UNCERTAINTY
The old back storage room where she once slept had now become an oversized walk in storage closet. It was complete with movable shelves and pull out rolling storage drawers. There everything was kept from clothes to shoes, to personal hygiene items as well as brochures for her clients. The larger back room where all the books were stored had now become a small kitchenette. It was complete with a microwave and full sized refrigerator tucked in the corner near the back door.
“Thank God I don’t have errands to run today.” Sinclair said a she shook off her umbrella when she walked into her agency. “It’s pouring cats and dogs out there.”
“Morning Sinclair,” chimed her assistant Sasha and staffer Oliver.
“Morning, everyone, I hope everyone’s weekend was great.” Sinclair said while taking off her hat and placing it and her umbrella on the stand.
“It was nice,” Oliver replied while grabbing a mint from the candy jar.
“Sasha, can you give me the rundown of our calendar?” Sinclair asked as they made their way to the table.
With her notepad in hand Sasha began. “Today you have a ten o’clock with Mr. Dunbar who wants to speak to you regarding the repairs to the basement.”
“That’s great because I would like to fix it up and use the space for more storage,” Sinclair said to Robyn.
“At eleven o’clock we have several clients coming in that need our help,” Sasha explained as she checked the items off her list.
“I believe one of the women is also pregnant.” Oliver added to the conversation.
“That’s not a problem at all. Please put in a few extra large shirts and pants with an elastic waist in her bag when you pack it. That way the baby can have room to grow.
“It’s already done,” Oliver replied as he sipped his French Vanilla coffee.
“Great job Oliver,” Sinclair said.
“I have a questions Sinclair.” Sasha raised her pen in the air. “It’s hurricane weather outside and yet your face is glowing. Would you like to tell us why?”
“I noticed that too Sasha,” Oliver said as a matter of fact.
“What? I am not glowing.” Sinclair replied ignoring them both.
“Yes you are.” The two said in unison.
“Okay if you must know, I am just really happy these days. The people I employ are great and the man I have been dating is wonderful. Are you happy now?”
“I want to sit in the front row when you two get married,” Sasha chimed in.
“And I will be sitting right next to you,” Oliver added.
“You guys are crazy, I’m going to my office,” Sinclair said while grabbing her things to leave.
“And Oliver and Sasha thank you for all you do for me. I really appreciate it.” Sinclair smiled.
“You’re welcome,” Sasha and Oliver simply replied.
Sinclair climbed the stairs to her loft office which she considered to be her sanctuary. At one point it was the storage area for books before she converted it into her office. Now her converted office looked like it belonged on a magazine cover. Her sanctuary was nicely decorated with book shelves filled with gifts that her former clients had given her. A collage of pictures that she had taken with her clients hung vibrantly on the largest wall. Various plagues and certificates also hung on her walls.
The contractor was so impressed with the outcome that he began using her space as a model for his future projects. Miss Marjorie would surely be proud of what she had done to the place.
“Sinclair, your ten o’clock is here. Should I send him up?” Sasha asked over the intercom.
“Yes, you can send him up.” Sinclair said as put away a few papers into her top drawer.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Dunbar.” Sinclair said while she extended her hand to shake as he reached the last step.
“Same here Miss Madison,” the gentleman said as he shook her hand.
“Please, have a seat,” Sinclair offered him while pointing to the two chairs sitting directly in front of her desk.
“Thank you for seeing me Miss Madison, I know you are a busy woman.” He replied as he laid his rain coat on the arm of the empty chair.
“So, Mr. Dunbar I understand that you are here about the repairs that I need done.” Sinclair implied as she took her seat at her desk.
“Forgive me, but that’s not exactly the truth,” the gentleman admitted.
Sinclair feeling a little uneasy, straightened herself in her chair not knowing what to expect.
“Before I begin, my full name is Chad Dunbar but you can just call me Chad. We don’t have to use all the formalities because I am a businessman just like you are a businesswoman. I’m a real estate investor doing business in this area.” He said as he reached into his left jacket pocket and handed Sinclair his business card.
