got back to his table, sat down and started eating without saying a word.

Why are you so quiet? Brian asked him.

I have nothing to talk about. I’ll be leaving soon I’m going to the movies.

Don’t you have to work tomorrow? His father asked.

Yeah, and that’s why I’m going at eight thirty. I’ll get home at about eleven.

Do you like that condo your living in? Brian asked.

Yeah, why do you ask?

No reason I was just curious, Brian simply answered.

I’m leaving now, bye, he said as he stood up. He walked away and headed towards the exit. When he walked out he ran into Tina, Brittany and Carol.

Are you following me? Tina asked.

I wasn’t following you, he said with an amused grin. I was leaving because I’m going to the movies. Can I talk to you alone for a minute.

Okay, she replied and walked a few feet away from Brittany and Carol. We’re going to the movies too. What movie theater are you going to? She asked.

The one here in town.

Oh, she simply said.

Which one are you going to? He asked.

The next town over.

Do you and your friends mind if I come with you? That way we can talk.

Let me ask them. She walked back over to Carol and Brittany and spoke with them for a few minutes and walked back over to him. They said you could come but in your own car.

I was planning on taking my car anyway, he replied. What’s your full name?

Tina Stanes.

The Tina Stanes from high school who was voted one of the prettiest girls in high school? He asked somewhat shocked.

You went to the same school?

Yes I did. We just never knew each other, he answered.

Were you and your family racists then too, she bluntly asked.

My family was. But I wasn’t a racist then and I’m not now. If I was a racist do you think I’d be standing here talking to you right now?

I’m still not sure about you, she honestly replied.

Fair enough. But after tonight you will be, he said with assurance, smiling.

She started laughing. You seem very sure of yourself.

I am, he replied in the same manner. Oh damn my family is coming out. You go back over to your friends. I’m going to run to the back like I was going to the bathroom. Text me where y’all are going and I’ll meet you there. He ran off while she went back over to Carol and Brittany.

Where did he go? Carol asked.

He ran to the back so his family wouldn’t see him talking to me. I’m gonna text him where we’re going.

I think he really likes you a lot, Carol said.

I think so too, Brittany agreed.

Justin’s family walked out and walked by them and they totally ignored them. Let’s go, Carol said.

When they reached the car, Carol was driving, Brittany sat in the front and Tina sat in the back and text Justin where they were going.

Put some music on, Tina said.

Carol started the car, turned on the radio to a high volume and drove off and they started singing and moving to the music.

Carol Stones and Brittany Canns were Tina’s two best friends. The three of them had met in the first grade and had been the best of friends ever since. They were so close that they considered themselves as sisters. Both Carol and Brittany were paraeducators at the local elementary school.

The three of them sang and moved to the music for the entire drive until they got to the movie theater. Carol parked the car on the fifth floor of the garage across the street from the movie theater.

What movie are we going to see? Brittany asked as they got out of the car.

Let’s just look and see what’s playing and then we’ll decide, Carol said.

They walked over to the elevator, went down to the street, crossed over and when they arrived in front of the movie theater they found Justin waiting for them. Justin how did you get here so fast? Tina asked.

I know shortcuts. Would you like to go for a walk so we can talk instead of going to the movies? There’s a show going on so there are plenty of people around so we won’t be alone," he smiled and she laughed.

Do you have a plan for everything? She asked him.

Yes I do. Let’s go for a walk and I’ll tell you about it.

Go ahead. We’ll wait for you here after the movie, Carol said.

Okay, she said."

Enjoy the movie ladies, Justin said and he and Tina walked away. So, do you want to walk in the middle of the crowd or go sit on the retaining wall and talk?

Sit on the wall. But after I get something to drink.

What do you want? He asked stopping in front of the first vendor.

She told him what she wanted and he got two sodas, paid and they went and sat down.

Now tell me about the planning you do, she said.

Well, this is the beginning of March right? He asked.

Yeah.

So, I want to open up a party, event planning business by the end of July or beginning of August.

So that’s how you know how to plan things on the spot, she said.

Yeah, that’s how.

