Stepping to a New Day Read online

  Eli changed his mind. Yep, the weekend was going to be a disaster after all. Big time.

  While Wes Montgomery’s greatest hits played through the Bluetooth speaker she’d been surprised with at Christmas by the kids, Genevieve prepared for her date. Because Terence was taking her to the rec and not the opera there was no need to get dressed to the nines but she did want to look nice. She considered the white cashmere turtleneck she’d been dying to wear but the thought of accidentally dropping taco sauce or mustard from a hot dog on it made her nix the idea and put it back into the closet. She settled instead on a black merino wool sweater with a bateau neck and a pair of black velveteen straight-leg jeans. A girl could never go wrong with black, and it would go well with the silver jewelry she planned to wear. Her wardrobe decisions made, she got dressed.

  By six thirty she was ready for his arrival. She was also a nervous wreck. It had been so long since she’d been out with a man she felt like a long-tailed cat in a room filled with rockers, as her mother had been fond of saying. Thinking of her mother made her wonder what she’d think of her daughter’s new life. The women of the twenty-first century had more freedom and options than her mother’s generation and Gen was glad. Home and children were no longer the whole world and they could be more than teachers, nurses, and secretaries. A part of herself regretted having stayed married to Riley for so long, but because she couldn’t change the past her choice was to step boldly into her future. The sound of the doorbell broke into her musing. Terence. Would he be part of that future? Truthfully, she hoped so. Tonight would be another new beginning.

  She walked to the door and let him in.

  “You look nice,” he said.

  “Thanks. You do, too.”

  “Thanks.”

  He was wearing a navy blue knit collared shirt, a black leather jacket, and gray slacks. A thin silver chain peeked through the undone buttons at his neck and the signature silver hoop hung discreetly from his ear. Fighting to corral her nerves, she said, “Let me get my jacket and we can go.” At the closet, she took down her red leather.

  “Here. Let me help you with that,” he said.

  She loved his old-school manners but having him near enough to notice the heat of his body touching hers shot her already soaring nervousness into the stratosphere. “Thanks,” she told him once the jacket was on. Hoping he didn’t see her shaking hands, she picked up her purse and they stepped out into the fading evening light.

  In the truck he put the key in the ignition. Before starting the engine, he glanced her way and confessed, “I haven’t done this dating thing in a while so I’m a bit nervous.”

  His honesty was endearing. “Truthfully, so am I.”

  “Oh, good.” He sounded relieved.

  She could already see the looks they’d get in the auditorium. “We’re going to be the talk of the town when people see us together, so be prepared.”

  “I’m okay with that. How about you?”

  “I’ll be fine.” And the envy of every unmarried woman of a certain age in the place. He was handsome, fit, and with her. A girl couldn’t ask for more.

  When they entered the auditorium the surprise and raised eyebrows on the faces of Marie and her friends at the concession stations made her smile inwardly, but she set their interest aside to consult with him about where they should sit.

  “You pick,” he said to her.

  They decided on seats in the middle and she noticed him discreetly eyeing the crowd.

  “You were right. We’re getting a lot of looks,” he said.

  She saw Clay checking them out, and thought she saw regret in his eyes before he turned away. “I know. As I said, talk of the town. Are you still okay?”

  “I’m with the prettiest lady in town, so I’m definitely okay.”

  The heat in her cheeks made her drop her eyes shyly. When she raised them he was smiling.

  “How about I get us something to eat?” he asked. “What would you like?”

  “The grilled chicken tacos and a cola.”

  “Got it. Be right back.”

  So thankful to have such a wonderful guy in her life, she was taking off her coat and settling into her seat when Lily walked up. A smiling Gen knew she’d come to grill her. “Yes?”

  “So, you were ogling him at the town meeting that night.”

  “Go away,” she told her. “Aren’t you supposed to be serving hot dogs?”

  “Is he nice, Gen?”

  The idea of him made her melt inside. “Nicer than any man I’ve ever met.”

  “Good. Enjoy yourself. But no necking when the lights go out. There are children here.”

  Gen laughed at her outrageousness. “I’m going to hit you with my purse, Lily July.”

  A chuckling Lily took off and left her alone.

  Still smiling, Genevieve found herself wondering what being kissed by Terence might be like. Hastily putting that out of her mind, she turned her attention back to the crowd. The teens were down front in their usual spot, huddled together discussing lord knew what. She supposed if it was something serious the town would find out soon enough. Continuing to scan the room, she saw Mal and Bernadine looking for seats. When they waved, Gen waved back. She stole a glance over at Clay again. He was talking with his buddy, Bing Shepard. She hoped ending her relationship with him wouldn’t negatively affect her friendship with Bing because she liked him a lot. Turning from them she checked to see if Terence was in line yet. He was. Standing a bit away from him was Luis Acosta holding a tray filled with snacks and drinks. He was talking with Jack, Eli, and Jack’s parents. Surprised to see Stella and Jack Sr., she wondered how long they’d been in town.

