Legacy of Love

Chapter 20





Jackson and Zoe walked along Peachtree Street after having come from seeing the latest Tyler Perry movie.

Zoe listened in stunned silence while Jackson told her what was going on at the college. He’d decided to tell her in the event that there was any fallout. He didn’t want her blindsided by any allegations. And if they were going to have a real relationship he knew that they would have to be honest with each other.

After that night at his house when Zoe broke down and told him that he was the reason why she’d hesitated about going to New York, he felt more confident in opening up to her as she had done. He didn’t want secrets between them and he wanted her to feel safe with telling him whatever was on her mind.

Zoe squeezed his hand while they walked. Her thoughts tried to keep pace with the stream of information. Why would someone do something like that?

“So what now? I mean are they going to try to find out who sent the letter?”

“For the time being, no.”

She was thoughtful for a moment. “You’re okay with that?”

“I’m not okay with any of it. It’s a real ugly feeling to have that hanging over your head. But I also don’t want this to go to the next level and blow out of control. If the dean is willing to let it go, then I’ll go along with it.”

“Do you think it was that woman, Victoria?”

“No.” He shook his head. “What would be her point, especially if she was planning on leaving anyway?”

“True.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I’m glad you told me.”

He kissed the top of her head. “So am I.”

They turned the corner to where Jackson had parked his car. “How did your staff take the news about you leaving in two weeks?”

She laughed lightly. “Once they got over the shock and understood that I was coming back, it was like a party. They’re really happy for me.”

“So am I. Do you realize how important this is? The Guggenheim is one of the premiere museums in the world. And they want you, baby.”

She looked up and him and grinned, seeing the look of pride and happiness in his face.

“I know, I know,” she said, feeling a little giddy after finally accepting what was happening to her and her career.

They reached Jackson’s car and he opened the door for her.

“So much has happened so fast,” she said thought fully, settling into her seat. “It’s hard to take it all in sometimes.”

Jackson stuck the key in the ignition and turned on the car. “You seem to be handling it well.” He pulled out of the parking spot.

She wanted to tell him about the dreams, the increasing frequency, explain all the stories she’d been told and that it would all culminate on her thirtieth birthday. As much as she’d dismissed it all as old family lore, it was becoming clear to her that something was definitely happening to her and there didn’t seem to be anything she could do to stop it. She knew that when they made love it was no ordinary lovemaking. Although they’d never put it all into words, they had shared that they felt something had happened. She wasn’t ready yet. But soon.

“Do you have everything you need for tomorrow night?” Zoe asked.

“Yeah, I think so. Michelle has totally taken over the plans. And I can’t thank you enough for getting her the job. She’s like a new person, smiling all the time, actually happy.”

“It was nothing. There was an opening and she was there at the right time. She’s doing great and she fits right in.”

“That’s good to hear. Having something to do everyday that she enjoys is just what she needs. Did she tell you that this was the first job she’s had since college?”

“She did. That’s just so hard for me to wrap my mind around—giving up your identity, your sense of self and turn it all over to someone else.” She slowly shook her head.

“I guess she thought she was going to have a marriage like our parents. My father took care of the finances and my mother took care of the family. It worked for them.”

“I have no idea what it’s like growing up with two parents, good, bad or otherwise. I don’t even know my father.” She played with the clasp on her purse.

Jackson cast a look toward her. “From what I can tell, your folks did a fabulous job raising you.”

She gave him a tight smile. “Yeah,” she said softly. “I didn’t turn out too bad.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting your friend Sharlene,” he said, getting the feeling that he needed to switch topics.

Zoe chuckled. “Let’s just say that the feeling is mutual.”



“Shay asleep?” Zoe asked as she picked up the tray of crab meat salad and took it out back.

“Finally.” Michelle sighed. “I thought she was never going to sleep.”

The doorbell rang.

“That might be Sharlene. I’ll get it.” Zoe went to the door. “Hey, girl, right on time.” She kissed Sharlene’s cheek and took the small shopping bag from her.

“Zee, this is Ray. Ray, my best friend in the world, Zoe Beaumont.”

“Nice to meet you. Come on in. We’re just getting set up.”

Sharlene and Ray walked inside.

“What did you bring? I told you that you didn’t have to bring anything.”

“What self-respecting Southern girl would come to a dinner party empty-handed?” She laughed, emphasizing her New Orleans twang. She leaned close and whispered in Zoe’s ear. “Looks like you already have the run of the house, miss. You don’t waste any time. Now where is Mr. Hot and Bothered?”

Zoe hugged her friend. “He’s out back. Now act right,” she warned. “Don’t embarrass me.”

“I’m offended.”

“Right.” She hooked her arm through Sharlene’s and they joined Jackson and Michelle on the back deck.

Jackson was putting the beers in the cooler when they came through the door. Michelle was lighting citronella candles.

Zoe made the introductions to Michelle and Jackson.

“Good to finally meet you,” Jackson said. “Zoe’s been telling me all about you.”

“Same here,” Sharlene said with a grin and ignored the look that Zoe threw her way.

“Really?” He slid his arm around Zoe’s waist. He kissed her forehead. He stuck his hand out to shake Ray’s hand. “Can I get you a beer or something stronger?”

“Beer sounds good.”

“Coming right up.”

