Love Captured

Love Captured

By Tai Jamison

Edited by Susan Z. Miller

Copyright 2014 Tai Jamison

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

Acknowledgements

Most of the names have been changed to protect the guilty since we were supposed to be working…

This book has been a long time coming and I never thought I would actually finish it. When I first decided that I wanted to write a novel I thought it would be simple and easy, yet I quickly learned a hard lesson that I wasn’t as good as I thought. Sure I could write essays or papers for school but this was a different level of writing. If it weren’t for the following I would have never made it.

Betas- Christina Lefferts, Kim Rinaldi Ladies you were instrumental in my rewrites. Christina you were essential in the final process being honest when I needed it so thank you. Bobbi, Leta, and Tammy for taking the time to help improve my story. Even to the betas that didn’t like my story or didn’t read it. It forced me to take a harder look at my manuscript hence the two rewrites.

Tink, Bamba, Cruella, Daisy, Ja, T-Ma, and Smokey for telling me info about your life experiences: dating, falling in love, pregnancy, babies, and the nervous ticks (thanks Tink).

Dace, Poppins, and Miche for reading my unedited versions of my book telling me what works or doesn’t work without hurting my feelings.

Lady- for putting up with me, reading my manuscript twice (although you never read), giving me pointers that the readers missed! I would like to be you when I grow up. Next stop Hollywood Baby! Hope you’re prepared.

Dad- for taking care of Prez when I couldn’t hear him ringing the bell to be let out. Cleaning up after me because I was too busy writing, brainstorming, researching, or just being plain lazy. For telling me that you’re proud of me even though I’ve turned 25 for the seventh time. I didn’t think I needed to hear it turns out I do.

Susan Miller- the best editor ever. I’m sure you were ready to pull your hair out with me. I know I was a pain. I would shout your praises from the top of building…if only the neighbors would understand. So I’ll do it here. You. Are. The. Best! I swear the next manuscript will be completed. Thank you for putting up with my manic ways.

I would love to hear from my fans I can be reached on Goodreads or Amazon.

Tai Jamison

Chapter 1

At the age of six I knew exactly who I wanted to be when I grew up: a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. In fact, I wanted to be just like Michelangelo. He was the goofiest of the four turtles and I hoped one day to meet him so we could become friends. Before that particular dream could come true, I discovered dance. It became my second heartbeat. I didn’t just want to dance—I had to dance. After watching an awards show that opened with a performance by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, I wanted to be just like those ladies on television. I would have given anything to have all of their qualities that I did not possess: height, grace, elegance… But I wasn’t going to allow small obstacles like that to stop me. I pleaded with my mom to show me how to kick and pirouette like those ladies because I wanted to be on TV.

Of course, she wasn’t a trained dancer so she couldn’t show me how to properly perform those moves. Did I allow that to stop me? No, I threw a tantrum. My mama reminded me that she was the mother and I was the daughter, by spanking my behind before being sent to my room. I sulked for two days until I figured out that I could teach myself. I knocked over every picture frame, knick-knack, magazine, and destroyable glass object. A week into my dance of destruction, my parents found a dance studio to help save their sanity. It was the best thing they did for me, besides making me.

Dance lessons evolved into acting classes, and acting classes evolved into singing in my high school choir. I was a regular triple threat, I told myself while grand jeteing across my living room and barely missing the coffee table. After I began auditioning for musicals, I became a fixture on my high school auditorium’s stage. I can’t, I have rehearsal, became the line that all my friends were used to hearing. I kept toe tape in my backpack, and sometimes arrived home long after my sister Ella had plopped herself down in front of the TV for a Total Request Live, 106 and Park, and Frito binge.

Recently, I had an aha moment. I was home alone flipping through channels when Napoleon Dynamite, a cult classic, lit up my screen. I was due for a good laugh and decided to watch it. But this time, it didn’t strike me as being quite so funny. I was thinking about how pathetic Uncle Rico was when it hit me: I was Uncle Rico. Not exactly like him, but there was a time I had been determined to have my name in lights; to live the dream of being rich and famous, with my walls decorated with all my accomplishments, and the adoration of millions of people. The dreams of that little girl died long ago along with my dancer’s body and sometimes it felt like I died with them.

