Читать книгу Love T.K.O. - Pamela Yaye - Страница 13

Parkland Community Center was located in downtown Tampa. Drug addicts and prostitutes frequented the area, often scoring crack across the street from where toddlers played. At-risk youth under eighteen enjoyed computer classes, tutoring, group and individual counseling and job-readiness training. The center consisted of conference rooms, learning centers, a cafeteria and a full-size gymnasium. Parkland Community Center was an integral part of the neighborhood, but the twenty-five-year old building was falling apart. The roof had pot-size cracks, concrete crumbled from the walls and the floors were colored with stains.

“It’s huge in here,” Rashawn commented, as he followed Niobie through the lobby. Staff and volunteers milled about, talking to kids and answering phones, and a group of people were watching Judge Mathias on the thirty-two-inch TV in the lounge area.

“Thanks for giving me a ride down here.”

“No sweat.” As promised, Rashawn had dropped by the office with an autographed picture for Niobie’s son. Yasmin had left for the day, so when Niobie had suggested they go by the community center, where Miles was playing, Rashawn had agreed. He’d left the gym early and wasn’t anxious to return.

“The kids are going to flip when they see you!”

Rashawn could hear laughter, children’s voices and the sound of chairs scraping against the floor. They entered the learning center and found teens arm wrestling, a handful of kids playing board games and girls braiding hair.

“Mom!” A chunky boy ran across the room and threw himself into Niobie’s arms. “Did you bring me something?”

“You know I did, baby.” Niobie smoothed a hand over his plump face before reaching into her purse and pulling out a king-size chocolate bar.

“Thanks, Mom!” He ripped off the wrapping paper and took a bite. Chewing, he bobbed his head to the beat of his swallows.

The last thing the child needed was candy, but Rashawn kept his observations to himself. He wasn’t a single parent and he didn’t want Niobie to think he was judging her. As a young mother, she probably got her fair share of criticism. Her son was cute, in a Nutty Professor kind of way, but it was obvious he needed more exercise and less junk food. To his amazement, the seven-year-old demolished the candy bar in three bites.

It wasn’t until Miles was finished eating that he noticed the man standing beside his mom. “Who are you?”

Yanking her son to her chest, Niobie cupped a hand over his mouth. “Miles, don’t be silly. You know who that is. It’s Rashawn “the Glove” Bishop.”

Squirming out of his mom’s arms, he said, “Are you a basketball player? Do you know T-Mac? He’s my favorite.”

“No, I’m a boxer. Your mom told me you want to be a boxer, too.”

“No way! I’m going to be a race-car driver!”

Niobie’s laugh was tinged with anxiety. “Kids. One day he wants to be a boxer, the next day he wants to be a race car driver.”

Rashawn had a feeling this trip to the community center had little to do with Miles and everything to do with Niobie. This wasn’t the first time a woman had feigned interest in his career to get close to him. Most of the time he was flattered, but what Niobie had done cool wasn’t cool.

“Hey, it’s the Glove!” shouted a squeaky voice.

Within seconds, Rashawn had a group of children around him, asking for handshakes, autographs and money. Laughing, he opened his wallet and handed a fifty-dollar bill to the tallest kid in the group. “Run up the block and get everyone a fruit smoothie.”

“Yay!”

“Thanks, champ!”

“You’re the best!”

Children raced out of the room behind the boy with the money.

“That was a nice thing to do,” Niobie said, flashing a toothy smile. She coiled a hand around his arm like a python. “Why don’t I give you a quick tour while we wait for Miles and the others to come back?”

“Sure, why not?”

Niobie showed Rashawn the facility, introduced him to staff, volunteers and parents and told him interesting pieces of information about the people who worked there, the counseling sessions Yasmin oversaw and why the fund-raiser was so important to the families who frequented the community center.

“How much do you guys need to raise?”

“I don’t know the exact figure, but I’d guess about twenty-five thousand. The center receives support from local churches and other outreach programs, but we never have enough volunteers or supplies. Not to mention the extensive renovations that need to be done. The planning committee is hoping we raise enough to…”

Boisterous applause drowned out the rest of her sentence.

