In My Rearview Mirror Read online

  “I’ve got a lot to do. I’ll bring back pizzas for the rest of you.”

  “Yeah,” Milo shouted. “I don’t know what the rest of these folks want, but make mine a double pepperoni with lots of cheese.”

  Malik laughed. “You’re going to have to share that pizza young blood.”

  Milo bowed. “That’s okay by me.”

  “See you all later,” Malik said as he and Ivy proceeded out of the building.

  Ivy smiled and waved goodbye to Mychele and Donna. They did the same. Ivy was glad that the preliminaries were over. It was very uncomfortable, but these were the kinds of things she would have to endure as a political candidate’s wife. She was ready.

  • • •

  Lunch was brief but Ivy enjoyed the time with Malik. Their courtship, if you could call it that, was brief, and their engagement even briefer, but the last two days had been wonderful. She didn’t fully understand what made Malik tick, but she studied him, getting to know his mannerisms and his idiosyncrasies. She walked around his townhouse and familiarized herself with the man she married, although she realized that it wouldn’t be long before she began to add her feminine touches to the place.

  • • •

  For a fleeting moment she thought of her mother, wishing they weren’t so estranged and that she could share her good news with her. It was her mother’s fault for the distance between them, Ivy decided. It was her mother who pulled away from everyone after the split up from her father, acting as if she and her siblings were to blame for the ruination of the marriage. Hell, her mother had gone overseas without telling anyone for three whole months, knowing that she had babies growing inside of her. Why should she run to her now? Let her understanding daughter, Winter, be there for her. Ivy loved her mother, but she had pushed her away when she needed her most.

  Ivy learned from J.R. that her mother didn’t want her dad’s assistance when the babies came, and now she had a set of twins she had to raise on her own. She understood why her mother left her dad, but damn, they were his babies, too. Maybe that’s where Ivy got some of her stubbornness from.

  She picked up her purse off the couch and pulled out her cell. Sighing, she finally dialed a number and waited. Ivy paced back and forth until she heard his voice. She sighed again and answered.

  “Hey, J.R., your sister reporting in.”

  “Hey, Ivy. Where are you? Have you made it to Fayetteville yet?”

  “Yep. I’m in Fayetteville.”

  “Where are you staying? Do you want me to come down?”

  “Not so fast, brother dear. I’m staying with a friend of mine at the moment until I get a permanent residence. I just wanted to say hey to my big brother.”

  “Girl, I’m glad you’re here. Did you get your stuff moved and all?”

  “It will get here in a couple of days. I’ll put it in storage for awhile.”

  “Like I told you, you’re welcome to stay at my place. It’s small but comfortable.”

  “I’m good. I see that Fayetteville hasn’t changed much. The only thing that’s changed is me.”

  “Yeah, how so?”

  “I’m in love, J.R. I’m in love with a wonderful man. I never thought I’d feel this way about anyone, but I’ve found the man of my dreams.”

  “The man of your dreams? Where is this coming from? It wasn’t but four months ago that you were with that Andre dude? Don’t tell me it’s him. Last I remember, you dumped him out like two-hour-old oatmeal.”

  “J.R., you are funny, man. I wasn’t that bad, was I?”

  “You know I know you, sis. You’d kiss them like you were a black widow spider and leave ‘em the next day. You are a cold-blooded sister, but unlike the black widow, you let your prey live. Why do you think I never introduced you to any of my friends? I wouldn’t have any once you got through.” Ivy and J.R. laughed.

  “You’re telling the truth, brother, but I’ve changed. I’m a one-man woman now. I’m with a serious man who’s going places and is going to take the world by storm.”

  “So when do I get to meet this knight-in-shining-armor?”

  “Sometime soon. We’re getting to know each other better right now. I’m not ready to share him with the rest of the world yet.”

  “Sounds like some crazy reality show. So how many bachelors did you start off with before you gave this one the final rose?”

  “Too much TV. You need to get your butt up off the couch and get involved with what’s happening in the world . . . dibble and dabble in a little politics?”

