Southern Gossip: A Complicated Love Story (7 page)

“You think she’s coming out tonight?” A’keem asked.

“You never know with Jada. Don’t forget the girl likes to party.” He reminded him.

“Oh yeah, I hadn’t forgot about that.” He said remembering the good ol’ days of them getting fucked up off of liquor, smoking Kush, and partying until the wee hours of the mornings. She was indeed a fun time girl.

“Just take it easy bro. If it’s meant for you to talk to her tonight then you will. Otherwise, don’t sweat it.”

“You’re right,” A’keem agreed.

Flow gave his best friend dap. “Look, I’ma ride on y’all niggas. I got business to handle in the city. I’ll meet y’all at the spot later tonight.”

“Alright,” A’keem said as Flow walked off heading towards his convertible Audi A5. “I need to get my whip cleaned up too.” He said getting inside his car.

A’keem headed toward the mansion to pass a little time by talking to Mama Gray and Seth. Just as he made it to the front door his phone rang. The caller ID displayed the name Jada Kent. A name he hadn’t seen calling his phone in years.

He hesitated for a moment with butterflies consuming his stomach. Then finally he answered, “Miss Kent.”

His sexy, deep southern accent instantly gave her goose bumps. “Hey A’keem,” she spoke with a smile. He could hear her smile through the phone causing him to feel good inside as she continued. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been good,” he responded. “How are you?”

“I’ve been good,” she stated as silence crept in. Neither of them knew what to say or feel at the moment.

After a minute or two he finally broke the silence. “It’s good to hear your voice. How long are you here visiting?” He asked trying to feel her out.

“I really haven’t decided yet. I may be moving back here for good. That depends.”

“Depends on what?” He questioned, never being able to predict Jada’s actions.

“A few things,” she said, looking over at Serenity.

“Just tell him,” Serenity whispered in the background.

“What are you doing? I’d like to see you.” She said. A’keem wasn’t surprised due to their history, but he wasn’t about to get caught up again. Especially not after finally confessing his feelings to her then being walked out on.

“That sounds good. I’m chillin’ at Mama Gray’s right this second if you wanted to swing by.”

“I could possibly swing by there.” She said.

Serenity looked over at her. “You must be driving your own shit, because I’m not getting caught up over there with Seth and Flow.”  She quickly whispered.

“Who’s over there?” Jada abruptly asked. “You know I’m not ready to run into your mom.”

A’keem grinned. “Just Mama Gray and Seth, but I’m outside and they’re in the house.”

She looked over at Serenity. “Flow isn’t there, but Seth is.” She whispered then put the cell phone back to her ear. “Well Serenity and I just passed the front security entrance gate. We’re gonna make a quick stop to her house, then we’re gonna stop by there for a moment. Is that cool?”

“That’s cool,” A’keem said. “I’ll just stay outside and wait for you because if Mama Gray see’s you it’ll be just like running into mom.”

“She laughed a little. “You’re right. Guess I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“I guess you will.” He said as they ended their call. He smiled, feeling the butterflies settle down. He walked over to the side patio and sat down on the swing. Thoughts of Jada flooded his mind. Unlike the sweet and innocent relationship that she and Marlon shared, theirs was more of a love, hate affair. He hated to love her, but couldn’t help himself and she wanted nothing more than to hate him, but she couldn’t.

***

Ten minutes later, inside of Serenity’s big bedroom, the best friends talked. “So what are your plans, Jada?” Serenity asked as she looked through her closet for an ensemble to wear to the
Lion’s Den
.

“I don’t want to be one of the Kent women who couldn’t figure out what she wanted.”

“But you moved on. I mean, what does Nick think about your decision to come back here?”

“He understands.” She said.

“Oh does he?” Serenity asked. “You moved one thousand miles away from here to move where your Aunt Deena lives. You found a new life, hitched yourself a new, not to mention fine as hell boyfriend, too.”

