Love Don't Live Here Anymore (The Love Collection Book 3) (3 page)

“Can I help whose next?” the lady at McDonald’s announced.

Summer stepped up to order. “Yes, I will take a number ten with extra tarter and a Sprite.” Today was one of those days, and she was not in the mood to go home and cook. The place was busy for it to be a weekday evening, but the wait didn’t seem to be a bother because of the eye candy next to her. Summer was standing next to a fine specimen of a man and she had noticed that he was checking her out too.

When Summer’s order came up, the guy next to her spoke. “Excuse me. I don’t mean to be difficult, but I’ve been standing here waiting on my order,” he said to the worker.

“What you wanted?” another worker asked him.

“Well, I ordered a quarter pounder with cheese and a large fry,” he said.

“And excuse me. I asked for extra tarter on my sandwich, and these fries are cold,” Summer complained. She was annoyed and tried to keep the bitterness out of her voice. Between difficult patients, unnecessary meetings, and unrealistic demands, she’d had enough frustration for the day. The girl who gave her the food sucked her teeth and snatched the bag.

Summer looked to the fine brotha on her left and sighed. “Is she serious?”

“I think so,” the guy replied. “Listen, after the kind of day I’ve had, I wouldn’t mind going to a place where getting my food won’t be as trying. I know of a nice little spot down the road we can walk to, where we can go for some good food. Are you down?”

Summer contemplated his offer. Even though she wasn’t up to dating, she didn’t mind dining, even if it was with a complete stranger. Hell, most of the people she encountered were strangers anyway, seeing as though she was new to the area.
Got to start somewhere,
Summer thought. “Sure. Let’s go.”

She told the rude worker to keep the food, and she and her new
friend
left. Realizing that they hadn’t exchanged names, introductions were in order once they got outside.

“I’m Vincent Stokes.”

“Summer Hughes. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Vincent replied, opening a window of dialogue that flowed well.

Summer told him that she was new to the area and worked at a local hospital. Vincent divulged that he was the head prosecutor at the district attorney’s office and was up for the D.A. position in this coming election. He told her that he’d recently broken up with his fiancé after she’d called off the engagement two months before the wedding. He had no kids and was born and raised in Henrietta, Georgia. Summer gave him her spiel without going too much into her past. As they continued to walk she revealed her recent loss and how she came to live in Atlanta.

Not long after exchanging pleasantries, they arrived at their destination. The place was very nice. The staff was friendly, the environment was clean and cozy, and the ambiance was perfect. Summer was digging it.

“Nice place, huh?” Vincent asked.

“It really is. I was silently admiring the décor, and I like.” Summer looked around pleasingly.

“Yeah, I come here sometimes when I want a good meal and some quiet time.”

Vincent took the opportunity to ask her about her likes and interests and how she liked Georgia thus far.

“Georgia is a beautiful place. Before my fiancé was diagnosed with cancer, we visited different towns in the state. Since we had a week before either of us were to start work, we did some light traveling and from what I saw, I was pleased.”

“Yeah, it is a great state. A lot of
us
are in Atlanta,” Vincent hinted.

“Yeah, I noticed.”

“It makes it hard sometimes, you know. Because for the many of us who are doing well for ourselves and trying to earn an honest living, just as many choose to go the other route, which makes my job lucrative.”

Summer knew that he was referring to the high crime rate, especially amongst African Americans.

“It’s just sad that some of these children lack the determination to want better.”

“Well, you know what they say: When you know better, you do better.”

Vincent snickered at her statement. “And that is ever so true.”

For the next two hours, Vincent and Summer talked about places they’ve been, where they would like to visit, and what plans they had for the future. Neither of them had children nor were they eager to have any. That revelation alone was a rare occurrence. Usually, one of two people either had kids or longed for them. As the night came to an end, Summer was grateful to have met a nice person, someone who wasn’t trying to spit game, get her into bed, or push her to be more than what they were—acquaintances.

Vincent walked her back to the McDonald’s parking lot and held open her car door for her to get in. Summer beamed at the southern hospitality.

“Summer, it was great meeting you. I hope that one day we will be able to enjoy one another’s company again. Here’s my card. If you need anything, just call me,” he offered.

Summer smiled and thanked him for dinner. He closed her door and stood there until she drove off. She entered her empty apartment, and the loneliness instantly enveloped her, just as it did every night since her man had passed away.

AJ’s family had flown in from Brooklyn and New Jersey. Friends from Dallas and even folks from the hospital where they used to work had come to show their love and pay their respects. Since AJ hadn’t had a chance to start his new position, the company was nice enough to pay for the burial costs. Despite the poignant chain of events, the outpour they’d received was encouraging. AJ’s mom had opted to have her son cremated. She didn’t want his body to be buried in Georgia, away from all his family and loved ones. After talking to Summer and getting her blessings, Mrs. Heyward took her son’s ashes back to Jersey. No one made a big deal about the money he’d left behind. They knew how much Ajamaal loved Summer, so they let her handle the estate as she saw fit.

