All I Want Is Forever (8 page)

“Wow, she was more upset than you were.”

  “She had every right to be.  Well, after the store incident I didn’t see or talk with him for several weeks.   So around-about the fourth week I received a phone call.  It was the girl from the grocery store.  Said her name was Judith and asked how long I’d known
Mr. Burns
.  It upset me so bad that I threw the phone against the wall and watched it shatter into a million pieces.  Woo, child.  Those were the worse days of my life.”

“Helen, I’m so sorry.  Had I known I would’ve never introduced you
to her.  Well, reintroduced or reacquainted…whatever the right term would be.”

“
Me, too, but don’t worry about it.  It was bound to happen sooner or later.”

“So,
is it Arthur?”

“
Arthur?”

“
You know, the man whom you both were seeing.  Was it Arthur, her husband?”

“
No.  His name was Samuel Burns.  He was…he was our father.”

***

“I can’t believe it!”

“Neither could I.  I sat there in shock for about five minutes with my jaw dropped and my mouth wide open.”

“I wonder why she never said anything about having a sister.”

“I’ll tell you why.  She said that she never acknowledged Judy as being her sister, but she did acknowledge her as being his daughter.  Helen’s parents divorced shortly after that.  Her father moved in with Judy and her mom and Helen didn’t hear much from him after that.”

“So, where’s her mother?”

“Her mother died at 75 – bitter and alone.”

“Damn.  That had to be hard as a child.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t imagine.  But what was harder than that, she said, was watching her mother battle with bouts of depression.  Some day’s
Helen would go hungry because her mother lay in the bed, crying and begging God to take her out of her misery.”

“This has to be awkward for you as well.”

“It is because when I see Mrs. Judy I’m not going to know what to say.”

“Just listen.  Sometimes in listening you’ll be prompted with what to say or what not to say.”

Denise shook her head.

“On another note, service was good today.  It was good seeing all those youth confess their lives
to Christ.”

“
That was definitely a blessing.  My heart went out to all of them.”  She paused.  “The other night when Helen announced the verdict of the trial I waited for your response and when you didn’t I was relieved.  However, I could see in your eyes that you were really bothered by it.  Shoot, I was too, even though I tried to hide my emotions.  All I kept thinking was it could have been one of our sons.”

“Thank God it wasn’t,” DJ replied.

“I pray daily for God to keep them safe.”

“And He will.  Sometimes they wander and get off God’s path, but that’s where we come in as parents and
the church community.  It takes a village to raise a child.”

“Yeah, but sometimes it’s the village people you have to be suspect of
because while it takes a village to raise a child – who raises the village?”

CHAPTER NINE

“Mrs. Chatman, you all’s party was great.  We had an amazing time.”

“Thank you, Keisha.  We’ll have to talk about this “we” later, okay?”

Keisha swallowed hard.  “
Um, sure.  Okay.”

“Is my calendar updated?”

“It is.  You only have a couple of appointments and I believe they’re phone conferences.”

“Thank you.  I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Denise placed her purse in her side drawer, stood and looked out the window admiring the view.

Lord, you know the desires of my heart.  You’ve answered me before so I know you’ll answer me again.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen
.

“Mrs. Chatman, you have a call on line two.”

Denise sat down and pressed the speaker button as she answered line two. 

“Denise Chatman.”

“I love the way you answer the phone.  Actually, to be more specific, I love hearing the way my last name rolls off your tongue.  That’s so freakin’ sexy.”

Denise laughed.  “Hey, you.  Are you at work yet?”

“I am.  I’m sitting here turning on my stuff and waiting for Bree to come in.”

“Oh, Bree’s coming in?”

“Yeah, she has a new song she wants to record.”

“Umm, hmm.  Okay, well sounds like fun.”

“It’s not fun.  It’s work.”

“Call it whatever you want.  Hey, I really need to get back to work.  I’ll call you when I take a break.”

“For real?”

“For real, what?”

“Nothing.  I’ll talk to you later.”

Denise sat back in her chair as she pictured Bree in the studio…with DJ…alone.  It wasn’t that she didn’t trust DJ, but she didn’t put anything pas
s women.  Bree was a singer who was looking for her “big break.”  She was introduced to DJ through a mutual friend.  She was petite, young and beautiful. 

Psspt, I’m not jealous.  I’m human
, Denise thought to herself.  The vibration of her phone diverted her attention.  She opened her desk drawer and retrieved it from her purse.