“Sounds like something’s going on in the gym.”

“It’s always crazy in there when the teenagers take on staff.”

“Why aren’t they playing out on the field?” he wondered out loud. It was a sunny day and he couldn’t understand why kids would want to be cooped up inside. Rain was expected tomorrow and most residents were taking advantage of the weather while it lasted. Beyond the community center doors, people were gardening, mowing their lawns and clearing the trash off their properties.

“Too many needles and drug paraphernalia.”

Shaking his head, Rashawn opened the door and allowed Niobie to precede him into the gymnasium. Sprinting full speed toward the soccer net in a blue tank top, shorts, kneepads and sneakers, was Dr. Yasmin Ohaji. She kicked the ball and spectators cheered the impending goal. The robust goalie blocked the shot and the soccer ball sailed through the air and smacked Yasmin hard in the face. The blow stunned her temporarily, but once the ball hit the ground, she was off and running again.

Propping a foot behind him against the wall, Rashawn crossed an arm across his chest. Smiling broadly, he watched Yasmin move effortlessly around the court. The therapist was unlike anyone he had ever met. Not only did she leave every man she passed breathless, she stood up for herself, demanded respect and had one hell of a front kick. Rashawn knew a lot of professional women, but he didn’t know any who played soccer with such tenacity. Yasmin was competitive, aggressive and seemed bent on scoring a goal before the time on the scoreboard ran out.

“Ready to finish the rest of the tour?”

Caught up in his thoughts, he’d forgotten that Niobie was standing beside him.

“Maybe later.” Rashawn wasn’t leaving until he saw how the match played out. Yasmin and her teammates had five minutes to tie the game and something told him she would be the one to score the goal her team needed.

Niobie chatted beside him, but Rashawn wasn’t listening. He was focused on Yasmin and when she shot down the court toward the goal, he cheered along with the crowd. She kicked the ball to a lanky man, who outran his defender, dodged the goalie and scored in the open net. The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game and, once the teams had shaken hands, the audience filed out of the gym.

Niobie touched a hand to his forearm. “We should go. I’m sure Miles and the others are back now.”

“You go on. I’m going to hang back.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” he said, momentarily pulling his attention away from the court. Appreciative of the time she had spent showing him around and introducing him to the staff, he said, “Thanks for the tour. See you later?”

“Ah, okay, bye.”

Rashawn caught Yasmin’s eye. Her sweat-drenched T-shirt clung to her body, outlining each and every luscious curve. She would look good in a brown paper bag, he speculated, admiring her thick, childbearing hips. Clapping his hands, he gave her a hearty smile. “You got one hell of a kick, Doc. Who knew a therapist could play soccer like a pro? You’re going to have to teach me some of your fancy footwork.”

Smiling, she smoothed the base of her ponytail. “Don’t let the business suits fool you. I played volleyball, soccer and basketball throughout high school.”

“I thought you said you didn’t like sports?”

“No, I said I didn’t watch sports. I’d much rather play than watch, especially football. It’s a great feeling chasing someone down and tackling them.”

“Damn, Doc! I’m scared of you.” His eyes were wide with admiration, conveying just how impressed he was. “And for the record, you can tackle me anytime.”

He licked his lips and Yasmin felt her legs go weak. Not only was Rashawn handsome, he had a likeable nature and a winning smile. If she could stop drooling over him long enough to speak, she could ask him to emcee the fund-raiser. This was the perfect time. He was in a good mood and it was unlikely he would turn her down, especially once she showed him all the repairs that needed to be done. “Are you going to be here for a while? Once I get changed I’d love to give you a tour.”

Rashawn thought of telling her that Niobie had beat her to it, but decided against it. Quality time spent with Yasmin would help her see him in another light. Based on his initial observations, he sensed she was an optimistic, fun-loving woman who knew how to take care of herself. He liked that. Soft on the inside but tough on the outside. He loved the rise and fall of her voice, the femininity of her laugh and the quickness of her smile. They would get along great. All he had to do was show her he posed no harm. If she could see that he was a good guy, with no ulterior motives, she would say yes when he asked her out.