Being in such a lonely space, she thought about moving since the lease was up. It was just way too much for her to bear. There were still areas in the home that were unpacked. Many of AJ’s belongings were ever so visible and certain items brought on instant sadness. Like the hoodie he used to wear every morning when he went for a walk. His favorite work shoes that he kept boxed up when he wasn’t wearing them. Certain photos, such as the one they’d taken in Albany while out celebrating her twenty-sixth birthday. Every picture from Autumn’s and her friend Stacey’s wedding. The two of them at parties, work functions, and just enjoying one another’s company; they were all stills of the visions that occupied her mind often.

God, will I ever get over this depressing hurdle? I know they say time heals all wounds, but this hurts really bad
.

There was no doubt in her mind that eventually she would heal from this loss. She was a strong woman and had will power others only hoped for. However, when it came to matters of the heart, there was nothing anyone could do, say, or purchase that would expedite the healing process. She just had to wait it out. In the meantime, she would continue to pray for her wellbeing and AJ’s soul. Her only solace right now was that she had gained another guardian angel. Ajamaal Capone Heyward had gone to be amongst the best: her mom, dad, Grammy, her twin sisters, and all her aunts and uncles. She prayed his soul would forever rest peacefully.

Summer disrobed and took a long shower, allowing her tears to travel down her body and through the drain with the water.

Summer’s doorbell chimed. “Yes. Good morning,” she said, greeting the unknown person on her doorstep.

“Good morning, ma’am. Is this the home of a Mr. Ajamaal Heyward?” the guy asked.

“Well, um, yes it is. But—”

“I need you to sign here. It’s a certified letter.”

Summer signed the document and once again started to explain to the courier that the person in question was deceased. However, something inside of her told her to leave it alone and take the envelope. After walking back inside and closing the door, she opened the envelope and almost fainted. Inside was a summons for AJ to appear in court for the possible paternity of a one-year-old baby girl by the name of Akia Myari Mullins. Summer must have read that letter five times, because by the time she got to work and called her sister, she was able to repeat it verbatim.

“Well, who is the mother?” Autumn implored.

“I don’t know, Autumn. It doesn’t say. They want him to appear in court on November fourteenth to answer the summons. I have to call his mom. I don’t know what the fuck to do. This is too surreal.”

“Well, do you think it’s his?”

Summer thought about it. She did recall AJ mentioning that he’d always felt like a part of him was left in this world and he’d told her to take care of his baby, but she just thought he was delusional from all the pain medication he was on. “I mean shit, anything is possible.”

“Well, who did he fool around with prior to you? I’m sure your nosy behind asked.”

Summer had to giggle and it helped ease some of the tension, not all, but some. “I know he was talking to one of the girls who worked in patient registration, but they had broken up months before he and I started dating. If it was her, this would have come out long before then.”

“Aw, Summy. If it is or if it isn’t, there isn’t much we could do anyway. Call his mom and see if she has some insight. After you talk to her, let me know what happens. And Summer …”

“Yeah?”

“Stay strong, sweetie. See, these are the times I regret that you moved so far away. We’re still one another’s keeper, and I feel like I’m not upholding my end of the bargain. Do you want me to go to court with you?”

Summer thought about it. Autumn would be just the support she needed. However, being twenty-seven meant that she was a grown woman, who had grown problems that needed her attention. She was going to handle this one on her own. “Thanks, Aut, but I think I can handle it. It’s about time I slide on my big girl panties and start tending to my own affairs. You have a family now and—”

“Stop right there.
You
are my family. Abaki understands that we are all we have, and if you need me, I would be there in a heartbeat. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“And don’t ever forget that. Now, if you want to handle this on your own, that’s fine. But if you’re telling me no because of what I have going on, that’s not okay. So do you want me there or not?”

“Nah, big sis. I’m good. If I need you, I’ll call. But I got this.”

“All right. I’ll call you later. Love you, baby sis.”

“Love you more,” Summer told her and ended the call.

It was lunchtime and Summer’s stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten all day. She took the stairs to the emergency room and searched for Moet. She spotted one of Moet’s coworkers and asked if she’d seen her.

“Uh, yeah. I believe she’s in Room Three. Nasty gash.”

Summer headed in that direction and spotted Larita. “Hey, girl. Are you coming to lunch with us?”

“I just have to bring this chart up to Labor and Delivery, and I’ll meet you guys out front,” Larita told her.

Summer nodded, and then she spotted Moet. “There you are! You’re tied up, I see.”

“Yeah, the patient in Room Three came in with a nasty cut on his right arm. I have to prep him for sutures and then I’ll be ready. Come on, you can wait with me,” Moet said smirking.

“Sure thing,” Summer replied sarcastically.

There was a cutie in the room, who seemed to be about six feet tall, with a medium build, broad chest, muscular arms, and the smoothest caramel skin.

“Braxdon,” Moet said, “this is my colleague, Summer. She’s just waiting with me until the doctor comes in to stitch you up, okay?”

