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  “Do you think she’ll let you stay?” Jeremiah asked as he pulled her upright on the bed.

  “Let me put it this way, Mommy can’t really stop me. I’m over eighteen and a woman of independent means. One of the advantages of being a trust fund baby.” She smiled at him. “I just have to check with my trustee and I’ve been fairly thrifty with my money, I don’t think he’ll have any objections.”

  They watched sitcoms and left to get something to eat for dinner.

  By the time the school year ended, Melissa, like Burger King, had it her way. She rented an apartment off campus. Vanessa was upset but there was little she could do to prevent Melissa from staying in Atlanta since Melissa had spent less than the budgeted amount for her school expenses. Nancy co-signed the lease. Melissa was set.

  She and Jeremiah shopped. She purchased a new bedroom set at a second hand store. Then they set off to the local Wal-Mart, where she bought dishes, paper goods and other items. The summer was like a dream come true for Melissa. She felt she came into her own.

  Bobo, Connie, and Jeremiah were frequent visitors at the tiny apartment. Bobo decided to enroll at Morehouse and attend the summer session instead of waiting until the fall. Connie was interviewed for a job at a shop at the Underground and was hired. The couples settled into their work routine and met up in the evenings.

  Moniqa stopped by Melissa’s apartment before she returned to Chicago and was not impressed with her sister’s bargain shopping or her living quarters in general.

  “It’s not like you can’t afford a better apartment. Hell, we could buy a building if we choose,” she argued as she walked around the small apartment, her nose stuck in the air. “I suppose you and Jeremiah will be shacking up next?”

  Melissa ignored her sister’s slight. They sat on the lumpy, green and orange plaid couch that came with the furnished apartment. Posters of her favorite artists were tacked on the wall.

  Moniqa’s eyes roamed the room and lit on the pictures. She pointed at the wall. “I’ve never known you to listen to rap? Is this Jeremiah’s influence?”

  “I admit that I’ve never really listened to rap before dating Jeremiah,” Melissa answered defensively “Actually Connie likes it. I’m trying to broaden my horizons and it’s kind of grown on me. Some of the lyrics really hit home.” Too bad you won’t try and do the same. “I don’t plan on living here the rest of my life. It’s temporary. Although I’ll probably stay here until I finish school. Would you like something to drink? A soda pop or water?”

  Moniqa sucked her teeth impatiently. “No, I don’t want anything to eat or drink. You don’t have rodents or crawling things here do you?” She craned her neck suspiciously toward the kitchen.

  “No, Moniqa.” Melissa was annoyed. She crossed her arms. “There aren’t any four-legged creatures residing here.” Her hand swept about the room. “What do you have planned for the summer?”

  “As little as possible,” Moniqa admitted, tucking one leg under her body. ”I’m surprised you haven’t moved Connie in here with you.”

  “I asked her to, but she can’t afford it.”

  “You mean you didn’t offer to pay her portion of the rent?” Moniqa smirked, sitting stiffly on the sofa as if she were afraid to move or touch anything.

  “Sure I did. But she didn’t feel comfortable with the suggestion. If she can save enough money from her summer job, then she’ll move here in the fall. I know this place isn’t much to you. But I like it.”

  “She’s nothing but a moocher,” Moniqa muttered under her breath. “My flight leaves tomorrow at noon. So I guess I’ll see you when I return in August unless you change your mind and decide to come home before school starts.”

  Melissa walked into the kitchen and returned with a pitcher of iced tea and glasses. She went back to the kitchen and came back with cheese and crackers that she placed on the table. “No, I don’t think I’ll go home until Christmas. Nana is coming here for a couple of weeks next month and I think Aunt Trina and Uncle David are coming in July to visit Bobo. Maybe Mommy will come and visit? She hasn’t been back to Atlanta since the beginning of our freshman year.”

  The sisters talked about school, classes and grades. Moniqa suggested decorating tips. There was a lull in the conversation. Then Moniqa brushed her hands against her shorts, and said it was time for her to return to Spelman. They hugged half-heartedly as they stood at the front door. Melissa told Moniqa to call her over the summer.

  * * *

  The young people fell into summer’s tempo. Everyone with the exception of Connie attended summer school, and worked full-time at a boutique, and Jeremiah found a part-time job at the Underground. They met at Melissa’s apartment at the end of day where they shared their evening meal, watched television, or listened to music.

