Soulmates Dissipate (9 page)

“I’ll go downstairs and get lunch started,” Jada said.

“What are you preparing? My father will eat whatever you cook but I have to warn you my mother’s palate is extremely critical.” Wellington placed his dress shoes on the stand and started polishing them.

Jada sat at the vanity Wellington bought her and applied her makeup.” How about jerk chicken with penne pasta, vegetables, rolls, and a salad?”

“Chicken is good but duck would have been better.”

“Well, it’s
chicken
today,” Jada responded defen
sively. “I don’t like cooking and I can’t prepare duck.”

“I’m sure whatever you prepare will be just fine.” Wellington kissed Jada on the lips, walked into the bathroom, and closed the door.

Jada prayed he was right. It was the first time she had to cook for his mother. Wellington’s mother was so finicky. She noticed how Cynthia pampered Wellington, then turned around and manipulated him.

Wellington opened the door. The black towel was wrapped around his waist. He brushed his chest hairs.

“I hope our parents hit it off well,” said Jada as she stood and combed her hair in front of the wall-length mirror.

Wellington walked over to Jada. Put his hands on opposite sides of her cheeks.” What’s most important is how we feel about one another. Parents always have their opinions. Most of them didn’t choose the right spouses for themselves. So what makes them an expert?” He kissed her lips, returned to the bathroom, and trimmed his goatee.

“Wellington, do you think your mother will ever approve of me?” Jada asked but didn’t really want to hear the answer.

“Honestly, I don’t care. All that matters to me is what matters to us.” Wellington put on his black slacks and collarless short-sleeved tapered black shirt. Jada could see the definition in his abs and the outline of Wellington’s chest.

“I’m going to pick up my mother now so she can keep me company while I prepare the meal.” Jada glanced at her pale yellow ankle-length dress. One day without splits wouldn’t hurt.

‘That’s a good idea. I need to go to the store. If I’m not here when you return, use your key.”

Jada’s nerves buckled in her stomach while she drove to her mother’s house. Although Wellington said it didn’t matter whether his mother liked her, to Jada it did. Thank God her mother wasn’t anything like his.

When Jada arrived, her mother was dressed in light blue denim from head to toe. Shirt. Pants. Shoes. Cap? “Mother, is this what you’re going to wear?”

“Of course, baby, it’s only a dinner. Folk either like you or they don’t. It’s that simple. People who try to impress you are shallow. They hide behind titles, clothes, sporty cars, or big fancy homes. They brag endlessly about what they have. But if you ask them what have they done to help someone lately, they can’t even give you a direct response.”

Jada sighed. What was the use? Her mother was right and she wasn’t going to change.

“Baby, Wellington loves you and that’s enough for me. Before we leave, I need to call Robert across the street. He’s going to go with us. He’s excellent at analyzing folk. I thought it would be a good idea if he met Wellington’s parents.”

Jada imagined Mrs. Jones’s high-society and Mr. Hamilton’s down-to-earth personalities. They would mix like oil and water at two hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

“Hello, Robert, this is Ruby. Are you ready to leave?”

“I’m ready, woman, so let’s hit it!” said Robert.” Let’s get this show on the road.” Jada could hear Mr. Hamilton’s voice through the phone.

When they arrived, Wellington wasn’t home so Jada pulled out her keys.

“You didn’t tell me you had keys to his house,” Ruby said. She shook her head from side to side.

“It’s okay, Mama. We exchanged keys last month, but we only use them with prior permission. He knew he had to leave for a moment so he told me to let myself in if he wasn’t back. Come on in.”

‘This house is huge!” responded Robert. His head tilted backward. He stared at the black pillars. Glanced around the house. Scurried over to the main patio window and parted the vertical blinds.” He’s either selling drugs, laundering money, or doing something illegal.”

“Why is it that any wealthy black man has to be a criminal?” Jada asked with her hand on her hip.” While other kids were running around playing, he was managing his mutual fund. His parents didn’t allow him to spend money on frivolous toys or expensive name brand clothes until he could afford it. His mother preached that if more black families would do the same, future generations would be wealthy instead of living paycheck to paycheck until they’re old and gray.”

