Never Again Once More (25 page)

Read Never Again Once More Online

Authors: Mary B. Morrison

BOOK: Never Again Once More
11.82Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
Chapter 35
A
nother moment of truth stared Jada directly in her eyes. As she glanced around her office, awards from presidents of the United States, prime ministers of Great Britain, consulates of China, and a host of other government officials covered her walls. Soon her plaques may sit in a box collecting dust.
Theo had gone through everything in Darius’s office. Jada figured she’d humiliated her child enough. Fearing she’d discover something else she didn’t want to know, she asked Jazzmyne to pack his belongings and lock them in his office.
Shannon buzzed Jada on the intercom and said, “Mrs. Tanner, Jazzmyne is here.”
Regardless of how well Jada knew a person, everyone had to be announced. “Send her in.”
“Hi, Jazzmyne, I sure hope you have good news this morning,” Jada said, limping to her desk.
“Hey, how’s your leg?” Jazzmyne asked.
“Worse than I thought. The doctor suggested I take a few days off, but—”
“I understand. Listen, I came in before our meeting to discuss saving your company.” Jazzmyne pulled out a chair and sat at the round table.
Jada moved slowly and joined her. “Wow. Knowing you, you spent all weekend thinking about this, and I’m anxious to hear your strategy.”
Jazzmyne handed Jada a package of documents. “These are drafts for your review. I’ll give you a fast overview since the others will be here shortly. Don’t fire Darius. Demote him to his previous position. Promote Zen to vice president but not CEO. Give everyone, including Darius, a reasonable award. Bonuses are cheaper and smarter than paying attorney fees. Plus, you’re not admitting any guilt. Now, before you say anything, we already know Darius is going to resign because of his fragile ego. Let him. He’s the only sacrificial lamb that will save Black Diamonds. It’s a blessing his HIV test came back negative, so even if anyone else gets positive results—and we pray they do not—they didn’t contract the disease from Darius. And finally, the sexual harassment lawsuit is a wash because Darius explained how each of them came on to him. Truly, that was more detail than I needed, but clearly there’s no case. He has photos with each of them at various venues having a good time. That’s it.”
“You really did spend time thinking about this. But how can I be sure my directors won’t quit anyway.”
“That’s where the cash comes in.” Jazzmyne rubbed her fingers together. “Highlight all the good they’ve done for their communities and project an individual five-year plan for future projects. They won’t leave. Trust me. Ginger and Miranda may get rehired, but they’ll have to prove themselves. Zen and Heather have to worry about new careers based on their ages.”
Jada stood and hugged Jazzmyne. “Thank you so much. You’ll be the first one rewarded.”
Jazzmyne closed her folder. “Just doing my job. Besides, you worked to damn hard to build this empire.”
Shannon buzzed and said, “Mrs. Tanner, Wellington and Theo are here.”
“Send them in, and, Shannon, I need three copies of a packet in my office.” Jada smiled at Jazzmyne because she had made her day. Jada waved her hands in the air. She was so happy she felt like celebrating.
Theo walked in saying, “So, baby doll, you got those pink slips ready. It’s time for smack down.”
“Everyone, please, have a seat,” Jada politely said, beaming.
“What’s so wonderful?” Wellington asked.
“Jazzmyne developed an alternative strategy to keep my business intact.”
Shannon handed everyone a copy and exited the room. Then Jada had Jazzmyne lay out her proposal in detail. Everyone, including Theo, was impressed.
“Great job, sis,” Wellington said.
Jazzmyne smiled softly. “Thanks, brother.”
Shannon buzzed again. Jada hobbled over to her desk and pressed the intercom. “Yes, Shannon.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but Darius is questioning why he can’t get into his office.”
“Tell Darius to wait for me in the conference room. And call Zen, Ginger, Heather, and Miranda and have them report there, too. Immediately.”
“Certainly, Mrs. Tanner.”
Jada sat behind her desk and said, “Well, that’s a wrap. I’ll share the news with my staff. Jazzmyne, I need you to join me at the meeting and to assist me all day tomorrow with conducting individual meetings.”
“No problem,” Jazzmyne responded.
“My work here is done, baby doll. I’ll sees ya later.” Theo left Jazzmyne’s packet on the table.
