Love in Pictures Read online

  “You need to be prepared. It’s going to be different.”

  “Different how?”

  “Different like I think we’ll find out if there is an us.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “People can be prejudiced. Even in this day and age, not everyone likes to see an interracial relationship.”

  Michelle’s words punched him in the gut. He pushed his plate aside and stared at the one woman he loved like no other. “Why does it matter? I care about you and your happiness. I want to be there for you. Why should I care about what ignorant people say?”

  “That’s sweet. I agree, but it’s not the reality of the world we live in.”

  The food churned in his stomach. “Then what are you saying? You don’t want to do this?”

  Michelle reached out and took Logan’s hands into hers. “I want us to work, I really do. You need to understand this isn’t going to be easy.”

  “I can see this is important to you, and I don’t want anything else to get in the way of us moving forward. I’d like to have a conversation with your brother, man-to-man.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “You want to talk to him? When?”

  “Maybe this weekend?”

  “Okay, if you’re sure about this.”

  “Of course I am.” What could go wrong?

  Michelle swallowed her food. “Okay. I’ll call you with the logistics.”

  She gulped the remainder of her drink and glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get back to the studio. Lunch break is over.”

  Logan stood. “I’ll walk you back.”

  He reached the door first and held it open for her. As they exited the building, he paused and gently took Michelle into his arms. “We’re going to be okay. I’m willing to wait for you to figure things out and for the coast to be clear concerning your brother.”

  Michelle’s eyes misted. He longed to kiss her concerns into oblivion, but he respected her wishes to take things slow. So instead, he stroked her hair. His heart swelled with love for her, but he knew now was not the time to talk. He drew her into a hug. “Be safe. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  He let her go and walked away. Hopefully it wouldn’t take her too long to figure out what she wanted.

  Chapter 23

  Cameron bounced the basketball back and forth between his legs. He fixed his gaze on the hoop, lifted his heels and arms. Seconds later, the swoosh confirmed Cameron made yet another perfect shot. He turned around, grinned at Logan, and bounced the ball to him. “Beat that.”

  Normally, he could beat Cameron, if only by one point. But today, he wasn’t into the competition. His upcoming conversation with Marcel distracted him.

  Cameron slapped him on the back. “What’s up, man? You okay?”

  Logan shook his head. “No. I have to talk to Michelle’s brother later this afternoon.”

  Cameron quirked his eyebrow. “Your Michelle? You’re back together?”

  “Not yet, but if tonight goes well, then yes.”

  Cameron tossed the basketball between his hands. “What’s happening tonight?”

  “I’m meeting her brother.”

  “Okay. So, what’s the problem?”

  “Her brother doesn’t want me dating her.”

  Cameron’s face blanked. “What? Why not?”

  “Because I’m white.”

  Cameron covered his mouth.

  Was he laughing? “It’s not funny, man. Can you help me understand?”

  Cameron stepped back. “What? You want me to give you the black perspective now?”

  “No. Well, maybe. I need to know how I can impress her brother and convince him I’m good for her.”

  Cameron eyed Logan then nodded. “Okay man, here’s what you need to do. First, be yourself. Once Michelle’s brother sees past your skin color, he might become more agreeable. He probably has experienced some prejudice and hate, and that’s why he’s so defensive. It’s not easy being a black man in America.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Exactly what?”

  “There’s a lot that you’re just not going to understand. There’s a certain level of privilege you enjoy as a white American, even if you’re unaware. My advice is you need to listen and try to sympathize even if you can’t empathize. Try not to discredit his feelings and experiences because they may seem strange to you.”

  Logan nodded. This was a lot to take in.

  “Michelle sounds like a strong woman. So be careful not to mess with her emotions, or she may reject you for good. This whole interracial dating experience may be new to her, and clearly, it’s new to you. You both need to tread carefully.”

  Logan exhaled.

  “It’s a lot to think about, but I think that things between you and Michelle will work out because from what you tell me, she made you believe in love again.” Cameron thrust the basketball into Logan’s chest. “So, don’t mess it up.”

