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“Yes, she is.”
“This girl means a lot to you, huh?”
Of course I knew the answer, but I internalized my father’s question. I spent so much of my time dominating boardrooms that having a true relationship was new grounds for me. Sexual relationships had come a dime a dozen. My relationship with Justine was the closest thing I had to love, before I met Destiny. “She means a lot to me,” I finally answered. “I’m beyond pissed that Justine tried to take her away from me.”
“Son, I’ve lived sixty-six long years. I’ve seen a lot of joy and experienced a lot of sorrow. I can tell you that this is not the end of the world. Things will get back to normal after a while,” Dad said.
“She’s in critical condition.”
“All the more reason you have to use your Turner power of keeping a steady head and exercising restraint. Let the doctors do their jobs and when she’s out of the hospital, and out of the control of her family, what is meant to be will be,” Dad cautioned. “You come from a long line of men who handled their business, and you are no different.”
“Thanks Dad. That’s why I called you. I felt like doing something that would have ruined everything that we stand for,” I said.
“Do you have any clue why Justine would come unglued like this?” Dad asked.
“I haven’t talked to her in months. I don’t know where all this is coming from with her.”
“For a long time, it was just you and Justine. You’ve always been there to pick up the pieces for her. I guess she felt like she was losing you to this new woman. She lashed out in a very bad way. Oh dear, what are we going to do?” Dad said, obviously thinking about how much Justine had been a part of our family.
“Either I’m going to strangle her or we’re going to prosecute!” I said with certainty. “There will be no leniency for her. She crossed the line of no return, as far as I’m concerned.”
“Yes, this is bad and you are right. I can tell you love this new girl.”
“She’s not a new girl. She’s the girl, Dad.”
“Well, she is in my prayers and I can’t wait to meet her,” Dad said and I smiled. “I want you to keep me updated with her progress and, if you need me to fly in, I’m on standby.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I paused for a second. “There is one thing you should know.”
“What?”
“She’s black.”
“Oh really?” Dad said feigning shock. “Well, is she human?”
“Of course,” I said with a laugh.
“Well that’s good enough for me. I want you to follow your heart and don’t let anything get in the way of you having the love of your life,” he said thoughtfully. “Why do you think diversity is such a big issue at Turner Enterprises?”
“Because that’s the culture you set for the place.”
“Exactly. It’s not just a dog and pony show, it’s what I believe in with all my heart.” He paused for a while. Dad had a glint of reflection in his voice when he added, “I believe that people should stop looking on the outside and look into the soul that lives within a person.”
“You’re right, Dad,” I said, proud to be John Turner’s son. I could always depend on my father to steer me in the right direction. I could hear Mom asking who he was talking to in the background.
“It’s Jacob,” he said. “Don’t forget I’m on standby if you need me to come to Atlanta.”
“I won’t.”
“Here’s your mother. She wants to talk to you,” Dad said, handing the phone off to my mother.
“Well hello there, Jacob,” Mom said in her firm and dignified tone. I hadn’t seen her in a few months, so the thought of her rose-colored cheeks and beautiful green eyes caused me to smile.
“Mom, how are you?”
“Though my only son hasn’t come to see me in over a month, I’m doing fine.”
“My bad, Mom. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