That definitely explained the way he was dressed, Sinclair thought. He was way too overdressed to be a contractor. He was wearing a light gray suit and he had a pocket watch hanging from his inside vest pocket. Sinclair didn’t know what to think of the man that sat before her, but she didn’t like the feeling that had begun to creep into the pit of her stomach. Besides lying to her about his reasoning for making an appointment, something else was just not sitting well with Sinclair.
She had learned to read people years ago in the system and she could easily tell when someone was not only lying to her but had alternative plans. She always kept her belongings packed when she got that feeling. Those feelings had never lied to her because every time she felt uneasy she ended up being moved to a new home. Today she sat with a stranger and those same feelings came back to her.
“So why are you here Mr. Dunbar?” Sinclair asked ignoring his request to call him Chad.
The tall Caucasian man brushed his blond hair with his hands and continued. “Can I call you Sinclair?” He asked her nonchalantly.
Sinclair cracked her folded hands and sat forward. “Look Mr. Dunbar, let’s not play this game. I don’t know you and you don’t know me. So let’s keep the formalities right where they are as Miss Madison and Mr. Dunbar.” Sinclair was not about to sit and let this man come into her office and turn their business into a personal affair.
“My apologies Miss Madison.” The man said while holding up his hands.
“Thank you for your apologies. Now exactly how can I help you?” Sinclair spoke in a stern voice.
“I want to buy your business and this property that it sits on.” Mr. Dunbar replied in a cool voice getting right to the point.
“It’s not for sale.” Sinclair said blankly.
“When you converted this old bookstore into the new business it drastically increased the value of this property. Even Marjorie Betton herself could not have imagined what a tremendous spike in the property value renovating would do,” the blue eyed man said while unbuttoning his vest jacket.
“I see you have done your homework, Mr. Dunbar but it’s still not for sale. Now unless you want to donate something I think we’re done here.” Her feelings were right, he did have ill intentions.
“I also know that Marjorie Betton once owned it and now you do. I’m thinking with the changing of hands of this fine establishment you would like to make some serious money and change it into my hands.” The man said with a wide evil grin.
Sinclair started getting up from her seat. “Obviously, you are not hearing me when I say my business is not for sale. This meeting or better yet, this charade, is over.”
“Maybe this will help you change your mind.” The man said reaching into his right pocket and handing Sinclair an envelope as he rose to his feet.
Sinclair opened the envelope where she stood. “Mr. Dunbar take you and your five hundred thousand dollar check and leave my business right now. If you don’t, you will have some serious, serious problems.” Sinclair said in an even more stern voice as she handed the envelope back to Mr. Dunbar.
“That’s okay.” The man said taking back the envelope and grabbing his rain jacket off the chair. “I am leaving anyway but I will be back sooner rather than later.” He said as he began walking down the stairs.
“I wouldn’t advise that Mr. Dunbar. It would not be a good idea, trust me.” Sinclair said to him as he stopped and turned back to her.
“Good day Miss Madison.” He said as he placed his hat on his head and he walked out into the rainy weather.
********************
“Robyn this was such a good idea coming to the mall today. It’s like a hundred degrees outside today and what better place than to hit the mall in Virginia for a nice change of scenery,” Sinclair said as they walked around the massive mall.
The four story mall was filled with many shoppers on this extremely hot day milling around the numerous stores. Some were trying to get away from the humid temperatures outside while others were simply at the mall shopping which featured one hundred stores under its glass ceiling dome shaped roof.
“So true. Besides, I think I am tanned enough,” joked about the dark skinned Robyn who wore her dread locks pinned up because of the heat.
“Girl I am not far behind you neither.” Sinclair laughed. “Look I’m tanned on the outside of my arms and we have only been outside for about twenty minutes.”
“You know Robyn, the strangest thing happened this week at the office,” Sinclair said as they strolled through the crowded mall.
“What happened?” Robyn asked as she headed right for the Smoothie and Shake stand.
“I’ll take a banana shake since we’re here,” Sinclair said waiting for Robyn to place her order.
“I’ll have a raspberry chocolate orange smoothie please.” Robyn said to the clerk as both the clerk and Sinclair looked at her strangely.
