IN FOR A SURPRISE

chapter thirteen

Leona search in her bag for her phone she had talk to Denoy on her way home and believe he was calling back to say something he forgot to but it was james leona  didn't save the number but she recognized it, she grin as she take it out
"Hey" she said with great excitement
"Are you ok?" James asked
Gwen look at him
"I'm home just now" leona said "are you still there?" She asked
"I'm heading home now" james said "just wanted to check on you"
"Oh I'm fine with thanks," leona said
"You're welcome" james said
"olright" leona said
James laugh, "olright sweet girl I'll talk to you later, love you" he said
Gwen ease back and her mouth widen
"Love you" leona said
Every one look at her
She grin as she hang up
"Who was that?" Isabelle asked
"Denoy's uncle" leona said she smile "I'm off" she said bidding good night
"Denoy's uncle you just say to him just now love you sounds friendly"
"It was beside he said it first" leona said
Isabelle look at her
"Well goodnight" leona said once again
"But honey I  thought you would tell us how it went" isabelle said
"It was great mom I had a good time I was scared at first for Denoy's uncle did  say  I would do it with him but I had to do the thing by myself, but I was told I did extremely well" leona smile wave and left
Isabelle widen her eyes
"Is she in love?" Carmen said
Jeana look at isabelle
"I'm sure Denoy's uncle could be her father" isabelle said
"Mh, which could be right" carmen said twisting her mouth
Isabelle flash her off and Jeana grin,
"So we're going to the auction tomorrow right?" Jeana asked
"The auction that's right I forget about it" carmen said
"Are you interesting in art baby?" Keith asked Jeana
"It's for show for you know I can't afford art?" Jeana said
"We could go together" marlon said
"Good" carmen said
"Going sis?" Jeana asked isabelle
"I might" isabelle said
"You ready your piece?" Marlon ask her
Isabelle smile
"This is an opportunity" keith said
"I didn't prepare"
"Of course I saw the community center I wasn't prying but I saw it in the garage" keith said
"The nesxt time I'm around"isabelle said
"Hope that it's sooner than later" carmen said
"I agreed" Jeana said
"I for one can't agree more" winston said
"Amen to that" maybel said uncle rowey, Aunt Betty, auntie pat and grandma June laugh
Isabelle frowns at them "well" isabelle said "it's better later than never" she said turn to leave  the room saying good night, Ralf too said goodnight and follow her  up ,
Leona was too tired to even change she lay down and call Kayden "I know it's late but I want to wish you happy new year" leona said
"Happy new year" Kayden said "how was the show?"
"Nerves recking but I did it, I had to by myself" leona said
"By youself?" Kayden ask
"There were so many people but the gave me warmth comment" leona said
"Congratulations" Kayden said
"Yeah I'm exhausted now" leona told him
"Call me in the morning" Kayden told her and they said goodnight
leona hang up from Kayden she yarn  and stretch out it wasn't long before she was falling a sleep
Isabelle come to her room and saw her stretch out "oh! Pour my baby she must be so tired" she lean in and kiss her fore head she turn to leave her
"Mom my shoe" leona said barely getting out her sentence,
Isabelle took off her shoe and lose her hair before going to the door,
"Love you mom, always" leona said
"Always" isabelle said back she turn the lights out and went to her room
She lay down next to Ralf he face her with a smile isabelle smile back me kiss her isabelle has the feeling he needed love but wasn't in the mode "goodnight" she said and turn her back to him,
Ralf lay on his back until he was a sleep
Isabelle heard him snore turn back around she lays there  and began to think back back to those days the days with james before she ran away leaving him at the alter the years she spent as a single mom looking after her daughter the town she avoided for many years and how she was staring to move on she knew Ralf wouldn't kept the thoughts that haunts her and make her uneasiness away but the fact that he was in her life now shows she's taking small steps to move on, but then came james the man she firsts fell in love with the one she love and never stop loving that man father her daughter and she might see him again or she might not but she knew it was going to be a chaos and damn if she want her daughter in that mess she's not back to break up james life as he must be happy with his family, what happened the other night was just emotions they both got caught up and they love it out,   and  that was it isabelle falls asleep  with a clouded mind waking up heavy, she sat up in bed Ralf was not next to her she climb out of bed freshen up and went down
"Happy new year" carmen said
"You almost missed it" Jeana said
"What time is it?" Isabelle asked
"Seven thirty" carmen said
"Oh alright" isabelle sat and her mother gave her scrambled eggs with casserole auntie pat tea nice coco with marshmallows worlding around in her cup, she took a few sip and breath out,
"That's it let the tension out" carmen said
Isabelle smirk
"it's totally ok to blow off steam" Jeana said
"Can we go skating?" Isabelle asked
"Skating mom, Where is that?"