Robert held a Waterford crystal glass and gently plucked it.” Well, if he
honestly
has that kind of money, he’s probably doing drugs.” Robert placed the glass on the dining table.” With a house like this and all those fancy cars sitting in his driveway, he must be worth at least several million dollars.”
“At least.” Jada sighed as she shook her head.” Let’s go to the kitchen. I need to finish the salad, and check on the chicken and pasta. We’re having Daddy’s favorite. I know he’s here in spirit. I even baked his favorite guess-what’s-in-it-today cake.

And I bought his favorite vanilla ice cream for dessert.” Jada placed the covered dishes on the table.

“Oh, that’s a pleasant surprise, baby. Do you need help with anything?” asked Mama.

“No. I just want you guys to keep me company.”

The doorbell rang.

“Oh my goodness. I hope that’s Wellington because it’s too early for his parents,” Jada said nervously as she eyed the kitchen clock.

“Chill out. I’ll get the door,” said Robert. Jada and Ruby followed. Robert pretended he was the butler. He opened the door and said in a snobbish voice,
“Greetings
and welcome to the mansion of Mr. Wellington Jones. Whom shall I say has arrived?” Then Robert looked at Wellington’s father and said, “What’s up, cat?” He extended his hand.

“I’m Christopher Jones and this is my beautiful wife, Cynthia Elaine. And you are?” questioned Christopher as he shook Robert’s hand.

“Well, Christopher—”

“Please call me Chris.”

“Okay, Chris, my man, as I was getting ready to say, I’m Robert Hamilton, Ruby Tanner’s neighbor from across the street.”

“So, do tell me, Robert. Are you
renting
across the street?” asked Cynthia. She looked at Robert’s khaki pants, oxford shirt, and loafers then turned up her nose.

“Oh, please don’t answer that, man. She’s like this all the time,” explained Chris, as he gave Robert a pat on the back.

“Mr. and Mrs. Jones, this is my mother, Ruby.”

“Pleased to meet you, Ruby,” said Christopher. He kissed Ruby on the hand.

“Where’s my Wellington?” asked Cynthia.

Jada was disgusted that Cynthia didn’t have the decency to say hello.” Wellington went to the store. He should be back shortly. Everyone can have a seat in the family room until dinner is served.”

Wellington’s family room had a jazz theme. It was furnished with expensive burgundy leather furniture. A custom-designed rug with a picture of Billie Holiday was centered in front of the fireplace. At the end of each seating area there were brass and copper end tables in the shapes of different instruments. He left the center of the floor spaciously open. Two paintings he’d bought in the French Quarter were displayed on easels. And a huge painting of
The Count
hung over the fireplace.

Jada placed the shrimp appetizers on the table.

“This Italian leather set has been in our son’s family room for almost three years now,” remarked Cynthia.” Christopher, don’t you think it is time for him to replace it?”

“No, honey, we didn’t teach him how to invest his money so he’d become wealthy and throw it away by replacing perfectly good furniture,” responded Chris.

“I guess you’re right. It just seems like he’s had it for so long. So Ruby, have I seen you somewhere before?” asked Cynthia.” At a sorority meeting or a social meeting. Your face looks very familiar,
darling.”

“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure,” responded Mama.” I’m not affiliated with any sororities or any social organizations.”

“Really, then what on earth do you do with your spare time?” asked Cynthia.

“I spend time with my adopted family. I volunteer time at the church, and I work part-time at the bank.”

“Oh, I guess that is enough to keep one busy,” Cynthia commented.” Was that the door I heard? Is my Wellington home at last?”

Jada was relieved. Wellington walked into the room and greeted everyone.

“Oh, baby, come and give your mother a hug and a kiss,” said Cynthia.

“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. Ms. Tanner, you look absolutely wonderful,” said Wellington. He kissed his mother, Jada, and Ruby on their cheeks.” I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting, sir. I’m Wellington Jones and you are?”

“I’m Mr. Robert Hamilton, Ruby’s neighbor from across the street who owns his house free and clear.”

Jada noticed the puzzled look on Wellington’s face and shook her head.

“Well, it’s truly a pleasure you could join us today, Mr. Hamilton,” Wellington said.

Jada was ready for this day to end.” Why don’t we all relocate to the dining room?” She escorted everyone. Then, she walked into the kitchen. Wellington followed.

“How’s my Nubian Queen? What can I do to help?”

