The Battle Within (12 page)

Sandy didn’t like the sound of that, “Okay.”

“I would like to know what will it take to get someone like you to leave my son alone?”

She was taken aback by the bluntness of her comment and as more than a little shocked. She knew they were not very approving of the relationship, but Sandy was genuinely thrown for a loop, “Excuse me?”

“I’m pretty sure you heard me the first time, so I won’t waste my time or yours repeating myself.”

Sandy looked from mother to daughter doing her best not to lose it on them. “Someone like me? I’m sorry, I’m not exactly sure I understand what you mean.”

“Let’s cut to the chase. You and my son are not even remotely compatible. Roman has worked hard to get to where he is today. And, from what I’ve learned about you…” Claire looked around the boutique, “Let’s just say you’ve had a colorful history with men. Specifically…
black
men. And, I’m sure your 401K plan couldn’t have possibly paid for this place.”

The things Sandy wanted to say to Claire would have made a drunken sailor blush. However, through some superhuman effort she refrained, “Before I throw you out of my store, I’m just curious…how do you think that you can come into my place of business, insult me, and demand that
I leave your son alone
? You do realize that Roman is a grown man right?”

Lisa responded, “We all know that superficial things can sometimes blind men and that they can be guided by what’s between their legs.”

“Wow. I’m never speechless but in this moment…I honestly don’t have anything to say.”

“The bottom line, Ms. Catchings, is that you are the wrong type of woman for Roman.”

The shock was wearing off and bubbling anger was starting to surface, “Neither of you really know anything about me, yet you’ve come into my store and disrespected your son and insulted me. If you had known anything about me, then you for damn sure would have known this was a bad idea.”

Andrea had been standing in the background with her mouth hanging open. She heard all she could, “I think it’s time for both of you to get the hell out of our store before we throw you out!”

Claire’s eyes cut to Andrea then back to Sandy, “I’d hoped we could have handled this amicably….”

“And, why would you have hoped that? You’ve come in here with as much pull as any stranger off the street and have told me that I should leave your son and
my fiancé
alone. It baffles my mind to think under any circumstances that would work! Yes, I do think it’s time for you to get out of my store.”

“I should have known that a woman with such loose morals would not see reason. Well, I tried to handle this the easy way. But, you’ve forced my hand. I wield a lot more influence with my son than you apparently can appreciate. And, trust me, you don’t want me as any enemy. I’m retired and Lisa can work from anywhere. We have nothing but time. And, we’ll be here for as long as it takes to get Roman to see reason.”

“Ms. Benton…I won’t kowtow to your threats. I asked you to leave. Now, I am telling you to get out of my store…
now
!”

The three women held each other’s gazes for a moment before Clair and Lisa Benton finally exited the store.

Andrea turned to Sandy, “Wow. That was crazy! Talk about the mother-in-law from hell. You’re going to need a food taster the next time you have dinner at her house. You didn’t tell me they were even in town.”

“They got in yesterday morning and stayed in their rooms for most of the day.”

“So, this was why Roman never introduced you to his family? They are crazy.”

“Yeah, crazy like a fox.”

Clair and Lisa left the store and walked to their rental car. As soon as they got inside, Clair took her phone out of her purse. She dialed a number. The phone rang…once…twice…

“Hello. I’ve been waiting for your call. How did it go?”

“Kate, it was even worse than what you’ve told us. Not only is she a blue-eyed porcelain princess…she’s full of white privilege. I will not let my son make the mistake of his life. I fully understand why he hadn’t introduced her to us. He knew we wouldn’t approve.”

“I’m sure you’re right. And, I’m glad you understand my concerns. Please remember that Roman doesn’t know that I’ve talked to you.”

“No, of course, that will remain between us. I know how much you care about him, so I’m very grateful you contacted me. I don’t understand why he can’t see what’s standing right in front of his face every day. You would be perfect for him.” She sighed deeply, “Well, now that I’m here, it’s time for me to do what mothers do best…protect their children.”