  Standing in line to put in his order, TC knew he was being scrutinized but he didn’t make a big deal out of it and nodded politely in response to those who nodded his way.

  “Mr. Barbour?”

  The voice froze him and everybody else. He glanced over into the assessing eyes of Tamar July. “Yes, ma’am?”

  “Your intentions?”

  He didn’t play dumb. He knew better. “Strictly honorable.”

  “Good. She’s had enough heartache.” As if his answer was all she was after, Tamar walked off and a pleased TC took his order and went to rejoin Genevieve.

  When he reached their seats, she took the cardboard tray from his hand. “You survived, I see.”

  “Got grilled by Lady Shotgun.”

  “What did our matriarch want?”

  He liked the way her eyes brightened when she smiled. “Asked me my intentions.”

  She went so still, he knew to reassure her. “I told her they were strictly honorable. And they are.”

  She searched his face as if trying to gauge the truthfulness of his declaration. “That’s good to know.”

  “I’m looking forward to whatever the future’s got in store for us, Genevieve.”

  “As am I.”

  That pleased him because the idea that such a sweet classy lady would enjoy being with him in spite of his faults was humbling. “Then let’s have some fun.”

  “Let’s,” she echoed softly.

  The movies on the docket that evening were Transformers 3 and Coming to America. While they waited for the entertainment to begin, they ate and talked quietly about starting his lessons on Monday.

  “How long do you think it will take?” he asked.

  “Depends on how much help you’ll need at the outset, but you’re motivated and that means a lot.”

  He was motivated and planned to do whatever it took to be successful. He had a gorgeous teacher, not to mention a box filled with decades of greeting cards waiting to be read.

  Their talking was interrupted when Gary and the girls stopped by on their way to their seats.

  “Well, look at you two,” Gary said with surprise and approval in his voice. “How are you?”

  TC grinned. “We’re good.” He hadn’t said anything to Gary about his date.

  Tiff asked Genevieve, “Did you li
ke the CD we helped Uncle TC pick out, Ms. Gen?”

  “I did.”

  Leah glanced between TC and Ms. Gen and grinned. “I see you, Unc. You go.”

  He chuckled. “Thanks, Leah.”

  “We’re going to go find some seats,” Gary said. “Enjoy the movies.” The Clarks moved on.

  Mal walked up next. He nodded tersely at TC before saying, “Hey, Gen.”

  “Hey, Mal.” TC noted that the diner owner still acted as if he wasn’t sure he wanted TC hanging around his friend.

  “Treat her right,” Mal warned.

  “That’s the plan,” TC said. “Square business.”

  Mal drew back and looked impressed. “Okay, then.”

  Beside him Genevieve did an eye roll.

  When Mal moved on she blew out a breath. “Lord.”

  “He’s just concerned about you.”

  “I understand that and I’m real appreciative, but my goodness.”

  A moment later, Amari stood before them. After silently glancing between the two of them, he asked, “You two dating?”

  TC heard Genevieve’s sigh and he replied, “Yes.”

  For a moment the teen didn’t respond. He finally asked Genevieve, “He okay?”

  “Yes, Amari. Very okay.”

  “Good. Be nice to her.”

  “I will. Promise.”

  Amari disappeared into the crowd.

  “You have lots of knights, my lady. Guess I’d best be on my best behavior.”

  She chuckled. “Guess you’d best be.”

  Down front, Tamar walked onto the stage and the auditorium quieted. “Welcome everyone,” she said into the mic on the podium. “I have some housekeeping to take care of first. Jack and Rocky? Where are you?” She shaded her eyes and peered out into the crowd.

  They stood and waved.

  “Come on up.”

  Up onstage, the two moved to the podium. The mic picked up Jack asking Rocky, “You want to tell them?”

  “I thought you were going to do it.” She was decked out in her black motorcycle leathers.

  Jack sighed and the crowd laughed. “Okay. I’ve asked Rocky to marry me, and lo and behold, she said yes.”

  Applause rang out. People jumped to their feet. The place went nuts.

  Taking in the pandemonium, TC leaned over and asked the wildly applauding Gen, “Is this a big deal?”

  “Yes, it is!”

  On the stage, Jack said, “We don’t have a date yet but we’ll be throwing a She Said Yes Party at the Dog next Saturday and I hope you’ll join us.” He asked Rocky, “You have anything you want to add?”