Your kind of young to be opening up your own business. How old are you? She curiously asked.

I’m twenty-three. And I’ve been working since I was twelve and putting every cent away because I knew I wanted to open up a planning business. What about you? How old are you and what do you do? He curiously asked.

I’m twenty-three and I’m a photographer. Can I ask you something?

Of course you can, he answered without hesitation.

Where are you from? And has your family always been racists?

I’m from Alabama. And I’ll tell you a little story. My family moved here when I was in the ninth grade. And I think they have been racists all their life. They just didn’t show it until something happened to my uncle, my father’s brother. He started dating this black woman and after a year together they seemed like they were happily in love. But on one early morning we got a phone call telling us my uncle was dead and it was his black girlfriend who killed him. She said it was self-defense because my uncle started beating her and started saying racial slurs to her because she didn’t want to have sex with him. His black girlfriend’s friend, a white woman was a witness that confirmed what happened. The witness even said that my uncle said to his girlfriend that she was his slave and his property. I don’t blame her for killing him. But my family said she was a murderer and that you can’t trust black people. And they told me that they never did trust black people and now they had a reason to show what and how they really felt. Anyway, his girlfriend was found not guilty and now I don’t know where she is. She moved away from Alabama too. After all that happened my father told me that I couldn’t hang out anymore with my two best friends who are black. We’ve been friends since kindergarten. We’re practically brothers. We still keep in touch. I told them that when I open-up my business I want them to come work with me. That’s my life story. I was never a racist no matter how my family is. I’m sorry my dad said what he said tonight at the restaurant.

You can’t control your dad’s mouth, attitude or the way he thinks, she said.

I wish I could. Now, can I take you out on a date tomorrow?

A date? I thought this was a date, she said.

This is not a date. This is a casual meeting-up to set things straight. So, do you want to go out with me tomorrow? I like you Tina and I’d like for us to get to know each other better.

Before I answer, I have two questions. If your uncle wasn’t a racist, why did he turn on his black girlfriend like that? And say you have a black girlfriend one day, who says that you won’t turn on her like your uncle did to his black girlfriend? She inquisitively asked.

Those are fair questions, he said. First, my uncle had all white friends. I don’t know if any of them were racists. But maybe they started saying things to him about his girlfriend and their relationship. And he may have started listening to them and it may have influenced him as to why he turned on her. I don’t know. And as for me having a black girlfriend! With my two best friends being black I was always around black people and they always treated me good and with respect like I respected them. If I truly love my black girlfriend I would never turn on her. I’d protect her from everyone and everything and make sure that she’s happy. She would be the most important person in my life, he told her with a serious tone and expression.

Oh, wow, she was astonished at what he said.

So, are you going out with me tomorrow? He asked again.

Where are we going?

It’s your choice, he answered without hesitation.

But won’t your family be upset with you going out with me?

I’m not living my life for my family. This is my life and I can do as I please. Now are you going to answer the question? He asked.

What question was that? She asked and they both started laughing.

You trying to be funny? He asked through his laughter.

Yes I was. And yes I’ll go out with you, she said.

Thank you, you won’t regret it, he said. Where would you like to go?

I like Thai food, fish and barbeque.

Can you please just pick one so I know where to take you, he said and she laughed.

Fish.

Okay, I know where we’re going. What would you like to do after dinner?

I don’t know I’ll decide tomorrow, she told him.

We’re going to have a great time tomorrow, he told her.

How should I dress? She asked.

Casual.

You mean you’re not taking me to a fancy, high class restaurant? She asked smiling.

I’m sorry but I don’t have that kind of money yet. And I don’t like high class things. I’m a simple person, he said.

Me too. I was only messing with you, she replied.

Maybe you should be a comedian being that you’re trying to be funny tonight, he told her.

No. I’ll stick with photography.

You want to go for a walk now? He asked.

Sure.

As soon as they stood up a young, short black-haired white boy, with light brown eyes, and average looking walked up to Justin. Hey Justin man. What have you been doing? The boy asked shaking his hand and looking at Tina.

I’ve been busy working.

Aren’t you gonna introduce me to your girlfriend?

