The Perfect Deception (5 page)

S
he almost didn’t take the call. The week had been wonderful. It was TGIF. Nathan had been busy with work, but they’d talked every day. Tonight they’d decided to stay in again—takeout and a movie. Tomorrow’s plan was a club where a friend of Nathan’s was performing. On Sunday, they’d watch football together at their favorite sports bar.And in less than a week—the Bahamas. In spite of the nefarious reason they were together, she enjoyed being with him. Given the situation he and his family had put her sister in, however, Jessica felt selfish for the thought.

“Hello, Sissy. How are you?”

“I’ve been better.”

“I know.”

“I got your letters.”

“Then why haven’t you answered my questions? From what I know so far, this situation doesn’t make sense!”

“Does that mean you won’t help me?”

“I said I would and I will, one way or another. But I need answers. And how I do it and when is up to me. Period.”

“Listen to little Jessie, all grown-up. I apologize for not responding. You deserve to have your questions answered, and they will be, and the timeline should be up to you. You’re there. I’m not. You know what’s going on. I can only speculate and wait for your updates.” Her acquiescence left Jessica no less conflicted. The silence was loud. “Hey, remember when I used to comb your hair and put it in ponytails? You were my doll.”

Jessica sat on the couch and folded her legs beneath her, glad the topic had changed. “As I’ve often told you, I don’t remember much.”

“That’s understandable. You were barely five years old when . . . everything happened.”

“And you saved my life, right?”

“Twice.You don’t remember them, or what happened at all?”

“Our parents?”

“If you can call them that.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Trust me, that’s a good thing.”

“Maybe I’ve subconsciously blocked out the bad memories. Though I do seem to remember an old, gray-haired woman and . . .” Her brows scrunched with the will to remember. “. . . Being carried through clouds of smoke in someone’s arms.”

“The woman you remember is Mrs. Hurley. She seemed ancient but in actuality she just grayed early and was only in her late thirties, early forties when we were kids. I saw her a couple years ago.”

“She’s still alive?”

Her sister laughed. “Yes.”

“Wow, I don’t remember Mama and Dada but I remember her.” Tears unexpectedly formed in Jessica’s eyes. All her life this is what she’d longed for—family. With no memories of her mother, it was Sissy she’d missed and cried for the most.Years after Francine, she’d sought out girls her age to find a friend who could relate to the pain and loneliness she felt in her life. It always backfired, with the girl either lying on her, stealing from her, player-hating, or trying to take her man. Since the age of sixteen all of her friends had been male. But moments like this, girl talk with her sister, were what she’d longed for all these years. This was the only reason why she’d even for a second consider doing what her sister had asked.

“I have so many questions, so much I want to ask you, Sissy. Maybe I can come for a visit. I haven’t seen you in person for well over ten years.”

“I’d like that too, Jessie. But not yet. I’ll explain everything some other time.”

“Okay.”

“Look, my time is up. I have to go. But I’m mailing another letter. We can talk more next week.”

“Oh! That reminds me. You won’t be able to reach me next week. I’ll be in the Bahamas.”

“Lucky you.”

“I’m sorry, Sister, wish I could—”

“Hey!” A curt cutoff, but then her voice softened. “It’s okay. Enjoy yourself. Because once you’re back home . . . we get down to business.”

“Right, down to business. Merry Christmas, Sissy.”

“Sure, Jessie. Happy effing holidays.”

 

Nathan sat chilling in his boss’s office. Broderick wasn’t much older, only forty-five, but his old-soul personality often made him seem much older. That and the fact that he’d married at eighteen and had a son just five years younger than Nathan. In the two years he had been with the firm, the two had gone from professional associates to good friends and confidants. Nathan’s stellar performance probably had something to do with Broderick becoming the older brother that Nathan never had.

Broderick picked up a pen and twirled it. “Man, I’ll be glad when this year is over.”

“No doubt. I’m trying to close the deal on the McCormick account before it ends, but the bank is playing hardball, not wanting to lower their interest rate, or extend the terms.”

“What about another bank?”

“I’m researching that as we speak.”

“Of course. I knew you’d be on it. How is Kenneth Hall and the expansion of his business to Vegas coming along?”

“He’s going for it. I talked with a contact who’s lived there for about ten years. She says there’s nothing out there like what he’s is offering.”

“She?”

“Yes, Renee Stanford. She’s my sister’s best friend, who I’ve known since high school. In the next few months, my client and I will probably be flying there to scout locations.”

“Oh, okay. For a moment, I thought there might be a new lady in your life.”

“Actually”—Nathan looked toward the door, then realized they were the only ones still there—“there is.”

“Oh?”

Nathan nodded. “I met her a few months ago. So far, so good.”

“Man, there’s nothing like a solid sister having your back. Anita has always been there for me, Nate, through ups and downs, thick and thin. We haven’t always agreed, and every day wasn’t wine and roses. But at the end of the day we both knew we’d be there for each other. No matter what, know what I’m saying? Having that kind of security about a person is priceless.”