The pinnacle of my performance career occurred when I was a twelfth grader cast in my high school’s production of Ragtime. The dancer who was going to grace stages all over the world never made it out of Louisiana. Now the only stage I ever found myself on was the occasional karaoke stage, with a too-loud backup track and a microphone that stunk like beer.

Instead, I became a store manager at a big box store that was spread out all over the United States. The Company, as I hatefully called it, was like most retail chains. Overworked, underpaid employees made one single person wealthy. However, I took full responsibility for my actions, every decision made was mine. I inherited my father’s stubbornness, so I had to learn the hard way just how life worked.

The alarm clock went off like it did every day, screaming at me to get up and get dressed for work. I hated the direction my life was going and I knew if I didn’t change it soon, then I might do something drastic. Like drive my Honda off the Twin Span. As the alarm roared, it woke me out of a weird dream. I was singing drunken karaoke at a bar and decided to go home with a total stranger and have a one-night stand. I would research it later to see what it meant. I lay there hoping the store burned down so I could go back to sleep. When I turned on the television the newscaster spoke about the cool morning temperatures but extremely hot forecast for the rest of the day. To ensure that my day was not going to get any better, my phone rang. It was my mom. My mom and I had a special love/hate relationship. She loved to find ways to make me miserable and she hated when I found ways to thwart her. At least that was how it played out in my mind.

Hello, I answered on a sigh.

Lucille Marie Phillips, that is no way to answer the phone, isn’t it time that you got up? I loved my mom but one of the many reasons I had to get out of her house was because she was an early riser. She didn’t believe anyone should remain in bed past 8 a.m. She believed that we should be grateful for each day we have here on Earth. I believed that it was a healthy way to think, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t be thankful from my bed.

Ma, why are you calling me so early in the morning?

Lucille, I know I raised you with better manners than that. Would it injure you to say good morning? she huffed.

Good morning, Mother! Why are you calling so early in the morning?

Do not get snippy with me, Lucille. Three Lucilles so far meant I was in big trouble, but I couldn’t recall what I did wrong. I want to know if you’ve signed up for that jazz class at the recreation center yet.

I sighed again. After eight years away from dance classes, I wasn’t looking forward to starting all over again in a beginners’ class. The thought of being back at square one was completely daunting. Mom had told me about the adult class months ago, trying to convince me that if I ever wanted to start auditioning again, I would have to start somewhere.

Not yet, Mom, I said reluctantly. That class is at 8 p.m. You know I am hardly ever off work by then.

You know you’ll never get into show business if you don’t make this a priority. Or with your attitude, Mom said. And if you don’t get out of your apartment more, you’ll never get a man, either.

I gripped my cell tightly in my hands so I didn’t disrespect my mother. She had it all wrong. I wasn’t interested in men, period. I learned a hard lesson when it came to the opposite sex. They only made things more complicated and I didn’t want to have another repeat of my previous relationship. With Jayden the super hoe, he screwed anything that would spread its legs.

Thanks, Ma, for always being in my corner, I appreciate it. I’m sorry that I disappoint you. If you would excuse me, I have to get ready for work, I retorted tightly. I hung up the phone—there was nothing left to say. I hated when she went all debutante on me. I could feel her disappointment all the way from Abita Springs.

My morning improved after I stopped at Starbucks to get my usual: coffee Frappuccino with a pastry, my most expensive vice. I thought about getting a part-time job there once, but their employees were seriously underpaid, especially dealing with the hostile crowd that came in on a daily basis. Respect was a thing people had forgotten about.

Good morning, Lucy.

Morning, Megan.

The usual? she asked while filling the pitcher with ice.

You know it!

One day I am going to get you to try something new. You order the same thing every single time you come in, the entire staff knows your order. You should be more spontaneous.

Spontaneity is how people get an STD.

You are so full of it, she chuckled as she handed me my order.

Just seeing if you are paying attention, see you tomorrow.

She waved goodbye as she took the next customer’s order.

I quickly inserted the straw into my coffee frap and took a long drag. There was nothing like cold coffee with eight pounds of sugar to help relax me.

