Black Lies White Lies (20 page)

“Daddy, Sabrina is going to have a barbecue next weekend and we want you to be there. Don’t worry about getting here, I will come and get you.”

“What about Bryan, do you think he will want your old man there?”

“I don’t care what Bryan wants. You are my father and I want you here.”

“Things have undoubtedly changed since the last time we got together.”

“Daddy, I’m sorry for the bad blood between you and Bryan.”

“There’s no bad blood. I drink. He doesn’t. It’s as straightforward as that. He’s the kind of person who judges a book by its cover, that’s not right.”

“I know, Daddy, but I want you and me to talk more.”

“Sandra, you know I’m a man of few words, but I’ll be here if you need me.”

“Daddy, I’ve always needed you,” I didn’t want to choose.

“I understand, Baby. You had to live with your mother. I knew how you felt.” I could feel Daddy’s pain through the phone. I wished I could somehow take it away.

“I tell you what, Daddy. You can stay here at my house next weekend.”

“We’ll talk about when I get there, but I will be glad to see my grandkids. I’ve got to go, Sandra. I have to work the late shift down at the plant.”

“You’re still working there after all these years?”

“Yeah, been laid off, but they called us back this week. You never know how long they’re going to keep us with the recession.”

“I want to say one thing, Daddy. If you ever need anything, just call me.”

“I will. Love you. Got to go.” I hung up, knowing he would never call me for anything. My father was the most prideful man I knew.

In walked Bryan and the kids, “Who were you talking to, Sandra?”

“That was Daddy. Sabrina is going to having a barbecue next weekend and I’m going to drive and get him.”

“That sounds like a good idea. I think I’ll ride down with you.”

“You’re going to ride with me to pick up Daddy? Is this true? You’re going to Brownsville?”

“I don’t mind being with your father, I just don’t like that he drinks. You never get to see him. I can make an exception this one time. I want Sidney and Justin to get to know him. I always thought he was a decent guy.”

“You know my father is an extraordinary man, Bryan. He’s just been hurt deeply.”

“What’s with everybody getting together after all this time?”

“Sabrina brought it up. She’s honestly trying to get the family together.”

“What about Candice? Is she invited to this family gathering?”

“I’m going to call her later, but I’m not sure she wants us in her life.”

“That’s all good and fine, if things go as planned, but let’s pray it’s in God’s plan.”

“I think it is, or why would this even be happening. Let’s go get some dinner, I’m starved.”

After we got back from dinner I decided it was time to call Candice. I got her voice mail. I hoped she would get back to me soon so I could clear the air. I thought about Daddy all night. I knew he was still drinking. I wanted to be that go to daughter he could always count on.

Momma, rest her soul, was the reason for Daddy’s drinking. He’d let her mean spiritedness get to him. I believe she broke his sprit, all the running around with other men, the pressure of it all. Love was a funny thing. It could make you or break you. My father had gotten the latter half, but I was going to try and help. Maybe he could somehow pick up the pieces. 

The phone brought me out of my thoughts. I couldn’t believe she’d called me back. “Hey, Candice, how are you?”

“I’m OK, Sandra. Got your message, so I’m calling you back.”

“I know I was a little short with you the last time we talked, I had a lot going on.”

“Hey, that’s ok. I’m just glad you called. How is Anthony doing?”

“He’s doing good. They just got back from Fiji a few days ago.”

“Oh, he’s doing that well? I know Sabrina is happy about that.”

“Yeah, a lot has gone on with her and Anthony. I’m glad they’re getting it together. That’s not why I called you though. I know we haven’t been extremely close in the past. Sabrina and I were talking about getting the family together. Before you say no, hear me out.”

She laughed, “What makes you think I would say no? I would love to get together with you and your families.”

“Candice, I talked to Daddy, and he’s even coming down here to the barbecue.”

“I can’t believe that, but I’m glad he’s coming. When is this get together, and why wasn’t I invited?”

“It was on such short notice, and you live so far away. I want us to be closer as sisters, Candice, and to try and forget what’s happened in the past.”

“I want that too, Sandra, I miss you guys. I have some terrific news of my own.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m getting married in June and I would like you and Sabrina to be in the wedding.”

“Congratulations, who’s the lucky guy?”

“No one you know, but he’s a real terrific guy.”

“I’m sure he is, can’t wait to meet him. I can’t wait until we all get together.”

“Me either. Sabrina’s still a mess. You know she is always into something. I think she’s finally getting herself together.”

“What about you and Bryan? How are you two getting along?”

“We’re doing better. We’ve been going through some things, but things are getting better.”

“Is Bryan still away from home all the time, Sandra?” I could hear in her voice that he was.

“Let’s just say I’m not worrying about that, I’m starting my own thing. I’m going start my own clothing line with the help of my friend Paxton.”

“That’s fantastic, Sandra! You can do anything you put your mind to.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, I’m going to try. You never know, you might see me at fashion week.”

“There is nothing wrong with dreaming big. You’re as big as your dreams. I better let you go. It’s getting late and I’ve got a meeting tomorrow. I’m glad you called and hope to hear from you soon. I love you, Sandra.”

“Love you to, Candice. Talk to you later.” That conversation wasn’t too terrible and it had been a much needed one. I was so glad we were going to be sisters again. This was how it should be. I needed to get myself to bed. Today had been an eventful one.