“Y’all have been married for what, twenty-five years?”

“Almost. Twenty-two this past June.”

“I can’t even imagine it.”

“If you’re lucky, you’ll do more than imagine it; you’ll get to experience it for yourself. So when am I going to get to meet this new lady?”

“Jessica will join me at the Christmas party. After that we’ll be heading to the blue skies and white beaches of the Bahamas. Is your family doing anything special for the holidays?”

“My son and his wife just bought a home in Texas. They’ve invited the family there.”

“Sounds good.”

“Not as good as the Bahamas. But when you’re with family, and the love of your life, it really doesn’t matter where you are.”

Nathan checked his watch and stood. “I couldn’t have said it better, Broderick. My mom and whole family will be there.”

“Sounds like a merry Christmas indeed.” He stood. They shook hands.

“Absolutely, man. I think this will be one of the best holidays I’ve had in a while.”

T
he company party was on December 23rd. The next day, Nathan and Jessica settled into their business-class seats for the flight to Nassau, the Bahamas.

Jessica gratefully accepted the mimosa offered by the flight attendant while waiting for others to board. “I’m glad my passport came in time. Vincent showed me how to get one quickly. It cost more to expedite, but to be on this plane right now makes it all worth it.”

“Who’s Vincent, one of the attorneys you work with?”

“Yes. He works in corporate law.”

“With all those successful sharks swimming around, waiting for a chance to bite, I’d better keep my game up.”

Jessica laid her head on his shoulder. “You have nothing to worry about.”

“That’s good to know. Buckle up, baby. This week is going to be one helluva ride.”

It was early evening when they arrived at Château Sherri, located in a secluded, private section of the island. From the moment they came through the wrought-iron gates until the driver unloaded their luggage and started toward the house, Jessica didn’t say a word.

Nathan reached for his laptop and noticed her staring. “Babe, are you all right?”

“This looks like a fairy tale.” Her voice was a near whisper. “Your sister owns this house?”

“Yes, and I must admit that Randall outdid himself with this one.” At her probing gaze, he continued. “This was his gift to her on their fifteenth anniversary.”

“Wow. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Wait till you see inside.” He placed a hand at the small of her back and gently urged her up the walk.

While he paid the driver, Nathan’s niece and nephew ran outside. “Uncle Nate!”

“Hey!” He picked his niece, Albany, up in his arms and twirled her around. “Girl, you’re getting too tall for me to pick up!” He set her down and hugged his nephew. “What’s up, Aaron? You’re taller, too. What are they feeding you in Virginia?”

“Healthy food, something you probably don’t know about!” All heads turned to see Sherri coming through the front door to greet them. “Welcome back to the château, Brother.” They hugged. She turned to Jessica, her arms open to hug. “Welcome to my humble island abode, Jessica.” After stepping back, she continued. “I hope you’ll enjoy your stay.”

“Thank you, Sherri. I’m sure I will. It’s beautiful here.”

“We absolutely love it. Come on in and let me show you to your room. You’re just in time for dinner, which will be served within the hour.”

After reaching their room, where Jessica continued to marvel at not only the décor but the red and silver holiday theme prevalent throughout, they showered, changed, and joined Nathan’s mom, Elaine, in the dining room.

“There’s my favorite lady!” Nate walked over and gave his mom a huge hug, slightly lifting her from the chair.

“Boy, put me down!” Eyes twinkling, she swatted his arm. “I didn’t know y’all had made it down.”

“We just got here.”

“I must have been changing after taking my nap. The breeze coming through my windows is so wonderful.” She looked behind Nathan. “I see you brought company. Hello, sweetie.”

Jessica stepped forward. “Hello, Mrs. Carver. It’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise. I’m sorry, honey, but I’ve got a case of old age and don’t remember your name.”

“It’s Jessica,” Nate interjected. “And you’re not old.”

“What am I, middle-aged?”

“I never understood that phrase. One can’t know they’re middle-aged until the day they die. By then, who cares?”

“Not me. I’m old and glad to claim it.”

“You’re as young as you feel. That’s why I’m going to get you started on a cardio routine. We’ll take a run in the morning.”

“You go ahead and run. I’ll be watching from the rocking chair on the porch, cheering you on.”

They laughed as Nathan and Jessica sat down.

Sherri and her family entered the room. “What’s funny?”

“Your brother, that’s what; thinking I’m going to live until I’m over a hundred.”

“You’re not?”

Sherri’s husband, Randall, greeted Nathan and Jessica before taking his seat. Soon after, the young, dreadlocked chef brought out bowls of conch chowder: their first course.

After a bit of small talk about Sherri’s lovely home and the beauty of the island, Sherri turned to Jessica. “You used to live in Oakland, correct?”

“Yes.” She picked up her spoon.

“Were you born there?”

She shook her head in answer, pointing to her full mouth.

Nathan shot Sherri a look, but she either didn’t see it or chose to ignore it.

