Chocolate Vanilla Sweets

Chapter 7

I take Sarah's warning to heart and take some weeks off from work. Suzanne is also on break for Christmas holidays and to my joy, she's accepted an invitation to spend Christmas with my family. We will be going to the family cottage in Great Valley on Christmas Eve. The Saturday before Christmas, I invite Sue to my place for dinner. It will be the first time that she will be coming over and my chef has prepared a wide array of Italian and Asian food. The food is delivered at five pm sharp. I had no need for butler services and my maid Teresa has the night off. It will just be Sue, Rufus and me.

I can see Harry, my chauffer and Sue walking across the lobby on my surveillance screen. She'll be here within moments. I do a quick scan of the ridiculously large studio penthouse. I have no staircase. It's one big living space for Rufus and I to explore, with huge rooms flowing into the other. I am dressed in white loose slacks and a grey torso hugging long sleeve top. I am standing, legs apart, directly in front of the elevator when the door opens.

A huge smile spreads across her face when she sees me, and then her jaw drops. Sue is enthralled by the view. I knew it! She looks like such a kid. Sue tosses me her jacket and handbag and walks over to the huge glass windows. "Oh my God!" Sue says in awe. She is looking at the fiery grey shade of the evening skyline. I hang up her jacket. The sun is setting. We can see the statue of liberty in the distance. Sue stands there a long time, enjoying the view. And I stand a few feet behind, enjoying her view. Sue is stunning in all red, pants and short sweater top. Her hair is out, wavy and thick, like a crown on her head. Sue turns and looks at the colossal studio. Then she finally sees me, with Rufus in my arms, wagging his tail.

Sue grins, walking towards us, "Who is this little fella?"
I introduce her to Rufus, and they immediately hit it off. Sue gently scratches behind 'Rufus's ear, while talking to him. Rufus and I walk her through the studio. The magnificent Christmas tree bringing everything to life. I explain that every room can be separated by hidden dividers. "That's good to know," Sue says, noting that I have three bedrooms. She finds the entire pent floor amazing. "It must be good to be a Mitchell," Sue smiles, making a little jab at my mega wealthy family. I shrug in response, "Sometimes. Ready to eat?" I ask. Sue nods. She follows me into the kitchen. Sue comments on how much she loves the dark furnishing contrast against the light-colored floor. We set the dining table. Sue blesses the food, and then we eat.

Sue and I talk about everything. We talk about her family, my parents' and their marriage struggles, our love for New York, her journey to becoming a doctor and how she became a woman of deep faith. In that moment, I realize what I loved most about Sue. She didn't have a mean bone in her entire being. She is beautiful inside and out. In college, while Sue found faith, I was busy finding hate. How could I be with her, and continue to lead this double life? I was leading a white supremacist group and at the same time, falling in love with a black woman. That has to be wrong on all levels and yet...