The Caterer

Chapter 21

D ELANY WAITED IN LINE at Carver’s bakery, checking emails on his BlackBerry. Nadia offered to bring Helene to the apartment, but Delany wanted to keep things in the open. Since whatever started at her house, she’d been texting him, the messages flirty and suggestive. She was back to calling him “Boo” and tried to get him to stay whenever he was there. She even offered to bring Helene down the night before saying it had been too long since she enjoyed a night in D.C.

He ordered a London Fog and two chocolate croissants before going to find a table. He hoped mentioning his mother was on her way would keep Nadia from staying. He glanced toward the bar again, looking for Alice.

The server put his items down at the same time Helene yelled, “Daddy!” He stood, wanting to catch her before she hit the table and spilled his drink. Nadia followed close behind, a fake smile on her face at the happy family reunion. He hung Helene’s backpack on his chair and told her to eat her croissant .

“I was thinking I could take the day, and maybe we could go to the Natural History Museum.”

“My mom’s on her way. I think they’re going to Air and Space.”

Nadia’s smile tightened. “Michelle offered to watch her on Friday if you want to get dinner. Come over after.” She reached to adjust his tie, Delany catching her arm.

“Stay here, Bear. Okay?”

She nodded. Delany pointed toward the door, Nadia going with a huff.

“What are you doing?” he asked after they got outside.

“Boo, when are we going to admit…”

“Listen, before was a mistake. We aren’t back together. I’m not your boo.”

“Come on, Delany. Just give us a chance.” She pressed her body closer, her gaze on his. “I know what you like.”

“Nod, we’re not doing this. Stop, okay. No.” He went back into the bakery, running his hand over his head. He sat at the table and asked about Helene’s week. His mother texted to say she was running late. He got Helene reading a book before pulling out his portfolio. His mother wanted to talk about doing a garden at his new charter school in Anacostia. He loved the idea, but had no clue where to begin.

“Hey, pretty girl.” Alice’s voice caused him to look. Helene ran at her in a full run, Alice putting her hand on the chair next to her to keep from falling over. “How are you?”

“I’m going to the Air and Space Museum!”

“With your dad?”

“No, my grandma!”

“I love that place!” She stood and looked at Delany. “You okay?”

He nodded, not wanting to get into it.

She tilted her head, looking at the page on the table. “What is that? ”

“We’re doing a community garden, and I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Where?” She sat at the table and pulled the drawing her way. Helene climbed into her lap, Alice putting her free arm around her. He told her what they wanted to do.

“It’s doable. Two horseshoe beds would give the greatest number of kids access. Maybe five feet across. You might be able to make some removable covers so they could still plant in the spring. What would you think they should plant?” she asked Helene.

“Can we do apple trees?”

“They could try.”

“Maybe strawberries.”

“If they clear some other space, it might work.”

“I’m sorry I’m late.” His mother came toward them. Delany stood while Alice looked up.

“Alice, this is my mother, Coretta Clare.”

Alice stood and put Helene where she had been. “Ma’am.” She shook her hand.

“My son has told me all about you.”

He groaned, Alice glancing at him.

“I can assure you whatever he said is exaggerated.”

“Grandma, come see my drawing!” Helene called from the table. His mother moved to say hello, Alice hitting him lightly with the back of her hand.

“What do you tell people about me?” she whispered.

“The truth.”

She glared. “It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Clare.”

“You as well, Alice.” She pulled a third chair up to the table. Delany asked what she wanted, going to get her cappuccino. When he got back, Helene was reading.

“Your daughter tells me Alice is going to help with the garden. Since when do you care about horticulture?”

“You’re the one who says our area is a food desert.”

She smirked. “I’ve been saying that since you were a child. Why are you listening now?”

“You always said I was thickheaded.”

“And transparent.” Coretta sat back while the server put her drink down, taking the dirty plates with him.

“I think you might know her father, James Gibson.” Delany said the name slowly, hoping that was right.

“Dr. Gibson? That man is a saint.”

“How do you know him?”

“I met him through some mutual friends from that welfare rights group I was with. He works to preserve the River.” She paused. “If Alice is anything like her dad, you’d be lucky. Better than the women you usually date.” She took another sip. Delany glanced toward the kitchen, if only Alice would give him a chance.