Playing With Fire (24 page)

 

 

Out of the blue, Taryn had insisted they pack their bags for a three-day excursion to Transylvania County. Romeo welcomed the experience, turning the responsibilities of the bar over to Malcolm and Aleta. The drive, though long, had passed quickly as they chatted back and forth, talking about everything and about nothing. Romeo laughed as Taryn shared stories of her hotel experiences during business trips, at one point moving him to wipe the tears from his eyes so that he could see the road.

“You're kidding, right?” he asked, stealing a glance in her direction.

“I swear,” she laughed. “But it gets even better. They know the woman is doing business out of the room, but without a complaint there's nothing they can do. One of her last nights there we counted nine men coming and going from her room.”

“The hotel manager couldn't do anything?”

“She was paying over nine hundred dollars per night for that room. He wasn't about to run her off.”

Romeo shook his head as Taryn continued.

“So now, to add insult to injury, they never tell you, but in Europe, if someone dies in their hotel room, you don't let the coroner declare them dead. You do everything you can to get the body moved out. They can declare them dead in the parking lot, but if they're declared dead in the room, then the hotel's not allowed to rent the space out for three days, sometimes more. Well, that would be unheard of—to have a room vacant for three days—so when her last john had a heart attack, they told her he was suffering from indigestion and the built up gas had caused him to pass out. Then they told her he'd complained about the service and she had to go.”

Romeo chuckled as he pulled off the highway into the city of Brevard. He drove until he reached Lake Toxaway and the Greystone Inn, a magnificent six-level Swiss mansion. Taryn had reserved a suite and the resort welcomed them warmly, its quiet ambiance reflecting the couple's mood.

The following day they lay side by side, face down on two massage tables as the spa staff worked the tightness out of their muscles. At one point, Romeo turned to look at Taryn, a smile rising to his face as she lay in bliss before him, the masseur's hands dancing up the length of the woman's torso. It was in that moment he knew what he wanted to do most.

Two hours later, refreshed and invigorated, Romeo had tracked down a local minister to marry them. An elderly couple visiting the inn for the week stood up as witnesses, the gray-haired duo as excited about the ceremony as he and Taryn.

In casual khakis and a navy blue polo shirt, Reverend Eric Wideman smiled politely as he held a large, black Bible in his hands. “I understand you want to say your own vows?” he questioned.

Both Taryn and Romeo grinned, nodding their heads excitedly.

Romeo started, pulling Taryn's hands between his own. “Taryn, without you, I am only a shell of myself. You complete me. You make me whole. With you in my life, I am a better man. I have loved no one as much as I love you, and every day I love you more and more. If I make only one promise to you from this point forward, it would be that you will always have my love. I will protect you. I will cherish you. My heart will belong only to you.”

Taryn smiled up into his eyes, her gaze a gentle caress across his spirit. “There aren't words to express just how much I value you in my life. You have become my hopes, my dreams, and everything I aspire to be and to have. I trust you with my heart and give it to you willingly. I will be your partner, your lover, your confidant, and your friend. I will be mother to your children. I will respect you as king in our home, knowing that I sit on your side as queen. I pledge myself to you and only you. I will be proud to be your wife.”

The old woman wiped a tear from her eye as the minister pronounced Taryn and Romeo man and wife, blessing the union between them. As they all stood gathered on the natural rocks of the North Carolina mountain range, the rush of the Toxaway waterfalls rippled downward in excitement, shimmering under the warmth of the afternoon sun.

 

 

Laughter rang through the small room as Romeo and Taryn celebrated their news with their friends over large plates of fried chicken, potato salad, collard greens, and more southern foods that Odetta and Sharon had prepared in their honor. From where they sat at the head of the small kitchen table, Romeo and Taryn brimmed with delight.

“Let's play some bid whist when we get done with the food,” Odetta said, swallowing a mouthful to speak. “We ain't played no whist in a good jump.”

“I'm in,” Malcolm exclaimed, licking the flavor from his fingertips. He smacked his lips. “This was good. You two outdid yourselves.”