The store was in great condition when I stepped through the door, which was wonderful since my frap had worked its mellowing magic. The tapping on the gate alerted me to the part timer arriving.

Hi Lucy, she said cheerily as I raised the gate.

Part Timer Number Two, how’s it going?

Lucy, don’t you think it’s time you called me by the name my parents gave me?

I could, but then I would enjoy it less. When you figure out it’s all about me the transition will be easier.

You make working here interesting. I was wondering something. Why are you single?

Umm… did you forget rule number one? I asked as I followed her to the back room.

No, I have not forgotten rule number one. I’ve worked for you on and off for three years, in all that time I’ve never known you to go out on a date.

There were rules I put in place to keep everyone out of my business. I got enough from my family about remaining single and how I was too pretty to not have a boyfriend. To see the pity in their eyes when I showed up to family functions without a man was demeaning.

If I tell you why I no longer date, will you drop the interrogation? She nodded, waiting patiently for me to continue.

I don’t date because I’m a hermaphrodite. She raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

I’m not buying it. I know you were in engaged once.

I was engaged once, but he wasn’t as he seemed, I replied solemnly.

When I told him my painful secret, he said it didn’t matter, that he just wanted to be with me and Amber, Karen, Trina, Stacy, Collette, Samantha, Bailey, Javun, and so many others. My parents loved me regardless, but didn’t know how to properly handle it. So they decided when I was older I would make the decision for myself. I paused for dramatic embellishment.

For a while, I was confused. It took me a long time to figure out who I was and who I was going to be. I was frightened to have the surgery. What if I made the wrong decision? I couldn’t have the surgery because I was scared that I would feel like a piece of me was missing. I gave a little melodramatic sigh for emphasis. She looked at me slack jawed. It took everything within me not to smile or laugh. I couldn’t believe that she fell for it.

Wow. I had no idea. That took a lot of courage to tell me your secret, she touched my hand consolingly. I believe there is someone out there for everyone.

I thought you were going to drop the interrogation once I explained why I no longer date.

Yes, but—

Yes, but nothing. Drop it or change the subject.

Reluctantly, she changed the subject to her class workload and how she was attracted to one of her professors. I was so tickled by my performance that I couldn’t wait until Michelle came in so I could tell her about my latest piece.

The day went on as usual. The vultures were waiting by the gate hungering to devour my clean store. Michelle bounced in at 1:30.

Looks like somebody got some this morning, I teased.

You know it. I knew there was another reason I married him. My man can put it down, she crowed as she clocked in. I hired Michelle almost three years ago. She started out a part timer like me and worked her way up. She was a phenomenal worker who completed tasks before they were asked of her. When I was promoted to store manager I fought to make her my assistant. The higher-ups were unsure of promoting her but relented when I gave pressure.

Well, I have some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first? I asked nonchalantly.

You know Mama likes the dessert first. Give me the dirt.

You know the rules about my personal life?

You mean your non-personal life, she snorted.

Heffa, don’t make me slap that glow off your face!

Girl, please, Hurricane Katrina couldn’t erase the glow from my face.

Anyway, Part Timer Number Two inquired about my personal life.

Would it kill you to call her Eliana?

Umm… yeah it would. Anyway, I informed her that I don’t date because I am a hermaphrodite.

You pulled out the crazy on her? And she fell for that? Never mind, I forgot its Eliana. I caught her reading the National Enquirer. She believes every story that is in that garbage.

I didn’t pull out the full crazy on her, I said in my defense, otherwise I would have sprayed her in the face with the fire extinguisher when she kept asking questions.

You have no idea what you’ve just unleashed, but I admire the ingenuity, Michelle said, smiling. What’s the bad news?

We have another floor change that is due by tomorrow, corporate cut hours again, and we only have half the merchandise to fill the store.

That’s it? Girl, that’s a monthly occurrence. I thought it was going to be bad news, she scoffed.

Did I forget to mention that maintenance will be working on the air conditioning unit? And there won’t be any air from 6 to 9.

Oh hell no, I just got the do did, she said, patting the side of her head delicately. My hair better still be banging when I get home to my husband tonight!