“I’d like that. But don’t change,” he said, his gaze sliding down the slant of her hips. “I like your shorts.”

A tiny, frizzy-haired black woman in a crumpled apron interrupted their conversation. “There you are, Yasmin. I’ve been looking all over for you!”

“What is it, Ms. McClure?” A gentle and caring woman, Melba McClure planned and prepared all of the meals at the community center and donated more time than any other volunteer. A retired postal worker, she was the grandmother of six, dated regularly and was a stern but loving presence. “I thought you’d be in the kitchen getting things ready for dinner.”

“I was until Mr. Santos came down with a fever. I begged him to stay until the end of the six o’clock session but he could hardly stand. His wife came to pick him up a few minutes ago.”

Yasmin’s face crumpled. “B-b-but he’s facilitating the M.O.I. session tonight! Who’s going to lead the group now that he’s gone?”

“I’ve called and left messages for Walter, Tarik and Emilio, but I haven’t heard back from any of them.”

Yasmin knew Melba was trying to help, but she secretly hoped her calls weren’t returned. Walter was a pleasant middle-aged man who spoke in a dull monotone and was known to put the kids to sleep, Tarik was a recovering drug addict, fresh out of rehab, and Emilio flirted relentlessly with the female staff. No, she would just have to chair the meeting herself. “Thanks for giving me the heads-up, Melba. Let the boys in the Men of Initiative program know that—”

“Men of Initiative? What’s that?” Rashawn asked.

“It’s a new program designed to get teenage boys off the street,” she explained. “The purpose is to help kids between the ages of thirteen and eighteen develop a positive sense of self and to set high education goals. Tonight’s was supposed to be an open forum, basically a question-and-answer period where the boys could speak freely about the struggles they’re having at school, at home and on the streets.”

“I don’t mind helping out,” he said, directing his comment to Yasmin.

Melba eyed him warily. “Normally we do an extensive background check before we let anyone around the kids, but since we’re understaffed and Yasmin will be supervising, I guess it would be okay. What’s your name, son?”

“Rashawn.”

“You’re not a drug dealer are you?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Don’t smoke pot, do you?”

“No.”

“Do you abuse or exploit women?”

“No. Never.”

Melba stared into his eyes to judge his sincerity. Confident he was telling the truth, she said, “Don’t mind me, Rashawn. I’m just mighty careful about who I let around these boys. As you can see we’re short-staffed and we could really use your help.” Clapping her hands together, her eyes expanded to the size of cue balls. “This is going to be swell! I can feel it in my bones. Why don’t you follow me to the kitchen? We’ll get some food into you before the session starts. Do you like red beans and rice?”

Yasmin glanced at her watch, amazed that a five-minute discussion about respect could last three-quarters of an hour. At the back of the room, away from the group, she wrote a brief outline of the goals, objectives and purpose of the Men of Initiative program. The more teens who joined the program, the more government funding the center would receive.

Counting the number of teenagers seated in the semicircle, she noticed the intense expression on each young face. Rashawn easily held the attention of his young audience. Not only did the man have a way with women, he appealed to children and teenagers, as well. Affable and laid-back, he had the type of personality people took to immediately. In the cafeteria, kids had crammed onto his bench and more than half of the adults had made their way over to chitchat. Yasmin had sat across from the charismatic boxer, in the hopes of discussing the charity fund-raiser, but every time she opened her mouth, they were interrupted by an adoring fan. Eating dinner with Rashawn had been an eye-opener. Strangers clamored for his attention and made utter fools of themselves just to have ten seconds of his time.

Yasmin watched him now, sitting in the middle of the circle. His arms dangled between his legs and he had a relaxed, carefree expression on his face. His body language suggested he was open, bare, willing to share himself with the world. And he was.