"Cascade a skating rink" carmen said
"I want to go skating" Anna said
"Me" Earl said
"Me three" Shelly said
"Make that four Shelly I'm going skating I suggested it dah" isabelle said
Shelly giggle
"I can take you all" isabelle said "coming honey" she asked leona
"I didn't bring a shoe" leona said
"They do rent them" carmen, isabelle and Jeana said
"Oh ok then I'm in,  do you think they'll have my size?" She asked
"Every size honey" isabelle said
"You're going to rent for us all?" Jeana asked
"Sure why not?"
"Oh sounds as if there's some money to burn" carmen said
"Not necessarily you know" isabelle said
"Is is performing at the opera house a pay job?" Leona ask
"You could say that it pays once they booked you to perform then you can expect to be paid, then there's a charity event that you perform and the money you received goes to charity" isabelle explain
"Oh" leona said
"You weren't expecting to get paid right honey?" Isabelle asked
"I just if they do that" leona said
"Since you just went with someone they won't pay you" isabelle said
Leona nod,
Her phone rang and she saw the number belongings to james she still haven't save it yet, but plan to today
"Hello" leona said her smile spread about her face,
"Hey honey" james said "how are you?" He asked
"I'm fine, what about you?"
"I'm good good, Happy New year" james said
"Happy new year to you" leona said
"What you doing today?" James asked
"I was going to take the day but my mom want to go cascading" leona said
James laugh "sounds as if you're not up for it, but you'll not fun" james told her
"You go there too?" Leona ask
"I might had drop by a few time" james said
"Yeah right you might" leona said
James giggle "you'll have fun I guarantee you" he said
"Alright I'll see" leona said
"So later right" james said and kill the call"
"Was that him?" Isabelle asked
"Him Denoy's uncle he's checking up on me" leona said
"Oh really checking up" isabelle said
"Don't oh really mom,  he's a decent man a respectable man and he's just showing love" leona said
Isabelle held her hand up,
"I'm not stupid you know mom I'm not doing anything foolish either" leona said
"I know honey" isabelle said getting off the stool "we should get ready for cascade" she left the kitchen and leona went out with her as they went to get prepared to go skating,
Ralf decided to sit skating out, he didn't know how to skate and he felt tired too since he got to harlem he been on the move and that he wasn't used to so he stay back with winston, maybel, grandma June, aunt Betty, auntie Pat and uncle rowey, every one else went and have a good time,
James spend half the day spectating for they were putting a few things on view for the exhibition and auction he has booklets to hand out with what weren't being display but will be auction, he left in the late  afternoon tie up a few things before heading home to put himself together, he just entered the house and gwen call him she was still fussing about the other night and james listen with out interruption
"So you just going to stay silent?" Gwen asked
"You don't want me say that is why I'm just listening,
"Tis isn't a joke james" gwen said
"I'm not saying it is" james told her,
Gwen sigh "you know what james I'll see you at the auction"
"We'll talk then" james said but gwen already hang up,
"So you not going to the auction?" Keith asked when leona came in her pajamas
"I'm too exhausted" leona complaint flop herself on the sofa and cover beneath the blanket, "all I want now is sleep" she declare,
The other children were almost sleeping skating has dose them out
Isabelle came down dress in a red pull up and a black cardigan she wore green shoe and green bag and her hair in a tight bun just the way leona was last night,
"Mom you rock now you're looking like me" Leona said
"Do you meant to say I'm pretty" isabelle said
"You know you are" carmen said hugging her
"You look like an artist" Jeana said hugging her sisters turning it into a group hug
"You all have fun" a very sleepy leona said
Isabelle kiss her forehead and hug her
"Love you mom"
"Always" isabelle said
"Always" leona repeat her eyes lid closed and she fall asleep
Carmen smile
Isabelle knew that was tired and it was the same with james when james was tired rest was the only thing he needed after that he'll do anything when ever he said I'm all yours she could expect his full undivided attention
"Well just go in my vehicle" isabelle said since they weren't taking any children and grandma June wasn't going, Aunt Betty or auntie pat, their uncle rowey was staying home or did he have other places to be their mom or dad wasn't going either so the car has enough space,
"Are you here yet?" Marsha asked when isabelle was a short while away
"Almost" isabelle said
"I'm waiting on you" Marsha said
James came in the parking lot and saw her and talk with her she was to herself for shaquille went in a head
"Waiting in you friend?" James asked
Marsha smirk and nod
"James, james" gwen call
James asked turn and wave
"Duty calls" jobs said
Marsha nod and smile
"See you inside" he left her there
Marsha wonder if it was because he stop talking to her why she was scoling him she watched them inside
