worry.”
“No pill is foolproof. Most manufacturers leave room for error, claiming their products to be around ninety-eight-percent effective.”
Malcolm snorted. “And here I sit, part of the unlucky two percent.”
“Well, there’s another way to look at this. Babies are blessings. I’ve always wanted a child.”
“Why don’t you have one? Come to think of it, why aren’t you married?”
“Good questions.”
“Seriously, Joyce. You’re a smart, attractive woman. You obviously have a lot going for you. I can think of any number of eligible men here in Atlanta who would be lucky to have you.”
“And they’re not gay?”
“Well, there’s that. ATL has become the black gay capital. But trust me, there are plenty of bona fide heterosexuals hanging in here, and then there’s the rest of the country. You travel quite a bit, correct? Which means you’re not limited to just looking in this area.”
“Maybe I’m just picky. I had my sights on a certain gentlemen the past couple of years, but that didn’t work out.”
“Oh? What happened?”
“It’s a long story, but the short version is that he wasn’t available.”
“Married?”
To your mother
. “At the time we met, he hinted at some dissatisfaction with his marriage. I thought a separation was imminent. He’s a wonderful man, worth waiting for. So I did.”
“And now …”
“He’s not going to leave her. So I’ve moved on.”
“Good for you. You deserve someone who can give you as much as I’m sure you’ll give him.”
Joyce cocked her head and studied Malcolm.
You really are a younger version of your father. I wonder if you’re as committed to Victoria as he is to Candace
. “You’re a good man, Malcolm. I hope Victoria appreciates you.”
Malcolm took a long sip of cognac. “Victoria appreciates the lifestyle and the children. She doesn’t even—”
Malcolm became silent as the waiter appeared with rolls, two side salads, and piping-hot plates containing medium-well sirloin steaks; buttery baked potatoes, and carrot, corn, and green bean vegetable medleys. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was,” he said after a few bites. “Thanks for reminding me to eat. And thanks for listening. It’s been a while since I felt I’ve been heard.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
Joyce waited for the conversation to change from good food and big business back to babies and the state of Malcolm’s marriage. When it didn’t, Joyce decided it was time to go home. She’d had a busy day and another awaited her tomorrow. Still, she’d enjoyed spending the evening in the company of a handsome, intelligent man.
“Thanks for dinner,” Joyce said after Malcolm insisted on paying the bill. “I’ve enjoyed the company but have probably kept you away from your family long enough. Are you okay to drive?”
“Yes, but I’m not ready to go home. Let’s go back to my office and have coffee. There’s something there that I want to show you.”
17
S eptember came in bright and balmy. Candace and Diane sat in Diane’s airy dining room, sipping cappuccinos and poring over the program samples for the upcoming annual black-tie social.
“I like that one,” Diane said, pointing to a design made from cream-colored linen paper that featured a scalloped border.
“Yes, that’s nice.”
“But this gold and purple design looks more regal and would complement the overall color scheme. This,” she said, picking up the cream-colored paper, “might be too bland.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Candace Renee Livingston, where is your mind, darlin’? Because it certainly isn’t on Jack or Jill. Never mind, I know what it’s on, or more specifically, who it’s on. I made some sweet potato ice cream earlier, with a pecan crunch topping to go with it. You want some?”
“Sweet potato?”
Diane walked the few feet from the dining room to the kitchen and kept talking. “Yes, from the Neelys cooking show. Girl, you know I love me some Pat
“No pill is foolproof. Most manufacturers leave room for error, claiming their products to be around ninety-eight-percent effective.”
Malcolm snorted. “And here I sit, part of the unlucky two percent.”
“Well, there’s another way to look at this. Babies are blessings. I’ve always wanted a child.”
“Why don’t you have one? Come to think of it, why aren’t you married?”
“Good questions.”
“Seriously, Joyce. You’re a smart, attractive woman. You obviously have a lot going for you. I can think of any number of eligible men here in Atlanta who would be lucky to have you.”
“And they’re not gay?”
“Well, there’s that. ATL has become the black gay capital. But trust me, there are plenty of bona fide heterosexuals hanging in here, and then there’s the rest of the country. You travel quite a bit, correct? Which means you’re not limited to just looking in this area.”
“Maybe I’m just picky. I had my sights on a certain gentlemen the past couple of years, but that didn’t work out.”
“Oh? What happened?”
“It’s a long story, but the short version is that he wasn’t available.”
“Married?”
To your mother
. “At the time we met, he hinted at some dissatisfaction with his marriage. I thought a separation was imminent. He’s a wonderful man, worth waiting for. So I did.”
“And now …”
“He’s not going to leave her. So I’ve moved on.”
“Good for you. You deserve someone who can give you as much as I’m sure you’ll give him.”
Joyce cocked her head and studied Malcolm.
You really are a younger version of your father. I wonder if you’re as committed to Victoria as he is to Candace
. “You’re a good man, Malcolm. I hope Victoria appreciates you.”
Malcolm took a long sip of cognac. “Victoria appreciates the lifestyle and the children. She doesn’t even—”
Malcolm became silent as the waiter appeared with rolls, two side salads, and piping-hot plates containing medium-well sirloin steaks; buttery baked potatoes, and carrot, corn, and green bean vegetable medleys. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was,” he said after a few bites. “Thanks for reminding me to eat. And thanks for listening. It’s been a while since I felt I’ve been heard.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
Joyce waited for the conversation to change from good food and big business back to babies and the state of Malcolm’s marriage. When it didn’t, Joyce decided it was time to go home. She’d had a busy day and another awaited her tomorrow. Still, she’d enjoyed spending the evening in the company of a handsome, intelligent man.
“Thanks for dinner,” Joyce said after Malcolm insisted on paying the bill. “I’ve enjoyed the company but have probably kept you away from your family long enough. Are you okay to drive?”
“Yes, but I’m not ready to go home. Let’s go back to my office and have coffee. There’s something there that I want to show you.”
17
S eptember came in bright and balmy. Candace and Diane sat in Diane’s airy dining room, sipping cappuccinos and poring over the program samples for the upcoming annual black-tie social.
“I like that one,” Diane said, pointing to a design made from cream-colored linen paper that featured a scalloped border.
“Yes, that’s nice.”
“But this gold and purple design looks more regal and would complement the overall color scheme. This,” she said, picking up the cream-colored paper, “might be too bland.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Candace Renee Livingston, where is your mind, darlin’? Because it certainly isn’t on Jack or Jill. Never mind, I know what it’s on, or more specifically, who it’s on. I made some sweet potato ice cream earlier, with a pecan crunch topping to go with it. You want some?”
“Sweet potato?”
Diane walked the few feet from the dining room to the kitchen and kept talking. “Yes, from the Neelys cooking show. Girl, you know I love me some Pat
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