Both women beamed.

“Wait until you see the cake Sharon made,” Odetta said, nodding toward the countertop. “She did a nice job on the decorations.”

Sharon blushed. “It wasn't anything really.”

Odetta rolled her eyes as Aleta chuckled. “What we gon' do with her?” Odetta said with a wide grin.

“You all have been so sweet,” Taryn said, wiping her own fingers against a white paper napkin. “This has been better than any reception we could have ever planned.”

“Ya'll didn't need to go running off to have no wedding,” Odetta chimed. “We could have had a nice ceremony down at the club.”

Romeo shook his head. “This is just as good, Odetta, girl. Having you all here to celebrate with us is ceremony enough.”

“So what's next for you two?” Malcolm asked, shifting his gaze from one face to another.

“Babies,” Aleta answered before either of the couple could. “I hope they're planning on having babies.”

The newlyweds laughed. “Let us be married for a few days first,” Romeo said with a deep chuckle.

“Please,” Taryn said firmly, nodding her agreement. “One step at a time, thank you very much.”

Aleta rolled her eyes, tossing a look toward Malcolm and the other two women. “That's what you say now. We'll see.”

Romeo leaned to kiss Taryn's face. “Whenever my baby is ready,” he said. “That subject is Taryn's call.”

“I love babies,” Sharon said with a giggle. “I'd babysit anytime.”

“Me too,” Odessa chimed.

“Me three,” said Malcolm.

Aleta smiled. “Well, that's settled. You two need to hurry up. We need some babies running around getting in our way. We need to keep this family going.”

As he pondered her comment, Romeo smiled at each of them. They were indeed family.

 

 

Aleta's excitement spilled over her face. She reached for the tea kettle of boiling water, filling the three mugs on the counter, before placing them into a tray and the tray onto the kitchen table. The afternoon had been long and the trio was glad for the quiet.

“If I didn't say it enough earlier, I hope you know how happy I am for you both,” she said, turning her attention to Romeo and Taryn, who sat comfortably in the wooden chairs. “You two belong together.”

“Thank you, Aleta,” Taryn said with a wide smile, reaching out to press her palm against Romeo's hand. “I am so glad we didn't wait to have a big wedding. This was so perfect for both of us.”

Aleta took a seat beside them. She smiled over at Romeo. “Your father would have been very happy for you. He thought you two were perfect for one another.”

“I wish he could have been here,” he said, his mind falling away from the conversation.

Aleta's thoughts also drifted off to memories of Piano Man. She shook the daze from her spirit. “So, how are you doing with the drinking?”

Romeo grinned. “Really well. I take it minute by minute. I'm not letting this demon get the best of me.” He pressed his fingers between Taryn's, the warmth of her hand instilling energy into his spirit.

Aleta nodded approvingly, not needing to say another word. “So, any decisions yet about the club and what I suggested?” she asked, changing the subject.

Romeo shrugged. Taryn focused her gaze upon the man's face. “I don't know, Aunt Aleta. It wouldn't be the same,” he said finally.

“It would be good business,” Aleta said. “And Piano Man would have approved. You know how much he loved his music. He would have wanted you to do this.”

Romeo stared at Taryn, searching her eyes for answers. “What do you think?” he asked her. “Do you think we should hire a new piano player?”

“I think Aleta's right,” she said. “You should do this. It's good business, and it would be a wonderful tribute to your father. You can't deny the man's talent. So don't let what Piano Man built fall by the wayside. He and Sharon had something really special going. You need to continue that.”

Taking it all in, Romeo pondered what this could possibly mean for them all. As they sat quietly, chatting easily around the table, he knew the decision had already been made, but he still wasn't sure he could handle the inevitability of it.