Kevin, this is Tina Stanes. Tina, this is Kevin Chotes.

Nice to meet you Kevin, Tina said.

Nice to meet you too Tina, he replied and whispered something to Justin and a look of disgust came to his face.

What the hell is wrong with you. Get outta here, he said and looked at Tina. Let’s go. They walked away.

What did he whisper to you that made you so upset? Tina curiously asked.

Nothing forget about it, he said.

She stopped. Tell me Justin or I’m leaving. You want us to get to know each other better, right? Well one thing I don’t like is lying or keeping things from your partner. I believe in total honesty. You’re starting off on the wrong foot, she frankly told him.

He said that ‘you got one of the prettiest girls in school. Is the sex as good as her looks’? He told her.

He really said that? She asked appalled.

Yeah he did. I’m sorry, he apologized.

It’s not your fault that some men think that way. Anyway, you introduced me as your girlfriend. I’m not your girlfriend, she told him.

Not yet. Tomorrow you will be. Tomorrow we will officially be a dating couple, he said with an overwhelming assurance, smiling.

She laughed. You want to tell me that on our first date we will become a couple. Is that a part of one of your plans?

No it’s not a plan. It’s a fact, a reality, he smiled. Come on let’s go for that walk.

As they walked they talked and laughed and learned more and more things about each other. And as they talked she realized that he truly wasn’t a racist and had a great personality and amazingly they thought alike about some things too.

Let’s sit down now. We’ve been walking and talking for almost an hour. The movie will be over soon.

What time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow? He asked.

I don’t know. What time would you like to go?

Is seven good for you? He asked.

Yeah it’s good. But you don’t know where I live.

Are you going to tell me? He asked with an amused grin.

I live in those condos at the end of the street in the center of town across from the pharmacy.

You’ve got to be kidding? I live in those condos too at the other end of the street, he told her.

What? We probably did run into each other and never paid attention.

Oh I would’ve paid attention if I ran into you. How can a girl as pretty as you still not have a boyfriend? He said.

A pleased smile came to her face. Thank you for the compliment. I just haven’t found the right one yet.

Yes you have, he replied smiling.

She started laughing. So you think you’re the right one, huh?

Oh, I know I’m the right one, he said with assurance. I told you we’re going to become a couple tomorrow. If you didn’t like me too we wouldn’t be here talking right now.

Huh, she sounded. I’ll give you that, but we’ll see. How is it that you don’t have a girlfriend? You’re very nice looking too, she complimented him.

Thank you. Most of the girls I’ve been out with like me for my looks and not for anything else. They’d go out with me and introduce me to their friends as their model boyfriend not just plain old boyfriend. I don’t like that. I have a brain too. And I’ve never even thought about becoming a model. That life is not for me. You didn’t care what I looked like when you yelled at me at the restaurant, he said and they both laughed. Now, I need the number of your unit so I know which intercom to push.

It’s 2331 apartment 23. I hope I’m doing the right thing.

Oh you are, he replied with assurance. Mark my words, in two years we may be married and maybe with a child or two.

She burst into a hilarious laughter. You are so, she was saying but he interrupted her.

Right, he finished her sentence laughing also. Come on the movie will be letting out soon. I have to get going. I have to go to work tomorrow.

What kind of work do you do now? She curiously asked.

I’m a grave digger on weekends and I work in landscaping on weekdays. They pay is good and I put every cent away only using my money for what I really need. When my grandfather died he left me and my brother seventy thousand each. I bought my condo and my car. Still paying for the both of them. Once I open my business I’ll pay them off and be debt free. How did you buy your condo?

I’ve been taking photos since I was eleven. One day I entered a photo contest and won ten thousand dollars and my parents opened up an account for me. I got lucky too because my parents helped me get photo jobs from their colleagues and clients and I’d make about five hundred from that. Word got around about how good I was and I was always busy taking pictures at parties and special events. I started making at least a thousand dollars every week. And then rich families started asking for family photo shoots, and that’s where I make the good money. When I turned nineteen I had enough money to pay more than half of my condo and I bought it. I make enough to pay the mortgage and Brittany and Carol live with me and pay half of the bills and half for food so I’m good.