  Trina and David flew to Atlanta the following month. The couples prepared dinner. Jeremiah and Bobo grilled steaks and hamburgers on a Weber grill. Melissa and Connie prepared a crisp green salad along with ears of corn. As the evening progressed, Bobo’s parent’s were satisfied all was well in Atlanta. They liked Connie and felt she was a positive influence on their son. Trina was heartened to see how relaxed Melissa had become, her demeanor a stark contrast to her usual behavior in Chicago.

  The day Jeremiah and Melissa met Nancy at the airport was one of the happiest day of Melissa’s life. The persons she loved most in the world would meet face to face. Nancy originally planned on staying at the Marriott but Melissa talked her into staying at her apartment. The two spent hours talking after Melissa finished class.

  While Melissa was at school, Nancy shopped and visited relatives. She, like David and Trina, was impressed with Jeremiah and felt he was a good match for her granddaughter. She enjoyed talking to him and discovered he had a sharp mind. Melissa couldn’t do any better Nancy felt.

  Before both women were sorry when the visit came to an end. Nancy told Melissa she’d call Vanessa, and inform her how well Melissa was doing. She told her granddaughter she hoped she’d come home for the Christmas holidays and to bring Jeremiah with her.

  The only blot on Melissa’s idyllic summer was Vanessa not coming to visit. She felt slighted and her childhood insecurities rose to the forefront of her mind when she learned Vanessa and Moniqa went on a European vacation. Neither had called before they departed.

  Melissa was depressed for weeks. Jeremiah, Bobo and Connie tried their best to cheer her up.

  When Vanessa and Moniqa returned home two weeks later, Vanessa called her daughter. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to go with us with school and all.” Her excuse sounded weak and contrived.

  “Did you have a good time? I bet you and Moniqa hit every boutique in Paris,” Melissa said miserably.

  “Yes, we had a fabulous time. Of course I bought you a couple of outfits. I’ll ship them to you next week.”

  “Thank you, Mommy, it was good of you to think of me while you were away.”

  “No problem. I should have been a personal shopper because I sure do enjoy it.”

  “Where’s Moniqa, can I speak to her?” Melissa asked after she and Vanessa were done talking.

  “She’s not home. Actually, she’s in New York visiting a friend. I’ll tell her I talked to you and have her call. She should be home by the weekend.”

  The two hung up the telephones, after Vanessa stating how she looked forward to seeing Melissa over the Christmas holidays.

  Chapter Twelve

  The ensuing three college years passed rapidly and before long, the calendar was flipped to 1984. Jeremiah had graduated two years ago, and was a second year student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville Tennessee. Bobo discovered an unrealized love and talent for art and changed his major to business. He decided to open a graphic arts firm when he returned to Illinois.

  Melissa and Connie’s graduation day was scheduled the first Sunday in May. Moniqa barely graduated, managing to just squeak by. She majored in Physical Education as a means to stay physically fit. Meliss
a completed a double major in Journalism and Mass Communications. She hoped to find work when she moved to Tennessee.

  May eighth was a cloudy overcast day. Melissa and Connie prayed the weather would hold for the outdoor graduation ceremony. Moniqa’s graduation was scheduled the following Sunday. The Adams and Ross relatives returned to Atlanta to celebrate with their new graduates. Jeremiah’s parents attended Melissa’s graduation ceremony also. They had fallen in love with their future daughter-in-law. Unbeknownst to Melissa, Jeremiah’s mother, Ophelia, brought her mother’s wedding and engagement rings with her to Atlanta. Jeremiah had taken the set to a local jeweler to be cleaned and resized, planning to propose to Melissa the evening of the graduation.

  By the time the ceremony started, the sky cleared and was a beautiful backdrop for the outdoor graduation. The graduates were seated in rows of folded chairs. Most looked excited and others scared in their black gowns about to embark on adulthood sans the parents.

  Nancy brushed a tear away from her eye. She wished Nate had been able to be there to witness Melissa’s coming out. The proud grandmother wore a matronly silver blue two-piece suit with a matching feathered hat. Vanessa looked bored in a white Armani dress and continuously fanned herself with the program.

