Ex-Terminator Life After Marriage (24 page)

“H
ush, everyone, it’s time for me to depart.” Mona pointed toward the entry to the restaurant. “My man has come to whisk me away for our fabulous weekend in New Orleans. Lunch was wonderful, especially since Claudette is paying. Gotta run now. I will be back in time for Denise’s surgery.”

Michael Broussard advanced toward the satisfied group and stopped in front of Mona, placing a kiss on her lips.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I hate to take this beautiful lady away from you…” Mona blushed. “If we don’t hurry, we won’t catch our flight, and I don’t think Mona would forgive me.”

“Take her away,” Rachel said. “I’ve got to get back to work before I don’t have a job. It was real, and I love you guys.” Rachel blew a kiss.

Everyone put their coats on and prepared to leave the restaurant.

“I’m glad you didn’t let that bully take you to the altar again,” Mona said to Ashley. “I knew you weren’t weak. We’re here for you if you need us.”

“That means a lot coming from you, Mona,” Ashley said. “I appreciate it.”

Mona rubbed Ashley’s arm. “Gotta go.”

Kisses passed around the room. The rain had let up and everyone made a run for it. Sylvia walked to the entrance with Ashley behind her.

“Ash—”

Just then the door opened.

“Tried to get here as soon as I could,” Kenny said to Sylvia. “Hi, Ashley.”

“Hello, Kenny,” they both said.

Sylvia felt awkward. She was ready for her special moment with Kenny, but she felt obligated to help Ashley.

“Look, Sylvia. It seems you already have plans.”

Kenny looked from one to the other.

“Well, Kenny and I have plans for this afternoon…but…”

“I’ll go to my mother’s house.”

“You’re not going back to work?”

“No, I’ve taken the rest of the day off. I was not in the mood to sit behind the desk and plan events for people today.”

“I can give you the key to my house, and you can make yourself comfortable until I get home.”

“Look, Sylvia. We can get together tomorrow.” Ashley managed a smile. “I can tell by the sly grin on Kenny’s face that he has a special afternoon planned for you. Hook up tomorrow?”

“Thanks, Ashley. I’ll make it up to you then.”

“Okay.”

Ashley watched the couple leave the restaurant hand in hand. She started out of the restaurant, but quickly found a bench and sat down. She clutched her heart and exhaled deeply before placing a hand on her forehead. The rain began to fall again and Ashley’s tears right along with it. Ashley’s sobs became tremors, but she was going to have to brace herself and handle this alone.

“Are you all right, ma’am?”

“I really hate leaving Ashley like that,” Sylvia said, “but I admit that I am going to be selfish this afternoon. I’m always compromising myself for someone else, but today is my day.”

“Admit it, Sylvia. You’re curious about what I’ve got to show you.”

“I’ll admit that, but we’ll talk about it as soon as we get in the comfort of your car.” Sylvia placed her arm through Kenny’s and they raced for his car as the rain began to pour.

“Here we are.” Kenny opened the door for Sylvia and ran to the other side and got in.

“What’s up with Ashley, anyway? She was acting weird—not herself.”

“She walked out of William’s life for good. They were supposed to get remarried today—or should I say, William was forcing Ashley to get married.”

“What kind of craziness is that?”

“Tell me about it. Now I really feel bad because Ashley may need someone to talk to. I’m sure it took a lot of courage for her to do what she did. Truthfully, I believe she was afraid of William.”

“We can put this off until tomorrow if you need to be with Ashley. I’ll understand.”

“Gosh, Kenny. I love you.”

Kenny smiled. “You said that like you meant it.”

“I do.”

“Let’s go back to the restaurant to pick up Ashley, and I’ll take you to your car. What I want to show you can wait another day.”

“Thanks, Kenny.” Before Sylvia knew it, she kissed Kenny on the cheek. “That’s all for now. I don’t want you to wreck your fancy car.” They laughed.

Kenny stopped at the curb and Sylvia jumped out and ran into the restaurant. Two minutes later she emerged but without Ashley.

“Ashley’s not in there,” Sylvia called to Kenny.

“Get in the car. We’ll drive around and see if we can find her.”

They drove around for ten minutes or more without a trace of Ashley.

“We tried,” Sylvia said. “I guess we can continue with our afternoon after all.”

“You don’t fool me, Sylvia St. James. Secretly, you were hoping not to find Ashley.”

“I’m not that shallow, Kenny, but boy, can you see right through me.” They laughed.