  “What’s up with you? You don’t sound like the Ivy Myles I know. And for your information, how do you know that I’m not dibble and dabbling in politics? I’m more invested than you know.”

  “Okay, J.R. This is not about tit for tat. You don’t have to pretend with me. I’m sure Dad’s got you stuck up in some hole in the wall, making promises to you he can’t keep.”

  “Hold it, Ivy. You don’t know a damn thing, okay. Dad is cool, and he’s going to be on top again; you wait and see. And I’m going to be right there with him.”

  “Hmmm,” Ivy retorted. “Such strong words, my brother. Sorry if I offended you; didn’t mean to.”

  “Well, it’s been good talking to you, sis. If you want to get together, give me a call. Got to run.”

  “Okay,” Ivy said as she heard the phone go dead at the other end. “So that’s how it is. Uhmm.”

  Eleven

  “Pops, Winston, check out this website.” Jefferson and Winston rushed to J.R.’s computer. “Look at this home page; check how it opens up.”

  “That’s tight,” Winston said, thoroughly delighted at his brother’s work.

  “Good job, J.R.,” Jefferson complimented.

  “Thanks. See . . . it opens up to the image of Dr. Shelton Wright, the businessman, and then rotates to the image of him as a family man, and finally as a man of the people. I’ve also placed his campaign ad on the site.”

  “Yeah, I understand that it will be airing tomorrow,” Jefferson said. “Have you finished with all of the other media paraphernalia, Winston?”

  “Yeah, Dad. I’m on my way to the sign shop now to pick up the yard posters and the large signs that we’ll post at different locations around town. I’m going to head over to headquarters when I’m done and then back to the office.”

  “Don’t forget about dinner. We will be dining with Dr. Wright around six tonight.”

  “Got it; I’m out,” Winston said. “If I don’t catch up with you guys, I’ll meet you at the restaurant. The website is off the chain, J.R. Great job.” Winston patted his chest with his closed hand, and J.R. did likewise.

  “It would be nice if Ivy was going to be with us tonight,” Jefferson said, pouring a cup of coffee for himself. “It’s going to be a family affair having all of my children together, as we toast the candidacy of Dr. Wright.”

  “Yeah, it would be,” J.R. said without any emotion.

  Jefferson turned around and looked at J.R. thoughtfully. “You heard from Ivy?”

  J.R. turned away from his computer screen and looked in Jefferson’s direction. “Why do you ask?”

  “Maybe it’s because of your body language and your nonchalant response.”

  “Pops, I was engrossed in this website and barely heard what you were saying.”

  “Okay, if that’s what you want me to believe. However, I’ve known you all of my life, and I can tell when something is not right.”

  J.R. leaned back and swiveled around in his seat. He looked past Jefferson, then back at his dad who watched him like he was his favorite ESPN commentator for the Sunday afternoon NFL Game of the Week. Jefferson put his cup down on a file cabinet and waited for J.R. to speak.

  J.R. sighed. “I spoke to Ivy a couple of days ago. She was acting weird. You can’t say I told you, but she’s back in Fayetteville.”

  “Fayetteville? How long has she been there? Does your mother know?”

  “Pops, something’s up with Ivy. She was
talking crazy . . . like she was in a cloud talking about some man she was so in love with . . . and that the man was the reason she came back to the Ville. If you ask me, she sounded like she was high on drugs. But I know my sister; she doesn’t do drugs. Plus, she’s had a number of boyfriends, or whatever you want to call them, since she’s been in Atlanta that she’s discarded like the plastic wrap on a Twinkie. None of them lasted a week, if that. I don’t see her being serious with just one person because no one is good enough for her.”

  “Do you have her number?”

  “Pops, she doesn’t want you or Mom to know that she’s here. In fact, she doesn’t want anyone to know and that includes Winter and Winston.”

  “You think someone has her strung out on drugs?” Jefferson popped his fist in his hand. “I don’t want to have to hurt anyone.”