Isabelle and the others arrive as Marsha was waiting they stop to talk but after the greetings to Marsha the others went in,
James notice the two women Jeana and carmen Isabelle's sister he haven't seen them since his fiance ran off to somewhere unanimous he got her do and they haven't got the chance to talk he look for her but since Marsha wasn't in the group he figured they haven't Walk in yet, he call for someone to serve wine, while he stood with gwen he was greeted and was greeting some people but he watch for isabelle Marsha walk in to herself and it make james pause and wonder if isabelle won't turn up,  but then she came and his heart thrump against his rib cage wasn't she the most beautiful thing gorgeous and amazing,
"What is she doing here?" Gwen grumble l
James heard her but it took him a while to acknowledge her saying
Gwen realize the person was a more adult than the teen that is crazy for her man or should she say  her man is crazy for,
"Who are you talking about?" James ask
"Someone I knew" gwen said
James wonder if it was leona gwen spoke of and if it was isabelle she thought to be leona but he didn't question it,
Isabelle was looking around and the display the gallery was set to attract and to memorize "that's my work!" isabelle said pointing to the woman who sits in a form of way almost as if in transition to be a cat
"That's work!" Carmen asked
"What  you mean it?" Jeana asked
"Yes" isabelle said getting closer she and Marsha  they call one of the guys over to inquire about it,
James watch her showing interest in his the piece he has for attraction
Only the guy didn't have any details about it he just say that's the boss special piece
Isabelle and Marsha went back to the others
"How can you tell?" Carmen asked
"For she know her work" marlon said
"Yes that's it I know my work, isabelle said
Wine was being serve  but isabelle didn't take any not even a punch,
James grab two cocktails and excuse himself from gwen and a few others by them, he cross the floor
Gwen watch him, and he went to the group he set the cocktail in Isabelle's hand it was when she took it she realized where it came from,
Isabelle mouth open but she didn't speak
James greets shaquille, "how are you man?"
"I'm doing good" shaquille said
James acknowledge the presence of the men with them
"Hey" marlon said
"Hello" keith said
"Hi" Ralf said
"Carmen and Jeana sister's of the queen, how you girls doing?" James asked
Carmen or Jeana didn't recognize him
"You all don't remember james?" Marsha asked
Carmen cover her mouth
Jeana grasp
James smile,
"It's been sixteen years" james  said "I can understand"
Carmen nod, "I'm surprised you're still in harlem"
"I'm not in any hurry to leave I don't want to run away like some people" james said
Isabelle side look him,
James smile
Carmen and Jeana giggle and look at their sister
"It's actually good to see you girl, and you're both looking good" james said
"Thanks" Carmen and Jeana said
James turn and look at isabelle who side look him  "hope you all enjoy your evening  the bidding begin in forty-five minutes be free to look around" james told them
"Thank you" they said
"All the best" carmen said
James nod with a smile  as he left pulling isabelle a long
"James not now" isabelle try to say she resist going after him but he grip her taking her along
The others watch
"She knows him?" Marlon ask
"They're in the same profession" keith said
"That's the man she ran away from couple years ago" carmen said " I can't believe I didn't recognize him"
"It has been so long" Jeana said
"It has" Marsha said
"And funny we never ran in to him before until isabelle comes back" carmen said
"Yeah" Jeana said
"So true" Marsha said
"He looks great though" carmen said
"He really does" Marsha said
"Really" carmen and Jeana said
"If I'm right I want to think that he's the father of isabelle's daughter"
Ralf look at carmen then to her and the man he had not heard neither of them talk on that before and he never saw one came that he could say,
"Oh my gosh could it be" Marsha grasp and cover her mouth,
Ralf look at Marsha and carmen, then back to isabelle across the room with the guy holding tightly to her,
Gwen watch them and wonder who she was and why james intend on pulling her away to talk
"James" isabelle said looking up on him when they came to a stop
"JAMES" james mimic "is that all you can say after over sixteen years, james"
Isabelle open her mouth but close it for she wasn't quite sure what to say
"You owe me some explanation and the other night you got up and leave me there"
"I didn't want to wake you I figured you must have been tired" isabelle said
"Was I complaining?" James asked
"Can we talk about this?" Isabelle asked
"We're talking about it" james said
"I mean later" isabelle said
"What is it a little too inconvenient for you?" James asked "you have your man here?" He asked
They all saw when james look and they wonder what was said
The guy by himself james figure that must be the one she spoke of he look back at her and hissed she didn't say yes but because he saw him there he figures james  grip isabelle a bit tighter and pulled her closer