I got the kids to school and Bryan to the church. I was going to work on my sketches today.  Everything was coming together. I was happier than I had been in a long while and I was going to get to see my father.

~~~

The week went by fast. I had created half of my collection. I dressed in my best business attire and headed over to Paxton’s. He was with someone when I got there, so I took a seat to wait. The receptionist rounded the corner, “How can I help you?”

“I’m here to see Paxton, he’s expecting me.”

“He is with someone right now, but he will be with you in a moment.”

I could see that he was with someone, but I just said ok. “Sandra, can you come in here a minute?” Paxton called. I walked into his office. “This is Craig Wilson, the designer who will bring your sketches to life.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Wilson.”

“The pleasure is mine. Craig will do. I’m going to show you where you’re going to be working. I have a studio set up with the latest technology. If the collection is finished in time, we will be showing it in New York.”

Paxton looked over the sketches I had brought in. “These are quite exceptional, Sandra. What do you think Craig?”

“I think they are ok, but let’s work on bringing it up a notch.”

I couldn’t believe he had just said that, but I kept my composure. “I don’t mean they don’t have potential, but if we’re going to show them at fashion week, I want them to be better than ok.”

“That’s the idea, Craig. You two get together and work out the kinks. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”

Craig did a few sketches. “This is the direction I would like us to go.”

I looked them over. “This is extremely well done. I can see your vision.”

“Let’s get to work then, we have a deadline to meet.”

I checked my watch. It was 9 pm. Where had the time gone? Bryan was going to have a fit. I had been gone all day.

I walked into the house. Bryan was sitting in his chair. “Sandra, I know you realize what time it is. We agreed this wouldn’t interfere with our home life.”

“Sorry, Bryan, the time just got away. It won’t happen again.”

“How did it go with the sketches?”

“Craig said they were ok, but we’re revising them together.”

“Who is Craig?”

“He’s the designer I’m working with.”

“Is he handsome?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I just want to know if you’re attracted to him.”

“I never gave it a thought. He’s just helping me with designs. You do trust me, don’t you?”

“It’s not about trust, and you know it. I just don’t like my wife being with any man.”

“You’re being hypocritical. You have a beautiful assistant and you don’t hear me complain.”

“We’re not going to fight about this, Sandra, I just want you here when I get home.”

“I’m not fighting, I’m just making an observation.”

“You’re being cute, and I don’t like it.”

“I’m going to bed. I’m going to pick up Daddy tomorrow.”

“Do you still want me to go with you?”

“That’s up to you, and by the way, he’s staying here.” He didn’t say a word, but I was going to stick to my word on this.

Chapter 17

I got the kids ready to go. I wanted to get there and make sure I could find him. Bryan grabbed me from behind, “You’re not still mad, are you?”

“No,” I kissed him. “You’re the love of my life, Bryan.”

“Now that we’ve solved that, let’s get going.”

The barbecue was at Sabrina’s tomorrow. We got to Aunt Sally’s about 2:00. She was sitting on the porch when we arrived. “Come on in. I’ve been cooking all night. Hope you haven’t eaten yet. My,
the kids have gotten
bigger.”

“We knew you would cook so we waited. Have you heard from Daddy?”

“He called me last night. Said you were coming here to take him back to Memphis.”

“I know you and Uncle Tee are coming back with us too.”

“Yes we are. You know I wouldn’t miss it. I need a mini vacation. I just can’t believe your father is going, but I’m glad he is.”

“I can’t believe it either, Aunt Sally, I just want us to have a fabulous time.”

“Everything will be ok, Sandra. Trust me. I’ve prayed about it.”

“God answers payers, Aunt Sally.”

“I can’t believe Bryan came with you. I bet the church is going to fall since he’s not there,” she busted into laughter.

“Aunt Sally, you’re crazy,” I laughed.

“Bryan, Tee’s around back in his garage, just go on around there. Justin, you go with your father. Sidney, you come with me. I made pound cake for you to take to Sabrina, but I also made one for right now.” We sat down and ate some of the chicken and sweet potatoes she’d cooked.

“Aunt Sally, you can still cook. Can I get the recipe?”

“I’m going out there and get the men. I’m sure Tee is out there talking their heads off.”

Uncle Tee came through the back door, “Hey, Sandra. I haven’t seen you in a while. Bryan tells me you’re going to make clothes.”

“It’s a bit more complicated than that, but that’s the general idea.”

“I’m happy you’re going to do what you want, whatever it is.”

“Thanks, Uncle Tee, I’m happy about it too.”

“Sally’s been cooking in here all night. Had this house hot as hell.”

“You know I had to cook for this get together.”

“I’m sure Sabrina will have a lot of food there.”

“I bet she won’t have any of my famous pound cake or potato salad.”

“That’s right, Aunt Sally. She knows you love to cook.”

“That’s right, and I can do it well,” everybody laughed.

The next morning Daddy was there, drinking coffee with Uncle Tee. “Hey, Baby Girl. Are you ready for your old man?”

I hugged him real tight, “You know I’ve been ready.”

“I talked to your sister this morning. She can’t wait for us to get there. She said she was cooking, but I know that was far from the truth.” Daddy seemed happy to be getting away. Maybe this trip would do him some real good.

“You know Sabrina can’t boil water, I bet she’ll have the food catered.”

“I know she can’t cook, that’s why I’m taking a few dishes of my own,” Aunt Sally said laughing. “Anthony can burn on the grill though, you can’t beat his barbecue.”

Aunt Sally was loading the car, making sure she didn’t forget anything. “That woman of mine is taking everything in the kitchen. We’re only going for the weekend.”

“You know Aunt Sally, Uncle Tee. She’s going to pack everything but the kitchen sink.”