Chapter 12

Four weeks later…

After a long day at the boutique, dealing with his mother and sister was the last thing Sandy needed. She’d been doing her best to include them in the wedding planning out of respect for Roman, all the while knowing they were dead set against it. They also spent the last few weeks making mountains out of molehills and stirring up trouble. The Roman, who had her back when they first arrived, was now making excuses for inexcusable behavior.

But, this time Claire had gone too far. Sandy caught her listening in as she talked on the phone to Vicky. If the house wasn’t big enough for all of them, she knew for sure Roman’s office space wasn’t.

“I couldn’t help but overhear your phone call. So, you’re going to babysit those little mulatto children I met the other day?” Claire turned her nose up in disgust, “Children of mixed race seem to have such a hard time in society. I hope you and Roman aren’t planning on having any.”

How dare she insult Angel and Jay! She couldn’t believe the nerve of this woman! And, while Sandy didn’t have any plans on ever having any children, she might just have a whole football team to spite her.

She lost it, “You are one evil witch! What would you do if Roman and I decided to give you a half dozen little black and white grandchildren? Maybe they’ll even come out looking just like me. What is it that I’ve heard you call me?” Sandy snapped her fingers, “A whole brood of red-haired blue-eyed devils! Do you know how racists you sound?”

“I’m not racist!”

“Really? Even your son knows you’re a racist; that’s why you were the last to know that we were even engaged!”

“I’m not a racist. I just don’t want some piece of white trash batting her eyelashes and opening her legs forcing him into making ridiculous decisions.”

Sandy narrowed her eyes, “I’ve never forced Roman to do anything! And, for the record, he seems to like what’s between my legs. Just to be clear, if you don’t believe me…maybe you should go ask him!”

Sandy turned on her heels and left for her bedroom. She slammed the door behind her once she reached it.

Pacing back and forth, how dare she? She didn’t even try to pretend to be civil when Roman wasn’t around. But, when he was around, she wanted to act all sweet as pie. And, he fell for it…hook…line…and sinker every time! What was she going to do about this?

*****

Roman came home from work exhausted. They had to figure out what he was going to do with his overseas plant. He’d invested way too much money to shutter it, but they might have to at least close it temporarily. Especially since, two of his employees were killed in a roadside bombing attack on their way to work this morning.

Kate was a godsend. He didn’t know what he’d do without her. She’d been standing shoulder to shoulder with him during the crisis. He was going to take a quick shower, grab a bite to eat, and then head back to the office.

However, he didn’t get into the door good before he ran into his sister. The look on her face sent off warning bells.

He spoke as he took off his jacket, “Hey Lisa.”

“You’ve got to do something about Sandy! If you don’t…I will.”

Frustration evident in his voice, “What happened now?”

“I wasn’t here, but she really upset mom. Her blood pressure is through the roof, and you know with her medical condition we can’t have that.”

“Is she alright?”

“She’s resting. You know how that blood pressure medication works. But, seriously, I can’t understand her being so disrespectful. And, to your mother!” Lisa spat out, “Mom said she called her a racist. A
racist
, Roman!”

“Sandy wouldn’t say anything like that.”

Lisa crossed her arms underneath her breasts, “Oh really? So, mom and me are lying?”

Roman rubbed his forehead, “All I’m saying is I’m sure it’s a big misunderstanding.”

“I don’t know how you can misunderstand the word,
racist
! I’m going back upstairs to check on mom, but like I said, you need to handle this thing with Sandra, or I will!” Lisa turned in a huff and went back toward her mother’s bedroom.

All Roman could think was that he didn’t need this…not today.

*****

He dragged himself up the stairs not having the energy to deal with this right now. However, he needed to handle the escalating tension between Sandy and his mother and sister.

When Roman entered the bedroom, her back was to him. She was on her laptop sitting on the bed. He knew that she’d heard him come in because he could see her body tense up.

Roman dropped his jacket and briefcase on a chair beside the bed, “Did you really call my mother a
racist
?”

Sandy slowly turned around while still sitting on the bed, “Your mother said some pretty vulgar things to me…”

He raised his voice, “So you called her a racist?! That’s below the belt. She’s my mother for god’s sake. You need to show her some respect!”