The movie is over people are coming out. Let’s go, he said.

They stood up and headed over to the movie theater and found Brittany and Carol waiting for them outside.

How was your walk? Brittany asked Tina.

Interesting, she answered smiling and glanced over at Justin.

I gotta go. I’ll see you tomorrow at seven. Goodnight, Justin told Tina and kissed her on the cheek. Goodnight ladies. He turned and walked away.

Wow, what did y’all talk about? You’re like a step away from dating, Brittany said.

I agree with Britt, Carol said.

Tina smiled. Maybe! He’s very secure about everything and himself.

What’s happening at seven tomorrow? Carol asked.

He’s taking me out to dinner.

His family is not gonna like that, Carol said.

He said he’s not living his life for his family. It’s his life and he can do as he pleases.

So, let me get this right. His entire family are racists and he’s not? How did that happen? Carol asked.

I’ll explain it to y’all in the car. Let’s go.

They walked away, crossed the street and took the elevator up to the car. I’m not turning on the radio until after you tell us everything, Carol said when they got into the car. Okay start talking, she said as she drove off.

Tina started telling them what was said between her and Justin. And that’s basically it.

So from what happened with his uncle his entire family openly let everyone know they were racists! Brittany said, more as a statement than question. And he had to stop hanging out with his two black best friends? Brittany asked.

Yeah.

What I see is that he wants you in his life. He came all the way here just to talk to you. That’s persistence, Carol said.

Yeah, Tina smiled. Now turn on the music.

Wait, Brittany said. Tina when you get to know him better ask him, how is it that he doesn’t have a girlfriend. I mean, he’s the perfect poster boy. Tall, dirty blonde hair, blue eyes and dimples.

He said that … she told him what he said about the girls he had dated.

I can understand him feeling that way, Carol said.

Me too, Brittany agreed.

Now turn on the radio, Tina said.

Carol turned on the radio and they sang and moved to the music all the way home. She parked the car in the underground garage and they took the elevator to the third floor which was the last floor.

They walked into their open concept three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo that had a breakfast bar in the kitchen with brown oak cabinets. The entire apartment had natural light wood floors and was all furnished with natural light brown wood furniture including all three bedrooms and bathrooms. The master bedroom had a master bath and Brittany and Carols bedrooms had a Jack and Jill bathroom that Brittany and Carol had remolded that way. And there was another bathroom which they all called it a visitor’s bathroom. All three bathrooms had only showers because none of them liked taking baths.

I’m going to bed I have a photo shoot tomorrow morning, Tina said.

Boy am I glad we don’t have to work on Saturdays, Brittany said just as Tina’s cell phone started ringing.

Who is it? Carol asked.

It’s Justin. Hello Justin.

Hi Tina. Did y’all make it home safely?

Yes we did thank you. I don’t mean to cut you short but I was going to bed now. I have a photo shoot tomorrow morning.

Okay, I’ll let you go. Sweet dreams and I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, he told her.

Sweet dreams to you too, she replied.

Oh mine will be sweet because you will be in them, he said and she laughed.

Okay, you’ll have to tell me about it tomorrow.

I will.

Goodnight Justin I’ll see you tomorrow. She hung up smiling.

He really knows what to say to you to get you smiling, Brittany said.

Goodnight y’all. She walked away and went into her bedroom, put her cell phone down on the night table, got undressed, went into the bathroom and got into the shower. She took a quick shower, got out, dried herself off, went back into the bedroom and put lotion on her entire body. After she was done, she put on her nightshirt and got into bed. Her cell phone buzzed, she picked it up and saw that she received a text message that was from Justin. She read the message aloud. I see you in my dreams and I’m not even sleeping yet. Goodnight, she smiled. How sweet. See you tomorrow, goodnight she said writing back to him still smiling. She put the phone down, turned off the light, closed her eyes and fell fast to sleep.

CHAPTER 2

After Tina finished the photo shoot that Saturday morning, the family that she was doing the photo shoot for gave her the name of another family that wanted her to come to their home after lunch. She had now just walked into her condo and found Brittany and Carol sitting on the sofa watching television. Hi, she said setting her pocketbook down on the chair and headed to the kitchen.