“Thanks, Theo.” Jada sensed Theo felt his services weren’t valued because Jazzmyne had outsmarted him. But Theo was important, and Jada would continue consulting with him as she always had on an as needed basis.
Wellington looked at Jada and asked, “You available for lunch?”
Grazing her hand over his shoulder and down his arm, Jada said, “Anytime for you.”
“Great, call me when you’re ready.”
“Sure.” There was nothing left to Jada’s marriage except false pretenses.
As she and Jazzmyne entered the conference room, mumbling converted to silence. “Good morning.” Jada sat at the head of the table. “I’m glad you’re all here today. The last few weeks have been challenging for everyone. Thanks for your support. It was nice seeing each of you at my mother’s services.”
“Ma, why is my office locked?” Darius heaved himself up and leaned over the table.
“Darius, don’t interrupt me again. I’m aware of the potential lawsuit and must candidly admit that I’m appalled.”
“Ma, what lawsuit?” Darius asked, looking around the table at his counterparts.
“Darius, effective immediately, I’m demoting you to director.” The expressions on her executive’s faces spelled relief. “Zen, starting tomorrow you’ll assume the well-deserved position of vice president. By the end of the week
each
of you will receive a six-figure bonus.”
Darius stomped out of the room and slammed the door. Jazzmyne stood.
“Please, sit. He’ll be just fine.” Jada continued, “I’m not trying to buy your loyalty. No amount of money can buy the loyalty, commitment, and dedication each of you have displayed over the years. Anyone who wants to hand in their resignation please feel free.” Jada paused. “Should you decide to stay, Jazzmyne and I will meet with each of you privately tomorrow to discuss your future with Black Diamonds. If not, the bonus is yours. You’ve earned it. Any comments?”
No one responded.
“Then, this meeting is adjourned.”
Jada escorted Jazzmyne to the elevator, returned to her office, and phoned Wellington. “Now would be a good time to pick me up.”
“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” Wellington said.
As much as Jada could complain, she had more reasons to be grateful. “Lord, thank you for not holding my imperfections against me. For none of us can be You, but we can forever try. Thanks for saving my company and my son.” Jada retrieved her purse from the lower desk drawer. Standing in her doorway, she turned back and looked at the awards, then closed the door.
“Shannon, have the interior decorator hang all of the plaques in my office in the conference room by close of business. I’ll be out the rest of the day. Here’s the new chain of command.”
“Certainly, Mrs. Tanner.”
“One more thing. Thanks for your hard work.” Jada handed Shannon a bonus check. The rest of her staff could wait until the end of the week.
“Oh, thanks, Mrs. Tanner!” Shannon ran and hugged Jada.
“No. Thank
you
.” Jada affectionately embraced Shannon and headed toward the elevator.
Wellington was parked out front with his convertible top dropped back. He hurried to open her door. “Hi, ba.” Lawrence would have done the same.
“Can we go to your place instead? I’m not feeling so well.” Jada eased her way into the black sports car.
“Of course.” Wellington cautiously drove to his place, easing over the speed bumps and decreasing his speed gradually before coming to a complete stop.
Jada was tired of constantly worrying about Darius, Wellington, Lawrence, and life in general, so she cleared her mind, centered her spirit, enjoyed the view, and appreciated the moment.
Chapter 36
A
rriving at her Malibu home with the movers, Jada unlocked the door. She could have instructed the three gentlemen to use the garage exit like Lawrence requested, but Jada was moving out the same way she moved in, through the front door.
“Every item with a gray tag stays, and everything with a blue label goes.” Last week had been so horrific all she wanted to do now was to get her belongings and move ahead. Jada had outgrown her childish ways after she’d egged Wellington’s house and cars so many years ago.
Lawrence accosted one of the movers and said, “Take everything through the garage. If you damage my floors, your insurer will pay substantially.”
Jada walked up behind Lawrence. “I didn’t expect to see you. Don’t you have a big case coming up Monday?”
“You got a minute?” Lawrence asked. A kid who had just dropped his fresh ice cream cone couldn’t have looked sadder.