“No problem at all,” Braxdon stated.

He had been staring at Summer’s face since she’d entered the room. His gaze was fixed for so long that it made her uncomfortable.

“I’m starting a class action lawsuit against Emory for discrimination,” Braxdon said.

Moet raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Excuse me? What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the fact that they only hire beautiful women. That has to be an automatic lawsuit for the ugly girls,” Braxdon said.

Moet burst out laughing. “You are one silly guy.”

Braxdon smiled but never looked at Moet. He kept his eyes on Summer.

Trying to kill the unwanted attention, Summer turned it back on him. “That’s a mighty big cut. What happened?”

“I was doing some yard work for my grandmother and cut my arm on a piece of metal siding that was sticking out.”

“Ooh! You’re getting a tetanus shot, right?”

Moet looked at Summer with a side eye.

“What?” Summer asked.

Moet excused herself and walked out of the room so Summer could follow her.

“Why did you bring that up? He wasn’t offered a tetanus shot. He has no health insurance, and we were told, in so many words, to do the bare minimum for patients with no coverage.”

Summer was all too familiar with that way of thinking. Just a couple of days ago they’d both sat in on a meeting regarding uninsured patients. “Moet, for crying out loud, he could get an infection or something. To hell with that.” She went back into the room.

“Braxdon, when was the last time you had a tetanus shot?” Summer asked.

“Um, I don’t know. Not sure if I’ve ever had one.”

“How old are you?” Summer asked.

“Twenty-three, going on twenty- four.”

“Well, if you did, it lasts for ten years. But since you don’t remember getting one, it’s best you get it today. Are you okay with that?”

“Um, I guess. I haven’t given it any thought.”

“Well, let’s just say it’s better to be safe than sorry.” Summer turned to look at Moet. “Well?”

Moet sucked her teeth and left the room. Summer didn’t care.
They can bill me for all it’s worth
. It was a tetanus shot, for crying out loud, not open-heart surgery.

After about five minutes, Moet and Summer were heading out the door to meet Larita.

“It took y’all long enough,” Larita stated.

“Tinkerbelle, here, wanted to save the world.” Moet pointed at Summer.

“Oh whatever.” Summer waved her hand dismissingly. “What we eating?”

The three ladies agreed on Chinese food and headed in that direction.

“I think homeboy had a crush on Summer,” Moet said.

Summer interjected. “Yeah right.”

“For real. I know you saw the way he was eyeing you.”

Larita smirked and glanced at Summer. “It’s her eyes, and the lips, and …”

“Oh, enough already,” Summer said.

She knew Larita was bisexual and at times she wondered if she checked her out in that way. She hoped not because although she didn’t knock people’s sexuality, she didn’t want her home girl lusting after her.

“Well, when I told him to come back in two to three weeks to have the sutures removed, he told me to make sure you were there when he did,” Moet added.

“Are you going to date ever again?” Larita asked.

“Yes, of course. I’m just trying to give myself time to heal. It won’t be fair to the next person if on every date I mention my deceased fiancé. Ajamaal is on my mind way too much for me to even entertain someone else right now.”

“Well, when you met your lawyer friend, that went well,” Moet mentioned.

“True,” Larita added.

That got Summer to thinking. She hadn’t realized she’d actually enjoyed herself while in the presence of another man and didn’t feel the urge to discuss her current state of emptiness. “I guess we’ll have to just wait and see.” She considered telling the girls about the papers she’d received in the mail but thought better of it.
Maybe another time,
she reasoned. 

Later that night, Summer’s nerves were working overtime as she tried to figure out how to tell Mrs. Heyward that her deceased son may have a child. After toying around with different ways to give her the news, she picked up the phone, figuring that the words would come out the way they needed to—straight to the point.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Mrs. Heyward. It’s me, Summer.”

“Summer, baby, how you doing?”

“I’m good. Some days are better than others, you know.”

“Well that’s to be expected. You know I pray for you every night. I know my son loved you tremendously and for that reason alone you will always have a special place in my heart.”

Summer closed her eyes to fight back the tears. She was pleased to hear her say that. She was almost her daughter-in-law and for some strange reason she’d felt that when AJ had died so had any chance they had at bonding.

“What’s going on with you?” Mrs. Heyward asked.

“I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to say it. A certified letter came in the mail today. It was about establishing paternity for a kid that could be AJ’s.”

There was a long, pregnant pause. Summer couldn’t make out whether the news was good or bad; so she waited to hear how his mother would react.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Mrs. Heyward finally said.

Summer assumed that a part of her wanted to be excited that she could have a piece of her son here on earth, but the other part was restrained, as she didn’t know how Summer was feeling. Summer told her about the court date and where they had to go. Apparently, the mother was living in Virginia somewhere, because the court appearance was to be held in Arlington. Mrs. Heyward told her that the date was right around the corner and she, too, would be there. Her presence was a must, because without her, there might have been no way to establish paternity otherwise.