  “Nope.”

  More laughter and the newly engaged couple left the stage.

  Tamar moved back to the mic. “That’s it. Lights, please!”

  The lights went down and the opening action began. Gen’s hand was on the armrest. When his hand covered hers, she linked their fingers and settled in to enjoy the movie.

  It was nearly midnight when he drove back to her home. As they sat in his truck with the soft jazz playing through the speakers, Gen said sincerely, “I had a really nice time.”

  “Me, too. How about we do it again next Friday?”

  “I’d like that.”

  For a moment all they could see was each other. He finally broke the spell. “Come on. I’ll walk you to the door.”

  Once there, they stood under the porch light while she searched her purse for her keys. With them in hand, she said, “Good night, Terence.”

  He placed a kiss on her forehead and whispered, “Good night.”

  Senses racing, she held his eyes and didn’t know what to say or if she was supposed to say anything.

  “Was that okay?” he asked with a half smile.

  “Yes.”

  “Don’t want to rush things.”

  “I appreciate that.” Her heart was rushing enough for the entire town.

  Neither seemed able to move, though. A few more seconds ticked off and he said, “Baby, I’m content to stand out here and look at you all night, but we’ll probably freeze, so go on inside.”

  It was the closest Gen had ever come to swooning. He called me baby! “All right. Good night.” She went in and closed the door softly behind her. As soon as she let out a sigh her phone sounded. The caller ID showed Marie’s name. Gen laughed. “Hello.”

  “Okay, Miss I’ve Got a Secret—spill it. Chapter and verse and don’t leave a thing out.”

  “What a nice time,” Stella James said on the drive back to the house after the movies. She and Eli were in the backseat of the truck. His dad was behind the wheel and Jack Sr. was riding shotgun. “This is why I want to live here,” she added. “What other communities do this kind of thing?”

  Jack Sr. said, “It was fun. I’d never seen Coming to America. What a hoot.”

  Eli was glad they’d had a nice time.

  Stella asked, “And this is every Friday night?”

  “Yep,” Eli said.

  “Wonderful.” She then asked, “Jack, don’t you worry about Rocky riding that big motorcycle?” After the movie, Rocky had offered up her goodbyes and roared off.

  His dad responded, “No. She built that bike herself. She’s been riding since she was a little girl.”

  Even though she’d claimed to have rebooted herself, Eli saw his grandmother shake her head with what appeared to be disapproval. He was disappointed.

  “Then I hope you aren’t going to let her ride when she gets pregnant.”

  Eli found that unbelievable but up front his dad laughed it off.

  “What’s so funny?” she asked.

  Eli couldn’t see Jack Sr.’s face but sensed his grandfather’s eye roll.

  “Rock and I aren’t having kids, Mom.”

  “Why on earth not? You aren’t too old.”

  “Yes we are, and besides, she doesn’t want kids.”

  Jack Sr. warned, “And before you ask why, Stella, it’s not any of your business.”

  She gave a small huff. “Then I suppose after we move here, I’ll have to content myself with spoiling my only grandson.”

  And then his dad said something Eli would remember for the rest of his life.

  “Eli won’t be here. He’s going back to California for school.”

  Eli stared. His heart began pounding and he thought he might faint—except guys don’t faint. Somewhere off in the distance he heard his dad asking, “Isn’t that right, Eli?”

  Eli blinked. It took his tripped-out brain a few seconds to reconnect his ability to form speech. “Yeah.” His dad was grinning at him in the rearview mirror. OMG! OMG!

  Later, after the grandparents climbed the stairs to the guest bedroom, the still-thunderstruck Eli stared in awe at his chuckling dad, who boasted, “Got you, didn’t I?”

  “Yeah. Does that mean you were just punking me?” He prayed that wasn’t the case.

  “No. It was the truth. Or have you changed your mind?”

  “No!” he replied hastily. He scanned his dad. “But how did you know I wanted to go? We never even talked about it.”

  “Geoff’s mom called me the day you asked Geoff to talk to her about staying with them.”

  It never occurred to Eli that Geoff’s mom would call his dad, but he supposed being a parent she would. Parents, like kids, tended to stick together.

  His dad continued, “Truthfully, when she called I told her no. I didn’t think you were responsible or mature enough to be so far way. And I have to take some of the blame for that. I’ve been coddling you since your mom died. I thought you had enough on your plate without me demanding you pull your weight.”

  He thought back to the conversation he’d had with Crystal when she called him out for basically being spoiled. Once again, she was right. “So what changed your mind?”

  “You.”

  Eli wasn’t sure he understood.