Yasmin had learned some shocking truths about Rashawn Bishop, facts that further underlined just how different they were. His father had abandoned the family when he was five, his mother had raised him and his three brothers single-handedly and had struggled to provide food and shelter. But it was the story of his life on the streets that had left her slack-jawed. He’d stolen cars, went joyriding with his crew and had a lengthy rap sheet by the time he was thirteen.

Tate, one of her favorite kids at the center, lifted his hand and waited for the discussion to die down before he spoke. “Did you ever sling rock?”

Rashawn locked eyes with Yasmin. He couldn’t read the expression on her face. Trepidation fell upon him. Was she regretting her decision to let him lead the session? Or disappointed about what she had learned about him? This was not how she was supposed to find out about his past, but he couldn’t let this opportunity to share with these teenagers pass him by. If Yasmin couldn’t appreciate the fact that he’d changed his life and made something of himself, then she wasn’t the right woman for him anyway. “I didn’t sell dope, but I used to run errands for the local drug dealer. I’m not proud of it, but I did what I had to do to survive. I was the oldest and had to help my mom take care of my brothers. Everyone else was doing it and I wanted to fit in with my crew. They were my family.”

Nods and murmurs of assent filled the room.

“In tenth grade I discovered boxing and that changed my life for the better. Boxing was my ticket out of the ’hood and I took advantage of all the opportunities afforded to me.”

“But what if you ain’t got no talent?” asked an unsmiling kid with buck teeth. “What if all you know how to do is jack cars and beat down punks for what they got?”

“I don’t believe that, Chaz. Everyone’s good at something.”

The boy shook his head. “Not me. I hate school, I suck at sports and I don’t get along with my step-dad.”

“Ever tried boxing, martial arts or wrestling?”

“Naw, that’s not my thing.”

“How do you know unless you try? You look strong, you could probably be one hell of a wrestler. “

He shrugged a shoulder. “I ain’t got money for shit like that.”

“Chaz, you can come by the Boxing Institute of Champions and work out with me whenever you want.” Standing, Rashawn said, “Anyone else want to get in shape, look good and impress the honeys?”

Chuckles broke out.

“If you’re interested in a serious workout, meet me at the gym tomorrow at three. If you’re late, I’m starting without you.”

One by one, participants stood and approached Rashawn. Some of the younger kids even hugged him. Conversation was put on hold while tables were returned to their rightful place and chairs were stacked against the wall.

As the teens trickled out into the hall, Yasmin gathered her things. She wanted to talk to Rashawn privately but he was speaking to Tate and Brandon. Remembering that she had wanted to leave a note for the health nurse regarding the new date for the next health and nutrition clinic, she exited the room.

“You’re not leaving without me, are you, Doc?”

Yasmin slowed her pace and did a half turn.

“What’d you think of the session?” he asked, as they continued down the hall.

“I think you really connected with the kids.”

“I don’t know about all that, but I hope they give some thought to what I said. Far too many kids are getting killed and it’s up to us to put a stop to it.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Deciding she would call the health nurse in the morning, she tucked a hand into her pocket and pulled out her keys. Rashawn pushed open the door, and her shoulder brushed his chest as she passed by. Yasmin felt like she’d been zapped with a stun gun. Her pulse quickened. She glanced at Rashawn and was surprised to find him watching her. He must have felt it, too, she decided, tearing her gaze away.

Outside, the sky was clear. It was quiet on Keeler Street, but Yasmin knew from experience that could change at any minute. A week earlier, a father of three had been mugged on his way to his night job. Luckily, some of the center’s volunteers had heard the commotion and come to his aid. Thanks to their bravery, he hadn’t been seriously injured.

“Bye, Dr. Ohaji.”

Yasmin turned at the sound of her name. A group of boys were standing on the curb, talking. Broken bottles, cigarette butts and food wrappers littered the sidewalk. Tomorrow she would have to ask the caretaker to clean up the mess. Waving, she smiled at the teens. “Bye, boys. Get home safe.”

“Catch you later, Bishop.”

“Bye, champ,” another hollered.