As Romeo sat pouring over a pile of invoices, he couldn't help thinking that time had an uncanny way of getting away from a body, rushing past with a mind of its own. Turning the page of his desk calendar, he realized that he and Taryn would soon be celebrating two years of marriage and much good fortune. He'd also been sober for just as long. Although many things had changed for him, most aspects of his life had remained the same. Business was still doing well as Malcolm and the girls continued to hold dominion, keeping him in check. Aleta and he had fostered a profitable partnership and Taryn rounded out their management team. Together they were all family, and he couldn't have asked for any greater blessing than the love they all shared for one another.

The commotion on the other side of the door pulled his attention. By the time Malcolm knocked, Romeo had already risen from his seat to see what was going on.

“What's up?” he asked as he pulled open the office door. “What's all the noise about?” Behind Malcolm, Odetta and Sharon were grinning broadly.

A floral arrangement sat perched in the palms of Malcolm's hands. “These were just delivered for you,” Malcolm said, pushing the large display toward him.

Romeo stared at the bouquet, then at Malcolm, his gaze racing from one face to another. His arms hung down at his sides, his mind not being able to will them to take the flowers from his friend. His concentration was lost on the message he read on the balloons attached to the distinct container.

Malcolm held the porcelain rocking horse gently, his head bobbing up and down excitedly. From the horse's back, miniature yellow roses spilled over the sides. And two helium-filled balloons were tied around the horse's neck, both printed in bright pastel colors that read
Welcome, New Baby
.

“Well, read the card,” Odetta exclaimed. “Don't just stand there looking foolish!”

Malcolm reached up to pull the card from the container, extending it toward Romeo.

“You look scared to death,” Sharon said, causing the other two to laugh aloud.

Romeo smiled, nervous energy gracing his face. As he pulled the small white note card from the envelope, tears sprang to his eyes.

From the front doorway, Taryn's voice rang through the room. “The card says
‘Happy Father's Day, Daddy. With love, your new baby and his mommy.'
”

Their friends stepped aside as Taryn made her way toward her husband. Her hand lay pressed against her abdomen. “Congratulations, you,” she said as she reached his side. “We're going to have a baby.” Wrapping her arms around him, she hugged him tightly. “I love you,” Taryn said softly, lifting her face toward his. “I love you so much.”

Romeo pressed his lips against hers. Tears ran down his cheeks as he began to laugh with excitement. “We're going to have a baby,” he chimed, looking over Taryn's shoulders at his friends. “We're going to have a baby!”

 

 

As Taryn stood off in the corner, smoothing the fabric of her maternity dress over her bulging belly, Romeo smiled at her warmly. She smiled back, conscious of the heavy weight of her protruding midsection. The baby wasn't due for another two weeks, but Odetta had predicted Taryn would drop her load at any minute. “Look how low she's carrying that child,” Odetta had exclaimed. “Dem doctor's don't know what they talking 'bout. That baby gon' come here when he's ready and I can tell he's ready.”

Romeo watched as Taryn eased herself onto a bar stool, brushing her hand across her brow. Wiping the last table, he sauntered over to stand beside her. Encircling his arms about her, he kissed the top of her head lightly, resting the palms of his large hands atop her pregnant midsection.

“You look tired.”

She nodded. “Your child won't stop moving. He's dancing like a madman inside here,” she said, gesturing toward her belly.

“Why don't you let me take you home so you can rest?”

“Not yet. If it gets too bad I'll go lie down in the office. Besides, Sharon says she's got a surprise for me tonight. She wrote a new song just for me and my little guy here. I can't miss that.”

Romeo kissed her again, brushing his tongue lightly against hers. “I love you,” he whispered, pulling the palm of her hand to his lips.

She smiled up at him as he pulled her close, pressing her face against his chest. “I love you too,” she responded, just as Malcolm called out to him.

“Hey, Romeo, you got a minute?” Malcolm repeated from the other room.

“What's up?” Romeo answered as he headed into the stockroom.

Malcolm stood leaning against the back wall, a large manila folder laid open between his hands. “I found this down between these old file boxes. I thought you might want to keep it somewhere else,” he said, handing the pile of papers to Romeo.