“What?” She questioned them both. Sinclair just shook her head.
“After you buy up all the flavors please don’t forget my banana shake.” Sinclair knew Robyn had a habit of ordering crazy foods but this took the cake.
After receiving their orders they continued to window shop the many stores. “Anyway,” Sinclair started while sipping on her shake. “Some guy came to the office wanting to see me. I thought he was there about the repairs that had to be done since I had contacted a few contractors but he wasn’t a contractor at all.”
“What? So who was he?” Robyn asked as she stopped to look in the window of a baby store.
“He was a realtor looking to buy my agency and land it sits on,” Sinclair told a surprised Robyn.
“That’s the same surprised look I had on my face too,” Sinclair said pointing to Robyn.
“I didn’t know you were selling the business.” Robyn said deciding to walk into the store this time.
“Neither did I.” Sinclair replied while following Robyn around the store.
Sinclair didn’t know what to think of the man that came to her agency. His demeanor had Sinclair on edge because something did not feel right to her.
“I told him I wasn’t selling and if he wanted to donate something we would accept any donations. He whipped out a check for five hundred thousand dollars for me to sell.” Sinclair explained while looking at Robyn weird.
“What? Are you serious?” Robyn didn’t even notice the unusual way Sinclair was staring at her.
“Girl, I gave him back his check and showed him the door. Before he left he said I would see him again. I told him if he came back to my agency it wouldn’t be pretty. The arrogant guy just gave me the creeps.” Sinclair was still feeling uneasy about him.
“Did you tell Kingston about him?” Robyn asked as she started walking out of the store.
“No, I didn’t want to bother him. Besides it was nothing, just an overzealous realtor.” Sinclair explained.
“Weird. Now if you need me to have Desmond call in a few favors, I can make sure he really doesn’t come back.” Robyn offered while enjoying her mixed smoothie.
“I’m okay but thanks anyway,” Sinclair loved that she always had good friends to help her if she needed. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to call in any favors.
“So, Sinclair how was your trip with Kingston up to Bel Air?” Robyn asked as they window shopped.
“Oh it was good, I got a lot of clothes for my agency,” Sinclair said deliberating giving Robyn the run around.
“Stop playing with me. You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Robyn said while she admired a pair of earrings in a window.
“Okay but we need to sit down because it was good. I mean better than good.” Sinclair wanted to take her time and not leave anything out because she really had fun.
The two grabbed a seat on a nearby bench together.
“So I drove up to Bethesda to pick him up and he had two large suitcases like we were going on a trip or something. I erased it from my mind thinking maybe he brought them to have more room. I mean just in case it was too much for my SUV to handle. That way the suitcases could be mounted to the hood and the rest could still fit inside my trunk. Anyway, the ride up to Bel Air was great that day. Kingston was great company and his gray eyes always seemed to be dancing whenever I looked at him.” Sinclair had started to explain.
“We had just left the second church and were on our way back home. Kingston asked me to make a stop on the side of the road because he needed a minute, so I gave him some privacy by walking across the road. After a few minutes he called me to come over to him and I could not believe my eyes. Kingston had laid out a picnic lunch under a tree with jazz music coming from the speakers inside the suitcase.” Sinclair explained remembering it like it happened yesterday.
“Awe,” is all Robyn managed to say.
“He made a seafood salad, fresh fruit kabobs and homemade lemonade for us. We ate under the shady tree while listening to a jazz cd that Kingston made. He had a great selection of music that dated back to the early twenties. We danced to the music and just had a wonderful, wonderful time,” Sinclair said while trying to relive the glorious moment.
“It’s about time you went out and had some fun. I’m so happy for you,” Robyn said as she hugged Sinclair.
“That was the most romantic thing a man had ever done for me. I was actually floored.” Sinclair couldn’t stop smiling just thinking about what Kingston did for her. “I just don’t want to get my heart broken again.” Sinclair said as she got up and started walking.
“Sinclair, wait,” Robyn said running to catch up to her.