Jada rested her head back on Serenity’s comfortable king size bed as she took in a deep breath. She looked up at the high vaulted ceiling while taking it all in. She was indeed back. The thought of knowing that her life was close to perfect with Nick was starting to sink in, because that meant that coming back to Rocky Spring’s would end up being the biggest mistake she’d probably ever make. This made her question herself, her actions, her motives. She knew that Nick was good for her, but was she good for him?

She looked over at Serenity who was still in search mode of something to wear. “He would rather that I sort my feelings out than to marry him and live a life of what if’s and regrets. We can’t possibly raise a family together and be happy under those circumstances. He says that he’ll wait for me in hopes that I’ll come back to him.”

“Now he’s a good one,” Serenity uttered still looking through hangers of clothes lined in her walk-in closet.

“I agree. He is a good one and I don’t wanna hurt him. I know we’ve built a bond together, but I can’t continue that if I’m not sure of the direction I’m heading. It’s just not fair to either of us.”

“I understand,” Serenity said, settling on a pair of Paige Verdugo Stretch Skinny Jeans and a soft yellow cowl neck St. John Collection Jersey Tee. She pulled out a shoe box containing a soft yellow pair of Manolo pumps. The outfit looked casual and inexpensive, but the shoes cost over six hundred dollars alone.

“I’m wearing this,” Serenity said laying her outfit down on the bed. “All I need is a nice piece of jewelry to accent it.”

“Don’t worry. I have a pair of earrings and a bracelet that will go great with that.” Jada said.

“What are you wearing? I don’t want to be underdressed.” Serenity asked.

“Something similar to that,” she said. “You know I love my leggings, Daisy Dukes and pumps; makes me feel naughty and in the winter time I love my cowgirl boots and tight fitted jeans; makes me feel fine as wine.” They laughed.

“Yeah, we’re definitely partying tonight.” Serenity stated while packing an overnight bag. “Let me call Cal and make sure that the horses were groomed and fed today then we can leave.” She looked at Jada and smiled. “You know how I love my Thoroughbreds.”

“Yes I do know.” Jada commented as she sat back while patiently waiting for the moment that she’d finally come face to face with the infamous A’keem Gray again.

Chapter 5

Mrs. Gray eased up through the back entrance driveway leading up to the Big House, where Mama Gray lived, and then parked in front of the double car garage that was in the back of the house. She popped the trunk to her car then stepped out of her silver Infiniti Q60. Inside the trunk were three bags of loamy soil that she’d just picked up from the gardener’s house. She grabbed them one by one, leaning each bag up against the house then closed the trunk shut. She opened the back driver door then picked up a bag of Gladiolus, Dahlias, and Lilies bulbs to plant the next day with Mama Gray. This was always their time to connect and enjoy one another’s company without any tension between the two. She put the bulbs beside the bags of soil then walked over by the corner of the house to look at the herb garden.

She squatted down, gently feeling the soil around the budding herb and suddenly looked up as she heard coughing coming from the patio area. She stepped to the side of the house and saw A’keem sitting on the swing.

“Hey son,” Mrs. Gray called out as she eased up on him.

“Hello Mom.” He spoke, sliding his hands down inside of his True Religion jean pockets while continuing to rock back and forth on the triple seat, wooden porch swing.”

“I wish I would’ve known you were sitting back here. You could’ve gotten those big bags of soil out the trunk for me.”

“You and Mama Gray must be planting soon?”

“Yeah, we’re going to start tomorrow after church. We definitely want to beat the April showers before they come in next month.”

“I feel you,” he said.

“You don’t mind me swinging with you do you?” She asked.

“No,” he said as she sat down beside him. The swing continued to sway back and forth as if it didn’t miss a beat. She leaned up against his shoulder. Her show of affection always comforted him.

“Did you get your license straight?” She asked.

“Yes mom, you wanna see them?”

“Yes,” she said with her hand out.

He leaned up a bit, pulling out his black leather Chanel wallet, and then pulled out his license.

