The heart of him, p.10
The Heart of Him, page 10
Avery sat at the head of the table with Gwendolyn at the opposite end. James sat to his right with Ashley next to him. Nicki sat next to Ashley and at her mother’s left. Vernon sat to his mother’s right with his wife Constance next to him, and then Nick.
The dinner conversation was pleasant with most of the questions directed to Ashley at the beginning and then to James as the conversation turned towards politics. Ashley noticed, not a word had passed between James and Vernon. Everyone, including Constance had spoken with James and hugged him, but not Vernon. Actually, other than irritating questions directed at her, Vernon did not say much to anyone.
“So, Ashley, tell me. How did you get my son’s attention?” Gwendolyn smiled.
“Yes, I would like to know the answer to that,” Vernon said in a questioning tone.
James looked away from his father and smiled at Ashley.
Ashley sipped her wine, “Well, I had to redirect his attraction.”
“You mean, there was someone else, James was seeing?” Nick said, and then laughed at James, “You’ve been busy, playa?”
James smiled and listened to Ashley.
“In the beginning, James was interested in my best friend, Tracy.”
“Then you must have been his second choice, the runner up,” Vernon said in a derogatory manner.
The table became quiet as the expression on James’s face changed. Ashley felt the tension, “No,” Ashley smiled. “I’m not second to anyone. But if I had to be, Tracy would certainly fit the bill.”
“What tactics did you pull to beat Tracy out?” Vernon asked.
Ashley was trying hard to keep a pleasant demeanor about her. After all, this was the first time she has met James’ family and she wanted to make a good impression. However this brother was really getting under her skin with his questions. Each one seemed to have an underlying meaning. Ashley looked at James, and he could see she was losing the little tact she managed to keep all evening. “I don’t use tactics. Never have and never will.” Ashley began speaking directly to Vernon. “I have no reason to. I’m a very straightforward person. I say what I want; do what I want and ask for what I want. This is apparently something new to you. If you have a question for me, simply ask it. If I choose to, I will answer you. And if I don’t choose to, I won’t.”
No one said anything, and all eyes went to Vernon.
Nick cleared his throat and smiled. “Well, big brother, I believe the lady has put the ball in your court.”
If looks could kill, Ashley would have doubled over where she sat. But she did not waiver from her position or the stare she directed at Vernon. “I have no problem speaking my mind. I wonder why someone so young, with your apparent attributes would be seeing a man considerably older. Could it be the financial benefits he possesses?” Vernon asked.
James began to rise, but Ashley placed her hands on his leg.
“Vernon! You will not insult a guest in this home. I believe you owe Ashley an apology,” Gwendolyn ordered.
“No,” Ashley said never taking her eyes off Vernon, “No apology is needed. I’m sure Vernon has not said anything that had not crossed each of your minds at some point this evening. So, please, allow me to address the issue.” Ashley hesitated, and then continued. “I was attracted to James the moment I saw him.” She shook her head and smiled. “I fell in love with him the first time he spoke my name.” She smiled, “I felt chills go down my spine. Unfortunately for him, I set my sights on him, long before he did on me. And I will admit, I literally pushed myself on him. Once I got to know him, I just couldn’t imagine my life without him. I was informed this afternoon about all of this,” she said, pointing around the room. “As angry as I am with him, for keeping this part of his life from me, it was, and is, too late for me to walk away, for I am hopelessly in love with the man. As for our age difference, we are ten years apart. I believe one day I will catch up with James sense of understanding and sexuality. Until that time, I pray he has the patience of Job. Because frankly, that’s what it is going to take for him to deal with me.” She looked around the table, then directly at Vernon, “Do you have any further questions?”
Neither Vernon, nor anyone else said anything as Ashley looked around the room. She pushed her chair away from the table and stood, “I’ll take that as a no.” Ashley turned to Gwendolyn. “Thank you for your hospitality, but, now, I would like to be excused.” She turned to James, “Would you mind taking me home, now?” she then began to walk away.
James grabbed her hand to stop her. He put her in this position with his family. He knew they may feel Ashley was after his money. But he knew better. James stood and put his napkin on the table.
A sense of panic grew in Gwendolyn as she looked to her husband. Avery stood, “James, don’t leave, not like this again. Ashley, please forgive us, for the inquisition. I don’t care how or why you and James are together. I only care about his happiness.”
“Mr. Brooks, I don’t know anything about your family. But, it seems to me, there are a lot of undercurrents happening in this room, which has nothing to do with me. I am not offended by the questions.”
“You should be,” James said. He turned to his family, and then looked at Vernon. “I took the first step to reunite the family. I am happy with my life the way it is, however, if we decided to have a family, I did not want any of our children not to know my side of the family. There will be no further steps on my part.” James put his arm around Ashley’s waist as the two walked towards the stairs.
“Ashley!” Gwendolyn called out. She ran and stood in front of them. “Please, don’t leave now. Stay the night. Give us a chance to spend some time with James.” She took Ashley’s hand and held it, begging. “I have not seen James in more than five years. It was my doing, I accept that. But, now he’s home,” she said as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Please don’t take him away, again.”