“Oh, really? Where’d you grow up?”

Jessica glanced at Nathan, who used humor to intervene. “Come on now, Sis. Don’t grill my girl before she’s even eaten her first meal!”

“Just trying to get to know your friend, Nate.” Sherri smiled politely. “The only way I can find out what I don’t know is to ask.”

Randall reached for a warm roll. “How’s business, Nate?”

And with that, the conversation blessedly turned away from Sherri’s probing to everything from the economic climate to sports; and from the delicious entrée—baked fish served with peas, rice, and vegetables—that the adults ate, to the everyday hamburgers that the kids preferred.

Later, however, when Jessica went looking for Nathan, she found Sherri instead.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought Nathan was back here.”

“No, he and Randall went for a walk. But come on in and join me. At the end of the day, this porch is one of my favorite places to unwind.” She lifted her glass. “Would you like some wine?”

“No, thank you.”

Sherri chuckled. “Girl, I’m not going to bite you. Have a seat. I know it can be uncomfortable meeting your guy’s family, wanting to make a good impression, not knowing what to expect. With us, there’s nothing to worry about. The château aside, we’re pretty average folk who do regular things. Family is very important to us and my brother is my life, has been since he was born five years after me and followed me around like a puppy dog.”

Jessica smiled.

“Do you have siblings?”

“I have a sister, but we didn’t grow up together.”

“Oh. Why not, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Jessica looked out on the serene ocean view, listened as the waves crashed against the shore. “It’s not that I mind. Of course you want to know about the person your brother is dating. My childhood was . . . difficult. I don’t like to remember it, let alone talk about it.

“When very young, I was taken from my family, and for a very short time lived with an older lady. Later, I was placed in the foster care system where I remained until I was seventeen, when I met the man who became my husband. He was controlling and abusive, but after almost eight years he met someone to take my place. She probably thinks I hate her. But she was the distraction that made my leaving easier. I could have thrown her a welcome party.” She leaned against the back of the chair. “I think I’ll take that wine now.”

Sherri reached for the bottle of pinot noir and poured.

“Thank you.” Jessica took a long sip. Retelling these events had obviously drained her.

Sherri refilled her own glass as well. “That had to have been difficult, though I’d have no idea. I think those of us who grow up with our biological families take it for granted. Like I’ve said, Nathan is my heart. I can’t imagine life without him. So the fact that you have a sister out there that you don’t know has to be painful, or frustrating at the very least.”

Jessica answered with a shrug. “It is what it is.”

“Well, I can tell you there’s very little about Nate that I don’t know, so if you stick with me, you’ll learn all of his secrets.”

Jessica relaxed for the first time since that first spoon of soup. “I respect people’s privacy, but”—she leaned forward in a conspiratorial whisper—“maybe you can share a few.”

“Ha! Where to start? There was the time I caught him in the bathroom with the girl who lived down the street. They both had their pants down.”

“How old was he?”

“He had to be all of seven or eight. Told me they were playing doctor.”

“Wow.”

“Jessica, my brother is a player from way back!”

The direction of the conversation created a delicate camaraderie between the women. Sherri did most of the talking. They finished the bottle of wine. By the time Nathan and Randall returned from their walk the atmosphere was tranquil while sounds of a reggae mix tape filled the air.

“You hear this, Ran? Our women have gone reggae.” Nathan walked over and placed a kiss on Jessica’s forehead.

“As long as they’re not smoking ganja,” Randall joked. “The only plants I mess with are in my lab.” He sat next to Sherri, who was lounging on a chaise.

Jessie looked at Nathan. “You want to sit here, babe?”

“No. I’ve been up since five this morning.” He stretched, his look conveying words not said. “I think I’m ready to call it a night.”

“Me too.” Jessica stood. “Thanks for the wine, Sherri.”

“Thanks for the company. Breakfast is to order tomorrow so feel free to sleep in.”

They said their good-nights, and after Nathan checked in on his mother, he joined Jessica in their beautifully appointed, spacious room. The various shades of blue blended perfectly with the tan and coral accent colors, conveying a beachlike atmosphere without being too obvious. As in all other rooms theirs held a Christmas tree, with blue, coral, and silver-colored bulbs to match the décor. The fresh pine smell mixed with a cinnamon-scented candle and created the perfect ambiance.

Jessica sidled up behind Nathan, who’d removed his shorts and sandals and was looking out the window. “Thanks for inviting me here.”

When he turned around, he was surprised to see her eyes shining with tears. “Why are you crying?”

“I’ve never had this before. Everyone is so nice. And to think I might lose it . . .”

He stepped back, grasped her by the shoulders, and looked deeply into her eyes. “Baby, I’m not like the men you’ve had in the past, who’ve used and abused you without a second thought. You’re the best thing that’s happened to me in a long time. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jessica could only nod and hug him tightly. His assurance that he’d be there, and her knowledge that he wouldn’t, is what made her sad.