“Sit back. You are in for a long afternoon.”

“You look delicious, Mona. You even have a glow all over your face.”

Mona gave a faint smile. “Fasten your seat belt, Mr. Broussard. You’re making me blush.”

“Come on, girl. You’re talking to me. I know what makes you blush.”

“We might have to cut our trip short as I’m sure our families will not give us time to ourselves so that you can make me blush all over.”

“You make life so difficult, Mona. I’ve already got reservations down in the Quarter for Wednesday night. Our families are not going to monopolize
all
of our time. I want this trip to be special and memorable.”

“Mr. Broussard, you have everything under control. I do like that in a man.”

“Ms. Baptiste, you have not seen nothing yet. And if you’re good…”

“What do you mean, if I’m good?”

“If you’re a good girl, I have a special surprise for you.”

“Hint?”

“It wouldn’t be a surprise, now, would it?”

“Welcome aboard Delta flight 1089 to New Orleans,” the captain’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “We may run into some turbulence today, but our hour and a half flight to New Orleans should be uneventful otherwise. In a moment, we will be cruising at an altitude of thirty-seven thousand feet. Enjoy your flight and thank you for choosing Delta.”

“Are you ready to meet my family?” Michael asked. “We love to party and have a good time.”

“I was sitting here thinking about how my family will react when they see me. Will they run up and hug me—kiss me? I’m excited, but I’m not sure about this. Michael, I haven’t seen them in a long time. What if I don’t recognize them?”

“Don’t be silly. You can age in ten or twelve years, but you’ll always recognize family.”

“I have a surprise for you, too, but I can’t tell you until we get to New Orleans.”

“Hint?”

“No, Mr. Broussard. No hint for you.”

Michael and Mona watched as the flight attendant attempted to go through her spiel about plane safety. Midway through, she took the cardboard she was asking everyone to refer to for emergency evacuation information and began to fan herself. The flight attendant began her spiel again, and two seconds in she began to fan again. It was so comical.

“That’s what Delta gets for keeping the old coffee, tea or me flight attendants around. They probably have ten lines to say during the whole flight, but her menopausal state is going to cause us to not get all of our instructions. Heaven forbid the plane should crash.”

“Michael, please. Leave that woman alone. She has a right to a career as a flight attendant if she wants one. She’s getting old, but she’s not dead.”

The plane began to shake. The cardboard safety instructions flew out of the flight attendant’s hand. The
Fasten Your Seatbelt
sign flashed.

“What did I tell you?”

“You were right this time, Michael, but you wouldn’t have listened to anything she said if she hadn’t started fanning herself.”

“Well, let’s hope we get to New Orleans in one piece.”

The rain was relentless and so was Kenny. He was determined to make this a special day for Sylvia.

“So where are we going, Kenny?”

“You’ll see in a moment.”

“It looks like we’re heading for Buckhead. You’re not planning an instant replay of our night at the Intercontinental Hotel.”

“Frankly, I don’t want to replay that night, Sylvia. It was awkward and we are well past that now.”

Sylvia smiled.

“Ten more minutes and you’ll get to share in my surprise.”

Kenny drove into the heart of Buckhead. He made a couple of left turns and another slight turn to the right and pulled his car to the curb. Sylvia quickly surveyed her surroundings, and Kenny could tell that she was baffled. She didn’t say a word.

“Let’s take a short walk,” Kenny said.

“In the rain? This has better be some surprise.”

“I promise you it is.”

They turned the corner and walked to the middle of the block and stopped. Sylvia looked at the building, then back at Kenny. He offered her a smile and extended his hand.

“After you.”

Sylvia did not move. She stood staring at Kenny unable to comprehend what they were doing there.

“Let’s go in,” Kenny said, giving Sylvia a slight tug on her arm.

Sylvia and Kenny walked into the store, although Sylvia resisted.

“Hello, Mr. Richmond. I see you brought your little lady with you.”

Sylvia stared at Kenny. She puckered her lips and then relaxed them into a great big smile.

“Ma’am, Mr. Richmond picked out the most beautiful and exquisite ring for you. Now I understand why he insisted on it being this one,” the jeweler said, opening the safe and pulling a red velvet box from the vault. “She is lovely, Mr. Richmond.”

“Thanks, Steven. She is special and I want her to have the best.”

“You are doing the right thing! Yes, you’re doing the right thing.”

“You’re thinking about your commission. I’m not fooled.”