Ashley’s heart went out to the woman standing in front of her. Whatever went wrong between her and James, cut deep, for both of them. James stepped forward and hugged his mother, then kissed her cheek and smiled. Avery walked up behind them, with the twins in tow. Nicki looked at Ashley, “They have some wonderful shoes at Tyson’s Galleria. We can shop till we drop.”
“James, we haven’t had a chance to talk about the campaign. Let Ashley and your mother talk while we have a brandy,” Avery smiled.
James looked to Ashley. She was now home for him. Whatever made her happy was now his life’s mission. Ashley saw the look in James’s eyes. She knew, whatever she said would determine where this family went from now on. Since this was going to be her family, it was partially her responsibility to help reunite them. She turned to James and released Gwendolyn’s hand. She looked him in the eyes, “I love you James Brooks, but you have taken me through more in this one day, than I have taken you through in the last year. This is going to cost you. I want the unlimited platinum and uninterrupted shoe shopping,” she said as he held her hands out.
James smiled then cupped her face with his hands and kissed her. Gwendolyn sighed with relief as Nicki laughed. Nick stepped over and closely examined James and Ashley.
“What are you doing?” Nicki asked.
“I’m taking notes, just in case I run into an Ashley along the way,” Nick laughed. Gwendolyn turned and frowned at her son. Nicki grabbed Ashley’s hand and pulled her away from James.
“You two have all night for that. Come on Ashley, we have things to talk about,” Nicki smiled.
That night as they lay in bed wrapped in each other’s arms, James chuckled. “I never thought I would be back in this bed.”
Ashley wedged her leg between his, arousing him with just a touch. “James?” she whispered.
“Yes?” he replied while massaging the back of her head.
“Just out of curiosity, how rich are you?”
“I told you this afternoon.”
“You told me in Tracy terms, with numbers. You have to give me examples.”
James shifted his body on top of hers. He stretched her arms above her head and entwined his fingers through hers. “Let’s see,” he kissed her eyelid. “I could purchase enough shoe factories that would allow you to wear a new pair of shoes every day for the rest of your life without a repeat.” He kissed her other eyelid, “with a matching purse without a repeat.” He kissed the top of her nose, “with matching outfits without a repeat. He then kissed her lips, claiming them completely.
“Wow,” she gasped “What an aphrodisiac,” she smiled looking into his eyes.
James looked down into her eyes and saw nothing but love looking back at him. “I would give it up in a heartbeat just to have your love.” He kissed her tenderly. Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, “If you give it all up, can we keep the shoe factory?”
Chapter 6
It was now early April, and James could not be happier. He had indulged in the warmth of knowing Ashley was going to be his wife and now it was time to get to work. It was time for them to develop their campaign strategy for the election. James met with JD at campaign headquarters to begin the journey that he believed would lead to the White House.
Some financial assistance was provided by the DNC, but as with most state campaigns, the attorney general’s race was not given the same priority as the governor’s position. James believed open communication on strategy was important with the other two camps. Today’s meeting was to foster a united front. Gavin Roberts, who began his campaign for governor six months earlier, was having a difficult race. Daniel Graham, who was seeking the lieutenant governor’s spot, was experiencing some positive feedback and JD, who just began campaigning, was unofficially the top seed for the attorney general’s office.
Following in his father’s footsteps, James was about to embark on a journey, that would lead his candidate towards the White House, or at least that was his intention. However, unlike Gavin and Daniel, JD was not a politician. He has the potential to be a great leader, but there were apparent weaknesses that concerned individuals in the political realm. It was now James’ responsibility to strengthen those areas to prepare JD for his intended future. All the weaknesses did not have to be addressed for this campaign, but a plan needed to be in place to begin tweaking his image.
JD entered the office precisely at nine, as James had asked. They smiled as they greeted each other. “Your sister put a serious dent in one of my bank accounts,” James stated as they each took a seat.
JD laughed, “You knew there was going to be a price to pay for keeping your background from her. What did it, shoes?”
“Actually, I believe I purchased the entire mall.”
“From what Ashley was telling Tracy, you can afford it. Be careful what you keep from her in the future. You may end up owning Lexington Avenue in New York soon.”
James looked at JD, a little bewildered, “Don’t tell me, Nicki.”
“Is that your sister?” James nodded and JD smiled. “I believe I heard something about a jet and a shopping spree in New York.”
“I should have never introduced those two,” James shook his head. “The damage is done.”
JD glanced at James and said, “I don’t think I have ever seen Ashley this happy. I owe you.”
James detected the seriousness of JD’s statement and realized just how responsible he felt about his sister. “Ashley is in good hands. Her happiness is my number one priority. You can put your full concentration on Tracy and that baby you are expecting.”
The expression on JD’s face immediately turned from one of seriousness, to pride. “It doesn’t seem real yet, she’s not showing. I can’t wait to see her stomach expand.”
“How far along is she now?”
“Four months,” JD replied with the vote-winning smile. “In September we will have a baby in the house.”
