Chapter Nine

 

If two days of pure fantasy proved anything, it proved her head was hard and her heart was soft. She wanted Bishop Contee like Juliet wanted Romeo. She wanted him to be her soul mate, if she believed in such things. But, she refused to be so gullible the next time around. Love like that only existed in the pages of the love letters she read, not in real life. She tightened her light jacket around her neck as she made her way down the street. Maybe she should wait a few months or years before even considering dating again to make sure she knew what she wanted. Or what she didn’t want. Bishop wasn’t the one. He actually said so himself. His little speech about staying unattached was like a warning flare. She wouldn’t be foolish enough again to think she could turn a man around or make him want something he was hell bent on getting away from.

“What was that all about?” Jennifer asked as she walked into the bookstore.

“I’m thinking of re-doing the shop. The place needs a facelift, don’t you think?”

“You know what I’m talking about. The way you were going on and on with that guy. I could tell it didn’t have nothing to do with the shop. What about Brian?”

“He’s history.” Dakota hung her coat on the hook.

“I’m glad you finally recognized that.” Jennifer stuffed a twenty-dollar bill under the register tray and slammed the drawer.

“You’re saying you knew?” Dakota’s chest constricted.

“Honey, when a man leaves his woman for a year and Uncle Sam didn’t make him, the relationship is over,” Jennifer clucked her tongue like a mother schooling a child.

“So, am I the laughing stock of the town?”

“No. Most people assumed you two broke up and that’s why he left. The rest of us think you’re just too nice.”

“I see.” She paused. “Anyway, Bishop is going to work on the store. Nothing more.” She made her way to her office and closed the door. So much had happened in the last two weeks she couldn’t keep everything straight. In her chair, she turned on the computer and found the pictures she had been saving, the plans for the party she’d expected to throw for Brian upon his return. She deleted them one at a time, banging the computer key with almost enough force to break the keyboard. Then she picked up the phone and dialed Harper Enterprise.

“Catherine, this is Dakota Conroy. I need to get in touch with Bishop…Bishop Contee. Can you put me through to his office, please?”

“Sure, Dakota. Hold on a moment.”

The connection took longer than she expected. She almost hung up while waiting for him to come on the line. She inhaled a deep breath and forced herself to wait for him.

“Dakota, what can I do for you?” His bass voice jolted her, it sounded much deeper over the phone.

“Thank you for taking my call. I know…I…it’s…I mean…” She gathered her courage. “Is that invitation to the concert still open?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’d like to go.” The line went quiet for several moments.

“Wonderful. I’d like nothing better.” He sounded happy. “Do you want to know who we’re going to see?”

“No. I just need to get out and have a good time.”

“Didn’t you enjoy last weekend?”

“Yes, of course I did. But I need to get out, in the world.” She stopped. “Wait, that didn’t sound the way I meant. I mean I want to go out with you and I’d be happy to see anyone.”

“It’s a jazz concert at the Keswick. Several artists.” If he talked to her all night, she didn’t care who they went to see. She’d just listen to the musical sound of his voice.

“I’ll pick you up on Saturday at seven.”

“I’ll be ready. Oh, and Bishop, can I get your number? I don’t want to have to call the assistant if I need to talk with you.”

“Then you intend to call me again? I hope you won’t call to cancel.”

She chuckled. He made her laugh at the silliest things. “I won’t cancel.”

After he gave her his phone number, she hung up feeling like she had just taken a ride on a roller coaster.

 

§§§

Bishop placed the phone on the receiver and listened to the sound his beard made as he rubbed his hand across his chin. He hadn’t expected that call. She seemed so emphatic with her refusal. Maybe that’s what drew him to Dakota — her unpredictability. The way she laughed at the simplest things or the way she tilted her head when she was giving something serious thought. She was refreshing, different from all the cookie-cutter women he’d dated. Instead of all the primping, preening, and eyeing of his wallet, she didn’t seem the least bit interested in his status or his bank account. She was happier with her VW Beetle, hummus and chips, instead of luxury cars and prime rib. A sense of satisfaction washed over him.

Simeon tapped on the half-open door and stepped into his office. Without waiting to be asked, he took the seat next to the desk and planted his foot on his knee.

“I didn’t get a chance to formally thank you for taking my sister-in-law home.” Simeon said.

“No problem. Glad I could help.”

“Dakota mentioned you might help her with the renovations at her store. I like that idea.” He nodded with approval.

“I’m working on some ideas.” Bishop reached for his tablet.

“You’ve been to the store already?” Simeon sounded surprised.

“This morning. She wants to get started right away. That’s not a problem, is it?”

He waited a moment before replying. “I…I don’t guess so. But she’s going through some things right now and I just hope she’s not being impulsive. Take it slow. She might change her mind in a few weeks and want something totally different.” Simeon stood and leaned against the file cabinet. “How’s everything else going? Have you had a chance to talk with Asa about the fashion show set? The date is approaching fast.”