She was seething, “Respect? I’ve shown that woman nothing but respect while she has
disrespected
me and insulted me at every turn!”

“So…now…she’s
that woman
? That is
MY mother
you’re talking about! And, I’ve never seen her disrespect you. I told her and Lisa the day they showed up at my door that I wouldn’t tolerate it. They’ve respected my wishes because they love me regardless of how they feel about you.”

Sandy wanted to scream, “I can’t believe you’re letting them manipulate us like this.”

“I’m letting them manipulate us? Me? You called my mother a racist, but I’m the one who’s being manipulated by them? You were wrong Sandy. And, you need to apologize.”

“What? You’ve got to be kidding me? You don’t even know what actually happened, and I’m not apologizing. Hell will freeze over ten times before I do that!”

Sandy went over to the closet and pulled out an overnight bag. She stalked passed him into their bathroom to get her toothbrush and other toiletries. When she came back, she threw them in the bag.

“You're a bit over dramatic don’t you think?”

She wouldn’t even look at him, she was so furious, “Vicky asked if I would stay overnight and watch her
mulatto
children while she and Jason go out.”

He flinched, “Mulatto? What the hell?”

“Ask your mother about it. She’s the one who called my godchildren and any potential children we might have that god awful word.” Sandy threw a pair of yoga pants, a t-shirt, socks, some gym shoes, and undergarments into the bag. “I think it’s a good idea to get out of this house to cool off before one of us says something we’ll regret.”

Sandy snatched up her laptop, put it in the bag, threw the strap over her shoulder and left.

Chapter 13

Vicky was rushing, “I’m late. Jason’s going to kill me. He’s meeting me at the hotel since its closer to his office.” Muttering to herself as she turned around the room, “Where’s our overnight bag? I just had it.” She spotted it on the floor next to the desk in the family room, “Oh…there it is. Now, what did I do with my keys?”

Sandy pointed across the room, “Are those your keys next to the lamp on the desk?”

She blew out a loud breath while grabbing her keys, “Yes. I’m losing it. They’re right here.”

“No…you’re just in a hurry and want to make tonight special. No sex for six weeks can make you crazy. And, knowing you and Jason that had to be almost impossible.”

Vicky laughed, “Oh my god when I called to tell him the doctor finally released me Jason was ready to leave work right then and there.”

“I bet.”

“I can’t thank you enough for coming over to watch the kids on such short notice. Jason’s parents, Aunt Shirley and John Lucas are still on vacation together. They were supposed to be back today but extended their trip. Our nanny was going to stay until they got here. But, she had to leave due to some kind of an emergency. As much as we love our nanny, after everything with Angel, you know how I feel about an overnighter. Did you park your car in the garage?”

“Yeah, I don’t blame you. And, yes. I parked in the garage. Because, if I wake up tomorrow, and any of those obnoxious teens down the street has teepee my car like they’ve done to your neighbors, I’m likely to run them over.”

Vicky laughed.

“You’re laughing, but I’m dead serious. Anyway, where will you be staying?”

“I wrote everything about where we’re staying right here along with all the other instructions.” Vicky picked up a large sheet of paper from the desk.

Sandy tried to keep her face blank instead of laughing out loud at the book of instructions. Considering, this was Vicky’s first time leaving the kids since Jay was born, she decided to tease her about it on his fifth birthday. But, for now…she listened intently.

“Let’s see…Angel should be down for the night. Jay was just changed and had his last bottle about an hour ago. There are several pre-made bottles in the refrigerator. There should be plenty until we get home tomorrow.”

While mulling everything over, she spoke mostly to herself, “What am I forgetting?” Nervously, she chewed her bottom lip, “I can’t think of anything else. But please call me if you have any questions. I mean it…
anything
. Anything at all.”

“I will…promise.” Sandy crossed her heart, “Angel and Jay will be okay. Now, go have an amazing time. And, please don’t make the hotel manager have to call the cops because of all the screaming that will be coming from your room.”