“No one wants to get hurt. But did you know that you hurt yourself when you carry that fear around with you. You can’t carry old baggage into new relationships?” Sinclair was running scared and Robyn knew it. Whenever Sinclair got scared she always ran. “Did you know that Sinclair?”
“Robyn, he told me he is falling in love with me.” Sinclair babbled on.
“He is not falling in love with you; he is in love with you. He invited you to The Gala which is a black tie affair to meet his parents and friends too. Hint. Hint. That man is in love with you.” Robyn concluded as they started walking again toward a handbag store. “And by the sign of you getting nervous, you are falling for him. Shoot, I see the smile that crosses your face when you talk about him, your eyes light up and your dimples start jumping around.”
“I don’t know. I don’t know,” Sinclair through her hands in front of her face.
“You don’t know what? How to let someone take care of you and relax for a change? Or how to receive love when it’s given to you with no strings attached. Here’s another one. You don’t know how not to be scared. You need to stop this madness. If he didn’t see you in his future there’d be no way he would bring you among his peers.”
“Robyn you have been married for years so you wouldn’t understand?” Sinclair shook her head.
“Just because I’m married doesn’t mean I don’t understand fear. I was scared as heck when I met Desmond. But I got over my fear and saw him for him and not anyone else. See this is the crap I hate. We as women say we want a good man but when one comes along we don’t know how to act. We are so used to getting dogged out by the no good men, that when the good one comes along we go running with our tails between our legs. I love you like a sister. Let that man love you.”
“Robyn I’m sorry. I guess you’re right, I am scared.” Sinclair admitted “I am so used to doing things for myself that I find it hard to let Kingston help me. I mean honestly juggling as much as I do it is a lot. It is extremely hard but it needs to be done and here comes Kingston telling me to sit down and put my feet up while he does everything. I mean I have been independent since I was a kid. It’s something that I just do and now to back off is a lot, especially when that is all I know.”
“You grew up far too early and now God has blessed you with a wonderful godly man to help you. Take this for whatever and wherever it goes but don’t you push that man out of your life. He just might be the best thing that ever happened to you. As a matter of fact, I know he is because I have never seen you so happy.”
“Robyn, I...” Sinclair began but Robyn cut her off.
“I know. I know. I know I’m right. It was you who told me not to let Desmond slip through my fingers. Now three years later we’re still together happily married and soon to be parents.” Robyn slipped in fast.
Sinclair turned and looked at Robyn, “Oh my God I’m going to be an auntie!” Sinclair exclaimed while she rubbed Robyn’s small belly. “That explains that crazy smoothie you had and going into the baby store. I knew little Omar couldn’t fit into any of those clothes.”
“Now, get it together because you have the Gala to go to in a few days. You two will be the hottest couple in the room. Stop fighting love and let God show you how to love.” Robyn said as she cried because the hormones had already kicked in early in her pregnancy.
********************
It had been such a busy week at the agency that Sinclairhad barely had enough time to get her hair and nails done. Lucky for her the nail technician was able to squeeze her in at the last minute.
“Dang not again!” Sinclair said out loud as her bell rang. She walked over and buzzed the bell knowing who it was already. A few minutes later she unlocked her door to find Kingston looking like he stepped off the pages of a classy men’s magazine. Sinclair was at a loss for words that all she could do was smile.
“You look exceptionally dashing. You are wearing the heck out of that tuxedo.” Sinclair said as she checked out Kingston who was wearing a black and white tuxedo with a satin lapel and matching bow tie. “There is nothing sexier than a man wearing a suit and you are definitely wearing that suit.”
“Thank you.” Kingston said while he kissed Sinclair. “Nice blue and white robe, now take it off and get dressed please.”
“I’m sorry Kingston, as usual I’m running late,” Sinclair said as she walked Kingston over to the sofa where he took a seat.
“Sinclair don’t worry about it. Just go get ready so we can hit the highway.” Kingston said as he picked up a magazine. “You don’t have any open paint in your room, do you?”
Kingston had remembered on their first date that Sinclair tripped over an open container of paint while getting ready causing them to miss their dinner reservations.