Mrs. Gray reached for the license. “Thank you very much,” she said, scanning over the license. His picture made her smile to have such a handsome son. Regardless of his behavior, she loved him unconditionally. “You look very handsome son. After four years of seeing you grow your hair out it’s really grown on me.” He chuckled at just the thought of knowing how much she hated his braids at first. “Just keep it braided like that.”

He grinned. “Like what mom?”

“Straight back,” she said. “All those braided designs, zigzags, and dreads just don’t sit well with me. It just makes you look like a street hustler.”

“You’re a Psychologist. You don’t suppose to judge people.” He commented.

“I’m not judging anyone. I’m just speaking my thoughts to my son.”

He cut his eyes at her. “Thoughts can be dangerous. You should know that better than anyone. Plus, I was just thinking about getting some dreads. You like Flow’s dreads. You even said it yourself.” 

“I did because they fit Flow, not you.” She said handing him his license back.

He grinned. “I was only kidding anyway.”

“Good,” she commented. “So is that a new wallet?”

A’keem smiled because as long as he could remember, his mother never skipped a beat on anything too funny. “Yes ma’am,” he said hurriedly tucking it away. “You like it?”

“As a matter of fact I do. Your father needs one. Where did you get it?”

A’keem grinned to himself, but kept his composure. “I didn’t buy this. A female did.” He explained.

“Oh really,” she said with a smile.

A’keem laughed. “Aren’t you a nosey lil sum? You’re starting to remind me of Mama Gray.” He teased making Mrs. Gray laugh out loud. It was always good to hear his mom’s laughter, because that was only seen behind closed doors amongst the family. In public she was sweet, but very stern, and all about her business. She only smiled if she meant it, good or bad.

“So who is this female?”

He looked over at her. “Regina,” he confirmed.

“Aaaah, I see… the city girl.” She responded.

He smiled. “Yes the city girl. I know how you feel about me dating a girl from the city.”

“You should,” she said remembering how one of them destroyed his father’s truck and the other destroying his car. 

“I can’t help that these girls are crazy about me.” He teased. “But seriously mom, not all city girls are crazy like that.”

“Look, if it’s a city or a country girl I wouldn’t care which one you end up with. I just want you to find love and settle down. It’s time baby.” She looked at him. “You’re twenty-six years old. Your father and I have been together for thirty-three full years. However, at eighteen years of age, I was going off to college and your father still wanted to explore and enjoy life. Even though we were officially dating, the fights and arguments lasted for at least five years over unnecessary things and other women.”

“One woman in particular, Denise Kent,” A’keem added.

“Yes, that one woman in particular.” She concurred, “But there were others. Anyway, I’d gotten pregnant with your brother when I was twenty-three. I was fresh out of college with my Bachelor’s degree. Then four months later, I found out that I was pregnant with you. Crazy right?” she softly grinned. “Well, since I was still putting in work towards my Doctorate and your father did love me; he decided to marry me before you were born.”

“Nothing against Ms. Denise, but I’m glad that he chose you.”

“Hm,” she smiled. “Your father and I have been married for a long time. I just want you to find a wife and be with her even longer.”

“I know mom.”

“So do you really like this Regina girl? Obviously, she’s feeling you. That wallet is priced at around three-hundred dollars.”

He grinned. “I do like her a lil bit.” He admitted.

“That’s good to know,” she said feeling like as long as it wasn’t Jada then she was cool with it. She didn’t want to remain on the subject too long so she moved on. “I’m thinking of buying your father a wallet like that for his birthday.”

“That’s over a month away.” A’keem said.

“I know, but it’ll be here before we know it. I can’t wait to see his face when we surprise him with the party I have planned.”

A’keem smiled. “You’ve been planning this party since his last birthday.”

“It has to be perfect… I mean, he’s only the Mayor of this city and the most loving husband and nurturing father in the world.” She stated even showing her pretty white teeth at times.

A’keem leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I hope to marry someone just like you someday. I also hope that she’s as pretty as you, too.”