Not sure if I told you before hanging up, but I love

you and I’m in love with you.  Thank you for walking

by my side and committing your love and faithfulness

to me.  I’m experiencing joy beyond words in this union

of you, I & God.  Again, I thank you & lift you up in

prayer for life.  I love you my good and lovely wife.

Truly Yours…DJ

“Now, how am I supposed to
be mad when you send text messages like this?”  She asked, talking to herself.  She began her reply:

I love you too.

She swiveled back in forth in her chair.  “I hate feelings!”

***

“Let’s stack that, Bree.”

“A’ight,” she replied from the sound booth.

DJ looked down at his phone and smiled at
old text messages between Denise and him.  He knew he couldn’t control the way she felt, but he also knew he couldn’t let her entertain the thoughts in her mind too long.  It wouldn’t be good for either one of them. 

“How’d that sound?”

“It was cool.  You ready to do some ad libs then we can call it a rap?”

“Sure.  You gonna run it back?”

DJ shook his head.  “From the top.”

Once Bree was done with her session, she listened to the track, thanked DJ and then left. 

He navigated between programs lining up songs and preparing for his upcoming show.

Ring Ring

“TIA Enterprises, DJ speaking.”

“Mr. Chatman, how are you?”

“I’m good.  May I ask whom I’m speaking to?”

“This is
Mrs. Scott from Quest.  How’ve you been?”

“Mrs. Scott, I’ve been great.  How ‘bout yourself?”

“I can’t complain.  Let me tell you why I’m calling, DJ.  I had a meeting last week with a couple other execs to discuss your business proposal and portfolio.  We loved them both and agreed that you’d be a wonderful addition to the label.  With that being said, I’d like to make you an offer to join the Quest family.  Everything we discussed in our initial meeting; the salary, the job description, etc. is set.  Are you still interested?”

“Are you kidding me?  DJ smiled.  “
Absolutely.”

“
Good.  We’re glad you haven’t changed your mind or received another offer.  One last thing.  Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to sign either of the artists at this time.  However, Kane and Roe did a collabo that was sick.  We’d like to purchase it.”

“I truly understand.  I thank you for taking the time to listen to and even consider them.  There’s still something to be grateful about…you want to purchase their track.  ”

“You’re such a positive soul.  I can tell you’re the glass half full type guy.  That’s a wonderful outlook for life.”

“It’s the only outlook I can afford to have.”

“I know that’s right.  Well, I emailed you our offer for the track.  Check it out and let me know your thoughts.” 

“Wow!  Okay, sounds good.”

“Also, when are you available to fly back to New York?”

***

“Denise!”

“
WHAT?”  She asked as she entered the kitchen.

“Baby,” he said pulling her into his arms.  He kissed her on the forehead before revealing the flowers hidden behind his back.

“Awww…lilies.  They’re beautiful.”

DJ smiled.  “
You need to know that there’s no one in the world I want to be with more than you.  You are my world and I’d never do anything to jeopardize what we have.”

“DJ, I know. I hate that I have jealous moments.  You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I trust you with my heart.”

He smiled then pulled two barstools from the kitchen aisle.

“Sit, please.”

Denise placed the flowers down before taking a seat. 

“I have great news.  I got the call today.”

“You got the call?”

DJ sighed.

“You got the call!”  Denise screamed.  “Oh my God, baby.  That’s great!  Tell me about it.  What did she say?

“You are now looking at the
A&R for Quest Records.”

“Shut up!  DJ, congratulations!  So, what about Roe and Kane?”

“Well, they didn’t sign them.”

“Aww, man.”

“It’s okay.  They’ll be straight.”

“How so?”

“Quest wants to buy the track.”

“Shut the back door!  Are you serious?”

He nodded.  “Looks like more prayers have been answered.”

“I see.  Have you called Kane?”

“No, not yet.  I had to share it with my partner first.  I couldn’t wait to get home.”

“I love being your partner.  Guess there’s a celebration in order.  Where do you wanna go?”

“Upstairs.”

“Upstairs?”

He nodded.

“You sure?”

He nodded again.

“I think I can do that.”  Denise looked at her watch.  “Shall we meet in about fifteen minutes?”

“Synchronize watches.”

“You’re such
a comedian.  Don’t be late.”

