Playing With Fire (25 page)

Romeo's son peered up, struggling to focus, his small body shivering. Taryn laughed and cried excitedly, cradling the small baby with her arm.

“Hey there, baby,” she whispered, beaming up at Romeo, who sat numbed, a wide grin fixed on his face. “Say hello to your daddy.”

As Romeo peered down at the child's small, wrinkled body, he could feel the pride swelling within his chest, spreading throughout his body. His eyes followed the nurse's every move as she took the baby from Taryn so that the infant could be cleaned and examined.

“Congratulations, Mr. Marshall. You have a son,” Taryn said, beaming up at him, her face glistening slightly from perspiration.

“You did good, Mrs. Marshall, real good,” Romeo said as he leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Thank you,” he whispered lightly into her ear. “Thank you.”

Taryn stroked his face lightly, her hand shaking slightly. “So, what are we going to name this boy of ours?”

Romeo responded without hesitation. “James Burdett Marshall, after Piano Man. What do you think?”

Taryn nodded. “I like that. I like that a lot.”

Romeo smiled brightly. “I figured we could call him JB for short.”

“JB Marshall. Sounds quite distinguished if I say so myself.”

Beaming, Romeo silently thanked God for the blessing bestowed upon them.

 

 

Hours later, as Taryn and the baby slept comfortably, the infant's small body curled warmly against his mother's, Romeo returned to the Playground. As he made his way to the bar, Odetta and Sharon rushed to his side to greet him.

“We been waiting all night for you to call us,” Odetta cried, gripping his arm. “What she have? It was a boy, wasn't it?”

Romeo nodded yes. “Congratulate me, people. Taryn and I are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. James Burdett Marshall was born at ten thirty-two PM and weighed in at nine pounds, eight ounces.” Romeo laughed as Malcolm pumped his hand up and down vigorously.

“Told you people that baby was a boy,” Odetta said, laughing. “A good size one too.”

“How's Taryn?” Sharon asked.

“She's doing really well. Tired of course, but she says she feels great,” Romeo said, looking tired but exuberant himself. “Malcolm, break out that case of champagne,” he commanded, as Sharon made her way to the stage.

Taking the mike, she gestured for the room to quiet down. “Ladies and gentlemen, if I can have your attention for a minute, please.” Sharon was radiant as she smiled out toward the crowd, her newfound confidence projecting from every pore. “The Playground is very excited tonight to welcome a new member into our family. Our illustrious owners, Mr. Romeo Marshall and his lovely wife, Taryn, have just become the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. Please join me and the rest of the staff here at the Playground in welcoming Master James Burdett Marshall into this world. I know you all will join me in wishing the entire Marshall family much love and happiness.”

As the crowd broke into applause, Romeo raised his own glass of apple cider in appreciation.

“Champagne's on the house,” he called out over the cheers as Odetta and the new waitress, Carol, began to pass glasses among the patrons, filling them to the brim with bubbly fluid.

Odetta reached over to hug him warmly. “A baby boy. I told you so, didn't I?” she cooed for a second time, wiping a moist tear from her eye. “I bet he gon' be a handsome sight too, just like his daddy,” she beamed as Sharon came back to join them.

“Damn right,” Romeo gushed, raising his glass to his lips. “That's one good-looking boy I have there.” Then boasting, “Shoot, he makes his daddy look ugly.”

They all laughed as Malcolm interjected. “That's good, then we can be sure he must take after his mama.”

Sharon reached out to squeeze Romeo's hand. “I like the name too. Piano Man would have liked that.”

Romeo nodded, gazing off toward the piano. “Yeah . . .”

His thoughts of Piano Man were interrupted by a brisk slap on the shoulder. “Congratulations, my man,” Jenkins shouted, patting him on the back. “That's real good. A man needs a son. I gots me three, you know.”

“Three hoodlums you mean,” Odetta said, wrapping her arm around Jenkins's waist.

Jenkins grinned. “Did good, didn't I, woman? They took right after they daddy.”

“Lord, let's hope not,” Odetta said, grinning. “I don't think this world could handle three more like you.”

“Thanks, Sam,” Romeo nodded, as Jenkins made his way back to his table, a newly filled glass in his hand.

By the end of the night, Romeo felt as if he'd said “thank you” a billion times. The crowd had been wild, reveling in his good fortune, and though he was appreciative, he was also tired and he wanted to go back to the hospital to be with Taryn and the baby.

He gestured for Odetta, who scampered over anxiously to do his bidding.

“Everything okay, boss?”

Romeo nodded. “Yeah, just watch the bar for a minute. I need to talk to Malcolm before I take off.”

Odetta nodded. “No problem. I'll send him into the office for you.”

Romeo nodded his thanks, squeezing her arm lightly, then turned toward his office. Closing the door behind him, he suddenly welcomed the silence. The music had begun to wear on his nerves.

Seconds later, Malcolm knocked, then entered. “You look busted,” he said, closing the door behind him, a cup of hot coffee in hand.

Taking a quick sip of the hot fluid passed to him, Romeo nodded, then rested his head in the palms of his hands. “I am and I want to go back to the hospital.”