“I’ll contact her today.”

After they discussed his other projects, Simeon exited his office. Bishop twirled his pen through his fingers as he contemplated Simeon’s words. Was their conversation strictly regarding Dakota’s bookstore or was Simeon also talking about her personal life?

Bishop dropped the pen on the desk. No matter what, he’d take it slow, handle her with special care, until he was sure she was ready. If she only wanted a fling, he was willing to play along, but the thought made his stomach constrict.

His phone rang. He yanked the receiver up hoping Dakota was calling again.

“Bishop, how’s it going?” His sister’s cheerful voice came across the line.

“Adanna, what’s up?”

“I know you’re real busy, but Dennis is running late tonight and I need to go to the store. We’re out of formula. Can you take me before you head to Philly, can you take me?”

“Sure, no problem. If you give me your list, I can just pick up stuff for you.” He poised his pen, ready to jot down her items.

“You know how I like to wander the aisles. Besides, you never get the brands I want. And you don’t know how to pick out fruit. I’d rather do it myself. Also, I have a woman I want to talk to you about. I met her at DJ’s play group.”

He laughed at his sister. “Adanna, I still think you and Dennis need to buy a car. At least give the idea some thought.”

“Yeah, but will you, do take me? I need formula, not a lecture, big brother.”

“I’ll see you this evening. By the way, I never agreed to your matchmaking service. I can handle my love life without any help. No offense.”

“I’m not offended. But you know I’m just as bullheaded as you are, so stop complaining.”

Instead of responding, Bishop ended the conversation. His sister sounded a lot tougher than she was. The only time she asserted herself was when something pertained to him. She needed to use some of that authority on her husband.

Somehow, Adanna had missed all Dad’s words of wisdom. While she was busy playing with her dolls, their father had ushered him and his brothers onto the corner basketball court for a mini life lesson. According to him, all you needed in life was women and wealth, but not necessarily in that order. When his mother was steaming mad at their father, she preached respect and caring. These two lessons had him equipped for life.

With his tablet opened on his desk, he found the contact list and dialed Asa’s number. After a brief conversation where she did all the talking, he shut down his office and headed out.

Bishop pulled up to her townhouse and as expected, Adanna wasn’t waiting. He dialed her number.

“I’m putting my coat on now. I’ll be right out.” She hung up without saying goodbye. With the diaper bag in one arm and the baby nestled into the car seat on her other arm, she lumbered down the stairs.

Once she buckled the baby into the backseat, she climbed in and pulled the door closed so hard he jumped. “What is that all about and why are you taking it out on my car?”

She folded her arms over her chest. Unshed tears filled her eyes and she bit her bottom lip to keep from crying.

“Mom.”

“What happened now?” He put the car in park and waited.

“I literally begged her to come for a visit during the holidays. She flat-out refuses. I can’t believe her,” she croaked.

“I asked you to give her some time, Adanna. She won’t stay mad at you forever. I’ll give her a call in a few weeks. Maybe I can convince her.”

“I told her that Dennis and I would come see her and she pooh-poohed that idea too. If you ask her, I bet she’d jump on a plane and be here within a day.”

“Calm down before you get DJ upset. I’ll talk to her.” He rubbed his sister’s arm, hoping to placate her.

She wrapped her arms around her waist. Her breathing was loud and labored. Adanna held on to emotions like a baby with a bottle.

“I called you all weekend. So what bimbo were you with this time? Jill? Becka?”

“That’s none of your business. And she was not a bimbo.” He put the car in drive. As long as she was railing against him, at least she wasn’t crying over their mother.

“I think your behavior is disgusting.” She huffed.

She didn’t have any objections.”

“I guess not. What did you buy her?”

“Chinese food.”

She glared at him. “Dad was lucky Mom stuck around while he acted like a fool. Don’t think you’ll find a good woman willing to put up with that kind of nonsense.”

“Thanks for your unsolicited advice.” He chuckled at his sister’s insistence. They remained silent for the rest of the drive.

Together they walked into the store. “You go ahead and shop. I’ll hold my nephew.” He lifted the sleeping baby from his sister’s arms. DJ rested his head on Bishop’s chest.

He strolled behind his sister as she threw items in the shopping cart.

“Are you mad at me or Mom? And who’s paying for all that stuff?” He nodded to the half-full cart.

“I’m mad at Mom. I’m always mad at her. And you’re paying. Dennis doesn’t get paid until Friday. Can you help me out?” Her large brown eyes cut right to her heart.

“What makes you any different from the other women that keep trying to get in my wallet?”

“I’m your sister.” She shoved his arm and the tears she tried to hold back spilled down her face. He draped his free arm around her shoulder.

“Everything is going to be okay, sis. Please don’t get too upset. You know how Mom can be. I promise she’ll see DJ soon, even if I have to charter a plane and fly us all out to La Jolla, California.” He tightened his arms around her. He hated when women cried. Especially women he loved.