Steven and Kenny laughed while Sylvia continued to wear her smile.

Kenny took the five-carat, marquise-cut diamond engagement ring in his hand. He got down on one knee and held Sylvia’s hand. Steven leaned both elbows on the counter, cupping his face in his hands.

“Will you marry me, Sylvia St. James? I’m so glad you came back into my life. While I may not deserve your love, I know without a doubt that this time is ours. God gave me a second chance at life and a chance to be part of the life of the most beautiful woman in the world.”

“Get up, Kenny. I’ll marry you.”

“Bravo, bravo!” Steven shouted.

Tears of joy raced down Kenny’s face. He had no idea he could feel this way for someone else. In his early life, he was a selfish, egotistical, sorry excuse for a man, but now he was a humbled human being and one who knew how to treat a lady.

Kenny stood and wiped the tears from Sylvia’s eyes and placed the ring on her finger.

“Aren’t you going to buy it first?”

“Mr. Richmond took care of that a week ago.” Steven laughed.

“You continue to amaze me, Kenny.”

“I pray that I can make all your days like this one.” Sylvia smiled. “Why don’t we go to Cinnabon and get us one of those sweet rolls to celebrate since you just had lunch. Then a movie and dinner?”

“I’d like that Mr. Richmond, my husband-to-be.”

“I like that Ms. Sylvia St. James, soon-to-be Richmond.”

“Wow.” Sylvia raised her hand and looked at the diamond that sparkled on her finger. “Kenny, let’s take our time about getting married…I mean, I don’t want us to rush into it. Our wedding will have to be perfect, even if it is the second time. And I’m going to have to tell my daughter. That will be a chore.”

“I’m willing to wait. Just don’t entice me with those sexy nightgowns you wear. I may not be able to resist temptation.”

“Just because I’m wearing your engagement ring doesn’t mean you can go tasting the fruit.”

“As I recall, you were the temptress and I was the poor victim who was at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Tell me anything, Mr. Kenny Richmond. You almost broke down. You had to up and leave because you knew your self-control was at its end.”

“Excuse us, Steven.”

Steven moved to the other side of the store.

“Kiss me, girl,” Kenny said to Sylvia.

Their bodies melted together in a long and passionate kiss. Sylvia took a second and extended her hand, staring at the five-carat diamond that sparkled on it.

Ashley drove around the city not sure what to do or where she was going. It was too late to take back what she had already done. What had given her a moment’s satisfaction was now filled with remorse.

She had killed William, and she was going to jail. If Ashley could start the day over, she would have done it differently. She would have gotten up early and walked out, never to return.

The shrill loudness of a siren made Ashley jump even though the police car rushed past her without stopping. Her nerves were on the edge of a cliff, and any moment she was going to fall off. The Ex-Files—or anyone else for that matter—wouldn’t be able to save her. She had to find someplace to throw away the vial that contained the remaining arsenic.

How long would it be before anyone discovered that William was missing? He took the day off from work, so no one would be looking for him until Monday. It was a good thing William had not told his family about them getting remarried. His sisters would have come looking. They didn’t like her anyway, although they pretended they did.

What a mess she had made. Ashley couldn’t go to her parents’ house. They would ask too many questions. It was easy to see that Sylvia and Kenny had plans, and she didn’t want to spoil their weekend.

Ashley drove around until she noticed a sign on a store awning—Guns for All Occasions. She quickly pulled to the curb and got out of the car. Ashley took a long look at the sign, then looked both ways. Satisfied, she grabbed the door handle and went in.

M
indless of the rain, the afternoon was perfect. Sylvia couldn’t stop glancing at her hand and the big rock that sat on her manicured finger. She didn’t know if the diamond was glowing more than she, but one thing was for sure: Sylvia was in love with Kenny Richmond.

Dinner was perfect. The revolving restaurant at the top of the Westin Hotel downtown gave a breathtaking view of a breathtaking day. Sylvia and Kenny ate salmon while caught up in the romantic moment they didn’t deny. Every moment Kenny could get, he held Sylvia’s hands, gawking over the diamond that had set him back but was worth every penny.

“A toast to the most beautiful girl in the world,” Kenny said.

“Do you mean it, Kenny? I have gained weight since you met me, and…”

“This is not about Adonis. It’s his loss. If he couldn’t stay around to love the best part of you, the brother doesn’t even deserve a second chance. I love you for who you are, Sylvia. Remember that always. You are smart and have a good head on your shoulders. A little extra weight just adds more to the mix.”