  His dad must’ve seen that confusion because he explained, “You’ve grown up this spring, Eli. I never thoug
ht you’d try and make my life easier by making me dinner, but you impressed me that day even if you did try and burn the house down.”

  Eli smiled at the memory of all the smoke pouring out of the oven.

  “And then there’s Wyatt. Taking him under your wing was just as impressive. You’re not the boy you used to be, and it’s been a pleasure watching you taking steps to turn yourself into the man you may one day become.”

  Eli dropped his head and swore he’d punch himself out if he started to cry. “Thanks, Dad,” he whispered.

  His dad gave him a crooked smile. “I’ve also been in touch with Amari’s grandmother. She’s an artist, you know.”

  He did. He met her last winter and she seemed like a pretty okay lady, but he had no idea what she had to do with this.

  “She told me about a community college near where she lives that offers great academics and a fantastic art program.”

  Eli waited.

  “She lives near Malibu and has what’s called a mother-in-law apartment above her garage. She’s offered it to you for as long as you want if you decide to attend that school.”

  His eyes widened.

  “After I convince your grandmother that she doesn’t want to live here, how about we fly to Malibu and check out the school and the apartment?”

  “Hell yeah! I mean—”

  His dad laughed and opened his arms.

  Eli didn’t hesitate. He entered the embrace and hugged his dad like he was eight years old again and in that hug was pride, joy, and love. When they stepped back both had wet eyes. Eli dashed his tears away with the back of his hand. “Too old to be crying.”

  “If you say so.”

  They spent a few silent moments taking each other in before Eli said softly, “You parent like a boss.”

  “High praise. You’re welcome.”

  Upstairs in his bedroom, Eli jumped up and down and did some happy-dance moves. He wanted to throw open his window and scream out his joy into the night. He looked through his blinds to see if Crystal’s light was on. It wasn’t but he sent her a text anyway. He was so excited he texted in all caps. DAD LETTING ME GO TO CALI!!!!!

  She replied: Stop yelling! Trying to sleep. Happy for you. ☺

  Grinning, he sat on his bed then fell back on the mattress. Wow!

  Over at Eustacia’s place, Riley tried to get comfortable on the sleeping bag he’d borrowed from Clay but the kitchen floor was hard. Cletus was snoring on the other side of the room, blissfully ignorant of the challenges his owner faced. For the one hundredth time Riley wondered how he’d sunk so low. To hear Genevieve tell it, his plight was his own fault and for the first time Riley had to agree. He was almost seventy years old and had nothing to show for it but a six-hundred-pound hog he could barely feed. He didn’t like examining his life because to do so would be to acknowledge Clay’s correct assessment of who he was. A social climbing user with no conscience. He could argue that the hand he’d been dealt by life had given him no other choice, but that would be too easy, and it wasn’t the truth. He was the only child of a single mother who’d taken in laundry to pay the bills. More often than not it hadn’t been enough, so she’d shoplifted at the grocer’s and helped herself to whatever she could find of value in the homes of the folks who hired her in to cook or clean. They spent his formative years moving from place to place, often one step ahead of the law, while his mother fed herself on delusions of one day being as rich as the people she worked for or saw in the magazine and the movies. In her mind, she was going to invent something that would make them a ton of money, or catch the eye of a rich man who’d buy her a big house and a fine new car. Never mind the reality of her fourth-grade education or the holes in the soles of their shoes or the shacks they were forced to live in. It was going to happen. Someday. Soon. She’d died while he was in high school and went to her grave still convinced her life was destined to be paved with gold. Before she passed away she urged him to marry up. Find himself a rich girl so he’d never have to be hungry or go without again. And he had. Genevieve Gibbs. The only daughter of the wealthiest colored undertaker in Graham County, Kansas. He’d helped himself to her status and her bank accounts and, like his mother, fed himself on deluded dreams. Genevieve was right when she accused him of never having cared for her. In truth he hadn’t. He saw her only as his stepping-stone to greatness and it hadn’t mattered if the ladder to success was a bit crooked because he was on his way to the top. So, he’d tried to sell the town out from under the Julys and Jeffersons—the Dusters be damned—he was going to be rich. When the arrival of Bernadine Brown put an end to that scheme, he threw in with the cadaverous Morton Prell only to have those ambitions squashed by Cletus. Literally. And now, he was lying in the dark on the litter-strewn floor of the trashed and abandoned house of yet another woman he hadn’t cared about but used. He turned over, trying for a more comfortable spot, but like his life there wasn’t one. Sighing, he knew what he had to do. Forget the schemes, scams, and delusions of grandeur and step into the real world like the rest of humanity. If he didn’t, he’d be on the floor of life until he went to the grave and there’d be no one to blame but himself.