Mrs. Gray smiled at his sweet compliment. “Son, I don’t know who Regina is and I’ve only met her once, but if you find happiness with her then so be it. She’s a city girl and so was I. We’re both black women that work hard to get where we need to be and regardless of what Mama Gray thinks, I know that I’ve earned my name in this family. I like that Regina’s a second grade school teacher. It’s a sign that she’s good with kids and probably would make a great mother. I’ll give her a chance if it comes down to it.”

“I appreciate it, mom. It means a lot to me.” He said, but he knew that his mom was up to something. No matter how good her intentions were, she was always up to something.

“Is Mama Gray up?” She asked looking toward the nice three story southern style, ranch home.

“She probably is. Seth and I just got here not long ago.”

She looked down at her watch, it was almost six o’clock. “Well, she’s about to be tuned into the local news channel. I’m gonna go home and shower. I’ll call her later.” She said, getting up to leave. I just stopped by to drop off the soil and buds for tomorrow.

“I understand mom.” A’keem said.

“What are you doing tonight?” She asked.

“We’re going to the Lion’s Den.” He told her.

“Don’t do anything to make the gossip column.” She quickly said as she stood up to leave.

“I won’t, although I’m sure my arrest will be in there.”

“Maybe not,” she said thinking about her visit to the Hilton’s residence earlier. She wanted to mention Jada Kent, but now wasn’t the time. She didn’t want to pressure him to stay away because that only made them closer.

“See you later,” A’keem said continuing to rock back and forth as she started to walk off.

“Just be safe out and have fun.” She said looking back at him. “It’s the third Sunday. Don’t forget we’ll have breakfast here as usual in the morning and if you want too, it’ll be nice if you also showed up to church afterwards.”

A’keem smiled. “I’ll think about it, mom.”

“At least make breakfast.” She called out before getting inside of her brand new car.

“Bout time,” A’keem whispered looking down at his Gucci Timepiece. He felt relieved that she was leaving. He didn’t want her to be there when Jada showed up. That reunion might not have been so nice. She still didn’t like the fact that Jada turned down Marlon’s marriage proposal and moved far north where nobody could find her. 
If she only knew the reason behind her leaving,
He thought.
She’d hate her even more.

A’keem leaned up as he heard the front door open.
Damn, I hope that ain’t Mama Gray.
He was a nervous. It was already crazy that he was meeting there instead of somewhere in the city or even her house, but he knew it was too risky. Someone would surely leak it back to The Rocky Spring’s, ‘Here’s The Tea,’ gossip column. His mom would have a hissy fit if that happened.

“What are you doing out here, Cuz?” Seth asked as he bent the corner.

A’keem’s uneasy feeling quickly subsided. “Damn Cuz, I thought you were Mama Gray coming out here.”

“And, why would that be so bad?” Seth asked.

“Because Jada should be pulling up soon,” he answered.

“Jada is coming here?” He asked.

“Yep.”

Seth teased him by saying, “You and Jada Kent.” He grinned.

“She and Serenity are coming together.” Seth smiled really big. He really liked Serenity and A’keem knew it. “I think I hear them coming up the driveway now.”

“Yeah, that’s them.” Seth said as he peeped out Serenity’s vehicle coming up the path.

“Where is Mama Gray at?” A’keem quickly asked.

“She’s upstairs probably watching the news.” He said looking down at his watch. It was six o’clock in the afternoon and at that time you could count on Mama Gray to be posted in front of the TV until the news went off.

“You’re right about that.” He said feeling the butterflies again as the red Range Rover pulled up and parked beside Seth’s black Range Rover.

“I know y’all just started kicking it, but DAMN Cuz, y’all already have matching vehicles.” They laughed.

“Quit playing man. I’ve had my shit for over a year. She just got hers a couple of weeks ago.” Seth stated.

A’keem stood up as Seth looked at him. “Sit back down man with your nervous ass. I’ll go greet them.” He said walking toward the front driveway.

“Good,” A’keem said feeling awkwardly anxious. Seeing Jada always felt like the first time no matter how much time had passed.