Free Jayd's Legacy by L. Divine Page B

queen you are, and nothing less.” And with that, Rah starts the music.

5
    Endgame
    â€œI can tolerate a still heart/ But I can’t stand being alone.”
    â€”CREE SUMMER
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    W hen I get home at one in the morning, I turn my phone on to see Jeremy left two voice messages and one text message. I feel guilty for not fully disclosing last night’s plans, but I just didn’t think he’d understand.
    â€œMiss, did you here my order?” this rude ass regular says to me, snapping me back into work. I’ve been here all morning, but really my mind has been on Raheem and Jeremy all along.
    â€œOh, my bad. Yes, I got it: a veggie burger with everything except sprouts, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese,” I repeat, hoping he feels as stupid as he sounds.
    â€œDon’t forget the onions,” he says looking at the menu like Shahid’s added something new in the week since this man’s last visit.
    â€œYou want onions?” I ask in a tone indicating I’m way past my tolerance level.
    â€œNo, no onions,” he reiterates, carefully returning the menu to its holder on the counter.
    â€œWell, then why did you say you wanted everything when in fact, you want it plain?” I ask, knowing I’m way over the line, but I can get away with it because we all do it from time to time. Working in customer service can be a bitch.
    â€œOh, I hadn’t noticed. OK then, I’ll have a veggie burger, plain,” he says, all proud like he just took his first step. Whatever. My mind’s not here anyway. I just have to make it through the rest of my afternoon before my date with Jeremy tonight. I can’t help but think about the story of Maman Marie and what Mama said about women’s power in relationships. If that’s true, how do I use my power in my relationship with Jeremy to get him to take me to the homecoming dance? ’Cause I can’t be seen alone, especially not with Misty, Shae, and KJ going, not to mention my girls and their dates. I’ll stick out like hot pink cornrows on a White girl, and a sistah can’t have that.
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    When Jeremy gets to my mom’s house, I invite him up to talk for a while before we head out for the evening. I figure if he gets too upset I can handle it here better than out in public.
    â€œHey, baby,” I say, giving him a big hug and kiss before leading him to the couch.
    â€œWe better roll if we’re going to catch the show at nine,” he says. I don’t want to be late either. I’ve wanted to see Blood and Chocolate for a while now. But, I’ve got to convince him to go to the dance with me. It’s too important to let it go.
    â€œWe’ve got a little time,” I say, sitting close to him, forcing him to smell my perfume and look into my eyes. In reading her story, I discovered using her seductive qualities to get men to listen to her was one of Maman Marie’s tricks. And, she was very good at it. Maman had every man in Paris swooning after her, like Mama in New Orleans. I’ll try to be a little sweeter than the last time Jeremy and I talked about this.
    â€œHey, Jeremy,” I whisper.
    â€œYes, Jayd,” he says, waiting to see what I’m up to. He’s so cute when he looks at me like this. It makes me want to kiss his smile.
    â€œAre you sure you can’t go to the dance with me?” I say, rubbing the inside of his thigh. “There will be a lot of dudes there and I don’t want to be caught alone,” I say.
    â€œHow did I know you were going to ask about the dance?” he says, stopping my hand with his and returning it to my leg. “I can’t be bribed, Miss Jackson.”
    â€œI’m not trying to bribe you. I’m just showing you how much I value you,” I say, gently pinning him down. Without much effort, Jeremy picks me up and makes me stand, laughing the entire time.
    â€œYou’re so cute when you’re