  Logan held the ball underneath his right arm. “Thanks, man. But what should I say to Michelle’s brother?”

  “I told you. Listen. Talk less. And pray about it before you talk to him. Now come on, let’s shoot some hoops. It will relieve your stress.”

  Logan bounced the basketball. “You ready to get beat?”

  Cameron harrumphed. “Not today, man. I’m going to win by a landslide.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Logan bounced the ball toward the hoop and pushed past Cameron’s defense. As he made perfect shot after perfect shot, he prayed his meeting with Marcel would go as well.

  ~*~

  Logan sipped from the tall glass of water as he sat at the bar of an Irish restaurant. He glanced over to Michelle a few feet away as she scrolled through her phone. She tapped her feet. Given their situation tonight, she probably wasn’t moving to the music.

  He refocused his attention on his half-empty glass of water and pushed it to the side before picking up his phone. Before he could type anything, it beeped with a text alert from Michelle.

  Michelle: Here he comes. Act natural. Let me butter him up, then I’ll send you a text. That will be your signal to approach our table.

  Logan cast a glance in Michelle’s direction. She stood and greeted a tall black man with the strong, agile build of an athlete. He gave her a bear hug and said something. They both pulled back and laughed. Their smiles were identical. They sat across from each other at the table. A few minutes later, his phone beeped. Michelle just sent his cue.

  Please God, help me.

  He slid off his tall bar stool and strolled to them. As he approached, Marcel glanced up, and he frowned.

  Michelle greeted Logan with a brave smile. “Hey.” She gestured to the empty chair. “Have a seat.”

  Logan sat and turned to Marcel. He smiled and extended his right hand. “So nice to meet you. Michelle has told me—”

  Anger flashed through Marcel’s coffee-brown eyes. He ignored Logan’s extended hand and fixed his gaze on Michelle. “What’s he doing here?”

  Her lips quivered. “I’d like for you to meet my friend, Logan.” She turned to Logan. “And Logan, I’d like for you to meet my brother, Marcel.”

  Marcel pushed his chair back, but Michelle reached across the table and stilled him with the touch of her hand. “Please, just hear him out. For me?”

  Marcel clenched his fists then inhaled. He returned to his seat and glared at Logan. “You have five minutes.”

  Logan chuckled. “Five minutes is all I need.”

  Michelle grabbed her purse. “I’m going to freshen up. Why don’t you two talk?”

  Logan cleared his throat. “Nice to meet you.”

  Marcel narrowed his eyes. “I cannot say the same.”

  Remember to listen. Cameron’s advice echoed in Logan’s head. “Michelle is a great girl. I really care about her. She’s special, and I’d like your blessing on our relationship.”

  “I’m her brother not her father. Why do you need my blessing?”<
br />
  Logan hadn’t thought of that. Was it possible Michelle’s parents were more easygoing? He made a mental note to ask Michelle. “Yes, well, I’d like the whole family’s blessing.”

  Marcel’s focus became intent. “Why do you want to date my sister?”

  Logan refused to tap his foot to the fast beat of his heart. He forced himself to speak. “B-b-because…” Please God, not now.

  For a moment, a combination of concern and understanding flashed through Marcel’s eyes. Was this Logan’s window? “Please excuse me. I have a problem with stuttering.”

  Marcel didn’t say a word. Logan cleared his throat.

  “I r-r-really like your sister. She’s a wonderful woman, and it’s an honor to have her in my life. I hope you can respect our mutual attraction and not interfere.”

  Marcel snorted. “You don’t get it, do you?”

  “Get what?”

  “Whatever this thing you have going on with my sister, it’s not going to last. There’s too much hate in this world.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Do you really think you can date a black woman without interference from ignorant people?”

  Was Marcel calling himself ignorant?

  Logan stuttered. “I…I…uhh.”

  “Don’t tell me Michelle is the first woman of color you’ve dated, is she?”