He nodded before leaving the kitchen. 
DJ pulled his cellphone out of his pocket. 

“Kane, it’s D.  Call me when you get this message.”

***

“Good morning, handsome,” Denise said kissing DJ on the forehead.

“What time is it?”

“Time for you to get up.  Breakfast is in the microwave and coffee is brewed.  Thanks for last night.”

He snickered.  “You’re welcome.  Do you have a busy day today?”

“Today I’m meeting with Ted and the models.  I’m ready to get the ball rolling on the show.”

“Oh, shoot.  Speaking of show we really need to talk discuss and meet with Belma regarding the movie deal.”

“Can we do that this evening when we get home?”

“Sure.  Will you check your calendar and let me know if you’re available Wednesday for a quick meeting with him?”

Denise unlocked her iPhone.

“I don’t have anything for Wednesday.”

“I’ll call him once I get moving and
confirm Wednesday as the day.  I believe I already told him we could then.”

“Sounds good, babe.  Okay, I have to go.  I love you and call me when you get a chance.  Be careful.” 

She kissed him softly on the lips.

***

“Good morning, Keisha.  How was your weekend?”

“Good morning, Mrs. Chatman. 
The weekend was really good.  Very much needed.”

“I’m glad to hear that. 
Has Ted called?”

“Yes, he did.  He wanted to know if you were available around two.”

“Two?”

Keisha shook her head.

“Okay, call him and confirm.  Reserve the conference room on two.  Also, can you have Jonas meet me in the office in fifteen minutes?  Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

  Keisha dialed the extension on her keypad.

“This is Jonas.”

“Jonas, Mrs. Chatman wants to see you in her office in fifteen minutes.”

“Um, okay.  Did she say what it was about?”

“No.”

He sighed deeply.  “Thanks.”

Denise logged into her computer and waited for the programs to open.

Knock Knock

“Come in.”

“Hello there, beautiful.”

“Hello to you.  Come in and have a seat,” Denise said pointing to the chair in front of her desk.

“I can’t stay long.  I have work to do.”

“Of course,” Denise smiled.

“How’d the party end?”

“It was great.  I’m so glad you were able to come.”

“I told Arthur how nice it was.”

“It’s too bad he had to miss it.  Is he feeling better?”

“He’s doing well.  He’ll be up and
driving me crazy in no time.”

“Good, good.” 

There was an awkward silence.

“Don’t you want to know?”

“Do you want to tell me?”

“I’m sure Helen probably already did.  I’m sure she made my mother and
me out to be these horrible home-wrecking hoochies.”

“The one thing I don’t have the authority to do is judge.  I don’t judge and I don’t necessarily agree with those who
do.  What I’ve learned is that there are two sides to every story and then there’s the truth.”

“I’m not going to discredit what Helen told you, however, I will say that my mother was no home wrecker.  I can’t believe that after thirty years Helen still hasn’t forgiven us.”

Denise shrugged.

“You know the funny thing is I’ve always wanted to have a relationship with Helen.  My mother couldn’t have any more children after she had me and when I found out about Helen I was excited.  That is after I got over the initial hurt.  Finally, the big sister I’
d always wanted, but would never have the opportunity to know.”

“So, after all those years, you never tried to contact Helen again?”

“Of course, I did.  I called her mother’s house up until the day I graduated from high school.  Her mother was really bitter.  She never cussed at me, but she wasn’t very polite either.  I don’t blame her.  A few days before I went off to college I ran into Helen at the grocery store.”

“How’d that go?”

“I yelled out her name and
when she turned and saw it was me, she darted out of the store.  Left the grocery basket and everything in it,” Judy chuckled.

“I don’t know what to say, Mrs. Judy.”

“You don’t have to say anything.  The reason I came in here today was to clear the air.  I don’t want you thinking anything bad about me because of something I had no control over.  My past is just that…passed.”

“I understand
completely.  My wish is that one day you and Helen will be able to speak and make amends regarding all that has happened between your father and mothers.  I know that Helen has two younger siblings, but for you I bet that has to be hard.”

Knock Knock

“Come in.”

The door opened and Jonas peeked inside.

“You wanted to see me, Mrs. Chatman.”

“Yes, can you give me ten more minutes?”

“No, I was finished,” Judy interrupted.  “Besides, I’ve got
work to do.  I’ll catch up with you later.  Thanks for listening,” she said offering Denise a half smile.