“You better enjoy the quiet moments, while you can. It will change.”
“Tell the truth. If you could, wouldn’t you have JJ with you all the time, noise and all.”
James looked at JD, there was no way he could deny how much he missed his son. “He would be sitting right here beside me every day, if I had my way.” They were both quiet for a moment. “Well, let’s talk about the campaign.” James began. “We have a meeting scheduled with Gavin at ten a.m. Daniel will be joining us. Before they come, tell me what issues you want emphasized?”
“The priority is safety, reducing gang violence across the state. I believe that will involve improving our educational system. We have to find a way to get and keep our children interested in attending college. The thing is we can’t afford to wait until they are in high school to encourage them. Most of the gangs are targeting children in middle school or the last year of elementary school. The other component will be giving children other options. We can shut down gang after gang, but if we don’t give the kids alternatives they will simply develop another gang. An option could be reopening recreation facilities, or summer camps that provide entertainment as well as educational needs. I believe eliminating gangs will reduce the number of murders, robberies and other violent crimes.” JD stopped and looked at James. “Am I expecting too much?”
James smiled. “No. And I have the distinct impression, you are not finished.”
“You’re right. I also want to find a way to stop or at least deter domestic violence. I don’t know what it will take to get women to step forward, but we have to find a way. Too many families are losing the father and mother, one because the other was tired of the abuse and decided to kill the other, with the other being placed behind bars for the rest of their life.” JD stood and looked out the window. He put his hands in his pockets, as he always did when trying to find an answer. “Another pressing issue will be Internet crimes. The crimes against our privacy, but most importantly the way the Internet is used against our young children. And it’s not just the young who are being taken in. Some way, we have to protect our elderly citizens from being taken advantage of. You know I can’t leave out terrorism. Virginia is a target state, due to our proximity to the White House. Not to mention the Pentagon and the naval ports and other military installations.” JD stopped. He felt he was going on a rampage of things he did not have in his power to correct. He looked out the window and remembered Tracy telling him, “Your shoulders are only so big. You can’t carry the whole world on them.” JD sat back in the seat he previously occupied. “Well, what do you want to start with?”
James began to chuckle, “I think we start with the gang issues plaguing the state, with a touch of the Internet issues. Let’s get some research on those two issues and work from there. I think your kick-off should be held here, at the end of next month. Do you have any objections to TNT handling the event?” JD shook his head. “Good, do you have any one in mind as a speech writer or press secretary?”
“No,” JD replied. “I never used one before. Besides, I hate talking to the press. But Ashley could do it. She certainly knows my position on issues.”
James frowned. “I hope she will be busy planning a wedding, but I’ll run it by her.”
“You realize she is my sister, she’s not your wife yet.”
“I do,” James replied. “You remember the words from The Bible, Forsaken, thy mother, father and brother; cling to thy husband,” James smiled.
“I don’t recall that wording,” JD answered laughing. “Nevertheless, she’s not your wife yet. I am the one who has to give her away, you know. Besides my baby sister loves me.”
“But she loves me more.”
JD hesitated, “Alright, you got me on that one.” They both laughed.
“Private joke or can anyone sit in?” Daniel asked from the doorway.
JD stood, “Dan, it’s been a while.” Daniel worked for the attorney general’s office, during which time he assisted with a number of cases JD prosecuted. The two formed a successful business relationship as well as a nice friendship. In fact, Daniel decided to enter the lieutenant governor’s race, because JD threw his hat in the ring for attorney general.
“Daniel,” James spoke. “Have a seat. How’s the campaign going?”
“Hectic as hell, but that’s how we want it.” He turned to JD, “Are you ready to come on the road with me?”
“I believe it’s time.” JD replied.
“Hey, Gavin told me about the baby, congratulations man.”
“Thanks Dan. What about you, any prospects? You know Ashley is off the market now.”
Daniel looked surprised, “Who took my queen?”
“I did,” James said in a commanding voice, “and I’m not giving her back.”
“O…Kay,” Daniel replied as JD laughed.
“I hear laughter, our numbers must be improving,” Gavin said as he entered the room.
James stood and shook Gavin’s hand, as did Daniel. Gavin shook JD’s hand and hit him on the shoulder, “It’s been a while JD. How’s Tracy?”
“Beautiful as ever,” JD smiled as Gavin took a seat.
“Good. I look forward to seeing you two at the wedding.” Gavin turned to James, “I understand congratulations are in order James. Have you set a date?”
“Not yet, but the sooner, the better for me,” James replied.
“Daniel?” Gavin thought for a moment. “No need to ask.” They all laughed.
“Now wait. I believe someone will eventually come into my life who will understand my need to continue to explore other opportunities.” Daniel replied feigning offense.
The other three men looked at him and laughed. “In your dreams,” JD commented.
“A man can dream a little, right,” Daniel replied jokingly.
“Any chance you could make that person appear before the election?” James asked. “It would certainly take away the concern for maturity on our ticket.”
“What do you mean?” Daniel asked.
“A number of our opponents are strategically planning on using our youth against us.” Gavin replied.