Opening the file, Romeo smiled lightly as an aged press release of Piano Man's debut performance stared up at him. As he flipped through each article, note, and photo that captured a momentary public facet of Piano Man's life, his eyes misted over lightly. Closing the folder, he smiled at Malcolm broadly, and said, “I'd forgotten this was in here. Thank you.”

Malcolm nodded. “So, how's that lady of yours doing? She looked like she was about to explode a few minutes ago.”

“It won't be too much longer now. Taryn's been ready for this baby to get here. She says she wants her body back.”

Malcolm laughed. “What about you? You ready for some little bugger to be calling you Daddy?”

Sighing heavily, Romeo eased himself onto an old wooden chair, laying the folder he was holding onto his lap. “Man, I don't think I will ever be ready for this. I'll be honest, Malcolm. I'm scared. I was never big on responsibility like this if I didn't have to be, and now I have to take on the biggest responsibility a man can.”

Malcolm's head bobbed eagerly in agreement. “I know how you feel. I remember when Claudia and Cleo were born. I was ready to turn tail and run. I no more wanted to be a father than the man in the moon. But when they placed those two babies in my arms and I got to really take a good look at them, there was no other place I wanted to be than right there taking care of those two angels. They were my baby girls, mine, and suddenly that was the most important thing to me. When them two girls call me Daddy I feel more important than I ever thought I'd ever be able to feel.”

“Piano Man and I were talking once about how hard it is to raise kids now. I just worry that I won't teach my children all they'll need to know to survive these days. It's not like when we were growing up. It's harder. There's just too damn much that can get a hold of a kid today and pull him away from you.”

“You've got to trust that you will do the best that you can possibly do. If your child knows he is loved and that you have faith in him, then you did okay.”

Romeo nodded. “I know you're right, but I also know that if I mess up, Taryn is going to kick my butt royally.”

They both laughed. “Well, it's time to get to work,” Romeo said, rising as he tucked the folder beneath his arm. “Do you need help with anything back here?”

“No, I'm finished. We just needed to refill the gin stock and I did that already.”

Romeo nodded. “I'm going to need you to close up for me tonight. As soon as things slow down a bit, I'm going to make Taryn go home and get some rest. She's being bullheaded at the moment, but she's not going to last much longer.”

“No problem. You know I got your back whenever you need me.”

Romeo slapped Malcolm warmly across the back as they entered the main room. The crowd had started filtering in and Taryn had gone to stand behind the bar, beginning to fill drink orders. As Malcolm took the bottle of Seagram's Gin from her small hands, he kissed her on her cheek, then pushed her gently out of his way. Romeo gestured at her to sit down and she complied meekly, not wanting to give in to the heaviness fighting to consume her. When she was settled into a chair, a tall glass of orange juice before her, Romeo nodded approvingly, then sauntered toward the door to greet the first of his guests.

The space was soon crowded, bodies filling the room with loud bantering, hushed whispers, and a meandering of strong perfumes and colognes. From his usual position, Romeo greeted the regular clientele, pausing every so often to introduce himself to a new face who'd discovered the secret that lay behind the large doors of the Playground.

As a melody sprang from the piano, Romeo looked over to where the band sat. Walter “Lightning” Louis, the Playground's new piano player, was doing a soft-shoe across the keys, building himself up for a long evening. A cigarette dangled unconsciously from the right side of his mouth, faint wisps of smoke dancing in the young man's face. He was a tall, thin boy with skin like melted caramel. Jet black hair curled smoothly atop his head, which to Romeo appeared awkward on his thin shoulders, but the women loved him and he had helped bring in another, younger crowd. Business had been better than usual since Romeo had replaced Piano Man's empty bench, an audition process that had taken well over six months to accomplish. Romeo sighed lightly as the boy's long fingers dashed back and forth across the piano keys.

