Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable by Tina Martin

Author:Tina Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: women's fiction, juneteenth, black history
Publisher: Tina Martin
Published: 2023-06-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Woodland Falls Park has never looked so Afrocentric. There are five food vendors out here – got the place smelling good. If the art doesn’t draw people in, the smell of the food will. Speaking of art, twenty artists signed on to showcase their work. I specified that I wanted them to sell items they created, designed or painted by hand and since that’s the case, there are a variety of different arts. We have painters, jewelry makers, a lady who does crochet clothing, and a hair braider – I’m loving the diversity. A local African band is providing the music and they’re doing a good job with the melodious tunes that are creating carefree, positive vibes out here.

The event started at 11:00 a.m. and will run until 4:00 p.m. Right now, it’s noon and as I walk down the aisle and see the work of my people, my heart swells with pride. Having Nia by my side makes it that much sweeter.

She squeezes my hand as we weave through the crowd and says, “Gosh, you couldn’t have chosen a better day for this. It’s perfect.”

“Tomorrow is going to be just as nice for your event. Are you ready for it?”

“I am.”

I look at her. Sunglasses are hiding her gorgeous eyes, and she’s let her hair down. It feels nice to walk beside her here. It’s nice that she’s here and wants to be here. My life is always better when we’re on good terms.

“Son, a word,” my father says. I hear his voice from behind me.

Crap! Where did he come from?

I invited him so I knew he was here. I just didn’t expect he’d need my attention so soon. He always shows up at the most inopportune times. Can’t I enjoy two minutes with my wife?

I sigh deeply and say, “Duty calls, sweetness.” I kiss the backside of her right hand.

“No worries. I’ll go mingle. I just may buy some stuff.”

I pull my wallet from my back pocket and hand her three one-hundred-dollar bills. “It’s on me today. I have to make an example of supporting the community, right?”

She smiles. “Absolutely! And I get to shop, too. This is a win-win.”

She rises to her tiptoes to kiss me on the cheek with those glossy lips. I watch her walk toward some of the art vendors, then I turn to look at dad. He stands the same height as me, so I’m looking at him face-to-face when I say, “Hey, Pops. Is something wrong?”

“Yes, sir there is. It’s been an hour and you have yet to address the crowd.”

I release a tight-chested breath followed by a loud sigh that slipped before I could pull it back. I say, “Dad, lighten up. These people are out here having the time of their lives. I’m in no hurry to make a speech.”

“You should be. As the new head of the Charlotte chapter of the Mr. Black Organization, you have to make your presence known. Let the people see that you’re a man who thrives on order and will lead our people toward change.

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