  All Logan could do was nod.

  “Great. Just great.”

  Logan’s Irish blood heated. But he chose his words with care. “I don’t understand why you hate me. You don’t even know me.”

  Marcel leaned in and spoke with measured words. “And I don’t understand why your people hate me without even knowing me.”

  “What?”

  Marcel leaned back. “Exactly. You have no clue what you’re getting into, do you?”

  Clenching his fists, Logan stood. “Apparently not.”

  Before he could leave, Michelle rushed to the table. “Hey guys. How’d your talk go?”

  Marcel came to his feet. “I’ll catch you later, Miche.”

  Michelle’s eyes widened. “Why? Where are you going?”

  Her brother waved as he walked away.

  “Logan, what’s wrong? What happened?” Her honey-brown eyes shimmered.

  He loved this woman, but he couldn’t tolerate her brother, and after their failed intervention, he needed to clear his head. “I’ll call you later.” He strode toward the exit. Hopefully the silence would help him hear God, because only God could help him now.

  Chapter 24

  “Hey sis!”

  Michelle hugged her sister-in-law Mercedes then pulled back and looked around. “Is Marcel here?”

  Mercedes nodded. “He’s in his man cave and not in the best mood. He came home like that. Do you know why?”

  “Yes. May I see him?”

  “Go ahead. I was just making dinner. Want to join us?”

  The mouthwatering scent of chicken enchiladas wafted under Michelle’s nose. She’d love to stay, but though she was always invited in their home, Marcel might want his space tonight. “I’m not sure yet. Let me talk to Marcel first.”

  Mercedes shut her front door and locked it. “Sure. You know the way.”

  Michelle wandered through the contemporary kitchen with Spanish influences. Hexagonal terracotta tiles lined the floor, the walls were a beautiful cream color, and the kitchen cabinets were a dark walnut. With Mercedes’s flair for decorating, every room was warm and welcoming.

  She descended the basement stairs and tiptoed to Marcel’s man cave. She paused at the door and closed her eyes. Dear Lord, please help us. She knocked.

  “Babe, I need to be left alone.”

  Michelle swallowed. “It’s not Mercedes. It’s Michelle.”

  Silence. Michelle knocked again. More silence. Michelle twisted the knob and cracked the door.

  “Marcel?”

  Her brother sat in his easy chair with his back to her, facing the television but staring at a black screen. She tiptoed around his chair and plopped on the beanbag across from him, crossing her legs and sitting up straight.

  Marcel’s gaze trailed from the TV screen to Michelle. “Why are you here?”

  “To make things right with the brother who means the world to me.”

  Marcel scoffed. “Really? Then how do you explain that ambush at the restaurant?”

  Michelle paused. “It wasn’t an ambush. All I wanted was an opportunity for you and Logan to talk and get to know each other. You both matter so much to me. I want us all to get along.”

  Marcel raised an eyebrow. “Why? Are you thinking of marrying that man?”

  Michelle’s heart flip flopped. She didn’t know if he’d propose to her someday. After all, they were not even an official couple yet. But she wouldn’t dash that dream. Logan was like no other man she knew. He made her so happy, made her feel loved and secure. But she wasn’t about to go there with Marcel.

  She chose her words with care. “I can’t say yes or no to that question. But I can say that everyone deserves the right to be treated with respect and agape love, even if they look different from you.”

  Marcel raised both eyebrows. “You think I don’t know that? I’m a Christian too. Just like you. Only I’m not as naive.”

  Marcel’s words stung, but Michelle persevered. “Why do you think I’m naive?”

  Marcel sat up straight and leaned forward. “Really, Miche? Do you really think people are going to accept you when you’re with Logan? Do you really think people are going to root for your relationship?”

  “I don’t care what other people think. I care about Logan, and I care about my family. If only you would try to get to know him, I’m sure—”

  “You’re sure about what? That we’ll all get together and sing a song about unity? The real world doesn’t work like that. Remember the hate I faced when I was dating Mercedes? And she’s Latina.”