Odetta tapped him heavily on his arm. “That baby ready to come here right now. That fool wife of yours sitting up there scared to death to admit that it's time for her to go have that child, but I can see from the expression on her face that her pains coming real hard now.” Odetta pointed in Taryn's direction as she continued. “You best get her to the hospital before she be having that boy on the bar over there. Lord knows that won't be no pretty sight. Shoot. Would sho' 'nuff scare the people off tonight, and I needs my tips.”

Romeo squeezed Odetta's elbow as he pushed his way past her. As he strolled toward Taryn, he could see that the brown in her face had drained to a faint yellow and that she clutched heavily onto the edge of the wooden counter.

“Hey, you? Something else we should be doing right now?” he asked sarcastically.

“I guess it's starting to get obvious, huh?” Taryn answered, panting lightly.

“Woman, what the hell are you waiting for? Why didn't you say something?”

Taryn shrugged, tears welling up in her eyes. “I didn't think it was anything serious. I thought maybe I was just having some cramps and they'd go away. It's really starting to hurt right now though,” she gasped as she gripped the edge of the bar once more.

Romeo shook his head, signaling for Malcolm. “You guys are on your own tonight, my friend. Looks like we're going to have a baby,” he shouted over the roar of the crowd as he lifted Taryn onto her feet and guided her out the door.

In the car, he raced toward Rex Hospital, which seemed a long ten miles away from the club. Taryn's breathing came in heavy gasps as she struggled to maintain her calm. Shaking, she reached out for Romeo's arm, clutching him tightly.

“Ouch,” she sputtered. “That one really hurt.”

Romeo accelerated the vehicle, spinning the tires through an intersection, the light above just turning crimson. “We're here, Mrs. Marshall. Won't be much longer now,” he said, racing toward the emergency room entrance to find some assistance.

As a nursing attendant pushed the wheelchair toward the maternity ward, making light conversation with Taryn as she did, Romeo noted the stark whiteness of the hospital, the walls graced sporadically with pictures of Catholic saints and crucifixes. In an examining room, the nurse pushed a green hospital gown into his hands as the doctor lifted Taryn's legs into the stirrups to examine her. Romeo winced slightly as he saw the man's hands disappear between his wife's legs.

“Look's like you made it just in time,” the rotund man with his balding crown said. Turning toward Romeo, he continued. “You better suit up. She's already dilated nine centimeters. Once she hits ten we're going to deliver this baby.”

Taryn smiled weakly as another contraction ripped through her midsection. Gasping for air, she gripped the side of the bed, perspiration beading up on her forehead. Romeo pried the crisp white sheet from her clutched fist, entwining her fingers between his.

“You're doing just fine,” he cooed lightly.

“Sure I am,” Taryn said, sarcasm edging her words. “This mess hurts. No one told me it was going to hurt like this.”

“Dr. Brandt, can she have something for the pain?” Romeo asked.

The doctor smiled passively at Romeo, then directed his attention back to Taryn. “Taryn, you are doing really well. I really don't want to give you anything if I don't have to, especially with you dilated as much as you are. Just concentrate on your breathing. Try to focus on relaxing and this will go by real quick.”

Taryn nodded. “I'll live,” she said loudly as another contraction hit her broadside. “Then again, maybe I won't,” she gasped anxiously.

Romeo squeezed her hand. “You know I'd do this for you if I could, don't you?”

“Please. You couldn't take this pain, as big of a baby as you are. Who are you trying to fool?”

Romeo laughed. “I thought I'd give it a try. I thought I sounded pretty convincing.”

“Damn,” Taryn cursed loudly, squeezing his fingers tightly. “Doc, I really need to push here. I can't take this any longer.”

Examining her again, the doctor settled himself comfortably between her knees. “You're ready to go, Taryn. The baby's head has started to crown.”

As the doctor shouted instructions, first to the nurse, then to Taryn, Romeo watched the crown of silky black hair ease slowly past Taryn's labia. With each push, Taryn clamped down tightly on his hand, tears streaming down her face. As Romeo struggled to support her, he watched as the doctor nonchalantly pulled the screaming brown mass from her womb. “It's a boy,” he announced, laying the small figure atop her stomach.