Hi, Carol and Brittany replied.

That was a long photo shoot. You left this morning at eight thirty and now it’s almost twelve o’clock, Brittany said.

It was a family of five. The parents and three kids. Two boys and a girl, ages 3, 4 and 5. The kids wouldn’t stay still. I had to take pictures of the parents first and after all of them together. I would have been done sooner if the kids had of stayed still but they were so cute I didn’t mind. They gave me the name and address of another family that I have to go to after lunch, she told them after she washed her hands and got something to drink.

Don’t get too tired you have to go out with Justin tonight, Carol said.

I know but I have to keep working. These families are paying good money.

Just don’t take any more work today, Brittany said.

You two are so worried about me, what are y’all going to do tonight?

I’m not going out, Brittany said.

I’m gonna stay home too and watch television, Carol said.

Y’all have to start dating again. Brittany you and Tim broke-up a year and a half ago. And Carol you haven’t had a boyfriend for three years, Tina told them.

Tina we’re twenty-three not forty-three. We have time to find boyfriends, Carol said.

With this attitude, y’all are going to be sitting in the house until you’re forty-three, Tina said and Brittany and Carol started laughing.

Funny Tina, Carol said through her laughter."

I’m gonna have me a sandwich and get going, Tina said.

Just a sandwich? Brittany asked.

I only have time for a sandwich.

She fixed herself a sandwich, sat down and started eating, while Brittany and Carol continued watching television. She finished her sandwich, cleaned up and went over and grabbed her pocketbook off the chair. I gotta go I’ll see y’all later.

Bye, they both said and Tina walked out the door.

As soon as Tina reached her car her cell phone rang and a smile came to her face when she saw who it was. Hi Justin.

Hi Tina. I called to invite you to lunch, he said.

I’m sorry but I’m on my way to another photo shoot.

You’re a busy girl. Are we still going out tonight? He asked.

Yes we are.

Well then I’ll see you at seven, bye.

Bye Justin. She hung up, got into the car and drove off. She drove for almost thirty minutes before she arrived at her destination. It was a huge home with a long driveway and a four-car garage. She got out, walked to the entrance and rang the doorbell. A middle-aged attractive white woman dressed elegantly answered the door. Hello, I’m Tina Stanes the photographer.

Oh come on in, the woman said.

She walked in and found herself in the large foyer with a two-way staircase.

I’m Amy Hausta, the woman said closing the door.

Nice to meet you, she shook her hand.

Come meet the rest of the family. Amy walked away and she followed and wound up in a huge living room with antique furniture, a fireplace and another four family members. This is my husband Josh, who was a middle aged, handsome man. These are my 16-year-old twins, Mary and Josh Jr., who looked like both their mother and father. And this is my brother-in-law Jack, who looked a few years younger than his brother Josh. Everyone, this is Tina Stanes the photographer.

Hi, nice to meet you, she said.

Hi, they all replied.

Have a seat Tina so we can go over how I would like you to take the photos, Amy told her and she sat down in a chair. Tina, these are some random photos I’ve taken out of magazines of how I would like the background of our family photos. Take a look at them and let me know if you can do that, she handed them to her.

Tina looked at the photos one by one. When she was done she looked at Amy. I don’t have those backgrounds but you can look at some backgrounds I do have and see if you like any of them. She handed Amy a medium sized book. While you look at that, may I use your bathroom?

I’ll show her where it is, Jack said standing up. Come with me.

She stood up and followed behind him down a short hallway.

The bathroom is right here but can I ask you a question before you go in? He asked.

Sure, she answered without hesitation."

You’re a pretty young girl who’s trying to make a name for herself as a photographer, so if you decide to have sex with me I could make you famous by tomorrow, he said and tried to kiss her.

Get away from me, she said pushing him away.

Come on you know you want it, he said trying to kiss her again.

She slapped him in the face and again pushed him away and ran back into the living room. I’m sorry I can’t do the photos for your family, she said grabbing