"Mh" carmen said her eyes haven't left then and Ralf kept watch too,
gwen continue to watch from where she was
"That's james girlfriend right?" Jeana asked
Marsha look around the room and saw her watching, "yes that's her"
"You need to tell me why you left isabelle" james said
"James I just thought it was too soon" isabelle said
"Too soon like what isabelle did the wedding begin too early?" James asked
Isabelle told her lips and frown, "I thought us to be too young and maybe it was rush" isabelle said
"Speak for yourself, I was more than ready to make you my wife I wasn't stupid if I didn't want you I wouldn't have asked to marry you in the first place" he lift her hand that no longer has the ring but he was surprised she kept it on her right, james shook his head
"James" gwen said walking to them
The others watch
Isabelle met eyes with the woman as she comes to them
"Can we talk?" Gwen asked turning from isabelle to james
"Yes but Gwen I'm in the middle of something I'll be right with you" james said turn isabelle another way so his back was to gwen who stood there a few minutes then walk away
Isabelle watch her when she did look up at james
"Your woman?" Isabelle asked
"Don't question me isabelle it's none of your business" he said it almost angrily
Isabelle manage to held her hands up she was still holding on to the cocktail which she haven't gotten a chance to drink from yet
"Did you have any idea how much I love you?" James asked
Isabelle didn't answer
James laugh "oh cut the crap what am I asking you didn't have a clue did you  for if you knew how much I loved you  and if you had love me half as much you wouldn't have done what you did" he shook his head
"Mr Benjamin" Ivano called him as he went over to talk with him he greets isabelle she smirk at him,
"Can I let you two talk?" Isabelle asked
"We don't need to talk" james said
Ivano smile he touched isabelle on the cheek "you look pretty amazing isabelle pretty amazing" he said and walk away he look back and he saw a image of the girl and he wonder again if that girl has a connection to her or he just want to see them looking a like
James intend on getting the conversation with isabelle out the way but isabelle wasted to get away james grip on her arm  becomes tighter and he held her at the waisted where isabelle couldn't move,
"James" isabelle said
"I always love it when you call my name it puts me in the mode make me want to love you" he said leaning in her neck to smell her, his nose rub against her skin and isabelle moan
"What was that?" James asked isabelle turn her eyes up to him he smile "you still turns me on" he whispered
Isabelle told her lips and he chuckled, "I'm figuring I still do you"
"James" a man said
"mr Benjamin" another called
"Sir Benjamin" the third man said as they came to them he loose Isabelle's hand to greet the men isabelle release from his hand around her waist and walk away going back to them she went to stand next to Ralf james look as she did before giving his full attention to the
"You seems to get a heavy scolding" carmen said
"What scolding?" Isabelle asked
Jean giggle
Marsha come next to isabelle and they both were talking about the painting james got free again the bidding was going to start now as it was running twenty minutes late the guy announced, james comes back to where they were
"Marsha I saw you showing  interested in my attraction piece" james said
Isabelle look at james as he look at her
"It's such a magnificent piece isn't it?" Yeah
"Who's work is it?" Carmen asked
"I honestly don't know" james said
"How did you get it?" Jeana asked
"I travel to England a man there sole me it was a very interesting piece I can see the concept I became drawn to it as if it becomes a part of me" james said looking at the piece
"That's her work" Marsha said pointing to isabelle
James widen his eyes and look at isabelle then back to the painting he look surprise at her, he remembers that the man said he got it from new York and can't believe that is where isabelle was he nods, then look at isabelle
"that's definitely it you did say the man who bought it was a english man" Marsha said
Isabelle nod,
James look at her he didn't say nothing
Isabelle drink from her glass of cocktail and watch him
"Work like those you don't sell for little and nothing the main thing about art know the value of your work" james said
Isabelle look at him,
"It wasn't for sale he came in and said it was good I just gave him a price, but after the man send me back some money for he woke it for much more that he brought it for"
"One thing isabelle you've always been keen with your work that's a well though of piece, james said
"Thank you" isabelle said
James move from next to Marsha to hold Isabelle's arm "excuse us" he said and pull her away once again
Ralf look
No one said anything,
The bidding went on in a fashion able manner and people were getting what they wanted the pictures of james were up and he needed the full one but it was sold before he got the chance to bid at it, one went to a woman for thirty five the one james wanted for fifty
"Mr Benjamin they need you" a woman said
"Don't move" isabelle was told but soon as james left she walk away.