  Bobo looked proud as a peacock, his favorite girls were graduating. He’d celebrated his own ceremony the week before. Moniqa kept yawning and glancing at her watch like she wanted to be anywhere other than where she was. She tried to sit next to Jeremiah but his mother interceded and asked Jeremiah to sit between her and his father. Jeremiah stood, then clapped and whistled when Melissa strolled across the stage. Uncle David recorded the ceremony with his new Sony camcorder.

  * * *

  When the ceremony concluded, the family traveled to a local steakhouse for dinner. After the waitress had taken dessert orders, Jeremiah rose from his chair, dropped to his knees and grabbed Melissa’s hand. “Melissa Michelle Adams, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Melissa’s hand flew to her mouth. She nodded her head, cleared her throat. “Jeremiah Jeffries, there’s nothing I want more in the world then to become your wife. YES, I WILL.” Her eyes filled with tears. She jumped from her seat and kissed Jeremiah tenderly on his lips. Nancy, Connie, and Mrs. Jeffries were teary-eyed.

  Connie sniffed. “That was so sweet.” She grabbed Bobo’s hand. He leaned over and whispered, “We can do the same if you want.” His other hand flew to his jacket pocket, where a jewel box rested.

  “Not yet.” Connie shook her head. “Let’s talk about it later.”

  Vanessa smiled weakly. Moniqa stood and fled the room, obviously upset. Vanessa dropped her napkin on the table. “I’m going to check on Moniqa. I’ll be back.”

  The other family members sat in uncomfortable silence. David waved his hand for the waiter to bring a bottle of champagne as everyone offered congratulations to the happy couple.

  * * *

  Vanessa pushed open the door to the ladies room. Moniqa was nowhere to be found. She went outdoors and found Moniqa scowling next to her mother’s rented Lexus.

  “It’s not fair, Mommy. Melissa got the prince and I have nothing. I tried my best to win Jeremiah from Melissa and he wouldn’t touch the bait.” She paced back and forth agitated.

  “Moniqa, perhaps you need to give up this quest for Jeremiah. You’ve become obsessed and that’s not healthy.”

  “Who are you to tell me what’s healthy or not?” Moniqa shrieked, her cheeks were blotched, ugly and red.

  “I’m your mother,” Vanessa replied forcefully, grabbing Moniqa by the shoulders. Her mouth gaped open. “My God, you’re hysterical. Baby, you tried. Maybe Jeremiah really loves Melissa.” The name rolled off her tongue like she couldn’t bear to utter the name. “There nothing you can do but accept their engagement gracefully.”

  “No, you’re wrong, Mommy.” Moniqa pulled away from her mother’s grasp. “I am an Adams. We don’t give up. We get our way. I will have Jeremiah Jeffries, if it’s the last thing I do.” She walked across the street and flagged a taxi, leaving Vanessa open- mouthed.

  Vanessa rubbed her brow, stunned by Moniqa’s actions. She returned to the restaurant and informed everyone Moniqa was ill and had returned to school.

  * * *

  The relatives remained in Atlanta for Moniqa’s graduation. Noticeably absent were Jeremiah and Connie. Melissa, Trina, and David had to beg Bobo to attend the ceremony. He was disgusted by Moniqa’s selfish behavior at Melissa’s celebration dinner.

  As bored as Vanessa was at Melissa’s graduation ceremony, she flipped the switch for Moniqa’s. She cried and was attentive and took pictures. The whole nine yards. She’d rented a room in an exclusive seafood restaurant for Moniqa’s celebration dinner. The mood was heavy and somber like a funeral.

  Moniqa informed everyone she had a date after dinner, and would see everyone when she returned to Chicago. She nodded in Melissa’s direction and left.

  Melissa, feeling embarrassed and slighted, rose and said, “I really need to head back myself. I’m still packing.” She hugged Nancy, David and Trina who were leaving that evening. Bobo put down his napkin on the table and said he’d drive her. Melissa kissed Vanessa on the cheek then she and Bobo departed. Nancy looked very upset, as did Trina and David. Valerie and her parents looked mildly curious.

  “Sometimes I could choke your sister,” Bobo commented as he pulled into traffic. “She can be so insensitive.”

  “She was definitely acting strange. Who do you think she had a date with?” Melissa asked, obviously in no mood to talk about Vanessa.

  “I don’t have a clue,” Bobo admitted. “You know I brought my girl a ring and she refused me.”