  “I don’t think it’s as serious as that. I can’t put my finger on it, but something is different about her.”

  “Maybe she’ll feel differently about contacting us soon. Why don’t we get up out of here and get ready for dinner tonight?”

  “Sounds like a plan, Pops. What would you say if I brought a date?”

  A smile flew over Jefferson’s face. “A date? We have room enough for another person. Didn’t know you were interested in someone special.”

  “Come on now. Don’t make a big deal about it . . . but she’s special. Goes to the church.”

  Jefferson slapped J.R. on the back. “You go, son. At least one of my children is interested in the dating game. Can’t wait to meet her.”

  J.R. smiled back. For the first time in a long time, he was glad to be part of the family.

  Twelve

  Campaign headquarters was overflowing with activity. There were several wooden tables with file cabinets in the medium-sized room, lined up on either side of two walls, and one desk that sat up against the back wall. Dr. Wright sat at a desk with his phone to his ear, no doubt contacting constituents to drum up votes. Dr. Wright watched as Winston approached his desk carrying a bundle of signs and other campaign material after an aide pointed Winston in his direction.

  Dr. Wright held up a finger, and Winston stood a few feet away until Dr. Wright was finished with his phone call. Dr. Wright was a distinguished-looking gentleman who appeared to be in his late-forties. Winston noted that streaks of gray highlighted his rather black sideburns that complemented his medium-brown complexion. Dr. Wright wore a navy-blue suit, plain white dress shirt, and a conservative blue, white, and gray-patterned necktie. A thin, black moustache was draped nicely over his thin lips. Winston stepped forward when Dr. Wright motioned for him to come forward.

  “How are you doing, young man?” Dr. Wright asked, standing up to assist Winston with the signs. “You must be one of Myles’ sons.”

  “Yes, sir; I’m Winston Myles at your service.”

  After Winston set all of the campaign material down with the help of Dr. Wright, Dr. Wright gave him a hearty handshake. “Nice to meet you, son. You all did a fine job on the website and the ad campaigns.”

  “My brother, Jefferson Jr., is the mastermind behind the website. I’m a techie, too, but I can’t take credit for it. I did work on the ad campaign with him. Just know that my dad and our company are committed to your run for the North Carolina Senate.”

  “Thank you, thank you. That’s good to hear. Let’s look at what you’ve got.”

  Dr. Wright looked at the postcards, buttons, flyers, signs and placards that Winston brought in. “These are great. Can’t wait to get them into the voters’ hands and posted on lawns. I think we have a fair chance of winning.”

  “Yes, sir. Well, I won’t take up any more of your time. We look forward to seeing you at dinner tonight.”

  “That’s right. I want you to meet my beautiful wife of twenty-five years. Fine woman; she’s stood beside me every step of the way. I’ll also bring my son; he’s going to be a doctor like myself. He’s finishing up at Duke University School of Medicine.”

  Winston grinned. “My sister will like that.”

  “Jefferson didn’t mention he had a daughter.”

  “Actually, two daughters. My twin sister is the one who’ll join us this evening. My sister, Ivy, lives in Atlanta.”

  Dr. Wright patted Winston on the shoulder. “I can’t wait to meet all the members of your family. See you at six o’clock.”

  Winston shook Dr. Wright’s hand. “See you at six.”

  • • •

  Margo pulled the baked chicken from the oven and sat it on the stove. She had done more cooking in the past week than she’d done in the last six or seven months. Since Winter always seemed to be hanging around and expecting to have a home-cooked meal, she acquiesced. It was great having her daughter around to help with the babies, though. It helped to ease the loneliness she sometimes felt while also giving her a break.

  She tasted the mashed potatoes and added a little salt. The spinach was done; dinner was done. All that was left was for Winter to come downstairs and eat.

  With spoon in hand, Margo rested her body against the granite countertop and looked around at her kitchen. She was in love with it . . . in fact, she loved her townhouse. It had all the nuances and more than a regular house boasted. Margo twisted her lips. But her house didn’t have the warmth of a man, something she missed.

