Chapter 64
“The Reception”
Lee Shepard, Dennis Edwards’ neighborhood mistress, entered the backyard of Johnnie’s home, wearing a provocative dress and showing plenty of cleavage. She was tall, thin, and exceptionally good-looking. All the men at the reception found themselves staring at her, dazzled by her sassy persona as they watched her float across the manicured lawn. Even Reverend Staples stopped talking and stared mindlessly at the pompous vixen. As she walked by Dennis and Denise Edwards, she could hear an argument erupt between them. She smiled and began her trademark flirtations, which was how she seduced Dennis.
“Johnnie?” Johnny Wise said to the daughter he hadn’t seen since she was five years old.
Not recognizing the voice, Johnnie turned around politely, expecting to see a guest who wished to express condolences. When she saw him, she knew intuitively that the man standing in front of her was her father. Johnny was a pretty man, tall, light-skinned and solidly built with thick, wavy hair that his daughter inherited. He was holding the hand of a beautiful black woman who Johnnie immediately knew was his wife.
“Daddy?” she managed to say.
“Yeah, little one.” He smiled.
“I haven’t heard that name in so long,” Johnnie said, embracing him.
They took a couple steps backward and looked at each other admiringly. His wife cleared her throat to get his attention.
“Oh, I’m sorry. this is my family,” he apologized. He introduced his wife, Jasmine; his son, John Jr., 10; and his twin daughters, Carla and Simone, 8.
Johnnie embraced her newly found brother and sisters. The sight of her father and the new family drowned the grief of the day. Johnnie embraced Jasmine, who stood there watching, unsure what to do, suddenly being a stepmother. To her surprise, Jasmine sensed no animosity.
“I’m so pleased to meet you,” Jasmine bubbled. “I’ve been telling your father that we needed to come down here for years. I’m sorry we had to come under these circumstances.”
“So am I,” Johnnie said, remembering the terrible tragedy that brought her father home.
“Jaz, baby,” Johnny interrupted, “do you mind if I speak with my daughter alone? It’s been so long. We have a lot to talk about.”
“Sure, honey.” Jasmine understood. “Come on, kids. Let’s get something to eat.”
“Little one, is there someplace we can talk?”
“Yeah, let’s go in the house.”