  “Oh, Bobo, I’m sorry,” Melissa said as she leaned over and squeezed his arm. “I know Connie isn’t ready for marriage yet. She had a hard life and I think she just wants time to savor her accomplishments.”

  “She can’t do that with me?” Bobo asked plaintively. “You know I’d do anything in my power to make life easier for her.”

  “She probably could,” Melissa answered slowly. “Still I think it’s something she wants to do on her own. She’s often said how easy we had it growing up from a financial standpoint. She’s right. We did. So let her do it her way at least for now. I know she loves you.”

  “I guess you’re right…” Bobo replied. He conceded Melissa’s point. He vowed to win his ladylove even if it took the rest of his life.

  * * *

  When they arrived at the apartment, Bobo went to Connie’s room. Melissa changed clothing then drove to the hotel to meet Jeremiah.

  Moniqa, meanwhile, was in her dorm room preparing for her date with Rodgers. She smiled. He didn’t know what the evening had in store for him. She headed to the shower. Later, Moniqa slipped on a red Donna Karan dress, hosiery, and red shoes. She expertly applied makeup, styled her hair and rushed downstairs to meet Rodgers. Moniqa had sprayed her body with a fruity spritz. She smelled good enough to eat.

  Rodgers looked handsome. His locks were tight. He was dressed in black pants, a silk shirt with a high collar and black sandals. He held a single red rose to Moniqa.

  His eyes widened appreciatively at the knit dress hugging every curve of Moniqa’s luscious body.

  Rodgers licked his lips as his mouth salivated with lust. “You look good, babe. Real good.”

  “Why, thank you, Rodgers,” Melissa said. She curtsied before him. “If you’re ready let’s go.”

  He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and congratulated her on graduating. Rodgers took her hand and led her to his red BMW two-seater. He slid into the car and drove to an exclusive club where he had VIP membership.

  Moniqa forgot her obsession with Jeremiah that night. She let her hair down and enjoyed her evening with Rodgers. He was a skillful dancer and witty conversationalist. They talked about his future plans. He was in the process of opening a music production company in New York.

  They left
the club a little after 1:00 am and stopped in his hotel lobby for a drink. Moniqa looked at him across the table. She wasn’t immune to Rodgers’ charms. He was an up and coming brother, possessing money, looks, and charm. Problem was, he wasn’t Jeremiah.

  “So how about coming to my room for a little nightcap?” Rodgers asked, unable to keep his eyes off her since he’d picked her up hours ago. He nibbled at her ear.

  “Don’t mind if I do,” Moniqa answered flirtatiously. She stood and wobbled a bit. “I think I’ve already had a little too much to drink already. But one more won’t hurt. Lead the way.”

  Rodgers put his arm around her waist. When the elevator door closed, he turned her body in front of his. Then Rodgers bent and kissed her long and hungrily. Moniqa’s legs buckled. Oh my God, she thought, he tastes so good. His hands caressed her body. The door opened. An older woman clad in a blue terry robe and pink rollers in her head stared at them. She shook her head disapproving from side to side at their carnal display.

  Rodgers fumbled with the card key. Finally, he opened the door, Moniqa walked to the window. “The view is magnificent.”

  He walked behind her. Then lifted her hair and tenderly kissed the nape of her neck. The foreplay they began in the elevator was bumped up a couple of notches. Moniqa slipped the spaghetti straps off her shoulder. Rodgers gently moved her hand and finished the job himself. He slowly and sensuously unzipped the slip of a dress. She stood magnificently and sexy before him in her red Victoria Secret’s thong and bra. Her breathing became shallow and her chest heaved in anticipation.

  Moniqa stepped out of the dress. Rodgers bent down and removed her shoes, caressing one foot than the other. She trembled as she clutched his waist admiring his abs. When he stood erect, she unbuttoned his shirt and her teeth nipped his dark brown nipples.

  Rodgers took her hand and led her to the king-sized bed, and gently pushed her down. He lay at the bottom of the bed and took her left foot in his hand. Then kissed and sucked her toes. Um, that feels so good, Moniqa thought. Her middle finger flew to her mouth. Lord Help Me. He stroked and fondled every inch of her body. Her hands freely roamed his body. She massaged his shaft, marveling at how long and hard it felt beneath his pants.