“Funny.” Sinclair smiled at Kingston. “And no, I didn’t even attempt to open any paint this time.”
“Good.” Kingston crossed his legs and started thumbing through the magazine.
“Okay I’ll be ready in like twenty minutes. I promise,” she said running into her bedroom to finish getting ready.
Sinclair had never been to a gala in her life. She didn’t know what to expect or how to act or even if she should breathe a certain way. Good thing she and Robyn had spoken moments before Kingston arrived. Robyn was able to help calm her nerves. She didn’t know what she was more afraid of, the gala itself or meeting Kingston’s parents. Either way she still had butterflies in her stomach that she hoped would soon go away. Twenty five minutes later, Sinclair did a once over in the mirror and then she emerged from her bedroom to find Kingston opening a box of Fig Newton cookies.
“I’m ready.” Sinclair announced as Kingston’s Newton’s popped open and flew everywhere upon seeing her.
His eyes ran from her head to her feet and back again before he even spoke. “You look amazing!”
Sinclair wore a purple pleated A-line type gown that accentuated her full figure. The gown was adored with gold beads at the neck and waist. She wore her curly hair pinned into a nice bun with a few strands hanging down.
“Thank you. Here let me help you pick up your cookies.” Sinclair offered, but Kingston stopped her.
“No, that’s okay, I have them,” he said as he picked up all his cookies while trying to pay attention to what he was doing and not to Sinclair.
“Okay. I’m going to get my purse off my bed.” Sinclair said as she disappeared in her bedroom for a few seconds.
Kingston stopped just before they were about to leave. “Before we leave I want to tell you something, Sinclair. First, I want to thank you for coming with me tonight. We are going to have fun and my parents will love you, trust me and one last thing.”
“Secondly, we’ve been dating now for four and a half months and you are always late. I started telling you we have to be places an hour earlier than normal because I know you will be late and that will actually make us on time.”
Surprised, Sinclair just shook her head.
“You are going to be the belle of the ball.” Kingston told a lovely Sinclair
“But we haven’t even gotten there yet,” Sinclair reminded him.
“But you are my Belle,” Kingston said as he pulled Sinclair into a loving embrace and kiss before leaving for the Ball. “Now let’s go before I lose my religion with you wearing that dress.”
An hour and a half later Kingston and Sinclair had finally arrived at the hotel in Virginia. Kingston pulled up to the valet and walked around to get Sinclair but the other valet had already opened her door for her.
Noticing fear on Sinclair’s face Kingston said ,“Stop worrying.”
“I’m not worrying,” Sinclair lied. “I’m fine.”
“You sure are fine. Now shake it off and let’s go have some fun.” Kingston said as he draped Sinclair’s arm around his and started walking towards the hotel’s entrance.
The grand ballroom was decorated with crystal chandeliers hanging from the twenty feet ceilings throughout the massive room. Crystal vases with red roses sat atop the silver and black linens on the many tables. A red carpeted picture taking stand was set up by the entrance for everyone wishing to have their picture taken. Waiters strolled around a huge ice sculpture offering guests light snacks and drinks. The room was so crowded that Kingston and Sinclair had to stay close to each other as not to be separated.
The two walked into the lavish hotel and stopped in to check in at the desk when someone called Kingston’s name.
“Pastor Kingston Carter, how the heck are you?” the tall thin dark complexion gentlemen said as he shook Kingston’s hand.”
“Joe Hollenbeck, it’s great to see you man.” Kingston said. “How is your lovely wife?”
“She’s great. She’s around here somewhere.” The tall man replied.
“Joe, I would like you to meet my companion, Sinclair Madison,” Kingston introduced the two.
“Nice to meet you,” Sinclair said and smiled.
“Same here. So Sinclair, what line of work are you in?” The tall man asked her.
“I’m run a non-profit agency called Aged Out Foster Care in DC. I help former foster care kids transition to independent living as adults.” Sinclair replied as Kingston winked at her.
“Wow, that’s great. Kingston, she is not only beautiful but she is smart as well. How much are you paying her to be with you tonight?” Joe joked, turning to Kingston.