Somehow we finished the floor set by close. Although I wanted to finish the shipment that came during peak time, Michelle forced us out of the store at 9:30. I was still avoiding my mom’s calls; she promised hell and brimstone, also known as dealing with my dad, if I didn’t call her back tonight. Putting in too many hours seemed like a good enough reason not to answer her many summons.

My phone rang again right as I entered my apartment.

Hello. I could hear the tiredness in my own voice as I answered.

I’m shocked that you actually picked up the phone, Lucille.

Ma, I’ve worked a double today and I am not in the mood.

I didn’t call to berate you for this morning. I called to apologize. I’m sorry you feel like I’m disappointed in you. You could not be more wrong. You and Ella will always be my pride and joy, no matter what.

I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have hung up. You’re right, I should sign up for that jazz class.

There are only two things that are guaranteed in this life: Everyone is born and everyone will die. Somewhere in between, we learn how to live, and right now you are just surviving. You need to get your passion for life back, Lucille.

Can we talk about this later, Ma? I just don’t have the energy for it.

Okay, I won’t push. I just want you to remember that you are responsible for your own happiness.

I wanted to remain angry at her, but her words rang true. The problem was I didn’t know how to find my happy.

Chapter 2

I knew the pounding on my door would never end until I answered it. Only Trudy accurately knew my dwelling habits; it couldn’t have been anyone else. If I could have turned off my cell phone without repercussions I would have, but Trudy and my Mom would have had the FBI locating me just because I missed one of their many calls. Rushing toward the door, I yanked it open and pulled Trudy inside.

Hey, what took you so long? she asked cheerily.

It should be illegal to be that chipper in the morning. Impeccably dressed like always, Trudy pranced into my apartment. She had the life and the body of a Disney princess, minus the villains to overthrow her family’s reign. Her parents were the owners of a successful local restaurant chain that everyone flocked to. It had also been featured on several Food Network shows.

Paul Dupre, her father, was an engineer with a great mind for business who owned most of the establishments in town. He was also one of the nicest men you could ever meet. Amelia Dupre, her mother, was a homemaker, and just as sweet. She volunteered all over town; she even volunteered for Hospice with an organization called Helping Hands. They worked to help families cope when their loved ones passed away. Those two should be plastered all over Time and Vogue magazine, but they took it all in stride, always humble.

I dragged myself back to bed with hopes that Trudy would get the hint and allow me to fall back to sleep. Nevertheless, the pixie pulled the covers from my head.

Trudy, what goes through your mind when you get up at the crack of dawn to beautify yourself, then descend upon my apartment spreading your sunshine and cheer upon my dark haven I call home?

Oh, come on, Grouch, it is a beautiful bright day! Flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder, she marched to my murky drapes and threw them to the side, allowing the sun rays to brighten my wonderfully dreary room. Being a creature of the night, it took a minute for my eyes to adjust to the light. But I didn’t move from my spot among my pillows and sheets.

Tru, I’m glad that you’re happy and you want to spread that around. But don’t you have a husband that you can cuddle and spread joy and cheer to?

Yes, I already left him purring this morning, she answered sweetly.

That was not an image I wanted in my head at 8 a.m.

Trudy and Jack met in middle school. She walked by, dropped a notebook, and Jack was there before she could bend down to retrieve it. He’d been following behind her ever since. Jack and I weren’t exactly the best of friends; we were cordial enough that we only spoke in monosyllables: hi, good, no, yes, bye.

He didn’t dictate whom she was allowed to spend time with, however he preferred to keep Trudy to himself. He was very possessive of her, which was something I had a huge problem with. And to this day, it was a subject that remained taboo between me and Trudy. Jack always got this look on his face once he realized that I was tagging along, like he thought I was a pathetic third wheel. I’d tried explaining to Trudy that Jack was obviously uncomfortable when I accompanied them anywhere. So Trudy made it her mission for Jack and I to become like siblings. We were still fighting the power.

And the reason you’re here to torment me so early in the morning?

Well, I’ve been thinking, Jack and I are having a get together this weekend and we wanted to know if you could come.

Warning bells went off in my head. It was at one of their soirees that I was introduced to Jayden,