“Well, don't worry about a thing here. I'll close up for you. In fact, I'll probably just stay the night if you don't mind my sleeping on your couch?”

“Not at all, and I appreciate your help.”

“Hey, I told you I always got your back. You can count on me.”

“I know,” Romeo responded, smiling slightly. He paused, inhaling deeply, as Malcolm made himself comfortable in the seat in front of him. “I can't get over it, man,” Romeo said, shaking his head. “Everything's different now. One minute it was just me and Taryn, and suddenly . . .” Romeo gasped loudly.

Malcolm nodded his head. “Ain't it something? It's like I told you, they put that bundle in your arms and the whole world looks different to you,” he exclaimed excitedly. “I can remember thinking that if miracles like bringing a baby into the world can happen, then anything is possible. Babies help you see hope when you think it's lost to you.”

Tears swelled suddenly in Romeo's eyes. Biting his lower lip, he fought to keep the briny solution from falling onto his cheeks. “Malcolm, I'm scared, man. I have never been so scared in all my life. What if I don't do right by him? What if I fail him like I thought my father failed me when I was younger? I don't know how to be a good father. I never had anyone to show me.” He rose to go stare out the window.

Malcolm stared at him intently. “That's not true,” he responded softly. “I think your mama showed you how to be a good parent if nobody else did. You just have to show him how much you love him. Piano Man not only showed you how not to be, but he also showed you how you can be your best.

“Romeo, it's about being there when he least expects it, no matter what. It's about teaching him right from wrong by your actions and your words, and having enough faith in him and in yourself to know that he'll make the right decisions when the time comes. It's about laughing with him and crying with him and showing him just how special he is. It's letting him know that he has worth and that he's here for a purpose and that he's the best part of you that you could ever let go of. It may not be easy going all the time, but if it means anything to you”—Malcolm paused, shrugging his shoulders—“then it will be well worth all the effort you put behind it.”

Nodding, Romeo closed his eyes, then dropped his chin onto his chest. Exhaling, he hugged his arms about his shoulders. “I know you're right, but I'm still scared as hell.”

Malcolm laughed. “Don't worry. You never get over it. You'll be old and gray and still worrying about whether or not you raised him right. But by then you and Taryn will have at least five more to be worrying about too.”

Romeo laughed at the thought. “I don't think so. One, maybe two more, but I know Taryn will never go for having six kids. But hell, here I am just getting started with the first crumb crusher and you're wishing five more on me.” He wiped his eyes.

Malcolm rose to his feet. “Let me get back. Odetta's probably given half the bar away by now.” As he reached for the doorknob, he turned back toward Romeo. “Don't sweat it, my friend. You'll do just fine,” he said as he turned and walked out of the room. “Yes, sir, you will do just fine.”

Romeo sat alone for a few minutes more. As he stood to leave, the phone in his pocket vibrated for his attention. Retrieving the device and looking at it, he didn't recognize the number. He depressed the answer button and said hello.

“Yes, sir, I'm trying to reach Mr. Lawrence Marshall.”

“This is him.”

“Mr. Marshall, I'm calling from UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. Mr. James Burdett has listed you as his next of kin.”

Romeo felt himself holding his breath. “James Burdett?”

“Yes, sir. He's had a stroke and was admitted this evening. We found your contact information in his pocket.”

Taryn slept heavily, her worn body desperate for rest. Romeo had wrapped the floral comforter tightly around her sleeping frame before he'd lifted JB from his cradle and walked him downstairs. As the baby cooed at him from his baby seat, Romeo tested the temperature on the bottle he had just warmed, then settled them both down in the large rocker.

As his small jaw pulled anxiously at the rubber nipple, JB stared up into Romeo's face, his expression seriously pensive. Romeo smile down at him. It had been sixteen weeks since they'd brought him home from the hospital, and Romeo now felt as if JB had always been with them. In fact, he could not remember when the child had not been around. He and Taryn had settled easily into parenthood and Romeo relished these early morning feedings when he would come home from the club and could cuddle JB close to his chest as Taryn rested upstairs. This was their time, and Romeo would converse with him as if he could respond.

The child's tiny legs kicked out from beneath the long gown he wore, his small feet lost beneath the fuzzy yellow socks Taryn had covered them with. His small hands curled into tight fists, one grasping tightly onto Romeo's large finger. Romeo had never imagined that so small a figure could have such power and control over the essence of his very being, but JB did. Every hope and dream Romeo had for himself was now manifested in his child and would be accomplished for his son, if for no one else.

Romeo dwelled on his son's fine features, marveling at his perfection. God could not have created any other child more beautiful. His skin was like soft cotton and as he was beginning to put on weight Romeo likened his body to that of cinnamon-colored dough. His coloring was all Taryn's, the warm red undertones peeking from beneath the brown, but it was his father's dark eyes that peered back at you. Silky black hair adorned his small crown, the fine strands swirling in intricate patterns.