“Always the man with jokes, Joe.” Kingston said while holding onto Sinclair.
“But really Sinclair, Pastor Carter is a good man, he just needs a little fine tuning every now and then but he is a good man.” Joe added, patting Kingston on the shoulder.
“Well, it was good seeing you but we have to go and find my parents. We’ll catch up more later,” Kingston said as everyone said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
“Look, I see my parents over there by the doorway,” Kingston said as he took Sinclair by the hand and slowly walked across the crowded room. Half way he stopped and turned to her. “Just be yourself and you will be fine.”
“Mom, Dad.” Kingston said as they approached his parents. Turning to Sinclair he made the introductions. “This is Sinclair Madison, the woman who stole my heart.” Kingston said while smiling at Sinclair.
Clean shaven Calvin wore a handsome black and white tailored tuxedo while his mother Louise wore a beautiful emerald green gown with small sequins on it. To make her look complete she had added her matching clutch purse.
“So you are the lovely young lady who has my son smitten these days?” The older woman with salt and pepper hair asked of Sinclair while they shook hands.
“I guess so Mrs. Carter because he certainly has me smitten as well,” Sinclair replied with a smile.
“None of that here dear. You have done my husband and me, a great service by finally taking our son off the bachelor list away from these vultures, so Miss Louise will do just fine.” Louise said while smiling at her and Kingston.
Sinclair turned to look at Kingston but he wouldn’t even look at her because he was too embarrassed to even reply.
“Nice to meet you Sinclair, I’m Pastor Calvin Carter but you can call me Pastor Calvin. And like my beautiful wife said, we are extremely happy that you have taken our son off the bachelor list,” the tall thin framed man said.
“Sinclair, I just love that gown of yours, it’s so beautiful.” Louise complimented Sinclair while looking at the gown.
“Thank you. I love your gown more than my own. That emerald green really goes well with your complexion and those sequins are stunning, I really love that.” Sinclair said as she admired Louise’s dress.
“Where do you shop?” The two said simultaneously. They shared a laugh as Louise led her away from the men so they could talk.
“We will be back in a few minutes.” Louise said as they took off in the opposite direction.
Kingston stood with his father looking in the direction where the two went. “She will be fine. You know your mother has to check her out. You’re lucky your sister couldn’t come and then you’d really have a reason to be afraid. Because if both of them were together interrogating Sinclair that could be really rough.”
“I’m good because I know she will be fine.” Kingston replied as he was offered a small pastry by a passing waiter.
“Pastor Carter.” Someone called out.
“Yes.” They both answered as they turned to see who was speaking to them.
Several hours later they finally arrived back at Sinclair’s apartment exhausted from the long drive home. Sinclair’s hair had half fallen out of the bun and Kingston had loosened his bow tie.
“I didn’t mean to stay that long at the gala but I wanted to make sure my parents got home safe. I just wish they would have told me before the end of the event they had rented a room at the hotel to stay the night.” Kingston said as they parked in front of Sinclair’s apartment and Kingston went to open Sinclair’s door for her.
“You are a good son for looking after your parents. That’s a good thing and besides I had a blast,” Sinclair said while grabbing her purse. “I really had fun tonight especially hearing the old stories about you from your parents, they were too funny.” Sinclair laughed hysterically.
“Please don’t remind me, I get chills thinking about that.” Kingston was having a flashback and it was not good. “Anyway I am glad you had fun.” Kingston said as he stood just staring at her.
”What?” Sinclair noticed him staring.
“Nothing,” he said smiling and then went to embrace her. “Everyone loved you tonight and I do believe my parents have already started planning our wedding.” He said with a laugh.
“And what makes you say that Pastor Carter?” Sinclair questioned him.
“Because you are the first woman my parents ever bent over backwards for.” Kingston knew his parents liked Sinclair just as much as he did and that was good.
“Well I aim to please,” Sinclair batted her eyelashes while Kingston held her in his arms. Kingston pulled a hairpin out of Sinclair’s hair causing her curly hair to fall. “You’re wonderful,” Kingston said with such softness as Sinclair stood on her tip toes to kiss him.