  Her mind wandered and there was Jefferson, her beloved husband who was soon to be her ex-husband. He looked so good the last time she saw him; he was aging gracefully. Margo still loved him, but too much drama, hurt and pain had interrupted their lives. There was no way their marriage could survive another stroke; so she’d made up her mind it was the end. But she loved him.

  “Hey, Mom,” Winter said as she entered the kitchen. “How do you like my dress?” Winter twirled around.

  Margo seemed confused. “Why are you all dressed up? I’ve got dinner on the stove . . .”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ve got a date tonight.”

  “A date? And you didn’t tell me? I’ve fixed dinner for us and now you tell me you’ve got a date.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. Forgot to tell you. Smooches.”

  “So who is the lucky guy?”

  “Promise you won’t get mad?”

  “Am I going to be upset?”

  “You might.”

  “Well.”

  “I’m going to dinner with Dad, J.R., and Winston. We’re meeting the candidate who’s running for North Carolina state senator.”

  “I thought your dad said that Malik was running for senator?”

  “He is but in a different district. It’s complicated.”

  “So you’re going to ditch me for a date with your dad?”

  “It’s not like that, Mom. You know I love you.” Margo smiled. “It’s nice that the guys asked me to join them. So, how do I look?”

  “Other than showing more cleavage than usual and your dress being a little too short to be meeting a senatorial candidate, I say you look absolutely fabulous. Black is wicked on you, Ms. Winter.”

  Winter kissed Margo. “Thank you, Mom. I do want to make a good impression. You made my day, though. Kiss, kiss. I may go to my apartment tonight. Get a change of clothes, check my mail. I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

  “What if I’m not home? Don’t you think my babies and I have a life?”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mom. Sorry about dinner. I’ll give you the lowdown when I see you.”

  “Okay, sweetheart. Have a good time with your daddy.”

  Ivy put her hands on her hip and gave Margo an inquiring look.

  “What’s on your mind?” Margo asked. “You better get out of here before you’re late. I’ve got a date with the TV and my boys. Whatever’s on your mind take it with you.”

  “Either you’ve been thinking a lot about Dad or you’re jealous. I like to think the former.”

  “Girl, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Your dad and I are history.”

  “I saw the way you were scoping hi
m out when he was here the other day.”

  “Winter, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “Well, I will admit your daddy still has it going on. He did look good. Now get out of here and have a good time.”

  Winter laughed. “All right, I will. And I’m going to tell Daddy what you said.”

  “You do, Winter, and I’ll bust your butt wide open.”

  “Mommy, stop the violence. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, baby girl. Night, night. Drive safe.”

  Margo went to the front door and watched as Winter climbed down the few steps to the sidewalk. Her big babies were all grown up, and she was proud of all of them—even the ones who had distanced themselves from her. Children went through phases, and whatever was going on with Ivy would hopefully be short-lived. She and Ivy were very close at one time and Margo missed her.

  Locking the front door, Margo went upstairs to check on the boys. They were so peaceful as they slept. Margo was going to use this time to eat something since she cooked and watch a little TV. She missed Winter already.

  Thirteen

  Jefferson pulled his Mercedes in front of the Mint restaurant and paid for valet parking. He was a few minutes early, but he’d rather be on time than late. It had been a good while since he’d been to the Mint, but he looked forward to a good meal with his family and the man he believed would be one of their next state senators.

  The Mint had a flare of its own and people called it a culinary jewel considering its location in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The cuisine featured contemporary Southern food with a global influence. The ambiance made one feel special, romantic if you felt the mood. It was said to be the best in fine dining.

  Not seeing anyone, Jefferson entered the restaurant and looked around. He couldn’t believe that not one member of his family besides himself had arrived, noting it was five-fifty by his watch. Seeing no one, he alerted the maître d that he has reservations for eight that included Dr. Shelton Wright. The maître d’ acknowledged Jefferson’s reservation and offered to show him to his table just as Winston stepped through the door.