  “Yes. I do remember. But you two love each other and are the perfect match. Why can’t you see that possibility with me and Logan?”

  “We’re both minorities and know what it’s like to be scared of white cops who racially profile people of color.”

  “But not all white cops are bad.”

  “True, but the one who pulled me over last year was bad. He made me get out of the car and pushed me to the ground all because he didn’t like the tone of my voice. I had to appease him and calm him down, truly pacify him to avoid going to jail for what he considered a minor offense. It was the most humiliating moment of my life. He let me go with a speeding ticket and an uncalled-for jeer. I was so shaken I could barely drive home.”

  Michelle’s heart ached for her brother. “I’m sorry you had a bad experience, and I’m not so naive that I don’t think ignorant people won’t hate me and Logan. But I’m prepared to ignore those kinds of comments and stares because he’s a great guy and he cares about me and I care about him. I want to see where this goes.”

  Marcel sat back and let out a heavy sigh. “Do what you want. You’re a grown woman. But don’t expect me to pick up the pieces when he breaks your heart.”

  Michelle fought back tears. “Why do you think he will break my heart?”

  For a moment, concern flashed through Marcel’s eyes. “I’ll try to be nice, because you’re my sister and I love you. But because of what I’ve experienced over the years, I cannot agree with your new relationship with Logan. Do Mom and Dad know about him?”

  “Yes. I tell Mom everything, and she tells Dad everything. You know that.”

  He didn’t speak for a moment. When he did, his voice was measured. “Just be careful, Miche. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  “I understand your concerns. But would you please just try to give Logan a chance? He respects you and wants to be on your good side.”

  Marcel picked up his remote control and turned on the TV.

  She bit her bottom lip. “I’m leaving now.”

  Silence.

  She
wiped a tear that escaped from her eyes and quietly left. At the top of the stairs, she almost collided with Mercedes who was taking dinner out of the oven. She reached out to prevent Mercedes from fumbling with the food. “Sorry, sis. Are you okay?”

  Mercedes let out a light-hearted laugh. “Yes, me and my food survived.” She placed the casserole dish on a cooling rack on the island counter. “Is everything okay? What happened?”

  Michelle’s bottom lip trembled. Mercedes embraced her in a bear hug as her tears fell. “Marcel doesn’t like my boyfriend.”

  Mercedes pulled away. “You got a new boyfriend?”

  Michelle wiped her tears. “Yes, well, no. I want to take it slow. We haven’t defined our relationship yet.”

  “Well, girl, tell me the story!”

  A laugh escaped Michelle.

  “Dinner’s still cooking. Come sit with me in the kitchen, and we’ll talk.”

  They took seats across from each other at the table, and Michelle told Mercedes everything.

  Mercedes’s mouth was agape. “What? Girl, I need to meet this man.”

  Michelle cast her gaze downward. “Marcel wouldn’t like that.”

  Mercedes touched Michelle’s hands. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to my husband. I’m sure I can help him understand why you want to be with Logan. And from the sound of it, this may be his future brother-in-law. So, I’ll make sure he gives Logan a fair chance. Brothers got to get along even if they look different.” Mercedes gave Michelle’s hands a reassuring squeeze.

  Relief washed over her. If anyone could convince Marcel to give Logan a fair chance and get along with him, it was Mercedes. She got up and gave Mercedes a hug. “Thanks, sis.”

  Mercedes returned the hug. “You’re welcome, girl.”

  “Are you staying for dinner? I fixed Marcel’s favorite meal.”

  At the savory scent of chicken enchiladas, green beans, and caramel-topped flan, Michelle’s mouth watered. But she declined the dinner invitation.

  “Are you sure?”

  Michelle nodded.

  “Okay. Maybe next time then. Let me walk you out.”

  Michelle followed Mercedes to her front door. She gave her one more hug before leaving. “Thanks, sis. I love you.”