Sylvia grinned, then put her hands over her mouth.

“Kenny, that is the kindest thing anyone has said to me in a long time. I trust you with my heart. There was a time when I couldn’t say that, but you’re living proof that people can change and that God does grant second chances. To Mr. Richmond.”

“To Ms. St. James.”

They sipped their wine until it was gone, then prepared to leave.

“I still feel bad about Ashley.”

“She probably went to her parents. There’s nothing like parents when you’re in need of a little love.”

“Maybe. But something was bothering her. I could feel it, Kenny. I’ll make it up to her tomorrow.”

“I guess it’s back to your house.”

“I need to pick up my car.”

“As much as I hate for this night to end, it might be better if I let you go home by yourself. I don’t trust me. I’m still a carnal-minded brother.”

“That’s just an excuse. You’re hoping I say come on over. Now that we are engaged…”

“Don’t start nothing, girl. My temperature is rising and I can’t be responsible for my actions.”

“How about a kiss?”

“In front of everybody?”

“Are you ashamed of me?”

“No, baby, I will never be ashamed of you.”

Kenny and Sylvia offered each other their lips. It was a soft, clean, unassuming kiss. They pulled gently away and looked into each other’s eyes.

“You want to come over?”

“Yes, and we’ll pick up your car tomorrow.”

“Let’s go.”

Kenny and Sylvia rode in silence, letting Brian McKnight serenade them. The rain had stopped although the forecast was for more. Every now and then, Kenny stroked Sylvia’s thigh, and she stroked his arm in return, taking the opportunity to look at her sparkling diamond every chance she got.

“We’re going to be good together, Sylvia.”

“I know. I was sitting here thinking about how Claudette and Tyrone found their way back to each other; and while Rachel and Marvin have a few things to iron out, they will be okay. And who would have thought that Mona would fall in love again? She just might beat us to the altar.”

“They keep talking about that hurricane that might possibly hit New Orleans. I hope they aren’t in harm’s way.”

“Me, too. Mona was so adamant about this trip. I don’t know why it was so important to go now, but it’s what she wanted.”

“There’s going to be some jealous sisters in your group. And Ms. Rachel might as well get over it.”

“She’ll come around.”

“Sylvia, there’s a car in your driveway.”

“It’s Ashley.”

Kenny pulled beside Ashley and Sylvia rolled the window down.

“You okay, sweetie?” Sylvia asked.

“No,” was Ashley’s weak reply. “Do you mind if I stay with you tonight? I left William at the house, and I can’t go back.”

“Sure, Ash. You’re always welcome.”

Sylvia rolled up the window and Kenny parked the car.

“I guess that concludes our romantic evening. Good looking out, Lord,” Kenny said, laughing.

“The Lord knows you’re a no-good heathen—bringing me home so you can play how far can I go.” Sylvia giggled.

“Sylvia, don’t even go there, woman. You wanted me to push the button so you would fall into my trap and ask for forgiveness later. I know you. Remember that.”

“Well, Ashley has seen to it that we aren’t going to push any buttons. I was really hoping for a sloppy kiss.”

“Woman, you are greedy. Look, I better get out of here because I might have to give Ashley hotel money. You’re already pushing my buttons, and you haven’t even touched me.”

“Kenny Richmond, there are so many things I want to do to you. I might have to push the wedding date up if we’re going to stay celibate.”

“Oh, Lord, Lord, Lord. I do like the way you talk to me, woman. But right now, Ashley has other ideas because she’s standing outside of her car, wondering what in the hell we’re still doing in the car.”

“Kenny, stop,” Sylvia said playfully, letting her hands fall down the length of his chest. “We are not going to act like the horny human beings we are. I think you better take your cue to leave. I’ll call you in the morning to remind you to pick me up to get my car.

“Today was perfect, Kenny—even with the rain. You made it so special and I feel on top of the world. I love you, and I thank you for loving me in return. A chance meeting at the supermarket turned out all right after all.”

“I love you too, Sylvia. I’m going to make every day special for you. I’ll be anticipating your call in the morning. Now go in and see how you can help Ashley.”

“Thanks, Kenny.”

Sylvia placed a light kiss on Kenny’s lips and exited the car. She watched as her man drove out of the driveway, then turned and smiled at a sad, pathetic-looking Ashley.

“What’s up, Ashley?”

“I need your help, Sylvia.”