As Romeo lifted the child to his shoulder, gently patting his upper back to help him release the bubbles of air he'd sucked in while nursing, he pressed his nose gently into the folds of satiny flesh about the baby's neck. Romeo loved the smell of new baby, the heavy scent of talcum powder and Taryn's clean, fresh aroma clinging to JB's skin. He brushed his face gently against JB's, kissing him on his forehead and his cheeks.

“So, how was your day yesterday, little man?” Romeo whispered, cradling the cooing baby in the crook of his arm. “You don't say! My, my, my, you and your mommy are just having so much fun, huh?”

JB kicked his legs excitedly, pulling a clenched fist into his mouth.

Romeo opened his mouth wide into an exaggerated gasp, then laughed warmly as JB's eyes widened in curiosity and bewilderment.

“Yeah, dad had a pretty good day too.” Romeo's mind drifted momentarily before he continued.

The baby gurgled.

Romeo pretended to be serious, his tone deeper, the intonation sterner. “No, I don't spoil you. I'm the parent who wears the pants around here, don't you forget that.”

Thin, milky drool eased down JB's chin. He fidgeted slightly as Romeo wiped his mouth gently with the white cloth diaper draped over his left shoulder.

“Okay, so maybe I spoil you a little.” Romeo smiled.

JB put his fist into his mouth, sucking hungrily on the appendage.

“Okay, okay. What do you want to talk about today? Huh? What's on your mind, boy?”

The baby chortled gleefully, his little legs kicking a mile a minute.

“Boy, you've got to slow down. We've got plenty of time, you and I.” Romeo studied his son lovingly before he continued. “Your Aunt Sharon sang a special song by The Manhattans last night. She dedicated it to your grandpa,” he stated, his thoughts intense. The crystal lyrics, which had bounced off the walls of the Playground, were haunting.
“There's no house without a home . . . no child without a dream. . . . There's no me without you. . . .”
Romeo sighed heavily.

“When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like to be a father and have a son. I imagined us playing ball and riding bikes and doing all the stuff I wished Piano Man had been there to do with me. I remember thinking that my son would join me and already be twelve years old and every day would be a party for just the two of us. I knew that my son would be able to look over his shoulder and always see me standing right there to support whatever he was trying to do no matter how great the obstacles. I imagined that being someone's daddy was going to be the easiest thing in this world for me to do.”

Romeo inhaled deeply. “I've got my work cut out for me though, don't I? I don't want to mess up, JB. I want you to be proud of me, so if I start screwing up, baby boy, you'd better tell me, okay? It's a deal then.”

The baby wiggled comfortable into Romeo's chest, wiping his sleepy eyes with his tiny fists.

“Somebody's sleepy, huh?” Romeo rocked slightly, gently stroking the baby's arm with his fingers. “It's okay. Daddy understands. I can be boring sometimes. Your mama tells me on a regular basis, so it's okay if you do too.” Romeo smiled as JB's eyes closed easily, fluttering slightly as he slipped into the warmth of his own nocturnal movie. “I love you, James. No matter what, your daddy will always love you.”

As Romeo rocked easily, slipping off to sleep with his son, Piano Man played in the distance, his hands two-stepping atop the ivories, his shoulders swaying with the ebony keys. He sat tall and regal, his muscular frame a solid foundation of history and belonging. The music ran races beneath his fingertips, and he spun a tune of hope and promises, wrapped in dreams yet to be fulfilled, then watched with a hopeful smile as the silvery melody danced into his son's heart.

 

 

Hours later, Romeo made his way into the nursing home at Treyburn. The staff greeted him warmly, hands waving as he made his way down the short length of corridor to Piano Man's room. His son was cuddled close to his chest and a spray of flowers was in his hands. He moved into the room and greeted the patriarch warmly.

“Hey, old man. How are you doing?”

Piano Man lay with his frail body propped against a backdrop of pillows. His one good hand shook from side to side in greeting.

Romeo smiled brightly. “JB and I thought we'd come watch the ball game with you,” he said, nodding his head.

The stroke had devastated Piano Man's body, but his mind was still sharp and his eyes even more vibrant. He gestured again with his hand, pointing at the baby.

Easing the child from the carrier straps wrapped around his chest, Romeo laid the infant against his father's lap. Excitement gleamed from the patriarch's dark eyes. He gently trailed the pad of his index finger over the little boy's profile.

Romeo's eyes misted lightly with moisture, but he did not cry. Instead, he shifted JB up closer to Piano Man's chest, brushing his lips alongside the baby's delicate skin. He sat down against the side of the bed and smiled.

“I tried to sneak you a shot of scotch, but Taryn and Aleta weren't having it. Those women are keeping a tight rein on the two of us.” He paused again. “Things are really good, man! My woman loves me as much as I love her and we love this little boy with everything in us. And we miss you down at the Playground. Everybody really misses you a lot, Piano Man.”

He smiled down at the child, watching as his little arms and legs quivered with excitement. Piano Man's hand tapped the baby gently.

As he sat watching the two together, Romeo found the silence that had once filled his heart subsiding, the emptiness replaced with a new energy. It was an easy vibrancy he had not felt for some time, and he was pleased.

He whispered into the warm air, his words blowing skyward on the faintest twinkle of music playing in the distance. “I love you too, Daddy.”