The front doorbell pinged in the distance. “Mikki, can you get that? It should be Levi.”

“Sure. Ya’ll help yourselves,” she said before hurrying up front.

She got the door and pulled it open. Her breath caught. “Hi. You must be Levi.”

His slow, easy smile greeted her. “And you must be Michelle.”

“Yes.”

They stood there caught in the split second of newness.

The sound of laughter coming from the group out back broke the spell.

Michelle stepped aside. “Please come in. Where are my manners?”

Levi walked past her. “Sounds like I’m late.”

“No. We’re just getting started.”

He held up a bottle of wine, which Michelle took. “I’ll put this on ice. Come. It’s this way.”

She led him through the kitchen and swore she felt his eyes on her every move. She opened the back door and stepped outside to the safety of the group.

“Hey man, ’bout time,” Jackson greeted, giving Levi a half bear hug. “This is my buddy, Levi Fortune. A professor at Clarke-Atlanta and the recent recipient of his second doctorate,” he announced with a flourish and held up a bottle of beer in salute.

The group applauded and followed with a flurry of congratulations and questions about his discipline and how he’d managed to teach and work on his dissertation at the same time.

Levi took it all in stride and in his quiet way answered the questions and then graciously turned the conversation away from himself and on current events.

The group filled their plates with salad, chicken kabobs, grilled shrimp and butter-soft steak. Music played in the background and the evening was warm and star-filled.

Michelle worked at keeping something in her hand or doing something other than stare at Levi. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so attracted to a man.

She’d been a married woman for ten years. And before Travis she could count the number of relationships she’d had on one hand. When she got married she’d turned off her radar, turned off her sex appeal to other men and ignored it when she saw it in them. Until now.

“What do you think, Michelle?” Jackson was asking.

She blinked and put down the glass she’d been holding. “Oh, I’m sorry, what were you saying?”

Jackson looked at her curiously. “I was asking what you thought about the genealogy program that you work on at the museum? Levi has been thinking about tracing his roots.”

She shot a glance in Levi’s direction and he was staring right back at her. She swallowed. “Well, I’m just getting the hang of it, but it’s really fantastic, easy to learn. The patrons that come in to use it get a lot from it.”

“Maybe I’ll stop by one day and you can show it to me.”

“Um, sure. Anytime. Well, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“There’s plenty more food,” Zoe said, tickled at the energy popping back and forth between Michelle and Levi. “Can I refill any plates?”

“I’m stuffed,” Sharlene said. “Everything was wonderful.” Ray took her hand. “We had a great time, but we’re going to be heading out.”

“Thanks for coming,” Jackson said, standing to shake Ray’s hand. “And it was good to finally meet you, Sharlene.”

“We’ll have to do this again. Maybe at my place next time,” Sharlene said, gathering her things.

“I’ll walk you out.” Zoe excused herself and went with them to the door.

“I’ll call you, sis,” Sharlene said, then whispered in her ear, “Jackson is a hottie. You hit pay dirt this time.”

“Don’t I know it.” She waved to Ray. “Take care of my girl.”

“I plan to. Good night.”

Zoe closed the door and returned to the deck. Jackson was reclining on a lounge chair and Michelle and Levi were in a quiet conversation. She eased up alongside Jackson.

“Hey, baby,” she whispered. “Why don’t we go inside and give them some space?”

He glanced over in his sister’s direction then back at Zoe. He grinned and pulled himself up from the chair. “Come on, I’m sure we can find something to do.”

Michelle didn’t even notice that they’d left. She was totally absorbed in what Levi was saying.

He was funny, smart and good to look at, Michelle thought as he talked about his students and his love of teaching.

“What about you? Jackson told me a little but I’m sure not the important things.”

“What would you like to know?”

“Tell me what you like to do when you’re not being a mom, a sister, a great cook.”

The question halted her for a moment. When she thought about it, that’s all she was, all she had been for so long, she didn’t know how to be anything else.

“I…I don’t know really. That must sound silly. But…”

“No. It doesn’t. But how about this. Since you’re new in town and don’t know your way around or what you like, what if…I showed you. Dinner, dancing, a movie.”

“I…” She didn’t know where to look. “I’m married. I mean…I couldn’t.”

“I’m sorry. That was out of line. I just thought… I’m sorry.” He looked at her for a moment. “Hey, it’s getting late, I should probably get going, too.” He got up and Michelle’s gaze rose with him.

“I don’t know what Jackson may have told you about why I’m here.”

“Nothing, really.”

“I just left a bad relationship. I didn’t know it was bad at the time. But…anyway, it’s too soon for me to be thinking about—”

“Getting involved. Look I totally understand. I only thought that if you wanted to do something sometime, I’d be willing. When you’re ready—to be a friend.”

She bobbed her head.

“So, maybe I can stop by the museum, on a Monday, Wednesday or a Friday and if you’re not busy,” he said with a soft smile on his lips, “you might want to have lunch…or something.”

“Okay. I’d like that.”

“Good.” He leaned down and lightly kissed her cheek. “Good night, Michelle.”

“Good night.”

Michelle rested back against the seat, listened to the door open and close. Her heart was still beating a mile a minute.

A man, a handsome, intelligent man had asked her out. She didn’t know how to be with anyone other than Travis. She looked toward the door. But she was willing to learn all over again. And maybe Levi would be the one to teach her.