“Sure.” Moving the gray tag aside, Jada sat beside Lawrence on the sofa.
“I’ve been thinking about the ten years we’ve been married and the five before that. It’s been as perfect as any relationship could have been. The only thing I’ve concluded is that you’ve always wanted Wellington, but never had the courage to be honest. So I came along, and you saw I could fill your void. You capitalized at my expense. Now you’re trading me in like a used car. Why?”
“I don’t know. But I can never decrease your value. Only you can do that.” Jada hunched her shoulders. “My daddy used to say, ‘You do what you believe is best at that time, and if you live long enough, you’ll learn you should have done better.’ I feel horrible about how our marriage is ending.” Jada looked into Lawrence’s eyes. “I love you.” She paused. “I love Wellington. I’ve hurt my son, you, and Wellington. Hurting the people you love was supposed to be reserved for other people, not Jada Diamond Tanner. But I’m tired of playing tug-of-war with my fears, because no matter which end of the rope I pull, I slip and fall. I’m ready to face my fears head-on. You were right when you said you were better off without me.”
When Lawrence went to hug Jada, she flinched. “You don’t think I’m going to hurt you, do you?”
“Naw. I’m just overreacting.” Jada inhaled deeply and slowly released the air from her lungs.
Holding her hands, Lawrence said, “I can’t make you stay, but I’m not going to let my pride keep me from saying what’s in my heart. I wish you wouldn’t leave. I know we can save our marriage through counseling or whatever it takes. But if you go and things don’t work out, you can always come back home.”
Home had to be where the heart was because he’d already sold their paradise. Jada hugged Lawrence. Unlike when she’d parted from Wellington, this time she was sure. “I have to do this for me.” Jada kissed Lawrence on the lips. On her way out the door, she instructed the movers to deliver her items to her new residence in The Valley.
Today truly would be the first day of the rest of her life. Being in her new environment brought fresh hopes as Jada blew the dust from her deferred dreams. Living alone didn’t feel lonely; instead, it felt like a revelation, a new beginning, and an opportunity to set her life on the right course. Jada sat in the center of her living room and folded her legs. Resting her hands on her knees, she took three deep breaths, then closed her eyes, allowing only good thoughts to enter her mind. In the midst of silence, she heard her spirit say, “Thanks for reuniting with me.”
Opening the gold envelope she’d retrieved from her security deposit box, Jada ripped the matching paper with the wedding vows she’d written for Wellington. With pen in hand, she wrote new declarations from her heart:
To My Soul Mate,
As I take your hand in marriage, I acknowledge our spiritual bond. No one has ever made me feel the way you have. From the day we met, I realized by your side was not only where I belonged, but also where I was wanted and needed. Everything happens for a reason. Each time I was spiritually and emotionally torn, I turned to you. Not to my mother. Not to my son. Not to my husband. I turned to you, and you were always there welcoming me with open arms.
While our relationship had its share of ups and downs, those challenges united us as one. I discovered, even after being in an ideal marriage, I was spiritually unstable. You could have humiliated, degraded, and scorned me for lying to you, but you chose tenderness, patience, love, and understanding. You’ve taught me mistakes are less important than confessions.
If I only have this day, this moment in time, as we stand spiritually naked baring our souls and confessing our love before God, my life is complete. Your forgiveness has made me stronger. Wellington Jones, I promise to love you unconditionally, today, hence, and forever more, until death do us part.
Diamond is forever yours
Jada was true to her words for better or for worse. Her eyes were dry, and her heart was peaceful like a feather floating in the wind. As she folded the new vows, she meditated again so her mind could join her heart in harmony.

Other books

Code Orange by Caroline M. Cooney
Murder Actually by Stephanie McCarthy
Play Dead by Meryl Sawyer
Prisoner of the Horned Helmet by James Silke, Frank Frazetta
Angeli by Jody Wallace
The Battle At Three-Cross by William Colt MacDonald
Freeing Tuesday by Katheryn Kiden