Free Gotta Get Next To You by Lynn Emery

panting at the way his back
pockets moved with each stride. It took all her willpower to tear
her gaze away from him. Jamal Turner was dangerous indeed. She
could well imagine the long line of smitten females he attracted
just by curving that full mouth up at the comers. Well, she would
not be one of them. After giving Katy several quick instructions,
she headed out. Jamal stood at the door waiting for her.
    “Keep this up and people will think you’re my
body-guard,” Andrea quipped.
    “You might need one around here.” Jamal
walked be-side her. “And even though you weren’t thrilled the board
hired me without consulting you, you could use the help.”
    “It’s okay.” He held up a large palm. “A
little muscle isn’t a bad idea with the rough characters hanging
around.”
    “Ahem, yes.” Andrea could not help but glance
at his chest and arms again. “I think we can learn to work
together.”
    “So do I.” Jamal waited until she unlocked
her car door, and then opened it for her. “See you tomorrow.”
    “Good-bye.” Andrea got in and allowed him to
shut the door firmly.
    He stood outside until she drove out of the
parking lot. Andrea glanced back to see him still standing there.
When he waved, she waved back. The image of strength and caring
stayed with her for the rest of the day.
     
    ***
     
    Andrea looked around her mother’s living
room. Charlene lived in an upscale town house in New Orleans right
off St. Charles Avenue. Vibrant emerald green, deep purple and
royal blue were represented throughout. The fine wool Oriental rug
complemented the upholstered furniture. Drapes of deep taupe and
green were pulled back from the windows. The room was just like
Charlene, bright but not garish. Charming and elegant.
    Andrea frowned. Yet it lacked something. This
was not a home Andrea would come to at the end of a hard day and
feel comfortable enough to leave her shoes in the middle of the
floor. Her frown turned into a smile. It was just like Charlene to
have the perfect showcase. A far cry from the homey “take off your
panty hose and let it all hang out” feel of Gran’s house. Gran used
to joke that Charlene used to line up her toy teacups just so.
Charlene would faint if she were to find a ceramic knickknack on
her fancy mantel.
    Still, Charlene was making an effort to be
maternal. Her invitation for Andrea to “work me into your busy
schedule” had held just the right amount of guilt to make her
point. Andrea could not be irritated since Charlene wanted to spend
more time with her. Today was part of her campaign for them to mend
their relationship, which was strained at best. Andrea made a
silent promise to put forth more of an effort. Perhaps next time
she would invite Charlene out. What could they do together? They
had such different interests and tastes. Andrea was turning over
this riddle when Charlene entered the room carrying a tray bearing
coffee and the doughnuts she knew Andrea loved so.
    “Here we go. Hot beignets from Cafe Du
Monde.” Her reddish brown hair was cut short and feathered to frame
her heart-shaped face. She was dressed in a taupe short-sleeved
silk blouse tucked into white jeans. Silver dangle earrings
sparkled as she moved. Charlene reveled in looking even younger
than her forty-six years. She was delighted when people expressed
amazement that she had a daughter Andrea’s age. Indeed, they were
frequently mistaken for sisters, a mistake Charlene did not always
correct. Andrea gazed at her. Their features were alike. Andrea had
always felt she was a copy of her mother, but did not quite capture
the spark of the original.
    “I told you not to go to any trouble.” Andrea
sat down at the dining room table.
    She knew her mother was far from domestic.
Yet Charlene had prepared fresh fruits, juice, and coffee. She’d
been determined to make this mother-daughter breakfast special.
    “Don’t worry, honey. I didn’t cut up the
fruit.” Charlene giggled. “But even I can make