“See you next Thursday!”

Yasmin glanced at Rashawn. “You’re coming back?”

“Sure, why not?”

“I don’t know, I just thought this was a one-time thing. Mr. Santos should be back by the end of the week.”

“That’s cool. Then he can lead the discussion and I can listen in. I promised the kids I’d be back and I always keep my word.” Rashawn motioned toward the silver Volvo S80 parked beside his Mustang. “Is that you?”

“Yeah.”

“Figured as much.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Rashawn chuckled. “It’s safe, practical and probably gets great gas mileage.”

“You’re right, it does.” Yasmin didn’t like him teasing her, especially when his car was decades old. She guessed the coral-blue two-seater was a late seventies model, and though it was in pristine condition with chrome wheels, leather seats and flashy front and rear spoilers, it was still old. “Do you have a minute? There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

“Go ahead, ask away,” he told her, leaning against the bumper of his car.

“How would you feel about emceeing the charity fund-raiser? I know this is short notice, but all my calls to other celebrities have been ignored. Your involvement could mean hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars raised for the center and—”

“Oh, I get it, I’m sloppy seconds. You couldn’t get Steve Harvey or Cedric the Entertainer so you decided to ask me.”

Yasmin was caught so off-guard by his remark, she didn’t notice the twinkle in his eyes. “No, no, it’s nothing like that,” she insisted, raising her voice. “If I had known how popular you are around Tampa, I would have contacted you first.”

“Sure, sure, Doc.”

“It’s the truth.”

“Why don’t we discuss this tomorrow when we have more time? There’s a boat leaving the pier at seven-thirty.” Rashawn leaned forward, his breath against her ear. “Let me take you out. You already know I’ll take good care of you.”

Yasmin resisted the urge to smile. The reference to how they’d met wasn’t lost on her. He was her knight in shining armor and she would always be grateful for what he had done that night at the Laurdel Lounge. Courage was damn sexy, and he personified the word in more ways then one. “Now’s not a good time,” she told him. “I have a lot of work to do for the fund-raiser and very little time. The program needs to be planned and I have silent auction prizes to organize.”

“We’ll brainstorm together. I’ve done this sort of thing before and it’s really not as hard as you’re making it sound.” Rashawn hoped Yasmin couldn’t see his nose growing. Aside from helping plan his mom’s surprise birthday party last year, he had never planned a major event like a charity fund-raiser. How hard could it be? As long as there was food, wine and music, it would be great.

“Why don’t we meet at the clinic?” she suggested, her tone light. He was flirtatious and straightforward, but in an unexpectedly disarming way. Going on a cruise was much too romantic and there would be other couples. The last thing Yasmin wanted was to be seduced by him in the presence of other people. Pleased that she had come up with a suitable alternative, she said, “I’ll order in some sandwiches from the deli up the block.”

“No offense, Doc, but your office is kinda stuffy. I want to go somewhere we can kick back and relax.”

“I’d be a lot more comfortable at my office.”

“Do you have a little old lady living inside you?” he joked, a grin on his lips. “If it’ll make you feel better we’ll call it a business dinner, okay?”

“I still don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“I do,” he countered, his eyes beating down at her with the intensity of the sun. “I read somewhere that Puerto Rico ranks as one of the happiest places on earth. Most people live below the poverty line, the crime rate is ridiculously high and the average family survives on just pennies a day, but you know why they’re so happy?”

Intrigued, Yasmin asked, “No, why?”

“The motto in Puerto Rico is simple, ‘Don’t take life too seriously. Eat, drink and be merry!’” Signaling the end of the discussion he strolled confidently over to the driver’s-side door. “I’ll pick you up at six.”

“No!” Yasmin coughed to clear the panic in her voice. There was no reason to overreact. This was a business date. Sure, they were going to be surrounded by candlelight, champagne and soft music, but that didn’t mean she had to get caught up in the magic of it all. “I’ll just meet you there.”

Grinning, he slid into his car, revved the engine and backed out of the space. “See you tomorrow, Doc.”