“I have everything under control. You can have a seat. I’m right behind you.” Jada needed a break so she busied herself in the kitchen. She stood where she could see and hear everything.

“Wellington, your home is lovely,” said Mama as he returned to the dining room.

“What’s a home without wonderful people like you to share special occasions,” said Wellington. He sat at the head of the table.

“My Wellington bought this home immediately after he graduated from Morehouse. He was only twenty-one years old, you know. Wellington has always worked for himself, thanks to his father and me teaching him about investments
early
in life,” bragged Cynthia.

“So tell me, Cynthia,” said Robert, “where were you born?” Jada watched Robert kick her mom’s foot.

Oh, boy. Here we go.
Jada leaned closer to the door but stayed out of view.

“Oh, well, I was raised here in California, of course,” responded Cynthia.

“So what part of California were you
born
in?” Robert continued. Jada knew Mr. Hamilton wasn’t going to let Cynthia bow out gracefully.

“My birthplace? Is that what you are asking, Mr. Hamilton?”

“Yes, that’s what I’m asking,” said Robert. He kicked Mama’s foot again.

Jada noticed that her mother tried not to laugh. Jada was surprised Wellington didn’t say a word. He leaned back in his chair. She suspected he was used to it by now.

“I was born in northern Mississippi,” said Cynthia.” But my parents moved to California when I was just a
little girl.”

“You mean you were born in the tri-Delta?” asked Robert.

Cynthia shifted in her seat and looked toward the kitchen. Jada quickly moved back. Jada loved every moment.

“What do you know about the tri-Delta?” Cynthia’s voice escalated.

“Not much,” Robert said calmly. “Just that most folk—like you—that come from down South want to act like they ain’t never been a part of the South. Almost like they ‘shamed about where they come from. If you don’t understand where you came from, then I reckon it’s safe to say you don’t know where you been. And you can’t possibly know where you’re going. That’s all I’m saying. I rest my case.” Robert flagged open his napkin and laid it across his lap.

Jada perked up to hear Cynthia’s response.

“Let me tell you a thing or two,
Robert.”
Cynthia dragged his name out like she was preparing to rake him over the coals. Her slender neck swayed from side to side as her partially gray head moved in the opposite direction.” I’m tired of Niggas like you always trying to put down decent black folk who have worked hard to become wealthy in this society.” The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Wellington bowed his head as if he were praying.

“Now that’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout,” responded Robert.” Notice how you automatically reverted to your Southern way of talking without skipping a beat. You do that pretty well.” He laughed.” It’s nothing to be ashamed of and everything to be proud of, Cynthia. You’re no better than anybody else. If I didn’t know you better, I’d guess you walk around with gri-gri in your purse.”

Jada turned her back and covered her mouth. Everyone else laughed. Except Cynthia.

“What do you know about gri-gri or voodoo?” Cynthia questioned.

“Not much. But I know enough,” said Robert.

Wellington must have guessed Jada wasn’t coming out anytime soon. So he interrupted, “My Nubian Queen has worked all day. She has prepared jerk chicken with penne pasta and vegetables. And she baked a special cake for dessert.” Jada sat next to Wellington and Mrs. Jones.

“Wellington, you know I prefer duck. Why didn’t you have her prepare duck instead?” asked Cynthia. Jada viewed Cynthia’s fish lips out of the corner of her eyes.

“Jerk chicken with pasta was my husband’s favorite. Jada wanted him to be a part of this special occasion, so please let’s just appreciate the hard work she has done,” said Mama. Jada was surprised to hear her mother speak in such a firm voice.

“I second that motion,” said Chris. “Jada, you have done a splendid job.”

“Thank you, Mr. Jones.”

Mama cleared her throat and said, “Wellington, would you bless the table?”

Everyone joined hands. Mrs. Jones held Jada’s hand as if she had some sort of communicable disease. Mrs. Jones’s hands were cold. The vibes Jada felt were colder.

“I’d be honored to,” responded Wellington.” Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together to share in such a joyous occasion as our families unite and become one in Your eyesight. Thank You for the wonderful cook, my Nubian Queen, my fiancée.”

Mrs. Jones jerked her hand. That must have been the first time she’d heard Wellington refer to Jada as his fiancée.

Wellington concluded, “Thank You, God, for
Your continued blessings. We ask You to bless those who are less fortunate. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”